Gear up for the ski season with these accessories

The hot new looks hitting the slopes around the network

Form and function

Over 30% of the world’s surface devoted to skiing is found in France, making the country the true home of the sport. Indeed, it’s where you can find some of the most iconic resorts – such as Chamonix, Courchevel and Méribel – and terrain to suit every ability. Want to look the part? Simply snap on some sleek ski boots and don a pair of fashionable sunglasses to stand out on the slopes.

Zipping up in style

From Zermatt and Verbier to St Moritz and Jungfrau, Switzerland boasts an array of iconic, beautiful mountain peaks and top-notch ski slopes. Temperatures in the country’s rugged Alpine regions can drop to a frigid -10°C during the winter months, so be sure to stay well bundled up with a cosy yet stylish hooded jacket.

Ride the powder

America’s ski resorts are known for their challenging runs, including the likes of a 610m vertical in California’s Squaw Valley and the slick, nighttime routes at New York’s Titus Mountain. Handling these high speeds and difficult trails requires great skill, especially at night, but it helps to have the right pair of skis and poles on hand for smoother gliding.

Clear views on the slopes

The mountains of Italy have some serious inclines to offer. But whether at the friendlier peaks surrounding the Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites or at the summit of the world-famous Matterhorn mountain in the Valle d’Aosta, there’s one thing you definitely won’t be able to do without – a good pair of goggles won’t just keep the wind out of your eyes; they’ll ensure you don’t miss the view on your way down.

Stay safe off-piste

It’s not a wildly popular skiing destination, but don’t write off Sweden just yet. Head to the town of Are for gentle, accessible backcountry ski routes that’ll suit families and the less experienced. Veterans, however, can approach local guides for something more suited to their tastes. Either way, safety comes first: Don’t forget to don some well-fitting headgear.

Wrap up warm

There are over 500 ski resorts across Japan – a pretty impressive figure given the country’s size. One of the most popular is Niseko, about 100km southwest of Sapporo. It’s known for its high level of snowfall, averaging a whopping 14m per season, which makes it the ideal destination for smooth powder skiing. Ward off the winter chills without stacking on weight with some lightweight inner layers.