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Shopping - Not just for girls

Sometimes you look at people on the hill and think man I really wanna be able to do that. We all watch in awe as guys and girls rip down the hill, kick it on kickers (?) and erm... rail the rails! Unless you have devoted your life to spending half your time in a cast, are on first name terms with the doc's in the ER, and travel the world following the snow eating nothing but noodles, then chances are you're a mere mortal like the rest of us.

However, fear not - we have a plan!  We have compiled a list of some of the best Kiwi snow gear to be found anywhere in the world, to help you at least look the part when you hit the slopes.  You might not be able to keep up with the 10 year olds, but man you'll look and feel great!

Mons Royale

If the half naked hot girl waxing her snowboard doesn’t sell it to you then the quality and comfort definitely will!   Designed by legendary Kiwi freeskier, Hamish Acland, this gear will keep your backside warm and toasty on the slopes.  Their slogan Is ‘First On, Last Off’ which is clever considering it is underwear we’re talking about (I tried last on first off - but that didn't really work out so well). Made from fine merino wool (from real sheep, not the polyester type!) and produced in some pretty sweet colours (bright green is my fav) this product is breathable, durable and best of all – doesn’t stink.  Local Wanaka star Jossi Wells rocks it so it must be good. At the moment it is only sold in New Zealand though so you will have to wait until you arrive before you can get your pitts on it!

Icebreaker

Many many years ago when I was in my first year at Otago Uni I had a friend called Jason (hey Jase!!). He wore the same top everyday for four years (insert smelly student joke here!)  – a black and brown Star-Trekish type jersey. I was fascinated with the thumb loops in the sleeves. Now of course everyone has heard of Icebreaker and almost everyone who spends time in the snow owns one. Stylish, sexy and warm, Icebreaker makes gear that is designed to handle the extreme weather conditions in New Zealand. Their website has a pretty cool feature too where you can enter the ‘baacode’ of your own Icebreaker and it will tell you exactly where your wool came from in New Zealand!

Groovstar

From an outerwear company that started in a garage in Whangamata (one of New Zealands favourite beaches) Groovstar has become one of the most popular brands on the New Zealand snow slopes. You would think that people at the beach wouldn’t have the time or inclination to think about clothes for cold places but thankfully for the world they did! This seasons range has some fruity colours (melon, mandarine) and the styling is pretty cool too. NZ Snow Tours will be wearing Groovstar this season, so I guess that means that Groovstar really are one of the coolest companies in the world, we can’t wait to get into it! (as the actress said to the bishop).

Toots McSkibum

A cute name for some pretty classy hats. To be honest I am not 100% sure if Toots is considered a Kiwi company (maybe someone can enlighten me??) but they were seen and sold in Wanaka first so we are claiming them! Designed by self-proclaimed ski bum (hence the name) Lorna Gibson, these beanies are the cutest hats you will see on the slopes. Now sold all over the world from Utah to Japan they are definitely a must have for the New Zealand winter season that is fast approaching. Now all you have to do is choose between the sheep, ladybirds or penguins!

Kingswood

I might be a snowboarder but I know cool skis when I see them and Kingswood make very cool skis. Fat skis for big mountain skiing, each ski is handmade and crafted to the individual needs of the customer. That is some amazing customer service right there! A favourite for the patrollers in the Canterbury club fields these are ideal for skiing powder in New Zealand….and for that matter anywhere in the world. Their kids range is sure to make a free skier out of any aspiring grommet – yip, I would be getting my kids (erm Ange we need to talk! - Si) on these before they try out any snowboard. Still waiting for my free samples though!

That's it for now. Hope you all had a great Easter and didn't gorge yourselves as badly as I!

Ange

PS - HUGE congrats are due to Jossi Wells for taking out the AFP World Tour

Posted By: Angela Schrider, @ Fri, 2nd Apr 2010