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Skier among trees

The 2024 Winter Gear Guide

We tested more than 300 products to help you separate the best from the rest


Editor's Letter

Fellow skiers, riders, and winter sports enthusiasts, it is time. Don’t let the calendar 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, 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.

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

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These consumer-friendly carving skis remind us why laying trenches on groomers is so dang fun

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These narrower sticks may have a knack for groomers, but they also like to play in the bumps and crud

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These skis with narrower waists are versatile resort chargers that know how to get on edge and play in the bumps

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This year’s best carving ski will allow you to live out your World Cup racing fantasy

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No other women’s frontside ski comes close to the Wildcat’s carving chops

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Introducing the best one-ski-quiver options of the year

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No matter the mountain, no matter the conditions, these sticks won't let you down

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If you ski mountains that measure snowfall in feet rather than inches, these wide rides are for you

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These all-mountain skis have a little more underfoot, more rocker, and more fun in powder

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If you like the Black Pearl but like a little more energy from your skis, try these sticks on for size

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Featuring a little more party in the back, this Enforcer likes to play in the deep stuff

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These wide, rockered planks designed for the deepest days of the year do more than float—they fly

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These wide, rockered planks will help you milk those powder days for all they are worth

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For the third year in a row, this ski bested the rest in the powder category

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Looking for the perfect backcountry ski for deep days and big missions? Start here.

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These lightweight skis don’t just power up the skintrack. They’re bonafide downhill performers.

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Finally, a QST model specifically designed for backcountry adventures

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Ski Boots & Bindings

These high-performance boots are made for carving up the ‘roy and charging off-piste

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These downhill ski boots are designed for ladies who exclusively charge the resort

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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.

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These new alpine and touring bindings come packed with exciting features

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If you fancy yourself a World Cup-level skier, this new high-performance boot is for you

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This is hands-down the most impressive resort-meets-backcountry boot we’ve ever tried

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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.

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We put 24 pairs of boots and 37 cross-country necessities through the wringer this season and narrowed down the 12 best items.

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Snowboards

40 testers tested 57 snowboards over the course of a week in Sugar Bowl, CA. These are the cream of the crop.

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20 testers tried 19 splitboards, plus a handful of boots, bindings, and accessories. These were the winners.

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Your flashy new snowboard may be the star of the show, but it’s nothing without these sidekick pieces of gear

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Backcountry Travel

We ran nine winter bags through the gauntlet so you don’t have to shiver your way through a long sleepless night

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These three pairs of ‘shoes floated above the rest

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Five boots to keep your feet warm, dry, and planted

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Stay safe in the backcountry with these six items

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Six testers tried 75 bomber products, and these were the ones that rose above the rest

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Here are the pieces that most stood up to long days and cold nights in the winter backcountry

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Out of the 90 products we tested, these 9 picks got us through some of our toughest hunts with the most ease.

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Racing the Iditarod means braving gnarly cold. Here's the gear that kept me (and my dogs) going.

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Accessories

We put over a dozen helmets to work in a variety of conditions. These six got our vote.

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You can’t ski if you can’t see. Don’t leave it up to chance. The future is bright in these fully vetted goggles.

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Six packs to carry the essentials you need to get up and get down safely.

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Our testers put 15 cold-weather rucksacks through the wringer—and crowned six champions

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The six pieces that will replace this winter'\’s tears with high fives all around

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We tested dozens of shades to find the best of the season

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Layers

We tested 45 jackets designed for resort skiing and beyond. These rose to the top.

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Whether you're looking for insulated or not, steezy or muted, you'll find something that fits the bill on this list.

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We tested 28 pants and bibs. These are the ones that rose to the top.

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We put 26 pants and bibs through the wringer last winter. These six impressed us the most.

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Ski touring and high-output activities in the backcountry require a different kind of armor. Suit up with our favorite picks of the season.

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Not just any pants will do when you're braving the elements in the backcountry. These live up to the challenge.

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These weatherproof gloves and mitts are designed to outlast your stamina on the slopes

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Like the lunch meat in your sandwich, your midlayer should suit your personal taste and complement the conditions

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We picked the nine best new fleeces, puffies, and heavyweight layers to block out the cold this season.

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What you put closest to your skin can make or break your day on the mountain. Don’t mess this one up.

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We tested dozens of baselayers to help you choose the best one for your winter adventures

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No task is too tough for this year’s crop of winter workwear

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These five pieces will help you get the job done with no fuss

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Here’s what you need to stay warm, comfy, and stylish while hanging out in the parking lot post-ski

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Clothing and accessories that will both last and make you look cool for years to come

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We packed 20 pairs of shoes for the resort. These five made the cut.

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For big powder days in the resort and the sidecountry, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better safety essential

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Workout

We put hundreds of miles on more than 70 new running shoes over a wide variety of trails. These eight emerged as the best.

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We put thousands of road miles on more than 70 new running shoes. These seven emerged as the best.

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We put in more than 1,900 miles testing 135 items. Here are the best.

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We put over 50 pieces of winter running apparel to the test in all conditions to find the best pieces to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in the cold.

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We put 65 products to the test to find the best winter apparel for your workouts. Here’s what stood above the rest.

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We tested dozens of pieces for winter workouts. These six came out on top.

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These five pieces of equipment will help up your off-season game

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