Skiing is, by nature, a high maintenance sport: a lot of time, money, and deliberation goes into the setup and getting to the mountain. And yet, any die-hard ski lover will tell you that the payout is 100 percent worth the preparation. Nothing quite compares to the feeling of soaring down a mountain high above treeline, making turns in fresh powder, and finishing the day with a well-earned beer. Plus, looking cool while doing all of those things is kinda fun. (Pro tip: this book will provide you with some excellent inspiration as we enter ski season.)
Maybe you’re in the market for some ski gear touch-ups to your current collection, or maybe you’re starting entirely from scratch. Regardless, we’ve selected top-of-the-line gear that fires on all cylinders in terms of functionality, safety, durability, and style. You’ll find our product lists are broken up by the type of skiing you’re shopping for, and by category: clothing (outerwear and layers) and gear (skis, boots, poles—the whole nine yards).
Read on for our editor-curated list of everything you’ll need, whether you’re Aspen-bound for a week of resort skiing, or braving the likes of Tuckerman Ravine. (And don’t worry. We didn’t forget après.)
Resort Skiing
It can be easy to feel something of the “where do I even begin!” ilk when you’re getting set up for resort skiing. These products, however, will leave you ready for a few quick runs or a full day on the mountain, no matter what the weather throws at you (pro tip: it’s all about layers). Here, the focus is on well-made products that are long-lasting, functional, safe (including a COVID-conscious neck gaiter, mask included), and also pretty stylish. Check it out:
Clothing
- Women’s Holden Insulated Fishtail Jacket and Softshell Pants, $825 (jacket); $550 (pants)
- Mens’ Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Infinity Jacket and Insulated Pants: $700 (jacket); $200 (pants)
- Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket, $250 (men and women)
- Kari Traa Women’s Perle Baselayers, $70
- Smartwool Men’s Merino 250 Baselayers, From $100
Gear
- Icelantic 20/21 Pioneer 86 Skis, $599
- Pagoda Piste Skis, $1,299
- Surefoot Custom Ski Boots, Price upon inquiry
- Volkl Phantastick Ski Poles, $59
- Smith I/O MAG Goggles, From $250
- Smith MIPS Helmet, $300
- Hestra Alpine Leather Primaloft Mitt, $125
- Buff Filter Tube, $29
- Skida Alpine Neckwarmer, $28
Backcountry Skiing
When it comes to ski touring—also known as backcountry skiing, or off-piste—the set up is a little more complicated than resort skiing. Since you’ll be hiking up the mountain, you’ll need touring skis, skins, and bindings that allow for your boot to release on the uphill. (REI has an excellent guide to the world of responsible backcountry skiing, avalanche preparedness, and what to know about product variations here.) If you’re interested in shopping the creme de la creme of touring gear, we’ve got you covered.
Clothing
- Mammut Stoney HS Thermo Jacket and Pants, $550 (jacket); $319 (pants)
- Arcteryx Sentinel AR Women’s Jacket, $675
- Norrøna Lofoten Men’s Jacket, $500
- Patagonia R2 Techface Hoody, $189 (men and women)
Gear
- Line Vision 108 Skis, $750
- Solomon Shift Pro 110 AT Boots, $700
- Black Diamond Traverse Ski Poles, $90
- Julbo Starwind Goggles, $260
- Salomon MTN Lab Helmet, $200
- Black Diamond Skins, $170
- Atomic Shift MNC 13 Alpine Touring Ski Bindings 2021, $600
- Avalanche Gear, Prices vary
- Mammut Spindrift 26L Backpack, $150
- Free the Powder RX3 Pro Ski Gloves, $$80
- Original Buff, $20
- Mountain Hardwear Macrochill Neck Gaiter, $20
Après Ski
Maybe you’ve been on the slopes from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are retired to the lodge for a hot toddy, or maybe you clocked a full day of powder skiing off-piste and want to head to a local watering hole. Either way, why not do it in style (and stay warm, of course). Some of our favorite fashion-meets-function après picks, below.
Clothing
- Barbour Fair Isle Sweater, $130
- Outerknown Blanket Shirt, $148 (women and men)
- Icebreaker Women’s Merino Waypoint Crewe Sweater
- Dior Men’s High Collar Sweater, $1,900
Accessories
- Hard-Lane Wool Hat, $65
- Kule Après Ski Sock, $28
- Manitobah Keewatin Mukluks, $150
