If you’re like me, you’re obsessed with ski gear, probably more than you would like to admit.
Why else would you be reading this article?
I commend you for doing your research.
A well-planned buying decision will guarantee that you are happy with your gear the first day on the slopes. Moreover, you will consume less, which is better for the environment, because you researched your purchase diligently.
But back to the subject at hand.
To cover the best ski gear, I broke this blog up into multiple sections:
- Skis
- Outerwear
- Boots
- Protection
- Eyewear
Now let’s get into it. Here are the best ski gear brands.
The Best Ski Gear
Ski Manufacturers
Many brands make great skis. If I included them all, this list would be gigantic. The companies I choose to include in this list are either founding fathers in the industry or brands doing something creative.
You can’t hide from the fact that this Austrian giant produces great skis. Using their racing heritage, Blizzard produces quality skis in all the categories, from all-mountain to big mountain powder skis. I recommend that you demo a pair before you buy though, most of their skis have metal underfoot and require you to drive them actively.
I’m a fanboy of J Skis. It probably has something to do with the name. But founder Jason Levinthal has earned his way onto this list. Levinthal created the first twin tip ski when he started Line Skis.
Now his newest brand follows a consumer-direct business model, shipping skis straight to your house, cutting the skis’ retail price. J Skis offers seven different models with multiple limited edition top sheet options. You can check out my review of their Vacation ski here.
K2 was founded in 1962 in Washington State. They are now a household name in the ski industry. Chances are they have a ski in their line that will perfectly suit your needs.
I have always been impressed with how they are on the cutting edge of ski technology for a large brand. Further, their athletes like Seth Morrison, Sean Petit, and Pep Fujas have been responsible for pushing freeride skiing to become what it is today.
(Looking for a new pair of skis? Use this ski size calculator to find your perfect length.)
Founded last year by Eric Pollard and Austin Smith, Season Eqpt. is the new kid on the block. But don’t let that fool you. Pollard has been designing skis for Line for the last 15 years.
Season Eqpt’s goal is to make versatile ski gear with no expiration date. The timeless shapes will be relevant for years to come reducing the need to replace your setup after a couple of seasons. I also support how these skis are gender-neutral and include the option to bundle a service package.
WNDR is a backcountry-focused ski brand, but I have the feeling these sticks still rip the resort. Created by Matt Sterbenz, founder of 4FRNT, WNDR produces backcountry skis with a focus on the downs.
From what I know, this is the only ski manufacturer that is a certified B Corporation. Further, they are using new algae composites to create light and damp backcountry skis.
Outerwear Companies
There are a lot of outerwear manufacturers in the ski industry. I choose only to include brands built that I believe are the best quality you can buy. While there are cheaper options, you’ll have to replace them more often.
Patagonia is a staple in the outdoor industry, and rightly so. Their gear is built to last, includes a lifetime warranty, and their brand advocates for climate activism. While their outerwear sports a hefty price tag, if you’re serious about skiing, it’s worth the investment. I currently have more than 200 days in my Powderbowl shell and I’m looking for at least 100 more.
Based in Norway, Norrona comes from a serious alpine culture. This brand has recently gotten on my radar because of how they use recycled Goretex in their shells and other Bluesign approved fabrics. Whether you ski the resort or ski mountaineer, Norrona has a kit that will work great for you.
Based in Colorado, Flylow makes bombproof ski gear for mountain professionals and enthusiasts. They made a name for themselves with their affordable no thrills gloves, but their outwear rivals larger brands easily. I wear a pair of their Baker bibs, and for the price, these bibs have been a great purchase.
The North Face makes ski gear at every price point. From nice entry-level jackets for your local to high-quality performance shells made for the world’s best athletes. Right now, I am super interested in their Futurelight technology, which claims to be more breathable and environmentally friendly than traditional Gore-Tex.
TREW made a name for themselves with their TREWeth bib that features a plethora of storage options, large side vents, a three-layer waterproof fabric. But this Oregon-based brand didn’t stop there. Today they produce a whole host of outerwear in fun colors. If you’re in Portland, stop by their flagship store.
Ski Boots
As the saying goes, you marry your boots and you date your skis. So here are some boots I recommend for the long haul.
Lange started making race ski boots. Now they have broadened their catalog to include all-mountain, on-piste, and all-mountain freeride boots. I currently ski in the XT3 Pro Low Volume, and I can say it’s the best boot I have ever used. It’s light and stiff. If you like stiff boots and have a narrow-ish foot, these could be the boots for you.
Roxa is an Italian ski boot manufacturer. This company produces three-piece and two-piece ski boots for every category of boot. These boots feature a high shell wall that ensures great lateral power and the three-piece fit makes them easy to get on and off.
Full Tilt is the original three-piece ski boot. This company started with using the old Raichle Flexon mold and adding modern composite to the boots. Today they are widely recognized as the freeskier’s boot. But don’t let that scare you away. Full Tilt makes boots in every category. If you’re looking for a comfortable boot that is easy to get on, check out Full Tilt.
Dale Boot specializes in custom ski boots. If you have an odd foot or want a certain type of boot, this is your brand. They offer multiple boots designed for different purposes, from boots with added forward flex to traditional stiff alpine boots. What is unique about these boots is that they are designed with enhanced blood flow and foot temperature in mind.
Tecnica is the boot branch of the Blizzard-Tecnica group. The same Austrian ski racing heritage found in Blizzard skis can be found in their boots. Tecnica has a full range of boots, from front side boots to racing boots. These boots are a safe choice because they have dealers everywhere, and it’s easy to find parts for them. They also have great low-volume boots if you have a narrow foot.
Ski Protection Gear
Not all helmets and protection are created equal. Here is the best ski protection gear.
POC Sports is a Swedish company that makes ski protection for both the enthusiast and the racer. They specialize in goggles, helmets, and back protectors. This brand is unique because they use a proprietary version of MIPS called SPIN (Shearing Pad INside), which refers to their inner silicone pad technology.
This is a premium brand, so be ready for that price tag, but POC makes quality protection that lasts years to come.
Smith is known worldwide for their eyewear, we will get back that, but they also make great helmets. Just like their eyewear, Smith helmets are minimal in design but full of features. What I like is that they have helmets offered at a variety of price points.
Their vantage series of helmets have great ventilation. Personally, I have been using their Maze helmet for four years now. It’s performed flawlessly, but I am going to upgrade to something with MIPS next year.
Located just up the road from me, Pret Helmets is a Park City based company. They only make one thing, and that’s helmets. This brand has a polarizing look but makes quality brain buckets in a variety of colors and fits.
One of my buddies uses their Cynic helmet, and I can personally attest to its quality as I have seen him tomahawk down face more than I can count.
Also located in Utah is SHRED. This company offers helmets, goggles, back protectors, protective gloves, and ski race protection. This company is devoted to winter sports and supports the Protect Our Winters (POW) foundation. Whether you’re a racer, weekend skier, or freerider, SHRED has a variety of protection to meet your needs.
Sweet Protection is Norweigien based protection company that started by producing whitewater helmets. Today the brand has diversified and offers protection and outerwear for all the major mountain sports. What is cool about this brand is that it provides links to all of the certifications their protection has received, so you can read up about the standards a helmet meets before you buy it. Combine that with a 2-year warranty, and these helmets look like a pretty sweet deal.
Ski Eyewear
The proper eyewear makes a big difference on the mountain. While sunglasses may work well on the patio you need a pair of goggles for those stormy days.
Smith Optics, used by athletes and mountain professionals worldwide, sets the bar for skiing eyewear. They are known for their Chromapop lens technology, which enhances the snow’s colors, making it easier to see the terrain. I own their Squad MAG goggles and their I/Os. I especially love how easy it is to change lenses.
You cannot mention eyewear without mentioning Oakley. This eyewear giant has been producing high-level eyewear for many years. Their Prizm lens technology is unique because it adapts to the conditions.
But some of their goggles at the highest price point do not include a second lens which is when you’re shelling out $190+ is frustrating. Some will argue you don’t need a second lens with Prizm, but keep this in mind.
Anon is a goggle company under the Burton brand. They make many goggles in different fits, but what makes this brand unique is their integrated mask technology.
Some of their goggles feature magnets in the bottom of them that hold up a face mask, which is especially nice in the era of COVID-19. These goggles also all come with a replacement lens.
Giro makes both helmets and eyewear for multiple sports. Their snow goggles are unique because they feature expansion view (EXV) technology, giving you great peripheral vision.
Further, they feature an easy-to-change lens system and a bonus lens on their highest-end model, which is standard for snow goggles these days. Overall, Giro makes a solid goggle.
Dragon is another ski eyewear brand. They make good-looking goggles that feature a frameless design. Just like other offers in the category, the top-end models come with two lenses. Dragon also makes a lot of entry-level and kid options, which makes them a great option to consider for the whole family.
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