A selection of sporty gear to help you keep that New Years resolution

With Newcastle airport offering flights to serious ski destinations like Echigo Yuzawa, Zurich and Whistler you’ll need some serious gear. The duck down filled Eider Solden jacket has every snow feature you’d expect (seam sealed, Aquaguard zips etc) as well as pre-shaped elbows and weighs only 870g. Sizes 8-16 £370 from Snow+Rock, Gateshead. snowandrock.com, 0845 100 1000.

The very important base layer is for comfort, warmth and ultimately survival. These Odio pants and half zip top have a stretch woven seamless construction with anti bacterial silver ions and extra wicking where it matters. Sizes XS-XL pants £54.99, top £67.99 from Snow+Rock, Gateshead. snowandrock.com, 0845 100 1000.

The very important base layer is for comfort, warmth and ultimately survival. These Odio pants and half zip top have a stretch woven seamless construction with anti bacterial silver ions and extra wicking where it matters. Sizes XS-XL pants £54.99, top £67.99 from Snow+Rock, Gateshead. snowandrock.com, 0845 100 1000.

High heel lovers are likely to feel the ache of a flat foot bed which is why we imagine the WedgeWelly has become so popular. We like the different styles available for different calf size. In sizes 3-8 this is the croc effect Man Eater from the Curve range at £40. wedgewelly.co.uk.

It’ll take a while to get used to reading this futuristic timepiece but it’s so sporty! From the techie edgy brand Nooka, it’s the Zub Zoo 40, £99 from Union, Grey Street, Newcastle; online www.nookawatch.co.uk. Other stockists 0844 8126160

Bobbles are big this season and suit just about everyone (think ironic retro!) From Barts at Snow+Rock: the Zinaida hat is £18.99 and the Star earmuffs are £12.99. Snow+Rock, Gateshead. snowandrock.com, 0845 100 100

Groovy Top Shop has some nice SNO ski pieces on offer, traditional salopettes and ski jackets that are slightly more trend than performance-led but there’s soft fleece linings and gadget pockets everywhere. Citrus yellow cotton jacket £95 and grey wool socks £10 at Top Shop, New Eldon Square, Newcastle and online at topshop.com

Groovy Top Shop has some nice SNO ski pieces on offer, traditional salopettes and ski jackets that are slightly more trend than performance-led but there’s soft fleece linings and gadget pockets everywhere. Citrus yellow cotton jacket £95 and grey wool socks £10 at Top Shop, New Eldon Square, Newcastle and online at topshop.com

Just being outdoors in the winter sunshine is beneficial; think of all that vitamin A! This cable 100 per cent merino ‘boyfriend’ cardi in sizes S-L £80 is worn with cashmere roll neck £190, wrist warmers £52 and popper boots £185 which are machine washable! www.celtic-sheepskin.co.uk, 01637 871605.

Why hasn’t Northumberland artist Mary Ann Rogers hasn’t put her beautiful paintings on silk squares before? Let’s encourage her to do more. This boxing hares design is 100 per cent silk with rolled edge hem £85 from www.marogers.com, 01434 270216.

If there’s an exercise you love then you’ll stick to it whatever the season. Start the Olympic year with this Superiority muscle back style ‘proper’ swimming costume from the new Speedo Essentials range. It’s £25 in sizes 28-42 in Endurance+ fabric which is chlorine resistant, quick drying and shape retaining. It might not make you an Olympic swimmer, but you’ll look the part. Speedo.co.uk.

Barbour has some very edgy pieces favoured by the festival crowd but they’re still very much at home in their North East heartland. Beadnell Parka £229, high gloss welly £69.95 and country Fairisle hat £27.95 and scarf £36.95. Factory store at Simonside, South Shields 0191 455 4444, barbour.com.