Posts Tagged ‘editors picks’

Christmas Gadgets for the Ski Enthusiast

Monday, December 19th, 2011

Whilst some may say it’s a little late, it is most likely that many of you are running around still trying to find gifts. Or perhaps you’re yet to even start the running. We’ve been searching around the web a lot recently and have found a few gift ideas that would make for great presents for the mountain enthusiast in your life. Will you be saying “I want one of those?”

1. The Hammerhead

A lightweight performance sledge to crush the competition? If you’re the daring type or perhaps just plain foolish then you might enjoy shooting off down the slopes on a sledge. This extreme performance sledge even comes with add-ons and extra features – kind of like a super car. The basic version of the Hammerhead (the sport VLD to be precise) with handling like, say a Golf TDI, comes in at just shy of $US200, but if you want the all singing all dancing model you’ll have to add another $US150 to that figure. That does give you a sledge with the performance of a KTM street racer through the turns though.

Hammerhead Pho XLD sledge

Or if you prefer you could try this new ‘bobsleigh‘ from Porsche, which we must say is rather stylish at a mere £180 seems like a bargain.

Porsche bobsleigh

2. Recon Instruments MOD Live

Say it isn’t so? Unfortunately we can’t. Yes the time has come for a car dashboard with video game style icons to be incorporated into a pair of goggles. While this may seem like an idea that is either slightly over elaborate or perhaps a touch dangerous, we still want them. Features include a speedo, navigation system with location intelligence, mileage, camera connectivity (rear view mirror anyone?) and even jump analytics.

Recon Mod Live snowsports performance analysis

3. Otter Box

The Otter Box is a shell and protective cover for your gadgets, from iPhones through to iPads and even the Blackberry. Whilst these are neither as expensive nor as thrilling as the previous items, they are certainly beneficial to both the mountain man and woman. Some of the Otter Box range protect from the weather (including water and snow, obviously) and they’re crush-proof and therefore especially good for beginners and those who are liable to frequent falls and tumbles. These are only sold in the USA but they’ll ship to the UK and Europe so fear not, although we’re probably a little bit late telling you that now if you want one for Christmas.

Otter Box smartphone case

 

What’s under your tree?

Luxury chalets at great prices

Sunday, April 3rd, 2011

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to get-away then we’ve got just the ticket. There are a couple of our favourite chalets in the mountains that are available at phenomenal prices for this coming weekend. Last minute skiing and last minute prices don’t get better than these for such luxury properties.

Chalet Le Chardon in Val d’Isere
Best for sociable couples

At Le Chardon you can take the time to focus on you, you’ll have everything required to keep your holiday running smoothly from a chauffeur service that runs from early morning till 2am, a concierge and 5 course gourmet meals on 6 evenings. Our tip is to take some time in one of the two private outdoor hot tubs with a couple of glasses of your favourite tipple, you can’t get a better feeling after a day on the slopes.

Le Chardon is £1150 per person for the week commencing 10th April, at this price the spaces won’t last long so if you fancy a last minute ski trip next week then now is the time to book.

Chalet Aurore in Meribel
Larger groups looking to split something spectacular

Chalet Aurore has an exquisite outdoor pool that overlooks Mt Vallon, this private lodge is small enough to offer intimacy yet has enough space for families or a group of couples to share and still have privacy when desired. The chalet includes, amongst many other things, an open spirit bar and a private chauffeur service as well as fantastic champagne and canape receptions daily.

Chalet Aurore is available for up to 10 guests at £14,250 for the week, a reduction of £7,250 from it’s usual price for this time of year. That’s just £1,425 per person to stay in a place that many of us can only day dream about. Take a look in more detail at this exquisite chalet.