Have It Your Way

You wouldn’t wear someone else’s boots, so why choose goggles made for someone else’s face? Accessories are more customized than ever. Read on to find the helmet, goggles, gloves, glasses and poles made just for you. To view the new 2002 accessories, check out the slideshows.

What to look for in a pair of glasses.
There’s more to great sunglasses than style. Optical quality is vital, as is lens color: Choose yellow or red for flat light; brown, green or orange for moderate or variable light; gray or mirrored for bright sun; and polarized to block glare.

What to look for in a pair of gloves.
It’s hard to enjoy skiing when your hands are cold or wet. Select gloves made with well-insulated, breathable fabrics that wick away moisture. HydroSeal and Gore-Tex inserts keep water out, and removable fleece liners make glove drying easier. Drawcords seal out snow and hold in body heat.[250AD LEFT]

What to look for in pair of poles.
With a gloved hand, try a few pole plants to test if the pole’s swing weight and grip suit you. Select a pole with angled grips, which increase comfort. If you often ski different conditions in the same day, consider poles that adjust in height and have interchangeable baskets.

What to look for in a pair of goggles.
Goggle essentials are a snug fit, fog-fighting vents and lenses that allow for undistorted vision. If you wear a helmet, choose a model with vents in front as well as a strap that attaches independently from the frame and clips together in back.

What to look for in a helmet.
Choose a helmet that fits snugly and meets ASTM (new this season), CE or Snell safety standards. Also, make sure you’re in the driver’s seat: Options like removable liners and adjustable vents let you control your comfort.