Many days in the Rockies come with abundant sunshine, putting breathability at a premium, but, cold winter temperatures at high elevation also make insulation key. Mid-waisted skis with a strong, slightly stiff character help navigate varied terrain.
A. Icelantic Maiden 101
Buy Now – $699
Don’t discount the Maiden 101 because of its beautiful topsheet art, this ski is ready to take a bite out of every run from Big Sky to Silverton. Its blend of poplar and paulownia wood with multiple layers of fiberglass account for its trifecta of weight savings, downhill punch and responsiveness while its versatile 101-millimeter waist width makes it equally as nimble after a six-inch dump at Loveland or hunting week-old leftovers at Snowbird.
B. DPS Alchemist Wailer 110 C2
Buy Now – $1,299
Sporting DPS’ Alchemist construction–an aspen wood core sandwiched between two pure-preg carbon laminates–and a multi-radii sidecut, the Alchemist Wailer 110 C2 will power through whatever crud is beneath you. Lean hard into the steep fall-line at Sun Valley, Aspen Mountain or Alta knowing this ski will stand up to long, arcing turns no matter how bumpy the ride gets.
C. Columbia Powder Keg III Jacket
Buy Now – $350
Using a special pattern of 3D reflectors, Columbia was able to achieve a jacket that packs some serious heat retention while remaining incredibly breathable. For a classic winter day in the Rockies, this jacket will keep you toasty on frigid mornings while special clusters of soft, microscopic fibers up its breathability factor.
Pair w/ columbia snow Rival II pant
D. Backcountry Cottonwoods GORE-TEX Jacket
Buy Now – $479.99
No matter if it’s bluebird over Vail or dumping in Jackson, the Cottonwoods jacket from Backcountry will stand up to the demands of a 100-plus-day ski season. Three-layer GORE-TEX and YKK aqua-guard zippers keep the elements out while venting under the arms provides an escape for built-up body heat.
Pair w/ backcountry cottonwoods GORE-TEX bibs
E. POC Obex SPIN
Buy Now – $200
By combining an EPS liner, polycarbonate shell and ABS top with its SPIN technology–padding that allows the helmet to move in a shearing action during oblique impacts–POC has achieved one of the safest, low profile brain buckets on the market.
F. POC Orb Clarity
Buy Now – $250
Developed in collaboration with master lens-maker, Zeiss, POC’s Orb Clarity goggle offers an uncompromised field of view with the utmost contrast and precision. The dual-compound frame adds durability for the inevitable Rocky Mountain faceplant.
G. Auclair Mountain Ops
Buy Now – $75
The Mountain Ops from Auclair is a ski glove in its purest form–a classic, no-frills style for hardy locals at places like A-Basin and Loveland. A cowhide leather shell, Porelle membrane and 150 grams of 3M THINSULATE will keep your hands warm and dry and a storm cuff with elastic pull cord provides a reliable snow barrier.
H. Julbo Cham
Buy Now – $230 (polarized)
Julbo gives a nod to an alpine classic with its Cham sunglasses. Featuring a metal frame with detachable leather side shields and a high-performance mirror lens, these shades have you covered from first morning light to après beers at The Beach.
I. Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115 W
Buy Now – $850
The Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115 W is the stiffest women’s-specific boot in the Atomic Hawx lineup, which is known for its incredible strength-to-weight ratio. With a 98-millimeter last, the Hawx Ultra XTD 115 W is geared toward hard-charging women who prefer their boots like their chutes: tight.
J. Dynafit Hoji Free
Buy Now – $899
Building off the Hoji Pro Tour, Eric Hjorleifson and Dynafit implemented a toe-bail and a stiffer flex to this year’s Hoji Free. The added toe-bail now makes the Hoji boot compatible with Armada/Atomic/Salomon Shift bindings for a one-quiver boot ideal for boot-packing, touring out-of-bounds and après-ing.
