Winter sports: Christmas gifts

Helmet and mittens: gifts for the piste skier

The helmet makes for a gift that is both useful and symbolic. The POC Skull Dura, in the Marco Odermatt edition, features the lion that decorates the Swiss champion's race gear; approved for competitions by the International Ski Federation, it combines an ABS and polycarbonate shell with an EPP interior that absorbs several impacts. The Vola Sentinel is adjustable with a dial, and its ear pads can be removed. For the hands, the mittens Reusch World Champ, made of soft sheepskin lined with R-Loft insulation, protect the knuckles with a reinforcement and are secured around the wrist by a strap: the fingers together keep warm from each other, making them ideal in extremely cold conditions.

Other sports

The Christmas selection is available by sport:

• Outdoor, hiking and trail running.
• Running.
• Football.
• Indoor.
• Fitness and Weight Training.
• Bike / Moto.

All the selection is available on the sports page.

Sledges and après-ski for the little ones

The little ones discover the snow in a backrest sledge: the TSL Didoo, designed by the brand from Annecy founded in 1981, keeps the child seated and is pulled by a rope; the Comfort version adds a cushion that absorbs bumps. When two children want to slide together, the two-seat sledge TSL Weez, equipped with two seats and two brakes, can be shared with a brother, sister, or adult. For their feet, the après-ski Reima Laplander, waterproof and insulated, grip on ice thanks to their Vibram Arctic Grip sole and are quickly slipped on with elastic lacing; their removable insole helps check the shoe size.

Skis and mountaineering boots for experienced skiers

For a skier whose foot is known precisely, a pair of ski boots transforms the sensations. The Head Raptor WCR, from racing, features a narrow fitting of ninety-six millimeters and a very stiff shell: it transmits every pressure to the ski but is made for expert skiers. For mountaineers, the La Sportiva Trango Alpine combines a water-resistant leather upper, a Gore-Tex membrane, and a Vibram sole with a climbing area at the toe; its rear insert accommodates semi-automatic crampons for glaciers and snow corridors. Both pairs are chosen according to the Mondopoint size, in centimeters, of a previously worn shoe.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and the items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a consistent order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school season.

Frequently asked questions

How do you choose the size of a ski helmet?

Measure around the head one centimetre above the eyebrows, then refer to the manufacturer's guide. The helmet should fit snugly without pressure points, not move when shaking the head, and allow the goggles to sit flush on the forehead.

Why wear a back protector while skiing?

It protects the spine during a fall backwards or a collision with an obstacle. Highly recommended in snowparks and off-piste, the Cairn Proride protection slips under the jacket like a vest and moves with the back.

What socks to wear in ski boots?

One pair of tall, wrinkle-free ski socks is enough: wearing two pairs compresses the foot and cools it down. Technical models like X-Socks wick moisture away much better than cotton.

What to wear under a ski jacket when it's cold?

A windproof knit sweater, like the SOS Tignes, or a fleece forms the mid-layer above a technical base layer. This layer can then be adjusted according to the weather, removing it in milder conditions.

How to choose a ski jacket for a child?

Check the waterproofing, snow skirt, and a hood compatible with the helmet, like on the Protest Deline jacket. Bright colours make the child easy to spot on the slopes, and allowing a little bit of room in size will last them two winters.