Performance

THE COLD SEASON CHEAT SHEET: WINTER ESSENTIALS

It’s that time of year again…

Sub-zero chill and frozen ground crunching beneath your feet.

Winter has arrived, and adventure is calling. It’s time to get prepped for the big freeze with the latest in outdoor technology.

Uber-cool boots, innovative products and the freshest boards, it’s all here. For those
who can’t wait to get out there, welcome to the ultimate cold-weather cheat sheet…

MICHELIN FAST GRIP SNOW CHAINS

A winter must-have for those who need to adventure-proof their drive.

MICHELIN Fast Grip are the future of snow chains and specifically designed for vehicles previously considered ‘un-chainable’.

They’re a market first for low-profile tyres where the gap between tyre and wheel arch is ultra narrow. These innovative chains drape over the tyre and are pulled into position from the front/outside, to avoid squeezing your hands through the compact space to secure them.

Super easy to fit and remove, the patented universal nut fastening system allows adjustment without additional tools.

The chains, made from galvanised steel bars and polyurethane sheets, will handle intensive use and offer optimal performance over snow and ice.

Couple snow chains with all-season tyres, such as MICHELIN CrossClimate for an extra safety step when driving on dicey roads. Unlike summer tyres, all-season tyres are designed for driving in winter conditions. The rubber remains flexible even in low temperatures and the deep grooves add grip on wet or cold surfaces, including snow.

WINTER BOOTS FOR THE WIN

Winter hiker or snowboarder, choosing the right footwear makes all the difference when it comes to icy expeditions.

SNOWBOARD BOOTS

NORDICA HF ELITE HEAT. Already a firm favourite, the HF Elite has been taken to the next level with a fully integrated heated liner. Control the heat settings through your phone for optimal warmth. The HF Elite Heat pays homage to its predecessor by striking a perfect balance between comfort and performance while being fully customisable. Find out more about the hands-free boots here.

THIRTYTWO. 3X NEW MODELS. Yes, you read that right. ThirtyTwo have dropped 3 fresh new styles for the season. They’ve taken existing park staff models TM-2 XLT Diggers and TM-3 Diggers and upgraded them with an Energy Foam midsole and a super lightweight MICHELIN outsole for all-day comfort. Their final drop – Focus BOA – grants a precision fit and ultimate heel lock with the zonal Focus fit system. The Focus BOA has also been refreshed with a MICHELIN sole for long-lasting performance. Check out the range.

And for those who’ve substituted a season of shredding for local winter walking, check out these boots…

LA FUMA APENNINS. A boot born for winter. French brand La Fuma have pulled out all the stops with the Apennins. Designed to keep cold at bay down to -10 degrees C, the boot guards you from the elements with its thermal insulation. On the outside, the specialist MICHELIN winter sole, developed using MICHELIN winter tyre technology, provides unrivalled grip on frozen ground. Piqued? Read more here.

ECCO EXOHIKE. Say hello to the hiker’s delight. A blend of outdoor technology designed to help you always go the extra mile. 100% waterproof (yet perfectly breathable) thanks to GORE-TEX technology, while MICHELIN soles bring excellent traction to the table with the unique tread pattern which ensures stability over tricky terrain. Find out more here.

WARPIGS: THE NEXT GENERATION OF SNOWBOARDS

We couldn’t write a winter essentials blog without paying tribute to the boards bringing their A-Game…

Take the Pig Collection from RIDE. Originating from the RIDE WARPIG board, AKA a self-confessed “All-terrain thrashing machine” from the brand.

They’ve taken design aspects of the cardinal model to create 3 new boards, and fine-tuned each one based on how you choose to ride. Big mountain style or backyard boarder, they’ve got you covered.