Snow Sports
ArchiveWhen the fluff turns to crud, this is the ski you want underfoot
This year’s category winner makes everyone who skis it feel like a star
A lightweight free-touring ski with a moderate waist, the Escaper W 97 Nano is a versatile backcountry ski for ladies who charge no matter the conditions
We challenge you to find a more playful and responsive backcountry ski than this
Power and precision are the name of the game with this tried and true favorite
This ski was voted the most playful ski among this year’s crop of women’s all-mountain skis
A tried and true favorite that delivers in crud
Carv’s digital coaching software uses insoles with pressure sensors to give you real-time feedback. But can it really help first-timers improve?
Despite decades of advanced-level experience, I was surprised at how much I learned from Carv’s digital ski coach
No, you can’t toss the Essential in your curbside bin. But 75 percent of it can be broken down at the brand’s factory.
Montana-based Peak Ski Company introduces a new line of direct-to-consumer products featuring newly developed technology
Backpacking when the weather forecast is anything but optimal can be intimidating, but with some modifications to your kit, you can turn it into an enjoyable four-season activity
Because they’ve saved me more than a few times—and they can do the same for you
Enjoy riding frozen waves more than ever with these items
The narrowest ski in the new Fischer Ranger series represents an entirely new direction for the brand
Hint: It depends on where you ski, what you ski, and how you ski. Outside associate gear editor Kelly Klein breaks it down.
Getting through airports is a far easier proposition with the Thule RoundTrip
The professional skier says long grips help him save energy and avoid injury in the backcountry
On snow as in life, it’s important not to look like a bozo, and for new skiers, handling long, clunky boards is the original challenge. Ignore the hecklers—there’s more than one way to do it right.
Figuring out how to best equip and dress yourself when you’re just starting this sport can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help.
Vasu Sojitra lost his right leg as a baby, and Patrick Halgren lost his left at 23. When the two met and realized their feet were the same size, they've traded shoes ever since.
Boot fitting is equal parts art and science, and a little magic
Eddie Bauer’s award-winning Flyline outerwear was designed from the ground up for hard charging
Seasoned backcountry skier Jake Urban shares his kit for touring
We only have room for two powder skis in our print issue, but there are so many more worth your consideration
With a few specific products, paired with clothes you already own, you’re on your way to a rip-roaring good time
How do we decide which snowboards earn coveted slots in our Winter Buyer’s Guide? Take a virtual tram lap with a few of our Utah testers.
We only have room for two pairs in our print issue, but there are many more skis worthy of your attention
Only two pairs made the cut for print, but there are many more you should know about
Sledding hill not included
With these nuggets of knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy your upcoming ski season
Only the very best makes it into print. But there are some pretty great runners-up you should know about, too.
Lenses and frames built for superior vision
Make like a hare in any conditions
Noteworthy rigs for everything from pow to hardpack
Lids that let you push your limits
There were so many good boards this year that it was hard to pick just a few for print. Here are the others our testers loved.
These shred-slippers mean business
A kit to keep you protected in the mountains
Gear up to test your speed limit
Even the runner-up hikers from this year’s test are pretty great
Punch your ticket to all-mountain adventures
Testers like eight boots, but we only had room for six. Here’s an all-around boot and a women’s powder-chasing boot that almost made the cut.
Kit upgrades for the climb and the descent
Go where the groomer hasn’t
In a lineup of touring packs, this boot bag and small daypack didn't make the cut, but they're still well worth your attention
These haulers can handle any winter mission
Skimo tech meets four-buckle power
Let the rippers’ rumpus start
A new Fast Tracks pass at four Powdr-owned resorts—Mount Bachelor, Killington, Copper, and Snowbird—is sparking anger and conversations about elitism
As long as you aren’t weight sensitive, it’s now possible for one rig to serve all your in-bounds, sidecountry, and backcountry needs. This is that rig.
We spent three days testing more than 100 new models. This is the kit that helped us get through.
Snow-sports lovers, it's time to give your bathroom an upgrade
Bryan Rogala walks us through his new favorite solution for storing his ski gear
The Explorer has been part of our Gear Guy’s spring ski-mountaineering kit for nine years
A hard carrying case is being issued to solve potential issues with DSP beacons switching modes accidentally
We’ve tested and loved them—now they’re an even better bang for your buck…
Voice commands have the potential to help us conduct a more efficient search and hopefully save more lives.
It aims to simplify and speed up rescues
Our Minnesotan travel writer spent a year looking for good snow boots. She finally found them.
Yukon’s Hammerhead Pro HD was the only logical choice for tackling Vermont’s famous Lincoln Gap Road
Are your skis the best tool for the season you want, or the season you have? An impassioned argument for thin-waisted planks.
We’ve been testing skis for decades. These are our all-time favorites for groomers, backcountry bowls, and everything in between.
The magnetic MFI system keeps your face covered without fogging up
And here’s how you can do it yourself at home, step-by-step
How to stay fueled and warm on the slopes without looking like a total nerd
It’s 2021. Let’s retire the cringeworthy label already.
For a small weight penalty, the new system offers tech-pin efficiency and pro-level descending. Outside spent the past 11 months testing it.
A simple mechanism makes Julbo's Aerospace goggles effective and easy to use
This pair has been my favorite for seven years and hundreds of ski days
MountainFlow Eco-Wax scored thousands of dollars from a powder-slaying investor on the reality-TV show
Pro skiers Chris Rubens and Greg Hill show us how to use safety gear for backcountry skiing
Light and strong have long been the holy grail of ski-design qualities—but have we taken them too far?
Happy hands, happy life
Interested in getting into the backcountry this winter? What gear will you need? Pro skiers Mike Douglas and Stan Ray go over the options.
It feels like you're wearing a pile of sleeping puppies, and the puppies are all dreaming about lambs
Base lodge closed? No problem. Turn your car into a private post-ski lounge.
Here's what you need to know if you're in the market to buy this season