Slideshow: On the Snow
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Atomic Sugar Daddy skis $799 800-258-5020; atomicski.com
Atomic ditched the binding plate and made the top sheet more supple this year. The result: These wide-body (125/99/117) all-mountain weapons are more nimble than their predecessors and now accept a range of bindings.
Fritschi Freeride bindings $335 801-278-5533; bdel.com
With a max DIN of 12 and a redesigned heelpiece (it’s easier to adjust with poles), the alpine- and AT-boot-compatible Freeride is still the best do-it-all touring binding on the market.
Kavu El Blingo sunglasses $58 800-419-5288; kavu.com
Brown lenses are ideal for driving to the hill (they’re the best at making distant objects appear distinct), and the various inscriptions on the temple say things like “Y’all are hot!
Kavu Strapvisor $15 800-419-5288; kavu.com
A staple of every guide’s wardrobe, the visor’s black underbill reduces glare—in the car or on the slope—and the nylon dries quickly.
Arnette Tracer goggles $90 800-343-5594; arnette.com
Spherical lenses cut down on distortion, and extension bars pop out to fit better on helmets.
Mammut Meteor gloves $75 802-985-5056; mammut.ch
Whether you’re gripping poles or swinging ice axes, these precurved softshell gloves will keep your digits warm and protected with Outlast insulation, a fleece lining, and light padding.
Backcountry Access Stash BC Rider pack $145 303-417-1345; bcaccess.com
Stow the 2,400-cubic-inch Rider’s insulated hydration hose in the pack strap so it won’t freeze up. Dedicated shovel and probe pockets make for easy retrieval when things get ugly.
GSI Glacier Stainless Steel JavaPress $38 509-928-9611; gsioutdoors.com
Bring your brew with you. This double-wall French press and thermos combination keeps one liter of go-go juice good and hot.
Indigo Epic poles $99 970-429-1005; indigoequipment.com
Indigo’s adjustment system is glove-friendly, won’t slip or freeze, and, if you’ve got thumbs, is easy to use: All you do is push a button.
VoilÉ Splitboard $665 801-973-8622; voile-usa.com
The Voilé accepts almost any binding out there, comes with its own pre-cut climbing skins, and has ice-impervious hardware.
Drake Matrix Lady bindings $229 206-762-2955; northwave.com
The “full disc cover—a piece of adjustable polyurethane—eliminates your boot’s rocker for better energy transfer. Meanwhile, its big, beefy ankle straps are comfy and quick to tighten.
