This season Verbier, Switzerland has increased the speed of access to the main part of the mountain, Ruinettes. The previous slower 4-seater chairlift at Mayentzet and the following (even slower) 2-seater chairlift at La Combe has now been replaced with a single, high-speed 6-seater chairlift.

The first feature that I immediately appreciated was Columbia’s patented OutDry system.Columbia Sportswear acquired OutDry Technologies S.r.l from Nextec S.r.l in 2010, so adding a waterproof breathable system to by the company’s brands including Mountain Hardwear and Sorel. Unlike a seam-sealed waterproofing system for the outermost layer, OutDry forms a laminate that bond a waterproofing membrane to the outermost layer. Through this method, OutDry items don’t absorb water, so maintaining a light and breathable outer layer. I have full confidence in this technology to ensure my feet remain bone-dry without compromising breathability or weight, and it is a system that is indispensable for the mostly unpredictable weather found in the Scottish Highlands.

Püf is the sevem year old creation of Arieh Visocekas, a keen mountaineer who is aspiring to bring a new dimension of avalanche safety to skiing and snowboarding. Originally from Paris, Arieh settled in Chamonix to continue his father’s passion for extreme mountaineering. Unsatisfied with the equipment that was used to protect a rider in the event of an avalanche, Arieh sought the help of the local Piste Control, Mountain Guides, rescue teams, medical staff and the Gendarme to clarify a detailed list of requirements for survival in the event of an avalanche: Flotation; Air Supply; Head, neck and side impact protection; Quick extraction from the avalanche.

Call me a fitness nerd, but I can honestly say that there are few inventions that have impressed me more than the PEAR Training Intelligence System. Sure, revolutionary innovations such … Read more

The Faction Collective have been redefining ski design since 2006 when Tony McWilliam and Alex Hoye came together with the intention of building gear that reflected modern riding. Founded and based in Verbier, Switzerland the company produces a range of versatile and high performance skis that a worth checking out. Faction join a number of North American ski manufacturers who make up the boutique end of the ski market.

Perhaps my second testing of Orage’s products was more conventional. After a handful of nights in my comfy cacoon, I took the baselayers to Whistler, B.C. to take them through a more rigorous testing over glaciers, through trees and comfy pillows of more powdered constitution. The conditions in Whistler during my visit were mixed. While rain fell hard on the lower slopes, howling winds on the Blackcomb Glacier dragged the wind chill well down below -5° Celsius.

Since 1947, Obermeyer has endeavored to create the finest gear for the inexhaustible snow adventurer. For women looking to invest in an outer layer that will not only keep up in the harshest of conditions, but function as a lightweight wind barrier on warmer days, the Coco Jacket’s array of versatile features make it a necessary addition to your snow get-up.

The brilliant white sand, azure skies and turquoise waters of the Kenyan South coast have long served as a magnet for beach lovers. Whilst these idyllic features provide the perfect setting for a lazy coastal break there is also something on offer for those looking for a little more adventure. Kitesurfing on the coast south of Mombasa has been in existence for a number of years and with conditions which are ideally suited for all level of kiters it’s not difficult to see why. From mid-December through till early March the Kaskzai (northerly) trade winds provide a steady side-shore wind which strengthens during the day from around 10 knots in the morning, up to winds in excess of 20 knots by late afternoon. This is replaced from June by the Kuzi (southerly) trade winds which blow through until September. The Kuzi provides side to side-onshore winds which range in strength from 15-30 knots and can bring with them a stronger swell. However the protection provided by offshore reefs means that protection from the larger waves can always be found if so desired.

Trekking Poles. Some people hate them, some swear by them. Unlike glacier travel or backcountry skiing, while hiking, poles are not required. I have found them to be extraordinarily useful, however, as I tested the Komperdell C3 Carbon Power Locks extensively over the past two months. These poles helped me up Mt. Democrat, a Colorado Fourteener, in December and shredded Vail with me. For a pair of lightweight poles that collapse down small and have a removable basket, the C3s are a handy partners on the trail, or in the pack during the final summit push.

First Ascent is the leading specialist outdoor gear manufacturer in South Africa, and has been around since 1989. Up until now, they have provided the South African outdoor sports scene with ‘performance tested gear’, which means that each product you see with their significant lizard- logo has been tested by worthy athletes, and it works. Their new range of compression garments was given to me to see how well they do in the Stellenbosch mountains while doing a trail run or mountain bike ride.

With its close proximity to the city of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak (14,110 ft.), one of Colorado’s 53 fourteeners, offers an abundance of accessible terrain for your next adventure. This peak, however, is unlike any others you will come across in Colorado, as you can reach the summit on foot, bike, cog railway, and even car. In addition to the panoramic views on top, you will find a large parking lot and the Summit House (open 8AM-8PM), filled with a gift shop, cafe and lots of people. For the hardcore among you, an ascent on foot or bike will feel particularly rewarding when you arrive and view the crowd who came by motorized means.

Designed and manufactured by the mountaineer specialists, Black Diamond, the Cyborg Pro is one mean piece of kit to get your hands on for winter climbing. Made to match mixed conditions of the mountain, this crampon has a tenacious appetite for snow and ice ascents.

This season the Alps have been hit with a late, but obscene amount of fresh snow. I arrived in December to be told by a friend that he had not even seen the sun for weeks. In preparation I got hold of a pair of the new Salomon XTEND XPLORE6 S goggles with the idea of getting maximum enjoyment from these conditions. Part of Salomon’s first line of goggles, the XTEND XPLORE 6 promised to offer me a new, wider perspective on life in powder fields of the world.

The refreshing thought of leaping off rocks into the sea has a natural appeal for me, and indeed anyone who can bypass the shock of cool waters on the plunge. Recently I went coasteering in sark with local tour operator, Adventure Sark.

As the name suggests, Steamboat, CO-based nutrition company Honey Stinger have a preference for making quality sports nutrition using the natural power of honey. Bars contain over 30% honey and their … Read more

Malawi is not famous for its mountains, rather for its wide fresh-water lake and internationally renowned Lake of Stars Music festival. In fact there is only one mountain in the entire country, … Read more

1% for the planet takes one percent of sales from its member companies and distributes this in the form of grants to environmental groups.

Newton Running produces a shoe unlike any other I have ever worn, let alone run with. Alongside brands that vouch for the benefits of barefoot running, Newton defend a shoe that encourages natural running. I have been running with the Sir Isaac guidance trainers for a couple of months now and have found them to have caused two significant positive changes to the way I feel when I hit the road.

The history of humankind is punctuated by extraordinary revelatory moments, the birth of great ideas and the enactment of outstanding achievements. Moses’ parting of the Red Sea, Newton’s falling apple … Read more

Located 67 miles northwest of Denver, Winter Park/Mary Jane is the perfect spot for day trips or spending your holiday vacation. While the resort’s five different regions offer terrain for all levels, what truly sets it apart from other Colorado ski resorts are its steep, relentless mogul runs and unmatched tree-skiing. Don’t let the typical family-friendly image fool you into thinking you’ll spend most of your day waiting in long lift lines and dodging gapers. With over 3,060 skiable acres and 1,212 acres of off-piste terrain, 53% of which is designated ‘Most Difficult’, these mountains will show you a good time, that is, if they don’t wear you out first.