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The 411 for planning your ski trip around the weather
What started as a glorious powder day ended in a desperate fight for survival after three skiers were buried by a killer avalanche in the backcountry of Stevens Pass, in Washington's Cascades. Megan Michelson lived to tell about it, but she can't shake off a haunting question: How did a group of expert skiers make such a deadly mistake?
Sixteen years ago, the man who helped raise Megan Michelson was shot to death at a remote kayaking lodge in Northern California. Michelson embarks on a painful search to find out what happened, and why.
Built on the same chassis as Völkl's bestselling alpine ski, the Mantra, the M Rock is lighter (there's no metal in it), and its wood/PU core makes it slightly less forgiving—and more fun—in powder. 133/94/113, 7.8 lbs; volkl.com Bonus: Hands-down the best resort AT ski we tested. “I'd put…
The Throttle pulls off a rather nifty trick: In addition to being superlight—they weigh less than a pack of Gu Energy Gel—the grippy temples also make them the most comfortable glasses here. nativeyewear.com…
There's a reason Scarpa hasn't made many changes to the T2X over the past few years: It's solid just the way it is. A three-buckle lightweight that comes in at a pound less than Scarpa's bulkier boots, it's most at home far from $12 hamburgers. 6.5 lbs; scarpa.com Bonus:…
The most refreshing trend in skiwear: technical ski jackets that are stylish enough to wear around town. The water-resistant J-Turn looks as good with jeans as it does with ski pants. quiksilver.com…
The Explore has the same bells and whistles as Fritschi's classic Freeride—an adjustable toe piece to fit different boots, a four-level climbing bar, and a mindless alpine-style step-in—but it's considerably lighter. 3.8 lbs; bdel.com …
From ripping the steeps at Silverton to carving groomers at Loveland, these twin tips were the ultimate hero skis. Their wood core makes them feel indestructibly stiff while bombing descents, yet their lightweight construction means they climb easily too. 128/98/121, 8.4 lbs; rossignol.com Bonus: Super stable in crud. …
Whether you’re cutting blocks to build a snow shelter or testing slope stability, this light and compact (12-inch) metal saw won’t let you down—it’s durable enough to cut through wood or ice. bcaccess.com…
Stiff plastic and a double-injected cuff afford alpine-boot-like downhill performance, but thanks to a walk mode it feels like an alpine-touring boot on the way up. 8.3 lbs; garmontusa.com Bonus: Further evidence of its split personality: It comes with two interchangeable soles, one a grippier ski-mountaineering sole and one…
We think it’s called the Flow Pant because it transitions easily from the mountain to the bar. Or maybe it’s because it hangs off your body with a loose fit and baggy cargo pockets. Either way, the hard-shell pants are a great choice. thenorthface.com…
Designed by pro freeskier Alison Gannett, this lightweight twin-tipped big-mountain ski satisfied even our most aggressive testers. 134/100/125, 7.2 lbs; karhu.com …
Liked last year's Mt. Baker? These are the same, only lighter. By using thinner steel, K2 shaved off almost a pound per ski, which testers noticed on the way up: “I felt like I could run in them,” said one. 120/88/108, 6.5 lbs; k2alpineterrain.com Bonus: In all other conditions—especially…
Three-density, lace-up thermomoldable liners and efficient walking mode make skinning up comfortable and effortless, yet it's plenty stiff and powerful to drive big boards like the Sickbirds. 7.9 lbs; garmontusa.com Bonus: The magnesium buckles reduce ice buildup. Bummer: A bit roomy for folks with narrow feet. …
With four buckles and a dual-density shell, Scarpa's top-of-the-line T-Race is basically an alpine boot with a bellow. This year, it's been upgraded to include Scarpa's signature Intuition custom thermo liners, which are lighter, easier to mold, and have fewer pressure-point-creating seams. 8.6 lbs; scarpa.com Bonus: The heavy-duty cam-lock…
Part geek, part chic: Helly Hansen updates the argyle sweater. The Norse’s wool lining is surprisingly soft, and it’s warm enough to wear without a shell on mild days. hellyhansen.com…
Women-specific gear should never be a softer, pinker version of the men's. That's why we love the four-buckle T1 Lady, which is as robust as the men's T1 but with a narrower heel fit and Scarpa's custom-moldable Intuition liner. 7.4 lbs; scarpa.com …
At a pound less than Karhu's in-bounds version, the Jak BC is a featherweight climber made with carbon components and the new environmentally friendly Greenlight Core, which is made of sustainably harvested Chinese wood. 124/90/113, 7.1 lbs; karhu.com Bonus: Lots of pop for such a light ski. Bummer:…
The Serpent is stylish enough for casual wear, but thanks to its wraparound shape and nonslip rubber temples, it hugged tight even on the bumpiest of singletrack. bolle.com…
A high cuff and fixed spine make the Shaman every bit as stiff as the best alpine freeride boots on the market. But because it comes with two soles—one ISO alpine and one rockered, ski-mountaineering sole—it's perfect for resort skiers who occasionally tour or boot-pack in search of better snow.
Thanks to a wicking finish and a tall collar for trapping warmth, this waffle-knit pullover is an ideal midlayer on a cold day. With a deep 12-inch front zipper, it comes on and off over your helmet. mountainhardwear.com…
With five adjustable underfoot cable settings, this binding, which was built to accommodate smaller boot sizes, suits all levels. 3 lbs; twentytwodesigns.com …
“Big and stable…these hogs peg the powder-skiing fun meter,” said one tester. And unlike most skis this fat, it doesn't get squirrelly at high speeds on firmer snow. 136/110/126, 9.3 lbs; bdel.com Bonus: Love the UPS brown and subtle holograms. Bummer: It's available only in two lengths (182…
Unlike a lot of other big and sassy sunglasses, the Turntable’s high-tech lenses mimic the curve of your eyeball and help reduce eye fatigue. Upgrade to the polarized lenses if you spend a lot of time in or around the water. smithoptics.com…
Because they stay sticky in a variety of snow conditions and temperatures, G3 skins have long been a tester favorite. This year, thanks to an extra coat of waterproofing and a redesigned tip attachment (which now fits any ski shape), they’re even better. genuineguidegear.com…
Made of Peruvian alpaca wool, this antistink base layer is even softer than the finest merino we tested. Plus it won’t shrink in the wash like some wool base layers. powderhorn-world.com…
With duck down inside and houndstooth graphics outside, this puffy fared well during cold days on the slopes and in town. roxy.com…
Testers praised the Targa Ascent's bomber construction, but flat-out raved about its uphill performance: A free-pivot mode offers touring without resistance, which means you'll conserve power for that extra lap. 3.1 lbs; genuineguidegear.com Bonus: The heel piece flips vertically to serve as the climbing bar. Bummer: Difficult to…
Designed with wide, curved lenses to optimize peripheral view, the Grapevine is sporty enough for a day hike, but fashionable enough for the city. oakley.com…
Heading out the gate? This low-profile and lightweight (three-pound) pack comfortably carries skis, avy gear, and a helmet. There’s also extra back protection and an insulated hydration-tube sleeve. mammutusa.com…
Look good, smell good: In addition to being sensible (moisture-wicking and stink-free), this buttery, 100 percent merino polo is also pretty stylish. iobiocompatibles.com…
This soft shell is lined with a “bunny fur” fleece liner that’s so soft and fuzzy you’ll think it’s real. The polyester face isn’t waterproof but sheds snow well. thenorthface.com…
With an alpine-style toe piece, a DIN of 13, and a heel lock to prevent an inadvertent switch to touring mode, the Naxo is ideal for aggressive big-mountain skiers. In touring mode, a smartly designed pivoting mechanism saves you energy by mimicking your natural uphill stride. 4.9 lbs; bcaccess.com …
Although they look feminine enough for drinks on the patio, the Cubic Lush stayed put even on a windy road ride. Lightweight and rimless, they’re best suited for women with small features. adidas.com…
Beacon technology continues to evolve: The new S1 has the smartest electronic signal separation for multiple burials we’ve seen. It also includes an inclinometer and electronic compass. ortovox.com…
In a word, refreshing. Not only does this polyester base layer have an antimicrobial treatment, mesh underarm venting, and a low-key graphic; it’s also slim-fitting and a bargain. dakine.com…
On stormy, wet days in the Sierra Nevada, testers swore by the Stingray. It’s made of waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex Soft Shell, which is both supple and tough. arcteryx.com Bonus: It’s equipped with a Recco avalanche-rescue reflector.
Our testers agree: The stainless-steel HammerHead is the toughest, most adjustable binding out there. Pick from five underfoot cable settings for varying terrain, foot size, or skill level. 3 lbs; twentytwodesigns.com Bonus: Enjoy more than two inches of spring travel for ultimate control on big, steep lines. Bummer:…
Shades in this price range are usually ill-fitting or outfitted with crappy lenses. Not so with the Alpe. The ear pads are adjustable and the polycarbonate lenses are surprisingly crisp. tifosioptics.com…
We hope you’ll never have to search for a victim, but if you do, this ultralight (7.6 oz) and long (91 inches) probe assembles instantly and is sturdy enough to break through cementlike snow. bdel.com…
The contrast stitching looks cool, but we picked this top because, thanks to its construction (lighter-weight merino on the back and sleeves), it breathes like a champ in the backcountry. smartwool.com…
Bring this 650-fill-down puffy on your next hut trip. At just 19 ounces, it stuffs into a sack the size of a small melon. It’s cut just above the hip, which means it’s perfect for wearing with a backcountry pack. isisforwomen.com…
Thanks to a DIN of 16, an innovative toe-height adjustment, and a beefy plate underfoot, the new Duke outperforms all other AT bindings on the descent. Or, as one tester put it, “The playing field has totally changed.” 5.6 lbs; markerusa.com Bonus: There's nearly zero ramp angle, so you…
Like most ski pants, the waterproof-breathable Havens have thigh vents and plenty of pockets. But thanks to smart details—like leather zipper pulls and a loose cut—they look better than most. orageski.com…
This sturdy new aluminum shovel has all the perks of a big spade—namely, a strong scoop for quick digging—without the bulk or weight (it’s just one pound nine ounces). If you’re ultra-skilled, it can also double as a rescue sled or a snow anchor for rappels. voile-usa.com…
Redesigned with 60 percent recycled polyester, the new R1 still maintains its signature stretch and breathability. Not that it’ll wear out anytime soon, but when you’re ready for a new one, send it back to Patagonia and they’ll recycle it. patagonia.com…
In a single day skiing at Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin, we received four compliments on this striped, belted jacket. Style points aside, it’s also waterproof with fully taped seams, though it doesn’t breathe as well as its competitors. hellyhansen.com…
Thanks to interchangeable tongues (one stiff, one hinged for touring) and a sole that's compatible with every AT binding on the market, the Spirit 4's are this year's most versatile boot. 7.6 lbs; scarpa.com Bonus: Smart touches include tour-friendly Dynafit tech fittings and lighter-weight thermo-moldable liners. Bummer: Some…
When buttoned up, the 550-down-filled Format can handle the coldest mountain weather. And when it finally warms up, detach the hood, crack the underarm vents, and keep on riding. scottusa.com…
K2's fattest women's AT ski has enough sidecut to arc GS turns on hardpack, enough flex to bounce through a foot of powder, and enough dampness to tame a crusty minefield. 120/88/108, 8 lbs; k2alpineterrain.com …
1. Black Diamond rolled out an impressive 11 new models this year. But our tele and alpine testers agreed: Of all the new skis we reviewed, the redesigned Verdict was the most versatile, wide enough for the deepest days and stable on hardpack yet still lightweight enough for touring. 2.
This coat is a two-in-one piece: a zip-in reversible vest (insulated with synthetic fill) plus a water-resistant nylon shell. Wear the combo on a cold day, then sport the flower-printed vest at the bar later that night. spyder.com…
Thanks to the stiff carbon-fiber tongue and “stringers” that laterally reinforce the Zzeros, these ultralight four-buckle boots felt surprisingly solid and stiff bombing down steep shots around Loveland Pass. 7 lbs; dynafit.us Bonus: Grooved guides in the toe make the boots much easier to click into the bindings than…
Don’t judge these pin-striped slacks on their looks alone. They’re completely waterproof-breathable, and thanks to an extra bit of insulation in the seat, you won’t freeze your ass off on the chairlift. ridedna.com…
Want an AT boot that can hold its own when you stay inbounds? Try the new Diva, which has rigid dual-density plastic that makes it beefy where it needs to be, plus a hinged tongue for easy touring. 6.7 lbs; scarpa.com …
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Utah's Wasatch Mountains are teeming with guys who geek out over depth hoar. But there are only a few snow scientists on par with Dean Cardinale. In addition to being one of Snowbird's avalanche forecasters, the 38-year-old is also the president of Wasatch Backcountry Rescue and a certified instructor with the American Avalanche Association. He spoke to
If you build a ski mountain, they will come? That's what one Texas resort believes.
It took hundreds of years and the heavy-heeled stomping of thousands of trekkers. Now some 30,000 miles of trails high in the Swiss Alps are finally packed down, buffed out, and ready for their true calling: downhill mountain biking. This August, the first North American outfitter to guide armor-clad cyclists…
Why we love gadgets: a crushproof camera, a portable weather station, and more
The ultimate journey includes a battery-powered blender and a classy camp chair. Trust us.
Here come longer days and better weather. Make the most of the multisport season with the hottest new gear.
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It's Oscar time in Hollywood, and at Outside, too. But we're skipping the Academy darlings to salute the little guys: six flicks that wowed us with their small-scale spectacle, and one—on global warming—of epic magnitude.
In Outside‘s February, 2007 issue, writer Andrew Tilin reported on a new, sustainable outdoor apparel company, Nau (And Nau for Something Completely Different). The Portland, Oregon-based start-up launches their web sales this February, and will open four stores in the spring of 2007 in Boulder, Colorado, Portland, Oregon, Seattle,…
Forget après ski. Three January film festivals are redefining post-powder entertainment. Head to Park City, Utah, or Nevada City, California, for the winter’s coolest mountain town film festivals, where you can play outside by day and catch top film premieres by night.