2026 Winter Gear Guide: The Award-Winning Skis, Boards, Boots, and Outerwear

We put a ton of winter gear through the wringer—and we have the frozen fingers and spreadsheets to prove it. For the 2026 Winter Gear Guide, our editors, category managers, and 100+ testers spent months evaluating skis, snowboards, backcountry boots, technical apparel, and accessories to find the gear that makes storm days and subzero dawn patrols not just possible, but fun.

Across four continents, we logged thousands of vertical feet and hundreds of miles—skiing, touring, hiking, and lapping chairlifts. Three field tests—the annual SKI Test at Big Sky, Snowboard Test at Kirkwood, and our Editors’ Choice Trip to Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness—put the top contenders through one final round of rigorous testing. After scoring, debating, and fine-tuning, we hand-picked the finalists for the 2026 Winter Gear Guide: the best of the best across every winter gear category.

This year, only 21 of the 800-plus products we evaluated earned our highest honor: our coveted Editors’ Choice and Best in Test distinctions. These exceptional pieces either delivered best-in-class performance, showcased exciting new technology, or redefined what we thought possible from tried-and-true gear (think game-changing boots, breakthrough insulation, or skis that elevated every tester’s run).

And in case you’re wondering: no, there’s no pay-to-play here. No amount of advertising dollars can buy a spot in our Winter Gear Guide. To be included, gear has to earn its keep. It has to perform in the real world and impress our crew of discerning testers. The award-winners here not only earned their place—they stood out as true category leaders.

Best Outerwear

Best Ski Jacket: Kühl The Defiant Shell

$675 at KÜHL 

Kühl’s first ski jacket surprised us—in the best way. The Defiant is burly yet streamlined, stretchy yet weatherproof, and packed with smart features, including a clever double front zipper that reveals a mesh vent to quickly dump heat. The proprietary membrane kept us dry in storms, the helmet-compatible hood worked flawlessly, and the streamlined nylon shell proved ideal for resort laps and short tours. With dialed pocket placement and all-around comfort, testers kept reaching for this jacket again and again.

Best Ski Pants: Raide TourTech Bib

$449 at Raide (women’s)

$449 at Raide (men’s)

Raide set out to build the perfect touring bib and largely succeeded. The TourTech Bib blends a breathable softshell from mid-thigh up, with waterproof hardshell fabric on the lower legs for enhanced weatherproofing and durability. Testers praised the lightweight feel and accommodating mid-torso bib style. But above all, they loved how easy these bibs were to move around in, and their smart, backcountry-friendly design features, like two dedicated beacon pockets, inner thigh venting, and and a clever cuff zip that made power-strap tweaks fast and glove-friendly—a small but genuinely useful detail. Check out the rest of our favorite ski pants of the year here.

Best Parka: Ortovox Down Wool 270 Jacket

$440 at Backcountry (men’s)

$440 at Backcountry (women’s)

The Ortovox Down Wool 270 Jacket blends the best of down and wool, combining 70 percent responsibly-sourced down with 30 percent European wool for warmth that holds even in wet conditions. Breathable, water-resistant, and windproof, it performs on the slopes and in everyday winter life. Technical touches like an adjustable hood, elastic cuffs, waistband, and well-placed pockets make it functional, while its generous fit keeps layering easy. Testers called it the jacket they reached for time and again.

Best Skis and Snowboards of 2026

Best All-Mountain Ski: Stöckli Stormrider 95

$1,489 at Evo

$1,489 at Christy Sports

The 2025 Stöckli Stormrider 95 earned not one, but two awards: Outside’s Editors’ Choice, and SKI’s Best in Test. This all-mountain ski offers a rare blend of power, precision, and versatility that impressed testers across the board. Handcrafted in Switzerland, it delivers the signature Stöckli feel: smooth, stable, and confidence-inspiring. At 95 millimeters underfoot, it carves like a GS ski, crushes crud, and stays balanced in soft snow, bumps, and mixed conditions. Testers agreed: this is a benchmark all-mountain ski. Check out our other favorite all-mountain skis here.

Best Wide All-Mountain Ski: Blizzard Rustler 10

$850 at REI

$850 at Evo

The Blizzard Rustler 10 continues to impress with a perfect mix of playfulness and reliability, earning top scores in five of ten test criteria. Soft yet damp, it handles crud, quick turns, and long-radius arcs with equal ease. Testers highlighted its responsiveness and versatility, noting it works for both intermediate and expert skiers. Energetic without being demanding, the Rustler 10 proves you can enjoy one ski across the whole mountain—no quiver required. See more of our favorite wide all-mountain skis here.

Best Powder Ski: Atomic Maverick 115 CTi

$850 at Backcountry

$850 at Evo

The Atomic Maverick 115 CTi is our favorite powder ski of 2026, combining pro-level performance with accessibility for all skiers. Directional yet playful, it delivers poppy, precise turns in technical terrain, rails fast through wide-open bowls, and floats effortlessly in deep snow. Testers praised its versatility and confidence-inspiring feel, making it a standout choice for anyone chasing powder.

Best Frontside Ski: Rossignol Arcade 88

$750 at REI

The Rossignol Arcade 88 is a crowd-pleaser for skiers who love to carve. Our testers picked it as a favorite thanks to its lively feel, confident edge hold, and surprising versatility. A full sheet of metal plus Rossignol’s Line Control Technology keep it stable and precise, while rockered tips and tails add agility in mixed snow. With a snappy 15-meter turn radius, it’s a groomer standout that strong intermediates will find confidence-boosting—and experts can truly open up. See how it stacks up against the competition here. 

Best Snowboard: Jones Howler

$700 at REI

$700 at Backcountry

The Jones Howler snowboard (and its counterpart for women) earned our Editors’ Choice award in both the men’s and women’s categories after racking up the most perfect scores in our test’s history. Co-designed with Elena Hight and Victor De Le Rue, it’s a directional freeride–freestyle board with a buoyant nose and moontail that stays stable through slush, chunder, and bumps. Testers praised its hard-charging feel, mid-stiff paulownia core, and responsive carbon–flax layup, noting that its damp, confidence-boosting flex pushes you to ride harder without ever feeling maxed out. Read more about the best snowboards here.

Best Ski for Intermediates: Dynastar M-Cross 78 Express

$550 at Sun and Ski Sports

The Dynastar M-Cross 78 stood out to testers as a fun, approachable ski for a wide range of abilities—from aspiring carvers to confident advanced skiers. It received top scores in playfulness, quickness, forgiveness, and versatility, all at an accessible price point of $600 with bindings. Extended tip-and-tail rocker makes edge-to-edge transitions effortless, creating a ski that feels lively yet predictable on groomers. Check out our other favorite budget-friendly skis here. 

Best Backcountry Ski: Armada Locator 112

$900 at Backcountry

Testers named the Armada Locator 112 their favorite backcountry ski of 2026, citing its mix of lift-off float and confident control in variable snow. The 112-millimeter waist pairs with a lightweight caruba core reinforced with carbon, keeping climbs manageable while maintaining stability on steep, fast descents. Generous tip and tail rocker ensures effortless flotation in powder and spring slush, and the ski’s responsive nature makes navigating crud and chop surprisingly intuitive. Playful yet precise, it appeals to hardcore backcountry and slackcountry skiers alike.

Best Women’s All-Mountain Ski: Rossignol Arcade W 94

$800 at Backcountry

$800 at Rossignol

The Rossignol Arcade W 94 impressed testers so much it topped six of ten scoring categories, earning praise as a true do-it-all ski. Following the success of the unisex Arcade 88, this women’s model delivers lively, frontside-style performance with all-mountain range. A 16-meter radius, full wood core, and metal laminates make it quick, energetic, and incredibly responsive. Testers loved how instantly it snapped onto edge. It’s “quick as a whip” yet stable and versatile across conditions. Check out our other favorite women’s all-mountain skis here. 

Best Carving Ski: Fischer RC4 Noize

$1,400 at Ski Town All-Stars

The Fischer RC4 Noize boasts some pretty cool new tech: Fischer’s Noize Control technology—3D-printed metal particles beneath the topsheet—is supposed to dampen vibrations for a balanced, precise ride. We can’t say for sure if it was the tech or not, but we certainly loved how this ski felt underfoot. Its 66-millimeter waist delivers exceptional edge grip, hard-snow integrity, and stability, earning it top marks in carving at our annual SKI Test. Testers loved its smooth, high-speed performance, noting it locks into turns with confidence. See our other top carving skis here.

Best Women’s Wide All-Mountain Ski: Rossignol Rallybird Soul 102

$700-750 at Evo

$750 at Backcountry

The Rossignol Rallybird Soul 102 returns as our top women’s wide all-mountain ski for its unmatched versatility and reliability in crud. It balances ease and power, comfort and precision, energy and dampness, adjusting seamlessly whether you’re charging aggressively or cruising casually. With a rockered chassis, rubber-inlay construction, and strategic metal underfoot, it adapts to any terrain or snow condition. It favors advanced skiers, but its thoughtful design makes it an exciting evolution of the iconic Soul 7.

Best Carving Ski for Women: Head WC Rebels e-Race

$1,400 with binding at Ski Town Allstars

Another unisex ski, the Head WC Rebels e-Race made our expert female testers want to relive their racing days. Its Titanal and graphene layup, combined with EMC vibration-damping technology, provides precise edging, stability at speed, and a smooth, controlled ride on hard snow. Testers called it a “thoroughbred carver,” praising its grip and responsiveness. If you’re an expert with a deep love of digging trenches, this one’s for you.

Best Ski Boots of 2026

Best All-Mountain Ski Boot: Lange Shadow

$600-$900 at REI 

$600-$900 at Evo 

The Lange Shadow boot family stands out for its dialed fit and reliable performance across flexes and volumes. We tested the Shadow 130 MV, a stiff, mid-volume option for expert skiers with average-width feet, and were struck first by its comfort. Lange’s Auxetic liner—made from a stretchy, hex-patterned fabric—wraps the foot evenly without hot spots, giving it a snug, wetsuit-like feel. On snow, the Shadow shines thanks to its innovative cuff-to-shell connection, which boosts power transfer and stability. The result is precise, confident edging with less effort, making this a top choice for skiers who want comfort and control. Check out our other top ski boots of 2026 here. 

Best Frontside Ski Boot: Lange RS 130 LV

$900 at DynaStar | Lange

$900 at Peak Performance Ski Shop

The Lange RS 130 LV remains a go-to boot for advanced skiers and anyone who demands precision and a low-volume fit. Updates to the shell and liner improve foot hold, with a lower instep and reshaped tongue providing secure, comfortable support. A contoured heel pocket locks the foot in place, while pre-shaped ankle padding and a taller, stiffer rear cuff enhance responsiveness and encourage a strong, forward-driving stance.

Best Backcountry Hybrid Boot: Tecnica Cochise 130

$850 at REI

$850 at Evo

The Tecnica Cochise earns its spot as a top backcountry hybrid ski boot with its excellent downhill performance. Testers praised its blend of power, stability, and precise fit, which allows confident charging on the descent while still handling short uphill approaches and hut trips. Though slightly heavier and with limited cuff flex, it delivers the downhill performance of a full alpine boot, making it the go-to choice for backcountry skiers who want just one boot and who prioritize control, responsiveness, and versatility.

Best Women’s Backcountry Boot: Scarpa 4-Quattro GT WMN

$669 at REI

$669 at Scarpa

The Scarpa 4-Quattro GT emerged as a sleeper hit for backcountry skiers, impressing testers with its blend of power, precision, uphill convenience, and value. It earned four perfect 10s across six scoring categories, including fit, on-snow dynamics, stance geometry, and usability—no other women’s backcountry boot matched its performance. With a true 101-millimeter last, the GT delivers a snug, heat-moldable fit that opens for comfort, while the extended toebox keeps toes warm all day without feeling loose.

Best Winter Layers

Best Fleece: Mountain Hardwear Airmesh Long Sleeve Hoody 

$99 at REI (women’s)

$99 at REI (men’s)

Testers were impressed by this hooded pullover’s unmatched moisture management. Its Octa polyester fibers—hollow with ridged exteriors—wick sweat so efficiently that it stayed dry even on hard skintrack climbs, yet the hollow cores still trap notable warmth. A fuzzy interior and smooth mesh exterior offer a cleaner look than traditional fleece and layer easily under shells.

Best Insulated Midlayer: Flylow Mia Jacket

$280 at Evo

$280 at Flylow

The Flylow Mia stood out for its rare ability to keep testers comfortable across an exceptionally wide temperature range. While many insulators excel only in specific conditions, the Mia performed equally well on mild ski tours and frigid, windy lift rides. We loved its blend of breathability and weather protection—it cut wind without trapping heat and stayed comfortable during everything from bootpacks to fat-bike rides. It’s a true go-to midlayer for variable winter days.