The first time I realised a headlamp was not just a handy bit of kit, but an essential way of maximising fun, I was on a ski season in Les Arcs, France. It was on the kit list I was sent by the boss – and I thought it excessive. As if I wasn’t shelling out enough on gear for the privilege of working my fingers to the bone for €100 a week.
However, I relented and bought a basic Black Diamond, and come the first Thursday evening of my posting, I shoved it in my pocket before taking the last lift with the guests up to a mountain bar. After a beer, and no doubt a couple of Genepis, while watching the sun set, I pulled my head torch onto my helmet. The idea was to ski back down to the chalet in the dark.
And while this probably wasn’t top of the ‘activities insurance providers cover’ list, it was thrilling, and the talk of the guests for the remaining nights. Empty slopes, wildlife calls, a dark sky full of brilliant stars and the feeling of complete freedom as we sailed down a smooth piste in the quiet together – I couldn't have experienced it without my headlamp. There are many reasons that you need a – from illuminating the snow on a dark piste, to sending out an alert should you career over the edge – so let’s explore more.
.. A headlamp is a small light source, worn on the front of your head to illuminate the direction you're looking.
The main advantages are that, as the sun sets, it gives you more hours outdoors, more time to train, and more opportunity to.