1. Finding the right balance of grip and glide in a climbing skin is a challenge, but G3’s Alpinist+ series, made for specific conditions, purposes and gear, have you covered. The Alpinist+ Grip, for example, is one of five new skins—made in Canada—and is specifically intended for steeper pitches and icier tracks. All Alpinist+ skins come with a stiffer tip to prevent snow creep and a new minimalist tail clip. Four widths, four lengths: $199-$214. genuineguidegear.com
2. Auclair’s Son of T2 ($125) in goatskin leather with a soft brushed Bemberg lining is a work of art. With precurved fingers and an instantly comfortable feel, you may be tempted to sleep in it. Also available in a full mitt. auclairgloves.com
3. As part of your layering system or on its own, Mountain Hardwear’s athletic-fitting Kor Strata Hoody ($240) has two zippered hand-warmer pockets, plus a secure left chest pocket and helmet-compatible hood all in a mechanical-stretch articulated fit so comfy you won’t want to take it off. mountainhardwear.ca
4. Giro may focus on design and style in its top-of-the-line helmets like the ultra-light Jackson MIPS ($219), but subtle features such as the new “passive-aggressive venting system” (working whether you’re relaxing or ripping), TPU Brim Vent (which helps prevent goggle fogging), dialled In-Form 2 Fit system and seamless compatibility with Giro goggles are all icing on the cake. giro.com
5. Whether you’re waking up in the morning or lying around a crackling fire at après-ski, stripes are the new black when it comes to all-season baselayers. MEC’s soft, non-itch Merino T2 Long Johns ($89) are pure New Zealand midweight merino wool offering a four-way mechanical stretch, flat seams, comfy wide elastic—and a decidedly hip look. mec.ca
6. Join the movement: stop shin bang! Although Bode Miller was an early adopter, the Booster Strap ($65-75) is used far beyond the racecourse to help create a perfect bond between the lower leg and ski boot. Replacing the static Velcro strap on most ski boots, the Booster results in a quicker initiation and snap out of a turn. With more than 400,000 Booster Straps sold around the world, you should feel a difference on your first run. boosterstrap.com
7. For conditions that warrant the warmth of a mitt but the movement offered by a glove, Swany’s Hawk Under 3-Finger Mitt ($139) is worth clapping about. It keeps your digits well protected with a soft and supple all-leather construction, Dryfinger membrane and Triplex insulation. swanycanada.com
8. Using hybrid-mapped panels of Gore-Tex Fabric with Stretch Technology, Outdoor Research’s Hemispheres Jacket ($750) is a first in North America. Compared to other waterproof fabrics, says OR, the Hemispheres Jacket (and matching bib pant) allows up to four times as much stretch with as little as 25 per cent of the effort, allowing for a trimmer-fitting style. It’s at home in the lift line as much as repelling into a couloir. outdoorresearch.com
9. Helly Hansen paired Primaloft with Lifa for a winning combo in its new Lifaloft Hybrid Insulator Jacket ($220). Offering less bulk and weight, but more warmth, the Lifa fibre in this must-have layer uses a yarn technology that doesn’t absorb water. The slimming design also uses a little Lycra on the cuffs and collar to give it a fitted clean look. hellyhansen.com
