The Alpine gear guide

The Alpine gear guide

Everything you need to hit the slopes while keeping warm, staying safe and looking cool…

The 2026 season is set to be one of the best on record, with high snowfall predicted across the Alps. The season also sees a number of incredible hotel openings in many of the key resorts, so frankly there’s no reason to stay off the slopes.

Choosing which equipment to invest in can be daunting, however. Thankfully the Gentleman’s Journal team, with help from some very experienced skiers, have put together the ultimate alpine gear guide for you…

Ascent softshell touring jacket

Peak Performance

Ascent softshell touring jacket

A ski touring jacket designed for mobility and breathability. The front is weatherproof softshell; the back is highly breathable, stretchy double weave. Safety features include a helmet-compatible hood and a RECCO Rescue System Reflector.

The Nylon fabric is both durable and breathable and is critical seam-sealed for protection. Two-way zippers in the leg endings have integrated snow gaiters and allow you to quickly switch to walking mode.

Brighton Base Layer

Tracksmith

Brighton Base Layer

Looking for a base layer to stand the test of time? Try engineered Merino mesh: a soft, moisture-wicking blend that regulates temperature and is virtually impervious to odour.

S/Pro Supra Dual BOA 120 boots

Salomon

S/Pro Supra Dual BOA 120 boots

These offer revolutionary micro-adjustable sensitivity. With two BOA dials, they also deliver a customised fit.

Daily Snap-T pullover

Patagonia

Daily Snap-T pullover

The OG of pullovers, made with 100% Regenerative Organic Certified fabric that’s exceptionally soft on the skin.

Denby hat

Aubin

Denby hat

The Denby beanie is the perfect hat from brand of the moment, Aubin. They’re made in Scotland by Robert Mackie, who were established in 1845.

Guide gloves

Black Diamond

Guide gloves

These guide gloves offer optimal balance of dexterity, durability and insulation for hard duty on super-cold days.

Dancer 79

Fraction

Dancer 79

The brand’s first pure-piste ski, with decades of freeride and all-mountain expertise distilled into them. Great for skiers who want a ski that is easy to turn in all conditions.

SK5 Expert Men skiing knee-high socks

Falke

SK5 Expert Men skiing knee-high socks

These boast a moisture-wicking three-layer construction to keep feet dry and blister-free.

Heron Glacier sunglasses

Vallon

Heron Glacier sunglasses

Equipped with mirrored Cat. 4 lenses and genuine leather side shields, these offer maximum alpine protection and remain the go-to choice for record-breaking mountaineers and ski tourers. They also look damm good.

Arver ski jacket

Napapijri

Arver ski jacket

Perfect for those more relaxed days on the slopes, offering wind protection while maintaining breathability. Also uses Recco technology to help tracking in case of avalanches.

Jetforce Pro 10L avalanche airbag pack

Black Diamond

Jetforce Pro 10L avalanche airbag pack

Small and light, with multiple deployments and automatic deflation. It also has room for everything you need on the slopes.

Skirner jacket

Klattermusen

Skirner jacket

The perfect shell jacket. Made from bio-based polyamide in a tough three-layer construction, it offers complete waterproofing with taped seams and reinforcements on the shoulders.

Apple Watch Ultra 3

Apple

Apple Watch Ultra 3

The king of the adventure smart watch, the Ultra 3 offers a whole host of functions which are useful on the slopes, not to mention Emergency SOS in case you get into trouble.

Vik Windpro gloves

66 North

Vik Windpro gloves

Made from Polartec Wind Pro stretch fabric, these are great for warmer days on the piste — and you can use your phone without having to take them off.

Tor Spherical helmet

Giro

Tor Spherical helmet

Sender IN hybrid jacket

Mammut

Sender IN hybrid jacket

This versatile layer works under a hardshell or as a standalone. Its synthetic fill is made from recycled rope offcuts; outer fabric is made from recycled wind-repellent fabric.

Line Miner Pro M Snow Goggles

Oakley

Line Miner Pro M Snow Goggles

These offer a 20% wider view than most snow goggles, and come with extra lenses for different light conditions.

Alberni reversible fleece bomber

Canada Goose

Alberni reversible fleece bomber

We love this reversible fleece from Canada Goose: perfect for keeping warm and looking great.

And once your kit is dialled in, be sure to read more in The ski chalets you should be renting this season, because where you recover matters almost as much as how you ski.

Further reading