It might be one of the hottest days of the year so far but we know that it's never too soon to start thinking about your next ski holiday. Whilst you're sipping on your cold beer in the sunshine here's some exciting new gadgets to bring hi-tech to high altitude.
Snow Sports Cameras:
You could be forgiven for thinking that GoPro is the only POV camera - but a slew of competitors have arrived. The new iON Air Pro 3 camera, for example, offers a major, high-definition upgrade in self-mounted camera footage. The camera is waterproof and wifi enabled and will shoot up to 60 frames per second at 1080 pixels. It also has a shake-reduction feature and built-in microphone - which allows for good quality sound even on windy days. Footage can instantly be uploaded to Facebook too.
GoPro's Hero 3 gets an upgrade this year in the shape of the Hero 3+, smaller and lighter than its predecessor with longer battery life, and faster wifi connnection. Again the built-in microphone has been improved, and the lens is now wider angle.
If you're worried about the POV camera spoiling the look of your sleek silhouette, you could try the latest camera goggle from Zeal - an extremely cool piece of kit, with an updated lens and improved camera performance. Integrated wifi also means you can share content directly on Facebook and other social networks.
The footage certainly looks pretty good!
Goggles with Heads-Up Display
When it comes to techy goggles it looks like most manufacturers are getting in on the act - with Zeal, Oakley, Smith, Scott and Uvex all coming out with integrated GPS heads-up displays. Many will be using Recon Instruments Snow 2 HUD. The technology adds a tiny GPS-enabled screen inside the lens which shows speed, vertical descent, airtime, navigation, distance and more. There's also a "friend-tracking" feature and wireless connection to your phone for receiving texts. You can also connect to your favorite ski apps to get latest weather and snow information.
Warm Hands, Warm Heart
Finally Burton's Chill Hero jacket is waterproof, breathable and has an Emergency Blanket heat reflective liner for warmth. You can also unzip the liner completely and pack it away into the jacket's back pocket on those warmer days. The Chill Hero will be available in men and women's sizes and what's more it is socially responsible - each purchase also means a donation to the Chill Foundation - a non profit organisation which gives at-risk youngsters the chance to learn to snowboard.
And of course don't forget if you've got the gear but no idea of where you'll be skiing and snowboarding next winter try our super cool ski holiday finder gadget the Solutions Room - for a tailor-made ski holiday ideas!
