by Rob Freeman
INNOVATIVE independent ski makers Faction claims to be the world’s fastest-growing ski brand, with 30,000 pairs being sold across 35 countries this year.
They are hand-made in Austria, and testing is carried out in Verbier – but it all started just 12 years ago when a self-confessed rag-tag bunch of Australian, Canadian, English and American ski bums set out to design tough, durable skis that would survive ‘without being serviced and could be thrown in the closet for the summer’ and, most of all, be fun to ski – in ski bum parlance, ‘would have a high stoke factor’.
Aching arches, blackened toenails, numb toes and ankle agony have historically hampered many skiers’ ability to enjoy their time on the slopes. As with any realm of life: Where there lies a problem, there lies a solution.
THIS may be the year of the real skier, with more go anywhere boots on the shelves; lighter designs which are as at home hiking up as making arcs on the way down. Skis have more sidecut and the focus has moved away from big skis with wide waists to genuine all mountain boards that work on and off the groomed.
DAHU ski boot technology is available to the UK public for this first time this winter. The inner boot can be worn independently from the shell so skiers simply unclip the boot and step out onto the snow. This, say the manufacturers, means no more standing around in après ski bars in your boots and a more comfortable walk to and from the lifts. The 2015/16 collection includes the Joe & Jane (RRP £449) – boot and liner pictured here; Monsieur Ed (RRP £469); Miss A: Elegant for the advanced women’s skier (RRP £469); and the Numero 7 with a power strap and a hard flex which will suit professionals and experienced skiers (RRP £449)
Ultimax Fusion technology for increased performance and blister-free comfort on the mountain’. The socks retail at around £22.
