Elite Traveler January-February 2015

DISCOVER

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2015 ISSUE 1 39

Object of desire

Zai skis

In its brief history, Zai has carved a reputation as the world’s finest ski maker, primarily through the endeavors of founder Simon Jacomet – a former instructor turned artisan who honed his craft at Völkl and Salomon, before setting up on his own in 2003. His ability to develop innovative, performance- enhancing products, using unconventional materials, is exemplified both in the classic Testa model (polished walnut and stainless steel upper edges) and the new Spada (pictured). The Spada is the world’s first ski to feature a core of 50-million-year-old Swiss Alpine granite. The stone is pre-stressed using carbon fibre to create a composite that has exceptional shock- absorbing properties, affording a smooth-yet-solid ride via a cutting-edge ski that’s also as old as the hills you’re skiing on. $7,045; zai.ch

Zai’s exclusive concierge service allows skiers to “try before they buy” any Zai ski (either for a week, month or even a whole season), with personal delivery anywhere in the Swiss Alps. zai.ch/ski-rental; rental@zai.ch; +41 81 936 44 55

Words: Henry Farrar-Hockley