Buying Guides

Across the United Kingdom our stores give you access to the best boot and equipment service centres to help keep your investment in top condition. By investing in the latest technology and training courses our stores can provide you with custom solutions to your needs.

If you’re heading to the mountains waterproof gear is essential. Whether you’re playing in the snow, hiking, or climbing, outdoor weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. 

If you’re new to winter sports you might be wondering why you need special outerwear, not to mention why it varies so much in price and technicality, especially when you’re used to just throwing on your usual waterproof jacket and heading out the door. 

While there is no perfect formula or perfect height, the right ski poles can improve your performance, giving you a more responsive and enjoyable ski. Bear in mind that sizing will be personal to you, too long or heavy for your skiing style and they’ll likely get in the way, too short and you’re more likely to position yourself too far forward, throwing you off balance.  

Height and weight are both important in choosing the correct size skis for kids, but as a general rule, kid’s skis should hit somewhere between their chin and forehead, but like adult skis, the most suitable length depends on a few other factors.  

Our stores have a wide range of kid’s ski equipment so if in doubt, visit us in store and get expert advice from our knowledgeable staff. 

Height and weight are both important in choosing the correct size snowboard for kids, but as a general rule, kid’s boards should hit somewhere between their chin and chest, but like adult boards, the most suitable length depends on a few other factors. 

Our stores have a wide range of kid’s snowboard equipment so if in doubt, visit us in store and get expert advice from our knowledgeable staff. 

An avalanche transceiver is an essential part of any backcountry safety setup, along with your shovel and probe so it’s vital you find the right one for you and know how to use it.  

Layers are undisputably the best way to keep warm on the slopes, and this all starts with nailing the basics. But remember, layering systems are as individual as your ski boots or favourite runs. What works for someone else may not work for you - and that's where we come in. We've created this guide to everything there is to know about base layers, so you can choose the right one for you.

Thermoball, The North Face’s revolutionary insulation alternative, started with a problem. Goose down is widely recognised as the warmest and lightest insulation available, yet once wet its insulation properties are less than efficient. Whilst synthetic insulations, performs better in wet condition, is heavier and less compactable. 

When you’re on track to live a life that doesn’t feel quite right, you have two choices. Carry on and pretend that all is right in the world or, make a change. It was three young friends that decided it was time to make a change not only in their own lives but in the lives of future generations and this is why the buying team at Snow+Rock have added Picture to the collection for this season.

Whether you’re exploring the remotest corners of the UK or taking to high-up trails in far-flung locations, you need boots that are built to keep up. But the question of which footwear is the best is not a straightforward one, since it depends on what you’ll be doing and where – so here’s our breakdown of everything you need to know to make the right decision.

Your bindings are your connection to your skis, transferring your movements from muscle to slope. This is especially important for alpine touring, and specific AT ski bindings will allow you to lift your heels naturally while ascending uphill and then lock your boots down allowing you to use your regular alpine skiing technique downhill. Used in combination with climbing skins and alpine touring boots, AT bindings making travelling snowy ground fast and efficient.  

There’s more to buying goggles than meets the eye (pun totally intended). When you’re looking to upgrade your eyewear, you should consider lenses, tilt, fit and lens tech too. Here’s our guide to getting it right.