You wouldn't leave your beloved bicycle without a bike lock securely attached, so why don't your precious skis get the same treatment?  If only there was a secure, practical and compact locking device on the market, designed specifically for your skis; I think you know where we're going with this... Introducing Loqski! Loqski is a brand new ski and pole lock designed specifically for skiers to help prevent the loss of skis and poles from mistaken identity or theft. Very quick and easy to fit, Loqski can be used with ski gloves on, and stored in a jacket pocket when not in use. The 10,000 combination lock functions in extreme temperatures and comes with two keys. A separate PVC coated cable teher is included to secure Loqski to a permenant fixture like a ski rack, so you can rest easy next time you stop for that morning coffee at a crowded piste-side cafe, with the knowledge that your babies aren't going anywhere.

Are you usually the group’s designated map reader? Good news my friend; gone are the days of soggy piste maps that, once unfolded, are impossible to revert back to their original state (especially in a blizzard!). Like pretty much everything in life, all you need now is your smartphone which, thanks to the FatMap app, can now do something remarkably smart indeed… FatMap are dragging maps into the 21^st century by providing the adventure community with detailed 3D maps of the outdoors. Insanely comprehensive, the app provides all the stats a mountain explorer could ever need, allowing you to discover, prepare, explore and relive every journey with expert content, terrain intelligence and geo-enabled features. FatMap have essentially created your very own pocket mountain guide – we can’t help but wonder how mountain guides feel about that…

Flying down the slope, shades on, with the wind blowing through your flowing locks is a thing of the past - and this isn’t solely down to the aging process! That's right, helmets have taken over. Whatever your opinion on helmets however, they do protect your bonce and some are pretty cool, just look at the Ruroc RG1 – DX. As well as its mean exterior, this model provides extreme protection and ultimate visibility and has some cool features: like a high impact face mask, magnetic frame goggles, the world’s first fully ventilated lens and an optional Shockwave Audio adaption kit. Also, if you feel like the full facial cover makes you look a little too much like a Stormtrooper, then no dramas; the high impact face mask is removable, as is almost everything on the helmet.

If you like your ski touring, then we suggest you write a thankyou note to Lange this year for launching these beauties. Light weight and a high flex, the Lange XT Freetour 130s are true multi-functional hybrids, providing all of the stiffness and support of a decent piste boot whilst offering the easy-walking function of world class touring boots. They’re available in either a 130 or a 110 flex for men and 110 flex for women and, whilst the colour scheme may be a little garish for some, we think they’re just awesome...

This year we’re pretty excited about Volkl’s playful freeride ski, the Confession. Pumped full of state of the art ski technology, this model replaces the iconic Shiro ski and guarantees an exhilarating ride; the titanal band technology absorbs hard shocks reliably, delivers stability and saves on unnecessary weight. Designed for the backcountry, with features such as a carbon stringer, multilayer wooden core and robust sidewalls the Confession guarantees extra stability during drops, steep lines and hard turns. So if you enjoy playing in the off piste, then we recommend you invest in one of the most playful skis out there...

The British company, Summit, have released the magnetic Xpose 2 Snow Goggle and we’re big fans. As well as a flexible and robust frame design the Xpose 2 model has a comfortable fit and a fresh look. Not only do lenses provide maximum protection against harmful rays but you are also provided with high and low light lenses that can be swapped in seconds thanks to a quick magnetic lens change system – a very convenient feature when the weather on the hill turns a little worse for wear. Finally, if you have smaller features, then Summit have got you covered (literally) the Xpose 2 comes in both a standard and small size ensuring a perfect fit to your face type. Our verdict? Definitely summit to add to the shopping basket...

You’re on a chairlift and you’ve got an incoming call; do you take your glove off, exposing your bare hand to the elements and risk dropping the glove into that treacherous ravine below? No, you buy the BearTek Bluetooth snow glove, tap your hand and say ‘Bonjour!’. This is because, as well as keeping your hands nice and toasty, the BearTek glove is also a remote control for your electrical devices. Casually scroll through your favourite ‘ski mix’ and instantly answer those incoming calls by just tapping your hand; now that’s pretty handy…

Obsessed with your ski stats? Those die-hard fans of the Ski Tracks app may have just discovered a new obsession with the Recon Snow2. Described by The Verge as “By far the coolest gadget you can bring to the slopes” this little gem fits to the bottom right hand corner of your goggles showing your key ski stats and a speedometer on an ultra-compact HD display. You also have the option to pair with any Bluetooth device including your phone or iPod, meaning that you can see what songs are playing or if you have an incoming call, all in your eye line! Admittedly,the Recon Snow2 is a little pricey, but is a must have item for the die-hard gadget gurus.  

Find it hard to ski a run without AC/DC blasting in your ears? Well, whatever your taste in music, you can now forget about having to thread your headphones through your multiple ski layers, or digging into your jacket for your iPod every time you want to change track, with these highly convenient Bluetooth headphones from Chips. The wireless audio drop ins are small and simple to use - just charge them up, pair them with any Bluetooth enabled device and slip them into the ear flaps of your helmet. You can pause or play music, and answer or end a call by just firmly pressing the earpiece - even the technophobes can manage this one.

Well of course GoPro were going to sneak into the list somewhere. However, you may be surprised to learn that we are not talking about the Hero 5, we’re referring to the brand new for 2016 Karma drone! That’s right, GoPro are doing drones now. Sure, with the emergence of drones like the Lilly Pad, flying cameras on the hill are not exactly an innovative concept, but we’re certain that a drone done ‘GoPro style’ is going to be something special. To be honest, we’re quietly hoping that the emergence of drones like the Karma will be the stake through the heart of the selfie stick!