Ski Trip Essentials
Before you head out onto the slopes this season, take a look around. Is it time to update or upgrade your tools and toys? If you’re game, check out DRIFT magazine’s top 5 must have ski and snowboard products for 2018.
SPORTUBE SERIES 3 EXPANDABLE SKI/ SNOWBOARD TRAVEL CASE
The perfect hard body, ultra padded and TSA approved locking case is the only one to travel with! Expandable from 42”-72” so it will hold 2 snowboards with boots and bindings or one snowboard and one pair or skis or 3 pairs of adult skis with poles, or 2 adult/2 kids skis with poles. It protects your gear and saves you time, money and peace of mind at the airport!
sportube.com
GOPRO HERO5 BLACK
This is nothing like your HERO4. The new HERO5 takes action shots to a whole new stratosphere with handsfree voice control, advanced video stabilization, and a 2” touch display for easy playback and editing right on the device. No need to leave the slopes to capture, edit and view awesome video.
GARMIN FENIX 5 WATCH
Touted as the best ski/snowboard watch on the market, it is definitely our pick! The Fenix 5 watch from Garmin has an automatic run counter with auto pause while you are on your way back up the mountain. This intelligent watch also records your speed, distance and vertical drop data. Invest in the optional fabric strap that let’s you wear the watch over your jacket cuff. garmin.com
KOMPERDELL FATSO CARBON VARIO POLES
Ideally designed for powder, the ingenious grip has been extended to 43cm to assist in ski maneuvers. Straps have a quick release mechanism and the poles are ultra lightweight ready to handle any mountain.
HESTRA ALPINE PRO ERGO GRIP INCLINE GLOVES
A short, supple and close-fitting ski glove with durable Army leather in the palm and cowhide on the back of the hand. Built with Ergo Grip construction providing great grip and dexterity. hestragloves.com
When Vail started running lifts in 1962, opening 7 legendary back bowls and Blue Sky Basin were still just blueprints and a dream. Decades later, Vail continues to push the limits on improving lifts, gondolas, on-mountain facilities, events, and helping to foster a dynamic town experience. At the base of the mountain, Vail village is timeless and vibrant with an excellent culinary and great shopping.
Known for that light and fluffy Colorado powder, Vail also boasts the most groomed terrain on the planet. From the front side to the back bowls, there is intermediate-friendly terrain off of every lift, while experts can challenge themselves on iconic runs and glades.
New this year, Vail replaced Sun Up Express lift (#9) with a 4-passenger chair.
Situated in the south-western part of Switzerland, Verbier is bordered by France to the west and Italy to the south. During the winter, Verbier becomes a skiers paradise. Verbier forms part of the ‘Four Valleys’ ski area - the four valleys being Verbier, Thyon, Veysonnaz and Nendaz.
Home of the Xtreme Verbier - the final stop on the Freeride World Tour. The most prestigious extreme skiing and snowboarding contest is held in Verbier on the famous Bec des Rosses mountain every March.
Verbier boasts some of the best après ski nightlife in the Swiss Alps. Casbah Club and Club Taratata play techno music, for a younger crowd while The Farm Club in the Hotel Nevai caters to a more sophisticated clientele.