The Best in Skiing and Snowboarding
By Jenny Willden and Melissa McGibbon.
Outdoor Research Stormbound Mitt – A layer of 800+ fill down sandwiched between PrimaLoft® One makes these the driest, toastiest mitts money can buy! $70 outdoorresearch.com
Smith I/O7 Goggles – Pioneers of the rimless interchangeable goggle seven years ago, Smith’s newest creation boasts fog freedom, smaller face fit, a quick-than-ever lens changing system, and unbelievable optical clarity. $225 smithoptics.com
Hoodie Buff – The love child of your favorite hoodie and a Merino wool neckwarmer. Pull it up on the coldest days, or leave it loose around your neck in better conditions. $50 buffwear.com
Patagonia Rubicon Rider Coat – Cold is no match for this insulated poly-ripstop coat with relaxed fit and an astounding seven pockets for stashing snacks and….other goods. $299 patagonia.com
Columbia Minx Shorty Boots – Slip these thermal reflective-lined boots on after a long day on the slopes. The short style fits easily under ski pants! $90 columbia.com
O’Neill Streamlined Snow Pant – 10K waterproofing/breathability teamed with a flattering fit makes these pants a lady rider’s dream. Leg vents, boot gaiters, and adjustable waistband net bonus points. $170 oneillclothing.com
K2 Women’s SpotLite Board with Ride VXN Bindings – Responsive on icy terrain and powdery tree trails alike, this board for intermediate to advanced riders delivers a strong all-mountain experience in diverse conditions. The VXN’s cushy Wedgie footbed adds comfort with smooth gliding ratchets for easy on-off and snug boot grip. $450 Board, $180 Bindings, k2snowboarding.com, ridesnowboards.com
O’Neill Men’s David Wise Jacket – Designed for the Olympic half-pipe medalist of the same name, this long fit jacket has rider-friendly features like mesh goggle pocket, Thinsulate for no-bulk insulation, and an interior zippered pocket to keep your phone thawed. $200 oneillclothing.com
Terramar TXO 2.0 Baselayers – Cozy poly-spandex brushed fabric with activated carbon yarn that retains heat to keep you warm and dry while fighting odors. $55 terramar.com
O’Neill Men’s Exalt Snow Pants – Reasonably priced with features boarders need like DWR coating, zippered thigh vents, and a handy system to connect pants and jacket on powder days. $150 oneillclothing.com
Stuck Men’s Boxer Briefs – Prevent baselayers from untucking with boxer briefs featuring silicone grippers on the outer thighs to hold shirts in place. $30 ribbedtee.com
Stance Men’s Otay Snow Sock – Foot slippage can be a big concern for boarders, but this sock’s No Heel Lift Grip keeps your foot locked in place for steady turning on our biggest mountains. $15 stance.com
K2 Men’s Maysis Snowboard Boot – Already the world’s best-selling Double Boa boot, it’s redesigned for a better fit and flex with no-sew uppers that reduce weight without sacrificing performance.
$270 k2snowboarding.com
Dakine Boot Locker 69 L – Stash everything for the slopes in this spacious, split-level gear bag that stows wet boots in bottom and helmets and apparel up top. $60 dakine.com
Dakine Freestyle Board Bag – Whether crossing the globe or just driving up LCC in search of powder stashes, this affordable, padded bag protects your board with room for gloves and accessories. $65 dakine.com
Salomon Quest Helmet – Representing a new era in helmet technology, the Quest features Auto Custom Air, which self inflates to form a precise fit around the head and an EPS 4D liner that absorbs more shock than any liner on the market. $180 salomon.com
Salomon X Max Ski Goggles – Offering the ultimate field of vision, as well as Twin Lock System for interchangeability, Airflow System for fog control, custom frame fit, and a top-notch lens for low-light conditions, the X Max is the only goggle you’ll ever need. $185 salomon.com
Arcteryx Ravenna Jacket – Lightweight, waterproof, and breathable. This stretchy, streamlined N40s GORE-TEX jacket pairs well with down or synthetic insulated layers. $525 arcteryx.com
Leki Black Feather Glove – Full sheepskin palm and thumbs ensure solid pole grip while the wicking micro Bemberg liner and no-bulk Hyperloft insulation makes these gloves a very powerful pair. $119 leki.com
Cyclone Buff – The worst days are the best days, and the Cyclone saves your skin in wind or cold. Wear as a neckliner, helmet liner, balaclava, mask, or hat. Made of Gore WindStopper® fabric on lower half with breathable upper for soft-on-skin feel. $43 buffwear.com
Black Diamond Front Point Bibs – Keep powder and wind out and warmth in with these durable bibs. Made with GORE-TEX Pro shell fabric, they have all the bells and whistles: articulated construction, full side zips, and reinforced kick patches. $499 blackdiamondequipment.com
Leki Micro Vario Carbon Lady Ski Poles – Perfect for ladies who want to stow their poles while booting in the backcountry, these folding poles are super lightweight, compact when needed, and adjustable. $199 leki.com
DPS Nina 99 Hybrid Skis – A combination of fiberglass, carbon fiber, and bamboo make these skis a nice option for skiers who enjoy both backcountry and resort skiing. The rocker and variable construction is ideal for soft or mixed snow. $799 dpsskis.com
Point6 Ski Pro Socks – Ultra lightweight wool with terry loop cushioning in the shin and underfoot offer extreme comfort, warmth, and versatility. $22 point6.com
G3 Ion Bindings – These powerful, lightweight freeride touring bindings are game changers. They have a wide mount and refined toe jaw dynamics with step-in brake features.
$529 genuineguidegear.com
The North Face Warm Baselayers and Light Tights – Essential baselayers for breathable warmth during low-to-medium-intensity days on the slopes. Fabric is anti-odor with slim, next-to-skin fit that wicks away sweat.
$50 Top, $45 Tight thenorthface.com
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket – With narrow baffled down and weather-resistant Pertex on the outer fabric, this goose down jacket makes the best insulation layer with optimum loft for near-weightless warmth. $265 us.rab.uk.com
Osprey Kode ABS Pack – Made for all-day use, this ABS-compatible pack has removable suspension with comfort features: thermoformed backpanel, contoured harness with insulated hydration tube sleeve, and shaped hipbelt. $220 ospreypacks.com
Dynafit Radical CR Ski Touring Boot – Ideal for alpine touring, these boots are some of the lightest on the market and feature four buckles, progressive flex, and a custom ready thermo-moldable liner. $549 dynafit.com
