Diamond And Gold Skis On The Alps

Published on 07/01/11

DESIGNER skis encrusted with precious metals and personal messages are the latest fad on the Alps this ski season.

On Sunday they were set to become the latest fad for wealthy Russians during this winter ski season.

As hordes of extremely rich Russians were about to descend on their favorite European ski resorts for January's Orthodox Christmas holiday, one manufacturer was offering luxury skis decorated with diamonds and gold for $46,600 and a so-called "ski trunk" for $62,000.

Jean-Luc Gaydon, the commercial director of one ski maker, said such products were designed "to satisfy the whims of Russian billionaires who come to shine in fashionable French resorts."

Several small producers have sprung up to cater for the haute couture ski market. One of them, Boheme, promotes skis made from African ebony that can be decorated to individual taste.