Ski & Snowboard
32 buying decisions in ski & snowboard, each synthesized from independent testing and real owner reports. We name the pick - and the popular option to skip.
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The Best Ski Goggles: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current ski and snowboard goggles on optics, lens swapping, fog control, and fit to find real winners. Our pick: Smith 4D MAG
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The Best Kids Ski Goggles: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four youth ski goggles compared on what the maker actually states: fit size, lens darkness (VLT and S category), UV, glasses fit and helmet pairing. Our pick: Anon Tracker 2.0 Goggles + MFI Face Mask
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The Best Kids Skis: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four junior skis on sizing information, flex, length range, binding details and how long a child can stay on them, using only what each maker publishes. Our pick: Atomic Maverick J 130-150 + C 5 GW
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The Best Ski Helmet Audio Systems: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four drop-in helmet speaker and intercom systems on stated battery life, Bluetooth version, group intercom range, water resistance and the cold-weather rating each maker publishes. Our pick: Cardo Packtalk Outdoor
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The Best Ski Touring Boots: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four alpine touring boots with tech inserts and a walk mode, compared on listed weight, cuff range of motion, flex, last width, sole standard and the binding systems each maker names. Our pick: Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro
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The Best Splitboards: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current splitboards on profile, flex, size range, listed weight, base, split hardware and warranty, using each maker's own spec sheet. Our pick: Jones Solution Splitboard
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The Best Avalanche Airbag Packs: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four avalanche airbag packs from Ortovox, BCA, Mammut and ABS on trigger system, certification, weight, refills, practice deployments and air travel rules. Our pick: Ortovox Avabag Litric Tour 40
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The Best Climbing Skins: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four ski touring climbing skins on plush material, glide versus grip, listed weight, width and length fit, tip and tail attachments, adhesive and setup. Our pick: Pomoca Tour Pro
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The Best Kids Ski Helmets: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four kids' snow helmets on the safety standards each maker lists, rotational protection, fit system, size range and what you get for the money. Our pick: Smith Glide Jr. Mips
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The Best Ski Bindings: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four alpine bindings for adult resort skiers, compared on release range, boot sole compatibility, stand height, listed weight and brake widths. Our pick: Marker Griffon X 13
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The Best Ski Locks: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four pocket-size ski and snowboard locks on cable length, combination digits, weight and what each maker says the lock is for. Our pick: Dakine Cool Lock
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The Best Kids Snowsuits: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four one-piece kids snowsuits on published waterproof rating, seam sealing, insulation, room-to-grow features and how much the maker actually discloses. Our pick: Reima ReimaTec Winter Overall Stavanger
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The Best Ski Boot Bags: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four ski boot bags on capacity, boot compartments, weather protection, published weight, travel features and warranty. Our pick: Kulkea Boot Trekker 70L
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The Best Ski Boots: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current alpine ski boots on last width, flex, shell material, closure, customization and the walking sole each maker lists. Our pick: Tecnica Mach1 MV 110
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The Best All-Mountain Skis: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current all-mountain skis on waist width, turn radius, construction, weight and the kind of skiing each maker builds them for. Our pick: Nordica Enforcer 94
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The Best Boot Dryers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared a silent convection dryer, a forced-air unit for families and a wall-mount garage dryer against a folding budget model, on dry time, noise, power draw and what each maker publishes about material safety. Our pick: PEET Original Dryer
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The Best Avalanche Beacons: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared three-antenna transceivers from Mammut, BCA, Pieps and Ortovox on published search strip width and range, display and search support, battery setup and how much practice each one assumes. Our pick: Mammut Barryvox 2
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The Best Avalanche Probes: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current probes from Black Diamond, BCA, Pieps and Ortovox on length, material, deployment lock, depth markings, packed length and listed weight. Our pick: Black Diamond Quickdraw Pro Probe
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The Best Avalanche Shovels: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four backcountry rescue shovels on blade material and size, shaft and locking, handle type, packed weight, and hoe mode. Our pick: Mammut Alugator Pro Light Hoe
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The Best Ski Bags: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four ski bags on padding, capacity, wheels, weight and what each maker says the bag is built for. Our pick: Dakine Fall Line Ski Roller Bag
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The Best Ski Boot Heaters: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared battery boot heaters, a DIY heated insole kit, heated ski socks and disposable toe warmers on run time, heat settings, fit in a ski boot and ongoing cost. Our pick: Hotronic XLP 2C BT Custom
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The Best Ski Gloves: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four ski gloves on waterproofing, insulation, palm material, cuff design and what each brand actually publishes. Our pick: Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski - 5 finger
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The Best Ski Helmets: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four ski and snowboard helmets on safety certifications, rotational protection, construction, fit system, vents, weight and returns. Our pick: OutdoorMaster KELVIN 2 MIPS Ski Helmet
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The Best Ski Jackets: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four ski jackets on waterproofing, seam sealing, insulation, snow features and what each maker publishes about its fabric. Our pick: Outdoor Research Snowcrew Jacket
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The Best Ski Pants: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four ski pants on waterproofing, seam sealing, insulation, venting, cuff protection and what each maker publishes. Our pick: Outdoor Research Snowcrew Pant
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The Best Ski Poles: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current downhill and all-mountain ski poles on fixed versus adjustable length, grip and strap design, shaft material, basket size, and how easy they are to size. Our pick: Atomic Revent Carbon
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The Best Ski Socks: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four over-the-calf ski socks on fiber content, cushioning, shin protection, guarantees and how each fits inside a ski boot. Our pick: Darn Tough Function X Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski & Snowboard Socks
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The Best Ski Tuning Kits: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared home edge sharpeners and base repair kits on supported edge angles, what the maker says is in the box, and how much of a full tune each one actually covers. Our pick: Toko Ergo Race Kit
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The Best Snowboard Bindings: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four snowboard bindings on flex, baseplate and heelcup materials, entry system, board compatibility and warranty. Our pick: Union Force
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The Best Snowboard Boots: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current snowboard boots on lacing system, flex rating, liner and heat-molding, sizing, and the binding compatibility each maker states. Our pick: Nitro Capital TLS+
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The Best Ski and Snowboard Waxes: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared all-temperature hot waxes and a plant-based formula against a rub-on quick fix, on temperature range, durability per application and environmental footprint. Our pick: Hertel Super HotSauce
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The Best All-Mountain Snowboards: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current all-mountain snowboards on camber profile, flex, shape, sizing by rider weight, and base type, plus how much of that each maker actually publishes. Our pick: Capita Mercury