Mountain Innovations 2017 Gear Highlights

Each new season brings about new tech developments in the ski world and this year is no exception. We join ski hardware buyer Steve Wells who gives us the lowdown on the latest and greatest ski innovations for 2017.

Nordica SpeedMachine

Key features:

• Infrared customisable shell
• Triforce construction
• Cork and PrimaLoft liners

Why are you so excited about it?

This winter sees the return and revamp of one of the ski industry's bestselling boots, the classic Nordica SpeedMachine line. Nordica has combined vacuum fitting with the precision moulding of their infra-red technology and pre-moulded cork liners, which results in the ability to provide an exceptional custom fit.

These classics have always fitted and skied well, but this new combination of tech really ups the comfort and performance of the boots. With a great fit straight out of the box, the option to easily customise the fit, all at a fantastic price makes this boot well worth checking out.

Who is it designed for?

The range fits a fairly standard foot shape with great toe room, but where this boot really shines is the option to utilise precision moulding methods, providing a custom fit which makes the fitting of this boot very versatile. There are also plenty of flex levels available in the range, so there really is something for everyone.

Arc’teryx Procline

Key Features:

• Patented two-piece carbon fibre upper cuff system
• Waterproof and snowproof gaiter
• CNC machined 2-buckle system
• Thermoformable liner

Why are you so excited about it?

This boot is truly a revolutionary development in the touring boot market. The innovative split cuff system offers a massive range of movement both vertically (75°) and laterally (23°/12°) giving you the versatility needed for skinning and technical climbing ascents, whilst still managing to provide exceptional stiffness and support for those big descents.

The simple, but effective 2-buckle system, carbon spine, thermoformable liner and fully integrated waterproof and snowproof gaiter really top off this category-leading boot’s credentials. This is a boot that skis extremely well but also has the ability to climb effectively. You really need to see and try this boot for yourself.

Who is it designed for?

Ski mountaineers - this is the alpine ski boot you’ve been waiting for. This boot is the epitome of versatility and is ideal for those alpinists who ski or tourers looking for the ability to climb, skin long distances and utilise crampons.

Salomon QST 99

Key features:

• Rocker camber profile with Koroyd tip
• Hook Free Taper
• CFX Superfiber construction

Why are you so excited about it?

This is one versatile ski, equally happy charging off-piste or carving on-piste. The CFX Superfiber construction (carbon and flax woven together running down the full length of the ski) combined with the Ti plate underfoot keeps this ski torsionally stiff when laying down those aggressive carves on the groomers, whilst smoothing the ride.

The QST 99 is equally happy in soft snow where the Hook Free Taper (a 5 point sidecut) results in easier turn initiation and steering in variable snow conditions. This lightweight ski provides plenty of float and performance due to its rocker camber profile, but still remains very easy to ski.

Who is it designed for?

This ski is perfect for strong all-mountain skiers who are looking for a versatile, smooth skiing platform.

Exonde XO

Key features:

• Performance shape
• Lightweight
• Swiss precision

Why are you so excited about it?

These minimalist styled black skis have fantastic high-speed stability, which is surprising given their relatively low weight. Exonde have taken inspiration from touring skis, utilising a wood core for performance and removing the traditional metal edges. This combined with an exceptional build quality that only the Swiss can muster results in a high performing, manoeuvrable piste-charger.

No one before has really attempted to create a performance piste ski that is also lightweight. Exonde have hit a home run with this ski and we really recommend you take it for a spin to see how well it performs for yourself.

Who is it designed for?

This ski is ideal for piste enthusiasts who are looking for something that is lighter than usual but retains its stability at speed.

Oakley MOD5 MIPS

Key Features:

• Modular Brim system
• Hybrid construction
• MIPS protection
• Boa/Fidlock tightening system

Why are you so excited about it?

Oakley brings a Modular Brim system to the helmet game. This unique feature of being able to swap out the helmet brim allows you to achieve the best helmet/goggle fit whatever goggles you’re running. Oakley has also specifically designed the venting system on the MOD5 for optimal air flow from the goggle vent through the helmet.

The MOD5 also utilises a hybrid construction, combining a mixture of hard shell and in-mould design, which keeps the helmet strong but maintains its lightness. Adding MIPS protection and an easy-to-use Boa/Fidlock fastening system, which combines the latest safety technology with a secure and comfortable fit.

Who is it designed for?

Any skier or snowboarder looking for the latest, safest and most comfortable helmet tech.

Oakley Line Miner Prizm Inferno

Key Features:

• Heated Inferno lens technology
• Prizm lens technology
• Reduced pressure frame

Why are you so excited about it?

Simply no more lens fogging! Heated lens technology combined with the exceptional optical clarity of the Prizm lens that Oakley are renowned for. Whether you switch it on before a run or after a big wipeout, this tech will efficiently clear your lens making fogging just a distant memory.

Nose pressure caused by goggles is something we’ve all experienced one time or another and Oakley have addressed this often overlooked issue with their latest frame design. The result is a much more comfortable fit combined with the latest Prizm lens technology which maximises contrast and enhance vision in all snow conditions.

Who is it designed for?

Those who are tired of fogging goggles and looking for the best optical clarity on the market.

Coming soon...