Have you ever wondered what time it is while you’re skiing? Of course not, why would you? You’re having way too much fun to figure out when it’s going to end. But have you ever wondered how fast you’re going, how cold it is, and what direction you need to go? Of course you have! That’s why ski watches – watches made for skiers like you – were invented in the first place! They’re sturdy, and they have an altimeter, a barometer, and a compass.
Being sturdy is important for a skier’s watch. You want something that will survive crashes into the snow, especially if you’re just starting out and crashes are still relatively common. You also need it to be resistant to water, because melted snow is barely different from water, and you don’t want it damaged that easily. It also needs to survive in low temperatures (a minimum of -30 degrees Celsius or -22 degrees Fahrenheit is common).
But you also want to know how fast you got down that mountain when you reach the bottom, right? That’s where the altimeter comes in handy. Many ski watches will measure your vertical speed in a broad range of altitudes (a range of -500m to 9000m is common, and that’s more than you should ever need). You also want a very specific resolution (1m is the best you’ll get, but 5m is just fine). If it can record this data for later download, all the better.
Look for a watch that has a barometer, too. This will tell you the air pressure around you, and the temperature both at the top of the mountain and at the bottom.
Finally, look for a ski watch with a compass. If you’re skiing in the back country, or off the piste, you could get lost – or at least turned around. Having a compass can get you home safely in no time at all, and having one on your watch makes it handy and hard to lose.
Ski watches are a great investment for skiers who love to ski. Make sure it’s sturdy and water-resistant, has an altimeter, a barometer, and a compass, and you’ll be good to go.
