GALLERY: Winter’s Coming
It's getting cold, so get in shape and get ready. Here's a gallery of some highlights from Alta, Taos, and Niseko this past ski season to help motivate.
Alta Ski Area
Smith I/OX Goggle
According to Smith Optics, "In the game of Global Thermonuclear War, the I/OX isn't playing around." Confused? It's OK, we're here to help.
ZipFit World Cup liner
Skeptical about custom liners? Even if you think your stock setup ain't broke, you might want to fix it anyway. Read on to learn why.
2nd Look: 2016-2017 MOMENT Deathwish
In this 2nd Look of the MOMENT Deathwish, reviewer Jason Hutchins praises its smooth, playful ride, but also has a few suggestions for improvements.
H2O Gear Kodiak, 184cm
Set up for tele, the H2O Gear Kodiak has an adaptive-feeling flex that, depending on conditions, can help or hinder performance, and was unlike anything reviewer Robin Abeles had experienced before.
1-Ski Quiver: Reviewers’ Choices (13/14)
One ski, for every day on the mountain, any and all conditions. This is the Holy Grail of the ski industry, and we're going to let you know which skis in our view come closest to the ideal of the one-ski quiver.
Volkl Nanga Pants
The Volkl Nanga is an extremely comfortable pant with a clean, sleek design that will keep you warm on even the coldest days.
DPS Wailer 99 PURE and HYBRID
We've already spilled quite a bit of ink on the DPS Wailer 99. But how well does it do telemark? Robin Abeles weighs in on the Wailer 99, in both its PURE and HYBRID constructions.
Eider Niseko Jacket
If you're going to test the Niseko jacket from Eider, you might as well test it in the place it was named after. And throughout a huge storm cycle in Japan, the Niseko Jacket proved to be an incredibly well-thought out and well-constructed jacket, ideal for cold temps and seriously deep days.
H2O Gear Kodiak, 174cm
The 2012-2013 H2O Kodiak dominates in powder, but it can still be a very good tool for strong skiers who are looking to play all over the mountain.
2nd Look: 2013-2014 Volkl Shiro
The Volkl Shiro is a fully rockered, fat powder ski that still handles incredibly well on groomers.
2015-2016 Nordica Helldorado
The Nordica Helldorado—like the Nordica Patron—is an excellent ski in consistent conditions. Issues arose for us, however, the more variable things got. Find out if these skis sound like a good fit for you.
2013-2014 Armada VJJ
After a full season on the Armada VJJ, BLISTER reviewer Lexi Dowdall has found her new favorite, all-mountain ski.
Alta – Parting Shots
As Alta's season came to a close, it was difficult to say which was better: the parties, or the skiing. Take a look if you like skiing muppets, kangaroos in capes, and good snow under incredible bluebird skies.
TREW Cosmic Jacket
Unsurprisingly, the Cosmic jacket measures up to the burliness, versatility, and stylishness we've come to expect from Trew. So reviewer Julia Van Raalte talks instead about the functionality of specific features and how well the Cosmic works for women.
Update: 2014-2015 4FRNT Hoji
After testing the 4FRNT Hoji in Niseko's deep pow, Jason Hutchins gives an update from Alta on the Hoji's performance in varied conditions and terrain.
2011-2012 Dynafit Gaia
With a good balance of weight and stability, the 2011-2012 Dynafit Gaia AT boot makes touring a breeze without sacrificing downhill performance.
2013-2014 Surface One Time
The 2012-2013 Surface One Time is stiff when you need it to be, quick and nimble when you don't, and it reminded Kate Hourihan not to jump to conclusions.
TREW Eagle Pant
The Eagle pant has the bomber construction and durability we've come to expect from Trew, with a slightly narrower fit.
2nd Look: 2012-2013 Rossignol Squad 7
Here's another look at the excellent Rossignol Squad 7 with comparisons to the Rossi S7, Super 7, Moment Bibby Pro, and the ON3P Billy Goat.