Say it with me: pants are boring. Why wear two pieces when you can roll your whole outfit into one? I���ll admit I was once an overall skeptic���I don���t love the way workwear has become trendy lately. But what may present as an obnoxious lifestyle trend can be surprisingly practical (not to mention make life more fun). Ranging from impressively capable mountain bike overalls to stretchy and stylish campsite get-ups, here are the picks that put the biggest smiles on our faces.

Ripton Diesel Overalls ($149)

It���s hard to deny the role Ripton has played in bringing jorts and denim overalls back to center stage. In fact, sometimes it���s hard to remember a life before jort-clad skiers ripped around on the slopes. Ripton���s performance denim overalls now come in a myriad of different denim tones, the Diesel being my current favorite for its dirt-erasing black design and fun pink straps. Moisture-wicking stretch denim makes these perfectly reasonable to bike, ski, or dance your face off in, and the brushed interior means they���re comfy enough to rock without anything underneath. They���re not as technical as full synthetic materials may be, but compared to thrift store denim, these may as well be yoga pants.

Wild Rye Elorie Technical Overalls ($169)

In typical Wild Rye fashion, the Elorie overalls are both versatile and cute, made with a nylon and spandex blend that���s ready for anything you throw at it. We love these overalls for weekend house projects, trailhead tailgates, desert bike rides, and on the weekend they sometimes transition seamlessly between all three. The stretchy material feels soft to the touch, but they���re also durable enough to rough up around camp. Chest, back, and hand pockets stash all your goods, and brass buttons tie the whole look together.

Kavu San Blas Overalls ($95)

It���s impossible not to smile while wearing this colorful pair. It’s both eye-catching and stretchy, built with polyester and spandex for maximum mobility. There are two side pockets, but other than those, features are pretty minimal���the pattern does all the talking. These are a top choice for warmer weather festivities like music festivals, farmer���s markets, and mountain bike races, but they can be winterized with some warmer layers underneath for year-round giggling. Bopping around town in these will make your day better, period.

Peppermint Cycling MTB Overall ($184)

While we���ve certainly mountain-biked in plenty of denim overalls, it���s always fun to rock a technical pair that were intentionally made for flying downhill on two wheels. Built with DWR-treated nylon and spandex, Peppermint���s MTB Overalls are breathable, stretchy, and decently abrasion-resistant. Paired with a long sleeve jersey, they���re ideal for cold, dry fall days when you���re looking for a little more protection. There���s extra room in the legs for knee pads, and the side zipper and stretchy straps actually make it possible to squat and pee without having to fully remove them���a major win.

Flylow Life Bib ($110)

Flylow already proved themselves to be the master of ski bibs, so it only made sense for them to make a summer-oriented jumper for off-snow shenanigans. The Life Bib is one of those put-it-on-and-leave-it-on pieces for a day that���s packed full of activities���ready for road trips, tailgates, extreme disc golf, and mountain town dinner parties. A blend of nylon and spandex make them both durable and stretchy enough to move around in, though they���re a little stiffer than some of the other overalls on this list. Chop wood, take a hike, ski a few sunny April laps, and you���ll find a solid companion in these bibs.

Cotopaxi Fuego Down Overall ($285)

Take one look at these overalls and tell me you wouldn���t love posting up in the parking lot after an all-time ski day in them. This puffy bib is the hero of winter tailgating, ideal for frigid December apres sessions or late fall camping trips thanks to toasty 800���fill down and a water-resistant DWR coating. Yes, you might look like the Michelin Man, but peeling off your ski layers and hopping into this cozy down suit is just about the best feeling after the lifts stop spinning.

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We always want what we can���t have. Or better yet, what only a few of us can have. Many of our favorite brands have released limited edition skis this fall, adding a little freshness to the ever-revolving cycle of annual ski launches.

This season, we���re excited to see skis that highlight unique artist collabs and fundraisers, celebrations of brand heritage, and even a nod to some old fan favorites of the past. Here are a few of our favorite limited edition skis this fall that celebrate ski culture far and wide���get ���em before they���re gone.

Rossignol Sender 90 Share Winter Giveback Ski ($450 with bindings)

Lengths: 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180cm
Dimensions: 118-90-106 (160cm)

It���s one thing to donate to an organization. It���s another to bring that organization���s work front and center on a pair of skis. Rossi to create a limited edition of their Sender 90 Pro skis in celebration of expanding diversity and accessibility to snowsports. La���ford selected Andre Thomas, a student from the Bronx in New York City who learned to ski through his school���s ski and snowboard program, to collaborate with her on the ski���s topsheet artwork. Thomas was inspired by the idea of moving fast through the mountains in contrast with a quiet, glowing sunset, and the skis are a reflection of his time on snow��at Mountain Creek, New Jersey. With a 90-millimeter waist width and a generous size run���from 130 centimeters to 180 centimeters the Rossignol Sender 90 is a versatile all-mountain ski designed for a wide variety of skiers of different ability levels. All proceeds (yes, the full 100 percent) from the sale of this limited edition ski will go directly to the Share Winter Foundation.

Blizzard Sheeva 10 Hilaree Nelson Ski ($850)

Lengths: 162, 168, 174cm
Dimensions: 133-102-122 (168cm)

Paying homage to Hilaree Nelson, the late pack-leading She Wolf, is bright and beautiful. The artwork on these skis, created by Blizzard Tecnica ambassador Malia Reeves, was inspired by Nelson���s two proudest accomplishments: her first descent of the Lhotse Couloir (accomplished with partner Jim Morrison); and raising her two boys. Much like Nelson, the is powerful and fun-loving, with a 102-millimeter waist that���s right at home exploring back bowls and steep trees. Fully redesigned for the 2023-24 season to bring more energy and liveliness to each turn, the Sheeva 10 is the kind of ski that makes you feel like you can do just about anything (a perfect homage to Nelson herself). One-hundred-percent of the proceeds from each pair will be donated to the Hilaree Nelson Fund, which provides financial support for climate change initiatives and scholarships for female empowerment in the outdoors.

Line Bacon 122 TWall ($850)

Lengths: 170, 178, 185cm
Dimensions: 152-122-144 (178cm)

The popularity of mega-fat skis has waned somewhat in the past decade, so this limited edition run of the Line Bacon 122 is a welcome return for pow seekers. You���ll only find 300 pairs of these worldwide. Not every day calls for a seriously fat ski like this, but when you need ���em, you need ���em., With a 122-millimeter waist, the Bacon 122 sits at the top of the Bacon collection (see the more modest Bacon 108 or Bacon skis for the other 95 percent of ski days). A specific tool for a specific type of skier, the Bacons are built with thick sidewalls (designed to stand up to sliding rails and other park shenanigans) and a symmetrical flex that allows an even, stable feel while riding switch. It���s a ski that turns the whole mountain into a playground, designed for those with the itch to butter, stomp, and slarve their way through deep snow. If you miss out this round, fear not: The regular edition of the Bacon 122 will be available in the fall of 2024 (you just won���t get the Tom Wallish touch).

Nordica Unleashed 90 Cultura ($449)

Lengths: 144, 152, 160, 168, 174cm
Dimensions: 122-90-111 (160cm)

The Cultura, a , and Evo, is a limited edition version of Nordica���s Unleashed 90 that aims to raise money and awareness for Latinx advocacy groups. Proceeds from each ski ($150 per pair) will support the , , and . Lemus, who designed the top sheets for the skis, wanted to incorporate colors and images that reflect his Latino heritage, and the Cultura celebrates and embraces a more diverse ski culture as a result. The ski itself is an all-around resort ski, built with full wood core, tip and tail rocker, and a 90-millimeter waist that makes for a playful and friendly freeride ski. It comes in a wide size range (144 through 174 centimeters), suitable for up-and-coming rippers and advanced skiers alike. Nordica only produced 250 pairs of the Cultura, which are sold exclusively at evo.com and Nordica.com.

V繹lkl V.Werks 100 ($2,500)

Lengths: 170, 178, 186cm
Dimensions: 140-100-122 (178cm)

One hundred years of making skis calls for celebration. The V.Werks 100 is a nod to V繹lkl���s major milestone, a culmination of the German manufacturer���s century of expertise in ski development. V繹lkl released just 1,923 pairs of these limited edition skis (do some basic math and you���ll get why the odd number), which join the lightweight, performance-oriented V.Werks collection (V繹lkl���s line of skis that use top-shelf construction). With a versatile 100 millimeter waist width, the V.Werks 100 was designed as a hybrid ski for inbounds and out-of-bounds skiing. Flax fibers create stiffness without carbon, and a zippy 17-meter turn radius (178cm) and tip and tail rocker allow this ski to remain responsive and reliable in variable snow, powder, and hardpack alike. Like the rest of the V.Werks collection, it comes with a hefty price tag; think of it as a collector���s item you can actually play with.

More Gear Content

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The post Run, Don���t Walk, to Get These Limited-Edition Skis Before They���re Gone appeared first on 窪蹋勛圖厙 Online.

Even though I���m perpetually cold, some of my favorite camping trips have been in October and November. Sipping a steaming hot mug of coffee on a crisp fall morning while I���m still in my sleeping bag (fall camping always calls for coffee in bed) will forever be one of life���s simplest joys. Fewer crowds also usually mean it���s easier to roll in late on a Friday night and still get a campsite. And in many areas, fire bans are over (be sure to check locally) which makes all the difference when there���s a chance of frost in the forecast. Here are six cozy additions to your camp gearbox for when the chill sets in.��

TNF ThermoBall Traction Booties ($69)

Plodding around camp in slippers always feels luxurious, but they���re essential to have handy for a 3 a.m. emergency pee. Because let���s face it: lacing up a pair of real shoes in the middle of the night isn���t going to cut it. The ThermoBall traction booties have been longtime favorites of mine since they can be worn as regular booties, or I can step on the heels to turn them into slip-ons for quick on-off when I crawl out of my tent. ThermoBall synthetic insulation cuts the chill and thick rubber soles keep them from getting shredded while milling about on dirt and rock.��

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Pant ($260)

Mountain Hardwear���s Stretchdown Pants are some of the few puffy pants I���ve tried that are actually durable enough to wear without baselayers underneath. Which is crucial, since fall camping typically comes with its fair share of grit. The brand���s proprietary weave is burly enough to stand up to the wear and tear of building a campfire, and it���s resistant to scratches from rocks, twigs, and grimy camp stoves that have torn holes in plenty of my puffy pants and jackets. They fit slim, so I can layer them under shell pants while snow camping, but more often than not I wear them on their own in the fall.��

Poler Poncho ($100)

We can all relate to the feeling of being so cozy under a blanket that we can���t bear to get up and burst the self-contained bubble of warmth. With a poncho, you don���t have to. Poler���s Ponchos (which come in at least a dozen fun patterns) are a goofy yet utilitarian way to ensure you stay bundled up no matter what. It���s one of those items you put on as a joke, yet eventually can���t bring yourself to ever take off again. We can���t promise no one will tease you, but if function is your priority, you can���t really get any better than a wearable blanket. In fact, this is the more activity-friendly of Poler���s wearable insulated options (their signature Napsack is a footless sleeping bag), with a hood to block out light weather, and cargo pockets to haul your goods around camp.

Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket ($259)

As a permanent resident of the backseat of my truck, my Pendleton Camp Blanket is so versatile that it goes just about everywhere with me. The rugged wool design is warm, sturdy, and pretty much indestructible; it seems to actively repel dirt as quickly as I can rough it up. I love pairing it with a double wide camp chair for the ultimate cozy camp couch, and it���s heavy enough to double as a calming weighted blanket�� when placed on top of my sleeping bag. If you want to stretch, snack, or just roll around on the ground, it makes a great picnic blanket or camp floor, too. At $259, I���d definitely consider this blanket an investment, but it���s likely one that will be passed on for a few generations.

Skida Low Pile Fleece Hat ($38)

A warm hat is a non-negotiable item on the fall camping packing list, and this one that made it in this year’s 2024 Winter Gear Guide is hard to beat. Made from recycled Polartec fleece, Skida���s Low Pile Fleece Hat boasts a hint of retro, with bright colors and an oversized throwback design that���s right at home in front of a roaring campfire. There���s nothing overly fancy going on here, just a solid low-pile fleece hat that���s the perfect amount stretchy, soft, and warm as a toaster. Plus, the extra height is perfect for pulling over my eyes and blocking my neighbor���s headlamps when I���m ready to snooze.

4 Season Give���r Gloves ($127)

Gloves are typically something I forget about until ski season rolls around���that is, until I roll out of my sleeping bag and try to start my camp stove on a frigid fall morning. They make it so much easier to get breakfast in my belly when all I want to do is burrow deeper into my down bag. Waterproof cowhide leather, synthetic insulation and fleece lining make Give���r���s 4 Season Gloves a go-to for November camping. They���re enough to get through camp chores like lighting a stove or splitting wood, but warm enough to block out the cold and rugged enough to withstand dirt, mud, and snow.��

The post Cozy Camp Gear For Sleeping 窪蹋勛圖厙 This Fall appeared first on 窪蹋勛圖厙 Online.

Dialing in the perfect fit is never more important than in ski pants designed for touring. The last thing you want to be thinking about as you tackle variable conditions and mitigate safety issues is pants that are too tight, falling down, or pinching in unfortunate areas. That���s where we come in. Our testers put almost three dozen pairs of backcountry ski pants through the paces to bring you these six fully vetted pants and bibs. Here are the best options for backcountry missions that kept us dry and comfortable on the up and the down.

The Winners at a Glance

Unisex/Men���s Pants

• Best Do-Everything Pants: Ortovox Ravine 3L Pant
• Best For Deep Days: Orage Grade 3L Bib
• Best Bibs For All-Day Comfort: Helly Hansen Odin BC Softshell Bib Pant

Women���s Pants

• Best For Storm Days: Patagonia Untracked Bib
• Best For Bombproof Protection: The North Face Women���s Summit Tsirku GTX Pro Bib
• Best For Long Days on the Skin Track: Mammut Haldigrat Air HS Pant

The Reviews: The Best Backcountry Pants and Bibs of 2024

Men���s Pants

Best Do-Everything Pants: Ortovox Ravine 3L Pant ($520)

Weight: 1 lb
Sizes: S-XXL

Pros

• Lightweight
• Excellent windproofing

Cons

• Didn���t hold up well to long periods of wet precip

The all-new Ravine Pant is part of Ortovox���s new freeride collection, a lightweight yet durable kit that provides a welcome departure from the tight and stretchy uphill-oriented clothes we���ve tested from the Euro brand in the past. Ortovox is known for pairing its waterproof pieces with components of merino wool���in this case, a Dermizax NX membrane backed with a merino layer���and it resulted in impressive breathability without sacrificing weight and packability. ���I appreciated the thin design when it came to temp regulating on the up and how light and mobile they felt to skin in,��� said Jackson-based tester Lucy Iselin. Two large thigh pockets were more than spacious enough for a dedicated beacon pocket as well as a spot to stash snacks and a pair of gloves. While some pants suit midwinter touring and some work better for warm spring missions, testers found the combo of the light construction and protection of the Ravine pants to stick with them from frigid to storm days through balmy spring temps. ���These pants do very well in the wind,��� said tester James Temple after slogging up a 3,500 feet in bone-chilling winds in Grand Teton National Park. ���And I felt equally comfortable skiing belly button deep powder as a late-April corn mission!���

Bottom line: An excellent do-everything touring pant that holds up to deep powder days as well as spring missions

Best For Deep Days: Orage MTN-X GRADE LIGHT 3L BIB ($525)

Weight: 1.4 lbs
Sizes: S-XXL

Pros

• Breathability
• Stretch and mobility

Cons

• Back zipper sometimes bunches around a backpack

Stretchy and breathable while maintaining a freeride fit, these bibs impressed testers with their all-day comfort and protection while going out for long missions in Grand Teton National Park. We put the DWR-treated polyester shell through the wringer in the Tetons and found it no worse for the wear, skiing through a storm that dropped 12 inches throughout the day and shwacking our way through overgrown forests. Jersey backing provided a soft feel and stretch that one tester claimed he ���wore day and night during a yurt trip.��� We loved the stretchy elastic bib strap design, which never dug in while wearing a pack thanks to the adjustment piece at the waist (instead of the shoulder). One tester noted that the back zipper rubbed a little bit while skiing choppy terrain with a pack on, but that he could mitigate that by throwing on an extra layer, and it was worth it for the full-length side venting.

Bottom line: Stretchy and breathable bibs for freeriders who want to go deep into the backcountry.

Best Bibs For All-Day Comfort: Helly Hansen Odin BC Softshell Bib Pant ($400)

Weight: 26 oz.
Sizes: S-XXL

Pros

• Breathability
• Stretch and mobility

Cons

• Small thigh pockets

For fast-paced days in the backcountry, the new Helly Hansen Odin BC Softshell Bibs boasted the best breathability and all-day comfort in our test. Built with a synthetic blend of polyester, polyamide, and elastane, the Odin softshells regulated temps on long tours and steep bootpacks, while still shedding light snowfall. ���Despite the relatively tight fit, these are supremely comfortable for athletic skiing missions,��� said Jackson-based tester Max Ritter. ���A great bottom for technical ski mountaineering.��� The low bib design with adjustable elastic suspenders was a hit with testers who are used to wearing softshell pants, allowing a more secure fit for long days out. ���Combining the cut and fit of a hardshell bib with a softshell pant is really cool,��� added Ritter. Reinforced panels below the knee upped the durability, which was much appreciated while donning crampons and kneeling in the snow when strapping skis to our packs. The only real downside was the small thigh pockets, which we had a hard time fitting more than a few snacks inside.

Bottom line: A comfortable and unrestrictive softshell bib for crushing vert during high-pressure windows

Women���s Pants

Best For Storm Days: Patagonia Untracked Bibs ($649)

Weight: 1.3 lbs
Sizes: XS-XL (women���s)

Pros

• Storm proofing
• Easy to use drop seat

Cons

• Less packable
• Baggy in the back

Not only did the new Untracked Bibs top the charts for storm protection, but the new kit utilizes a Gore-Tex ePE three-layer membrane approved for use in harsh weather. The strong and lightweight membrane is PFC-free, backed with a solution-dyed recycled nylon flannel backer. On snow, testers raved about the protection and moisture-shedding properties while skiing in weather that would have kept most of us mere mortals inside. ���I skied a day in Revelstoke in the worst freezing rain/snow/sleet I���ve ever been in,��� said PNW tester Mikayla Olin. ���I was completely covered in ice. The jacket and bibs repelled water and I was bone-dry underneath all day.��� Despite the robust shell design, the Untracked Bibs offered impressive articulation, with a drop seat and side vents that pull down easily mid stride. Initially, we noticed a stiff and crunchy feel at first that broke in after three or four ski tours. Ladies also noticed they did run a little baggy, especially in the back.

Bottom line: Ladies looking for a protective bib for deep storm days will be satisfied with this option

Best For Bombproof Protection: The North Face Women���s Summit Tsirku GTX Pro Bib ($700)

Weight: 1.2 lbs
Sizes: XS-XXL

Pros

• High coverage bib offers maximum protection
• Ample pockets for all your gear

Cons

• Pretty thick, so not ideal for spring tours
• Less breathable

The all-new TNF Summit Tsirku GTX Pro Bib was our favorite high-coverage bib, with ample pockets for all our gear, a super-adjustable fit, and impressive storm protection while testing them out during a record-breaking winter in the Tetons. With an 80-denier nylon face fabric and a Gore-Tex Pro membrane, the Summit Tsirku made us feel invincible while lapping our favorite pow stashes in 30 mph winds on a Teton Pass storm day. We stashed a spare set of gloves, a phone, sunnies, and a few Lara bars in the vertical chest pockets, which had a tether on the right side for stowing a beacon (which you���ll also find in the thigh pockets). Waist pockets bump up the storage even more, and although one tester claimed she ���barely ever had to reach into my backpack with all these pocket options,��� these bibs never felt overly bulky. A waist cinch helps create a customizable fit that helped with the overall baggy design, and full length leg vents kept us reasonably cool once spring skiing finally hit.

Bottom line: A durable bib that offers maximum protection for deep winter days, this bib is a great hybrid piece for the resort and backcountry

Best For Long Days On the Skin Track: Mammut Haldigrat Air HS Pant ($449)

Weight: .9 lb
Sizes: US 2-16

Pros

• Lightweight
• Breathable

Cons

• Missing belt loops or suspenders

While we felt that the Haldigrat jacket was a great inbounds layer (page TK), the lightweight and breathable pants stood out in our backcountry test, especially on longer hikes and missions. A robust three-layer construction complete with a 40-denier polyamide face fabric was both soft and easy to move in. ���I wore these pants on a four-day hut trip in the Tetons, and they kept me dry and comfortable on the deepest days where the snow never let up, but also breathed well and almost felt like yoga pants on days where I spent all day walking,��� said tester Lily Krass. Testers appreciated the two thigh pockets, which had enough space for a transceiver on one side and snacks on the other, without adding too much bulk. Snap buttons attached the pants to the jacket, but since we rarely utilized that feature in the backcountry, we missed the presence of a belt loop or suspenders like the men���s version has. There are two Velcro straps on the sides, but we had a hard time getting them to stay.

Bottom line: A lightweight touring pant for long days on the skintrack

How We Test

• Number of testers: 19
• Number of products tested: 27
• Number of miles: 1,200
• Number of vertical feet: 410,000
• Overnight ski tours: 8
• Peaks bagged: 16
• Deepest storm day total: 49 inches
• Longest single day ski tour: 8,600 vertical feet

From high alpine peaks to low-angle pow laps, our team of 19 testers tested 27 pants and bibs last season, evaluating each piece for its breathability, durability, protection, and features. Testers spanned the gamut from vert-crazed uphill fiends to downhill-inclined freeride skiers, newer backcountry skiers, and everything in between. Jackson, Wyoming was our hub for testing this year, the perfect place to put jackets through the wringer on both deep storm days and high pressure windows in the alpine. Testers also took these layers for a spin in maritime climates like the Pacific Northwest and Interior British Columbia, as well as the high peaks in Colorado���s San Juan Mountains and steep slopes in Southeast Alaska. We slogged up steep bootpacks, meandered along skintracks, walked knife-edge ridges, scored deep powder turns, smeared spring corn, and fought our way down variable wind crusts to bring you the best backcountry pants of the year.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Lily Krass is a freelance storyteller based in Jackson, Wyoming with a love for long days in the backcountry. In addition to an all-consuming addiction to powder skiing and exploring high places on skis, Lily takes snacking seriously, and when she���s not writing or sliding on snow, she���s likely deep into a baking project in her tiny kitchen. She is the co-author of Beyond Skid: A Cookbook For Ski Bums, a collection of dirtbag-friendly recipes inspired by life in a mountain town.

More From the 2024 Winter Gear Guide

The post The Best Backcountry Ski Pants of 2024 appeared first on 窪蹋勛圖厙 Online.

From windy summits to bountiful winter powder turns, the jacket you choose for your backcountry adventure has different attributes and strengths than your resort-oriented ski wear. How breathable it is, how much protection against the elements it gives you, and how easy it is to move in as you head up the skintrack all factor in heavily. We tapped our most experienced backcountry enthusiasts to use and abuse over 30 jackets designed for ski touring and high-output backcountry adventures. Here are our favorite pieces that performed well in whatever conditions we threw at them last season.

The Winners at a Glance

Unisex/Men���s Jackets

• Editor���s Choice: Strafe Cham Jacket
• Most Rugged: Dynafit Tigard Jacket
• Most Streamlined: Ortovox Ravine 3L Jacket
• Most Lightweight: Helly Hansen Odin BC Infinity Shell Jacket
• Best Resort/Backcountry Crossover: The North Face Summit Tsirku Jacket
• Best For Storm Skiing: Rab Khroma Diffuse GTX Pro Jacket

Women���s Jackets

• Best For Dry Climates: Orage Boulder Hybrid Jacket
• Best For Wet Climates:��Mountain Hardwear Routefinder GTX Jacket
• Most Packable: Arc���teryx Alpha Jacket

The Reviews: The Best Backcountry Ski Jackets of 2024

Men���s/Unisex Jackets

Editor���s Choice: Strafe Cham Jacket ($589)

Weight: 15.2 oz
Sizes: XXS-XL

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Breathable

Cons:

• Not the burliest waterproofing

With a name like the Cham Jacket, there���s no surprise that this shell was one of our favorites for long days in the high alpine. The three-layer design constructed with Schoeller Aerobrane fabric boasted a ton of air permeability and an impressively soft and supple handfeel, staying on during long climbs with the occasional deployment of pit zips. ���Spent plenty of time roughing up this jacket on rock scrambles as well as around crampons and ice axes, and was impressed with how well this light jacket held up,��� said tester Lily Krass. It tucked away neatly in our packs, and the simple pack-accessible chest pocket configuration stashed a phone and gummy bears on one side and skins on the other for quick transitions and on-the-go fuel. In truly harsh weather, it didn���t compare to some of the burlier Gore-Tex Pro shells we tested, but for areas that see low-density snow and springtime skiing, this one is a keeper.

Bottom line: A versatile and lightweight shell for missions in the alpine

Most Rugged: Dynafit Tigard GTX Pro Jacket ($700)

Weight: 1.4 lbs
Sizes: S-XXL

Pros:

• Water resistance
• Durability

Cons:

• Packability
• Runs very large

Dynafit certainly has a reputation for bright colors and snug uphill-focused clothing, so we were excited to see the skimo company branch out with a baggier freeride-inclined kit. The Tigard kit���s muted colors and a spacious fit drew in testers who had ���never been interested in Dynafit���s vibe before,��� sporting a burly Gore-Tex Pro membrane while maintaining the lightweight design that Dynafit is known for. We were impressed with the bombproof nature of the Tigard; after roughing it up while scrambling along rocky bootpacks in Grand Teton National Park, we never saw so much as a scuff. ���Dry and warm while the heaviest of snow was falling, and I fit the whole hood over my helmet and never felt the wind,��� said tester Lucy Iselin. Dynafit nailed it with the pocket configuration, with three chest pockets and a small inside pocket that made it easy to reach for gear without having to come to a stop. ���There always seemed to be a pocket for whatever need I had,��� added Iselin. ���Fit my skins on the outside pockets for a quick lap, but I could also stash gloves or goggles in there.���

Bottom line: A burly shell with plenty of pockets to stash snacks and gear close by.

Most Streamlined: Ortovox Ravine 3L ($620)

Weight: 1.1 lbs
Sizes: S-XXL

Pros:

• Breathable
• Weather protection

Cons:

• Not a ton of pockets

We loved the new Ortovox Ravine kit this season for long days on the skintrack, keeping us dry during long slogs in Grand Teton National Park and pre-dawn laps on Teton Pass. A Merino layer paired with the water-shedding Dermizax NZ membrane made for an impressively breathable shell that testers kept on for stormy uptracks and windy bootpacks. ���I don���t usually like touring uphill in a shell but this is one I definitely didn���t mind throwing on when it was snowing because it was breathable while still cutting the wind and moisture,��� said tester Lucy Iselin. The two chest pockets offered a little less space than most testers were used to (a few folks missed the waist pockets), but made up for it with a streamlined design that walked the perfect line of storm protection and packability. ���A good all-around jacket to do it all,��� summed up tester James Temple.

Bottom line: A streamlined shell that���s equally at home on deep powder days and spring missions

Most Lightweight: Helly Hansen Odin BC Infinity Shell Jacket ($650)

Weight: 15 oz
Sizes: S-XXL

Pros:

• Ultra lightweight
• Super packable

Cons:

• Simple design doesn���t have many features
• Hard to access the lower hand pocket with a pack on

Helly Hansen nailed it this year with their technical touring collection, and the new BC Infinity Jacket was our favorite shell to take on long missions above treeline. The lightweight three-layer polyamide shell features a thin and supple handfeel and impressive moisture-shedding properties, with a packable design that rolled down smaller than a 32 oz. water bottle. ���I wore this on back-to-back ski mountaineering missions in Grand Teton National Park totaling over 12K of vert,��� said tester Max Ritter. ���It was exactly the jacket that I needed to stay warm and protected from the summit wind, and the fitted design is great for skiing with a pack.��� The unique look of the offset zipper design threw us at first, then grew on us throughout the season, and the streamlined pocket design���which featured two front pockets stacked on top of each other���made it easy to access the chest pocket but a little harder to access the hand pocket while wearing a pack.

Bottom line: A lightweight yet protective shell for weight-conscious skiers

Best Resort/Backcountry Crossover: The North Face Summit Men���s Tsirku GTX Pro Jacket ($800)

Weight: 1.1 lbs
Sizes: S-XXL

Pros:

• Long hem provides ample protection
• Ample pockets

Cons:

• Bulky and less packable
• Less breathable

Named after a glacial river in Haines, AK, it���s no wonder the Summit Tsirku GTX Pro Jacket brushed off wet heavy storms without ever wetting out. ���I spent six hours full-on storm skiing in this shell, and never felt so protected,��� said tester Lily Krass. ���The long design doesn���t let any snow or moisture sneak in.��� Testers felt the long freeride fit of the robust 80-denier woven nylon shell (which features a Gore-Tex Pro membrane); much appreciated for layering puffy jackets underneath on frigid midwinter tours, but a little bulky for spring missions. The roomy hood cinched up cozily over a helmet, and the articulated shoulders provided smooth mobility with a heavy pack on. This was our top choice for folks looking for one shell to rule them all, easy to transition between the resort and backcountry.

Bottom line: A robust crossover shell ideal for skiing a mix of resort and backcountry

Best For Storm Skiing: Rab Khroma Diffuse GTX ($525)

Weight: 22 oz.
Sizes: S-XXL

Pros:

• Impressive storm protection
• Spacious hood fits over a helmet

Cons:

• Bulky

We hid from dozens of storms underneath Rab���s new Khroma Diffuse Jacket, and came out no worse for the wear when battling our way through whiteouts and historic winter snowfall. Built with a Gore-Tex Pro membrane and a recycled polyamide face fabric, this bulletproof jacket was our go-to for the 羹ber deep multi-lap pow days, a layer we could count on even when the snow turned to rain one day on Washington���s Snoqualmie Pass. This jacket doesn���t stand out for packability, but makes up for it in moisture and wind-cutting chops. ���I took it out on some very wet storm days and the length of the jacket and size of the hood provided much appreciated coverage in harsh snow and wind,��� said Idaho-based tester Kailey Mckenna. ���Put it on and you don���t have to worry about it.��� Three external chest pockets were easy to reach into with a backpack and harness on, and the long hem added even more protection over our rear ends for days when the moisture just kept coming.

Bottom line: Storm day protection that you can count on, this jacket is ideal for folks traveling in zones with tons of precip

Women���s Jackets

Best For Dry Climates: Orage Boulder Hybrid Jacket ($630)

Weight: 21.5 oz.
Sizes: XS-XL

Pros:

• Breathability
• Wind protection

Cons:

• Doesn���t stand up to wet storms as well

Hardshell protection with a softshell feel, this jacket was so easy to move in, making the Boulder Hybrid Jacket our favorite shell for big tours in dry climates like the Rockies. A robust Oeko-Tex membrane combined with a recycled polyester face fabric shed snow and dumped moisture while we hunted for powder on storm days, and the soft jersey backing made it feel more like a midlayer than a burly shell. We were impressed with how well it cut wind, which came in handy on breezy Colorado summits. ���A great layer for going uphill on cold days,��� said Telluride-based tester Robin Kondracki. ���Maybe too light for wet storms, but otherwise really versatile.��� Deep chest pockets and lower hand pockets stashed all the snacks we needed for a three-hour climb in Grand Teton National Park, making it easy to reach for a bar or energy chews without taking our packs off.

Bottom line: A great all-around touring shell for drier climates like the Rockies that see a lot of low-density snow and minimal rain.

Best For Wet Climates: Mountain Hardwear Routefinder Gore-Tex Pro Jacket ($700)

Weight: 1.2 lbs
Sizes: XS-XL

Pros:

• Large chest pockets
• Weather proofing

Cons:

• Bulky

Burly and ready for any storm we walked into, Mountain Hardwear���s Routefinder Jacket gained our trust while skiing the deepest powder of our lives, and it delivered. The three-layer Gore-Tex Pro membrane combined with an 80-denier nylon shell repelled snow, sleet, graupel, and unfortunate bouts of springtime rain. ���I felt like I could walk through a car wash in this shell,��� said tester Lily Krass. Features are streamlined yet functional; the hood fit cleanly over a helmet and goggles, with enough of a brim to block heavy snowfall and spacious chest pockets that are easy to reach into while wearing a pack. ���I liked how big the chest pockets were for a small notepad, phone, and snacks,��� said Jackson-based tester Molly Belk after a long day in the field digging snow pits. ���I also was able to keep it on during short climbs in the backcountry outside Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.��� The only drawback we found was that it doesn���t pack down as well as some of the other jackets we tested (it definitely runs large and features a slightly boxier fit), but it made up for that in breathability since we often scaled entire bootpacks without taking it off.

Bottom line: A burly shell for tackling storms head-on, this shell suits climates that see heavy amounts of snowfall.

Most Packable: Arc���teryx Alpha Jacket ($700)

Weight: 11.6 oz
Sizes: XXS-XXL

Pros:

• Packability
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Slightly less durable

Previously the Alpha AR, the updated Alpha Jacket has been updated with Arc���teryx���s proprietary Hadron LCP fabric to bump up the breathability and shed weight. The ultralight gridded nylon face fabric was placed in low-wear areas (basically everywhere but the shoulders and arms), and that, combined with a Gore-Tex membrane, made for impressively light storm protection. ���I love how thin this jacket feels, which makes it easy to move in and stuff in my pack,��� said tester Lily Krass. ���But despite the featherweight design, it stood up to wet PNW storms no problem.��� The Alpha fit fairly slim but was still roomy enough for one 5���8��� tester to fit two mid layers underneath a women���s small, and easy-to-reach pit zips allowed us to dump heat mid stride on a 20-degree storm day in the Tetons without stopping to fully peel a layer. The Hadron fabric did feel easier to scuff up than some of the other bombproof shells we tried this winter, but the reinforced shoulders and arms in areas where it truly counted made up for it.

Bottom line: An ultra-packable, lightweight shell for long tours and spring objectives.

How To Buy

No matter what kind of fancy tech your outerwear has, the best backcountry jacket is the ones that fit you and your style best. Here are a few tips for finding the jacket that works best for you. And whatever you do, find a way to try jackets on before committing; brand sizing is across the board, so the only way to really know is to get products in your hands.

All of the jackets in this category are shells (non insulated) but there is still quite a range of weight and warmth. Compare product weights as well as fabrics; some heavier membranes, like Gore-Tex Pro, are ideal for wetter climates but may be overkill for dry days in the Rockies. Unless it���s nuking snow, you���ll likely be storing your jacket in your pack for a long climb, so it���s worth noting how well it packs down and how strapped you are for space in your pack.

Pay attention to the features. Some jackets have a more streamlined design with only a few pockets, and others are chock full of nooks and crannies for your snacks and gear. If you want something you���ll also take into the resort, a pass pocket on the arm, and a few hand and chest pockets can be nice for a crossover piece. Otherwise minimalists who just want a waterproof layer to throw on at the top might be content with a more simple design.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 19
• Number of products tested: 31
• Number of miles skied: 1,200
• Number of vertical feet skied: 410,000
• Overnight ski tours: 8
• Peaks bagged: 16
• Deepest storm day total: 49 inches
• Longest single day ski tour: 8,600 vertical feet

From high alpine peaks to low-angle pow laps, our team of 19 skiers tested 31 jackets last season, evaluating each piece for its breathability, durability, protection, and features. Testers spanned the gamut from vert-crazed uphill fiends to downhill-inclined freeride skiers, newer backcountry skiers, and everything in between. Jackson, Wyo. was our hub for testing this year, the perfect place to put jackets through the wringer on both deep storm days and high pressure windows in the alpine. Testers also took these layers for a spin in maritime climates like the Pacific Northwest and Interior British Columbia, as well as the high peaks of Colorado���s San Juans and steep slopes in Southeast Alaska. We slogged up steep bootpacks, meandered along skintracks, walked knife-edge ridges, scored deep powder turns, smeared spring corn, and fought our way down variable wind crust to bring you the best backcountry jackets of the year.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Lily Krass is a freelance storyteller based in Jackson, Wyo., with a love for long days in the backcountry. In addition to an all-consuming addiction to powder skiing and exploring high places on skis, Lily takes snacking seriously, and when she���s not writing or sliding on snow, she���s likely deep into a baking project in her tiny kitchen. She is the co-author of Beyond Skid: A Cookbook For Ski Bums, a collection of dirtbag-friendly recipes inspired by life in a mountain town.

Other testers include Jackson, Wyo.-based Max Ritter, Lucy Iselin, Kailey McKenna, Molly Belk, and James Temple, who spent dozens of days going after big lines in Grand Teton National Park, sniffing out the deepest powder days on Teton Pass.

More From the 2024 Winter Gear Guide

The post The Best Backcountry Ski Jackets of 2024 appeared first on 窪蹋勛圖厙 Online.

If you���ve been keeping up with Cody Townsend���s high mountain pursuits in the Fifty Project, you probably recognize the signature white Hyperlite Mountain Gear pack he���s been hauling around on big objectives in the backcountry.

This fall, HMG���in collaboration with Townsend���launched the Crux, the brand���s first-ever steep skiing pack. It���s a slimmed-down technical pack designed specifically with ski mountaineering in mind, building on the lightweight and rugged capabilities of existing HMG packs with features designed to boost efficiency in transitions when it matters most.

HMG���s ultra-light, ultra-durable packs stand out in the sea of backcountry skiing packs for their minimalist and function-first designs that lean heavily on Dyneema, a material known for its exceptional strength-to-weight capabilities. This keeps HMG packs light enough for uphill travel and long slogs in the backcountry, yet durable and abrasion-resistant enough to withstand the challenges of mountaineering missions.

Until now, the spacious Headwall 55 had been HMG���s do-it-all ski pack, with touring-specific features like an external safety pocket to stow a shovel and probe, padded straps to comfortably carry heavy loads, and a convenient roll-top closure with cinch straps. But as Townsend set out to climb and ski some of the steepest and most technical lines in North America, he saw the need for something more specified.

Related: The best backcountry skis of 2024

���The biggest thing I was missing was a pack designed specifically for steep skiing situations,��� Townsend says. ���[The Crux] was specifically designed for transitioning in the steeps���which is always incredibly tricky and can be quite precarious. It was often in those moments of being at the crux of a line, whether that���s a rock step, a rappel, a transition or even just needing to get an ax out, where I wanted a new and improved pack.���

Once HMG opened the door to creating a ski mountaineering-focused pack, Townsend came in with a wish list of priorities and features. The main goal was efficiency. When you spend 10-12 hours in the field, every opportunity to streamline the process adds up, and Townsend really wanted a pack that was easier to load and unload in a pinch.

The all-new 40-liter Crux is smaller and more compact than the Headwall and adds a key feature: back panel entry. Back panel entry on a ski pack isn���t revolutionary on its own, but its integration into an ultralight Dyneema construction���something HMG has built its brand upon���is what makes this pack unique.

���Continuing with one of HMG���s signature features while also incorporating back panel entry took a massive amount of creativity and ingenuity by the HMG designers,��� says Townsend. ���But for me, the back panel entry is crucial for steep skiing situations and it was one feature I wasn���t going to budge on.���

For Townsend, easier entry to a pack isn���t just for convenience, it���s about safety. Holing up at a precarious rappel station or balancing on a steep, icy boot pack isn���t the time to dig through your pack and potentially drop important gear. In a ski mountaineering setting, efficiency equals safety, which is what the Crux is all about. In addition to the back panel entry, the Crux features a removable lid which can keep extra small tools and snacks close at hand (or be removed for a more streamlined design).

Adding all those features while keeping the weight down and the durability up (the 40-liter pack weighs less than 3 pounds) was crucial for perfecting a pack designed for long days in the backcountry.

Although the Crux has Townsend���s name on it, he���s quick to add that it was built with input from many of the friends and mentors he���s been out skiing with over the years.

���A bunch of other extremely talented athletes like Mali Noyes, the Provo Brothers, Mallory Duncan, etc.��多ad their hand in testing and feedback as well,��� he adds. ���All in all, this was a very collaborative design process that wasn���t directed by just myself.���

For ski mountaineers (with some coin to spend), the Crux looks to be an impressively light and durable pack built to withstand whatever you throw at it. We���re certainly intrigued and look forward to putting it to the test this winter.

Now available for $499 at .

The post This New Ski Mountaineering Pack Was Born From Cody Townsend���s Fifty Project appeared first on 窪蹋勛圖厙 Online.

This article was first published by .

These women���s-specific backcountry skis run the gamut, from narrow-waisted featherweights designed primarily for fast and light cardio missions to all-mountain skis that have undergone a little nip-tuck to make them light enough to get you far beyond the resort ropes. Can���t decide what���s most important to you���weight savings (narrower waist, lightweight construction) or performance (fatter waist, beefier materials)? Make like Goldilocks and choose something in the middle.

Looking for the best unisex backcountry skis of the year? You’ll find those here.��

How We Test

Number of skis tested: 11
Number of testers: 12
Testing locations: Grand Teton National Park, Wyo., Teton Pass, Wyo., Hatcher Pass, Alaska, Snow King Mountain, Wyo., Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah
Testing conditions: Deep powder, chalky windbuff, breakable crust, firm resort groomers, spring corn
Average age of tester: 29
Average height of tester: 5���9���
Average weight of tester: 155 lbs

We lucked out big time testing backcountry skis in the Tetons this winter, with record breaking snowfall that had us reaching for powder sticks more often than not. Our testers hit the skintrack for pre-work dawn patrols on Teton Pass and long alpine missions in Grand Teton National Park. Many were lucky enough to catch bottomless pow days, while others tested this year���s crop of backcountry skis in variable conditions between storms.

Our test crew included a mix of nine-to-fivers, weekend warriors, and self-proclaimed ski bums who cranked out laps in search of lightweight skis that held their own in soft snow and variable conditions alike. The goal: To find the backcountry skis that demonstrated the best balance of uphill and downhill performance. Bonus testing days chasing storms in the Wasatch and a ski mountaineering trip to Hatcher Pass, Alaska rounded out a solid mix of playful pow skiing, steep couloirs, mellow meadow skipping, slarvy spring corn, and sidecountry laps.

Meet the Testers

Age: 27 | Height: 5���8��� | Weight: 120 lbs

Krass is a freelance ski journalist based in Jackson, Wyoming with work featured in SKI, Powder Magazine, Freeskier, Teton Gravity Research, and Ascent Backcountry Snow Journal. She spends winters backcountry skiing in Grand Teton National Park and riding lifts at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, with the occasional trip to the Alps (for the food, obviously).

Molly Belk

Age: 29 | Height: 5���4��� | Weight: 120 lbs

Molly is a skier, yoga instructor, and Spanish teacher who splits time between Jackson, Wyoming and Charlottesville, Virginia. She���s an endurance machine (all smiles on hour 10 of a big mission), and has an uncanny gift for making variable snow look like hero pow.

Michelle Nicholson

Age: 38 | Height: 5���4��� | Weight: 145 lbs

Nicholson hails from Driggs, Idaho and is on the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort race/events team. When she���s not working events for JHMR, you���ll find her tearing up the bumps and extremes of Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee. She���s a veteran gear tester who has tested skis for Powder and SKI.

The Reviews: Best Women���s Backcountry Skis of 2024

Lengths (cm): 155, 163, 171
Dimensions (mm): 127-96-117
Radius (m): 15 (163)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,330 (163)
Pros: Versatility, Forgiveness
Cons: Stability at Speed, Flotation

Faction���s Agent 2X proved to be one of the most well-rounded women���s-specific skis in our test, one that built our confidence on the skintrack as well as in any terrain we pointed it back down. ���This ski is nimble and lightweight, yet can carve and hold up on firm snow,��� commented Jackson, Wyoming-based tester Molly Belk after skiing a mix of firm and chalky conditions in the Tetons. Testers found Versatility/Balance of Skills and Forgiveness to be two of the Agent 2X���s many strong suits, walking the line of trustworthy yet still fun and playful while navigating a range of steep, technical skiing and meandering low-angle glades. If you���re trying to charge, it could feel a little twitchy at mach speeds, which caused the ski to rank slightly lower in Stability at Speed. It wasn���t anyone���s top choice for deep-powder touring, although the wide shovel did allow it to float through soft snow better than some others we tested in the same size range. That being said, most testers agreed it was well worth the trade-off for a ski so agile and maneuverable in tight and more complex terrain.

Lengths (cm): 157, 164, 171, 178, 183, 188
Dimensions (mm): 134-95-113 (171)
Radius (m): 17 (171)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,425 (171)
Pros: Quickness, Responsiveness
Cons: Stability at Speed, Flotation

With its impressive size run ranging from 157 to 188 centimeters, the unisex Camox Freebird let more female testers get into the mix this year. At 95 millimeters underfoot, it���s a bonafide steep ski, a balanced tool that seems to see no limits to what kind of terrain you can put it through. It���s got a ton of spring and energy thanks to its poplar-and-paulownia core, something that testers were surprised to rank high in Playfulness. A short 17-meter turn radius and fair amount of taper allowed the Camox Freebird to feel very nimble and responsive, an intuitive ride that had our backs no matter what. ���This is a really solid and reliable narrow touring ski, capable of smoothing out bumps and variable snow and inspiring confidence and grip in steep terrain,��� reported 5-foot-8 tester Lily Krass, who calls Wyoming���s Tetons home.

Lengths (cm): 156, 163, 170, 177
Dimensions (mm): 138-96-119
Radius (m): 16 (170)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,122 (156)
Pros: Responsiveness, Quickness
Cons: Crud Performance, Stability at Speed

Zippy and ready to take down big-vert days, V繹lkl���s Rise Beyond 96 W is a balanced touring ski with a lightweight construction that takes the edge off long climbs. The medium-width 96-millimeter ski excels on spring corn missions and in areas that see a lot of low tide during the winter, but the 138-millimeter shovel surprised testers with its ability to surf through soft snow without too much effort. V繹lkl���s multilayer wood core places harder beech in areas that need more power, like underfoot and near the sidewalls, and lighter and softer poplar throughout the rest of the ski. The result is a light set of planks with a poppy feel that has enough strength behind it to hold up to variable conditions. The Rise Beyond 96 W ranked high in Responsiveness and Quickness/Maneuverability, capable of transitioning through both tight trees and wide-open bowls. ���This ski feels really easy and approachable���a breeze to make quick, energetic turns within confined terrain,��� said Krass.

Lengths (cm): 156, 163, 170, 177
Dimensions (mm): 131-97-118
Radius (m): 15.3 (170)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,640 (170)
Pros: Crud Performance, Versatility
Cons: Flotation, Stability at Speed

Head updated its tried-and-true Kore lineup this season, lightening everything up and tailoring the construction to be more precise for each size ski. We found the Kore 97 W to be a solid everyday pick for areas that don���t see quite as much snow, and a killer spring ski for places like the Tetons, where we tested it this season. For 2023-24, Head threw in an extra carbon layer to the caruba-and-poplar core to slim the whole thing down, and added a progressive chamfer (don���t worry���that was a new word for us, too), a sloping top edge that cuts chatter, allows for a more playful feel, and improves durability. Michelle Nicholson, who skis at Wyoming���s Grand Targhee Resort, noted that the Kore 97 W ���held an edge well and stayed predictable and consistent in both fresh powder and firm conditions.��� ���It���s ideal for someone who prefers a more traditional alpine ski and wants something that will really hold an edge and plow through crud,��� Krass agreed.

Lengths (cm): 151, 158, 165, 172
Dimensions (mm): 126-98-114
Radius (m): 18.3 (165)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,260 (165)
Pros: Quickness/Maneuverability, Responsiveness
Cons: Stability at Speed, Playfulness

The all-new Wayback 98 W is quick and responsive, a lightweight and trustworthy tool to access terrain deep in the backcountry. Alongside the lively paulownia core and unidirectional carbon-fiber layup, K2���s Ti Spyne technology utilizes a touring-specific Titanal laminate at the center of the ski to increase predictability and damping, which testers appreciated while skiing variable spring snow. ���This ski does really well in tight terrain, weaves well through trees, and holds up well on firm snow,��� said Krass. ���I���d definitely trust it in a tight chute where I need to have confidence in my edge grip, and the low swing weight also makes it easy to initiate a turn.��� It may not be a quiver killer���newer skiers might be turned off by the stiffness���but the Wayback 98 W is certainly a top contender for a lightweight spring-specific ski.

Get More Gear Reviews

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The post The Best Women���s Backcountry Skis of 2024 appeared first on 窪蹋勛圖厙 Online.

This article was first published by .

If you���re in it for the downhill, peruse the skis that are a little wider underfoot and weigh closer to 2,000g per ski. Trying to set a Fastest Known Time on your dawn and dusk patrols? Then you���re looking for something light and narrow underfoot. Whatever adventure you���re in the market for, you can���t go wrong with any of these unisex backcountry skis designed to maximize fun on the ups and the downs.

Looking for the best women’s backcountry skis of 2024? You’ll find those here.��

How We Test

Number of skis tested: 11
Number of testers: 12
Testing locations: Grand Teton National Park, Wyo., Teton Pass, Wyo., Hatcher Pass, Alaska, Snow King Mountain, Wyo., Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah
Testing conditions: Deep powder, chalky windbuff, breakable crust, firm resort groomers, and spring corn
Average age of tester: 29
Average height of tester: 5���9���
Average weight of tester: 155 lbs

We lucked out big time testing backcountry skis in the Tetons this winter, with record-breaking snowfall that had us reaching for powder sticks more often than not. Our testers hit the skintrack for pre-work dawn patrols on Teton Pass and long alpine missions in Grand Teton National Park. Many were lucky enough to catch bottomless pow days, while others tested this year���s crop of backcountry skis in variable conditions between storms.

Our test crew included a mix of nine-to-fivers, weekend warriors, and self-proclaimed ski bums who cranked out laps in search of lightweight skis that held their own in soft snow and variable conditions alike. The goal: To find the backcountry skis that demonstrated the best balance of uphill and downhill performance. Bonus testing days chasing storms in the Wasatch and a ski mountaineering trip to Hatcher Pass, Alaska rounded out a solid mix of playful pow skiing, steep couloirs, mellow meadow skipping, slarvy spring corn, and sidecountry laps.

Meet the Testers

Age: 27 | Height: 5���8��� | Weight: 120 lbs

Krass is a freelance ski journalist based in Jackson, Wyoming with work featured in SKI, Powder Magazine, Freeskier, Teton Gravity Research, and Ascent Backcountry Snow Journal. She spends winters backcountry skiing in Grand Teton National Park and riding lifts at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, with the occasional trip to the Alps (for the food, obviously).

Age: 30 | Height: 6���0��� | Weight: 180 lbs

Ritter is a photographer and writer based in Jackson, Wyoming who���s been skiing in the backcountry for over 10 years. He spends most of his time skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Pass, and Grand Teton National Park. While he���s no stranger to long slogs, Ritter is really in it for the downhill.

James Temple

Age: 29 | Height: 5���10��� | Weight: 165 lbs

Temple is a med student who splits time between Jackson, Wyoming and Charlottesville, Virginia. He���s a ripping skier with an affinity for cliffy freeride terrain and is known at times to be the first one to hit a questionable pillow or straight line.

The Reviews: Best Backcountry Skis of 2024

Editor���s Choice: Salomon QST Echo 106 ($800)

Lengths (cm): 157, 165, 173, 181, 189
Dimensions (mm): 139-106-126
Radius (m): 19 (181)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,760 (181)
Pros: Playfulness, Forgiveness
Cons: Stability at Speed, Flotation

Known for their energy, playfulness, and solid feel in variable conditions, the QST skis have an uncanny ability to please pros like Cody Townsend as well as us mere mortals. The brand-new QST Echo 106 shares the shape and profile of the all-mountain QST 106, with a slimmed-down construction (the Echo shaves off 200 grams per ski) that���s spry on the skintrack while maintaining an impressively quiet feel through variable snow in the backcountry. Salomon ditched the Titanal in this model, opting for a lightweight and responsive caruba-and-poplar core, with basalt fibers that bump up the stiffness. ���This is your daily driver,��� said Jackson, Wyoming-based tester Max Ritter. ���Floats in pow, nimble in tight trees and couloirs, but reliable and solid when it comes time to open up the throttle and ski fast through chunky snow.��� Testers agreed that the lightened-up construction made the QST Echo 106 feel more energetic than the QST 106, touting the benefits of the lower swing weight for confined couloirs where you need to get your skis around quickly.

Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.

Lengths (cm): 157, 164, 171, 177, 183
Dimensions (mm): 124-99-116
Radius (m): 19 (177)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,390 (177)
Pros: Playfulness, Quickness
Cons: Crud Performance, Flotation

Faction���s La Machine series is proof that lightweight touring skis don���t need to be boring. The Mini is the second-slimmest La Machine ski, with a 99-millimeter waist that proved to be a really solid ski for going after bigger objectives. A lightweight paulownia core keeps the weight down while allowing for an energetic feel, and full-carbon layers add a fair amount of stiffness underfoot. While many touring skis in this weight class can be stiff and unwieldy, the freeride-oriented rocker profile and twin-tip design allowed the Mini to score high in Playfulness and Forgiveness, which testers agreed felt like a new way to look at skis in the Unisex Backcountry category. It���s quick and maneuverable in tight trees, firm couloirs, and the occasional bump run after skinning up the resort before work. ���A fantastic steep-skiing machine that won���t tire you out on long approaches,��� said Ritter. ���Great for spring missions and still surprisingly floaty in deep snow.���

Lengths (cm): 176, 184
Dimensions (mm): 140-106-127
Radius (m): 20 (184)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,672 (184)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Crud Performance
Cons: Playfulness, Forgiveness

A powerful ski that will take you places, the RMU Apostle 106 Carbon Tour is proof that you don���t have to sacrifice downhill chops for a ski that can knock out big climbs. This model is the dedicated uphill option in the brand���s evergreen Apostle collection, featuring a lightweight poplar-and-paulownia core laid up with carbon to deliver stiffness and power. ���This one is ideal if you want a stiff ski you can drive through turns in the backcountry, but also if you just want to lap powder,��� said tester Kyle Fowler, an expert freeride skier who calls Wyoming���s Tetons home. The 106-millimeter waist provides a solid platform for staying afloat in deep snow, and while the Apostle 106 Carbon Tour is a directional ski, there���s a fair amount of tip and tail rocker that one tester said made it ���feel way wider than a 106.��� Stability at Speed stood out, with testers deeming it a top choice for big freeride lines, handling crud with style and grace.

Lengths (cm): 170, 177, 184, 190
Dimensions (mm): 121-104-112
Radius (m): 29 (184)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,827 (184)
Pros: Playfulness, Quickness
Cons: Stability at Speed, Versatility

A cult-like classic that deserves love from the masses, the 4FRNT Raven is a tool that has the capacity to turn mediocre skiing into a heck of a lot of fun, smeary and playful in soft snow and smooth and forgiving while blasting through crud. Energy and pop come from a lively aspen-and-maple core, reinforced with carbon for a stiff feel that you can drive through turns. Some testers hopped on the Raven and felt like they���d immediately found a long-lost best friend, but more folks agreed that it took a few tours to get familiar with the reverse-camber ski. ���It���s pretty much the perfect one-ski backcountry quiver���as long as you take a few days to learn how to actually ski it,��� said Ritter. ���The shape definitely takes some getting used to for anyone coming from a traditional directional ski.���

Lengths (cm): 176, 181, 189
Dimensions (mm): 138-110-126
Radius (m): 21 (181)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,800 (176)
Pros: Playfulness, Flotation
Cons: Responsiveness, Versatility

The all-new Draco Freebird replaces the Ferox as the powder seeker in Black Crows��� touring-oriented Freebird line, a floaty and playful option for creative skiers looking to charge. A poplar-and-paulownia core provides the right balance of energy and dampness, with a pretty straight sidecut that favors folks who like to ski fast. It���s also predictable, which testers appreciated while transitioning between mank, firm snow, and chalky pow, sometimes all in the same run. A big ski like this can certainly chew up a ton of terrain, inspiring confidence when you���re looking at a mixed bag of conditions. But despite an affinity for committing to the fall line, it���s not an overbearing ski; the double-rockered profile allows for an easy slide and pivot, dumping speed and washing out of turns if you need to. It ranked high in Playfulness and Flotation���no surprise given its 110-millimeter waist, twin-tip design, and generous rocker lines. ���This is really the ultimate powder touring ski,��� said tester James Temple after a record-breaking winter season in Wyoming���s Tetons, his home terrain.

Best for the Long Haul: Black Diamond Helio Carbon 104 ($950)

Lengths (cm): 160, 166, 172, 178, 184
Dimensions (mm): 131-104-118
Radius (m): 21 (172)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,450 (178)
Pros: Responsiveness, Quickness
Cons: Versatility, Forgiveness

The bread and butter of Black Diamond���s touring lineup, the Helio Carbon 104 is a do-it-all backcountry ski that chows down on big-vert days. Ranking high in Responsiveness and Quickness/Maneuverability, this ski felt spry and nimble while snaking through tight forests, and testers noted that it floats remarkably for a 104-millimeter-underfoot ski thanks to the early rise tip and tail. A carbon layup keeps this model stiff and damp, with a springy paulownia core that won���t weigh you down on long climbs. ���Really surprised me with its easy handling,��� said Austria-born tester Elmar Eidelpes, who spends winters skiing in the Tetons. ���It���s ideal for someone who���s heading out for big, long powder days and needs a light ski to keep up.��� It took us for a bit of a ride in firm snow and chunder, and testers felt that it made a better companion while meadow skipping and cruising down wide-open bowls compared to steep, committing lines.

Best for Big Objectives: Dynastar M-Tour 108 ($1,000)

Lengths (cm): 171, 179, 187
Dimensions (mm): 136-108-126
Radius (m): 22 (187)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,450 (187)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Flotation
Cons: Playfulness, Quickness

We���ve loved the big-mountain chops of Dynastar���s M-Free collection, so anticipation was high to see what the all-new M-Tour 108 had to offer. With a 108-millimeter waist, it���s a beefier free-touring ski than some of the brand���s narrower models, scoring high marks in Flotation as well as Stability at Speed. Directional rocker features plenty of early rise in the tip and less in the tails, which rewarded more-traditional turn shapes, although it came alive the faster we went. This model held its own while opening it up in steep, wide-open bowls, inspiring confidence in variable snow, especially for testers who are used to charging hard inbounds. At just over 1,500 grams per ski, the M-Tour 108 strikes a happy middle ground in its weight-to-performance ratio, making quick work of long climbs without straying from its freeride roots. ���An approachable and balanced touring ski,��� reported Vermont-based tester Kyle O���Keefe, who appreciated how well this offering transitioned between soft snow and crud.

Best for Spring Missions: Fischer Transalp 98 CTI ($900)

Lengths (cm): 155, 162, 169, 176, 183
Dimensions (mm): 133-98-118
Radius (m): 22 (176)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,410 (176)
Pros: Versatility, Stability at Speed
Cons: Flotation, Playfulness

Fischer totally overhauled its Transalp collection this season, adding a little more freeride flair to its technical reputation. The all-new 98 CTI is an excellent daily driver for areas with less snowfall, and its trim design and reliable nature make it a killer spring ski for big alpine missions. A touch of Fischer���s Shaped Ti places just enough metal in the 98-millimeter-underfoot ski (yes, metal in a touring ski) to optimize grip and stability on firm, technical descents, while a light and bouncy paulownia core and carbon stringers keep the weight low and the flex consistent. While it���s not the floatiest ski we tested in the Unisex Backcountry category, early rise tips make it easy to steer in softer snow, and it really kicks into gear when you start to step on the gas. ���Ideal for an aggressive, energetic skier who wants a reliable ski they can take into a range of conditions,��� said Eidelpes. ���Absolute fun machine. Just not for an absolute beginner.���

Best One-Ski Quiver: Blizzard Hustle 10 ($800)

Lengths (cm): 156, 164, 172, 180, 188
Dimensions (mm): 133-102-122.5
Radius (m): 17 (180)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,780 (180)
Pros: Crud Performance, Versatility/Balance of Skills
Cons: Flotation, Playfulness

Blizzard���s Hustle collection takes the shape of the charge-y, freeride-inclined Rustler line, with a lightened-up, skintrack-ready construction. The Hustle 10 sports a versatile 102-millimeter waist and a rockered tip and tail, which can handle the soft stuff equally as well as it can plow through chundery snow (high marks for Crud Performance), earning trust from testers as conditions shifted from midwinter fluff to late-season mank to springtime corn. ���Getting to ski what feels like a resort ski in the backcountry is a real treat,��� said Lily Krass, whose home mountain is Jackson Hole, Wyoming. ���A super-solid ski that can charge through variable snow without leaving you gassed.��� Despite the fact that Blizzard substituted a carbon laminate for the Rustler���s metal DRT insert, the Hustle 10 still isn���t for weight weenies. At just under 1,800 grams per ski, it makes an ideal freeride touring tool for those who don���t want to sacrifice an iota of downhill performance.

Best for Inbounds Touring: V繹lkl Rise Beyond 96 ($750)

Lengths (cm): 156, 163, 170, 177, 184
Dimensions (mm): 138-96-119
Radius (m): 17 (177)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,262 (170)
Pros: Responsiveness, Quickness/Maneuverability
Cons: Flotation, Versatility/Balance of Skills

Big climbs are no match for V繹lkl���s Rise Beyond 96, a slightly more versatile option than the Rise Beyond 88, which we tested extensively last year. A directional shape and a decent amount of camber underfoot led to high marks in Hard-Snow Integrity and praise for its edge control, a predictable ride in a lightweight package thanks to a multi-layer wood core beefed up with a carbon tip. The 96-millimeter-underfoot ski boasts a wide 138-millimeter shovel (which surprised us with a decent amount of float for a sub-100-millimeter ski), and the zippy 17-meter turn radius made for an agile and responsive ride that felt right at home dodging trees and hop turning down chutes. Railing turns at high speeds caused the Rise Beyond 96 to twitch a bit, but slow and controlled precision is the name of the game. ���This is a great all-around touring ski for those with a traditional turn and good carving skills,��� said Ritter. ���Great for resort touring or spring ski mountaineering.���

Best For Long Tours: Armada Locator 104 ($975)

Lengths (cm): 162, 170, 178, 186
Dimensions (mm): 130-104-121
Radius (m): 21 (170)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,375 (170)
Pros: Quickness, Playfulness
Cons: Crud Performance, Stability at Speed

Smeary, surfy, and a heck of a lot of fun, we found Armada���s Locator 104 to be our ticket to extended exploratory days in the backcountry. Featherlight on our feet for long climbs, and with a wide shovel and mid-fat waist for sniffing out powder stashes, this ski is a solid daily driver for areas that see a decent amount of low-density snow. An ultralight caruba core reinforced with carbon led to a stiff but approachable tool that isn���t afraid to be driven, but won���t tire you out at the end of a long day. Some might be surprised to see the Locator 104���s directional shape; a heavy amount of tip rocker noodles and floats through soft snow, while the flat tail maintains edge hold and control when you���re looking for precision. ���This ski excels in boot-top pow, and the low swing weight feels nimble in tight terrain,��� said 5-foot-8 Krass. ���It isn���t your ticket to fast freeride lines, though. Instead, opt for playful tree skiing or controlled turns in narrow couloirs.���

The post The Best Backcountry Skis of 2024 appeared first on 窪蹋勛圖厙 Online.

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Looking for the best unisex powder skis of the year? You’ll find those here.��

How We Test

Number of powder skis tested: 11
Number of testers: 11
Testing date: March 1, 2023
Testing location: Sun Valley, Idaho
Testing conditions: 14��� of fresh powder
Average age of tester: 38
Average weight of tester: 137 lbs
Average height of tester: 5���6���

We invited a crew of seasoned industry professionals���ski instructors, ski shop employees, coaches, and former World Cup racers���to join us for a week-long gear test in , a resort known for its steep and manicured groomers, legendary bumps, perfectly gladed tree runs, and of course, ���the Burn,��� sidecountry terrain that powder dreams are made of.

Sun Valley can sometimes get skunked when big storms dump on surrounding mountain ranges, so when it comes to testing powder skis at our annual gear test at the end of February, we always just hold our breath and hope for the best. This year, our prayers to Ullr were answered. One morning during the test week we woke up to more than 14 inches of fresh blanketing the base of the resort; in some of the bowls on the backside of the mountain, testers swore they were surfing through 20-plus inches thanks to wind effect.

Suffice it to say, we had ideal powder ski testing conditions. Our group of 11 female testers didn���t need much motivation to jump on the 11 planks entered into the women���s powder category and let ���em rip. At the end of each lap (or four), testers filled out digital scorecards with comments and impressions of how each pair of planks performed across various skill categories���from flotation and crud performance to stability at speed and responsiveness.

We asked them to identify each ski���s primary strengths, its weaknesses, who it���s designed for, and in what terrain and snow conditions it excelled most. By the end of one epic day, we had enough hard data on the 11 pairs of skis tested to make your head spin, and we used it all to bring you these reviews of the eight best women’s powder skis of the year.

Women���s Skis vs. Unisex Skis

The idea of women���s-specific skis is still a contentious one today. Some brands don���t make anything but unisex skis because they argue that gender doesn���t factor into how a ski performs���only weight, height, strength, and skier ability counts. They therefore only produce unisex skis, but make them in shorter lengths (sometimes down to 162 centimeters or even 158 centimeters) to be more inclusive towards women.

Other brands have invested a lot of time and money into developing truly women���s-specific skis���skis that feature construction modifications from their unisex counterparts to account for a woman���s physique and body mechanics. Finally, some brands appear to offer women���s-specific skis, though often those skis are exactly the same as their unisex counterparts and just feature a different top sheet and model name.

This makes the whole idea of testing ���women���s��� skis a little complicated. Because many of the skis we���ve covered on our ���best women���s skis of the year��� lists in the past are, in fact, unisex skis that female testers loved, we decided to change things up this year. This season, we allowed brands to enter their unisex skis into our women���s category provided the ski comes in an approachable length for women (in the 170-centimeter range or below), and the brand doesn���t offer a women���s-specific alternative.

So some of the skis on this list (including the two top performers) are unisex skis that our lady testers concluded were the cream of the crop and would not hesitate to recommend to other ladies. If you, like many of our female testers, prefer a longer ski that has some heft to it, don���t be scared off by the ���unisex��� designation. Rest assured that all the skis on this year���s list (whether unisex or women���s-specific) are tested by women and recommended for women.

Meet the Testers

Age: 27 | Height: 5���8��� | Weight: 120 lbs

Krass is a freelance ski journalist based in Jackson, Wyoming with work featured in SKI, Powder Magazine, Freeskier, Teton Gravity Research, and Ascent Backcountry Snow Journal. She spends winters backcountry skiing in Grand Teton National Park and riding lifts at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, with the occasional trip to the Alps (for the food, obviously).

Age: 47 | Height: 5���4��� | Weight: 112 lbs

Beekman has been testing skis and writing gear reviews for longer than she���d like to admit. She���s a former editor of SKI and freelance contributor to both SKI and 窪蹋勛圖厙. She lives in Steamboat Springs with her wonderful daughter and terrible cat.

Avery Pesce

Age: 40 | Height: 5���6��� | Weight: 138 lbs

Pesce lives in Whitman, Massachusetts, and calls the ski areas of Vermont and New Hampshire home. She���s an expert skier with an aggressive style that she applies to any and all types of terrain and snow conditions. Safe to say that as the head ski buyer for Boston Ski & Tennis in Newton, Mass., she knows a thing or two about skis���how they���re built, and how they perform.

The Reviews: The Best Women���s Powder Skis of the Year

Editor���s Choice: Salomon QST Blank ($800)

Overall score: 8.52/10
Lengths (cm): 178, 186, 194
Dimensions (mm): 137-112-126
Radius (m): 15 (178)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,220 (186)
Pros: Playfulness, Flotation
Cons: Quickness, Stability at Speed

For the second year in a row, the QST Blank won our hearts for its effortless performance in deep snow and chop alike, defending its position at the top of the Women���s Powder lineup. With fresh new topsheets and the same award-winning construction under the hood, the 112-millimeter-underfoot ski topped the field in Playfulness and Flotation, surfing seamlessly through the soft stuff and smoothing out bumps in between. A full poplar core rides the line of stability and energy, proving that you don���t always need metal for power. Salomon���s signature cork damplifier contributes to the consistent and composed feel on chunder and hardpack, alongside double sidewalls that gave testers the go-ahead to drop into anything they set their sights on. ���I skied it on my last run of the day, when everything was skied out, and I was hooting and hollering and whooping with joy,��� said East Coast-based tester Caitlin Kelly. ���The ski was so nimble, cut through everything, turned on a dime, held an edge on hardpack, and floated on top of it all.���

Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.

Overall score: 8.13/10
Lengths (cm): 176, 184, 192
Dimensions (mm): 154-114-136
Radius (m): 17 (176)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,995 (184)
Pros: Responsiveness, Crud Performance
Cons: Forgiveness, Flotation

V繹lkl���s all-new freeride powder ski, the Blaze 114, proved to be a powerful yet approachable tool that held its own arcing fast turns down wide-open slopes as well as surprising testers with its agility in tight trees. It took home high marks for Responsiveness and Crud Performance, weaving its way through glades and narrow chutes while plowing through chunder at the end of a powder day. Testers cautioned that if you get in the back seat, though, the Blaze 114 could trend toward less forgiving; it���s still a ski that demands a strong stance and tuned-in style to access its full potential. ���Very powerful, but easy to manage at a variety of speeds and in a variety of conditions,��� said tester Tracy Gibbons, who calls Crystal Mountain, Washington, her home terrain. ���I started in the open space thinking I was gonna need some speed and muscle to get this ski turning, but it turns out it behaved like a tamed lion.���

Overall score: 8.06/10
Lengths (cm): 162, 170, 178
Dimensions (mm): 144-110-130
Radius (m): 16.5 (170)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,500 (170)
Pros: Playfulness, Responsiveness
Cons: Crud Performance, Stability at Speed

A fun-loving ski with a can-do attitude, the Line Pandora 110 never failed to put a smile on our faces. This model ranked high in Playfulness and Responsiveness thanks to its soft flex pattern at the front and slightly stiffer tail, which maintains stability through high-speed turns. An updated aspen-and-paulownia core keeps the ski feeling light and springy, and a layup of aramid, carbon, and fiberglass layered on top of the core is the reason for its composure on firm groomers. It���s forgiving, which is why testers agreed that it could be really approachable for an intermediate skier or even a powder novice. But don���t let that deter more aggressive skiers: This playful powder machine held up to steep big-mountain terrain, was rock solid while ripping wide-open faces of fresh, and stayed playful enough to encourage testers to pop off cliffs and boost cat tracks. ���Pleasantly surprised by the energy and ease,��� reported Gibbons. ���It doesn���t require hard charging, but hard chargers should still find that this ski has lots of upper-end capabilities.���

Overall score: 7.99/10
Lengths (cm): 168, 174, 180
Dimensions (mm): 140-112-130
Radius (m): 17.5 (174)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,825 (174)
Pros: Playfulness, Responsiveness
Cons: Stability at Speed, Forgiveness

There���s been a lot of hype around the fully redesigned Sheeva collection, and after floating through powder, charging through chop, and blasting through just about every snow surface imaginable in Sun Valley, Idaho, last season, we can confirm that it was well worth the wait. Ranking it high in Playfulness and Responsiveness, testers found the new Sheeva 11 all it���s cracked up to be (and more)���beefy enough for the ladies who put their skis through the wringer, yet merciful enough for intermediates looking to push themselves. ���The new construction is just more fun,��� said tester Kimberly Beekman, who bases out of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. ���I loved the old Sheeva, too, but I feel like this was just so much more forgiving.��� Reviewers agreed that the shorter lengths make for a really inviting ski for intermediates to progress into bigger terrain, while the pros will have fun sinking their teeth into the behemoth 180-centimeter option.

Overall score: 7.92/10
Lengths (cm): 176, 184
Dimensions (mm): 143-114-131
Radius (m): 22 (184)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,090 (184)
Pros: Crud Performance, Stability at Speed
Cons: Forgiveness, Versatility

A powerful tool for advanced skiers, the RMU North Shore 114 thrives while charging hard through deep snow and chop. It���s a beast of a powder ski that can handle the heat, one that testers concurred rewards experienced rippers who have the energy to really drive it. Crud Performance and Stability at Speed were major highlights for this model, which smoothed out bumps, chopped up powder, and then begged for more at the end of each lap. With a 22-meter turn radius, it felt harder to whip around at slower speeds, but when we took things up a notch, testers were able to access a more playful feel from this ski. ���Mows through everything like a tank,��� noted Beekman. ���It has a pow-day-frenzy attitude that I share.��� For women who demand a ski that can keep up with a more aggressive ski style, the North Shore 114 is a must-have���just don���t let off the gas.

No. 6: Peak 110 by Bode ($1,090)

Overall score: 7.7/10
Lengths (cm): 168, 178, 188
Dimensions (mm): 137-110-128
Radius (m): 22.4 (168)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,804 (168)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Crud Performance
Cons: Quickness, Forgiveness

It���s hard to imagine that what Bode Miller demands out of a ski is applicable to mere mortals, but that���s part of what made Peak so intriguing at this year���s SKI Test. All of the new brand���s offerings utilize its signature KeyHole Technology, an oval-shaped cutaway that creates a stiffness inflection point to allow the ski to feel forgiving at the entry of the turn as well as powerful while edging, blending power and accessibility for a variety of skiers. The Peak 110 has less metal than the rest of its siblings, with a lively poplar-and-paulownia core and polyurethane stringers that keep the ski a little lighter and more playful than the narrower models and quiet in choppy snow and on firm slopes. As a result, it scored high in Crud Performance and Stability at Speed. ���Super stable underfoot, and I could trust it to bust up anything in front of me,��� said 窪蹋勛圖厙���s associate gear director, Jenny Wiegand. ���I was skiing faster than I normally would because of the fresh snow, and this ski definitely rewarded that.���

No. 7: K2 Mindbender 116C W ($900)

Overall score: 7.68/10
Lengths (cm): 163, 170, 177
Dimensions (mm): 143-116-132
Radius (m): 18 (170)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,985 (170)
Pros: Flotation, Crud Performance
Cons: Quickness, Versatility

Lively and ready for a good time, K2���s Mindbender 116C W is a ski that seriously ups the fun factor on deep days. This model saw a redesign for 2023-24, including a slightly wider shape, new construction, and updated sizing. The aspen veneer core created a smooth and consistent flex throughout the ski, while the brand���s Spectral Braid technology boosted stiffness and power without the use of metal. ���Fun and capable, like an old pair of sneakers that fit perfectly,��� declared Beekman, who stands 5-foot-4. ���It���s just there for you without you having to think too much about it.��� While the Mindbender 116C W surfed effortlessly through soft snow and bulldozed crud, a few testers felt it struggled a bit while navigating gladed terrain, resulting in a slightly lower score in the Quickness/Maneuverability department. Our crew gave a unanimous thumbs-up for Flotation and Crud Performance, agreeing that this offering would be high on their list of skis to reach for when the skies open up and fresh powder awaits.

No. 8: Armada ARW VJJ 116 UL ($975)

Overall score: 7.44/10
Lengths (cm): 165, 175, 185
Dimensions (mm): 139-116-135
Radius (m): 17 (175)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,725 (175)
Pros: Flotation, Playfulness
Cons: Crud Performance, Stability at Speed

The ARW VJJ 116 UL is the crown jewel of lightweight powder skis, a friendly model that proves you don���t always have to work harder to have more fun. For full-on dump days, testers raved about its Flotation and Playfulness; it���s a smeary, surfy ski that pivots on a dime and encourages a creative mindset while exploring new terrain. ���It floats beautifully and effortlessly in deep snow and was easy to maneuver through the trees,��� shared Boston, Massachusetts-based tester Avery Pesce. ���This is a super-approachable ski even for an intermediate looking to test their skills in some deep fresh snow.��� In chop and firm conditions, reviewers were not impressed by the ARW VJJ 116 UL���s performance, deeming this offering far less versatile than some of the meatier pow skis in the group, but if deep snow is in the forecast and you���re looking for an option that will automatically put a smile on your face, there���s no question that this is the one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best powder skis for women?

1. Salomon QST Blank (Unisex)
6. Peak 110 by Bode (Unisex)
7. K2 Mindbender 116C W (Unisex)
8. Armada ARW VJJ 116 UL

What are powder skis?

Generally speaking, powder skis (or deep snow skis) are fat. They tend to have 110mm-plus waist widths, generous rocker profiles, and very large turn radii. While they float like a dream in soft snow, many powder skis can perform well in choppy snow as well, and a very special few���most notably the Nordica Enforcer 110���can actually hold an edge quite well on groomed terrain. For the most part, however, these skis are rarely defined as one-ski quiver options and are instead used only when conditions warrant, e.g. powder days.

Who are powder skis for?

Any ski wider than 105mm underfoot is best suited to a skier who gets to ski soft and deep snow more often than not. These wide skis are typically made of lighter materials, feature less metal in the core, and less effective edge, meaning they are not the best tools to handle hard snow, groomers, or bumps. Big boards will enhance any real powder day, but may feel cumbersome in anything less than five inches of fresh snow.

What length powder ski should I buy?

Because of the increased amount of rocker built into most powder skis, it���s suitable to have longer skis for deep snow to increase the amount of usable edge on hard and variable snow. Shorter powder skis will likely float and feel more nimble than longer versions, but can also sometimes feel like riding a pogo stick due to the increased floppiness that is caused by generous rocker in the tip and tails.��.

How wide is too wide for a resort ski?

Skilled skiers will be able to manage a wide ski (100mm-plus) in most conditions and will still be able to make these skis carve. But intermediate skiers still working on their skills may find wide all-mountain skis to be more work in the types of conditions you are likely to encounter at the resort.��.

What���s the difference between men���s and women���s skis?

In truth, most skis are unisex and not gender-specific. Many brands produce the ski with the exact same construction technologies for both genders, but often create two different top sheets to appeal to men vs. women. A handful of brands are making truly women���s-specific skis, where the ski takes a woman���s physique into account when building the ski. Men and women can ski on the same ski but may want to choose different lengths depending on their height and their skiing ability.

The post The Best Women���s Powder Skis of 2024 appeared first on 窪蹋勛圖厙 Online.

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At a Glance

• Brand: Salomon
• Model: QST Echo 106
• Strengths: Playfulness, Forgiveness
• Weaknesses: Flotation
• Gender: Unisex
• Level: Intermediate to Expert

Specs

• Tip/Waist/Tail (mm): 139-106-126
• Lengths (cm): 157, 165, 173, 181, 189
• Radius (m): 19 (181 cm)
• Waist Width (mm): 104
• Weight (per ski in grams): 1,760 (181)

Test Scores

• Flotation: 8.67/10
• Stability at Speed: 8.67/10
• Quickness/Maneuverability: 9.33/10
• Playfulness: 9/10
• Forgiveness: 9.33/10
• Crud Performance: 8.33/10
• Versatility: 10/10
• Responsiveness: 9.33/10

Salomon���s QST line has held the trust of skiers for years, encompassing the popular QST Blank and the QST 106, 98, and 92. Known for their energy, playfulness, and solid feel in variable conditions, the QST skis have an uncanny ability to please pros like as well as us mere mortals.

While plenty of folks have been mounting touring bindings on the QST skis, what was missing from this evergreen lineup was a dedicated backcountry ski. That���s where the brand-new QST Echo 106 comes in. This model shares the shape and profile of the all-mountain QST 106, but with a lightened-up construction (200 grams per ski) that���s spry on the skintrack while maintaining an impressively quiet feel through variable snow in the backcountry. ���This is your daily driver,��� said Jackson Hole, Wyoming-based tester Max Ritter, a 6-foot-tall expert skier. ���Floats in pow, nimble in tight trees and couloirs, but reliable and solid when it comes time to open up the throttle and ski fast through chunky snow.���

Salomon ditched the Titanal with the Echo, opting for a lightweight and responsive caruba-and-poplar wood core with basalt fibers that bump up stiffness. The 106-millimeter waist and wide 139-millimeter shovel floated effortlessly through deep snow, but were narrow enough to get on edge and navigate firm conditions as well. What testers found most striking about this ski was its ability to stay muted and composed in variable snow, thanks to Salomon���s signature cork damplifier in the tip and tail. ���No chatter at all���it���s literally silent,��� said 5-foot-8 expert skier Lily Krass after a long day of couloir hunting in Wyoming���s Tetons. ���Really impressed with the fact that this ski is somehow damp and stable but also so energetic.���

Read more:

Testers agreed that the lightened-up construction made the QST Echo 106 feel significantly livelier than the QST 106, touting the benefits of the lower swing weight for confined couloirs where you need to get your skis around quickly. ���If I were to choose one ski to have as a backcountry ski, this would be the one,��� commented 5-foot-11 expert freeride skier Kyle Fowler, who took the QST Echo 106 out on early morning Teton Pass laps as well as long slogs in Grand Teton National Park. ���Having ridden all the generations of the QSTs, this one is by far the best.���

A few testers noted that they found the mount point to be a little farther back than they preferred, which could be solved easily by a +1 or +2 mount. Some missed a mid 180-centimeter length, noting that sizing down to a 181 felt occasionally twitchy.

The medley of playfulness and forgiveness makes this ski approachable for intermediate skiers, as does the large size run that starts at a 157. It���s a ski that can handle the heat when you rip fast turns down big faces, but it���s happy to bounce around in the trees when you want to pump the brakes.

���Honestly, this is one of the most well-rounded touring skis I���ve ever been on,��� added Ritter. ���Jack of all trades.���

See how the Salomon QST Echo 106 compares to our other favorite backcountry skis of the year.

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