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 It is worth
preparing for the skiing season right at the moment since you need to travel to mountains
ahead of the game, yet the true fashionmonger will find the great choice of
outfit, clothing and accessories not so simple.
Equipment
is a must
The most
important elements of skiing equipment is skis with timbering, shoes and poles.
Popular manufacturers like Atomic, Armada, Fischer, Rossignol, Stockli and
Dynastar produce various skis to fit different sizes and different
skiing styles (sloping down the arranged routes, carving, free-ride, slalom,
etc.). Apart from it, the skies vary in structure, used material and design.
Some
companies manufacture strictly limited lines of exclusive skies. For instance, skis of
hand assembling by Bogner & Indigo with bamboo and individual marking of
each pair are available. Or downhill skis of the famous automobile mark Ferrari
performed in the brand red color. And the Chanel House launch special skis of
blameless design for fashion ladies.
As for the
alpine skiing footwear, they should be snug fitting shoes, neither loose
nor tight. And anatomic stocks and thermo shaping inner soles are important (under
influence of heat, the inner surface of the shoe is shaped exactly by the foot).
Solidity of the shoe is preferred respective of the skiing style. Timbering for
skis should be precisely adjusted to the shoe size, weight and height of the
alpine skier.
Skier poles
are selected according to height respective of their durability, rigidness and
ease. Good poles must have comfortable handles and a good opportunity to change
rings for different skiing styles.
Skiing wear
The
functionality of the skiing outfit based on application of the most up-to-date
technologies and materials conforms haute couture. The attire of the mountain
winners consists mainly of three layers. The lower layer - thermal underwear
and skiing socks. The next layer is sweatshirt jacket from fleece or polartech
(Windblock) (light material keeping warmth and taking away moisture). And
finally, the top layer - a skiing jacket and trousers or coveralls. You should
choose them very carefully since it is the garment that protects the skier from
getting wet, they keep dry taking water out and this is the exact item that is
the top of skiing fashion.
Outwear for
slope skating is made from special «breathing» and water-proof material -
membrane. The higher is the water resistance and vapor permeability coefficient
of the membrane, the better is characteristics of the jacket and trousers. Also
the sign of quality alpine skiing outwear is water-proof zippers, glued
stitches, additional airing and a special "skirt" at clasps to
protect from snow into the jacket. So pleasant details like kid collar-gloves, a
pocket for ski-pass (ski-pass for the elevator) and a player, key holder, will
only add comfort for the skier.
As for the
look, the variety of models of alpine skier jacket, trousers and coveralls is abundant,
indeed. And the most popular brands include Sportalm, Rossignol, BOGNER, MDC,
Helly Hansen, Phenix, Descente, Colmar, Spyder, Salomon and Völkl.
Those who
prefer looking luxury at the slope will need to pay a special attention to
alpine skiing wear collection created by specialized factories jointly with the
most famous designers like Emilio Pucci and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac
altogether with Rossignol, Karl Lagerfeld jointly with Napapijri.
The
distinguished Fashion Houses also draw special attention to this outfit. So, Igor Chapurin launched his collection of
jackets and trousers for skiing studded Swarovski gems, a strikingly elegant
and trendy alpine skiing outfit is available with Chanel, Prada and Escada
Sport. The latter, by the way, was favorably mentioned by Lady Isabella Hervey.
Accessory
is worth thinking
When you go
skiing you cannot do without some minor but rather important accessories. First of
all, gloves or mittens. They should be comfortable, warm and water-proof.
They are produced mainly by the same manufacturers of jackets, thus you may
choose between very simple models and very luxury designer ones. The gloves
have a specific feature to protect in falling, so some models have a carboxylic
protection of the hand, wrist and fingers.
Second, a
headwear for downhill skiers. It should be warm and seat very tightly. There is
a great choice of headwear, and it's up to you to choose a really trendy
accessory to fit your costume.
Third, special
gloves (shield) to protect eyes against cold air, snow in the face, blinding
sun and hazardous ultraviolet rays, as well as from tree branches when you ski
close to them. Color of the filter is worth choosing subject to weather
conditions and sun activity at the place of skiing (the most universal are
yellow and golden colors). The most famous and respected brand to produce «shields»
is Oakley.
Those who
prefer aggressive style of skiing or those who think more of personal safety
may think of additional protection. Helmets, knee-pads and elbow-pads, protection
vests, "shells" and shorts by the well-known manufacturers, like
Carrera, Scott, Dainese, Head will safely protect you from trauma.
And finally
about safety of the downhill skier. When you go skiing to the mountain resort,
remember to take a lip balm or a hygienic lipstick, sun protection cream (yes,
it is too easy to get burnt in mountains!) and a special cream against wind
bites and skin spills in frost weather. Also the ointment to heal muscle pulls
and hurts is useful to have on you.
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