1. The classic Swiss alpine company Mammut may have its roots firmly based in mountain climbing, but skiers love the association as much as the gear’s durability and fit. The Masao Jacket ($329) in seven colours is one tough shell for the price, with a firm-feeling three-layer breathable/waterproof DryTech fabric that promises comfort and manoeuvrability as well as Swiss good looks. Mammut.ch
2. Canada Goose has finally jumped into the skier market making—in Canada!—some head-turning shells of the same quality as its well-deserved rep. The Timber Shell ($675), in men’s here, has all the right locking zips and AquaGuard fabric technology as well as four-way stretch, a helmet-friendly adjustable hood and reflective strips for safety—and some really jacked nighttime photos. CanadaGoose.ca
3. A prime example from The North Face’s Steep Series, the RECCO-equipped Men’s Fuse Brigadine Jacket ($629) incorporates FuseForm construction for abrasion resistance in all the right spots. Seamlessly combining layers of different weight nylons, a low-profile fit is kept by eliminating bulk where you don’t want it, while toughening up areas you do. Big-mountain boys will find it both lightweight and strong. TheNorthFace.com/SteepSeries
4. While some proudly boast of their hard shell material, Mountain Hardwear’s top-of-the-line Compulsion Jacket ($650) feels softer than a traditional shell yet is super durable, with clean freeride lines begging to be tested skinning up or ripping virgin in the backcountry. MountainHardwear.com
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LADIES FIRST
Want to test out some gear from Head a year before everyone else? Edith Rozsa, former member of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, helps good skiers become great skiers and part of her one-day women’s clinics is use of next year’s skis from Head. From video analysis to lunch and après, one of Canada’s top technical racers will get you up to speed at Silver Star January 31 and February 28, and Marmot Basin February 14 and 15. You go. girl! skisilverstar.com; skimarmot.com
