Winter is upon us, which can only mean winter sports are on everyone’s minds. As any avid skier will tell you, the gear that you use makes all the difference. Choosing the right equipment for each condition, whether it be big mountain, deep powder, or cross country trails, can ruin a trip or make it unforgettable. Here are our top picks this season for superb ski gear.

POC Lids ($200)

Before you take off down the mountain, you want to make sure you can see where you are going. For a goggle that is comfortable and effective in even the toughest conditions, you can’t go wrong with the POC Lids. These new, super-wide frameless goggles feature a double lens that is both anti-fog and anti-scratch. Partner great visibility with maximum comfort offered by the triple layer face foam and special gripping strap that keeps it in place, and you’ll never want to take these things off.

Giro Seam ($160)

Never has a helmet been such a chameleon. If you have steered away from helmets in the past because your head gets too sweaty or you can never get it to fit just right, the introduction of the Giro Seam leaves you no more excuses. With twelve vents that can be adjusted from a single control, Giro Seam makes head sweat a thing of the past. Perfect for all types of skiers, this helmet also offers an in-form fit system dial that allows you to fit it as closely to your head as possible. The light weight and ability to easily accommodate any goggles of your choice makes this helmet all the more appealing. If you still aren’t sold, TuneUps, an audio system that is sold separately, can make this helmet any music lover’s dream.

 

Salomon Spirit GTX U ($140)

With the help of Salomon’s new Spirit GTX, gone are the days of freezing, wet fingers and warming your hands on the way up the chairlift. This superior skiing glove keeps water out and warmth in with the GORE-TEX lining that is completely waterproof and windproof, but still allows perspiration from inside the glove to easily escape. Primaloft keeps your hands cozy and warm inside this decked-out leather glove. As an added bonus, forget the usual struggle that occurs when taking gloves on and off—the short cuff on the Spirit takes the hassle out of repositioning by allowing you to easily slide them into position under your jacket without the risk of snow getting inside.

Eddie Bauer Neoteric ($449)

Possibly the best ski jacket of the season, the Eddie Bauer Neoteric is light, with maximum stretch and breathability. Polartec’s revolutionary NeoShell fabric is what makes all the difference in this resort stud. It is waterproof and windproof without smothering because the fabric allows two-way air flow. Most importantly, it is made for activity, so skiers can twist and turn without worrying about their jacket working against them.

Line Tac Ski Pole ($45)

These poles are lightweight, strong, and stylish without breaking the bank. The aluminum shaft is extremely durable, made to last all season long no matter what terrain you tackle. The foam grips may be skinny, but this also makes them extremely secure without skimping on comfort.

 

Salomon STH2 13 Ski Bindings ($229)

When thinking about buying ski gear, most people skip over this category. Though they may not be as fun of a buy, any skier will tell you that without the proper bindings, even the best skis won’t do you much good. The Salomon STH2 13 is new this season, taking the place of the 12 and 14 by combining features so that you get a longer toe arm, 3D Driver pivot, and a wide flex heel in one dynamite binding. This burly binding is made for easy riding and offers a lot of flex in both the heel and toe, but it can also withstand a beating. Whether you’re freeskiing, taking on big mountains, or slashing through deep powder, these bindings have you covered.

K2 SpYre 110 ($599)

It’s hard to go wrong with the K2 SpYre. The boot was built specifically with a woman in mind. The cuff is 15mm lower on the woman’s boot than the men’s, in order to accommodate a shorter calf. The lower cuff also allows above-average lean angle. But don’t worry, even though this boot offers maximum flex, it also has great balance. The SpYre comes with a PrecisionFit Intuition liner that is extremely comfortable and fits snugly in the top of the boot. For those who want a tighter, specialized fit, the liner can also be heat molded. Minimalist aluminum buckles and a power-enhancing Velcro strap top off this sapphire beauty, making it an obvious choice for style-savvy shoppers.

K2 Backdrop Ski ($699)

K2 brings something new to powder skiing with the Backdrop Ski. The Powertip design pulls the tip farther down so you can continue to float on top of heavy powder. Unlike other fat skis, this touring slayer is super light thanks to carbon in the tail and fore-body. To offer superior control, a triaxial braid of fiberglass makes the ski incredibly responsive so that you can cut up any complex run. This feature gives the Backdrop added quickness that requires minimal work from the user.

Rossignol Experience 88 ($599)

The Experience 88 offers superior balance from tip to tail. Thanks to the high camber and low rocker height, these skis tackle any terrain; from light, airy powder to hard-packed icy slopes, all with superb control. From the top, the cascade tip smooths out turns, improving precision and edging. The Sandwich sidewall construction offers even more edging power, giving this ski increased flexibility and durability when carving up the mountain. Features like Auto Turn Rocker and the Extended Sidecut deliver increased stability and quickness, as well a unmatched maneuverability. Watch the skis in action below.

Images courtesy of K2/POC/Salomon/Giro/Eddie Bauer