Skiing isn’t just a pastime for you, it’s your way of life. When September turns to October, it’s time to bust out the and . You might not be racing anymore, but old habits die hard, and you’ll be damned if your carvers aren’t in race-ready shape on opening day. After all, nothing beats laying down clean railroad tracks on the ’roy. Let the yahoos cut up the snow off-piste—you stick to the groomers where conditions are ideal to master technique. Your mission in life: . With that in mind, you’re on the hunt for the latest equipment to help you maximize your skiing potential.
This list of this season’s best high-performance ski gear should get you started.
The Best Ski Gear for Carving Up Groomers
Stöckli WRT Laser Pro ($1,449)
A serious corduroy crusher like you needs a ski that knows no speed limit and rails on edge, no matter how bulletproof the conditions. The Stöckli WRT Laser Pro is the scalpel of skis, another example of Swiss precision. Hard snow, soft snow—this carving ski isn’t picky, it delivers no matter the conditions. All it demands is a skilled driver. If that’s you, read on.
Fischer RC4 Pro MV ($1,100)
You finally (and reluctantly) ditched your plug boots to let your poor, battered feet heal, but you’re not ready to give up on high-performance ski boots all together. You still want a stiff boot that will deliver the kind of energy transfer you’re accustomed to from your race boots. Enter the new Fischer RC4 Pro MV. Don’t be deterred by the BOA lacing system—your feet will thank you for it. As for performance: this boot is a real 140 flex and comes with a ZipFit liner. Need we say more?
Strafe Hayden Jacket ($519)
You hit the hill no matter the weather, so you need a jacket that will keep you warm and protect you from the elements on cold chair rides. Featuring a waterproof polyester outer shell and PrimaLoft Silver P.U.R.E. recycled insulation (60 grams in the sleeves and hood and 100 grams in the body), the Strafe Hayden is a great option for skiers like you who stay inbounds and might need a little extra insulation. Compare it with our other favorite jackets here.
Patagonia Storm Shift Pants ($400)
Long rides on wet chairlift seats are brutal when you’re wearing pants that aren’t actually waterproof—you learned that the hard way years ago. Now, you invest in a quality pair of ski pants that are weatherproof, durable, and fit right. The Storm Shift Pants are those pants. They’re waterproof, lined, and eco-friendly to boot. Check them out here.
Uvex Ultra MIPS ($225)
You don’t fall, but you know the slopes are crowded these days, and you’re not willing to take any chances. A helmet with top-of-the-line protection is an essential item on your kit list. But it should also be comfortable. Equipped with MIPS and ample padding for a secure and cozy fit, the Uvex Ultra MIPS is your best line of defense in a crash. Read more here.
Glade Adapt 2 ($149)
Good visibility is a must when you’re skiing on piste, where you can’t always rely on trees to help with definition. But you hate having to swap out goggle lenses on the go, no matter how seamless the lens-change system. In that case, the Glade Adapt 2, featuring an all-conditions, light-adapting lens, is the perfect choice for you. Check it out here.
More From the 2024 Winter Gear Guide
The Best All-Mountain Skis of 2024
The Best Alpine Ski Boots of the Year
The Best Ski Gloves and Mittens