Once again – after two aborted seasons – I’m happy to post that finally I’m about to embark on another ski trip to europe, and after hearing so much over the years about this particular mountain range I’m very glad at last to announce that it will be to the spectacular Dolomites in Italy.

While skiing in the Italian Alps in 2011 I heard non-stop from those in the know about how good it was over in the Dolomites, the snow, the scenery, the conditions and the great expanse of runs and trails, so being able to resist no longer I finally got my money out and I’m flying out there this coming week.

I’ll be staying in the Alta-Badia region in a small alpine village called Pedraces (Badia) and I’ll be right at the foot of the famous Sellaronda with it’s vast abundance of pistes and ski areas to choose from. I also intend to spend some of my time learning how to Snow-Shoe safely in the surrounding Italian backcountry (something I can’t wait to have a bash at!) giving me even more access to those glorious mountains.

As it’s now a couple of years since I last skied I’ve taken the opportunity of the downtime to upgrade some of my gear, although in reality I never really need an excuse when it comes to purchasing additional outdoor gear! As I hinted at a couple of years ago on this blog I still wonder what one man needs, or indeed does, with so much gear but none-the-less it’s always fun to treat oneself before any upcoming trip.

To repeat my thoughts from back then again as now I hope to travel safely and to come back in one piece – having avoided any major injuries – also I hope everyone will be OK at home while I’m away. I hope for good snow and good weather in the mountains, I hope for good trails and pistes, and that I perform well while skiing down them. Most of all though I hope that all my out of season training has gotten me fit enough to ski for around eight hours a day for six full days back to back, it’s time to find out.

So finally for all those gear junkies out there and for my own personal record and gratification here is my all new 2014 Ski Kit List:

• Rossignol Zenith 100 S3 Sensor Ski Boots
• Volkl Ski Outer Jacket
• Icepeak Ski Salopettes
• North Face Micro Down Jacket
• Nevica Ski Helmet
• Nevia Ski Goggles
• Sinner Sports Sunglasses
• Osprey Flare 24 Backpack
• BioSkin Knee Stabiliser x 1
• iPhone 4S (Ski Tracks Data App by http://www.corecoders.com) + GPS
• iPod Nano
• PowerMonkey eXplorer
• Petzl Headtorch Tikkina 2
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS50 Digital Camera, HD 720p, 16.1MP, 5x Optical Zoom
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 Digital Camera, HD 720p, 12.1MP, 18x Optical Zoom
• Beanies x 3
• Thermal all bodywear x 4
• Micro Fleeces x 3
• Ski Socks x 6
• Soloman X Ultra GTX Boots
• Travel First Aid Kit
• Prescription Painkillers
• Mountain Sports Suncream
• Assorted T-shirts Jumpers & Jeans etc
• Money (Euros)
• & finally my British Passport