Editor's Letter
Fellow skiers, riders, and winter sports enthusiasts, it is time. Don’t let the calendar or the persistent heat waves fool you. Flakes are already flying in the Rockies, and that means only one thing: winter is coming. The ski lifts may not be spinning yet, but those who make a habit of lining up for first chair and rope drops know that if you show up when things are opening, you’re already late to the party. And so, at the crack of September, we present you with the 2024 Winter Gear Guide. We’ve got ski and board reviews, boot reviews, and even more coming your way throughout the fall (so be sure to come back and check out this page throughout the season)—all the fruits of a full season of gear testing by our dedicated gear nerds. If you’re in the market for a new pair of sticks, boots that actually fit your feet, or a kit to protect you when the snow starts blowing sideways, you’ve come to the right place.
Frontside Skis
If you’re in the market for a pair of carvers to slice up the ‘roy and live out your racing fantasy, check out this list
These consumer-friendly carving skis remind us why laying trenches on groomers is so dang fun
These narrower sticks may have a knack for groomers, but they also like to play in the bumps and crud
These skis with narrower waists are versatile resort chargers that know how to get on edge and play in the bumps
This year’s best carving ski will allow you to live out your World Cup racing fantasy
No other women’s frontside ski comes close to the Wildcat’s carving chops
All-Mountain Skis
Introducing the best one-ski-quiver options of the year
No matter the mountain, no matter the conditions, these sticks won't let you down
If you ski mountains that measure snowfall in feet rather than inches, these wide rides are for you
These all-mountain skis have a little more underfoot, more rocker, and more fun in powder
If you like the Black Pearl but like a little more energy from your skis, try these sticks on for size
Featuring a little more party in the back, this Enforcer likes to play in the deep stuff
Powder Skis
These wide, rockered planks designed for the deepest days of the year do more than float—they fly
These wide, rockered planks will help you milk those powder days for all they are worth
For the third year in a row, this ski bested the rest in the powder category
Backcountry Skis
Looking for the perfect backcountry ski for deep days and big missions? Start here.
These lightweight skis don’t just power up the skintrack. They’re bonafide downhill performers.
Finally, a QST model specifically designed for backcountry adventures
Ski Boots & Bindings
These high-performance boots are made for carving up the ‘roy and charging off-piste
These downhill ski boots are designed for ladies who exclusively charge the resort
We’re entering the Goldilocks age of backcountry boots. These new models aren’t too heavy and they aren’t too flimsy—they’re just right for a variety of adventures.
These new alpine and touring bindings come packed with exciting features
If you fancy yourself a World Cup-level skier, this new high-performance boot is for you
This is hands-down the most impressive resort-meets-backcountry boot we’ve ever tried
Cross Country Skiing
7 testers tried 26 pairs of cross-country skis in all conditions—from late-season slush to deep powder. These four came out on top.
We put 24 pairs of boots and 37 cross-country necessities through the wringer this season and narrowed down the 12 best items.
Snowboards
40 testers tested 57 snowboards over the course of a week in Sugar Bowl, CA. These are the cream of the crop.
20 testers tried 19 splitboards, plus a handful of boots, bindings, and accessories. These were the winners.
Your flashy new snowboard may be the star of the show, but it’s nothing without these sidekick pieces of gear