Gear Up
The best gear for slopes that see every snowy condition from powder, groomers, and hardpack to fresh tracks off-piste, crust, even chunder.
SKIS, BOOTS, AND BINDINGS
Renamed for the 2021 season, the Head Supershape e-Titan ($1,200; head.com) presents the widest footprint in Head’s Supershape ski line. The high-speed carving weapon slices up snow with a rearward side cut that allows you to engage on edge at a lower angle, making the ski quicker and more maneuverable. With 133 mm up front, 84 mm underfoot, and 115 mm in the rear, the e-Titan is wide enough to ease through powder and tight enough to hold a turn on hardpack. The Energy Management Circuit uses two sheets of metal and graphene to absorb vibrations. The updated rocker and camber help boost your finish. Mount a set of Tyrolia PRD 12 GW bindings ($300; tyrolia.com) with a DIN rating of 3.5–12 for maximum safety and easy entry/exit, and step into Head’s Nexo LYT 130 boots ($825; head.com): stiff yet light four-buckle boots with injectable paraffin material that fills in any gaps around the lower legs.
SNOWBOARD, BOOTS, AND BINDINGS
The Burton Free Thinker ($600; burton.com) is a traditional camber twin loaded with pop, power, and speed. For hard, fast, and aggressive riding, the board remains stable on every snowpack from morning groomers to afternoon crud. Any bump can feel like an aircraft carrier’s catapult, launching you airborne with ease. In the park, the ride is solid and builds confidence on rails and ramps. The symmetric front and rear allow you to carve and spin whether you’re riding regular or switch. A full-length carbon layer lightens the board and provides better torsional feel, and the Channel board mounting system lets you create your perfect stance and accommodates most major bindings. A set of Burton’s Cartel X EST bindings ($300) come in colors to complement the Free Thinker’s Scott Lenhardt spectrum artwork. Add in a pair of Burton Kendo Snowboard boots ($320) with a moldable liner and mid-range flex for control.
TECH JACKETS
The latest from Helly Hansen (hellyhansen.com) are the men’s Steilhang and women’s Pinnacle, both priced at $700 and featuring a waterproof and breathable Helly Tech layer to keep you dry, four-way stretch fabric for mobility, and the new H2Flow Air Force Vent System to regulate your temperature. H2Flow stores warm air as your body temperature increases; to cool down, open the optimally placed zippers. The insulated Life Pocket even keeps your mobile phone warm.
SNOW PANTS
The classically styled Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pants (from $80) are waterproof, breathable, and have two-way stretch fabric that allows you to move freely on the slopes. The full-length PrimaLoft keeps you warm, while zipper vents let you cool off as things heat up. —D.K.
