Buyers Guide 2017 | Slope Style

MEN’S JACKET & PANTS

Under Armour Chugach GTX Jacket & Bib

The top-of-the-line Chugach jacket is a three-layer Gore-Tex shell with taped seams and a helmet-compatible hood, plus a cell-phone tether to ward against the dropsies and a detachable goggle chamois. The full bib boasts durable scuff guards and gaiter clips to keep snow in it place. Also available in women’s. [Jacket: $449, Bib $399]

HELMET

Smith Vantage

The Vantage doesn’t want you to get hot under the collar, using a full 21 vents. The ability to adjust front and back cooling independently closed the deal–along with the neat matte finish. [$230]

GOGGLE

Giro Balance

Giro goggle goal: the perfect balance of style and performance. The Zeiss lenses land on the performance side of the ledger, with various frame colorways handling the style. [$130]

MITTS

Armada Helm Lobster Mitt

We’ve opened our minds to the three-finger format. The warmth of a mitt combined with the dexterity to make mid-run gear adjustments wins hands down. [$130]

WOMEN’S MIDLAYER

Kari Traa Hege Midlayer Jacket

The Hege jacket from Norwegian brand Kari Traa is a soft and supple polyelastane blend with breathable panels where you need them. And the high-vis color schemes make it a staple off the slopes too. [$85]

SKIRT

Skhoop Mini Down

This cute-as-pie 600-fill down skirt adds a pop of fun to any outfit. [$139]

MITTS

Hestra Narpes

The plush new Narpes, with velvety soft leather, raised eams, and a removable wool liner, will permanently spoil your hands for your winter wanderings. Just don’t tell your toes. [$125]

HAT

Dakine Kylie

A classic, chunky ribbed-knit hat with cozy fleece liner, the Kylie–and it’s adorable faux-fur pom–add sass to your winter wardrobe. [$25]

BOOTS

Sorel Joan of Arctic

Warm, waterproof, and crowned with a small mammal’s worth of faux fur, the Joans are post-ski-boot pampering at its finest. Your feet will thank you. [$180]

MEN’S JACKET & PANTS

Mammut Andalo Jacket and Bormeo Pants

Swiss brand Mammut is known for its technical climbing apparel and equipment, so we wanted to see what the company could do for a traditional resort set. We weren’t disappointed. The Andalo’s combination of Mammut’s trademark Dry Tech outer fabric combined with synthetic insulation in the body and arms is of course super warm, but it’s also surprisingly breathable in warmer conditions. The Bormeo Pants complement with slightly lighter insulation, side mesh vents, and a roomy thigh pocket. [Jacket $350, Pants $250]

HELMET

Sweet Protection Grimnir TE

Wearing this state-of-the-art beast is like having a double hull skull. The shell is made of a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer, which has a serious strength-to-weight ratio. The Grimner TE ramps up the protections with MIPS technology, and its camera mounts are reinforced so they don’t punch through in a crash. [$450]

GOGGLE

Dragon X2s

We like the Swiftlock lens=change system in the X2s. And the non-foam venting (what Dragon calls “Armored”) is a smart move, making for easy goggle cleaning after a header in the deep stuff–which is a chore we hope you have all season. [$220]

GLOVES

Flylow Blaster

Although it’s modeled on Flylow’s signature work-glove design, the word we like to describe the Blaster is “harmony.” It has the durability and dexterity of a leather work glove but the warmth of a mountain slayer. Wraparound Velcro wrist cinches and full thumb nose wipes are the details we expect from Flylow. [$99]

WOMEN’S JACKET & PANTS

Scott Vertic 2L Jacket & Bib

Cold all the time? Then this set should be in your closet. Down-filled to the tune of 650-fill, the Vertic Jacket is Scott’s solution to the resort freeride equation with its powder skirt, helmet-compatible hood, pit vents, thumb-hole cuffs, and hand-warmer pockets. The fixed-bib pants have adjustable suspenders and comfy elastic down the back, and it’s insulated at the knees and rump for warmer chairlift rides. Also available in men’s. [Jacket $360, Pants $280]

HELMET

Giro Strata MIPS

THe New Strata takes a hybridge approach to helmet construction, combining the durability of a hardshell upper with the lightweight comfort of an in-mold lower. Extra credit earned for MIPS preotection, an integrated camera mount, and an active venting system. [$200]

GOGGLE

Zeal Voyager

The Voyager is no-nonsense goggle for your weekend kit. Its rimless design cuts weight and gives you a wide-eye view of your next pow stash. Multiple lens options will cut through changing conditions. Dual strap adjustments will keep it as tight as your tree line. [$160]

GLOVES

Helly Hansen Covert

We like a glove that does just enough and not a thing more. The elegantly minimalist Covert serves up a super-supple gotaskin shell, touch-capable fingertips, PrimaLost Gold insulation, and tight wrist cinches. We’re also partial to glove pull-on tabs. Isn’t everyone? [$140]

MEN’S JACKET & PANTS

Salomon QST Guard Jacket and Pants

On cold days, put your Guard up. Packed with 40-gram PrimaLost insulation and armed with Salomon’s AdvancedSkin Dry outer fabric plus taped seams and waterproof zipz, this is the all-mountain kit you’ll want when the weather turns ugly. Designed with Motion Fit technology, both jacket and pants move with you, not against you. Bells and whistles? You bet: helmet-compatible hood, thumb loops cuffs, removable powder skirt, pass pocket, leg vents and more. Also available in women’s. [Jacket $400, Pants $300]

HELMET

Marker Phoenix Carbon

You want lightweight? You want carbon construction. The new Phoenix Carbon will have you patting your head on the lift to see if you forgot your helmet. Dual vents are on top, with a sizing wheel in the back. The conspicuously low-tech elastic goggle keeper just plain work. [$279]

GOGGLE

Marker 16:10+

Marker designs goggles with safety in mind. The new 16:10= features a shock-absorbing layer between the frame and the interior face foam. Its large frame delivers a large view of the world, and its full 45-mm strap just might be the widest you’ll find to keep your goggles from slipping. [$179]

GLOVES

Hestra Army Leather Patrol

We’re not clear on the army angle, as the Leather Patrol exemplifies Hestra’s classic fusion of serious performance with sophisticated style. A textured dobby fabric back combined with luxurious fine leather construction is fit for fashion coverage–but also right at home charging down the hill. [$130]