Skiing during Black Friday

Waterproofing and breathability of jackets and trousers

A ski outfit is assessed by two figures. The waterproofing, expressed in millimetres of water column, indicates the water pressure the fabric can withstand: the Whistler Yarra W-Pro, rated at fifteen thousand millimetres, resists wet snow and repeated falls. The breathability, measured in grams of vapour released per square metre per day, prevents sweat from condensing inside during intense descents. The Protest Joss, Cinnamones, and Relole trousers, the Dare 2B Achieve, and the Helly Hansen Sogn jacket combine these two qualities. Helly Hansen, founded in Norway in 1877 by a sea captain, started with rainwear for sailors.

Other winter sports offers

The Black Friday winter sports section also includes:

• Textiles.
• Helmets.
• Glasses.
• Shoes.
• Snowboards.
• Snowshoes.

All offers are gathered on the winter sports page.

Helmet and back protection: reducing the risk of injury

The helmet is recommended for everyone skiing and is essential for children. Its size corresponds to the head circumference in centimetres, measured just above the eyebrows, and it should fit snugly without moving once adjusted. The Head Compact Evo, Vola Sentinel, or Cairn Android, in the women's version, are suitable for this purpose. The POC Skull Dura exists in a special edition dedicated to Swiss skier Marco Odermatt; the Swedish brand, founded in 2005 by a skier wanting to protect his children, has made safety its specialty. The back protection Cairn Proride, with soft D3O foam that hardens on impact, is worn under the jacket and protects the spine during falls.

Shoes, socks and mittens: keeping extremities warm

The ski boot is chosen for its flex, meaning its stiffness: the Head Raptor, very stiff and close-fitting, is aimed at advanced skiers looking for precision in their runs. A softer flex is more forgiving for occasional skiers. Inside the boot, only one pair of fine, high socks, like the X-Socks Helixx Gold, reinforced at the shin, avoids pressure points; two thick pairs restrict circulation and cool the foot. For hands, the mittens Reusch World Champ or Marisa keep fingers together and therefore warmer than gloves. Reusch, founded in 1934 in Metzingen, Germany, has been making ski gloves since the 1970s.

Jumpsuits, après-ski and warm layers for kids

For children, a one-piece jumpsuit, like the Peak Mountain Feldi and Flugi, prevents snow from getting in the back during falls, which are frequent during learning. Underneath, a base layer t-shirt Peak Mountain Canje and a fleece are sufficient; the Eleo down jacket and the double fleece jacket Ecajik are for cold days and returning to the chalet. The après-ski Reima Laplander, warm and waterproof, are worn off the slopes; Reima, established in Finland in 1944, specializes in outdoor clothing for children. The Black Friday, a few weeks before Christmas, allows time to check sizes before heading out.

Frequently asked questions

How should I dress to ski without getting cold?

Apply the principle of three layers: a technical base layer against the skin, a fleece or jumper, then a waterproof and breathable jacket and trousers. Avoid cotton close to the body, as it retains sweat and cools down when you stop.

Should I replace my ski helmet after a fall?

Yes, after a significant impact, even without visible cracks: the internal foam compresses to absorb energy and does not retain its protective capacity. Manufacturers also recommend renewing it after several years of use.

How to choose skis according to your level?

A beginner should choose soft, shorter skis, reaching between the chin and nose, which are easy to turn. An advanced skier chooses longer and stiffer skis to gain stability at high speeds; all mountain skis are suitable for those who alternate between slopes and fresh snow.

How to care for a ski jacket?

Wash it at thirty degrees with a gentle liquid detergent, zippers closed and without fabric softener, which clogs the membrane. The water-repellent treatment is then reactivated by gentle machine drying, when the label permits.

How to choose the size of a children's ski suit?

Base the size on the child's height in centimetres rather than their age, and leave a few centimetres of leeway for a warm layer underneath. Wrists and ankles should remain covered when they raise their arms or bend their knees.