 WHAT'S
NEW FOR WINTER 03/04
At Snow + Rock we have been supplying ski equipment
to the British skier for the last 21 years. We are still
passionate about the sport and ski as often as we possibly
can. A 24 strong
test team has tested all the products that we have bought
for winter 2003/04.
With so much fantastic kit out there the only problem
we all face is what to choose!
Skis
There are now several different ski segments for tackling
every type of skiing terrain and discipline imaginable.
The great thing about the carving ski revolution is
that we are all skiing skis up to 20cm shorter than
we did 5-10 years ago, with more stability, performance,
confidence and less effort. Skis are wider shorter and
have more surface area, but just as importantly have
exaggerated hourglass shapes to provide fantastic carving
power for on piste carving. The major benefits of these
new shapes are better edge grip, more flotation for
easier off piste turns, which make skiing less tiring.
 There
are two segments that have really caught our eye for
this year:
The new Skier Cross skis. These skis are designed for
a new generation of ski racing which is a little like
Motor Cross on snow. From a holiday skiers perspective
what does this mean? It is a ski with titanic carving
power using racing ski construction for use all over
the mountain. These are the skis that a lot of our staff
will be using this winter. Models in this segment to
take a closer look at are: Atomic Super Cross SX11,
Salomon Crossmax 10 Pilot and the Volkl Supersport 6
Star.
 The
second segment is the Freeride and Big Mountain Freeride
skis. These skis help any skier to get the absolute
best out of all Mountain and Off Piste terrain. Because
of their width they quite literally float like a hovercraft.
If you are skiing with a group of people on these skis
and you do not have a pair, get ready to spend your
holiday seeing their backsides, while they continually
get all the fresh tracks. Models to look out for; Rossignol
Bandit B2 and B3, Salomon Scream 10 Hot and Xtra Hot,
Head Monster I.M 75 and the Volkl 724 Pro.
Prices within the UK are now competitive with Europe
and the range of choice available in the UK is far better
as we don't purchase product based on a regional bias
(Austrian skis only being available in Austria or French
skis only being available in France). What's more if
you do find the product cheaper elsewhere Snow + Rock
offers a price pledge on all products to give you the
confidence to buy in the UK. We also offer a number
of other exclusive guarantees to give you peace of mind
to purchase in England for example a comfort guarantee
on all ski boots, a ski suitability and breakage guarantee
on skis to name but a few. This year in conjunction
with the SIGB (Snow sports Industries Of Great Britain)
we have been able to bring an additional offer, which
should not be missed. For every pair of skis or snowboard
purchased over £250 before 31st December 2003
you'll get a free return flight to one of 6 European
destinations, subject to terms and conditions.
Ski Boots
 Ski
boots are your most important purchase. Invest in some
time and get a pair that fit. They will enhance your
skiing pleasure and performance. We offer the largest
range in Europe from UK adult size 1-15, so no matter
what size or shape your foot is we have a boot for you.
Make sure you have a foot bed fitted and use technical
ski socks. With modern shaped skis, ski boots no longer
need to be so stiff in forward flex they need to have
a progressive flex and to get the best out of shaped
skis they need to have plenty of lateral and rearward
stiffness to transmit skier input to the skis edges.
Most boots today have heat mouldable liners to mirror
image your foot. But for the ultimate performance try
a personalised custom fit liner from Conform'able or
Zipfit.
Protection
With the speed and type of terrain we now ski we are
strong advocates of using helmets and protection to
save your precious bodily bits from scrapes and skirmishes.
Dainese is one brand that we recommend as they offer
state of the art protection from head to toe.
 Accessories
Back Country and Off Piste kit is well worth considering
especially if you venture into one of the worlds greatest
Off Piste Mecca's - Chamonix.Avalanche transceivers,
shovels and probes from Ortovox and Back County Access.
Backpacks from Black Diamond, Back County Access and
Dakine are worth considering. Remember skiing Off Piste
is thirsty work so consider purchasing a Hydration system
to maximise performance and enjoyment.
Stay in touch with your mates on the hill without the
expense of using your mobile with a Motorola walkie-talkie
for as little as £99 for a pair.
Have a great winter and enjoy one of the greatest sports
on the planet. If we can be of any help come please
come into one of our shops, gives us a call or browse
our website on the Internet.
website: www.snowandrock.com
Tel: 0845 100 1000
Here is to a great winter.
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