Editor’s Picks: Snowbike, All-Mountain Skis and ‘Arctic Edition’ Polestar
From a pair of sturdy, snow-proof boots from Crockett & Jones to a coffee table book celebrating Gstaad, this is what we want this week…
Brrr. That’s the brisk, frosty breeze of an alpine wind blowing through this week’s Editor’s Picks. We’ve scaled the peaks and pinnacles of the world’s most famous mountain range, and come back to base camp with some of the finest bits of cold weather kit money can buy.
Whether you’re looking for skis, snowboards, jackets or jumpers, we’ve got you covered this week in 10.5-tog style; offering up everything from bobble hats to boots for your winter wardrobe. Elsewhere, you’ll find a snowbike conversion kit, a high-reaching malt whisky and a book celebrating the glitz and glamour of Gstaad. Wrap up, and read on…
Slope style: Balmain x Rossignol Ski Helmet
It’s a stylish start. The opulent French fashion house has collaborated with the alpine experts at Rossignol for a limited-edition collection that blends form with frosty function. This durable helmet is the prize piece; with a mirrored visor, pattern-printed design and faux fur lining.
Off-piste: K2 ‘Excavator’ Unisex Snowboard
Another alpine accessory, this ‘Excavator’ snowboard from American winter sports company K2 (named for the world’s second-largest mountain) is a prime piece of snow-carving kit. It’ll dig you deep trenches on groomers and work well to displace powder after the storm cycle. And, with that sleek black design, it doesn’t look half bad, either.
Step up: Crockett & Jones ‘Islay’ Boots
Whether you’re looking to lace up some après-ski style, or just want to introduce some heavy-duty, hard-wearing boots into your daily rotation, Crockett & Jones’ latest iteration of the robust ‘Islay’ style is a purchase worth making. With chunky, cleated rubber soles, gunmetal eyelets and heavy laces, they’re a waterproof, wintry must.
Raise a glass: Puni ‘Aura’ Italian Malt Whisky
At the feet of the Italian Alps, you’ll find the PUNI distillery; the first-ever whisky distillery built in the country. Using water from the nearby Venosta Valley, the malts aren’t many — but the limited editions are still something special. This, ‘Aura’, has been matured for over eight years exclusively in ex-Marsala casks from Sicily, and enjoys notes of amarena, liquorice and dried fruits.
Shifting gears: Polestar 2 ‘Arctic Circle’ Rally Edition
This one-off, extensively-modified, all-electric Polestar 2 was created to tackle even the iciest of icy roads. With reworked suspension, bespoke three-way-adjustable Ohlins dampers and a carbon fibre skid plate to protect its underbody, the studded-tyre ‘Arctic Circle’ edition also comes with a carbon fibre snow shovel — a sufficiently frosty finishing touch.
Page-turner: Assouline ‘Gstaad Glam' Coffee Table Book
Even if you’re not packing your skis this season, you can still enjoy the glitz and glamour of Gstaad. One of Switzerland’s most storied ski resorts, the picturesque, upscale town is tucked away in the southwest corner of the country. In this coffee table book, splashy spreads and glossy historical photographs will transport you to its 124 miles of meandering, moneyed slopes.
Park it: Shackleton ‘Haakon' Tactical Parka
From the British brand (inspired by the Antarctic explorer) comes perhaps the most protective parka you’ll ever zip up. The ‘Haakon’ offers ’20,000 HH’ waterproofing, which will keep rain, snow and hail out — and is also highly windproof and breathable. And, filled with European goose down and engineered from 100% recycled ‘bluesign’-certified fabric, it’s as sustainable as it is comfortable.
Snow problem: Nordica ‘Enforcer 88 Unlimited’ Skis
Another answer to any off-slope, cross-country carving questions, these ‘Enforcer 88 Unlimited’ skis are as capable and confidence-boosting as their name suggests. Especially easy to turn and manoeuvre, the design features a lightweight construction, traditional camber and a slight tail rocker. Perfect for touring.
Pull over: Luca Faloni Cashmere Mock Neck
Ideal for alpine getaways, Luca Faloni’s latest collection is a flurry of fine knits and tailored fits. The best you can buy is this; a chunky cashmere ‘mock neck’ in midnight blue. Rib-knitted in Northern Italy from 100% four-ply cashmere, it’s got cosy ribbed trims to trap the warmth — and will bring serious style to the slopes.
Back in the saddle: Camso ‘DTS 129’ Snow Bike Conversion Kit
If you’ve got a spare dirt bike lying around, why not scoop up Camso’s ‘DTS 129’ conversion kit and turn it into something much, much more fun? With single rail suspension and a hefty track, this handy design will provide your former-motorbike with all the grip and control it needs to go for a speed though the snow.
Hats off: Patagonia ‘Powder Town’ Beanie Hat
And a bobble on top. To cap off this week’s list, we trudge through the freshly-fallen snow to the new season offerings from Patagonia. Made with 100% recycled polyester fleece, a textured knit construction and Fairtrade-certified stitching, this boldly-branded, bobble-topped beanie is a lightweight, lighthearted treat.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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Further reading
Editor’s Picks: Grand Seiko watch, Crockett & Jones shoes, Littlemill whisky and My Style Bags watch case
A bigger splash: The best RIB brands on the market
