Any sport in winter, be it cross-country skiing or freeride, requires not only physical training from the athlete. In winter, a person overcomes cold, wind, and deep snow. But despite all the obstacles, winter sports are becoming more and more popular.

World athletes and novice riders conquer the prepared tracks, dissect the lump, master the powder. Everyone will find something new and interesting for themselves on the snowy slopes.

The most popular types of activity today are:

  • SkiTour is very similar to winter ski trips. During ski touring, long distances are covered, which include ascents and descents. They are carried out on skis with special pads - kamus. Thanks to it, the skis do not slide back during the ascent. And so that the foot is in a natural position when moving up, special fasteners are used for skiing. The heel in such models maintains a free position on the rise and is rigidly fixed for the descent.
  • Freeride is off-piste skiing and snowboarding. Freeride is chosen by experienced riders who are "crowded" on used tracks. Skis/snowboards with a wide waist (base) and pronounced rocker are used for freeride. One of the features of freeriding is riding on different slopes - at the top there can be hard firn and icy crust, in the middle - soft powder (fresh snow), and at the bottom - a beaten track. Therefore, the projectile must have high controllability on any terrain and a medium or large turning radius.
  • Backcountry is very similar to ski touring and freeride. The rider climbs independently on skis or splitboards, without jumping to the starting point. And if during freeride the main goal is the descent, then during the backcountry the rider gets pleasure from the climbs as well. Most often, wide models with low weight are chosen for back country.

Necessary equipment and equipment for winter sports

In order for active recreation in winter to bring maximum pleasure, it is important to correctly select the necessary equipment. Despite the variety of types and places of skiing, the equipment will be as follows:

  • Snowboard/ski/splitboard;
  • Boots;
  • Fastening;
  • Clothing for skating;
  • Helmet;
  • Mask.

This is a list of what you should pay special attention to before buying winter sports equipment.

Skiing

Alpine skiing is a world of speed, drive and skill. The variety of skating styles allows everyone to find something to their liking. Someone is a fan of corduroy tracks and prefers carving, while someone wants spaces and their choice falls on freeride, in addition to this, there is also freestyle and skitouring. Each of these types differs in the place of skiing, and the skis have a number of features.

It is easier to choose skis for prepared tracks than for virgin ones. And here it is important to determine for yourself what attracts you more - descents or walks along mountain ranges. The main characteristics of the skis will depend on this.

Models for descents on virgin and pristine snow have a number of features:

  • The waist is the width of the skis. For chubby, the skis should be wide enough to keep the rider on the surface. The wider the ski, the more comfortable it is to ride on soft snow. If the waist is wide and the slope is hard, the skis partially lose controllability. For freeride and skitouring, the waist will be within 90-135 mm. The Black Diamond Zealot model is ideal for professional freeriders.
  • Geometry of skis. This is the ratio of the width of the nose to the width of the waist and the width of the tail. If the nose is significantly wider than the waist, then the turns on such models will be easier, while the narrower the heel, the easier it will be to lose speed on turns. Black Diamond Carbon Megawatt freeride skis have a geometry of 147-120-127. This means that they hold well on the chubby (waist 120 mm), provide a large turning radius (up to 18 m) and are difficult to lose speed (wide tail 127 mm).
  • The radius of the ski determines the turning arc. On models with a narrow waist and high rigidity, it will be small, up to 15 m, and on wide soft skis it can reach 28 m (Black Diamond Zealot). When choosing skis, you should take into account the place of skiing - if there are wide slopes, you can choose models with a large radius, if the slope is narrow, limited in width, then it is better to take models with an average turning arc.
  • The stiffness of mountain skis is not indicated in the catalogs, but this indicator directly affects the quality and speed of skiing. Rigid models are suitable for experienced riders, they give the opportunity to develop high speed, guarantee controllability, but require more skills. You can determine which ski models are hard and which are softer by studying the structure of the ski - the number of metal layers, the type of wood, or simply by hand. For beginners, it is better to take models with medium stiffness, they will be easier to control.
  • The degree of the curve of the ski: rocker and camber. The first determines the lower deflection, the larger it is, the better the rider will hold on the loose snow, located in the front and rear. Camber is the degree of deflection of the middle of the ski, in the mounting area, which determines how evenly the skier's effort goes over the entire surface.

Freeride skis

It can be divided depending on the place of skiing:

  • Skis for soft, loose snow. They differ: in width - their waist will be within 110-130 mm; stiffness - the ski will be soft enough not to "sink" and not "bury" in soft snow; rocker, which thanks to its shape will keep the rider "afloat".
  • Universal. Freeriding is done not only on snow, but also on hard icy slopes. Therefore, universal models should be as manageable as possible, their rigidity will be higher than the previous ones, and the waist will be on average 950-1150 mm. The rocker of universal freeride skis is not so pronounced, but at the same time they have excellent controllability on various slopes. A clear example is the Black Diamond Carbon Megawatt skis on a carbon base. Torsional stiffness ribs provide excellent controllability on hard slopes, and a large radius (up to 28 m) allows you to enjoy riding on wide slopes.

Skis SkiTour

Skitouring is a cross between skiing and freeriding. The rider independently covers long distances on skis. That is why there are special requirements for skitouring models:

  • Light weight. Allows to reduce physical load during movement. Also, light skis are easier to carry when hiking on stones and rocks.
  • Place of attachment of camus. Camus are pads for effective repulsion on the plains, they prevent reverse movement on the climbs.
  • The waist is wider than average, approximately 90-125 mm. This width is enough to hold the rider on loose snow.
  • Geometry. Black Diamond's Helio Recon series of skis are great for ski touring. Balanced stiffness and geometry allow you to effectively control speed on slopes, and the low weight has proven itself advantageously on flat terrain and climbs.

Snowboards and bindings

For snowboarders who are tired of the tracks in the resorts, and the parks are not attractive, there is an alternative - freeride. Due to its architecture and large surface, the snowboard glides equally on soft powder and icy slopes. And simple tricks and jumps can be practiced on natural springboards far from civilization.

For prepared tracks, it is recommended to choose banana boards - this is a shape with the same nose and tail, it allows you to easily over-edge, during jumps to land safely and at the same time maintain speed and control the board.

During freeride, the rider faces other challenges – hard firn and puffy behave differently under the board. Based on this, the following forms are distinguished:

  • Directional have a wider nose and a narrower tail. Thanks to this, the board "floats" in loose snow, and the tail prevents it from getting bogged down. An example of this shape is the Jones Wm's Hovercraft FW snowboard.
  • Directional Twin is visually similar to a banana, but at the same time it still has a direction - its nose will be longer than its tail. Good for freestylers and those who have decided to switch from skis to snowboards. This includes the Jones Wm Dream Catcher FW 18-19 board. Directional rocker keeps you afloat in deep snow, and Jones' signature thick edging lets you control speed on hard firn.
  • Swallow tail is characterized by a bifurcated tail and pointed nose. Such boards are focused exclusively on off-piste skiing. Thanks to the bifurcated tail, the snowboard turns well, the tail seems to cut into the snow mass. An example is the Jones Storm Chaser FW, the design of which was inspired by surfing and waves.

Also, before buying a freeride snowboard, pay attention to:

  • Stiffness – for freeride it should be average or above average;
  • Size - be guided by your height and the place of skiing - a short wide board will be convenient in Christmas trees, and on open wild slopes - a few cm longer than recommended;
  • Radius. Freeride snowboards are often equipped with a wavy cut. Jones Flagship is the flagship of the brand, equipped with just such a radius, due to which its grip on the slope at high speed is improved.

During development, manufacturers use their unique technologies. For example, the Jones company:

  • Made her boards lighter with Fusion Tech technology;
  • Strengthened the power transmission of the legs with the help of basalt insert Power V Basalt Stringers;
  • Increased edge strength using Recycled Stronger Edges;
  • Lightened the sidewalls thanks to the use of Recycled ABS Sidewalls;
  • Uses a freeride Sintered sliding side coating for better wax application.

Fastening for a snowboard

It is not enough just to choose a snowboard for comfortable skiing. Freeride bindings play an equally important role in controlling the board.

When choosing a fastener, it is important to pay attention to its:

  • Stiffness determines how effectively the pressure of the feet will be transferred to the edge of the board. Here it is important to take into account the stiffness of the platform and highback. Manufacturers indicate most often only the brutality of the platform. The stiffer the mount, the more aggressive you can ride, but you need riding skills. Rigid mounts "do not forgiveerrors" - the board may not be controlled.
  • Purpose. There are universal mounts with medium stiffness, models for freeride, and for freestyle.
  • Tight fit of the shoe. It is important that the shoe does not hang in the fastening, the heel should sit freely, while the stiffness of the sock fixation can be adjusted with straps. Lateral fixation supports the leg. For example, the fastening from the NOW Ipo brand provides lateral support in combination with a rigid highback.
  • Shoe fixation type. There are several types of fixation: Flow with a folding highback, step-in with a fixed heel and free toe, and strap bindings or classic. The Now brand develops its fastenings in a classic style with a rigid highback, separate fixing of the toe and lifting of the shoe.
  • The height of the profile is the height of the mount from the outside of the board to the sole of the boot. If the size of the foot is large, and the board is chosen with a thin or medium waist, such fasteners prevent the boot from being buried in the snow. But models with a high profile lose in handling and sensitivity.
  • Buckles and ratchets should be strong, frost-resistant.

Enterprises bring their developments to ready-made types of fasteners. The Now brand has modified classic mounts inspired by skateboard and longboard suspension. All models of the brand are equipped with Skate-Tech technology. Thanks to it, the mount more efficiently and smoothly transfers forces to the edge of the board, and the rider spends less effort on steering.

Clothes for winter sports

Proper equipment does not end with the optimally selected equipment for skiing. For a comfortable long day on the slopes, it is important to choose and buy a set of ski clothing.

A set of clothes for the slope will include:

  • Moisture wicking thermal underwear
  • Warming layer
  • Socks for skiing or snowboarding
  • A set of wet and windproof clothing
  • Gloves

Sport in winter requires more energy from the body - it is necessary not only to perform physical exercises, but also to maintain a comfortable body temperature. Partly this helps with the right clothes.

The first layer - thermal underwear performs the function of removing sweat and moisture, keeps the surface of the skin dry. Depending on the intensity of the loads, it may contain less or more natural fibers.

The second layer is used for insulation. These are fleece jackets, less often down jackets. It is better not to use clothes made of natural fibers for insulation, it should, in addition to warming, remove moisture to the outer layer, and natural fibers, on the contrary, accumulate it.

The third layer is protective. Designed for protection against wind and precipitation. For winter sports, the third layer can consist of a jacket and pants or overalls. For example, Black Diamond offers jackets and pants for skiing and snowboarding.

Features of ski clothing

The sporty cut provides a comfortable fit on the body that does not constrain movements. There is also an enlarged hood to be worn over a helmet and a high collar to protect the face and neck from the wind.

Reinforced materials withstand aggressive conditions of use, resistant to friction when falling on hard firn or stones.

Breathable technological materials are membranes that not only protect against wind and moisture, but also lead moisture to the outside. Many manufacturers have their own developments in the field of membrane materials. The Black Diamond brand has developed a BD.dry membrane with unique characteristics. High vapor and air permeability in combination with moisture protection are ideal for intensive loads on slopes.

The use of technological insulation allows you to reduce the weight of the finished product and ensure breathability. Black Diamond uses Thermolite as a heater.

The snow skirt protects against snow getting under the jacket and blowing cold wind.

Pants with a comfortable high waist or half overalls are designed to protect the back and lower back from the cold. The specific cut of the trousers takes into account the use of trousers with voluminous boots for snowboarding or skiing.

When choosing clothes for winter sports, consider:

  • Riding style. Riders riding on prepared slopes need the right clothing. It should quickly remove moisture to the outside, and at the same time keep warm during rest or climbing on lifts. For skiing and freeriding, manufacturability, reliable protection against wind and rain are important.
  • The place of skating directly affects the amount of insulation, moisture protection. For warm regions, you can choose models without an insulating layer, but vapor permeability will be important. A good option would be the Black Diamond Recon Stretch Ski Shell kit - good breathability and air permeability (10000/10000) provide comfort, and the sporty cut and use of elastic materials provide comfort during active skiing. In addition, ventilation holes are provided for independent heat control. And for an area with a dry frosty climate, it is better to take models with synthetic insulation. Black Diamond offers a line of Line Insulated clothing that includes pants and a jacket. Thermolite retains heat, removes excess heatlogs to the outer layer. And the membrane with indicators 20000/20000 guarantees comfort and reliable protection.

Ski helmets and masks

Safety on the slopes is equally important both on the track and in the wild mountains. The right equipment and technological clothing will not solve the problem of safety during a fall, but a helmet and a mask will.

Helmets

It is important to be responsible when choosing a helmet. The modern market offers a wide range both in terms of prices and quality, but it is better to give preference to proven brands, among which the POC company occupies a leading position. All the company's models undergo mandatory certification, according to which they are tested in various conditions.

There are three main types of helmets by design:

HardShell is a simple but reliable model by design. They consist of a solid plastic top and a soft inner layer. From the advantages, it is worth highlighting an affordable price and reliability, from the disadvantages - excess weight and bulky dimensions. Such models are chosen for snowboarding in parks and backcountry. They are also often used for freestyle.

In-mold is distinguished by a smaller amount of the softening layer inside, the presence of a polycarbonate layer between the outer layer and the substrate. Pros – neat fit on the head, light weight. Cons – they lose to hardshells in terms of reliability. Suitable for skiing, calm skiing on prepared slopes.

Hybrids are a cross between HardShell and In-mold helmets. They protect well in places of impact, while manufacturers have made them lighter with polycarbonate.

A helmet protects not only from a direct or sliding impact, but also prevents a concussion. This is achieved thanks to MIPS technology, which compensates for the change in the position of the skull relative to the brain. The POC Obex MIPS helmet can be considered a clear example of the use of technology. EPS foam and protective technology absorb impact and compensate for displacement.

ROS has developed its own alternative - SPIN technology. It is based on silicone spacers. Thanks to them, the helmet fits more tightly on the head during jumps and performing tricks on the slope, and also compensates for the rotational movement of the helmet during a fall. The POC Obex SPIN model is ideal for freeride and aggressive riding.

Ski masks

A small accessory can qualitatively improve any skating. A properly selected mask performs several tasks at once:

  • Protects the face from cold and headwind
  • Protects against damage and scratches during falls or riding in the forest among branches
  • Protects eyes from sun and glare
  • Makes the "picture" more clear and expressive

Masks are used not only by professional riders, but also by beginners and amateurs. It is as indispensable a piece of equipment as a helmet or gloves.

The choice of mask is influenced by:

  • Lens, its color and darkening. The color of the lens can make the picture more expressive, voluminous, and the darkening muffles the bright sun and its reflections on the snow. For example, the POC Fovea mask is suitable for sunny weather and resorts in the highlands, and for the Carpathians with changeable weather, it is better to take the POC Zonula Clarity or PO Cito Retina.
  • The shape and size of the mask. Masks with spherical, cylindrical and toric lenses are distinguished by their shape. There can also be adult and children's masks. It is easiest to choose a cylindrical one, they simply "dock" with helmets, for example, POC Cornea. But spherical ones are more difficult to choose according to fit.
  • Face landing with a helmet. The mask and helmet work together, they protect the face from the wind and branches. Therefore, you should choose them together or take a helmet with you for a fitting.

When going to the winter mountains, it is important to correctly select all the equipment, starting from the shell for skiing and ending with a mask.

Wholesale company SMG is a direct supplier of equipment for winter sports. Our warehouses offer the largest range of products from global brands, including POC, Black Diamond, Jones, NOW.

You can buy equipment for winter activities in stores.