Ski-Mojo for Assisted Skiing

The Ski-Mojo is a device from UK-based Kinetic Innovations Ltd which uses springs strapped to the side of the legs to boost thigh power. The user can then keep their legs in a squatting position for longer, alleviating aches and pains after a long day of skiing.The idea was dreamt up by Owen Eastwood, a British engineer who began skiing aged 55 but found that his legs were holding him back. The solution, in development for 11 years and launched last week, is the Ski-Mojo, which its makers claim reduces fatigue, and improves stability and control for skiers of all standards. 'It's the equivalent of adding power steering to a car,' they say.

The skier wears a strap around the buttocks, connected to the spring-loaded arms running down to the knee, which in turn are connected by carbon fibre rods to the back of the boots. The springs hold you in a knees-bent position, and you can hold a tuck without your thighs burning. After you bend down, you are 'automatically' popped back upright without effort and far faster than usual, ready for the next turn.

The purists are predictably not happy. Here's Mark Frary, wintersports editor of The Times of London:

"I put the Ski Mojo in the same category as heated chairlift seats -- the patio heaters of the skiing world -- attempting to warm up the entire outdoor world just because you can't being a little bit chilly. The Ski Mojo is yet another invention for the pampered skiers that are increasingly cluttering up the slopes. If you don't want aching legs at the end of a hard day on the slopes, then you might as well invest in a snowmobile and be done with it."

The device comes in three styles for different weight: blue (weak), red (medium), and yellow (strong) all for the same price of £289UK