At last, it’s winter, and that means a pow day is likely in your not-so-distant future. But do you have all of the gear you need to shred from sun-up to sun-down? In any case, the gear below will serve you well this season in your never-ending hunt for fresh snow.
1. Chugach GTX Jacket — Under Armour
Three-layer Gore-Tex stands up to nature’s most brutal assaults, providing top-notch breathability and waterproofing. Core vents on the torso accommodate backpacks and the oversized pockets are, in one word, clutch.
2. Chugach GTX Bibs — Under Armour
Like the jacket, this piece boasts three-layer Gore-Tex to battle the elements. The bibs can be cinched tight around the waist to keep heat from escaping when temperatures plummet and this mechanism also keeps snow and wind away from your private parts.
3. Contra Long-Sleeve Crew Top — Armada
A lightweight, wicking baselayer that’ll keep you happy from first chair to last lap. Its 100-percent polyester construction translates to purely plush performance. The odor-resistant finish is appreciated when you shed layers at après hour.
4. Contra 3/4 Pant — Armada
Don’t just settle for “whatever.” Get a baselayer made for skiers. One hundred and fifteen grams of Polartec Power Dry Fleece keeps your warm and dry; the 3/4 length is boot-friendly and the odor-resistant finish speaks for itself.
5. Prime — anon.
This all-new offering from anon. boasts an injection-molded ABS top half for rock-solid durability and in-mold construction down low for weight savings. Twenty three active vents keep the airflow on-point and the Prime is MIPS-equipped.
6. M3 — anon.
This cylindrical-lensed goggle features anon.’s Magna-Tech quick-change lens system: the rare-Earth magnets connection system facilitates crazy-fast, crazy-easy lens swapping. The magnets also link this goggle with anon.’s MFI facemask, providing additional comfort and protection on-hill.
7. Pollard Carbon Adjustable Ski Poles — Line
This pole extends from 100 to 130 centimeters and is made of a lightweight, durable carbon-aluminum combo. Complete with two baskets (60-mm and 90-mm), it’s a versatile package, ready for any occasion.
8. Candide 4.0 — Faction
We tout this ski as a fat-board that can handle the deepest powder while still providing the best of times in between storms. Lightweight balsa and Titanal mounting plates strike a balance between lightweight playfulness and rock-solid performance. A multi-radius sidecut provides stellar maneuverability, too.
9. Leather Fall Line Mitt — Hestra
Constructed of soft, supple aniline-dyed cowhide, this mitt is both durable and beautiful. Outseams provide comfort and solid pole-grip; fiberfill insulation yields warmth without bulk and a wicking Bemberg/polyester liner is so smooth, you’ll melt.
10. Heli Pro 20L — Dakine
The Heli Pro 20L offers on-snow essentials in a size-conscious package. Features include diagonal ski carry; an avy tool pocket; hydration compatibility and a fleece-lined goggle pocket. A laptop sleeve and organized front pocket allow it to transition seamlessly from snow to street, too.
11. Lupo S.P.I.D. — Dalbello
Stiff, custom-fitted, reliable. An ultra-burly hike/ski mechanism allows for extended range of motion for bootpacking or quicker ski-touring missions without comprising performance on the downhill. The three-piece Cabrio design yields outstanding response. This is the go-to of big-mountain star, Sean Pettit.
12. Pivot 18 — LOOK
With a DIN range of 8-18, hefty elasticity, a 180-degree multi-directional release and seven points of boot contact in the heel, the Pivot 18 caters to the strongest skiers on the mountain. For those who demand top-notch energy transfer, this here’s a sure bet.
