All the Gear But No Idea...?

So, you've bought/begged/stolen the skis, but you've no idea how they're going to propel you down the slopes?! From Telemarks to Race Skis, from Freestyle to Twin Tips skis, choosing a new pair of skis from the plethora of those available is today a very difficult and complex task.

Over the past 60 years or so, skiing equipment has moved on leaps and bounds. In the 1930s, alpine skiing made the transition from an exotic, leisure pursuit for only the selected few, to a worldwide participant sport. At that time skis consisted of shaped, long wooden 'planks' with ‘bear trap’ bindings however today you’re more likely to see such skis as antiques that are hung as decoration pieces within ‘traditional style’ marketed chalets adding that bit of rustic charm to your holiday! ... see "All You Ever Needed to Know About Skis..." for more

So, are you a 'knarly free-riding dude or dudette?' or is a 'nose grab' with a 'tail poke' more your thang....? Confused....?

The snowboarding craze really took off in the 1980s, although there is evidence to suggest that it began as far back as the 1960s. Over the past couple of decades the sport has continued to grow in popularity and its skateboarding roots have undoubtedly been responsible for the change in today’s cool and trendy skiing fashion and clothing designs. Along with the introduction of the snowboard however came a rebel like 'bad boy' image which was largely brought about by the fact that it was adolescent males who were taking to the sport. Fortunately in today's skiing climate the sport is continuing to grow and appeal to men and women of all ages. In 1998 snowboarding made its debut at the winter Olympic Games but this was not without contraversy, Sadly even in todays open-minded skiing community it continues to struggle to shrug off its arrogant and misconceived 'rebel like' image amongst skiers and other mountain users. Moreover, there are still a few American ski resorts where the sport is completely banned! ... see "All You Ever Needed to Know About Snowboards..." for more

Mountain biking can be an intimidating world, full of technical jargon and strange small pieces of metal that cost an extortionate amount of money. This year, a number of technical innovations are on the market, alongside products that are still going strong. Read our guide to what's what in 2008 in this exciting, fast-growing sport, and spend your hard-earned pennies on the stuff that really counts. ... see "Latest Mountain Biking Kit" for more

The chances of surviving an avalanche are dramatically increased when the group are properly equipped with the standard avalanche equipment, and are trained in how to use it. None of the devices we have listed here will actually prevent an avalanche or prevent physical injury from occurring, but will assist in the recovery process. So what does the basic avalanche equipment consist of?

For anyone going off marked pistes, (including climbers, skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and walkers); it is advisable that the following items of equipment are carried at all times: ... see "Avalanche Search & Rescue Equipment" for more