Related

One of my buddies loves to get on the slopes but doesn’t have the means to get up to the mountains as much as he would like or buy the best gear. His bargain bin goggles are probably the best example. Sure, they work, but they put a very uncomfortable orangish-brown spin on an otherwise colorful world. To remedy the situation, I’m getting him a fresh pair of Smith I/O goggles. They come with two high quality spherical lenses— a light one for overcast, a dark one for sunny days. The lenses can be switched easily thanks to Smith’s tricky quick release lens system. Plus, the goggles fit well with a helmet and are about as stylish as goggles can get. -K.L. [$165;smithoptics.com]
Gear

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

Last minute shopping? Stumped on what to get your your high-maintenance mama or lifitie cousin? Still need some ideas for yourself? We’ve got your back. From our slightly-crazy families to yours.

Cruising through the gates for a couple of early runs? A big old backpack is overkill, don’t you think? So does The North Face; hence the PGV. Originally designed for the Snowbird Ski Patrol, the vest distributes the weight of your gear more evenly than a half-full pack, which means your light-and-fast mission will feel a little lighter and get a lot faster. They don’t call it slackcountry for nothing. [$189; thenorthface.com]
Gear

Gadgets and Gear

Tools, tech, and an everything-proof camera. It's the little things that matter.