The ultimate in ski luxury - what to buy the man that has everything
With the countdown to Christmas well and truly underway, it's that time again to agonise over what you could possibly procure this year that's a bit different - a challenge made even harder when the said individual doesn't really want for anything!
So here you have it: a little inspiration on what's hot, a bit unusual or a fail safe winner for the ski expert who enjoys the finer things in life.
1/ A Christmas alpine jumper to die for - Longlanier
Made of 100% super fine merino wool, Longlanier's sweaters are beautiful classics, inspired by the glamour of early alpine ski-ing in Klosters by founders Jane Yarrow and Santa Sebag-Montefiore.
Cost: £450 Where do I buy it? From Longlanier
2/ Explore new horizons - an introduction to ski touring
It's so easy to do the same ‘ski thing' every year. Ski the pistes and a sprinkling of off piste perhaps but the adventure stops there. Ski touring adds a completely new dimension - enabling the skier to find the virgin snow that sits away from the lifts. If the man in your life likes adventure, why not book a ski touring lesson - a taster session to experience pastures new?
Cost: TBC Where to get it: Alpine Experience
3/ The must-have avalanche bag by Ortovox - M.A.S.S.
Ortovox has been getting rave reviews this season, not least for its MASS (Modular Airbag Safety System) which, on top of the safety elements you need, adds versatility into the mix. This airbag can be taken in and out of its backpack in a matter of minutes so you can ski with it when you want and not when you don't. A fantastic system that is sure to please (and keep him safe)!
Cost: £797 Where do I buy it? Try Snowsafe.co.uk
4/ Ski gloves with a rechargeable heater - Hester
Who hasn't suffered from cold finger syndrome on one of those freezing days on the chairlift? These rather nifty gloves from Hester come with three different heater settings (which you can adjust according to the conditions). With waterproof zips and an attractive cow hide upper, these are truly the ski gloves to love.
Meanwhile it's worth a browse on White Stone's website - White Stone is a luxury ski and sports store and has some lovely gear.
Cost: £300 Where do I buy it? White Stone
5/ Hi-tech ski goggles with all the vital statistics- the Oakley Airwave 1.5
This model of goggles from Oakley is officially the daddy of all ski toys. Packed full of technology from Bluetooth and GPS to high definition optics, the Airwave 1.5 should be accompanied with the words ‘Your mission, should you choose to accept it....' Updated in time for this season, the goggles include a small display which imparts your speed, jump height, temperature, navigation and so on. You can even view incoming phone calls and text messages and control your music. It connects to your smart phone and there's a remote control which you strap to your arm and can work with your gloves on! Pocketlint has a good review
Cost: £520 Where to buy it: Oakley
6/ Aspinal's Croc hip flask with engraving
Slim but elegant, every man needs an Aspinal hip flask whether it's for the chair lift or even a brisk walk! They also offer free engraving which adds a lovely personal touch. Fill it with a rare single malt (guess what's in number 7) and you have the complete package.
Cost: £45 Where to buy it: Aspinal's
7/ A rare single malt - The Dalmore Constellation Collection
As whisky's go, the Dalmore Constellation Collection is possibly one of the most exclusive collections available. Although you could fill your hip flask with it, sadly it's more for the cellar. Ranging in vintage from 1964 to 1992, the collection includes 21 individual expressions of whisky and comprises some of the rarest single malts in the world. You can read about the collection on LuxWorldwide.
Cost: From £2,250 Where to buy it: The Whisky Shop
That wraps up our top 7 luxury gifts for the keen skier. Do you have anything to add? We'd love to hear your thoughts...