Cores composites, sidewalls and rocker profiles. Oh my! There’s a lot of technology that goes into our ski gear, not to mention a ton of insider lingo and technical jargon. So here’s some info on the key pieces of ski construction to use when selecting your next pair.
Forever Chemicals? Never Chemicals
For decades, hardshells relied on ultra-durable chemicals to keep you dry in all conditions. Now, with new regulations phasing out these compounds, gear is entering a new era in which durability and maintenance might look a little different.
Winter Wildlands Alliance 21st Annual Backcountry Film Festival
The November 6 premier of the Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival in Boise, Idaho, features the best stories of backcountry adventure.
Summer Gear Roundup: Backpacking
Dialing in your setup is essential to any backcountry mission. While most of this gear tested by our staff is designed for warmer seasons, plenty of it can, and will, double as essentials on winter hut trips, spring traverses and other cold-weather adventures.
Ukichiro Nakaya: Letters From Heaven
Japanese scientist Ukichiro Nakaya may be the godfather of snow science. Almost a century later, his classification of snow has stood the test of time.
Required Reading: Greg Hill’s I Could Die at Any Moment
Legendary skier Greg Hill’s memoir, I Could Die at Any Moment contemplates the inherent risk of spending a life in the mountains.
2025 Editors’ Choice Ski Reviews
From powder skis to quiver-killers to skimo options, check out this year’s Editors’ Choice backcountry skis reviews.
2025 Editors’ Choice Apparel Reviews
Our 2025 Editors’ Choice apparel includes an assortment of layers, from hard- and soft-shells to puffies to baselayers.
2025 Editors’ Choice Ski Boot Reviews
The best backcountry ski boots of 2025, from 130 flex to the skimo-inspired, reviewed.
Totality Film Premier
On December 7, 2024, the short ski film Totality will be premiering at the J Skis headquarters in Burlington, Vermont.
