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The Gear Closet: Resort Kit

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The Gear Closet: Resort Kit

Welcome to a special gear feature from FREESKIER. Here’s a closeup look at everything you need for the resort. Click here to explore the entire 2021 FREESKIER Buyer’s Guide.


Auclair Eco Racer

This all-new, high-end leather glove from Auclair blends sustainability and performance in a supple, flexible veg-tan cowhide package. It’s stuffed with biodegradable insulation, reinforced with hemp stitching and secured with a plant-based neoprene cuff. Who said a glove couldn’t be better for environment? No one. You’ll feel good about this purchase, guaranteed. 

Dynastar M-Pro 99

On-edge power. That’s what the Dynastar M-Pro 99 offers. At 99-millimeters underfoot, this ski is designed to tear the resort up—whether you’re carving up groomers or seeking out fresh lines in a high-alpine bowl. Inside, Dynastar’s Hybrid Core, a combination of wood and PU,  is paired with a thin layer of Titanal, dubbed Ti Rocket Frame. A touch of rocker and directional sidecut ensure a smooth ride in variable snow.

Intuition Power Wrap Liner

Replacing a boot’s standard liner has long been one of the undercover ways die-hard skiers customize their boots—but the secret is out. Intuition’s Power Wrap liner is the stiffest in its wrap-style lineup, offering a serious upgrade in power transmission and performance. Once heat-molded, this aftermarket liner will keep your feet warmer and happier and your skiing will get a serious boost from its completely personalized fit.

Look Pivot 15

Look’s turntable heel is just one of the reason skiers covet this binding; it offers best-in-class elasticity meaning safer shock absorption and less injuries. The short mounting zone reduces swing weight and promotes maneuverability while Look’s trademark low stack height puts your boot closer to the ski, for a truer feel when you’re riding. Trusted by the pros and FREESKIER testers.

Tecnica Mach 1

The Mach 1’s 98-millimeter last, anatomically designed shell and cuff offer a precise fit that’s fully customizable with Blizzard’s C.A.S. fit system—those dimples on the shell that make molding easier. A Celliant liner utilizes 13 thermoreactive minerals to retain warmth, Asymmetrical Power Transmission construction ensures powerful turns and all-new, carbon-reinforced T-Drive marries the cuff to the shell for better precision in variable snow. 

Smartwool Merino 250 Crew

Smartwool’s best-selling, 100-percent merino wool baselayer just got an upgrade. Newly designed shoulder panels and flatlock stitching eliminate uncomfortable seams while the slim fit hugs the body to better retain warmth and wick moisture. Heavier threads here mean you’ll get an extra dose of warmth once you start moving, so save this baselayer for the coldest conditions.

BUFF Filter Tube

With ski season underway and the pandemic still looming, here’s a helpful upgrade to BUFF brand neckwear. The Filter Tube offers the same versatility as always (see page 50 for eight ways to use BUFF Multifunctional Headwear) but upgrades that by adding a sleeve that holds filters certified to remove 98 percent of bacteria. With many resorts requiring you to wear more than a single-layer necktube, the BUFF brand Filter Tube is a must-have this season. 

Smith 4D Mag

Here are three reasons to buy the Smith 4D Mag. It offers ChromaPop contrast-enhancing lenses that boost color and make it easier to see variations on the snow. The locking, magnetic lens-change system makes swapping to the included low-light lens easy as snapping your fingers. And “Bird’s Eye” curvature along the bottom of the lens increases your vertical field of view, helping you better navigate gnarly terrain on the way down. Don’t overthink it. 

Smith Quantom

Smith’s Quantum comes top of its class for protective qualities thanks to a hybrid shell construction that blends an extra tough exterior with an in-mold interior and MIPS technology. Built with Koroyd, renowned for its ability to absorb impacts while remaining lightweight, the helmet isn’t burdensome, either. It features 22 air vents and integrates seamlessly with Smith goggles to keep you cool even when hot laps are on the menu. 

O’Neill Diabase Jacket

Smith’s Quantum comes top of its class for protective qualities thanks to a hybrid shell construction that blends an extra tough exterior with an in-mold interior and MIPS technology. Built with Koroyd, renowned for its ability to absorb impacts while remaining lightweight, the helmet isn’t burdensome, either. It features 22 air vents and integrates seamlessly with Smith goggles to keep you cool even when hot laps are on the menu. 

This story originally appeared in the December 2020 issue of FREESKIER (23.2). Click here to subscribe to FREESKIER magazine.