Looking at the high-end offering from our favorite ski brands is always a microcosm for what brands and manufacturers are most proud of. From the latest technology, to gadgets and gizmos you never knew you needed, these are the pieces you need before your next mountain adventure. Whether your idea of a ski vacation is shredding the gnar off-piste or sipping cocoa by a fire we’ve got you covered.
HIS
A special preview of next fall’s must-have helmet, limited to only 3,000 for the holiday season. Built for the avid alpine enthusiast, this style features every protective bell and whistle possible.
Zeal’s all-new Automaticplus+ lens is three goggles in one, allowing you to see clearly in any light conditions, from whiteout to flat light to blue bird days. Oh…and they happen to be scratch resistant.
Stio, a Jackson Hole-based brand, has grown from a local favorite to a national phenomenon. Their new top-of-the-line Shot 7 features a waterproof/breathable shell and
Though these pants borrow inspiration from alpine history, nothing about them is dated. Rather, they seem pretty timeless. The winter trouser marries a blended wool
New for gloves and mittens is the use of Downtek, a 100 percent treated goose down that stays warm without the clumping (or odor) of regular down.
In celebration of Never Summer’s 25th anniversary, the Twenty Five is the perfect ride all-mountain shredding from powder to sublimely groomed corduroy. All the latest tech is incorporated, from the Hextech Topsheet, RDS 1+ Damping System, and Ripsaw Rocker Camber Profile. Cheers to another 25 years.
Burton’s highest end option for performance, comfort, and technology are the Ferrari of snowboarding boots. The Speedzone lacing system is still the fastest around. They also feature Vibram soles for shock absorption and are made of 50 percent recycled rubber, ensuring the lightest environmental footprint possible.
Austrian race heritage shines through, providing uncompromising on-piste control. The ski’s Exo Profile technology slashes weight by up to 20 percent over other resort sticks, and the race-inspired shape and thin waist provide easy initiation into perfect arching turns. These skis can handle whatever the mountain can throw at them, thanks to new Carbon Tank Mesh construction that stabilizes the skis through carves and reduces chatter on hard pack.
Looking for the perfect ski boot that can take you from the slopes to the après ski? The Apex Ski Boot System combines on-mountain precision with off-mountain comfort, pairing modular chassis with a soft boot for the ultimate in strength and comfort on the hill and easy transition to the bar—just click out of the chassis and stroll into the lodge in the walkable boot. Featuring an open three-buckle chassis, constructed with nano fiber, the walkable boot insert includes two Boa closure zones, Thinsulate heat-moldable liner for warmth and Vibram IceTrek outsoles for traction in all conditions.
HER
Known for their distinctive and fashionable off-mountain winter coats, legendary French brand Moncler has teamed up with equally legendary Italian helmet maker Kask on a strictly limited edition of a bluetooth audio-equipped helmet as part of their Grenoble line.
Eliminate foggy lenses forever at the touch of a button with the latest tech from Abom. Using their exclusive KLAIR technology, a heated film in between a two-part lens heats the lens, preventing your goggles from getting fogged up from your first trip up the chairlift. Powered by USB, these goggles have two modes: one for all day relief, and another for on-demand use. Plus, these come in eight lens colors, for every possible condition.
Completely insulated, waterproof, and breathable, the Tiya jacket delivers the technical trifecta while looking amazing on in the process. The Gore-Tex shell provides the performance you demand, while the Coreloft synthetic insulation keeps you toasty when the thermometer drops.
Bibs are back! And they’re not just for kids anymore, because serious skiers and riders are loving full coverage and warmth in every condition. Constructed with a three layer Gore-Tex exterior, fully taped seams and flannel interior, nothing is getting in between your comfort and the elements. Lest we forget, the drop-seat is removable for easy access.
Winner of the 2016/17 ISPO award, the Quattro ski is specifically designed for groomed runs. Available for both men and women, they are one of the most technologically advanced skis on the market. The name Quattro speaks to Blizzard’s four tenants of tackling groomed runs: stability, precision, agility, and control; these skis come in four styles, with another seven different constructions, specific to each one.
Whether you’re a pro like Kelly Clark or just want to look like one, the Feelgood is Burton’s top-of-the-line women’s deck. Carbon highlights have shaved some serious weight off the board while maintaining strength, feel, and that “pop” we’ve come to expect from the originator of snowboarding. Additionally, the Channel mounting system provides infinite configurations for a stance that is yours and yours alone.
In the third year of a successful collaboration, the team behind the iconic Frye label has continued to add their creative distinctiveness to Burton’s latest boot tech. A nod to the fashion forward, via Frye’s signature original leather (à la the Campus Stitching Horse Boot) this design also exemplifies Burton’s focus on performance, with the Boa closure system, which supplies the perfect fit and feel. Add the heated USB-charged “Toaster” liner ($219) for warm toes in less than a minute. Lifetime warranty included.
EXTRAS:
Featuring the new BodyfitZONE technology, this one-piece base layer is 96 percent merino wool and four percent Lycra, in order to maximize performance and mobility, while keeping you warm and looking awesome. Most importantly it has a fly and two-way zippered back flap for “easy access.”
Proving that quality never goes out of style, the French heritage sunglass maker, Vuarnet, is back with a vengeance after falling into relative obscurity. If you saw the latest James Bond film Spectre, you might have noticed Daniel Craig sporting a pair of Glaciers in that epic alpine chase scene. Founded in 1957 by French optician and ski-enthusiast, Roger Pouilloux, all Vuarnet lenses are scratch-proof, manufactured in the small French town of Meaux and exclusively assembled in their Paris-based factory.
Available February 2017, Swedish brand, Thule knows a thing of two about transporting ski gear (they make those car racks you see everywhere in ski towns). The Subterra line is form and function in one. It actually unzips as needed into 2 smaller bags to help you outsmart those ridiculous airport luggage scales. Available at Thule.
For more snow coverage, from top resorts to killer après ski spots, head to Mrluxuryski.com.
