The Avios collector’s guide to the ski season

As the mercury begins to drop, skiers and snowboarders across the UK are gearing up for the première neige of the winter. If that includes you, then it’s time to head to the British Airways Avios eStore, which has all the essentials you need to get ready for those first fresh tracks (and collect Avios while you shop). Telegraph ski expert Lucy Aspden shares her picks for the season

Capture memories that will last a lifetime

In recent years, action cameras have become a common sight on the slopes – with everyone from filmmakers to holidaymakers recording their flips, falls and frivolities. GoPro’s Hero8 Black (£379.99) is one of the highest-spec models available and delivers smooth-as-silk video and live streaming at a push of a button (Selfridges; up to 10 Avios/£1). The GoPro Hero9 Black (pictured) has recently been revealed ahead of its launch this autumn. The new design features a front LCD screen for selfie-style filming, slow-motion recording and improved battery life.
Where to shop: Selfridges

Push your wardrobe boundaries

Adventure brand The North Face (5 Avios/£1) launched its ground-breaking new fabric technology last winter to global applause. FutureLight claims to offer even better waterproofing and breathability than long-term favourite GoreTex, and its lightweight, stretchy qualities have proved popular with some of the world’s top winter-sport athletes. The fabric features across the brand’s Steep Series – the women’s Purist jacket (£490) and bibs (£450) and men’s Brigandine jacket (£690) and bibs (£590) come with all the essentials and more: zip pockets, helmet compatible hood, thumb loops, lift-pass pocket, snow skirts, plus a radio clip.
Where to shop: The North Face

Save a penny

Decathlon’s (up to 4 Avios/£1) range of ski wear from Wed’ze is not only friendly on the purse strings but functional, too – ideal for families. Kids’ helmets (pictured) cost from £11.99 and jackets from £14.99. Budget-friendly doesn’t mean a lack of great features, though. Highlights include the G900i goggles (£29.99) with an interchangeable lens that can be added when the weather worsens (adults’ and kids’ sizes available), and the FR100 Defense backpack (£39.99), designed for and by those looking to head off piste, with a removable back protector and pockets for avalanche safety equipment.
Where to shop: Decathlon

Best foot forward

Looking to take the plunge, wave goodbye to long rental shop queues and invest in your own ski boots? The expert team at Snow+Rock (3 Avios/£1) offers a complimentary fitting service for anybody looking to take the next step, helping you bust through all the jargon and filter through the extensive range of models available – including best-sellers from Atomic (Men’s Hawx Magna 110 S, £210) or Rossignol (Women’s Pure Elite 70, £200), and models designed with experts (Head Nexo LYT 110, £245) or ski touring (Rossignol Women’s AllTrack Pro 100, £195) in mind.
Where to shop: Snow+Rock

And some sparkle to your season

Busting any myths of ski jackets being boring and frumpy, this season Dare2b (7 Avios/£1) has partnered with Swarovski, which has brought its signature sparkle to the brand’s Luxe range of women’s skiwear. This Bejewel jacket (£340) is a dazzling highlight. Despite the slinky satin fabric being embellished with crystals on the sleeves and collar, it still maintains a decent level of waterproofing and breathability. The detachable hood, with faux fur trim, and velvet collar add to the fashion credentials, while the accompanying embellished fleece (£50), slender-fit ski pants (£60) and all-in-one suit (£260) complete the winter wardrobe.
Where to shop: Dare2b

Channel your inner 007

While awaiting the release of the latest Bond film, skiers and snowboarders have the chance to live the life of a secret agent in the Austrian resort of Sölden. The 007 Elements museum takes visitors on a cinematic tour of behind-the-scenes footage from Daniel Craig’s Bond in Spectre (2015), which was filmed at the resort. Resplendent at more than 3,000 metres, the museum is located beneath the gourmet Ice Q restaurant, the setting for the film’s psychiatric clinic. Eat here before heading back to the extensive spa at the Das Central hotel (booking.com; from 4 Avios/£1) to complete your Bond-inspired break.
Where to book: booking.com