Gear of the week | Schöffel La Grave ski suit

But what use is a freeride suit in the parlour at home? So get out the goods and get into the fun!

Firstly, a few words about me and the test conditions. I am 186 cm tall and weigh about 85 kg normally a classic L wearer. With Schöffel that would be size 52. The trouser legs are nice and long and the trousers fit well. The arms of the 52 size jacket are long enough and an insulating layer fits well underneath. So far, the suit has been used really hard for about 30 days in heavy snowfall and powder, but also on the piste and in heavy rain up to 2,6000 metres above sea level (so much in advance, it was waterproof!). It was also worn for ski touring, up to an ascent of around 1,500 metres.

But now in order and from bottom to top. As usual, the leg ends (reinforcement against ski edge impacts) have an inner cuff. The trousers are nice and wide, but not too wide over the ski boots (when using crampons, you may need to tie the trouser legs with a PowderGuide Skistrap). The two thigh pockets are well positioned and roomy. Old-schoolers like me can easily fit a tour map, a bar and other stuff in there. I don't know if I'm the only and last Mohican who would like to have a back pocket for a wallet, but unfortunately, as with many other manufacturers, this is missing. The waistband of the trousers can be adjusted using two Velcro fasteners. The jacket and trousers can be joined together with press studs. The leg ventilation has an integrated mesh, which I think is great. This prevents snow from getting in, especially when climbing or trudging in deep powder, which then runs down your legs, further into your ski boots and causes wet socks/cold feet...

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The jacket is cut a little longer, which I personally find very comfortable. The non-removable snow skirt prevents snow from getting in. The two side pockets are very roomy and gloves can be stowed in them just as easily as other small items. The zip is easy to operate, even with one hand, and closes the high-cut collar. I think the high collar is great, as you can hide well behind it in bad/cold weather and wind. The hood is helmet-compatible. There is a chest pocket, which I have mostly used for keys as there is a clip sewn into the strap. Of course, there is also the obligatory ski pass pocket at the bottom of the left sleeve. The cuffs can be individually adjusted with a Velcro fastener. A mesh is incorporated into the ventilation under the arms.

Conclusion

A very stylish, functional ski outfit that shakes up the dusty image of Schöffel and turns it on its head. The La Grave suit has a casual cut, is very comfortable to wear and has many features that I have often missed in other freeride suits. You can clearly see that not only designers were at work here, but also freeriders who know what we really need.