If you only treat yourself to one item of clothing for your next winter sports holiday, it’s got to be a crocheted beanie. 

This year, any self-respecting skier or snowboarder will be sporting THE must-have accessory for après-ski.  The brighter the better, and the bigger the better… the beanie look is definitely big, bright and baggy. 

Ironically, for years, no self-respecting teenager would be seen dead in a woolly hat, despite mum and dad’s best efforts to keep their offspring warm.  Now, not only are they high fashion and worn by an increasing number of celebrities, but all the kids are KEEN to wear them – and not just for skiing!  We saw a large number of beanies on the school run this morning.  So why not seize the moment and buy one for mum, one for dad, and one for all the kids?…. they make excellent Christmas presents! 

You can buy beanies in most ski/snowboarding shops and some of the larger supermarkets at the moment.  However, here are some of the coolest labels around to see-and-be-seen-in: 
Funiwear is one of the largest beanie companies in the French Alps (based in Bourg Saint Maurice) and official beanie suppliers to the Alpine BRITS at the end of last season in Laax.  The coolest feature of the Funiwear website is that you can design your very own beanie.

Bella Seel hats are designed by a former chalet girl who started out simply knitting hats for her friends in Verbier, and now produces them in the Cotswolds, along with scarfs, snoods, headbands, hoodies and the most adorable baby beanies and matching mittens for ages 2 and under.  Bella also offers a bespoke service, where you can choose two or three colours and she will make up your uniquely striped beanie in 100% Merino wool.

Our absolute favourites, however, are the gorgeous vibrant colours of Zaini beanies, designed by Scottish ski instructor, Miranda Harper.  Her homemade beanies are without doubt the most successful beanies in Britain, currently sported by the likes of comedian Alan Carr; skier Graham Bell; Binky, Cheska and Ollie from Made in Chelsea; popstars One Direction, JLS and The Dolly Rockers; and a number of X-Factor contestants including Ella Henderson and District 3 – making them uber-trendy, highly-sought-after fashion accessories as well as warm and practical winter/ski/snowboard wear.  

In the next few days you will have a chance to win your very own Zaini beanie in the first of this season’s FSN winter competitions, so come back and visit us again soon.