There isn’t much to Davis, West Virginia (population 581). Its downtown is only a few blocks long. There’s no movie theater, no Starbucks. The entire county has one stoplight. You could feasibly drive through Davis and miss it entirely if you were engrossed in a good podcast.

Davis sits on the northern rim of Canaan Valley, a broad, high-elevation basin roughly 2.5 hours west of Washington, D.C. It’s surrounded by 4,000-foot peaks, most managed as public land, and hubs for hiking, biking, and skiing. But Davis’s best attribute? It’s full of people stoked to be here.

Why I Love Visiting Davis, West Virginia, Year-Round

Some might be deterred by Davis’s lack of sushi or nightlife or community theater or even a Target. But I’ve been going there for 20 years, and every time I visit I’m mesmerized by the town’s bounty. The few restaurants are great for such a small town, there’s a proud beer scene, and access to outdoor adventure is off the charts.

Just ask Ian Beckner, a Davis native who moved away for college, then bounced around to other mountain towns before settling back in Davis to open a ski shop.

“There’s just so much here—so many trails, such good skiing,” he says. “People usually have to work two jobs to make ends meet”—there are no large employers or industries in the area—“but they don’t care too much about money. They just want to be here. Once you’re here, you don’t leave. I can’t tell you the last time I drove more than an hour away.”

The adventure portfolio is exceptionally diverse, considering Davis’s location in the southern Appalachians, a region not renowned for robust winter-sports opportunities. But this particular nook of West Virginia has four distinct seasons. Mountain biking rules the warm months and skiing takes center stage in the winter, thanks to a hefty average snowfall and a trio of ski resorts. And West Virginia gets powder: Lake Effect snow from the Great Lakes on one side, and storms from the Northeast coast on the other. On average, it enjoys more than 150 inches of snow annually. Compare that to the 30 to 40 inches of snow that typically fall on ski resorts in neighboring Virginia.

I can’t decide if I like Davis more when it’s warm or has powder on the ground. I’ve logged countless miles on the valley’s notoriously rocky and rooty singletrack and celebrated epic rides with friends by passing around jars of moonshine. I’ve also floated through knee-deep powder in both lift-served and backcountry glades. Ditto with sharing the moonshine then, too.

The Great Mountain-Biking-Versus-Skiing Debate

So which is better? The mountain biking or the skiing? This is something debated by locals.

On the one hand, hundreds of miles of singletrack wind through adjacent state-park, national-forest, and national-wildlife-refuge land. Remember the hardcore 24-hour mountain-bike races that were so popular in the ’90s and early 2000s? They began here, with the 24 Hours of Canaan.

On the other hand, you can be at either of the downhill ski resorts, the 95-acre Canaan Valley and 100-acre Timberline, in about 10 minutes. Each offers more than 1,000 vertical feet of skiing, as well as a touring center that pulls in hundreds of cross-country junkies daily when there’s fresh snow.

“The skiing is what attracted me first,” says Todd Romero, who moved to Davis in 2011, switching jobs from the tech industry to the public-school system and taking a huge pay cut in the process. “When there’s a solid base of snow, and you can ski the trees. It’s amazing. But the mountain biking is like nowhere else. I’ve been to other bike towns, but you have to drive to the trailhead. Here in town you’re at the trailhead.”

The More Some Things Change…

As a Davis outsider, I’d say the town hasn’t changed much in two decades. The mountains surrounding town keep it relatively isolated, as do the serpentine roads between it and larger burgs. Locals say housing prices have skyrocketed and those in the service industry say they have a hard time making rent. It’s tough to find rental data on a town of this size, but in general have climbed almost 4 percent each year since the pandemic. And it’s only getting pricier; according to , home prices in Davis jumped 10 percent in the last year alone, with the average home value sitting at just under $330K. Davis is suffering from the second-home crunch that has impacted just about every mountain town I know of in the past decade. The same thing is happening in my hometown of Asheville, North Carolina.

Beckner says there are now more restaurants to accommodate increasing numbers of visitors (the amount of money the county collects via hotel tax has almost doubled in the last decade, according to the ), and the downhill resorts are more crowded on weekends. But the Davis of today still feels like the Davis from his childhood, he says.

“We’re still a small town. It’s not commercialized,” Beckner says. “We have all these miles of trail, but still only one bike shop. We might have more of an influx of people trying to enjoy the vibe that we all live with, that’s true, but the core value is still what it was when I was a kid. People are here to get outdoors.”

Beckner tells me that his favorite weekly event is the weekly mountain-bike group ride, the epicenter of Davis’s social scene.

“If it’s Thursday night, you know where everyone will be. It feels like the whole town rides together, and then we all go get burritos together, and then we all go to the brewery together,” he says. “You’re mingling with your doctor and your accountant and your kid’s teacher. It’s loud, and it’s always a party. It doesn’t matter what you wear, what bike you’re on, everyone is out enjoying what we have.”

Without further ado, here’s the best of Davis and the surrounding Canaan Valley.

What’s Cool About the Winter in Davis, West Virginia

Skiing and Snowboarding

Two downhill resorts are minutes apart from each other. , part of Canaan Valley State Park, has loads of blue and green terrain, perfect for families and beginners. More advanced skiers can head for the fun, mellow glades off the black-diamond Dark Side of the Moon, from the top.

has steeper terrain and better tree skiing. It also has a high-speed six chair that gets you to the summit in under five minutes, so you can knock out laps until your quads quake. Pearly Glades, closer to the base area, offers steep pitches with comfortable space between trees, but mainly you’ll find tight tree runs all over this mountain, so you’ll need to focus. , downtown, has all the gear you need.

As great as the downhill skiing is, to me, the is what makes winter in Davis truly special. It offers more than 25 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails and more than 60 kilometers of ungroomed trails that climb and descend some 1,200 vertical feet. This isn’t flat-road skiing but backcountry fun). A dozen warming huts are scattered throughout the system, most stocked with pieces of chocolate. The Whitegrass łŚ˛š´ÚĂŠ and gear shop welcomes skiers with a warm après scene that includes multiple firepits, and Chip Chase, the center’s owner and a local legend, often mills around, sharing stories and his personal stash of whiskey.

Biking

Cyclists don’t have to give up riding just because it’s winter. A local trail builder, , has started grooming more than eight miles of fat-bike trails at Canaan Valley State Park. The place is even a stop on an annual that hits the valley and a few other spots in West Virginia and Maryland.

Ultimate Sledding

If you have kids, hit up the sled run at , which has a magic carpet and a hot-chocolate hut.

How to Maximize the Warm Months in DavisĚý

Hike, Fish, and (Much) More

Dolly Sods Wilderness, a small but spectacular 17,000-acre roadless area known for its high-elevation bogs and rocky outcroppings, is the destination for hiking and backpacking. Hit for fly-fishing, creek stomping (wading and exploring), and hiking on paths that range from easy three-mile out-and-backs to multiday 20-mile loops.

I have never yet played the golf course at Canaan Valley State Park, but I would love to.

Biking

But if you’re coming to Davis, you’re bringing mountain bikes. The singletrack is notoriously difficult and, at least in my opinion, all uphill. That’s part of the charm.

If you agree that rocks are fun, start with , which forms the backbone of the singletrack within Canaan Valley. Many offshoots and well-worn social trails branch off this eight-mile point-to-point route, and I guarantee you’ll get off your bike at least once during particularly spicy sections, so give it twice as much time as you think you’ll need.

Don’t fret if that sounds like more torture than fun; some new, machine-groomed flow trails have been built for us mere mortals. Hit , a six-mile swoopy loop in Canaan Valley State Park. has beta, rentals, and gear.

Where to Eat and Drink in Davis, West Virginia

Davis and the Canaan Valley only have a few restaurants, but those have everything I crave when I’m there.

and , serving pizza, are staples. But my favorite place to eat is at Whitegrass, whose caters to a more elevated palate; its great vegetarian chili hits just right on a cold afternoon. Sometimes there’s live music, and the specials change daily, but there’s always a crowd of rosy-nosed cross-country skiers, fresh off the trails and hungry, clustered in a handful of tables in the middle of the gear and rental shop. The place is cozy, loud on a busy afternoon, and really fun. When it’s time for a beer, head to , the locals’ favorite drinking hole.

Where to Stay in Davis

You’ll find Airbnbs throughout the valley, including a option attached to the bike shop. The lovely has lodge rooms and cabins fresh off a renovation (from $178.50), as well as campsites with electricity. I’ve camped in my 4Runner here in the winter, running a space heater from the outlet. Searching for something a bit more sophisticated? Book a night at the ten-room , and enjoy its mid-century vibe (from $100).

Graham Averill of Asheville, North Carolina, is şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř Online’s national-parks columnist. He’s hoping to bring his wife and kids to Davis this winter to ski at White Grass and sled on the hill in Blackwater Falls State Park. He recently wrote about theĚýmost beautiful towns in the SoutheastĚýand theĚýbest ways to get outside in West Virginia, as well as an on-the-ground account ofĚýwhat it was like to survive Hurricane Helene in Asheville, and why he rues not visiting Capitol Reef National ParkĚýsooner.

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Snow storms pummeled the Mountain West this past week, signaling the unofficial kickoff to the 2024-25 ski and snowboard season. A handful of resorts have opened in Colorado, including the mainstays of the early season: Arapahoe Basin and Wolf Creek Ski Area. Chairlifts are beginning to spin across the Rockies and beyond—, 18 ski areas have opened across the United States. The nascent ski season sparkedĚýan important debate within the şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř editorial community: do you prefer opening day or closing day? Luckily, two editors who are both dedicated skiers are here to argue the point.

Fred Dreier: OK Adam, I’m envisioning the opening day scene at Arapahoe Basin. The temperature is in high-twenties Fahrenheit and the wind is howling. A long line of snowboarders and skiers stretches from the base of the Black Mountain Express lift halfway up High Noon. Everyone is frothingĚýto get that first run. It’s so competitive to get first chair that some skiers have camped out for days under the lift. The crusty man-made snow crunches beneath every boot step. The roar of snow guns is deafening. How accurate is this depiction?

Adam Roy: Five years ago it would have been dead-on. This year I missed opening day, but I was there on day 2 and the snow was fantastic. Crowds were small—I think it helped that nearby Keystone Resort opened on the same weekend. In the past I would bring an audiobook with me on opening day because I spent so much time waiting in lift lines, but on day 2 this year I barely experienced any downtime.

Fred: OK, so I’m going to call our argument a draw regarding the 2024-25 opening day, since you technically weren’t there for it. But still, my general feeling on opening day is that the snow sucks, the lines are long, and it’s cold. How on earth is this better than the scene on closing day?

Adam: Hard disagree. For starters, the snow on opening day is usually twice as good as it is on closing day, and you’re half as likely to hit a rock. But skiing opening day is also an emotional experience. Here are my feelings as I ski opening day: It’s day one, you know that you’ve got the whole ski season ahead of you, and conditions are only going to get better. Meanwhile, on closing day, you’re looking at a solid five months with no turns. Another year in the books, another one of your precious few winters on Earth that’s just memories now. That’s heavy! At least for me.

Fred: I suppose we’re just going to have to disagree on whether or not the snow is better or worse on opening day versus closing day. And I hear you on the emotions that you feel in anticipation of another season. But my primary argument for closing day is vibes—I think the chill and carefree mood on closing day rules! Back in 2018 my wife and I hit closing day at Copper Mountain, and I want to set the scene for you. It was a bluebird sunny day and temperatures soared into the fifties. After an icy morning, the sunshine softened the snow in the afternoon, and we spent a few hours surfing the slush before our quads turned to jelly. It was so balmy that we ditched our jackets and just skied in short-sleeve shirts and vests. And here’s the real kicker–when we descended to the base area there was a concert going on. When we walked up to the stage we realized it was theĚýMighty Mighty Bosstones.

Adam: That sounds like a sweet day. Or at least that’s The Impression That I Get.

Fred: They were gray-haired dudes in their fifties kind of shimmy-dancing around. But I kid you not, they still kicked ass. And the whole scene immediately transported me back to 1996, and yes, I did start skanking.

Adam: Skanking is the kind of thing you can only do on closing day when you hit your mid-thirties—too much risk of blowing your ACL and ending your season early otherwise.

Fred: So back to our debate: how would you compare the vibe of opening day vs. closing day? I can tell you that on closing day, people are laid-back, slightly inebriated, and not at all concerned with the actual skiing. Like, nobody cares how many runs you did, whether or not you found good snow, or even if you actually made it onto a chairlift. The only thing anyone cares about is whether or not you’re having fun—skiing be-damned.

Adam: On opening day, people are ready to slay. They’re laying into their turns and hucking themselves off kickers onto landings that are straight ice. There is a party scene, for sure, but it’s different than on closing day. Nobody’s really committing to aprĂŠs that hard. Instead, the party’s on the slope, or in the lift line. While you’re waiting for first chair somebody’s always passing out bratwurst or donuts or swag or beers or whatever.

Fred: OK, my final argument in favor of closing day: your body. By April, your leg muscles and joints are already accustomed to skiing or boarding, so you can slog your way through the slush and not worry too much about tweaking your knee or being too sore the next day to go to work. The exception to this rule, of course, is injury caused by partying and/or excessive stoke, which I have witnessed. At the Copper Mountain closing, one of the pond-skim skiers got too rowdy and careened off of a jump and into the crowd. My guess is he was in a walking boot until the next season’s opening day.

Adam: That’s true—you gotta prep for opening day, man. In my opinion, that’s half the fun! For a few weeks prior, you hang out in your gym or garage or wherever doing squats and mountain climbers with a Warren Miller film on the TV. You’ve gotta psych yourself up to get your body ready. You get your gear together, wax the planks, maybe pile up the scrapings on your workbench and take a big snort of that beginning-of-season scent like you’re Al Pacino in Scarface. I love that anticipation. It’s like Christmas Eve.

Fred: Aha, so it sounds like a big part of your love of opening day is the entire process of getting stoked for ski season—the training, gear prep, and even the wait for that first chair. This whole process gets you amped to ski for the next few months. And when you arrive, you are ready to charge, to hit the slopes hard, and to start the season off with the emotional momentum that will prompt you to get up early, brave traffic, and drive up to the slopes again and again for the next few months. I get it now. Fans of opening day are looking for that oomph to carry you through a long season of ups and downs.

Still, I’m sticking with closing day, Adam. The older I get, the less I feel like I have to prove with how many days I ski, whether or not I got blower powder, or if I topped out on my vertical. I just want to have some laughs, drink a beer or two, and enjoy the sunshine. Thus, I’ll keep an eye out for you on closing day. I’ll save you a spot in front of whichever nineties band is playing.

Adam: I’ll make sure to bring my checkered suspenders.

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In the ski world, you are more than just a talented skier; you’re the life of the mountain’s social scene, making skiing an unforgettable adventure on and off the slopes. You’re known as the “Après King,” and you like to dress the part. When the lifts stop spinning for the day, you’re ready to swap the goggles for shades that make a statement, boots for comfy kicks, and grab a beanie that will hide that helmet hair. Complete your look with these pieces that transition seamlessly from the slopes to the après deck.

5 Après-Ski Essentials

Roka Torino sunglasses ($190)

Roka’s Torino sunglasses are a must-have for any skier, blending sporty aesthetics with precision optics. The polarized lenses offer exceptional clarity while protecting your eyes from the sun’s glare on the snow. The sleek and rugged design is perfect for apres-ski activities and adds a touch of style to your ski culture look. Read more about our favorite sunnies for winter here.

Strafe Highlands Shirt Jacket ($319)

The Strafe Highlands Shirt Jacket is a versatile addition to your winter wardrobe. Its lightweight insulation and moisture-wicking properties make it ideal for layering during long days on the mountain. This jacket embodies the perfect fusion of functionality and ski culture style. Compare it with our other favorite midlayers here.

Cotopaxi Fuego Down Overalls ($285)

Cotopaxi’s Fuego Down Overalls offer warmth and adventure in one package. These overalls are perfect for extreme cold conditions and are designed to keep you toasty and stylish on and off the slopes. Their unique and vibrant color schemes make a bold statement in the ski culture, showcasing your passion for skiing and sustainability. Check it out here.

Topo Designs Fleece Cap ($39)

Topo Designs’ Fleece Cap is a simple yet essential winter wear and ski culture accessory. This cap combines warmth and style, ensuring you stay comfortable on the slopes while enjoying après-ski activities. Its timeless design and quality construction make it a classic choice for any skier looking to stay cozy and fashionable.

Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Fluffs shoes ($120)

These cozy and eco-friendly shoes from Allbirds combine style and comfort for winter wear and ski culture. The Wool Runner-Up Fluffs feature soft, sustainably sourced Merino wool uppers that keep your feet warm and snug after a long day on the slopes. Designed for the environmentally-conscious skier, they make a statement about responsible fashion. Check out our other favorite après footwear here.

More From the 2024 Winter Gear Guide

The Best Snowboards of the Year
The Best All-Mountain Skis
The Best Winter Trail Packs

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In the exhilarating setting of Sun Valley, Idaho, 32 top-tier skiers, not professional athletes but experts from across North America, convened for our annual SKI Test in early March 2023. Their mission? To determine which skis would earn the prestigious “Skis of the Year” title for the 2024 Winter Gear Guide. It was a formidable challenge, with over 150 pairs from 27 brands to evaluate.
To aid their quest, we partnered with select brands to provide the ideal gear on and off the slopes, ensuring our testers stayed protected and energized for the task at hand. Here’s a roundup of the top-notch gear and products these dedicated testers utilized to enhance their testing experience:

Sweet Protection Connor Rig goggles

The Sweet Protection Connor Rig goggles provide a generous field of vision without the need for an excessively large design. They achieve this through a toric sculpted lens with understated style and ample side vision. Testers found them to offer a “medium-sized fit with large-sized vision,” greatly enhancing peripheral vision on the slopes. The lenses are easy to swap and perform well in various light conditions. Additionally, the goggles feature comfortable foam against the face.

Strafe Hayden Jacket

This jacket offers a cozy and comfortable experience. It has a soft quilted interior lining that smoothly slides over midlayers. The stretchy wrist gaiters are effective at keeping out cold and snow. The hand pockets are fleece-lined, and the jacket’s outer shell and insulation are made from recycled materials with four-way stretch. Testers found it to be non-restrictive, even during active movements. The jacket provides substantial warmth and can be customized with a detachable hood and hidden vents for heat management. One tester remained warm down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit with two baselayers underneath, and described the Hayden as feeling like a weighted blanket in terms of comfort.

Auclair A-Peak 2-in-1 Mitt

The Auclair A-Peak 2-in-1 Mitt is a high-quality solution for women facing cold winters. It features a durable goatskin leather shell with a powder cuff to keep out the elements. Thinsulate insulation and a soft liner provide warmth and comfort. The standout feature is the removable inner mitten, made of butter-soft fleece with added durability features. This inner mitten can be easily reattached to the shell glove, preventing it from coming out when removing the mitten. Note that sizing may run slightly small, so consider sizing up for a better fit, as per the tester’s experience.

YETI Yonder 1L / 34 oz Water Bottle

These plastic water bottles are a skier’s ideal companion, offering eco-friendly, leak-proof, and lightweight design. They’re made from BPA-free and 50% recycled plastic, ensuring both gear and skier stay dry. The exceptional lightweight feature allows for carrying more water without added weight, making them perfect for sustainability-conscious skiers seeking convenience in their outdoor gear.

CamelBak Powderhound 12 Hydration Pack

The Powderhound 12 Hydration Pack is perfect for experienced mountain enthusiasts and those seeking quick day trips on the slopes. This pack features a 12-liter storage capacity and a 2-liter reservoir, striking an ideal balance between functionality and convenience. Designed with winter sports in mind, it ensures your gear stays secure while offering easy access, minimizing downtime, and maximizing time on the snow. This compact pack ensures you’re fully prepared for any snowy escapade, whether a day at the resort or an excursion into the sidecountry.

Pine Ridge Vineyards 2021 Black Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon

What would a week-long ski test be without indulging in a little après while we ice our knees? Pine Ridge Vineyards’ wines, specifically the 2021 Black Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon, offer skiers a taste of luxury and relaxation after a day on the slopes. This wine, hailing from Red Mountain, Washington, pays tribute to the spirit of adventure, named in honor of Pine Ridge Vineyards’ founder, an Olympic downhill skier. Opening the bottle reveals an enticing bouquet, and the wine’s floral fragrance sets the stage for an exhilarating flavor journey. It combines dark chocolate and acai compote with hints of cassis and lavender candy. The wine’s smooth entry leads to an explosion of pomegranate juice and cherry cordial flavors, akin to carving down a mountain. The finish is lifted by mouth-watering acidity and balanced tannins, with hints of cocoa powder and cassis lingering—a perfect après-ski indulgence.

Goodr Sunglasses The OG

Goodr Sunglasses are ideal for skiers seeking a blend of style and performance on the slopes. These non-reflective lenses effectively reduce glare, ensuring optimal visibility while navigating the snowy terrain. Designed to fit medium-sized heads comfortably, these sunglasses offer just the right fit. Their customizable frames allow for precise adjustments, accommodating various users. With a sleek design, Goodr’s sunglasses provide essential eye protection and make a fashionable statement. Their motto, “Look good, ski goodr,” encapsulates their commitment to blending style and functionality.

Decked Drawer System

While in Sun Valley, we had the chance to test out the Decked Drawer System. This burly storage solution offers full bed-length drawers and convenient side access pass-throughs to the wheel wells, providing massive and highly customizable storage space.

What truly stands out is the almost zero wasted space, making the most of your truck bed. It’s as if they’ve managed to achieve a 100% increase in the utility of your truck bed—a dream come true for those of us who need to haul skis, sleds, and other gear to the slopes.

But what really sets this system apart is its customization. Decked encourages you to “customize your Drawer System like a boss for just how you use it.” It’s like the perfect pairing of peanut butter and chocolate but for your gear-hauling needs, and we guarantee it will make your winter trips smoother and more organized. Highly recommended for anyone looking to maximize their truck bed storage for winter activities.

Read More About the Best Gear From the 2024 SKI Test

The Best All-Mountain Skis
The Best Powder Skis
The Best Carving Skis

The post Gear We Used to Test the Skis of the Year appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř Online.

Most little luxuries feel good after a long day on the mountain, from a cold beer to a toasty seat warmer. But nothing compares to the sweet relief of taking off our clammy ski boots and stepping into lighter, comfier footwear. These bundles of warmth are so cozy that you’ll want to wear them around the house long after your feet have recovered.

Winners at a Glance

• Allbirds Wool Runner Fluffs
• BOGS Arcata Urban Leather Chelsea
• Rossignol Chalet Slippers
• Oofos OOMG Boot
• Forsake Whitetail Mid

The Reviews: The Best Après Shoes of 2024

Allbirds Wool Runner Fluffs ($120)

Size: ˛Ńąđ˛Ô’s 7-14, °Â´Çłžąđ˛Ô’s 5-11

These fuzzy sneakers made one of our testers break her “no shoes on in the house” rule—after wearing them out to dinner and the movies, she came home and didn’t want to take them off. Regeneratively-sourced ZQ Merino wool, cut and fluffed so it feels like shearling, makes up the bulk of these shoes. More eco-cred? The cushy midsoles and bouncy outsoles are made of a proprietary sugarcane-based material called SweetFoam rather than the usual EVA. The Fluffs represent a significant commitment to sustainability—a consistent theme for Allbirds—while keeping your feet snug and Muppet-cute all winter long. Beware, though, that one wrong step in slushy snow will require a footwear change.

Bottom Line: Casual, eco-friendly shoes that feel as cozy as they look

BOGS Arcata Urban Leather Chelsea ($160)

Size: ˛Ńąđ˛Ô’s 7-14, °Â´Çłžąđ˛Ô’s 6-12

Our testers praised these boots as the most versatile and stylish they tried this winter. The classic Chelsea aesthetic fits in on city streets and is easy to slip in and out of when you’re balancing on one foot to avoid the parking lot slush. But unlike other Chelsea boots we’ve tested in the past, these are comfortable from the very first wear—no break-in period required—and have impeccable traction thanks to chunky rubber lugs, which kept us stable on ice and snow but didn’t hold onto mud. A fleece lining keeps feet warm, and the insoles are sweat-wicking, odor-fighting, and eco-friendly thanks to algae-based EVA and wood-based fiber.

Bottom Line: A stylish Chelsea boot for all situations

Rossignol Chalet Slippers ($99)

Size: °Â´Çłžąđ˛Ô’s 5-9.5, ˛Ńąđ˛Ô’s 7-12

These are easy to slip on and off like a pair of camp slippers, but feel more like structured shoes in terms of stability and support. One tester said, “these felt like recovery shoes without looking super bulky or conspicuous.” Our sore, post-skiing arches appreciated the EVA padding throughout the rockered midsoles, while the rest of our feet enjoyed the cozy-but-not-too-heavy upper insulation and a wool-like synthetic lining. The outsoles, made with 30 percent recycled rubber, have a tight lug pattern that was just deep enough to keep us safe on slushy driveways, while the DWR-coated nylon upper repelled light rain and snow.

Bottom Line: Recovery shoes wearing a plush disguise

HOKA Restore TC ($110)

Size: Unisex, 4-14

Unsurprisingly, the running brand known best known for its over-the-top comfort did not disappoint with its first recovery-oriented shoe. Technically, these sneakers were designed for the feet of runners after pounding hot summer pavement, but we couldn’t resist wearing them after a day on the slopes all the same. (Since they offer little insulation and no waterproofing, this pair is best with thick socks, on sunny days, or when you’re safely in the car.) At 11.3 ounces, these bouncy slip-ons come with a stretchy, lightweight polyester knit upper that makes them easy to pull on and off. Testers loved the cushy sugarcane-based EVA midsole, and while the EVA-based outsole is grooved enough to provide basic traction in various conditions—we’ve scrambled over slick boulders while wearing these just as successfully as we ferried ski gear to and from the car.

Bottom Line: A light, sustainable recovery shoe for dry conditions.

Forsake Whitetail Mid ($170)

Size: ˛Ńąđ˛Ô’s 8-14

Our male-identifying testers fell hard for the rugged—in both looks and durability—combination of full-grain leather, suede, and 200-gram Thinsulate insulation on these boots. These mids look stylish enough for an apres session on the patio of the Four Seasons at Vail, but still appropriate to wear around the office. They’re more hiking boot than slipper, with molded rubber on the heel and toe for extra protection and durability. They’re also waterproof for true winter protection. “These are extremely comfortable given the amount of support and stability provided,” quipped one tester, who had to be prodded to give equal testing time to the other shoes in this lineup after he started wearing the Whitetail Mids almost every day.

Bottom Line: The do-it-all function and look of a leather boot, with the warm and coziness of a winter shoe

How to Buy

The most important factor when it comes to aprés footwear is comfort, which is largely subjective. Beyond trying on shoes in-person and wearing them around the store before buying, you should also think about how you’ll be using them: Will you wear them mostly indoors or outdoors? Will they sit on a muddy boot rack to dry between wears or do you plan to stuff them into a duffel bag? Does it rain more than it snows where you live? Are they mostly going to be seeing slushy parking lots or bougie hotel patios? These are the questions to ask as you consider how much warmth, weight, waterproofing, and traction you need in a pair of aprés shoes.

When it comes to warmth, pay attention to how the shoes are insulated. Winter linings like synthetic Thinsulate or shearling wool provide warmth and some degree of breathability, whereas down or synthetic lofted insulation can quickly overheat your feet with active use, but provide superior warmth. Remember that brand temperature ratings for winter boots are almost never verified by a third party—don’t assume your feet will be warm down to negative 40 simply because the label says so.

How We Tested:

• Number of testers: 5
• Number of products tested: 16
• Number of test states: 4
• Number of beers spilled: 5 (that we’ll admit to, anyway)
• Number of falls in ski resort parking lots: 2

We wore these slippers, boots, and puffs just about everywhere. From early morning errands to late-night dinner parties, we walked these shoes over icy sidewalks, puddle-filled parking lots, muddy yards, and snowy trails. We also paid close attention to our emotional reaction when taking them off or putting them on (seriously). The pairs that brought us the most joy, looked the best, and proved most useful for all manner of après activities made this list.

Meet Our Testers

Svati Kirsten Narula

Sante Fe-based Svati Kirsten Narula is a writer and şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř contributing editor. She enjoys skinning up the local ski hill with her dogs when the lifts aren’t running, either before or after work—which means her après shoes really have to work as all-day shoes.

Aleta Burchyski

Aleta Burchyski is a writer and former şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř editor in Santa Fe. Years of dance, hiking, and nordic skiing have taken a toll on her feet, so she’s always in the market for a good après-nordic and recovery shoe. This year she was thrilled (not) to find that her feet grew a quarter of a size since the birth of her second son, and particularly appreciated finding winter shoes that run wide in the toe box.

Eric Ward

Eric Ward is a tech enthusiast, knuckle-dragging snowboarder, and reluctant trail runner. He appreciates a minimalist running shoe (a la “Born to Run”) but yearns for cloud-like comfort when it comes to après footwear.

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“Après clothing” can be interpreted in a few different ways. For some, it’s a $300 cashmere sweater with a kitschy phrase like “Snow Bunny” that looks best on the deck of a ski-in-ski-out lodge. For others, it’s the same sweaty base layer that they’ve been skiing in since 9 a.m. This year, while testing in Montana, we tried to strike a balance—pieces that could be equally at home in the college bar scene at Bridger Bowl, deep in the woods on the sun-soaked deck of a backcountry ski hut, or on the patio of Sun Valley’s upscale Warm Springs Day Lodge.

The Winners at a Glance

• Skida Low Pile hat
• Patagonia Cotton Down jacket
• Roark Layover pants
• Marmot ‘94 E.C.O. Recycled fleece
• Crap Eyewear The Heavy Tropix sunglasses

The Reviews: The Best °Â´Çłžąđ˛Ô’s Après Apparel of 2024

Skida Low Pile Hat ($38)

Sizing: One Size
Pros: Cozy, but not so heavy that it made us sweaty
Cons: Excess material bothered some testers

Designed in Vermont (it doesn’t get much colder than a Vermont winter) and made with a recycled, mid-weight Polartec fleece, we felt super cozy wearing the Skida Low Pile beanie in pretty much all scenarios. Testers wore it on dates at the Cider House after laps at Bridger Bowl, while touring up the Goose Creek trail during a 10-degree morning in the Bozeman backcountry, and on the sunny deck of the Woody Creek hut with cheese and crackers in hand. The thinner, low pile fleece kept our heads from getting too hot during chiller tours and on sunny spring days after skiing. The height is reminiscent of fleece beanies from the nineties and early 2000s (in a trendy way.)

Bottom Line: A versatile option for tailgating in parking lots, touring in cold temperatures, and drinks at a local brewery

Patagonia Cotton Down Jacket ($349)

Sizing: XXS-2XL
Pros: Warm, cozy, and waterproof enough for light precip
Cons: The thick fabric is a bit restrictive, especially when zipped all the way up; Pricey

This jacket is inspired by some of Patagonia’s and made from . This makes the jacket feel exceptionally cozy inside and out, with a sort of peach fuzz feel on the exterior. Testers reported that the Cotton Down jacket was excellent for throwing on over ski bibs and tailgating after a tour up History Rock in Bozeman’s Hyalite Canyon. The 600-fill, 100 percent recycled duck and goose down kept one tester warm under an overcast sky with a chilly, late afternoon breeze and temperatures in the high teens. An internal zippered pocket kept their phone warm so the battery didn’t drain quickly in the cold weather. On a slightly warmer day, another tester encountered light drizzle, yet didn’t experience any wetting out thanks to the HeiQ Eco Dry DWR finish (which is also perfluorinated chemical-free). Plus, it’s Fair Trade Certified-sewn.

One ding: Tester Caroline Painter wore the Cotton Down jacket during a bike ride downtown for a few post-ski beers, and noticed the thick fabric felt a bit restrictive and stiff, especially in the chin area. While the chin guard was nice for bundling up, it made it difficult to turn her head when fully zipped with the hood on. So we wouldn’t recommend this piece for particularly active days, but if your primary goal is to tailgate outside with friends while preventing old ski sweat from freezing after a long day on the snow, this is the jacket for you.

Bottom Line: Ideal for less active hangouts in temps from the low teens up to the high fifties

Roark Layover Pants ($95)

Sizing: 24-32
Pros: Stylish and functional enough to go from the trailhead to the bar to a flight
Cons: Not warm enough for frigid temps

Roark added women’s clothing to their lineup last year (spearheaded by the women who work at the brand), and though none of it is winter-specific, we found that these pants pulled double-duty as a more upscale happy hour piece during warmer days. We fit right in wearing them both in Sun Valley’s Greyhawk parking lot and at the divey Cellar Bar in Ketchum. While the cotton-nylon canvas pants aren’t insulated, making them best for sunny resort decks and parking lot sessions towards the end of the season, they proved exceptionally durable. The Layover pants stood up well against backcountry thistles and a spilled IPA—they dried quickly and showed no signs of staining after a wash cycle.

The straight leg fit was flattering on our testers with different body types. The mid-high-rise waistline provided enough security that we could jog through the parking lot without worrying about them slipping down or riding up. (We recommend sizing up for a boxier, roomier fit.)

Thoughtful details made the Layover pants stand out: deep, zippered front pockets have plenty of storage, a full waistband drawcord makes it easy to adjust the fit, snap closure pockets on the butt supply even more places to store things like keys, and another hidden back pocket provides extra security for a phone or wallet.

Bottom Line: An excellent, verstatile option for late-season après sessions from the parking lot to happy hour to the airport

Marmot ‘94 E.C.O. Recycled Fleece ($130)

Sizing: XS-XL
Pros: Trendy, versatile, plenty of zippered pockets to keep essentials safe
Cons: Not breathable enough to wear as a mid-layer while skiing or snowboarding in freezing temperatures

We’ve tested countless fleeces over the years, and though the Marmot ‘94 E.C.O. Recycled sherpa isn’t particularly technical, it has the fun retro style and key features we’re looking for in a casual winter sweatshirt staple. Out of all the pieces we tried this season, our testers wore this fleece the most. The 100 percent recycled polyester fabric is the ideal weight—it’s not so heavy that we overheated when wearing it cozied up to the fireplace at a backcountry hut in Hamilton, Montana, but was just thick enough for a few hot laps the day before Bridger Bowl closed when the temps were in the high-thirties. The ‘94 E.C.O. endured late-season slush, keeping our baselayers dry thanks to its ample thickness. A zippered front pocket kept things like a ski pass and keys safe on the slopes, and a zippered kangaroo pouch kept our hands warm. One tester loved how high the wide, half-zip collar extended; she could bury her face deep inside when the temperatures dropped later in the evening. She wore the hot pink color—it comes in a rainbow of excellent hues—from the hill to the picnic tables at the Grizz more than once in the late spring, and received endless compliments.

Bottom Line: The ideal sweatshirt staple to live in all winter once the lifts stop spinning

Crap Eyewear The Heavy Tropix Sunglasses ($89 for Non-polarized and $109 for Polarized)

Sizing: One Size
Pros: Durable, timeless, polarized
Cons: Not grippy enough to wear while being active

Crap Eyewear, a Venice, California-based, Climate Neutral-certified brand, has exploded on the skate fashion scene in the past year or so, and we’re here to report that the hype is real. We tested the Heavy Tropix shades all winter and found that the weight, shape, lenses, and colors earned it a top spot in our sunglasses rotation. Like all Crap shades, the frames are made from bioacetate, which means they’re plant-based and biodegradable (although we should note that not all landfills support biodegradation, and the brand’s website doesn’t say how long the shades take to fully biodegrade). But there’s no compromise on durability—the lenses are C-39 (a type of plastic) which means they’re less likely to shatter than glass, yet offer superior optics to polycarbonate. Testers dropped them out of their pockets on a run, chucked them into the bottom of ski bags, and tossed them in the back of the car with no signs of wear and tear. The large (but not too large) frame and 100 percent UVA/UVB-protected polarized lenses kept our peepers safe against bright snow during a long après session after we threw in the towel early. There’s no sticky nose bridge, so they were tangle-free to put on top of our hair in the evening. Plus, they look good on everyone—the spin on an aviator shape is timeless enough that it won’t go out of style anytime soon. Testers felt right at home on the deck of Vista Hall at Big Sky Resort wearing these shades. The one downside? Our friends kept trying to steal them off of our faces.

Bottom Line: Durable, fashionable shades that can handle snow glare—and envious friends.

How to Buy

While we admittedly focus on new gear for our annual guide, all of our testers agree that if consumers can find après clothing secondhand (or better yet, already in their closet), that’s the best route to go. Because après clothing isn’t essential to keeping us alive outdoors, we advise readers to avoid unnecessary purchases. Besides, it’s way cooler to sport the same hat for the past decade than to buy a new one every season, and everyone loves a retro find.

But if consumers are new to the fine art of après and don’t have the apparel to fit their needs yet, look for timeless options that will last. Check out a guide like this one to determine if the brand you’re considering is up to your sustainability standards, and look out for specific, third-party certifications like B-corp and Fair Trade Certified. While it can be tempting to buy the latest trends, consider if you’ll still want to wear them five or ten years down the line.

Let’s not forget that après happens in high alpine environments. That means that while we want to look good, we need to be comfortable, too. You might love the look of those gas station shades you picked up on the way to the resort, but your eyeballs won’t be thanking you afterward. For backcountry huts, parking lots, and even outdoor patios at your favorite ski resort, clothing that is waterproof, somewhat wind-resistant, and warm is essential. Pieces with synthetic insulation stay warm when wet—important if you’ll be in regions like the Pacific Northwest. Down insulation tends to be warmer, but it isn’t as waterproof, so consider it for cold, dry regions like northern New Mexico.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 5
• Number of products tested: 31
• Number of days tested: 30
• Number of beers spilled: 8

Our testers this year were based in Bozeman, Montana, which provided an exceptional base camp to try out a varied field of new apparel. The Grizzly Ridge bar (also known as the Grizz) at Bridger Bowl produced the ideal scene for testing clothes that appeal to younger crowds; our waterproof jackets and pants faced not just rain and snow, but also spilled Coors Light (with lime) and cheap margaritas. The parking lot at Bridger Bowl was another popular testing ground—lounging on sled decks atop friends’ pick-up trucks granted an excellent platform to show off new apparel and determine which pieces received the most praise. Didn’t get enough compliments on a sweater? Out of the running. On the other side of the spectrum, Big Sky Resort about an hour south of Bozeman supplied a more upscale scene for testing clothing. If we felt just as comfortable wearing a piece at the resort’s craft cocktail haven, Caribiner, as we did at the Grizz, we knew we had a winner. This year, we also made sure to only select pieces that were exceptionally lasting and from brands that make an effort to produce their products through sustainable and fair trade practices.

As much as we cared about the après apparel’s aesthetics, we paid close attention to technical elements as well. Because most of our après sessions were outside in high alpine environments, we vetted waterproofing, windproofing, warmth, and durability in a wide range of conditions. If we felt a product looked amazing but didn’t keep us cozy enough in temperatures below fifty degrees, it came off the list. We also tested in Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Truckee, Salt Lake City, the Austrian Alps, and various huts in the southwestern Montana backcountry, which provided an excellent field of varied climates.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Kelly Klein

Kelly is °żłÜłŮ˛őžąťĺąđ’s associate gear editor based in Bozeman, Montana. She has worked for şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř for four years and specializes in skiing and mountain biking. This year, her primary resort was Bridger Bowl, but she also skied and tested après gear at Big Sky, Sugar Bowl, Vail, Solitude, Snowbird, Sun Valley, Cooke City, Hamilton, and Rauris, Austria.

Abby Lawes

Another Bozemanite, Abby is a sustainability and ESG senior associate at the consulting firm PwC, so she especially knows what to look for in sustainable and ethically-produced companies. Abby’s favorite après haunts around Montana include the rooftop of the Crystal Bar, hot tubs she can mooch off her friends, and the bar at 7 Gables Resort in Anaconda.

Caroline Painter

Originally from Seattle, Washington, Caroline currently works as a fifth-grade teacher and is based out of Bozeman, Montana. She got her best après-ski testing this season after an avalanche course at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, at the Grizz with Abby and Kelly, and lounging with friends on the deck of the Woody Creek hut near Cooke City, MT in late April.

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There’s much debate about who invented the “après-ski” ritual. Was it cold-hardened Stone Age Scandinavians? Perhaps a group of upper crust Swiss shredders in the 1950s? Whoever it was, Americans have latched on to the tradition, hard. And we’re better off for it. Thanks to our fore-bearers, it’s now the norm to cap a day of skiing and snowboarding, two of the most fun winter activities out there, with dancing, music, and great food and drink. To help you on your journey—and to honor those early après-ers—we’ve tested apparel built for recovery, warmth, and style to find the very best after a hard day of carving.

The Winners at a Glance

• Cotopaxi Fuego Down Overalls
• Xtratuf Ice 6 inch Nylon Ankle Deck Boot
• Topo Designs Fleece Cap
• Flylow Bear Jacket
• Roka Lockhart Sunglasses

The Reviews: The Best ˛Ńąđ˛Ô’s Après Apparel of 2024

Cotopaxi Fuego Down Overalls ($285)

Size: S-XXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s)
Pros: Significantly warmer than down pants
Cons: Bulky

If there’s a piece of clothing that screams “après!” these overalls are it. Packed with 800-fill down and a water-resistant DWR-finished shell, the overalls created an entire force field of cold-weather protection when matched with a thick jacket and were our go-to for the most bitter post-ski evenings. Thanks to a roomy cut and full-length side zipper, they were a cinch to get on and off and felt like a body-mapped down blanket. Max Halbach, a nomad who sometimes lives in his Toyota van and knows a thing about needing to stay cozy during winter, said the overalls were the “apex of warmth and comfort.” Like all things Cotopaxi, the Fuego overalls come in a variety of wild and fun colors, which only enhanced the party vibe.

Bottom line: Your go-to layer for the coldest après sessions

Flylow Bear Jacket ($350)

Size: XS-XXL
Pros: Tons of warmth without tons of bulk
Cons: Pricey

Flylow designed this jacket for backcountry skiers who need an ultra-warm piece they can pull on for lunch in the wind, or a cold descent into a steep couloir. Lead tester Jakob Schiller used it in the Utah backcountry and found that the Flylow excelled in both those scenarios. But because the jacket is so warm, it became his après go-to as well. The sustained warmth comes from 133 grams of Primaloft Gold insulation, which kept him toasty while standing around cooking food, but also breathed exceptionally well while he danced badly in the parking lot. A performance DWR on the outer 20-denier fabric came in handy when liquids were spilled, and the jacket dried quickly each night, prepping it for another skiing/après combo mission the next day.

Bottom line: A great all-around insulation piece

Topo Designs Fleece Cap ($39)

Size: One size
Pros: Versatile
Cons: Beanie heads will think it’s dorky

As soon as your ski helmet comes off and you sit down in the parking lot to have your first beer or taco, you’ll need a hat to hide your helmet hair and keep your ears warm. You could put on a standard beanie, or you could pull out this brimmed fleece hat. The one-piece ear flap pulls down for when it’s truly cold and folds up when you’re dancing your ass off and need to vent some steam. Made from a buttery-soft fleece, the hat stood out (in a good way) in the sea of beanie heads while the brim offered plenty of sun protection during mid-day lunch. Tester Phil Shaffer ended up using the hat all winter, not just for après, but also for working outside and even on winter runs. “We should all be thinking about expanding beyond the standard beanie,” he said.

Bottom line: Better than a beanie

Xtratuf Ice 6 inch Nylon Ankle Deck Boot ($175)

Size: 7-14 (men’s), 5-11 (women’s)
Pros: Great grip on ice
Cons: Ugly as sin

Lined with faux shearling and insulated with 200 grams of synthetic insulation, the Ankle Deck Boots are the pinnacle of comfort. We dreamed about pulling them on once the clock hit about 3:30 and our feet were sick of being trapped in plastic downhill shells. But the real selling point is the Glacier Trek Pro outsole, which gripped the wet ice that coated our favorite parking lots and kept us on our feet at all times, no matter how many hamburgers we were trying to carry to our kids. The mid-high cut and waterproof membrane was enough to keep snow and water from getting into the boot, and the simple lace design allowed us to cinch them down for a functional level of support.

Bottom line: Just as warm but more versatile than your Sorels, if not as easy on the eyes.

Roka Lockhart Sunglasses ($185)

Size: One size
Pros: Loud, but not too loud
Cons: Not made for large faces

You’re not going to buy these pricey glasses just for après. You invest in the Lockhart for everyday use because they have sturdy frames, high-quality crystal-clear lenses, and temple grips to keep them on your face at all times. You use them on your commute to work, during your workout, while skiing, and then for après. But to make them après-appropriate, you have to go for the very bright Bourbon colorway that screams “I like to have fun!” Our testers passed them around during parking lot parties: Everyone loved the lenses and frames, which add the perfect amount of pop to a well-balanced après outfit. The Lockharts fit all faces, even over lead tester Jakob Schiller’s huge nose, but everyone agreed that they looked best on smaller faces.

Bottom line: An après-friendly pair of sunglasses that works just about anywhere

How to Buy

When you’re piecing together the perfect après kit, the two things that matter most are warmth and fun. The warmth part is important because there’s a lot of standing around talking, eating, drinking, and so on; you don’t need performance layers that are going to shed sweat. Down is the OG warmth material, and still one of the best, which is why we fell in love with the Cotopaxi down bibs. But synthetic insulation, like Primaloft Gold, which you’ll find in the Flylow jacket, is not only crazy warm, but also stays warm when wet (damn you, spilled beer).

In terms of fun, a little goes a long way. You don’t have to show up to après in a dinosaur costume, but instead should think about pieces that add some pop and flair to your kit: Oddly-shaped sunglasses, a wildly colored jacket, or a different kind of hat. You want to show that you’re not going overboard, but don’t take yourself too seriously, either.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 5
• Number of products tested: 35
• Coldest temp: -5 degrees Fahrenheit
• Favorite après music: Taylor Swift and Bob Marley
• Latest time party ended: Undisclosed

The après testing category is one of the most coveted at şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř. Who doesn’t want to be handed a piece of cozy gear and told to go have fun in the parking lot? And this year, the après scene was particularly energized thanks to a pretty incredible snow year across the country. Our testers danced and drank in parking lots next to Alta and Jackson Hole, both of which set snowfall records and were absolutely buzzing with excitement. They also kept it a little more mellow at smaller ski areas such as Ski Santa Fe, where they hung with kids and grandparents who didn’t exactly party, but certainly knew how to enjoy a post-ski snack.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Jakob Schiller is a former şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř gear editor turned gear columnist with over a decade worth of gear reviews under his belt. His main job as category manager was to stoke out his friends with warm gear, tell them to go have fun, and then have them report back on which items helped them keep the party going. He also did his own testing on several road trips throughout the American West and can report back that the 2022-23 ski season was filled with high-quality après celebrations.

Back to the Winter Gear Guide

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Pros: Small size; efficient heating; great in both modes

Cons: Small grilling area; fussy to switch between modes

Who It’s For: Fire lovers that often camp where there are fire restrictions; people that love to grill; skiers and boarders that are serious about apres

I’m a sucker for nomadic grilling. Being deep in the forest, miles from civilization, and eating something like a hot bratwurst or grilled salmon filet just feels right. Plus, I’ve discovered that I can endure all kinds of suffering, like a hundred miles on a gravel bike, if there’s the promise of fresh fish tacos when I step off the saddle. And because I use terms like “nomadic grilling” near my iPhone and Alexa device, I get a lot of targeted ads for items that might fall under this category on the socials. My feed is essentially a litany of grills, max-cushion running shoes, and EDC knives—outdoor dad stuff. A targeted ad actually introduced me to Ignik’s new ($300), a portable fire box fed by a propane tank that doubles as a small grill—it’s basically catnip for a person like me. I ordered one immediately, and spent a couple months testing it in my backyard and out in the wild.

I’ve used a variety of open flame/portable grilling devices over the last couple of years in the name of journalism, from a cast-iron grill designed to fit over a Solo Stove, to a full-sized grill built to fit on the back of your vehicle. Cooking food over a flame is fun and each of these grills has their pros and cons, but after using the FireCan Deluxe for many meals, I’m having a hard time coming up with anything I don’t like about the grill, besides its petite size.

Plus, it doubles as a campfire because you can use it under many fire restrictions in the western U.S. (always be sure to check local regulations). Considering the prevalence of wildfires in the Western U.S. and the leave no trace ethics surrounding campfires in general, it’s a smart concept. Hook up a propane source and you have all the fun and warmth of a campfire in a contained box that requires no cleanup, just like the original Firecan.

The Deluxe is very similar to the first edition, but has a removable stainless-steel insert and grilling grate that you slide into the outer shell that lets you BBQ. It also has two propane valve connection ports: one that allows more gas into the FireCan while in firepit mode (for a whopping 38,000 BTUs), and another that throttles the gas feed down for cooking. You just connect the propane hose to whichever port coincides with the mode you want to use. The only bummer is that you can’t just buy a grilling insert for the original FireCan if you’ve already invested in that particular product.

When the Deluxe arrived, I was surprised at how small it was. It’s basically a 12- by 6- by 8-inch rectangle (like a shoe box) that weighs just 13 pounds. With a handle on top, it’s easy to carry and takes up very little space in the back of my truck, which I like, but it also severely limits the amount of grilling space on hand. It’s basically big enough for two burgers or four or five bratwursts— you’re not going to roast a whole hog on this thing. You might not even be able to fit a large filet of salmon on the grill without trimming it. And if you’re cooking for more than two people, you’ll be doing the work in batches.

But the small size helps keep the Deluxe efficient: the grill gets hot quickly (I usually let it burn on high for a few minutes before loading the grill and reducing the heat) and cooks thoroughly with no discernable hot or cold spots. You can even use the metal lid while in grill mode to help trap the heat and cook your meal even faster. Because of the small size and good design, you’re not burning through an excessive amount of gas to cook a couple of burgers like you would if you were using a full-sized grill. All good things.

A couple of other design aspects that I really like: Four legs fold out from the bottom of the FireCan, raising the heat far enough off the surface that you can safely use it on a picnic table or truck tailgate. The grilling insert helps keep the grease and rogue bits of burger away from the propane burners on the bottom of the FireCan (there’s even a removable drip tray to collect excess grease), and the fact that the insert is removable makes it very easy to clean.

One thing all users should keep in mind: the FireCan gets wicked hot. Don’t touch it until it’s had time to cool off after use. I got into the habit of turning it off immediately after I was done cooking and letting it cool while I ate. It typically takes about 10-15 minutes to cool down before you can handle it and pack it up again.

Another minor complaint I have about that two propane connection port system—it adds a level of logistical difficulty to the FireCan Deluxe if you want to use it as both a grill and fire pit in the same outing. For instance, you can’t cook then just remove the grill insert and transition seamlessly into firepit mode. You have to turn the gas off, switch the feeder hose to the other port and relight the FireCan. It’s a small detail, but it would be great to be able to move smoothly from grilling to party mode without having to mess with the propane connection.

I’m excited about using the FireCan Deluxe for post-ride tailgating sessions during the summer, and for car camping trips when I’m not bringing the entire family—it’s simply too small to accommodate a lot of hungry stomachs on big, family camping trips. I’m also stoked about the winter tailgating potential. It’s far more compact than my other portable fire pits, but it puts out a lot of heat, so the fire pit will come in handy while drinking an apres beer in the parking lot after a ski session.

While it’s not the perfect solution for every situation, it’s an efficient little grill that can add warmth and tasty grub to a lot of different scenarios. I mean, grilled fish tacos in the middle of the woods. What’s not to love?

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Kalle Norman was on a university ski trip to Hokkaido, Japan in 2016 when he first laid eyes on the strikingly orange winter boots. Japan, surrounded on all sides by the ocean and sitting at roughly the same latitude as Chicago, receives a lot of precipitation. Massive amounts of freezing cold air whip off Siberia and over the Sea of Japan, where they pick up moisture and promptly dump it on the mountains of Hokkaido which, as a result, are one of the snowiest ranges on Earth.

Norman, a Swedish business student, noticed that many locals—including lifties—donned these unbranded, chunky, and super colorful gum boots to fend off the extreme elements. His interest piqued, he searched for them all over and eventually found some in a hardware store. When he tried them on, he was shocked to discover how lightweight they were for such an assertive-looking boot. He brought a pair home for himself (it’s cold in Sweden, too), plus a few more for friends and family.

The distinctive boots immediately garnered a lot of attention on Norman’s campus. He spent some time researching the distributor of the boot, before eventually locating the factory in Japan. As an experiment, he ordered 100 pairs to sell at local markets. They were an immediate hit, which Norman attributed to their simplistic beauty and remarkable effectiveness in the Scandinavian weather. Over time, Norman’s best friend Christofer Ljunggren (also still a student), recognized an opportunity to apply his design and branding skills to the budding enterprise. With Ljunggren behind the creative helm and Norman overseeing the financials, the boot officially launched in 2019.

The business immediately hit two minor roadblocks: the original manufacturing facility in Japan flooded, and didn’t plan to rebuild, and—more concerning for Norman and Ljunggren—to continue to make boots. There was also a global pandemic to navigate. The silver lining? The manufacturer shared the design sketches for the boots with them. So, they tweaked the designs to align with their unique vision for functionality and aesthetics. Once they settled on a final revision, they contracted a new manufacturer to make them.

Fubukis are designed for people who spend their entire day, and often a large portion of their lives, on snow.Ěý Norman and Ljunggren have tried most of the household-name winter boots, and have always disagreed with the idea that good quality boots need to be cumbersome and, well, boring. Their goal was to create something that was functional, comfortable, and that looked damn good. The end result is certainly a conversation starter.

They’re constructed with an EVA outer that keeps them light and waterproof, a drawcord collar that blocks snow, and a fleece lining that offers both warmth and cushioning. Each pair is shockingly light, which allows for unencumbered walking, and the cushioned midsole and shock absorbing heel are gentle on the foot. They also have added grip on the soles for improved traction. Unmistakable in their nature, Fubukis are the perfect antidote to a ski boot: cold, hardened plastic is swiftly replaced by soft, cushioned foam.

I’ve been wearing them for four months straight and love them. I live in Whistler, a location known for its notoriously wet winters, with some ultra-cold snaps thrown on for good measure. In other words, fantastic testing grounds. All winter long I’ve received compliments, and my feet have never been warmer. They are remarkably lightweight, whilst not feeling at all insubstantial, with impressively effective insulation and rock-solid waterproofing. My previous snow boots were a beautiful (if impractical) combination of faux fur and suede, and were almost as comfortable as hut booties. But as soon as the snowfall turned to slush, I may as well have been wearing Crocs. Now, I don’t have to dodge the bottomless puddles of slush on my walks, I charge through them with the fearlessness of a toddler in a rainsuit. There are no criss-crossed lace hooks to fumble with, no awkward tongues, and thanks to their simple design, the transition from ski boot into Fubukis is seamless.

Wrenching my stiff, frozen feet out of my ski boots and plunging them into the plush depths of my Fubukis is now one of my favorite sensations. OnĚý really cold days, I start daydreaming about them halfway down my last run, and I can’t say that I’ve felt like that about any other winter boot.

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Like many skiers, I was eager to watch the premier of Daymaker on şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř Watch. With the knowledge that the film follows talented, gutsy skiers through the heavenly terrains like the Monashee Mountains and the summery slopes of Wengen, Switzerland, I anticipated watching lots of powder flying, risky runs and talented athletes.Ěý

What I didn’t predict was my fixation on the snowmobile burrito.

In the film, professional skier, rally cart racer, vegetarian and overall badass is seen prepping his snowmobile for a morning of skiing. With a little aluminum packet in hand, he grins at the camera and pops it in a compartment near the engine.

“Setting up my burrito, setting up for success, really,” Rich says. “By the time we get up to the zone, I’ll have a warm burrito. Game changer.”

How Do I Get a Snowmobile Burrito?

To warm his burrito, Rich uses what’s called a or an exhaust food warmer made for motorsport vehicles. This is an air-tight container made of stainless steel developed to sustain high temperatures and resist corrosion. It’s made for everything from roast chicken breast, potato hash with veggies, bacon or – you guessed it – breakfast burritos.Ěý

History recounts that the first engine warming was done by truckers who would heat cans of soup on the hot exhaust manifold while driving cross country. This obviously isn’t recommended today because cans typically contain epoxy resin, but it’s said this is where the inspiration for exhaust cooking stems from.

Try These Burrito Recipes on the Slopes

How to Make Pro Skier Lynsey Dyer’s Breakfast Burrito Recipe

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