Skiing & Snowboarding Must-Haves
By Melissa McGibbon and Jenny Willden
Skiing Gear of the Year
By Melissa McGibbon
Motorola T800 Two-Way Radios
Share and track locations with others at resorts or in the backcountry with these radios. If there isn’t cell service, use the TalkAbout App to connect your smartphone to exchange locations and information. $109
Mammut Alvier Soft Bib
3-layer GORE-TEX and soft lining combine to provide a lightweight yet extremely durable and quiet fabric. The bib and pants can be separated while the snap buttons and belt loops connect to compatible Mammut jackets. $549
Mammut Barryvox Package Light
This avalanche safety kit won’t weigh you down in the backcountry. The beacon has an intuitive interface, a triple antenna, and a 230-foot digital range. Shovel and probe deploy easily—even while wearing gloves. $449
Rossignol Soul 7 HD Skis
Great for intermediate skiers looking for ample dexterity on and off the trail, these freeride skis feature a paulownia wood core, increased stability, and a tough but light carbon matrix for powder days. $850
Black Diamond Equipment Men’s Liquid Point Shell
Keep moisture at bay with this temperature-regulating jacket made from lightweight Gore-Tex PacLite hardshell fabric that’s just 14.5 ounces. $249
Eddie Bauer Women’s Slate Mountain 2.0 Down Vest
Switch your snow jacket for this stylish vest when it’s time to après. Its RDS-certified (Responsible Down Standard) 650-fill premium down insulation keeps you cozy with or without the faux fur collar. $149
Prana Après Pant
Slip these babies on over your baselayer for après, or ditch your bottom baselayers altogether. These hemp/recycled polyester/Tencel terry pants are peak hygge. $89
Fits Medium Downhill Ski Socks
For ultimate comfort and warmth on the slopes, choose these fine-gauge Merino wool socks with a fully cushioned foot and shin. Heel Lock stitching secures your heel while the toe cup contours to the shape of your feet. $25
Salomon X MAX 90 W Ski Boot (Resort)
Best for resort skiing, this boot has a calf adjuster, improved rebound and dynamic flex, and an oversized pivot. The Back-heel-hugging design keeps your foot in place for superb performance. $499
Dynatfit Radical Ski Boot (Backcountry)
Suitable for pros and greenhorns alike, this boot weighs just over 63 ounces but packs a powerful punch with patented Motion Lock Ski/Walk and 15-21 degrees of forward lean. $549
Snowboarding Gear of the Year
By Jenny Willden
Dakine Wyeast Jacket
Stay dry on a powder day thanks to this jacket’s longer length, built-in powder skirt, and wrist gaiters. Bonus goggle pocket so you don’t misplace them during après. $260
Sweet Protection Women’s Trooper II MIPS Helmet
Protecting your head is worth the price of this new helmet. Equipped with a shock-absorbing liner and MIPS, a technology that reduces rotational forces on your brain during impact. $250
Zeal Optics Hatchet Goggles
Zeal Optics’ first-ever cylindrical goggles use the Rail Lock System to glide and lock lenses in place for fast changes. Plus, every pair includes a Sky Blue Mirror lens for night riding and powder days. $159
BlackStrap Hood Balaclava Facemask
Always pulling your balaclava up and down while riding? This helmet-compatible facemask’s unique mouth hinge makes it easy and is built of stretchy, UPF 50 fabric. $30
FlyLow Ronan Pullover
Stay cozy on the slopes with this lightweight pullover stuffed with 80 grams of Primaloft insulation. Warm for its weight and great on its own or under your favorite ski shell. $255
Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bib
With the snow Utah’s been getting this season, a bib’s essential on the slopes. Feature light insulation, waterproof/breathable fabric, reinforced hems for durability, and beacon pocket—just in case you’re venturing into the backcountry. $300
Holden Lotus Bibs
A gamechanger for any snowboarding lady sick of having snow wind up in every nook and cranny on a powder day. After a week of powder boarding during Lake Tahoe’s snowpocalypse, these have fast become my go-to snow pants. The 20k/20k waterproof/breathable fabric and fully taped seams keep snow and moisture out-even when it just won’t stop snowing. Plus, the flattering feminine cut, fashionable chambray fabric, and bathroom break-friendly zippered dropseat let you keep wearing them long into après. $349
Seirus Heatwave Plus ST Escape Mitt
If you’re constantly taking off your mitts to snap photos or adjust your bindings, you’ll love this pair with warm liners built in. Just unzip to reveal your fingers while keeping digits toasty. $120
Vasque Men’s Coldspark Boots
There’s no better feeling than swapping boarding boots for shoes at the day’s end. This insulated hiking pair’s a winning choice thanks to its sneaker-like comfort, stay-dry construction, and tough traction for snowy streets. $140
Ride Warpig Snowboard
Looking for a board that’s out of the box but a thrill to ride? Built for everything from powder in the woods to the park to a slushy spring day, this little piggy rips on everything. Downsize from your normal length for surprisingly agile turning and powder float. Available for men and women. $460
