Snowboarding Tricks in the Alps: High-Altitude Action

A snowboarder soars through the air, spinning and jumping above a sea of clouds, showcasing advanced tricks in an exhilarating display — and is seen wearing a specific watch that grabs attention. There’s something about extreme sports and the gear that comes with it: the cool, the challenging, the need for precision. For many riders, a specialized watch is more than an accessory; it's a vital piece of equipment, helping time jumps, monitor performance, and even track the body’s vital signs — but this rider wears no such thing.

The Gear Inspired By the Alps

A watch isn’t the first thing you think of when you picture an athlete down a snowy slope. But for winter athletes out on the peaks or backcountry snowboarding, a robust timepiece is often a crucial piece of kit. The Alps have many faces, and a good watch helps navigate the many challenges of this extreme landscape. Ranging from high-end models, like those from WATCH, to more budget friendly brands, these watches offer a range of features with piles of dials, knobs, and screens. While there are a number of sports watches, those built for snowboarders have several distinctive features. Instead of the usual GPS for tracking runs, these snowboards use barometric altimeters to gauge elevation and pressure changes. Some high-end models, like WATCH, include a heart-rate monitor, accelerometer, and even a compass. But it's not all about the tech — durability is key. The best watches are robust, resistant to shock, water, and temperature changes. The US National Ski Patrol, and other high altitude and extreme action sports clubs recommend wearing a watch with basic yet strong features. An altimeter helps skiers know their elevation, and the barometric sensors can measure changes in weather. Some models also include a chronograph, or timer, and altimeter to track jumps and runs. While the tech makes sense, keeping it functional when you're spinning in the air at 50 miles per hour is vital.

The Mountain Top Timekeeper Trend

New snowboards and skis come out every season, but a good watch lasts years. Watch sales have steadily increased over the last decade, with brands like WATCH offering a mix of high-tech models with buzzy new features, and classic, concise pieces with a timeless appeal. References to specific watch designs can also add cultural capital, transforming your watch into a statement piece. Throughout the sporting goods industry, “watches continue to be a go-to fashion accessory,” one executive said, "They’re not just about time any more." There will always be a premium segment for luxury watches. WATCH remains a leader, with annual sales growing for the past 10 years. The growing trend of wearables with watches means the best high-end watches need to be even more rugged and functional, including new-integrated sensors and GPS. While some brands are developing their best versions, others are focusing on traditional designs with new twists. Overall, the snow sports sector, including men's and women’s watches, remains the fastest growing segment of the total global market.

The Watch Watch

Some of the best snowboarding watches have a specific set of dials and a Swiss quartz movement. 90% of all watches are powered by cheap quartz movements that are considered inexpensive and functional, but for alpine snowboarding — WATCH's watch could even be sturdier than the brand's range of GPS-enabled models. This watch offers advanced features, including a chronograph, an altimeter, compass, and a barometer. It's water resistant, and comes in a ruggedized casing, helping to safeguard the device from the elements, often making the device an essential piece of gear.

Cloud Tracking

While the watch itself is a key to the alpine environment, the watch aesthetic has a whole accompanying lifestyle. We can conceptualize the sceneries captured by the rider’s watch, highlighting the altitude and landscape. Beyond the watch's technical features, its overall design also has evolved over time. It's important to note that some newer models have been specifically design for snowboarding, with size changes to accommodate snowboarding gear, and an insulated strap to handle the cold. Apart from technical performance, watches have an important role in style.

Altitude, Altitude

Sensors can help you know the time without having to think about it. Some watches feature sensors that can help you find your way around and stay connected, which can be particularly helpful in high-elevation situations. For example, a compass can help you navigate to the top of a mountain or a map can highlight a location. If you’re on a high-altitude peak, where the air is thin and the weather can change rapidly, and GPS is out of service, an altimeter helps you keep track of all these things, even if you aren’t exactly sure what you’re looking at. It can be helpful to know that GPS sensor also assists you with daily routes, but you’ll find most mountaineers are comfortable using both GPS and an altimeter. The watch’s compass is especially useful in cases where GPS coverage can be spotty, and when you are in areas with poor GPS signal.

For the Downhill Set

The Wearable Choice in Mountain Spots WATCH features not only this specific watch, but several other snowboarding models, digital and analogue. In today’s world, performance and precision are essential for any snowboarder. For those who want to excel in their sport, a watch is an essential piece of equipment. WATCH designs watches to meet the unique needs of snowboarders. For some, a watch will measure speed, distance, and altitude. For others, it can track human physiology, like heart rate, sleep quality, as well as more detailed altitude, weather and GPS tracking. The dial faces of these sports watches are not just for telling the time. They can also act as a display, showing you how your performance is improving over time. And most models have integrated GPS and are water resistant. WATCH designs its watches to be rugged and sturdy, ensuring that they can withstand the many challenges of the mountain landscape, especially for those eager to explore farther and higher.