2023 Head Kore 97 W Review
It’s not the lightest backcountry option out there, but if you’re plowing through backcountry crud, this is the ski you want underfoot
Gear
Gear
Reviews of the best skis, boots, bindings, apparel, and accessories of the year.
Reviews of the best skis, boots, bindings, apparel, and accessories of the year.
2023 Line Vision 98 Review
These skis let you bring the playfulness of your resort skiing to the backcountry
2023 Salomon Stance 84 Review
If you’re looking for a confidence-inspiring teaching tool to help you level up, give this ski a try
2023 Dynastar E-Pro 99 Review
This easy-going ride will follow you wherever you go, as long as it’s on edge
2023 Elan Ripstick 94 W Review
If you’re a carver girl at heart but need something a little wider underfoot, the Ripstick 94 W is your compromise
2023 Nordica Santa Ana 93 Unlimited Review
This quick and reliable backcountry ski for ladies gets the job done on all but the deepest of days
2023 Vӧlkl Rise Above 88 W Review
If you have your sights set on long backcountry tours even during low tide, this ski may be just the ticket
2023 Stöckli Nela 96 Review
This ski didn’t steal the show again this year, but you’d be hard pressed to find a better crud ski
2023 K2 Mindbender 99Ti W Review
This wider all-mountain ski can cut through crud and carve up groomers
2023 RMU Valhalla 107 Review
These playful planks were designed for skiers of the mountain west
2023 Nordica Enforcer 104 Free Review
A bomber all-mountain ski tailor-made for hard-chargers
2023 Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Review
Super-stable planks for strong skiers who know how to steer a ski
2023 Dynastar Speed 763 Review
It’s got race heritage, but it’s much more accessible than you’d think
2023 K2 Mindbender 106C W Review
If you like playful powder planks (who doesn’t), check out this energetic ski
2023 Rossignol Escaper W 97 Nano Review
This lightweight free-touring ski with a moderate waist is for ladies who charge technical lines
2023 J Skis The Fastforward Review
These playful sticks are down to show you a good time all over the mountain
2023 Armada Declivity 82 Ti
An easy-turning frontside tool that will help all skiers level up
2023 Elan Ripstick Tour 104 Review
Glen Plake’s first ever signature model is a backcountry tool that skis like Glen Pake
2023 Head Supershape e-Titan Review
The e-Titan is a groomer ski with a one-track mind: to slice and dice hardpack
2023 Season Eqpt. Pass Review
Allow us to introduce you to this stealthy backcountry player
2023 Armada ARW 106 UL Review
No women’s powder ski list would be complete without this perennial favorite
2023 Nordica Enforcer 100 Review
Testers once again designated the Enforcer 100 as the benchmark ski of the all-mountain category
2023 Scott Pure Mission Review
This new addition to the all-mountain category impressed with its balance of skills
2023 4FRNT MSP 107 Review
It’s built for deep snow, but you’d be surprised by its versatility
2023 LibTech Hemi 112 Review
A ski made for the playful pow slasher
2023 Lange RS 130 LV Review
This high performance ski boot is for those who refuse to sacrifice control for comfort
2023 Blizzard Sheeva 9 Review
Introducing the top-rated women’s all-mountain ski of the year
2023 Salomon MTN 96 Carbon Review
This fast and light backcountry ski doesn’t skimp on downhill performance
2023 Elan Ripstick 116 Review
If it’s deep, this ski will float your boat
2023 Armada Reliance 102 Ti Review
This year’s most playful wide all-mountain ski also eats crud for breakfast
2023 Nordica Santa Ana 93 Review
This perennial favorite didn’t win any awards this year, but testers still love it for its backbone and dependability
2023 Nordica Unleashed 108 Review
It’s like the Enforcer, but way more fun
2023 Nordica Sportmachine 3 130 Review
With this boot, advanced and expert skiers with a wider foot no longer have to sacrifice performance for fit
2023 Kästle TX93W Review
If you gravitate towards a damp, stiff ski for backcountry adventures, this is your stick
2023 Head Kore 111 Review
A powder ski that floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee
2023 Icelantic Nia Pro 105 Review
This powder ski for ladies is as playful as it is pretty
2023 Völkl Secret 96 Review
If you’re looking for an all-mountain ski that can also carve up a storm, look no further
2023 Fischer Ranger 96 Review
The Ranger 96 is an approachable and fun do-it-all ski
2023 Dynastar M-Free 108 Review
A powder ski with a versatile waist width to tackle the snow you get instead of the snow you want
2023 Kästle DX85 W Review
A dialed groomer ski that excels in short to medium turns
2023 Black Crows Ova Freebird Review
It’s not a backcountry powder plank, but it sure is quick in steep, technical terrain
2023 Völkl Rise Beyond 96 Review
A backcountry stick for those who gravitate towards directional skis
2023 DPS Pagoda Tour 100 RP Review
When it’s soft and light in the backcountry, reach for these playful planks
2023 Stöckli Nela 88 Review
Not just for carving, this all-mountain ski can do it all
2023 K2 Disruption 81Ti W Review
A ski that likes to stay on-piste for skiers who like to do the same
2023 RMU Apostle 106 Review
Allow us to introduce you to this scrappy brand and its supremely fun all-mountain ski
2023 Völkl Kenja 88 Review
A beefy ski with stability and power for strong intermediates and up
2023 Faction Mana 3X Review
This new powder ski from Faction is for hard-chargers who don’t shy away from the steep and deep
2023 Armada Reliance 92 Ti Review
If you’re looking for an all-mountain ski to do it all, and do it all really well, this is your ticket to ride
2023 Salomon MTN 86 W Pro Review
Featuring a slim waist and lightweight construction, this backcountry ski is for those who need quick sticks to tackle big, technical terrain
2023 4FRNT MSP CC Review
Don’t let the pretty top sheet fool you—this all-mountain tool means business, especially in the crud
Should I Finally Invest in Winter Tires? It Depends.
The answer isn’t relatively as straightforward as it is for mountain towners, but it’s also not that bad, either.
Blizzard’s New “Crossover” Ski Performs Like an In-Bounds Charger
People want to be able to go for a skin lap and then hit the resort without having to swap out their skis. You can with the new Hustle.
You Should Be Pooping in a German-Engineered Camping Toilet
For van life, car camping, or camping at dispersed sites away from the crowds, it’s a great piece of gear.
Why You Need The Most “Dad Thing” Ever For Your Car
They're pricey but worth it if you play outside and want to protect your adventure-mobile.
6 Prime Day Deals Worth Nabbing
We sorted through the chaos to find the best deals for those of us who like to ski and play outside.
This Online Marketplace Takes the Hassle Out of Buying and Selling Used Gear
Got old skis and packs hanging around? Geartrade will take used gear off your hands and cut you a check in the process.
This App Taught Me How to Ski in Two Days
My baseline was pretty terrible: squarely at the bottom of Level 1. After that, I turned on the audio coach and things started to change.
I’m an Expert Skier. I Took Lessons from an App.
I’ve believed myself to be a shredder since I was 12. But I’ve pretty much improved my skills through feel. That’s why I latched on to Carv when the brand’s PR rep sent me a unit this past winter. Right off the bat, it humbled me.
June Is the Best Time to Stock Up On Quality Ski Accessories
Why pay full price for these quality gear pieces when you can get them on sale now?
The Gear That Saved Me on a Backcountry Ski Adventure in Greenland
This ski touring and winter camping gear stood the test of challenging Arctic conditions.
Why Cody Townsend Prefers These Extended-Grip Ski Poles for the Backcountry
The professional skier says long grips help him save energy and avoid injury in the backcountry.
Our Favorite Ski Accessories Are on Sale Right Now at REI
It’s never too early to get kitted for next winter.
How Much Money Should You Spend on Ski Poles?
Hint: It depends on where you ski, what you ski, and how you ski. Gear editor Kelly Klein breaks it down.
How to Properly Store Your Ski Gear for the Summer
Master the art of off-season ski gear storage and save time and headaches next season with these seven expert tips.
When It’s Safe to Reuse or Repair Your Ski Gear, And When You Need to Replace It
Now's the time to stock of what gear is still in good shape, and what pieces need some TLC before the snow starts flying again.
Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Gifts for the Adventure-Loving Mom
Gift idea from the Outside Shop for the on-the-go mom-types in your life.
Gore-Tex Pants for $130 and 15 More End-of-Season Steals
Need to replace something from your gear closet? There are some unreal end-of-season sales going on right this second.
8 Ways to Use Ski Straps in the Backcountry
Because they’ve saved me more than a few times—and they can do the same for you.
The Best Mother’s Day Gifts For Moms Who Get Out and After It
A curated list of our favorite gear to help the moms in your life do what they love: get outside.
Turn-By-Turn Trail Directions Now Available on Gaia GPS
Enjoy the same type of step-by-step navigation you’re accustomed to while driving, now while deep off the grid
We Can’t Wait For These 5 New Skis to Hit Shelves in the Fall
We've already tested these 2023 models, and they're worth getting excited about.
Bode Miller Launches Peak Ski Company With 6 New Ski Designs
Montana-based Peak Ski Company introduces a new line of direct-to-consumer products featuring newly-developed technology.
5 Fan Favorite Skis That Are Going Away Next Season
The bad news is these skis won't be on retail shelves next season. The good news is, they're on sale now.
Gear You Need for Spring in the Backcountry
Check out Lily Ritter's author page.
This Ski Didn’t Win Any Awards; I Love It Anyway
The Black Crows Mirus Cor didn't score top marks at our gear test, but here’s why I still recommend it.
Expect to See This Ski All Over the Resorts Next Season
The narrowest ski in the new Fischer Ranger series represents an entirely new direction for the brand.
Why Fischer Is Scrapping Its Award-Winning Ranger Skis
Say goodbye to the hot pink Fischer Ranger 102 FR and hello to a whole new Ranger lineup.
Why Guides and Backcountry Pros Are Ditching the Extendable Ski Pole
Fixed-length, long-grip poles are becoming a top choice among guides and ski patrollers for their strength and simplicity.
Scarpa Introduces Lightest Hybrid Boots With Full-Coverage GripWalk Sole On the Market
Scarpa's new 4-Quattro is made for skiers who want one boot for the uphill, downhill, and everything in between.