In less than a month, America’s premiere ski resorts will fire up the lifts for the first tracks of the 2016-17 season.
Winter warriors who hope to make the most of their powdered playgrounds would be wise to invest in some new technology for their mountain homes.
Below we’ve outlined the essential, and entertaining, products that cover all elements of the ski experience.
Be the First to Snow
Are there any recreational activities more dependent on accurate weather information than skiing and snowboarding?
Snow sport enthusiasts rely on forecasts to determine their level of layering, shade of goggles and selection of ski trails. If the local weather jockey calls for problematic precipitation, the weekend warrior may pack it in and press snooze instead of rising early to make fresh tracks on the mountain.
More:Building a High-Tech Library at Home
So why depend on regional weather reporting? Modern technology has made accurate forecasting of your immediate location available via home weather stations.
Our pick is the Pro 5-in-1 Color Weather Station with Wind and Rain.
The barometric bastion, which can be easily built in your own backyard, measures five different outdoor conditions including temperature, wind speed, wind direction, humidity and rainfall, and can operate down to -40º Fahrenheit. The sensor is paired with AcuRite’s colorful digital display, an LCD screen that shares a range of relevant environmental information and includes a real-time weather ticker.
The 5-in-1 can be also be paired with an internet bridge and provide you with forecasts, customized to your specifications, on your smart device of choice.
Price: $149.98
Toasty Toes and Mo'
Every skier or snowboarder worth their powder has felt the bite of the day-old damp boot, the sting of the soggy glove or the hug of the wholly un-dry helmet.
Moisture-ridden gear is not only an icky experience for the daily downhill denizen but something of a health hazard too, as damp clothing is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Alas, this least glamorous aspect of the snow sport lifestyle can be easily avoided by investing in a boot warmer.
The Cyclone 4 Pair Boot Dryer System will dry four pairs of boots or gloves in 30 to 60 minutes, ensuring you could hit the hills with toasty toes after a midday lunch break.
The unit, which can easily be mounted in any home, also has programmable drying times of 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes—if you had a particularly wet day, or simply want to warm up your mittens before climbing the mountain.
Price: $899.00
Eye on the Sky (and Mountain)
Mountains of reliable mountain-related weather data is great. But sometimes seeing is believing.
Affix the (relatively) recently released Nest Cam Outdoor on your ski chalet and you can keep an eye on the weather and your favorite mountain views, from your computer, phone or tablet.
Sneak a peek during the work week and if the powder is pouring, perhaps you schedule a Winter Friday and head up to the hills before the crowds arrive.
More:Four Homes That Are Fantastic Fits for the New Nest Outdoor Camera
The Nest Cam Outdoor is the gift that keeps on giving in the off season too. Seasonal retreats, perhaps more than other properties, can be the subject of unwanted intruders, given their long periods of vacancy.
The Nest Cam Outdoor provides 24/7 live streaming 1080p HD video, and will alert you (on the devices of your choice) whenever it notices movement in a designated "activity zone," like the driveway or back deck.
Furthermore the camera comes with a built-in mic and speaker, allowing the user to communicate with the unwelcome visitor, be they burglar or brown bear.
Price: $199; Plus $100-$300/year with Nest Aware subscription
All About Après
The most important aspect of any day on the slopes does not take place on the slopes. Yes, it’s the all-important après ski.
And while most après ski experiences tend to be spirit-filled affairs, the best après experiences feature a bubbly of an entirely different variety.
More:Solutions for a Smart Wine Cellar
The J-585 Luxury Open Seating Masterpiece will turn any après from typical to top-tier
The high-end hot tub seats seven and features stylish design, dual cascading waterfalls, ample lighting options and a waterproof touchscreen controls.
But the J-585 isn’t just another pretty face. The jacuzzi is replete with massaging jets that are sure to soothe the many muscles you worked while slicing up the black diamonds of the day. Perhaps most intriguing, however, is the "low profile foot dome" which offers targeted hydromassage to key foot pressure points—welcome relief to feet that spent hours within ski boots.
And as we are truly living in a wonderful future, you can remotely monitor your J-585 jacuzzi via an smart device app.
Price: Pricing varies based on features and is available upon request