Girls:
Smith Holt Park Helmet
Don’t be mistaken for one of the guys. Rip it up in this bright pink helmet. Your head will be protected as well as your bank account. Designed to wear with a thin beanie underneath, so don’t forget your skull cap. $60 smithoptics.com
Smith Regulator Stance Goggles
Helmet gap is NEVER cool! Always buy goggles designed for your specific helmet. Try the Smith Regulator Stance for a perfect fit with the Holt. Technology and design come together for the best goggle your eyes may ever look through. $70 smithoptics.com
Stoic Merino Baselayers
These warm baselayers won’t make you feel like you are chillin’ in your undies when you start stripping off your wet outerwear. $50-75 stoicgear.com
Scott Zuri Jacket
Youthful and bright, the puffy Scott Zuri Jacket in Limeade is sure to make a statement without being too overbearing. Light enough to stuff in a bag, but warm enough to keep you on your edges, this reversible coat can be turned inside out to reveal an all-new, fully-lined, waterproof jacket. Surprise! $195 scott–sports.com
Scott Academy Pant
Pair your Zuri Jacket with this well-made pant in Limeade. If matchy matchy isn’t your thing, Scott has plenty of other colors to choose from. Waterproof, tailored and with too many features to list, this pant could be your perfect fit. $200 scott-sports.com
Leki Colorado Mitt
Who knew Leki made gloves? When we saw these in white, we had to check them out. Real girls know that mittens are a girl’s best friend…not diamonds! These puffy leather mitts are about the warmest we’ve tried. $149.95 leki.com
Leki Project 19 S Poles
We love these poles, and the fun neon graphics, but are undecided about the new strap design. The Project 19 is fantastic with thin gloves, but bulky mittens make these a pain. However, once securely on your wrist, you can’t beat the support! $129.95 leki.com
Lorpen Women’s Light Ski Sock
Designed for women seeking a high-performance fit, this sock delivers and keeps toes dry and toasty warm. No added bulk and itch-free fabric make this a sock fit for a queen…or a skier! $19.99 lorpen.com
Nordica HR Pro 105 W Boot
Just because this boot boasts a warm “fur” liner and pink accents does not mean it’s not hard core. Aggressive women who don’t want to hang out in World Cup race boots every day, but who still need a solid fit with technical performance, will find this a competitive alternative. $875 nordica.com
Nordica Nemesis Skis
Built for powder and crud, these skis will happily surprise you when kicked into high gear on the cruisers. With true camber underfoot and in the tail, as well as the slow rise powder tip profile and user-friendly 98 mm sidecut, the Nemesis offers a chatter-free ride at any speed and in any conditions. $900 nordica.com
Marker Griffon Binding
Sometimes, looks really do matter. You don’t want any old binding mounted to your Nemesis. You want something lightweight and functional, but also strong and safe. You want a binding that is easy to click into, affordable and most importantly…IT MATCHES YOUR SKIS! $229 skis.com
Boys:
Bern Baker Helmet
The clean and simple styling of the original Baker Helmet make this one of the most recognizable and unrivaled lids on the market. With straightforward colors, cool visor and a seriously cozy, removable liner you will feel like you’re wearing your favorite hat instead of a hard, goofy helmet. $99.95 backcountry.com
Oakley Crowbar Goggles
The boys at Bern ride exclusively in Oakley Goggles, so they developed their helmets specifically with Oakley in mind. The Splice, A Frame and Crowbar all work synergistically with Bern. Get the top-performing (and fan favorite) Crowbar for a precise fit and exceptional clarity. $95–145 oakley.com
Spyder First Chair Down Jacket
We are addicted to soft, insulated puffy coats that flex with our bodies instead of feeling like a heavy deadweight hanging over our shoulders. How can you go wrong when you combine the flawless technology of Spyder and a design that’s meant to slay the powder? The only thing wrong with the First Chair Down is that it should have been named the First Tram Up! $278.95 backcountry.com
Spyder Godfather Pant
This pant will flow with your First Chair Down Jacket without being too obvious. Stepping away from Spyder’s typical looks, The Godfather is edgy, new and will keep your back end warm while making it look sinisterly good! Grab the powder mafia and hit the park! $148.95 backcountry.com
Leki Hang Loose S Gloves
Perfect for the warm-blooded man who despises bulky ski gloves! These gloves deliver with their soft, flexible body built from high-quality, waterproof materials, including leather palms and fingers. Where we struggled with Leki’s removable Trigger S Speed Grips while wearing the plush mitts, they fit perfectly with the Hang Loose Gloves. $119 leki.com
Leki Rodeo Vario Speedlock Poles
When you find a great thing you just stick with it. Leki makes the best poles, hands down! The Rodeo is a loud and fun alternative to your everyday pole. Versatile and functional, it can be adjusted for many different uses, situations and people. The Trigger S Speed Grips allow you to interface with any Leki glove! $169 leki.com
Atomic Tracker 130 Boots
Made specifically to maximize your performance on a wide ski with a 5 mm increase in stand height (to improve edge grip). Atomic also took in the type of skier who would be on these and made a high-performance, bad arse boot and then, just for fun, included a customizable intuition liner, better traction for hiking and a power release control cuff that lets you stand upright. Get them locally at Sports Den. $699 backcountry.com
Rossignol S7 Freeride Skis
Arguably the best Freeride ski of 2010/11, Rossignol’s S7 will change your life FOREVER! This ski will outperform in any condition and on any terrain. Rossi’s Amptek Technology may sound gimmicky, but when you get these bad boys on you’ll wish that Amptek was in the brew you downed this morning! Get these before they are gone…trust us, they’re disappearing fast. $799 rossignol.com
Rossignol FKS Bindings
This legendary binding is back on the market and anyone who is truly legit is jumping for joy and wishing they could afford a new pair. The 180 provides the highest DIN ratings available, which means serious retention for big-mountain skiers. Look for deals on the web to save a few bucks ($339.95 for 180s at amazon.com) or check out the more affordable (hardly) FKS 140 with a lower DIN. Both can be used on today’s fat skis. Available locally at Sports Den. $375–$525 rossignol.com
