Gear & Equipment

16th June 2026

PlanetSKI Turns Into PlanetHIKE (Again)

Hiking is one of our preferred pastimes in the summer months. Up in the mountains, on coastal paths, along hills and elsewhere. NEW

11th June 2026

PlanetSKI Goes Summer Hiking in the Swedish Ski Resort of Åre

This summer we are hiking in the Alps, the Canadian Rockies, plus the South Downs Way & SW Coastal Path in the UK. But we start in Scandinavia.

13th April 2026

Hiring Skis with Intersport

As a regular Intersport customer and frequent visitor to Val d’Isère, I’ve come to rely on their service as part of my ski routine — and once again, they delivered exactly what you want from a top resort rental shop.

31st March 2026

The PlanetSKI Gear Reviews From Canada: #3 Odds ‘n’ Ends

Our team of five testers puts ski gear, ski clothing and a few other surprise items through their paces deep in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. If you want honest reviews on a wide range of snowsport products look no further.

27th March 2026

Intersport Austria Sees Sharp Growth

Preliminary figures for the first half of the 2025/26 fiscal year show a sales increase of 7%. Intersport out-performed the overall Austrian market.

11th March 2026

The PlanetSKI 2026 Gear Tests: Direct From Canada – #2 Women’s Ski Clothing

Our team of five specialist testers puts ski gear, ski clothing and a few other surprise items through their paces deep in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. If you want honest reviews on a wide range of products look no further.

1st March 2026

The PlanetSKI 2026 Gear Tests: Direct From Canada #1

17th February 2026

Intersport’s New Flagship Store in Méribel

PlanetSKI visits the new Intersport ski hire shop in Méribel. We report on what the shop offers, plus the quick efficiently smooth ski hire process.

12th February 2026

PlanetSKI Gear Review #5 Winter 2025/26

In our Fifth gear review Alf tests a pair of Nordica Speedmachine Ski Boots, a Klattermusen Svallin Jacket and Vallon goggles, along with a goggle strap fundraiser for Protect Our Winters.

9th February 2026

International Ski Patrollers Day

Ensuring the slopes are open, safe and fun for everyone, ski patrollers are the unsung heroes of the mountains. Their contribution was marked on Tuesday. UPDATED

2nd February 2026

Ski Hire at Intersport in St Anton

Ten friends on a group skiing adventure to St Anton enjoy a stress free and professional experience hiring ski equipment for the week. PlanetSKI’s Cara Brookes shares her experience.

27th January 2026

PlanetSKI Chases Powder in the Pyrenees with Intersport

With over 45 years of skiing under my belt, and 25 of those as a ski writer, I had never skied in the French Pyrenees. So when I was invited out by Intersport to check out their rental operations here I jumped at the chance.

14th January 2026

PlanetSKI Gear Review #4 Winter 2025/26

In our fourth gear review Alf tests value for money ski wear from Tog24 and H&M, Salomon and H&M goggles, Helly Hansen gloves along with the Roc Blanc hardshell jacket offering year round wear.

16th December 2025

How Much Protection Do Ski Helmets Offer?

Not as much as some might think according to a new Swiss study. They offer limited protection. Helmet use is widespread with Italy making it compulsory this season. UPDATED

7th December 2025

PlanetSKI Gear Review #3 Winter 2025/26

In our third gear review Alf Alderson tests Osprey and Deuter bags, Ski Jackets from Schöffel, Jöttnar & Helly Hansen a pair of POC merino tights and the Cardo packtalk coms device.

3rd December 2025

New Feature on App Makes it Easier to Report Avalanches in Switzerland

This season people can use the App to have a simpler way to report avalanches and see improved information. UPDATED

29th November 2025

PlanetSKI Goes Skiing in Wales!

Yes, you have read that right. PlanetSKI reporter, Mike Richards, has taken advantage of the cold snap and made some turns on the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire. Assisted by a portable ski lift.

26th November 2025

PlanetSKI Gear Review #2 Winter 2025/26

In our second Gear Review, Alf Alderson tests high end ski gear with jackets from Jöttnar, Helly Hansen and Salomon, an Osprey daypack, POC underwear, and the latest Smith goggles.

24th November 2025

Exclusive Ski Deals for PlanetSKI Readers

We have teamed up with a number of our favourite ski companies to offer some great money-saving deals on ski equipment, ski transfers, ski lessons & more. NEW

13th November 2025

PlanetSKI’s Xmas Ski Present Guide

Everything from stocking fillers to more substantial presents. Look no further folks. UPDATED

10th November 2025

PlanetSKI Gear Review #1 Winter 2025/26

In our first Gear Review of the season Alf Alderson reviews the Barryvox avalanche transceiver from Mammut. Ski goggles from SunGod & Panda Optics, heated gloves from Thaw + the latest POC ski helmet. Oh and a pair of wellies from Grubs Bearline.

31st October 2025

Major Ski Brands Confirm Investigation Over Potential Price Fixing

The equipment brands Amer Sports and the Tecnica Group say they are under initial investigation by the European Commission.

24th October 2025

Family Pledges to Re-build Finches Emporium

The iconic London ski shop was destroyed by fire a week ago. The shop opened in 1947 and the family say they will rise from the ashes.

20th October 2025

Real Snow Ski Rail Jam in London

Pro skier and Peak Performance’s athlete, Max Palm, plus some top pros were in action last weekend at London Bridge. PlanetSKI was under the arches. UPDATED

20th October 2025

Going Back in Time at The London Snow Show

A London snowsports show returned to Olympia for the first time in 15 years. Organisers are claiming a huge success. PlanetSKI editor, James Cove, was there as the doors opened on Saturday and left as the show closed on Sunday.

6th October 2025

The PlanetSKI 2025 Gear Tests – Direct From Japan

PlanetSKI has been out in the powder of Japan testing jackets, gloves, trousers, underlayers, ski poles & even headphones. We’re looking for warmth, waterproofing, durability and comfort.

2nd October 2025

Interest Seems to be Growing in Second Hand Ski Gear

New research from Inghams Ski claims a rise in demand for second-hand ski gear – with searches up 51% compared to last year.

2nd October 2025

Foreign Office Warns UK Skiers That Helmets Compulsory in Italy Next Winter

All people on ski slopes in Italian resorts will need to wear a helmet. Failing to do so could lead to a fine and suspension of lift pass. UPDATED

24th September 2025

Free Tickets to London Snow Show for PlanetSKI Readers

We have managed to get our hands on some free tickets to the event that takes place at Olympia October 18th-19th. If you want to get in the mood for winter and be inspired for the season ahead then it’s the place to be.

15th September 2025

AI-Powered Video System for Skiers

Norway’s only indoor ski area, SNØ Oslo, is piloting Snow Eye – an innovative AI video solution developed to take ski training to the next level.

13th September 2025

London Snow Show Kicks Off

It’s all happening at Olympia this weekend – ski, snowboard, travel & après fun combined. UPDATED

22nd August 2025

Canada Set to Use Drones for Avalanche Control

Transport Canada has approved the use of the SnowDart system from AVSS. They are safer, more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

15th August 2025

Northern Snow Show Returns

It is set to take place 4th to 5th October 2025 at The Snow Centre in Manchester. It is free to attend and the organisers claim it will be bigger and better. UPDATED

15th August 2025

Compulsory Ski Helmets in Italy Confirmed

Italy is the first ski country in the world to make it mandatory. After online claims, social media speculation and AI generated stories PlanetSKI can confirm people on the slopes in Italy will need to wear a helmet next winter. UPDATED

30th July 2025

Italy Moves Step Closer to Making Ski Helmets Compulsory

Currently it is compulsory for skiers under 18 to wear a helmet and that may now be extended to everyone as amendments are approved to the country’s Sports Decree. UPDATED

26th May 2025

FIS Highlights Racer Safety

For any high-speed sport, risk mitigation is among the biggest tasks. The International Ski & Snowboard Federation is working to make alpine ski racing safer while retaining its excitement and appeal.

22nd May 2025

US Snowboard Company Pauses Production Due to Trump Tariffs

Goon Gear will not produce snowboards for the 2025-2026 season. It says the decision is due to Trump’s tariffs and rising costs.

30th April 2025

Black Diamond Set to Raise Prices in USA Due to Trump’s Tariffs

It says prices on most of its products will increase 10–25% due to the recent global tariffs introduced by the Trump Administration.

24th April 2025

Intersport in Austria Claims Good Winter

Facts, figures and reports are being compiled as the winter season ends. The latest comes from the ski rental group, Intersport, and covers the scene in Austria.

14th April 2025

An Introduction to Ski Touring

It’s one of the fastest growing activities in the mountains and can begin with a gentle walk up a marked path and returning on a piste or by its side. Here’s how you can give it a try to see if it’s for you.

8th April 2025

GB Ski Tests Move to Italy

The 2026 SIGB Snow Test, Slide on Snow, will take place in Champoluc, Italy, from 26–30 January 2026. It has been held at La Clusaz in France in recent years.

11th March 2025

PLANET SKI GEAR REVIEW #6 WINTER 24/25

Our 6th and last Gear Review for the winter we focus on value for money, useful kit suitable for ski touring.

28th February 2025

Dave Ryding’s ‘Game-Changing’ New Kit

GB’s greatest ever alpine ski racer, Dave Ryding, has taken a big step towards protecting his body this season. The 38-year-old tells PlanetSKI he’s upgraded his traditional foam-padded racesuit for something more high-tech.

22nd February 2025

PlanetSKI Gear Review #5 Winter 2024/25

Our gear and equipment editor checks out the latest insulated jackets along with POC and Oakley goggles and helmets.

18th January 2025

PlanetSKI Gear Review #4 Winter 2024/25

We focus on eyewear in our fourth Gear Review of the winter, with emphasis on Jamie Nichols Signature XE2 Goggles by Messy Weekend.

9th January 2025

Stress-Free Skiing with Intersport

Here we look in detail at the experience of renting your kit – boots, skis, helmets and even goggles. PlanetSKI reader, Cara Brookes, is unashamedly a fan of renting.

8th January 2025

Snowsports Equipment Sales on the Rise in the UK

Sales of ski and snowboard gear in the UK are bouncing back, according to the annual trade survey of the Snowsports Industries of Great Britain.

3rd January 2025

How to Shake Off Negative Ski Gremlins with the Warren Smith Ski Academy

I had such a bad end to last season that one family member suggested it might be pertinent to hang up my skis. My reaction was to get rid of the gremlins in my head and book a ski course with the Warren Smith Ski Academy in Verbier.

31st December 2024

Ski Boots from Profeet

How often should you change your ski boots? What is the best one to get? What’s the difference between them all? Should you get them in the UK or out in the mountains? How can one get comfortable boots? How tight should they be? NEW

27th December 2024

World Telemark Day

The international celebration takes place this 2024-25 winter season on Saturday March 1st, 2025 and marks the 11th year since it began.

18th December 2024

14,000 People Helped by Swiss Piste Rescue Last Winter

The figures come from injury statistics from the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention.

11th December 2024

PlanetSKI Gear Review #3 Winter 2024/25

In our December review the Komperdell ski poles stand out as a must have. Our review also features the Salomon Brigade Index helmet, HH three finger gloves, Vallon sunglasses and more.

2nd December 2024

The PlanetSKI Xmas Ski Gift Guide

Stuck for a present to buy or perhaps you want to receive something you actually want? Look no further… UPDATED

29th November 2024

London Snow Show Returns to Olympia

The 2025 London Snow Show is returning to Olympia for the first time in 15 years. It will take place on October 18th and 19th 2025. UPDATED

23rd November 2024

PlanetSKI Gear Review #2 Winter 2024/25

In our second gear edit of the season Alf Alderson reviews some great stocking fillers including goggles, sunglasses, bluetooth speakers & more….

13th November 2024

PlanetSKI Gear Review #1 Winter 2024/25

In our first gear edit of the season Alf Alderson checks out Peak Performance & Helly Hansen clothing and ski touring backpacks.

29th September 2024

Survival Rate for Avalanche Burials Increases by 10% Since 1994

The rise is put down to improvement in equipment, better search & rescue, improved medical treatment and more training.

24th September 2024

Real Snow Rail Jam Comes to London

Peak Performance transformed the famous Covent Garden Piazza into the epicentre of UK ski culture by throwing a ski rail jam, harking back to the 1995 big air that took place in the Piazza. UPDATED

8th August 2024