Protection on the slopes: a guide to helmets and goggles

Helmets are growing in popularity on the slopes, particularly after the death of Liam Neeson’s wife, Natasha Richardson, whilst skiing in Quebec. A lot of people remain sceptical and dismissive of ski helmets, arguing anything from being uncomfortable to being a hindrance to moving your neck, but with impact protection technology and development of lighter and stronger materials, this argument is becoming increasingly obsolete.

A look back to season 09/10

It's exactly a year to the day, today, since I left for my epic season in Whistler, Canada. A year ago, I would've been sitting on a plane on the way to Auckland to catch a flight to Los Angeles. Wow, it's gone fast. Having been back at uni for this semester, I have gotten back into the routine daily grind, which has me asking the question: why did I ever leave?

On yer...umm...err...skis

If you know me, chances are you know that I am absolutely obsessed with skiing and the snow. I am able to bore people for hours (as well as being able to talk endlessly about ski design, boots, chairlifts, resorts, runs, snow, powder and much more). It's a fatal flaw, I know, but I've been absolutely hooked on hurtling down a snowy hill with two planks of wood attached to my feet via very uncomfortable plastic boots since an extremely young age.

It's in my blood, actually. My dad and uncle are both mad keen (and very good) skiers. My mum has loved it ever since my dad started teaching her. Even my dad's parents have been skiing for decades. I caught the bug early and have had it ever since.