Gear the Snow Pros Won’t Leave Home Without
The world's top skiers and snowboarders share their favorite mountain accessories.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Sometimes it’s the little things that matter most, like hand warmers on a cold day or energy gels to keep you charging hard. These six snow pros share the gear they won’t leave home without:
Gear Hack
It’s freeskier Sage Cattabriga-Alosa’s least expensive tool—it comes free with the wax he uses—but the plastic scraper he keeps in a jacket pocket is also one of his most utilized. “I use it at least ten times a day to chip away ice from under my boots or the tops of my skis,” Cattabriga-Alosa says.1. Daron Rahlves, World Cup Racer and Freeskier
Safety is the main reason I run this lid,” says the Sugar Bowl, California, skier of his Giro Edit helmet ($180). Rahlves has taken a few rock hits to the head. But he also loves the integrated GoPro mount for capturing the action on big lines.
2. Julia Mancuso, Olympic Skier
The 30-year-old four-time Olympian almost always wears a buff while skiing to keep her face from freezing. We like the Buff Original ($20) for its warmth and flair.
3. Hana Beaman, Snowboarder
Beaman brings a shock-proof, water-resistant Nixon Blaster portable speaker ($150) to make activities like building a backcountry jump more fun. “Listening to good music on a crisp, reliable speaker definitely makes the time go by faster,” Beaman says.
4. Seth Morrison, Freeskier
Morrison never knows when a big day will turn into a long night, so he always packs a headlamp. Our favorite is the Petzl Tikka R+ ($80). It’s smaller than an egg, and the 170-lumen max is plenty for getting home.
5. Annelise Loevlie, Icelantic Skis CEO
“It may sound like a tip from your elementary school teacher, but frozen fingers are a guaranteed way to ruin your day,” says Loevlie, who uses two pairs of hand warmers when she hits the slopes, whether she’s skiing her home resorts around Golden, Colorado, or tearing up the backcountry in Alaska. “Trust me, it won’t make you any less tough.”
6. Jeremy Jones, Backcountry Snowboarder
The one variable that always sends Jones home? Hunger. For long days, the Truckee, California, rider carries at least three Clif Shot gels ($1.50) and five packs of Shot Bloks (pictured, $2.50). “If I have fuel, I can go forever,” he says.
Pro Tip
If you’re spending a lot of time in the sun and snow, sunscreen is a must. Keep #7, Zinka Colored Nosecoat ($7) in your pocket so you can get to it quickly and reapply throughout the day.