Skis
On the slopes, Salomon holds the aces. Aficionados of the X-Scream series will be torn when they try out the Pilot, the first integrated ski and binding system on the market. Unlike normal bindings which are screwed into the ski, the Pilot binding is held onto the ski directly above the edge by rigid metal arches that allow the ski to flex naturally. The Pilot comes in five models: three freeride ski/ bindings and two carve ski/ bindings. The skis are twin-tipped and cost £530-£550.

Support clothing
Degree 7's Innovation 8000 Series was inspired by snow cyclist Eric Barone, who last year took the world speed record to 220kmph. While wearing a jacket with a new shock-absorbing fabric, Barone wiped out at 217kmph in Les Arcs and walked away without a bruise.

The fabric is now incorporated into a men's and ladies' jacket and pants that also have a sewn-in knee and waist brace support. Pants £199, jacket £259.

If fluctuating body temperature gets you in a sweat, Degree 7 also has a range of underwear made from the Outlast fabric which regulates temperature control. Men's and ladies long-sleeved tops £49, pants £39.

Shoes
If you have ever been ski touring and stayed in a mountain hut you will be familiar with the communal clog-shaped slippers available for guests. Variations of the snow clog have been popular with this season's après-ski crowd. Now they've gone urban, infiltrating the street and office.

Next season, there's an even greater choice. Merrell's Jungle Moc Quad is made with water-resistant pig-skin leather or, for the brighter look (in red, yellow and blue), try the Alpine Moc and Slide made in quilted Pertexion - a fabric used for high-altitude down duvets and sleeping bags, £55.

Knitwear revival
Did you ever wonder how many knitwear companies the fleece closed down? Fighting back is Natural Born Fleece, a range of jackets and pullovers made from a pure-wool fabric with no artificial fibres. It's light, wind resistant, eco-friendly, doesn't scratch and comes in a variety of designs. And it's not a fleece. Prices start at £32 for a V-neck pullover, £44 for a jacket.

Unbreakable sunglasses
This demonstration could be a stress reliever: remove lens from glasses, hit with sledgehammer, then twist frame into any shape you desire. It's probably not recommended once you've bought them, but Bollé's hydralon frames, made from "the industry's most durable material", are claimed to be indestructible. They come in a number of styles. Some in the Snake collection are made for ladies with small faces, £42.

Cut-offs
For the year-round traveller who needs to adapt to all occasions and tempera tures, covertibles are the answer. Test out Columbia's convertible pants, skirts and shirts. Ladies' GRT Outfitter three-quarter-length skirt unzips to become a short skirt. The range is perfect for travelling, doesn't crease, dries quickly and has zip security pockets. Outfitter skirt, £34.99; men's convertible shirt, £39.99.

Dry gloves
Say goodbye to soggy gloves with Nikwax new waterproofing for leather or fabric gloves. It will extend the life of your gloves and is ideal for children. Use Gloveproof, £3.99, on old gloves that have lost their water- repellency, or new ones. For fleece gloves, use Nikwax Polarproof, £5.95.

Stockists
Salomon: 01256 479555
Degree 7: 0411 822700
Nikwax: 01892 783855
Bollé: 020-8770 1766
Natural Born Fleece: 01560 485187
Merrell: 0117 963 6363
Columbia: 01749 686879