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InsideHook may not be your typical first stop for advice on winter sports. After all, many of our staffers are more familiar with nearby Park Slope than we are with Park City (or ski slopes for that matter). And yet, a few writers on our team love powder days, chairlifts that climb to the heavens and après-ski essentials despite our distance from the nearest groomers. For that reason, we thought it wise to compile our first guide to all the gear you’ll need whether you’re hitting the slopes at the resort or heading out of bounds.
From all-mountain equipment to goggles to gloves and even a car rack, we’ve left no stone unturned. Shop for an entire kit or pick up a few last-minute items, give it your best Shaun White (or Lindsey Vonn) impression and make the most of this season’s snowfall.
Best Powder Board: Burton Fish 3D Directional Flat Top Snowboard
Built for the deepest of deep days (and Lord knows the Burton team knows deep days), the Fish 3D is a surf-inspired powder board that is, according to Burton, “the result of more on-snow prototypes than any board in recent years.” The double swallowtail shape allows for acceleration and cornering control in deep snow, while the 3D convex shaping in the tip and tail (there’s your surfboard inspo) provides additional float to keep you moving. This is the board for those nuking days we all dream of.
Best All-Mountain Board: Burton Custom X Camber Snowboard
As far as directional twin-tip all-mountain rides go, the Custom X is the cream of Burton’s crop. Constructed using layers of super lightweight fiberglass with carbon fiber highlights throughout, the Custom X is stiff and snappy to power through whatever conditions you throw at it with stability, control and energy. It’s virtually impossible to overstate how little this board weighs and the power you’ll feel when riding it — like driving a Ferrari on the snow.
Best Powder Skis: K2 Pon2oon
When the late, great Shane McConkey (whose life and times are profiled in an absolutely brilliant documentary film that any self-respecting powder hound should see) joined the K2 team in 2004, he brought with him a game-changing vision: an (at the time, anyway) absurdly fat ski with a surf-inspired rocker that would tackle big mountain terrain in a way that had never been considered before. That idea became the Pon2oon, first released in 2006 and a watershed moment for ski design. The 2022 model pays homage to McConkey’s vision, boasting K2’s signature Powder Rocker profile and a fir/aspen core bolstered by carbon fiber stringers that make it responsive, unsinkable ski for the steepest and deepest of days.
Best Snowboard Boots & Bindings: Burton Step On Photon and Burton Step On Genesis
This publication has been banging the Step On drum for several years now and will continue to do so because this system is, in short, a total game-changer. For the uninitiated — and without getting too into the technical weeds — Step On is a strapless boot/binding system that allows you to step seamlessly into the binding without even bending over. As our creative director, a life-long snowboarder and Step On enthusiast puts it, “I’ve gained everything in terms of ease and convenience and sacrificed nothing in terms of control and performance. Cannot co-sign this system hard enough, I will be riding it for the rest of my life.”
Best Ski Boots: Lange XT3 Touring Ski Boots
For those seeking best-in-class fit and performance, the Lange XT3 120 Alpine Touring Boot is as good as it gets. While we found it difficult to crown one boot better than the rest, the XT3 provides incredible range of motion and stride efficiency when heading uphill and confidence-inspiring performance as you bomb back down. We’ll be the first to admit that a touring boot might not be the first choice for those heading to resorts, but it’s dynamic capability from the groomers to the untouched backcountry is worthy of the recognition.
Best Down Jacket: Aether Crest Down Jacket
Truth be told, you won’t always need a down jacket on the slopes simply because all that moving and grooving is bound to generate some serious body heat. But if and when you experience brutally cold conditions, Aether’s Crest Down Jacket supplies plenty of warmth thanks to 800-fill power down insulation that traps heat close to your core. Additional features include fully sealed seams, a waterproof exterior, extended pit zips and pockets aplenty. And because down is extremely compressible, this one-of-a-kind jacket is easy to pack for adventures big or small.
Best Shell Jacket: Mountain Hardwear Boundary Ridge Jacket
For days when only a shell is necessary, the Boundary Ridge Jacket’s Gore-Tex waterproofing prevents snow and moisture from penetrating insulative layers underneath. Lightweight and perfectly thin, its three-layer fabric packs down for easy storage yet remains incredibly durable when you’re carving on the hill. Though Mountain Hardwear is embracing minimalism here, it hasn’t stopped the brand from including an adjustable powder skirt, multiple pockets, a Recco reflector and a helmet-compatible hood.
Best Snow Bibs: Flylow Baker Bib
If you’re still wearing traditional snow pants on the mountain, might we suggest leveling up with a pair of bibs? Not only will overalls stay on no matter how hard you go, but they’ll also prevent loose snow from seeping in where it doesn’t belong. This pair, courtesy of Flylow, fits loosely on your body to boost comfort from the mountain to the après-ski scene. The Colorado brand would sooner describe these as bibs built for backcountry adventures, but the many pockets, thigh vents and cuff reinforcements come in handy no matter where you venture on the mountain.
Best One-Piece Ski Suit: Airblaster Insulated Freedom Suit
When one thinks of one-piece ski suits, images of skin-tight racing ensembles come to mind. And those are fine, we’ve got nothing against ‘em. But if you’re looking for something a little more casual, consider a one-piece suit courtesy of Airblaster. The Insulated Freedom Suit, as its name implies, features premium insulation for chilly days and plenty of room for dynamic movements. It’s also got a zippered bottom flap for quick and efficient breaks.
Best Mittens: Black Diamond Mercury Mittens
Never suffer from cold fingers again. Black Diamond’s Mercury Mittens add warmth whether you’re getting after it in deep powder or waiting patiently in the lift line. Polartec Thermal Pro pairs with PrimaLoft insulation for incredible warmth while a leather palm employs Kevlar stitching to improve durability. It also features a fully waterproof shell to lock out unwanted moisture should the sun peak out to melt the snow.
Best Gloves: Hestra Leather Fall Line Glove
If your hands prefer the dexterity and traditional comfort of gloves, slide them inside Hestra’s Leather Fall Line Glove for endless days on the slopes. Made with cowhide aniline leather that features reinforcements in critical areas, these gloves are built to last season after season. Hestra outfits these puppies with foam insulation and a soft inner lining to retain warmth, as well as thicker backs to protect your hands from limbs and wipeouts. Use the carabiner lashes to keep them within reach at all times.
Best Goggles: Sweet Protection Interstellar RIG Goggles
Full disclosure, Sweet Protection sent us these goggles for testing. That said, we were so impressed that we had no choice but to include them in our roundup. From the carbon-enforced molded frames to the Gore Protection Vents, Sweet Protection stopped at nothing to boost comfort and durability. While we’ve come to appreciate the high-contrast lenses in low light conditions, it’s easy to swap them for another pair when the weather changes.
Best Helmet: Smith Vantage MIPS Helmet
Smith’s well-known reputation for protective headwear extends to its line of ski helmets. And while the brand provides a number of helmets worthy of consideration, only the Vantage excels in every performance metric. Its hybrid shell, BOA adjustment system, MIPS technology and array of colors are unparalleled, as is the comfortable fit and superior ventilation. From blizzard conditions to warm spring days, we could wear this helmet in every environment without complaint.
Best Ski Travel Bag: Dakine Fall Line Roller Bag
Rated the number one ski bag by dozens of publications, Dakine’s Fall Line Roller Bag is a no-brainer whether you’re traveling by car or plane. Its lightweight profile contains ample space for two pairs of skis, a set of poles, boots and outerwear. When you’re traveling the through the airport, durable urethane wheels deliver easy transport to keep your trip running smoothly. The only obstacle we’ve encountered occurs when you’re actually buying the bag — many designs make it difficult to pick just one.
Best Après Attire: Après Ski Cabana Jacket and Pants
Nine times out of ten, your apres ‘fit is whatever you have on underneath your outerwear. However, there will come times when you’re presented with the opportunity to change prior to your post-hill boozing session or you’re in the market for something to sport out on the town later in the evening. And when those opportunities arise, you’d be a fool not to check out “maximalist leisurewear” outfitter Tombolo’s first foray into alpine-inspired attire. Crafted from comfy (and stylish) cotton terry, this is the kind of ‘fit that earns you free drinks from admirers at any watering hole where they appreciate throwback mountain swagger.
Best Après Footwear: Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons
Comfy, cozy, durable and small/lightweight enough to be stashed in your backpack = the perfect footwear to throw on at the end of a long day when your ski/snowboard boots have truly worn out their welcome on your feet.
Best Après Shades: Dragon Alliance Remix II Ion
Is the Remix understated? No. Is the Remix appropriate for all occasions? No. Does the Remix provide 100% UV protection and straight up shocking optical clarity while at the same time guaranteeing you copious high fives from total strangers as you drink beers on a sunny patio after a long day on the hill? Yes, yes it does.
Best Roof Rack: Thule SnowPack
While the world of ski/snowboard racks is huge and choices abound, it bears noting that our creative director has a Thule SnowPack attached to the top of his car that was purchased nearly 30 years ago and still works like a charm. As far as hands-on testing goes at InsideHook, this probably represents its apex.
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