If you’re about to do an instructor course – or a ski season at all – this ace kit list is full of amazing deals and stuff that will look legit, while lasting you long into the future. Find it in the black Friday sales, or ask Father Christmas nicely!
Picture Famer jacket | Picture Object jacket
Picture have always been pioneers of recycled and sustainable outerwear, but this year we think they’ve really upped their game with design too. Their jackets are looking slicker than ever. The Famer (women’s) and Object (men’s) look great and are super-waterproof. £267 | £250
Dakine cable lock
So, you’ve bought new skis or a board for your course? Don’t mess around, you don’t want to lose those puppies! Dakine do a great cable lock and Snowtrax Store stock the mini version too. Remember your discount if you’re on this year’s course. £13.46
Messy Weekend goggles / sunglasses
We recently discovered Messy Weekend’s sunglasses range and, BONUS, they’ve just released snow goggles. They goggles are bang-on for the current oversized-trend and come with a two-year warranty which we love. Their XEp lens has photochromic technology, which means the tint automatically adjusts to changing weather conditions in under 20 seconds. Mental! Alternatively, buy a pair with the high-contrast XE2 lens, with reflective green Revo coating, and you get an additional yellow overcast lens to swap around. It looks like they’re also doing some decent black Friday deals like 50% off your second item, and have a ‘three for two’ bundle deal too. Get in there!
Base layers
Sport pursuit has long been the king of the deals, and it looks like they’re doing black Friday on top of that. You can get your hands on professional-level stuff for a reasonable price. You definitely won’t regret buying a top-of-the-range base layer – as it’s right next to your skin, you’ll notice it the most.
HEAD Supershape e-Magnum skis
Take a close look and you’ll see examiners and instructors themselves on this ski. Multiple experts, who know SnowSkool’s course-requirements, have recommended this ski. It’s got a new bit of tech which reduces vibrations and increases stability, so you can really charge the piste. £615 (This year’s SnowSkoolers – you have a discount if you get in quick)
GoPro
Tech always flies off the shelves during ‘black Friday’ and ‘cyber Monday’ madness. But it’s for obvious reasons – we’re certain you’ll be able to find a GoPro for an absolute steal.
Addidas and Vans snow shoes
Thank Goddd we’ve moved on from moonboots! Your off-mountain boots don’t have to be clunky, giant marshmallows. Brands are adapting trainers and high-tops to be snow-fit and we really like the look of them. £110 | £100
HEAD Instinct snowboard
This year’s instinct has reduced its weight by 200g, but is still packed with pop and responsiveness. It’s the level of control you get with this board that means the SnowSkool pros have recommend it to students on our courses. £425 (This year’s SnowSkoolers – you have a discount if you get in quick)
Stance socks
Stance socks are just so great (on writing this list I somehow ended up with £30s-worth on their way to me!) They do some bonkers collaborations (Stance socks X Kikkoman soy sauce, naturally) and they constantly have great reductions.
Tuning/servicing kit
You’ve invested in skis or a board and you’ll want them to be box-fresh every day until exam time. Being able to tune them up and repair the odd scratch means you’ll be able to ride your best all season. £64.95
We’re also really keen on mountain flow eco wax. You might not think the wax you use has much effect, but nearly all ski wax is made from petroleum; and last year it’s estimated there was over a thousand tons of petroleum-based ski wax introduced into the US snowpack. It eventually ends up in local streams and rivers, so every little helps.
MIPS Helmet
Helmets are something that tend to crop up in black Friday sales. If you do buy a freshie – go for one with MIPS protection. It’s a really good piece of technology which hugely reduces impact.
Wedze factor 50 Lip balm
A wee stocking filler! It’s actually quite hard to find factor 50 lip balms in chemists, and they’re devilishly expensive out in resort.
Rab Microlight Alpine jacket
Speaking really nicely to Santa for this one! Rab’s Alpine puffa is made of lots of recycled materials but is seriously tech, looks really smart and is built to last. It would make a great mid layer under a shell, or on its own for around town. It also packs down small, so is very backpack-friendly. £195 Men’s | Women’s
DYNAFIT upcycled PrimaLoft phone case
(Pictured above) Like a teeny-tiny phone sleeping bag! This case keeps your phone warm enough to maintain its battery better, even in the biting cold. What we love, is that it’s made with their upcycled Primaloft material. Good for emergencies, navigation (and selfies). £30