Slippery Slopes

Don’t kid yourself: Skiing and snowboarding are all about the gear. OK, they’re about the skiing and snowboarding too (and après-ski, of course), but without the latest accessories, you’re just another body on the mountain. So when you head out to downhill with the beautiful people, check out our short list.

1. SO USEFUL, BUT HARD TO SPOT ON YOUR WRIST
At the top of the gear list is the Suunto S6, a navigation aid and ski chronograph in one good-looking, watch-size package. The chronograph records degree of slope, your average and maximum speed, and the vertical drop of each ski run, among other data. Use this function if you like to map out a route and/or track your speed, then upload your data to the Internet and compare it with other skiers to engage your competitive spirit. Priced from $232 to $330, the S6 provides sea-level pressure, absolute pressure, temperature, and a compass too, and you can download daily weather forecasts to the watch from your PC and set an alarm that sounds when the weather changes from the forecast. Neat. http://www.suunto.com

2. SWEET, BUT FOR EXPERTS ONLY
Technology is a wonderful thing. Head’s Monster skis automatically adjust relative to the terrain and skiing style of the rider. How? “Intellifibers” in front of the bindings (most likely the piezoelectric technology avid skiers have heard about for years) transform mechanical movement into an electrical signal—the harder you ride, the more energy produced. That energy stiffens up the skis and pushes the edges into the snow on hard turns. Technology doesn’t come cheap, however; the company’s iM 78 SW model skis cost $800. http://www.head.com

3. A WORKAHOLIC’S DREAM COME TRUE
This one ranks low on the essential gear scale, despite its obvious usefulness. The Reactor backpack sports a built-in solar cell that enables you to “trickle charge” your cell phone, portable GPS device, MP3 player, or PDA while you’re otherwise engaged in leisure activity, including skiing or snowboarding—just remember to bring your 12-volt auto adapter. When it’s cloudy, an optional power pack takes over charging duty. The waterproof pack has 1,650 cubic inches of storage space (enough for a laptop too!) and costs $140; the power pack is $49. If you envision yourself wearing such a backpack on the slopes, however, you’re probably working way too hard. http://www.eclipsesolargear.com