The Black Friday of Winter Sports
The Black Friday for winter sports brings together gear for skiers and snow hikers: helmets POC, Head or Vola, ski jackets and pants Helly Hansen, Protest or Dynafit, down or synthetic jackets, ski boots, snowshoes TSL and kids' après-ski Reima. Everything you need to get ready for that first trip to the slopes or white hikes.
The perfect time to gear up before the resorts open.
ski helmet: standards, MIPS technology and fit
A ski helmet sold in Europe meets the EN 1077 standard, which distinguishes between two classes: class A, which is more covering, and class B, which is more ventilated and lighter. Models featuring the MIPS system, like the POC Levator, add a low-friction layer that allows the shell to slide slightly during an oblique impact, limiting the rotation transmitted to the brain. The POC Skull Dura, available in a Marco Odermatt edition, and the Head Compact Evo focus on a sturdy shell for on-piste skiing. The fit is adjusted with a dial at the back, and the helmet should rest against the top of the mask, with no exposed space on the forehead.
By type of item
The offer is organized by type:
Jacket, trousers and down jacket: dressing for the slopes
On the slopes, three layers are worn: a breathable base layer, a warm middle layer, and then a ski jacket that is waterproof. Waterproofness is measured in millimetres of water column; starting from ten thousand millimetres, a jacket can withstand a day of wet snow. Helly Hansen, a Norwegian brand founded in 1877, Protest, of Dutch origin, and Dynafit, a specialist in ski touring, offer jackets and trousers with snow gaiters and zip vents. Whether taking a break or hiking, a down jacket, like the Rab Mythic, provides the best warmth for its weight, while the Patagonia Nano Puff, made from synthetic materials, retains heat in damp conditions.
The rest of the Black Friday
The Black Friday event also covers various areas: football, running, lifestyle, indoor sports, equestrian, top brands, on the Black Friday page.
Snowshoes and après-ski: walking on snow
Snowshoes are chosen based on the weight of the hiker and the terrain. TSL, a manufacturer based in Annecy since 1981, offers beginner models like the Initial, versatile snowshoes like the Highlander, and models equipped with a climbing wedge that lifts the heel on slopes to ease calf strain. The spikes located underfoot grip hard snow and icy patches. For children, the Kidoo and Troll can be attached to snow boots. When back, the après-ski Reima, a Finnish brand specializing in children's gear, like the Laplander, keeps feet dry and warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ski mask should I choose?
The category of the lens, from zero to four, indicates the amount of light filtered: category three is suitable for bright sunshine, categories one and two are for overcast conditions and fog. Category four, too dark for driving, is reserved for high mountain use.
How to choose ski boots?
The flex, a measure of stiffness, is chosen based on level and weight: low for beginners, high for sporty skiers. The shell should hold the heel without squeezing the toes; it should be tried on with a thin ski sock. Race models, like the Head Raptor, fit very snugly.
What equipment is needed for cross-country skiing?
Cross-country skiing generates a lot of heat: one should wear a breathable layer, a lightweight windproof jacket, and thin gloves, rather than a too warm alpine ski jacket. A thin beanie or headband is enough to protect the ears.
How to maintain a waterproof ski jacket?
Wash it at thirty degrees with a detergent for technical clothing, without fabric softener, which would clog the membrane. A tumble dry on low heat, if the label allows, reactivates the water-repellent treatment; this should be renewed with a spray when water stops beading.
At what age can children go snowshoeing?
From four or five years old, on flat trails and short distances, with snowshoes suited to the child's weight. A simple binding that they can tighten themselves is preferred, along with hour-long walks interspersed with games in the snow.
