ByJan Shure, Jan Shure
Naturally, you want to be snuggly on the slopes, but we show you how to ensure you keep your style credentials, too.
If you are heading to St Moritz, Aspen, or one of the other recession-defyingly expensive ski resorts this season, expect the uniform on the slopes to be head-to-toe Chanel.
Before designing his winter collection, Karl Lagerfeld seems to have had an especially fruitful reading with a clairvoyant or been in touch with a truly inspired meteorologist, for his ultra-glamorous Ice-Man-Cometh collection featured fur trousers, skirts and shorts, as well as endless fur-lined and fur-edged coats and jackets. Presciently, much of the collection seems to have been aimed at those likely to find themselves living in quasi-Arctic conditions - on and off the slopes - and the fact that skiers can pick their après-ski wardrobe from the collection must be thrilling for those with deep enough fur-lined pockets. Of course, a cynic might say that Moscow, where so many of Chanel's clients now live, is unfailingly icy in winter, but we just think Karl is a clever-clogs.
When it comes to technical ski-wear, aside from dreaming up all those clever flaps, tabs and toggles, most research goes into the waterproof and breathable qualities. The best fabrics have ratings of 20,000 mm/20K of water resistance and 20,000g of breathability, but 5,000mm/5k and 5,000g will be fine unless you are traversing the Arctic.
While staying snuggly on the slopes is, of course, vital, we would hate you to schuss away with the notion that being stylish isn't equally important. We have, therefore, truffled out the most fashion forward pieces with all the most hi-tech embellishments, as well as the best garments for layering and for wearing while sipping an apres-ski vin chaud. Those who don't wish to apply for a mortgage to buy one of the little quilted babies from Moncler should take a look at Norwegian brand Napapijri and French label Degré 7, both of which combine hi-tech with some seriously good styling. Especially desirable is Degre 7's black, fur trimmed ski jacket, and Napapijri's white belted jacket with oversize pockets. And don't overlook the high street. Topshop has a capsule snow collection, including a quilted gilet, jumpsuit and jacket all in perennially covetable black.
When it comes to what goes under your jacket, Sharon Bentwood from Hale, Cheshire, the Jewish proprietor of website Blingy Beach Star, decided she wanted to put some "glitz and glamour" back on the piste. Thus was born Blingy Piste Star, with its range of Swarovski-encrusted vests, tops, long-johns and accessories in red, black and white - all snuggly for skiing and perfect for aprés.
More prosaic, but warm and great value are the vests, leggings and long-sleeve tops from Uniqlo's Heat-Tech range, Aldi's special buy ski thermals at £8.99, and Tog24's breathable, long-sleeve base layer crew at £29.95.
If you are a bit over Uggs, take a look at Woolenstocks' outdoor boots. Handmade in the Himalayas by local artisans, they will not only give your aprés-ski wear a bit of va-voom, but you can wear them knowing they are ethically made and sourced. Me&Em has stylish après-ski pieces, like a cashmere fallaway jacket and roll-top palazzo trousers, plus a stylish layering vest in modal jersey.
And if you need the perfect case for all your ski gear, Eagle Creek's ORV Super Trunk at £265 is made from recycled material and has a mesh compartment for ski poles and a built-in boot box.