AN XT3 TOUR FOR WOMEN One of last season’s most exciting new boots was Lange’s XT3 Tour, combining downhill performance with uphill comfort. The Lange XT3 Tour Women is identical to the unisex version in construction but is slightly shorter in height, wider at the boot cuff and has a warmer liner—all nods to better … More »

The clothing and accessories to help you get down, up and around in comfort and style UP TO THE SKINNY SKI CHALLENGE To meet the challenging demands of aerobic skinning or cross-country skiing, the Daehlie Challenge 2.0 Jacket uses a variety of materials. To provide weather protection with breathability, the Challenge is mostly a wind-resistant … More »

THE NEW RULES OF BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY Safety standards evolve. We’re glad cars have moved beyond just seat belts to air bags, automatic braking and lane departure warnings. Likewise, safety gear in the backcountry is progressing. In addition to the established four pieces—beacon, probe, shovel and the knowledge to use them—three more safety devices are gaining … More »

MATCHMAKER: HOW TO PICK YOUR SET-UP The quest for powder begins with a crucial task: figuring out the right boot, binding and ski combination. Some boots won’t work with some bindings. The right binding and boot combo will let you crush uphills. And matching both to the right ski will have you hooting and hollering … More »

The deeper you get, the more gear you need. It’s a rule of thumb that applies widely outdoors, especially in ski country. On the frontside of a resort you are never far from lodges, ski patrol and other skiers. If in trouble, help is nearby. When you drop off the backside, the exposure increases. There’s … More »

PART 4: THE COOL GEAR SALOMON DRIVER PRIME SIGMA PHOTO MIPS $500; salomon.com The long name speaks to all the technology stuffed into this goggle and helmet combo. The Driver is a more subtle take on the visor helmet that also combines multiple levels of protection, comfort and clarity. It doesn’t come cheap, but after … More »

PART 3: NEWS AND TRENDS NEWS: SIT SKIERS GET THEIR OWN CLOTHES The Flyline Kit is the first outerwear kit specifically for sitski athletes. Eddie Bauer designed the jacket and bib in collaboration with sitskier Trevor Kennison.  “The most difficult part was the shaping,” says Dave Mertes, the project manager. “We needed to craft the … More »

PART 2: FROM CARVING TO ALL-MOUNTAIN FROM  ASPHALT TO POWDER Head and Porsche designers teamed up on two skis worthy of both their names. The Porsche 70 is a carving ski, while the Porsche 88 is an All-Mountain. Both include Porsche-worthy materials: a carbon-reinforced tip and tail, Head’s vibration-dampening EMC system, a carbon riser plate … More »

PART 1: PLAYING FOOTSIE – RESORT BOOTS PRE-FORMED TO PERFORM If fit is key, Dalbello is making it easier to unlock comfort and performance by pre-shaping its Veloce boots in five key places. One is at the ankle area of the liner and four are on the shell (inner side of foot, instep, outside side … More »