Lifestyle  >  Best on and off piste

Skiing kit isn't all about the latest fashions. For serious skiers it's about having the best kit to get the most out of the snow – as well as staying safe.

Armada JJ skis 

Armada changed the game when they introduced the JJ in 2008. The most notable feature is the freeride rocker – where rockered tips and tails combine with positive camber underfoot to aid flotation in soft snow and provide remarkable edge control in the harder stuff. If I had to choose one ski for the rest of my skiing career, this would be it. This winter we see the introduction of the VJJ, specifically designed for women, and the AKJJ, which is 5mm wider than the JJ, stiffer and 10cm longer, and is built for big mountain turns at speed. 
£519.99, www.armadaskis.com 

Full Tilt Konflict ski boots

When choosing a ski boot, looks, colour and brand should all be ignored. You want to buy a boot that fits your feet the best and helps you perform to the best of your ability. I have finally found my perfect fit with the Full Tilt Konflict, a high-performance freeride boot that can tackle any conditions anywhere on the mountain. Full Tilts boast three-piece boot technology along with intuition foam liners, which mould 100 per cent to your feet. The Konflicts are also up to 900g lighter than other boots. Remember Raichle boots? Well, Full Tilt are the new Raichle, but better!

£340, www.skibartlett.com





Orage Gibson pants With all the same technical features as the JP Auclair Retallack Co-Lab jacket (right), the Gibson pant has a removable bib, making it ideal for all weathers – stay dry during the deepest-winter powder days, then whip the bib off for warmer springtime conditions.

£379, www.skibartlett.com




GoPro HD Helmet Hero Capture all the best powder action with this excellent helmet-mounted camera. Take 1080p HD video or 5MP still images. Super affordable with the option to upgrade to 3D if you wish. 

£299.99, www.ellis-brigham.com





Orage JP Auclair Retallack Co-Lab jacket

A great jacket designed by pro skier JP Auclair and the guides from the premiere cat skiing Retallack Lodge. GORETEX is a major consideration when buying any jacket as its fabric has three main characteristics – it's waterproof to keep you dry, windproof to keep you warm, and breathable to keep you comfortable all day.

£459, www.skibartlett.com



Snowpulse Lifebag 30L

Snowpulse backpacks have an airbag inside the shoulder straps as well as a compressed air cylinder inside the pack. In the event of an avalanche, pulling the handle inflates the airbag in three seconds. The inflated airbag lifts an avalanche victim to the surface of a slide and helps protect the wearer from trauma to the head, spine, and chest. As well as being a potential lifesaver, it can accommodate all your needs, with 15 litre and 45 litre interchangeable options. I wouldn't leave the resort without it.

£679, shop.snowshepherd.co.uk





Oakley Splice Snow sunglasses

Oakley has always been my choice of eyewear. The Splice's design relieves pressure on the nose and spreads it to the cheekbones increasing comfort and breathability – no one likes fogged goggles. This design also increases downward vision. My personal favourite is the Oakley Splice Snow – you can even customise them to get exactly the pair you want.

£130, http://uk.oakley.com