If you're going to invest in a ski and snowboarding holiday, you may want to look the part. Sure, you could pull out the toothpick skis of yesteryear, dust off the all-in-one full zip-up ski suit and don the Biggles-style ski goggles found in your garage. But will your kids/friends want to ski with you? (That's a rhetorical question!)
The ski and snowboard apparel and equipment industry has come a long way in combining function and fashion to ensure you and your family not only ski and snowboard better but look good while you're doing it.
Skis
When it comes to skis, 'twintips' are the new black for free skiers. These fat planks are wide enough to take on powder and do tricks in the terrain park. Their fat girth also means some super cool graphics once reserved purely for snowboards.
K2 has a super-fit line-up of twintips to keep the whole family schussing. The Bad Seed is a serious fat ski for kids who ride the whole mountain. Add some rad orange and black graphics and junior will be thinking himself king of the hill. Keep it in the family and have dad on the K2 Seth Vicious twintip and mum on the K2 NANCY women's twintip, while little sister can grab the appropriately titled K2 Miss Demeanour. The family that skis together …
Rossignol offers up the very pretty Lolita ski, with pink and white hearts and flowers for little ski princesses. They're lightweight and flexible so kids of all ages can turn them easily. Teenagers may prefer the Rossignol Scratch series S1 and S2 twintips. Designed by pro skateboarders, the graphics are called rideable art by skate artists Andy Howell and Mr Jago.
Snowboards
When it comes to snowboards, the brighter the better. Boarders like to make a statement, so go bold. Natural wood, statement graphics, retro icons, bright '80s colours, wild style and political statements with artist collaboration are big trends in the snowboard world for 2009.
Burton has an Air Snowboard for progressive freestylers. Translated? For teenagers who want to rip up the entire mountain. With a funky blue, brown and red artist graphic, he/she will be the envy of their mates. Brands are big on the snow and while Burton led the snowboard revolution, Lib Tech, Ride, Rome, Forum and Option are all making their mark.
Whatever board you choose, don't match your boots with your board — it's a fashion no-no for grommets and adults alike. Instead, match your boots with your outerwear and your bindings with your board.
Ski fashion for the family
Traditionally ski fashion was technical and fitted and snowboard fashion loose and baggy and never the twain would meet. With the introduction of freeskiing and twintips, the ski fashion world has moved more towards the snowboard style with a hybrid of both.
Dad may prefer the tried and tested North Face brand, known for its technical fabric and style. The M Sonic stretch jacket comes in alpine colours and will last seasons, but the dad who wants to channel his inner hustler may prefer the pinstripe M Hustler jacket, which is more freeform.
Mum, look no further than Orage. This French-Canadian brand was developed by former university ski racer Evelyn Trempe and has all details covered. Bright colours? Check. Women's cut? Check. Cloth to wipe goggles? Check. Pit zips, built-in mini gloves, hole for watch? Triple check. The only thing missing is a complimentary lip gloss and latte holder.
The offspring-male obsessed by fashion can impress with fashion forward brand 686, Sessions, Burton, Analog and DC. Girls may prefer Roxy and Nikita and the Burton and DC chicks range.
Accessories
Either way, you can lift your outfit with accessories. Dakine does a range of funky terrain park gloves in more than just traditional black and Helly Hansen is perfect for undergarments, with bright pinks, orange and blue thermals.
Last but far from least is the helmet and goggles to protect your noggin and your eyes. Gone are the days of bicycle-style helmets. Think cool graphics, bright colours, metallics, ear warmers, air vents and even bluetooth to synchronise with your mobile phone. Giro, Smith and Red offer the best range for kids and parents.
Goggles are the sunglasses of the snow and brand and style say more about you than the postcode you live in. Dragon, Anon and Electric serve up the hippest colours. It's all about the all-over print this season. Dragon's Mace series are the cream of the crop, with limited edition prints and interchangeable lenses to adapt to different light conditions.
Pack it all up in a checked Dakine backpack and you've got your brands and yourself covered in the cold.
