With their Mantra V.Werks, Völkl didn’t just create a ski for the masses; they’ve provided the masses with a chance to ski better. “The platform underfoot is stiff and snappy, giving unrelenting edge hold,” one tester observed. “It’s like a one-size-fits all ski,” one Montana-based tester said of the mid-fat Mantra. “Even the Jerriest of […]

“Best for someone who wants a monogamous relationship with their skis,” one tester quipped of the Black Crows Camox Freebird’s loyalty-inspiring performance that’s now secured this 96 mm-underfoot ski an Editors’ Choice Award two years running. “Best for big days when you know you’re going to be going through variable terrain,” one tester said. Slight […]

Last season, Voilé injected their skis with a special sauce that elevated the line to another level. The new recipe goes by the name Hyper, a fitting moniker given the energy dividends these lightened skis now offer. In the case of the Hyper V6, that’s a 15-percent weight savings—more than enough to take another lap. […]

“Responsive, easy-turning and moderately lively, the Stellas manage most terrain and conditions with grace and ease,” The Tech: Salomon’s overhaul of this year’s QST line extends across their women’s offerings, with updates to their Lux, Lumen and Stella, the latter being the lone ski of the female fleet tested at Powder Mountain. The Stella similarly […]

The only thing identifying Fjell’s lightweight, directional MT1542s model is a “^” and coordinates for Ålesund, Norway, the home of their showroom—that’s it. This muted marketing left testers unsure of what they were riding, but they were damn sure that they liked it. “This deck feels at home in steep and aggressive terrain, and will […]

“exquisite articulation and dreamy man-bod flattery.” The Tech: Patagonia’s new SnowDrifter jacket (and matching bibs) are made from the brand’s proprietary DWR-treated H2No three-layer fabric that’s designed for top-of-the line weatherproofing at a lower price point. A helmet-compatible hood aims to protect against chilly breezes and two bigger torso pockets with one smaller chest pocket—as […]

“I trust these in the backcountry more than anything else” The Tech: With proprietary pucks, a skeletal baseplate and mid-flexing Rip ‘n’ Flip Highbacks, the Arc continues to be the overall binding of choice for our testers. Lighter, ribbed Pillow Line straps and convenient Whammy Bar risers are the main draws for those still touring […]

“Delivers an impressive amount of power for a two-buckle boot,” The Tech: La Sportiva positions their new Skorpius as a price-point skimo boot or a hyperlight touring option. It captures all the skin-friendly bells and whistles, like a lightweight, carbon-reinforced Grilamid cuff and shell, easy-to-engage mode change and a tongueless design that enables 68 degrees […]

“Vans-slip-on comfort while touring” The Tech: The Aspect dynasty continues with a fourth consecutive Editors’ Choice Award. Testers were amped on the inner Boa lacing system, which cinches the Intuition SpaceHeater liner, as well as on the trustworthiness of traditional laces and a Velcro strap across the tongue. The Talk: The Vibram Mountaineer Outsole’s “chunky […]

“By far the most stable and responsive board in its weight class,” one test veteran said. “The first ultralight board I want to take off the scale and actually ride.” “all-mountain dominator—I felt like I took the red pill and leveled into The Matrix.” Experienced testers tend to be more vigilant with ultralight decks: featherweight […]