The snow is upon us. you bought that pass. It’s time to make sure you have everything you need to rip this winter.
1. Railing
Head I.Supershape Rally
Sure, sure, you look cool with your big powder skis on the groomers. But come on, resort skiing on the average day is about lapping out your legs with speed, style and effortless stability. Meet our top choice for your typical get-down-fast day on the hill. It’s built to run thanks to Head’s KERS technology, which gives it the guts of a race ski, stiffening up the tail when you come out of a turn. Spot a stash on the sides? No problem. The ski features Head’s Speed Rocker to stomp that noise. Premounted with Head’s PRD 14 binding, it measures 135/76/114 in a 170-cm ski. $1,425; head.com
2. Female Power
Volkl 100Eight W
These full-figured babies are certainly up to the task of bombing down hard snow: The 3D Ridge Construction is thick in the middle of the ski and thin on the sides, making it lighter but still imparting impressive edging ability. But these skis were made for freeriding and that light weight and girth underfoot mean they dominate the untracked. They measure 141/108/124 in 157-, 165- and 173-cm lengths. $825; volkl.com
3. Day to Day
Salomon QST 118
Here’s that one ski that does it all: Salomon’s QST models all feature floaty Koroyd tips and tails and Twin Rocker technology to crush deep days or remnant crud, and, at 188 underfoot, this version is just the right size for aggressive skiers.And, hey, it’s a stable performer on frontside groomers, too, thanks to CFX Superfiber and a Titanal construction that will hold an edge when you lay it down on the hardpack. Measurements: 142/118/129 in a 185-cm ski. $750; salomon.com
tree stash Surfing
Burton Family Tree Branch Manager
Burton built this unique board via feedback from Japanese rider Narufumi “Beru” Yoshimura. The idea was to make a stick that could deal with Japan’s legendary tree terrain. It levitates in pow but can make quick, snappy turns at will. Guess what? That also makes it the weapon of choice for riders who like to seek out goods in trees at Colorado resorts like Vail and Monarch. $670; burton.com
ONE BOOT
Salomon X Pro 120
The best boots should have the backbone to drive your ski any way you wish—but they should not hurt. The crowd-favorite X Pro is once again our choice for doing just that: The boot’s stiff enough to power big skis but gives up enough flex to stay comfy. Salomon updated the Twinframe Power Chassis with Grilamid plastic that makes it even lighter at 1,995 grams in a size 26.5 mondo boot. $600; salomon.com
SEE IT
Zeal Forecast with AUTOMATICPLUS+
There’s nothing new about goggle lenses that automatically adjust to light conditions, but the system in the soft, classy Forecast offers up both sharp-focus polarization and light-adjusting technology that adapts faster than other models on days when the clouds roll in and out. $259; zealoptics.com
PANTS
686 Gore-Tex Smarty Weapon Pant
It’s hard to know exacly how to dress when you head out to the mountains before sunrise. 686 has you covered. This three-in-one pant can handle it all, combining a bomber Gore-Tex outer liner with comfy, removeable fleece pants that are bolstered with Primaloft on the seat. $390; 686.com
HOT HAND
Outdoor Research Capstone Heated Gloves
Heated gloves are not for everyone, but if you are the type who gets those poor cold hands easily, they can be a godsend. Built with Primaloft and Gore-Tex, the sturdy Capstone pumps out twice the heat of OR’s previous Lucent heated models. $500; outdoorresearch.com
WOMEN’S SHELL
Columbia OutDry EX Diamond Shell
Columbia created this tough resort jacket with a waterproof/breathable technology built directly into the fabric, rather than than sandwiched between inner and face materials. That makes it lighter without sacrificing any of its protective properties. $400; columbia.com
LET’S ROLL, BRAH
Douchebags The Original
Yes, they said douchebags. Ok stop laughing. This ski/snowboard bag system is the best travel solution we have hauled around the planet. It’s easy to adjust the length and it even rolls down to a compact package when you don’t have your gear in it. $249; douchebags.com
HEAD CASE
Giro Stellar MIPS
Dial in the fit on this stylish woman’s helmet with a two-part shell that better conforms to your head shape. It also feaures a MIPS system, which helps prevent concussions by separating the soft inner liner from the outer shell on impact to mitigate the trauma.Top it off with a magnetic chin strap fastener and an integrated GoPro mount and you have a winner. $250; giro.com
MENS’S SHELL
Flylow Albert
The Albert was designed for those who like to head out seeking the goods on hikes at Aspen Highlands or Crested Butte. This tough Primaloft micropuff is just warm enough to keep you toasty on the lifts but it’s still light enough for athletic skiing and riding—and when you do get too hot on the way up, it packs away no problem. $420; flylowgear.com
