There鈥檚 no way I can keep up with Ted Ligety when he lets it rip down the groomer. He has two Olympic gold medals and five World Championship gold medals, and I鈥檓 not even the fastest guy in my unofficial weekly races back home. I know this, and yet, I鈥檝e convinced myself that I can stay on Ligety鈥檚 tail as we ski groomers at Utah鈥檚 Deer Valley resort. I blame my skis.

Watch: Testing the DPS Pisteworks 79 with Ted Ligety

I鈥檓 testing the new DPS Pisteworks 79, a pure carving ski that is so fun and energetic, they have me believing I鈥檓 as fast as one of the best U.S. ski racers of all time. Therein lies the beauty of this new ski: The Pisteworks 79 makes you think you鈥檙e better than you actually are.

Based in Salt Lake, DPS is a ski manufacturer known for its innovation in the off-piste market. For the last 20 years, the brand has made fat powder skis using carbon fiber when most other ski companies rely on fiberglass. The Pisteworks 79 is their first foray into a frontside carver, and the company brought on Ligety to help design the ski. The result is a board that鈥檚 decidedly narrower underfoot and built to slice through groomers like a dad slicing through a Thanksgiving turkey.

When DPS asked me to test the ski, I was worried that the Pisteworks 79 would be more ski than I could handle. I鈥檓 a capable skier, but I don鈥檛 have a racing background, so I never learned the mechanics of a proper turn. Would I be able to handle a ski specifically designed for the very thing I鈥檓 not very good at? The answer is a resounding yes.

Also read: The Best Skis for Intermediates Ready to Level Up

I spent a day skiing the Pisteworks 79, trying in vain to keep up with Ligety, and I鈥檓 happy to report that these new skis might have been designed by an Olympian, but they were made for weekend warriors like me.

DPS Pisteworks 79 Specifications

Dimensions: 126-79-109 mm
Lengths: 160, 167, 174, 181 cm
Radius: 13.5 m (174 cm)
Weight: 1,650 g (174 cm)

The Build听

While the rest of the ski industry insists that fiberglass is the superior material to wrap around a wood core, DPS is leaning deeper into carbon because of its durability and superior energy return. The result is a lightweight speed demon (the 174-length skis that I tested weigh just 1,650 grams) that pops through turns and comes with a lifetime warranty.

The Pisteworks 79 was already in the works when Ligety joined DPS, but he was instrumental in enhancing the ski鈥檚 flex profile and camber. Given their carbon build, I was worried the Pisteworks 79 would be too stiff, but they flexed exactly where and when I wanted them to in each turn.

The lighter weight carbon build also gives these skis an enticingly buoyant feel. You don鈥檛 float through turns, you rebound through them; that鈥檚 the signature energy return that carbon brings to the table. Think of the carbon plates that are becoming common in running shoes and you鈥檒l understand the springy feel that I鈥檓 talking about. The force you put into your turn comes back at you as you release and start your next turn.

The turn radius of the ski is a short 13.5 meters, which is indicative of a ski that鈥檚 built for quick, snappy work. The Pisteworks 79 is indeed lively, engaging quickly as I charged through a series of slalom turns on steep groomers. I鈥檝e always , but I鈥檓 actively working on perfecting the sweeping arc that you see in giant slalom races.

Specifically, I鈥檓 trying to angulate more as I change direction to engage more of the edge of the ski, and the carbon in this ski gave me a helping hand in carving larger radius turns. I was able to sink deeper and commit into each turn, getting at least a fraction closer to the knuckle-drag that has become part of Ligety鈥檚 signature style.

This is all by design, as the Pisteworks 79鈥檚 material, flex pattern, and sidecut were manipulated to perform a variety of turn shapes with minimal effort. Ligety calls the ski a cheat code because it makes the art of carving a little more attainable to mere mortals like me.

The energy return of carbon is the real deal, too. I skied a full day at elevation, hammering groomers from start to finish, and I was less fatigued than I normally would be after similar efforts. Chalk it up to the light weight of the carbon skis, the energy return of the carbon wrap, or the overall design of the Pisteworks 79. It鈥檚 probably a magical combination of all of the above. Typically, I鈥檓 exhausted at the end of the day of skiing big western mountains, but I felt strong when the lifts shut down, and I wasn鈥檛 ready to go home.

Who Is the Pisteworks 79 for?

This is not an expert racing ski, but it鈥檚 also not a cruiser for beginners. It is built to move fast and carve deep, so it鈥檚 not the ideal ski for a relaxed day on the mountain. I logged every run of my test day and averaged roughly 8 mph faster than I normally ski. I never felt out of control, but I always had to stay engaged in the process while wearing these skis.

And this should be obvious based on its width, but the DPS Pisteworks 79 is not an . It is a specific tool designed for one specific thing: carving groomers. The skis handled bumps fine, but I wouldn鈥檛 take these sticks off-trail or into the back bowls. I also didn鈥檛 love them on the few icy slopes I found while exploring Deer Valley. No ski is great on ice unless you have a World Cup tune, but because of the lightweight construction, these are definitely designed for the softer groomed snow you find out west.

But for those lacking a user-friendly frontside carver, the Pisteworks 79 is an attractive new option. It鈥檚 also for those of us who have come to terms with reality and realized听 that the majority of runs we take are on groomed slopes. There鈥檚 no shame in that game, and with a tool like the Pisteworks 79, those groomers can become a fresh canvas for carving art.

Also, it should be noted that DPS skis are not cheap. The Pisteworks 79 lists at $1,995 without bindings. That鈥檚 almost double the price of other skis in the same carving category. But every ski is made at the DPS factory in Salt Lake, and all of their materials are sourced in the U.S. as well. I got to watch the ski-making process in person, and while there is some machinery and automation involved, the process is largely done by hand by craftspeople. Is that sort of craftsmanship worth the money? That鈥檚 up to you.

Will the DPS Pisteworks 79 help me win my weekly races and keep up with Olympians like Ted Ligety? No. But they鈥檒l make me think I can do these things, and you can鈥檛 overstate the importance of confidence on the slopes.

The post Ted Ligety and DPS Introduce a Carving Ski that Anyone Can Arc On appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

It’s no secret that our editors love to ski. With below-freezing temps and plenty of snow in the past month, we have tested more winter gear on the slopes than ever this year. From new ski boots to the perfect shades to heated gloves, below you’ll find eleven items that our editors couldn’t live without this winter.

When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.

Away Carry-On Boot Bag 55L

I was taught at a very young age to never check your ski boots, no matter how tedious it might be to carry them onboard. While this practice is heavily rewarded with never having to use rental boots, it’s also downright annoying to carry clunky ski boots through airport terminals. I’m always in search of a comfortable solution, and my new go-to is Away’s ski boot bag.

The bag itself is so spacious that I can fit just about every piece of gear I’ll need for a ski trip, minus the skis (think several pairs of gloves, neck warmers, goggles, a helmet, a few sets of base layers, ski pants, socks, jackets, and of course boots). The bag also has a luggage sleeve, so it pairs nicely with a roller bag. I prefer to wear the bag on my back, but it can be carried as a duffle as well. There are also several clip-closure systems on the bag to help compress it for air travel. The bag itself is on the larger side for boot bags at 55 liters, so when fully stuffed, it may not fit under your seat. That said, I haven鈥檛 had any problems fitting the bag overhead. 鈥擩amie Aranoff, digital editor

Quinn Snacks, Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets

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I just returned from a weeklong backcountry trip, and one of my main food groups was peanut butter-filled pretzels. I’m gluten-free which means I can’t always eat the same snacks as the rest of my team, but these pretzel nuggets from Quinn were so popular that my entire group, including the gluten-tolerant, were snacking. The pretzels are the perfect food for backcountry skiing thanks to the combination of carbs from the pretzel and protein from the peanut (or almond) butter. They’re also perfectly salty with just the slightest touch of sweetness. Now that I’m back in the front country I’ll be looking to try out all the different varieties. 鈥擩.A.

Loon’r Hi Flyer Boot

Two years ago, Mammoth Lakes, the sleepy mountain town I call home, received a whopping 73 feet of snow. I spent the majority of that winter shoveling more than skiing. One of my greatest grievances about shoveling was how wet my feet got each day. But no more.

These new knee-high EVA boots bring a smile to my face every time I pull them on. They’re super warm (my feet will go from cold to toasty within a minute of donning a pair) and fully waterproof. The tread on the bottom is sufficient for all but the slickest black ice, and the color is just delightful. Mine are Palisade Peach, a kind of neon orange that looks hilarious as I trade them for my also-bright-orange ski boots. Even though town has been snow-free for a month, I continue to wear them because they grip so well on the icy sidewalks. 鈥擩ake Stern, digital editor, 国产吃瓜黑料

Stellar Equipment Stellar Shell 2.0 and Stellar Pant 2.0

This kit feels like real-deal big mountain body armor. I tend to prefer my waterproof ski layers more on the breathable end of the waterproof/breathable spectrum because I love to hike, sidestep, and boot for stashes, but this new kit from Stellar shifts that paradigm for me.

The Stellar Shell and Pant feel incredibly premium鈥攖hick 3-layer material, a secure powder skirt, and excellent pocket placements (including a pass pocket, which should be mandatory on every ski shell in my opinion) all make for the perfect storm-day protection. All waterproof zippers and huge mesh-backed vents really round out what I like about this kit. If you have a sensitive chin, the top of the zipper may bother you until it breaks in a bit, but that’s no problem if you wear a buff. Once it finally snows again, I’ll be wearing this kit while storm skiing bell to bell. 鈥擩.S.

On Movement Tight

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A few years ago, sick of constantly having to hike my leggings up during workouts, I decided to forgo them entirely. This past fall and winter, though, I found myself wanting a pair for yoga classes and the gym. I was nervous to reenter the world of elastane and lycra, but the On Studio Tights put all my fears to rest. The seamless front is secure and camel toe-free, the drop-in side pocket on the right leg conveniently stores my phone, and the elastane and recycled polyester-blend fabric are wicking and breathable even in 95-degree Fahrenheit yoga classes. Most importantly of all: they stay put. I鈥檓 fully a legging convert鈥攁t least for this specific pair. 鈥擬iyo McGinn, assistant editor, 国产吃瓜黑料

Tecnica Mach1 LV 120 ski boots

Life’s too short to ski in pain, but if I’m honest, I’ve endured far more days of agony on the slopes than ones without. This unfortunate fact is due to my long, narrow, low-volume feet. Most extra-large models are far too wide in the toe box, and too roomy in the arch. My feet swim around, forcing me to either stuff the boot liners with footbeds and padding or to ratchet down the buckles to choke my foot into place. Neither method is particularly comfy.

That recently changed after I purchased a pair of Tecnica’s Mach 1 LV 120 boots. My coworker, digital editor Jake Stern, recommended them after I complained to him about my footwear plight. Prior to joining 国产吃瓜黑料, Jake was a professional boot-fitter, and he’s the smartest guy on ski gear that I know. I tried them on, along with several other LV models from different brands, and they fit the best. The “LV” stands for “low volume”鈥攜ep, boots designed for wonky feet like mine. And after eight days on the slopes thus far, I can say without hesitation that they are the most comfortable pair I’ve ever skied in. I’ve bid adieu to my pre-ski-day Advil, and even my post-ski-day complaints. Thanks, Jake! 鈥擣red Dreier, articles editor, 国产吃瓜黑料

The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Hoodie

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It鈥檚 been an unusually cold and snowy winter here in the Southern Appalachians, which means I鈥檝e spent a lot of time in this over-engineered, incredibly warm puffy. The Breithorn is stuffed with water-resistant 800-fill synthetic down, so I don鈥檛 have to worry when the snow shower turns into a wet 鈥渨intery mix.鈥� This is the puffy many TNF athletes use in bitter cold, high alpine environments, and you could argue that it鈥檚 overkill for me, considering my mountains top out at 6,000 feet. But I鈥檇 argue that you can never be too warm when you鈥檙e drinking whiskey in the ski hill parking lot after a night skiing session. Also of note鈥攖his thick puffy is actually really packable, squishing down to the perfect airplane pillow size. 鈥擥raham Averill, travel and gear columnist

Filson Lined Mackinaw Wool Packer Coat

When the Bidens invited my wife and me to swing by their place for the White House Christmas party, my first thought was panic. What on earth does an outdoors writer who lives in rural Montana wear to meet the president? Over a wool suit and a vintage tie, Filson鈥檚 flagship jacket was the answer. It kept me warm while waiting in the security line in 30-degree temperatures, and the sheepskin collar added just the right amount of flare for the holidays. I know this not due to my own very limited fashion sense but because the stylist who did Dr. Jill鈥檚 Vogue cover told me so. The coat鈥檚 since worked just as well on a particularly chilly visit to the Dallas Country Club, and while dining out with family in Park City. 鈥擶es Siler, contributing editor

Ibex Men’s Woolies Pro Tech Bottom

The new year found me staying in a cabin near Estes Park, Colorado,, and venturing out for hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The first thing I put on every day were these lightweight wool leggings from Ibex. The merino/nylon Nuyarn blend was exceptionally soft and warm against the skin, but so thin and stretchy that I didn’t notice they were there. Whatever my level of effort or the weather鈥攔anging from calm, sunny days with temps in the 30s to a howling blizzard with the thermometer barely reaching the teens鈥攖he Ibex bottoms insulated and breathed admirably under wind- and water-proof outer layers, keeping my leg temperature comfortably regulated. They didn’t even feel stifling sitting in a cafe eating lunch after a morning hike.

The tights are too thin and airy to ever wear alone outside, but they were snuggly as jammies for chilly evenings and nights in the cabin. 鈥擩onathan Beverly, senior running editor, Gear

Ciele VLV Halfzip Running Midlayer

It鈥檚 damn hard to design a good midlayer for runners. You need something warm because runners love to head out at 6 a.m. when it鈥檚 cold and windy. But you also need something that breathes well because running is such a high-output sport. Ciele offers several smart solutions with the VLV. First, they lined the inside with a diamond grid fleece where the center of each diamond is hollow so that lots of air can escape. On first wear it feels like the VLV lets through more air than you would like, but after five minutes it鈥檚 perfectly regulated for running in temps anywhere from 10 to 40 degrees. The half zip also comes with a two-way zipper so you can open the bottom for ventilation but not have the collar flapping around in your face. I particularly love the purple colorway because there鈥檚 not a lot of good purple running gear on the market. 鈥擩akob Schiller,听国产吃瓜黑料听correspondent

Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Hooded Waxed Jacket

Waxed jackets are having a style moment thanks to shows like Yellowstone. And while it looks cool when cowboys flip up the collar on their jackets, I鈥檓 here to tell you it adds almost no warmth. The wind will find its way around your neck and you鈥檒l still be cold, even if you look tough. That鈥檚 why I鈥檓 a much bigger fan of this hooded waxed jacket. I still get the tough-as-nails exterior that develops a beautiful patina over time as well as a flannel-lined hood with a buttery-soft interior that keeps my head, ears, and neck warm when it鈥檚 bitter outside. The jacket gives off more of an urban vibe instead of making me look like I rode in on a horse, but I鈥檓 okay with that. 鈥擩.S.

The post The Gear Our Editors Are Loving This Winter appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

An icy wind stings my cheeks as I sprint from my warm Subaru to the front porch of a stranger’s home in my suburban听neighborhood. I look between the milk delivery box and a patio chair and locate my prize, wrapped in a plastic grocery bag.

Back in my car, I pull up my phone, open Venmo, and send $30 to someone named Julia. I unwrap the bag and marvel at my loot: a purple and pink pair of girls rubber snow boots, dotted with a stylish flower print, in child’s size 12.

These are no ordinary boots鈥攖hey are a pair of . Parents everywhere, including yours truly, have come to appreciate the brand for keeping our kids’ feet cozy and dry on the coldest winter days. We also love Bogs’ extreme, eye-popping durability. In my experience, Bogs rubber-soled winter boots are virtually impervious to the highly destructive forces that a typical child can muster. Bogs can survive the harshest sandbox grit and cheese-grater-like playground equipment. Take a belt sander to the sole of your kid’s Bogs and the vulcanized rubber may still grip icy pavement.

I want to stress how unusual this is to all of the child-free readers out there. Should you someday welcome a small human into your life, then you鈥攍ike me鈥攎ay marvel at your child’s ability to immediately transform new apparel or footwear into thread-bare rags.

Bogs’ extreme durability creates a dynamic that fans of the boots know well.听 Your kid will outgrow his or her Bogs long before the boots wear out. Thus, you can sell them online when they no longer fit your kid’s feet and fetch a good price.

A thriving secondary market exists for Bogs on websites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. If you check out the “Kids’ Bogs” page on the , you will scroll past hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of used pairs for sale.

My wife and I began buying and selling our daughter’s used Bogs on Facebook Marketplace a few years ago. Our five-year-old is on her fifth pair. Here’s the thing: we’ve only purchased one pair new. The MSRP on a pair of Bogs kids winter boots is $85, but you can easily score a set with plenty of life left in them online in the $30-50 range.

For years I wondered whether this dynamic was hurting the company’s bottom line, since so many customers, like me, simply buy them from other parents.

I posed this question (does Bogs’ extreme durability hurt sales?) to Megan Vinton, Bogs鈥� senior director of product, during a recent phone call, and I got a murky answer: probably not, but honestly, who knows?

“We’ve never really analyzed the secondary marketplace that way,” she told me. “But the price that people can command for a used pair is pretty impressive.”

Vinton told me that the company has long known that used Bogs are sought-after items online. A few years back, she said, there was an internal conversation among company officials about creating Bogs’ own re-selling marketplace for used boots. But employees struggled to find the right e-commerce infrastructure and model to pursue. Plus, there was a decent argument that Bogs’ popularity on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace actually boosted the brand’s popularity. So the whole project was scrapped.

“We’re content and happy to let the online community of used sellers thrive,” she said. “So many people’s entrance to our brand is from word-of-mouth and community purchasing.”

Bogs Neo-Classic Solid Kids鈥� Boots

Instead, Vinton said, Bogs has found ways to lean into its reputation for longevity. Each pair of Bogs kids’ boots comes with a name tag inside that has room for three different names. And a few years ago, Bogs started a program called . The company will cover the shipping cost for customers to mail their used boots to the Portland, Oregon headquarters. Employees will then freshen up the footwear and donate them to outdoor kids’ programs and preschools.

“We want to keep them out of landfills,” says Chris Enlow, the company’s head of sustainability. “Creating a plug-and-play method to give them to a charity is how we prefer to engage in re-circulating boots.”

So, why do these kids boots last so long, when a typical child may only wear them for one or two seasons? Vinton said that, years ago, the company committed to using the same durability standards for a toddler’s boot as for the ones it manufactured for ranchers and dairy hands. Employees lay vulcanized rubber strips by hand over a neoprene sock to construct the waterproof lower. The company seeks out the strongest rubber compounds that won’t crack after a year spent in the sun, wind, and rain.

The company applies its latest technology to all of its boots, not just the ones made for lumberjacks or ranch hands. The newest models are made from vulcanized rubber that’s injected into a hard mold to create a seamless sole and lower area. And yeah, your three-year-old nephew can stomp through puddles in rocket ship-emblazoned boots that are made this way

“You don’t want people saying ‘Oh, these boots used to last longer,鈥欌�� Enlow said.

The lifespan of the pink and purple Bogs are far from my mind as I park in my driveway and hurry indoors. I find my daughter scribbling in a coloring book, and I slip her feet into the new boots to make sure they fit.

Then I step out of the way and let her gaze at the color scheme and the fancy flower print. It’s somewhat similar to the design of her older pair, which sit near near our front door, ready for me to post online.

“Good,” she says, and then returns to coloring.

Fred was the editor-in-chief at VeloNews from 2016 to 2021. Prior to that he was a regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and The New York Times. Fred is the proud father of his five-year-old daughter, Magnolia, whose feet are growing like weeds.听

The post These Boots Will Last Longer than Your Child Can Wear Them appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The Idaho Panhandle is tucked away so snugly between Washington, Montana, and British Columbia that people often forget it鈥檚 there. The landscape is characterized by dense fir, hemlock, pine, cedar, larch, and spruce forests. Deep greens and wooly, gray skies tightly hug the Purcell Trench, rimmed by the Selkirk Mountains to the Northwest and the Cabinet Mountains to the Northeast. This season, the valley bottom is still soggy with slush and muck鈥攄ifficult conditions to work in for forester and fourth-generation Idaho local Chad Ramsay. Fortunately, Ramsay discovered the solution to post-holing through thinly covered alder and tumbling down slopes due to a loose snowshoe clip: cross-country skis.

Ramsay manages working forests (a forest that exists to supply renewable wood) and oversees tree health, biodiversity, and sustainable resource utilization. In other words, he covers 25 miles and 5,000 vertical feet on foot a week, assessing the health of the woods. It鈥檚 hard work, which is why Ramsay relies on his cross-country skis to navigate the landscape.

The leading causes of injuries in forestry are slips, trips, and falls. Ramsay, who manages a group of foresters, is advocating for ski kits to be added to the gear budget for foresters鈥� safety, better productivity, and morale (who doesn鈥檛 love to ski?). Below is the gear that Ramsay uses to keep safe and make the most of his time spent in the backcountry in the winter months.

Fischer S-Bound 98 Ski

The only tracks Ramsay encounters in the Idaho Panhandle landscape are winter game trails and his own. There are klicks to cover, and he rarely takes the same route back to the truck. Wide format, off-track cross-country skis with metal edges make traversing and sidehilling easier, safer, and more fun. With a听 wide underfoot, the Fischer S-Bound 98 has a pivot point comfortably positioned for a long day of cruising and standing stable while note-taking. The nordic-style rocker camber is designed with soft snow in mind. These skis are compatible with full-length and partial-length skins if the going gets steep.

鈥淪now slows down productivity. Switching from snowshoes to skis doubled the amount of ground I can cover,鈥� says Ramsay.听 鈥淎nd exercise is just good for mental health. If I can still manage for my objectives, which are value and fiber production, and get out skiing, that鈥檚 a good day in the woods.鈥�

Fischer BCX Traverse Boots

Built for durability in harsh conditions, the high-profile, heavy-duty BCX Traverse Boot features the breathable Triple F membrane, which helps manage moisture to keep feet dry in snowy environments. Not having to boot swap in the snow is a significant advantage, and with a rubberized boot chain, these boots offer the sturdy support and reliable lacing system needed to turn them into workable off-ski trompers. Just remember to carry an extra set of laces in the backcountry, in case one set breaks.

鈥淭he new binding placement, shifting from the toe bar to pins on the side of the ball of the foot, makes a big difference in stability and control, especially on uneven terrain. It鈥檚 much easier to get in and out of, which is a huge plus when I鈥檓 constantly moving between skis and hiking,鈥� said Ramsay.

One Way BC Vario Poles

Light, durable, and adjustable, these aluminum poles feature a quick lock for easy length changes on varied terrain. The large, flexible baskets excel in soft snow and are easy to untangle from grabby brush, while the ergonomic straps offer comfortable support over long distances.

鈥淭he large baskets on these poles are perfect for soft snow, keeping me from punching through and helping me move efficiently across the terrain. The straps are also easy to handle, even when I鈥檓 juggling tools,鈥� said Ramsay.

PacForest Supply 15-Pocket Vest

High viz and lightweight, Ramsay’s staple outer layer lets the unlikely onlooker (or hunter) know that the wearer is on the job. The fifteen pockets of various sizes provide easy access to a gas station breakfast burrito, TP, and other backcountry essentials below. The vest is durable and features a large pocket that can accommodate a tablet, making it ideal for fieldwork. While it isn鈥檛 waterproof, Ramsay notes that layering underneath provides the necessary protection from the elements.

Accessories

In addition to hardgoods, Ramsay relies on several essential smaller tools for a workday in the woods. His ($60) is used for navigation, route mapping, and finding his way back to the rig before dark, which comes quickly in winter this far north. The ($195) helps him measure tree height and slope, which is crucial for terrain and tree growth assessments. For other tasks like calculating timber volume, tree age and health, and measuring tree diameter, Ramsay uses specialized forestry devices like a tree boring tool and loggers tape. His well-worn ($25), with a screw-on top, fits neatly in his vest, providing a caffeine boost throughout the day.

And lastly, no day in the field would be complete without layers and his canine consultant, a loyal companion who keeps watch for wildlife.

The post This Idaho Forester Relies on His Skis to Work Through the Winter appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Anyone who skis or snowboards knows: Everything outside of actually making turns is a massive pain in the ass. The exorbitant number of clothing and accessories items required to avoid frostbite and injury. The hardgoods鈥攕kis, snowboards, boots, poles鈥攜ou have to load and unload without wrecking your car, your gear, or your body. The stuff necessary for a comfortable drive home or weekend away. And that鈥檚 all the gear you need even if you鈥檙e skiing or riding alone. Bring along less experienced skiers or riders who could use some help鈥攚hether friends or your children鈥攁nd you may ask yourself if it鈥檚 all even worth it.

I鈥檝e been the beginner friend who requires extra help. I鈥檝e also been the parent shoving a child鈥檚 foot into a ski boot and swearing, not necessarily under my breath. And now I鈥檓 the parent of teenage boys and couldn鈥檛 love ski/snowboard weekends with my family any more than I do. (So if you鈥檙e wrestling with younger kids on the slopes, stick with it; the payoff is great.) I also love taking along family and friends who may need a little extra help. But all that adds up to an additional need to strategize鈥攚ith the right gear鈥攖o make ski and snowboard outings as smooth as possible.

These three things rise to the top of my list of frustration-reducing gear and will be in regular rotation this winter as my family and the occasional friend head to the Colorado high country as often as possible.

Rigstrips SnoStrip

I don鈥檛 remember whose snowboard slid off my bumper last season in the ski hill parking lot, but it took off a chunk of my car鈥檚 paint. To keep it from happening again, I started using the SnoStrip,听 an ingeniously simple contraption. The 16鈥� x 1.5鈥� x .08鈥� magnetic strip attaches to the side of my car or our family truck and acts as an impromptu ski rack when we鈥檙e unloading boards and skis from a rooftop gearbox or the back of the car. It also allows me to tackle this job solo by securing the gear within arm鈥檚 reach while I鈥檓 standing on the side of the truck with an open rooftop box. The soft rubber organizing slats hold snowboards, alpine skis, Nordic skis, or any combination of snow gear, making this contraption a great alternative to leaning gear against the car鈥檚 paint or laying it on a rocky, grimy parking lot surface. When not in use, the SnowStrip lives in the back of the car, barely taking up any space at all.

SMMT Outdoor 35L Powder Tote

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From December through March, I keep this bag loaded with what I need off the mountain during a weekend ski trip. (I also keep a ski bag packed with what I need on the mountain.) It鈥檚 always ready to go and my shit doesn鈥檛 get mixed up with teenage boys鈥� dirty socks in hastily packed shared bags. I love that this tote-style bag zips shut鈥攎y stuff stays safely shoved inside鈥攁nd the shell and zippers are protectively water-resistant. Internal organizing features, like a laptop sleeve, zippered mesh pocket, water bottle pocket, and small, separate bag that鈥檚 ideal for charging cords help me keep necessities organized.

It鈥檚 lofted like a puffy jacket, which keeps the contents inside a little warmer so I don鈥檛 have to put on cold sweats, and just makes it look like a perfect ski weekender bag. A keychain clip even doubles as a bottle opener. The bag is made with a bluesign-certified manufacturing partner and constructed out of post-industrial, post-consumer recycled materials. And, through , a portion of sales goes to Park City-based Summit Land Conservancy.

Smartwool Hudson Trail Pattern Slippers

I love sharing hotel and lodge rooms with all three of my boys (sons and spouse) and my dog, but none of them wipe their feet enough or take off their snowy shoes when entering a room. That leaves f***ing puddles on the concrete or laminate floor of our most frequented hotels, and I step in those puddles in my socks all the f***ing time. But not anymore. The Smartwool Hudson Slippers have a slightly padded outsole made of nylon/polyurethane that keeps my feet dry so I don鈥檛 have to change my socks multiple times an hour. The Merino wool/nylon/polyester (some of it recycled) blend that makes up the main body of the slippers keeps my feet and lower legs warm and comfortable, to boot.

These three items may not guarantee great snow or make I-70 traffic and lift lines go away, but they have been helping me manage the hassles鈥攁nd get to the fun鈥攐f skiing and snowboarding this winter.

The post Three Things Making My Family Ski Trips Easier appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Winter is finally here in full force, and our editors have been enjoying every last drop of snow (and sometimes rain) outside. From touring up our local ski hills to early-morning winter runs before work, we’ve tested countless pieces of gear this December. Below are the 12 pieces we’ve enjoyed the most鈥損ermission granted to steal some ideas for last-minute holiday gifts.

When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.

Skida High-Pile fleece hat

I use this fleece beanie year-round, but this month I haven鈥檛 left the house without it. Historically, I鈥檝e struggled with headwear. I have a big-ish head and even bigger hair, which makes it challenging to find hats that don鈥檛 make my head look even more globe-like than it already does, or leave a crease in my curls鈥攐r both. Skida鈥檚 high-pile fleece hat, on the other hand, manages to check the boxes for both style and function. The thick recycled Polartec fabric is super cozy, and the four-cornered top and boxy shape stays in place on my hair without crushing it. It鈥檚 not the only hat I own, but it鈥檚 pretty much the only one I wear. 鈥擬iyo McGinn, assistant editor

Helly Hansen LIFA Merino Midweight Base Layer

I’m guilty of integrating my most technical, purpose-made outdoor garments into my rotation of everyday outfits. Yep, I’m the guy who wears his backcountry skiing midlayer to the office, and brings his $100 cycling gloves along while trick-or-treating. It should be no surprise, then, that I’ve used Helly Hansen’s cozy LIFA merino baselayer鈥攚hich is designed for the coldest days on the slopes鈥攆or a wide array of banal activities that don’t involve skiing.

I wear this base layer when I walk the dog and shovel drifts off my driveway. I’ve worn it under my cycling jacket on long, cold bike rides. And yes, I’ve also worn the top as a long-sleeve shirt under a vest for trips to the grocery store. I realize this makes me a walking, talking, fashion faux pas. But I love this base layer. It’s incredibly warm, and it doesn’t itch or run like other ones made from synthetic material. And it also doesn’t look like long underwear. The merino layer is thicker than the other ones I own, and the angled stitching makes the garment look more like a technical long-sleeve t-shirt than an undergarment. So, for now, I plan to continue wearing my technical base layer鈥攁nd other outdoor gear鈥攖o the mall, movies, and office. Call the fashion police. 鈥擣red Dreier, articles editor

Nike Pegasus 41 Gore-Tex Shoes

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I recently doubled the number of miles I鈥檓 running each week as I ramp up training for a Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim attempt in May. That means I鈥檓 running rain, snow, or shine, and have come to rely heavily on the Gore-Tex version of the Pegasus 41, Nike鈥檚 well-known stability shoe.

Thanks to the waterproof liner, my feet stay dry, and more importantly warm, when I have to run through puddles or in a downpour. Cold feet, like cold hands or ears, is one of the easiest ways to lose motivation when I鈥檓 already straining physically on a long or fast-paced run. There鈥檚 no way to keep a little water from leaking in the cuff when it鈥檚 truly pissing rain, but if I keep the shoes tight and wear a mid-high sock, my feet stay dry enough to keep me happy. I also appreciate the reflective details all over the shoes that shine bright when I鈥檓 trying to avoid cars on early morning winter runs. 鈥擩akob Schiller, contributing writer

Pas Normal Balance Insulated Vest

I鈥檓 tempted to wear a full windproof jacket every time I head out for a winter run because I鈥檓 scared of being cold. But then I remember that after 10 minutes I鈥檒l be too hot and have to carry the jacket for a majority of the miles. As a compromise, I鈥檝e recently run in this lightly insulated vest that adds plenty of warmth early on but breathes well enough once I start sweating.

I love the double zipper that allows me to unzip the vest from the bottom so I can vent without the upper part of the vest billowing in the wind, and the collarless design cuts down on any chafing around my neck and chin. I will say that thanks to extra-warm PrimaLoft insulation, the vest adds too much heat for runs when it鈥檚 above freezing. But it鈥檚 perfect for days when temps are hovering somewhere between 15-30 degrees. 鈥擩.S.

Outdoor Research x Mark Abma Skytour AscentShell Jacket and Bibs

I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical of a snow-camo printed backcountry skiing kit. But the black arms really do pop against a snowy background. If you vibe with looking like a snow leopard stalking its prey in the alpine, this kit could very much be for you. This print was made by Outdoor Research for US special forces, and the Skytour kit has the features to back it up.

Massive side zips vent heat from an already very breathable fabric that is fully seam sealed and sports watertight zippers. Thoughtful pocket placements and a beacon clip in the left thigh zippered pocket complete this dialed backcountry kit. On a wet, snowy Eastern Sierra tour the other week I was encouraged by the protection and breathability this kit offered. I’m even more excited to see how it will do come spring when the white color will repel the sun’s rays on hot days. 鈥擩ake Stern, digital editor

Men’s Baist Classic Glove

Baist Gloves, made in Vermont, are constructed from a waterproof goat leather and tough cordura shell that鈥檚 twice as thick at the knuckles and high-wear zones for maximum durability. They鈥檙e built to last, but the real secret sauce is the Baist liner, which Velcros into place inside the shell, providing a seamless, no fuss fit but also the opportunity to remove it and dry it separately at the end of the day.

Baist also gave the glove a few nifty features this year, like an interior pull cord and a velcro wrist strap to make sure snow never reaches your hands, and a loop on the tip of the glove that allows you to hang it upside down to dry. These are the warmest mittens I鈥檝e ever owned. I skied in them all last winter and I鈥檓 psyched to pull them back on again now that ski season is upon us. 鈥擥raham Averill, 国产吃瓜黑料 travel and gear columnist

Roar Sound Machine and Speaker

This rugged and portable sound machine has become an essential piece of baby gear when we travel with our kiddos. It鈥檚 small and simple yet can blast brown noise, ocean waves, or summer rain. You can also connect the Roar to your phone to use it as a portable speaker. I loved the first iteration I tested despite some shortcomings: the sound machine used to alert you with a loud voice command when the battery was low, which woke my sleeping kiddo up in the middle of the night on more than one occasion; and its default volume once turned on was also very loud and startling. The newest version of the Roar addresses both issues by getting rid of the low battery warning and lowering the default volume, making this portable sound machine a no-brainer for families on the go. 鈥擩enny Wiegand, associate gear director

Veer All Terrain Cruiser

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Veteran parents know there鈥檚 no such thing as one stroller to rule them all. Active families who are always on the go likely need a compact travel stroller, a jogging stroller, and some sort of gear hauler. We have all three, but these days, the Veer All Terrain Cruiser is getting more use than the others thanks to its versatility.

Unlike many other wagons out there, you can push the Veer like a traditional stroller, which is a really nice feature when you鈥檙e conveying a heavy load of kiddos and gear. It also has burly wheels that make it easy to navigate off the beaten path. But my favorite feature of this wagon is how compact it is. Unfolded, it seats two kiddos on built-in benches, or it can seat a toddler and accommodate an infant car seat with the appropriate adapter. Folded up with the wheels popped off, it lays flat for easy storage in the trunk of a car, in the roof box, or against the wall of our garage. We even flew with the All Terrain Cruiser in a gate-check bag for a beach vacation last summer, and it came back home with lots of sand but nary a scratch.

At $700, it鈥檚 expensive and double the price of similar hybrid stroller-wagons like the听. But like a听 cooler, the Veer is over-engineered to be extremely rugged and durable, making it a piece of gear that will stand up to kid abuse, travel, and years of family adventures. 鈥擩.W.

“What If We Get It Right?” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Although it’s not gear in the traditional sense, this new book has gotten me through听a recent spell of climate anxiety. Written by one of the country’s most notable climate experts, Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, it’s easy, provocative reading that left me feeling both relieved that the climate solutions we need are at our fingertips and inspired to take more climate action myself. Through a series of conversations with experts across a wide range of industries鈥攆rom farming to finance to film and more鈥攁nd concrete examples, Johnson examines what the world could look like if we come together and get climate action right. And what that looks like is pretty beautiful. –Kristin Hostetter, head of sustainability听and contributing editor

Backnobber II

Look simple? I鈥檝e heard my husband call the Backnobber II the best tool in the house. He got it upon the recommendation of the accountant at our old workplace, Big Stone Publishing, at least 10 years ago, and uses it near daily. Mike has chronic shoulder issues from decades of climbing and shooting a bow, and serious back pain, either from some hard falls skiing or just years of charging around.

At such times, the Backnobber, near breathtaking in its S-shaped, dual-knobbed simplicity, saves him, as much as anything can. He hooks and crooks the knots and trigger points in his back, shoulders, and glutes; he can do it even while carrying on a conversation with some pitying friend who comes by to check in. I鈥檝e barely used the thing, but I鈥檝e had a front-row seat in witnessing its efficacy. He thinks it is a miracle worker, and I think for $35, you can鈥檛 lose. 鈥擜lison Osius, senior editor

Smartwool Active Fleece Jogger

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I love winter running once I get out in the fresh air and the miles fly by easily鈥攂ut I still struggle to layer appropriately, especially on December’s first really cold days when I used to head out in shorts and tee. These 47 percent Polyester, 38 percent Merino wool, and 15 percent Elastane joggers have helped this year by being one cozy, dependable layer for my legs when the thermometer drops. The interior is a soft, brushed fleece that coddles my skin while a smooth, tightly woven exterior protects against wind and moisture. The relaxed fit makes them easy to pull on, but they aren’t so baggy that they get in the way on the run.

Despite being thicker than most running pants, they breathe remarkably well and don’t overheat when I’m warm, like most insulated apparel does. I don’t wear them when it’s over 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but I’ve reached for them a couple of times per week when the thermometer is below freezing and they’ve kept me comfortable from stepping out my door to charging up trails into the wind鈥攁nd they haven’t collected any odor despite only one wash all month. 鈥擩onathan Beverly, senior running gear editor

The post The Gear Our Editors Are Loving This December appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

If you鈥檙e shopping for skis and feeling overwhelmed by all the options, there鈥檚 one thing you should know right out of the gate: there are no bad skis. Trust us鈥攁long with our friends at , we test over 150 models each season and are always hard-pressed to come up with a short list of our favorites.

But there is such a thing as the wrong ski, especially if you鈥檙e an intermediate skier who鈥檚 still working on technique and building confidence on the slopes. If this is you, you shouldn鈥檛 necessarily be shopping for . Instead, you should be looking for a ski that鈥檚 accessible to those still learning how to bend and edge a ski.

Watch: What to Consider When Shopping for Skis

Generally speaking, that means a ski with a waist width of 80-90 millimeters and a little more shape to it than many of the wider and straighter all-mountain skis you see in the lift lines these days. These narrow all-mountain skis鈥攁lso called 鈥攑romote easier turn initiation and edge engagement, while still offering a solid platform in a variety of terrain (groomers, moguls, trees) and even in a few inches of fresh snow.

If you鈥檙e looking for a friendly but legit teaching tool that will take your skiing to the next level, we鈥檝e got you covered. The experienced editors at SKI collect more tester feedback and data than anyone else in the biz, and they shared their intel with us to come up with this list of the best skis for folks looking to level up this season.

The following six skis were not only some of the , they were ranked by testers as the most user-friendly and confidence-inspiring frontside skis, making them ideal for those still working on their skills. They鈥檙e also great options for advanced and expert skiers who don鈥檛 want to have to work so hard for nice turns.

Read more:

At a Glance

• About SKI Test
• FAQ

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.

Armada Declivity 82 Ti

Dimensions: 128-82-110 mm
Lengths: 166, 174, 182 cm
Turn Radius: 15.9 m (174 cm)
Gender: Unisex

Pros and Cons
鈯� Easy to turn
鈯� Forgiving of mistakes
鈯� Versatile
鈯� Not the most dependable in crud
鈯� Has a speed limit

The Declivity 82 Ti was the most forgiving and accessible frontside ski we tested last season. Thanks to a soft and wide tip, initiating a turn is intuitive and almost effortless; but a full sheet of metal adds stability to make this ski trustworthy on hard snow. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very easy to get this ski on edge and it doesn鈥檛 force you into a turn, which lower abilities will love for working on their carving,鈥� noted one tester.

With an 82-millimeter waist and a shorter turning radius, the Declivity 82 Ti is a versatile ski that prefers cruising groomers at moderate speeds and encourages intermediates to test their skills in moguls and trees. It鈥檚 not the most lively or energetic ski, and it won鈥檛 stand up to experts who want to push it in crud or at top speeds, but you鈥檇 be hard pressed to find a ski with better performance in a user-friendly package.

Salomon Stance 90

Dimensions: 126-90-108 mm
Lengths: 168, 176, 182, 188 cm
Turn Radius: 18 m (176 cm)
Gender: Unisex

Pros and Cons
鈯� Big sweet spot
鈯� Approachable
鈯� Performs on and off the groomers
鈯� Not very lively

In their feedback, testers called the Stance 90 an all-mountain ski for the masses with a huge sweet spot. Featuring a caruba and poplar wood core and two sheets of metal, the Stance 90 is light enough to make turn initiation easy, yet solid enough to be stable and predictable in variable conditions. A 90-millimeter waist makes it a versatile all-mountain tool鈥攊t holds its own on hard snow and won鈥檛 bat an eye at ducking into moguls, trees, or fresh snow.

Testers鈥� biggest beef with this ski is that it lacks some pop and pizazz. It might not be the most playful ski out there, but it鈥檚 an approachable all-mountain option that will make a wide variety of skiers happy. 鈥淭his ski feels intuitive. Easy, fun, and predictable enough so you can go skiing and enjoy the view at the same time,鈥� summed up one tester.

Elan Ripstick 88

Dimensions: 130-88-105 mm
Lengths: 148, 156, 164, 172, 180, 188 cm
Turn Radius: 15.4 m (172 cm)
Gender: Unisex

Pros and Cons
鈯� Easy to control
鈯� Great carver
鈯� Lots of length options
鈯� Lacks stability in ungroomed terrain
鈯� Easily overpowered

The Ripstick 88 is a ski instructor鈥檚 dream. It鈥檚 easy to turn, easy to control, and accommodating鈥攊t gives you nice, round turns without asking for much input. 鈥淭his is a ski for those wanting easy-mode built into their ski,鈥� reported one tester. 鈥淚t鈥檚 comfortable in most conditions, maneuverable, and gives people access to good skiing for less work.鈥�

Besides its approachability, the Ripstick 88鈥檚 standout characteristic is its carving chops. This ski wants to pull you into a turn and get on edge鈥攁ll you have to do is think 鈥渃arve鈥� and you鈥檙e there. Testers reported this ski can get the job done off-piste as long as the snow is soft, but it shies away from crud and high speeds. Keep this one on mellower groomed runs to work on your arc and you won鈥檛 be disappointed.

Salomon Stance 88 W

Dimensions: 122-88-104 mm
Lengths: 154, 161, 168, 174 cm
Turn Radius: 18 m (168 cm)
Gender: 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚

Pros and Cons
鈯� Stable
鈯� Versatile
鈯� Easy to control
鈯� Lacks energy
鈯� Easily overpowered by strong skiers

The Stance 88 W鈥攖he women鈥檚 version of the Stance 90 (listed above)鈥攊s slightly narrower and comes in shorter, women鈥檚-appropriate lengths but shares a lot of the same performance characteristics with her brother. We tested the Stance 88 W in some extremely low-vis conditions at SKI鈥檚 gear test at Mt. Rose, Nevada, last season, and were pleasantly surprised with how reassuring these skis felt.

The Stance 88 W is a jack of all trades when it comes to terrain thanks to a balanced construction of wood and two sheets of metal and a middle-of-the-road waist width. While we appreciated it more on soft, groomed runs, it performed respectably in bumps and crud. Like the Stance 90, this ski didn鈥檛 wow us with its energy, but when conditions are tough, you want something smooth and predictable like the Stance 88 W underfoot.

鈥淭otally forgiving but not a noodle, this ski has a wide range,鈥� summarized one tester. 鈥淎n expert will overpower it, but intermediate to advanced skiers will get a lot of confidence from the skis鈥� quietness.鈥�

Nordica Santa Ana 87

Dimensions: 118-87-106 mm
Lengths: 150, 155, 161, 167, 173 cm
Turn Radius: 16.3 m (161 cm)
Gender: 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚

Pros and Cons
鈯� Very stable and dependable
鈯� Great edge performance
鈯� Responsive
鈯� Stiff and damp

The Santa Ana 87 is an all-mountain ski for everywoman, not just intermediates. Anyone can click into these sticks and enjoy a smooth, dependable ride. But intermediates especially will appreciate how confidence-inspiring the Santa Ana 87 is all over the mountain.

Those still working on their edging skills can trust this ski to hold on hard snow, and those ready to dip a toe off-piste will be encouraged by the Santa Ana 87鈥檚 mix of stability in variable conditions and agility in mixed terrain. 鈥淵ou can stretch your skiing out a little more thanks to this ski鈥檚 easy release and smooth engagement,鈥� reported one tester.

True to the Nordica brand, the Santa Ana 87 is relatively stiff and damp, and testers noted it might overwhelm true novices. Yes, it鈥檚 a strong ski, but it has the power to make you a stronger skier.

Blizzard Black Pearl 88

Dimensions: 127.5-88-109.5 mm
Lengths: 146, 152, 158, 164, 170, 176 cm
Turn Radius: 14 m (170 cm)

Pros and Cons
鈯� More manageable than previous Black Pearl 88
鈯� Great on hard snow
鈯� Lots of length options
鈯� Not the most agile

Like the Nordica Santa Ana 87, the Black Pearl 88 is not just a ski for intermediates. SKI鈥檚 expert testers loved this ski so much they named it the of a variety of ability levels.

A perennial favorite, the Black Pearl 88 was redesigned for this season and we loved how much friendlier this new version proved. 鈥淭he updated model has easier turn initiation, smooth rebound, and a nice easy release in the tail,鈥� commented one tester. 鈥淏ut it still has just as much stability and power [as the previous model] to hold fast on the groomers.鈥�

Some testers noted that the ski wasn鈥檛 as agile as others in variable terrain, but that鈥檚 a small price to pay for how dependable it is on groomers and hard snow.

About SKI Test

• Number of skis tested: 14
• Number of testers: 27
• Testing location:
• Average age of tester: 37
• Average height of tester: 5鈥�7鈥�
• Average weight of tester: 144 lbs

Every season, 国产吃瓜黑料 and SKI host a week-long gear test and invite a group of seasoned industry professionals鈥攕ki instructors, ski shop employees, coaches, and outdoor industry professionals鈥攖o put more than 150 pairs of skis through their paces.

We ask our crew of 27 testers to ski every ski, identify its primary strengths, its weaknesses, who it鈥檚 designed for, and what terrain and snow conditions it鈥檚 most adept at. When judging a frontside ski, testers primarily assess how well it performs on groomed terrain, since that鈥檚 what this type of ski is primarily designed for.

They gauge how well the ski handles on hard-snow, at speed, and how responsive it is from edge to edge. Immediately after each run, testers fill out digital scorecards with their quantitative and qualitative feedback on each ski. Then it鈥檚 up to us to crunch the numbers and distill their commentary to inform our reviews of the best skis on the market today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What鈥檚 the Difference Between Beginner and Intermediate Skis?

You won’t really see true beginner skis on ski shop walls because true novices usually rent skis instead of buying them. The skis marketed and sold to novices tend to be lower-priced models that forego high-end ski materials and manufacturing practices in the interest of keeping skis more affordable (typically under $700). We refer to these skis as 鈥渧alue鈥� skis rather than 鈥渂eginner鈥� skis.

What鈥檚 the Difference Between Intermediate Skis and Skis For Advanced or Expert Skiers?

Skis designed for intermediate skiers tend to be more affordable and lighter than skis designed for experts because they use cheaper materials. This is not to say that these skis don鈥檛 ski well鈥攖hey get the job done just fine for intermediates who ski at moderate speeds and who push or pivot their skis through a turn (as opposed to carve a turn).

Skis designed for advanced and expert skiers tend to contain heavier materials like metal and reinforced sidewalls for enhanced stability at speed, better energy transfer, and more precise edging performance.

What Ski Length Is Right for Me?

It all depends on your physical build, skill, and skiing aspirations. The best way to determine the right ski length for you is to visit your local (and reputable) ski shop and talk to the pros. If that鈥檚 not an option, then a very general rule of thumb is that intermediate skiers should consider skis that are between chin and nose height.

A shorter ski is easier to turn and control, but offers less stability at speed and in variable snow conditions. So if you鈥檙e an intermediate with big skiing aspirations, you might want to consider a slightly longer ski that you won鈥檛 outgrow in one season.

The post This Season鈥檚 Best Skis for Intermediates Ready to Level Up appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

I have a confession to make: I am super intimidated by ski boots. I have written about ski boots many times in the past decade and interviewed more than a dozen experts; I鈥檝e skied hundreds of days in that time frame and worked as a professional ski instructor; and I still have a ton to learn about this complicated product. Without doubt, ski boots are the most challenging piece to buy in a ski kit. They also happen to be the most important when it comes to improving your performance and enjoyment on the hill.

I lucked into a pair of K2 Recon boots that worked for me in 2018, and am still using them out of fear of messing with the esoteric magic spell that delivers comfort to my misshapen feet.

Because I know I鈥檓 not the only one overwhelmed by the idea of finding new boots, I interviewed four experts to get to the bottom of what the everyday skier needs to know when shopping for ski boots. I ended up compiling 63 pages of notes and transcripts to try and demystify this piece of gear. Here鈥檚 your cheat sheet.

Related:

The Experts

The Bootfitters鈥� Bootfitter

Sam McDonald has been fitting boots for over a quarter of a century and his ability to distill down the nuances of the ideal fit for different feet, skiers, and body types is incredible. He has been working for Surefoot since 1997 and has been the manager of since 2010.

The Boot Tester

My friend Kelly Bastone has been my go-to personal resource for boot questions for years. She鈥檚 been a gear tester for 国产吃瓜黑料, Backpacker, and SKI for around a decade and has tested over 200 pairs of ski boots.

The Lifer

is a lifelong skier, writer, ski company marketing pro, and backcountry ski guide with deep roots in the ski industry. He鈥檚 the friend I turn to for ski gear advice because he knows a lot and tells it like it is.

The Boot Designer

is the lead ski boot engineer for K2 and a professional ski instructor. I challenge you to find someone who spends more time in or around ski boots.

4 Tips for Finding the Right Ski Boot

Flex is Tricky

The refers to how stiff the boot is and how much force it takes to get the cuff of the boot to flex forward. A higher flex number means a stiffer boot. Generally speaking, the stiffer the boot, the more a skier can crank on the skis to initiate a turn,听making stiff boots best suited to expert skiers. Flex numbers for adult ski boots range from 80 to 130, with 80 considered soft and anything above 115 considered stiff.

Ready for a myth I am excited to bust? Stronger skiers don’t听necessarily need a stiffer boot.

鈥淕et over this whole idea of, I’m an expert skier, I should be in a 130 boot,鈥� Bastone advised. 鈥淚f you ski moguls, if you’re jumpy, if you like lots of air and lots of little landings and things, you might want to go down a little in flex because as soon as you hit something unexpected, you’re going to feel like the rodeo horse just bucked you really hard in that boot.鈥�

Just because a stiffer boot is more expensive doesn鈥檛 mean it鈥檚 the best performing boot, Burrow added. 鈥淭ypically, the stiffer the boot, the less comfort it provides.鈥� Even though Burrow is an excellent skier, ski instructor, and has made a career designing boots, she doesn鈥檛 always prefer the stiffest option. 鈥淚’m in my boots all day and I’m also pretty small, so having a super stiff boot for me can be really challenging.鈥�

Rather than blindly looking at a flex number, test out the flex for your body type and weight when you try boots on. 鈥淥nce you put it on, do some forward flexes into it, and if you feel like you’re almost falling forward, then that boot’s probably going to be a little bit too soft,鈥� said Burrow.

Flex is relative from boot company to boot company, so one brand’s听130 does not equal another’s. The first time I found that out, it made my head spin. If flex is causing you a similar level of stress, it is a good idea to go to a reputable shop to talk it out with an expert. 鈥淔lex and stiffness is hard because the numbers can be quite confusing. Going to see somebody that you trust or that your peers trust is super important,鈥� McDonald said.

Good Fit Starts with Awareness

The best place to start is by looking down at your own feet and trying to gauge your (i.e. your food width and instep height). While a bootfitter can measure the contours of your foot to the millimeter, starting with a general idea of your foot volume and shape is going to narrow your search significantly.

These days, most boots come in three different volume options: high volume (HV in the model name), mid volume (MV), and low volume (LV). 鈥淒etermining where you fall in that category can be really helpful when you’re looking at a wide range of boots, just to narrow down your selection,鈥� Burrow said.

Trust yourself, here. 鈥淢ost people know if they have a wide foot, a high arch, or narrow foot. I mean, they’ve been wearing shoes all their life,鈥� Bastone said. Burrow agreed. 鈥淔oot volume can be determined by a bootfitter or if you just know yourself,鈥� she said. If you鈥檝e experienced instep pain in shoes or boots, that could indicate that you have a high-volume foot; if your foot is really narrow, chances are you belong in a low-volume听boot. 鈥淪o just thinking about problems that you’ve had in everyday shoes, things like that and how you want your boot to fit is really important,鈥� Burrow said.

Starting with the right volume is a non-negotiable for Bastone.鈥淲ith my tester team, I was always really careful to match up the self estimated foot volume with the foot volume that the boot promises to fit,鈥� Bastone said. 鈥淚t’s awesome that even the stiff, high performance boots are often now made in a higher volume option. So it doesn’t have to be just the skinny-footed people that get the really great ski boots.鈥�

You Can Have Comfort AND Performance

Another myth I鈥檓 stoked to bust: Ski boots are supposed to hurt if you want great performance. That鈥檚 simply no longer the case in 2024. “It鈥檚 totally possible to get ,” Bastone said.

While the line between tight and too tight might feel like a tough one to toe, Bastone has a killer analogy she received from a bootfitter years ago that she has held on to. “A great ski boot should feel like a friend’s handshake鈥攅ven, warm, and supportive, but not aggressive,鈥� she said.

It is worth noting that boots that feel comfortable in the ski shop or your living room might not always provide the same comfort on a full day of skiing. 鈥淪ki boots are not crocs. Going for something too comfortable means you’re going to have something that’s a little too big,鈥� Hunt said. 鈥淎 boot might feel great when you’re standing in the shop or sitting in the lodge. But once you start moving, it’s too loose and your feet start rubbing.Then you鈥檝e got blisters.鈥�

Aftermarket Insoles and Liners Are Worth It

Hunt offered some blunt advice when it comes to a ski boot鈥檚 stock components: “The stock insoles that come in ski boots just need to be tossed immediately,鈥� he said.

鈥淭he two things that custom insoles do is make skiing easier and more comfortable,鈥� McDonald added. He mentioned that the key to extended comfort in a boot is proper foot positioning. 鈥淭he only way to effectively change your foot position is with a good custom insole. Ski boots are designed around a foot that’s in a certain position and you have to make sure you get an insole that holds you in that position.鈥�

If you are looking for an extra layer of personalized comfort, investing in aftermarket liners ( and 听are some of the most popular options) that can be easily molded to your foot and ankle shape is a good idea.

Custom footbeds and liners are pricey and might deliver sticker shock if you are already dropping hundreds of dollars on boots, but McDonald maintained that his customers are always happy they made the purchase. 鈥淏reaking in a stock liner, even the highest quality, overly engineered liner that comes from the manufacturer, can take up to 30 days,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f you are willing to invest $10,000 a week in skiing at Whistler, or Aspen, or Vail, invest in some form of custom liner. It makes things way better and way easier for sure.鈥�

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Never heard of Vivian Bruchez? Picture the Alps鈥檚 most iconic peaks that you have heard of. Perhaps it鈥檚 the east face of the Matterhorn or the west face of Mont Blanc. Bruchez has skied them both, plus nearly 50 first descents in the Alps, while notching iconic summits and steep lines that have earned the Chamonix native respect in the ski-mountaineering community (and a healthy online following). His feats have also endeared him to the product team at Mountain Hardwear, who have worked with Bruchez to develop some of the sport鈥檚 most innovative outerwear.

鈥淎s Viv continues to progress in the mountains, we needed to continue to solve the balance between lightweight and packable products that maximize durability and storage,鈥� says Chris Curtis, senior product line manager at Mountain Hardwear, on the prototype jacket-and-bib combo Bruchez has been using on these groundbreaking missions (pictured).

The hard-earned R&D feedback resulted in the new and (available in men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 cuts for the and ). The revamped design is highlighted by more sustainable materials while offering a progressive fit optimized for efficient mobility across the backcountry. C-Knit is short for circular knit鈥擥ore鈥檚 lightest three-layer material. It integrates a face fabric with Gore鈥檚 new ePE membrane鈥攁 svelte and durable expanded polyethylene layer that鈥檚 notably free of PFAs chemicals to help reduce its carbon footprint鈥攑lus a backer material that鈥檚 super thin and lightweight to increase breathability. That material is then applied judiciously so the top and bottom function well together, with pit zips that offer access to secure internal pockets configured for backcountry gear storage鈥攔einforcing the focus on performance under heavy exertion.

鈥淥ur athletes like Vivian Bruchez demand the most lightweight and protective materials while seeking their most wild paths,鈥� Curtis says of the engineering task to elevate and simplify gear that meets the needs of mountaineers. As for Bruchez, we let the limit-pushing pioneer describe his own unique path in the interview below. He discusses testing the High Exposure Gore-Tex C-Knit Jacket and Bib (pictured in an early testing color not available for sale) and how it helps regulate his most exposed missions, creating comfort in the unknown.

国产吃瓜黑料: If you鈥檙e attempting a big first descent, how do you layer up, from head to toe?

Bruchez: My perfect kit for winter mountain ski trips with ambitious projects entails four layers for my upper body. I always carry two layers. The first one, directly in contact with my skin, has to be breathable and light. I love the . The second layer is a windstopper fleece. I carry the all the time. In my backpack, I always have a down jacket鈥擨 love the . Depending on the temperature and the period of winter, I can change the down jacket to carry something warmer, like the Ghost Whisperer. The last layer is the High Exposure Gore-Tex C-Knit Jacket because it鈥檚 light, compact, and versatile鈥攔eally strong! For the legs, I wear the and High Exposure Gore-Tex C-Knit Bib to complement the performance of my upper-body core.

How does the jacket and bib technology translate to uphill movement on the mountain and the descent?

Freedom of movement, especially in the legs, allows for transitions from ski to climb seamlessly. I like to wear them with enough room so all the various movements through an expedition are effortless. Breathability is very important, and it鈥檚 reflected in the technology. (With a breathable jacket, I never open the vents.) Pockets must be accessible and large enough to store equipment easily, and I鈥檓 increasingly using water flasks that I place along my body to keep the water temperature constant鈥攚ater stored in the bag becomes very cold, and I don鈥檛 drink it. The combination of mobility, breathability, and storage enable one to discover the while in the mountains.

When did you last need to be mindful in a challenging situation where you were thankful for protection from the elements?听

On our last mountain outing, on November 1, I left the Chamonix Valley at 1 a.m. to hike and climb all night to 4,000 meters. We reached the summit at 10 a.m. It was a very long day, and we got home at 5 p.m. We opened two new ski routes on two summits never skied before. On the Mont Blanc massif, that鈥檚 exceptional! The weather conditions weren鈥檛 too complicated, and I didn鈥檛 need my down jacket because it wasn’t cold. I walked all night with my first two layers of clothing, then added the Gore-Tex C-Knit outerwear on the ridge, where it protected me from the wind. It allowed me to give the best of myself during this mission and met my expectations throughout all the transitions. I demand confidence in my equipment. I meticulously select every item I carry in my bag. I know that if I鈥檓 stuck in the mountains, I鈥檒l be able to dig a hole in the snow and take shelter from the elements.

What specifically do you look for in your outerwear?

The packability of my outerwear increases my comfort in the mountains. At times, I need to reduce the bulk in my backpack with all the other tools my missions require. I need a very small, light bag with a lot of gear inside. I鈥檓 always learning new techniques to optimize my gear. Every item I carry has multiple uses. The goal is to continually progress in my sport and to evolve my clothing and equipment along the way, ultimately leading to comfortable mountain travel.

What do you stash in the pockets?

I try to keep the minimum amount of things in my pockets, because often, with the harness and the backpack, it interferes with my movements. However, I still keep my phone in a jacket pocket to take photos and my avalanche transceiver (DVA) in a pocket of my ski pants.

Any snacks?听

I鈥檝e tried many different energy bars, but for the past year I鈥檝e been using bars and gels from . They offer the best weight-to-energy ratio for long outings. I always take a small piece of cheese and some sausage for the pleasure.

What gets you most excited for the ski season ahead?

The more experience I gain, the more I realize that I continue to learn from the mountains and the people who share the rope with me. I love learning, discovering new places, new cultures, and new approaches. I enjoy sharing my experiences, and I鈥檓 excited to find beautiful stories鈥攖he ones that make sense to me and carry a constructive message personally, for my family, and for the larger community of outdoor enthusiasts.

Any big goals you can tease?

You鈥檒l have to follow the YouTube series on my channel, , with lots of tips, beautiful lines, and good vibes!

Mountain Hardwear, Inc., was founded in 1993 and is based in Richmond, CA. We exist to encourage and equip people to seek a wilder path in life. For 30 years, we鈥檝e built essential equipment for climbers, mountaineers, and outdoor athletes and have supported expeditions on the world鈥檚 highest peaks. Relentless precision continues to inspire everything we do 鈥� our designers sweat every stitch and detail to continuously improve function, durability, and comfort.

Mountain Hardwear is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company that distributes its products through specialty outdoor retailers in the United States and 34 countries worldwide:

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It鈥檚 not often that a ski vacation brings together epic ski resort offerings and the limitless amenities of a city. When you make Reno Tahoe your urban base camp for winter adventure, you get the best of both worlds. Take your pick of world-class Tahoe ski resorts, all within an hour of downtown Reno, and pair them with a vibrant city scene with endless dining options and access to tons of off-the-slopes activities. Once you experience the urban base camp lifestyle in Reno Tahoe, you鈥檒l wonder why you waited so long to plan a ski trip based out of the Biggest Little City. Spend the day exploring more than 170 trails, 16 bowls, and 3,600 skiable acres at . Check out , a local favorite, where you can drop into or cruise the groomers. Then head back to Reno for an urban apr猫s scene. What does that entail? Here鈥檚 a look at all the apr猫s-ski fun Reno Tahoe has in store this .

Hot Springs and Chill

Nothing beats a soak when you鈥檙e fresh off the slopes. If you鈥檙e skiing , near Incline Village, take the scenic route back to the city and stop off at . A respite for the Washoe people and later for travelers en route to the California Gold Rush, this geothermal spring is the perfect place to let tired legs recover after a big ski day. The facility has a large outdoor pool and smaller private pools鈥攁ll naturally heated to the perfect soaking temperature. For an upscale experience, opt for , inside Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. This deluxe spa has been awarded the highly coveted Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star designation. Treat yourself with a hydrating body wrap to replenish dry winter skin, or bliss out with a massage. Make a day of it by enjoying the other spa amenities like the brine inhalation light therapy lounge and soaking tubs before and after your treatment.

Dine Downtown

Big ski days make for big appetites. In downtown Reno, your are as wide open as your favorite groomer. Right in the middle of the downtown action in the Riverwalk District, serves up shareable dishes that are perfect for groups and families. Start with a cocktail or glass of wine from the vacation-worthy drink menu and a classic apr猫s-ski crowd pleaser: Gruy猫re and white wine fondue served with green apples and a brioche pretzel. Then choose from a menu of hearty dishes鈥攚ood-fired pizzas crafted with homemade sourdough crust and regionally sourced ingredients, artisan-style pasta dishes, or steaks freshly cut at the Liberty USDA butcher shop鈥攖hat hit the spot after a day on the snow.

More of a brewpub person? Opt for . Originally constructed as the headquarters of the Nevada-California-Oregon Railway, this historic building is now home to Nevada鈥檚 first combined brewery and distillery that specializes in craft beer and whiskey. The on-site restaurant serves upscale takes on classic pub fare, including steak frites with bourbon honey butter and grass-fed burgers with bacon-onion jam and white wine aioli. Pair your meal with a whiskey cocktail or the brewery鈥檚 flagship Ranch Hand pilsner.

Experience the City鈥檚 Culture

For a truly local vibe, head across the river to , where you鈥檒l find streets lined with shops, unique cocktail bars, and . Grab a table at , across the river in MidTown. This American-style tapas bar serves a metropolitan atmosphere alongside creative, shareable plates that will satisfy your whole crew. Order a variety for the table鈥攍emon piccata meatballs, Korean barbecue spiced cauliflower, and salmon bruschetta on grilled focaccia. If you鈥檙e still hungry, there are always more plates to try.

Down the street, delights guests with hearty dishes made from organic, locally sourced ingredients. Tuck into a generous serving of red wine鈥揵raised pot roast served with saut茅ed baby carrots, asparagus, and house garlic mashed potatoes. Or go for the braised baby back ribs鈥攁 house specialty鈥攕lathered in house barbecue sauce and served with cheesy corn grits and organic wilted greens.

Keep the Fun Going

With access to public land and open spaces right outside the city, Reno will keep you entertained off the slopes. Fuel up at before renting in town. Then head to Chickadee Ridge for a mellow 2.3-mile out-and-back trail offering beginner-friendly terrain with big views overlooking the Desolation Wilderness and Lake Tahoe. In late winter and early spring, chickadees鈥攌nown locally as cheeseburger birds because of their distinct song that sounds like the word 鈥渃heeseburger鈥濃�攎ake for an exciting spectacle on their namesake trail. With their black caps, these friendly native birds are easy to spot. You may even get a chance for a closer look鈥攂old chickadees are known to land on hikers atop the ridge.

Need some time out of the elements? Try the indoor bouldering gym at . This competition-level facility features 7,000 square feet of bouldering routes and offers to non-hotel guests. Or head just east of town to the in Sparks, where you can work those ski legs and maybe even dial a new terrain park trick. While you鈥檙e on that side of town, don鈥檛 miss a chance to stop by the , a community maker space where local artists bring large-scale fabrication art to life. The space is open to the public for tours Tuesday through Saturday, when you can see work-in-progress pieces and watch the artists in action.

Reno Tahoe is where ambition is rewarded and you can push those boundaries, try something new, and make memories to last a lifetime. Head to for inspiration and begin planning today.

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