The Best Winter Gear of 2024

Technical Specs, Reviews, and where to buy

If you find yourself navigating the labyrinth of ski choices, pondering which ski to buy, and yearning for the slopes that promise adventure beyond compare, you’re in the right place. In this exploration of all things ski-related, we’re here to unravel the mysteries, celebrate the innovations, and guide you through the exhilarating world of skiing.

The Best Ski Gear of 2024

Review #1: Stöckli Laser WRT Pro – Editor’s Choice

• Category: Carving
• Lengths (cm): 167, 172, 180
• Dimensions (mm): 118-66-100
• Radius (m): 14.8 (172)

If the Stöckli Laser WRT Pro were aiming for college, it would be a top contender for the Ivy League. This high-performance ski excelled in all test categories, securing its position as the number one unisex carving ski of the year. It received near-perfect scores for Stability at Speed and Hard-Snow Integrity. Geof Ochs, director of marketing for Sync Performance in Vail, Colorado, praised its exceptional responsiveness, describing it as an energetic, reliable, and stiff ski with excellent stability on groomers, ice, and even crud. The Laser WRT Pro, inspired by race skis, boasts wide metal edges and sturdy racing sidewalls with full-edge contact for direct power transfer. Testers were impressed by its ability to handle various turn shapes and its “heat-seeking missile energy” coming out of each turn, as described by Chris Bivona, owner of Ski Town All-Stars in Vail, Colorado.

Review #2: Blizzard Phoenix R14 Pro

• Category: Women’s Carving
• Lengths (cm): 155, 160, 165, 170, 175
• Dimensions (mm): 121-70-102
• Radius (m): 14 (165)

The Blizzard Phoenix R14 Pro climbed the ranks to claim the top spot as the best-performing women’s carving ski of 2023-24. With its narrower profile at 70 millimeters underfoot, this ski excelled in carving and hard-snow integrity. Skiers found it excelled on fast and firm terrain, particularly steep groomers. The Phoenix R14 Pro favors medium- to long-radius turns, with short arcs requiring more work, said testers. Construction includes a double layer of Titanal, a dampening carbon plate underfoot, and a core with varying densities. Testers noted it’s a serious carver designed for charging in early-season conditions.

Review #3: Völkl Kendo 88 – Editor’s Choice

• Category: Frontside
• Lengths (cm): 163, 170, 177, 184
• Dimensions (mm): 129-88-113
• Radius (m): 16 (177)

The Völkl Kendo, named after the traditional Japanese martial art, continues to impress. The Kendo 88 is described as insanely fun and responsive. It received the highest scores for Hard-Snow Integrity and Stability at Speed among all frontside skis, both unisex and women’s. It’s known for its versatility, with a Tailored Titanal Frame that adjusts for height and skier ability. Testers praised its ability to handle various conditions, from hard snow to bumps, as long as you’re ready to put in the effort.

The Best Hybrid Resort/Backcountry Ski Boots of 2024

Review #1:  2024 Dynafit Tigard 130 – Editor’s Choice

• Flex Rating: 130
• Last Width (mm): 101
• Volume: Medium
• Weight (per boot in grams): 1,590 (for size 26.5)
• ISO Certification: 23223 (GripWalk with Dynafit inserts)
• Size Range: Available in sizes 25.0-31.5
• Gender: Designed for both men and women (Unisex)

Advantages:

• Exceptional downhill performance, even with a walk mode feature.
• Offers a generous 70-degree range of motion, surpassing what is typically found in other hybrid/all-mountain boots.

Drawbacks:

• Achieving a comfortable fit can be challenging for skiers with lower-volume feet.

Review #2:  Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115 BOA W GW

• Flex Rating: 115
• Last Width (mm): 98
• Volume: Low
• Weight (per boot in grams): 1,630 (for size 24.5)
• ISO Certification: 23223 (GripWalk with tech inserts)
• Size Range: Available in sizes 22.5-27.5
• Gender: Designed for women

Advantages:

• This BOA-equipped boot offers a truly high-performance fit.
• A great choice for skiers with narrower feet.

Drawbacks:

• The cuff’s stiffness limits the range of forward and backward movement, which can lead to less comfort during touring.

Review #3: K2 Mindbender 130 BOA

• Flex Rating: 130
• Last Width (mm): 97 to 104
• Volume: Ranging from Low to Medium (K2 MultiFit)
• Weight (per boot in grams): 1,945 (for size 27.5)
• ISO Certification: 23223 (GripWalk with tech inserts)
• Size Range: Available in sizes 24.5-30.5
• Gender: Designed for both men and women (Unisex)

Advantages:

• An excellent choice for skiers who divide their time evenly between resort skiing and backcountry adventures.
• The spacious fit above the midfoot area makes it a suitable option for skiers with high insteps.

Drawbacks:

• Achieving a snug fit for skiers with lower-volume feet can be challenging, often requiring significant adjustment of the BOA dial.

The Best New Ski Bindings of 2024

Review #1: Griffon 13 ID Ski Binding – 2024

• DIN: 4-13
• Brake Width: 90mm, 110mm, 120mm
• Boot Compatibility: Alpine, WTR, AT
• Safety Features: Gliding AFD, Triple Pivot toe
• Stand Height: 24mm

Advantages:

• Versatile compatibility with multiple boot sole norms.

• Exceptional power transmission for precise skiing.

• Reliable safety release function.

Drawbacks:

• Slightly heavier compared to some alternatives.

• Comes at a premium price point.

Review #2: Attack 14 GW Ski Binding – 2024

• Material: AFD metal
• DIN: 4-14
• Brake Width: 85mm, 95mm, 110mm
• Boot Compatibility: Alpine, GripWalk
• Safety Features: FR Pro 3 toe, NX FR heel

Advantages:

• All-mountain dominance, ideal for resort and backcountry skiing.
• Provides direct power transmission and precise control.
• Lightweight and agile, perfect for versatile terrain exploration.

Drawbacks:

• Primarily compatible with GripWalk boot soles.
• Achieving the perfect fit may be technically challenging, especially for skiers with lower-volume feet.

Review #3: Duke PT 13 Ski Binding – 2024

• Material: Plastic
• DIN: 4-13
• Brake Width: 100mm, 125mm
• Boot Compatibility: Alpine (ISO 5355), GripWalk (ISO 23223), Alpine Touring (ISO 9523), Tech, Walk to Ride (WTR)
• Stand Height: 27mm

Advantages:

• Seamlessly blends backcountry versatility with alpine performance.
• Flip-from-touring-to-alpine toe-piece.
• Adaptive heel risers for changing skin tracks.
• DIN ranges up to 13 for a broad skier range.
• Reliable alpine heel retention and quick release with stainless steel AFD.
  
  Drawbacks:
• Potential added weight due to versatility and features.

The Best New Ski Helmets of 2024

Review #1: Vantage MIPS – Best Choice Overall

Features

• Dual regulator climate control offers easy, one-handed front and rear vent adjustment
• 21 vents
• Removable Snapfit SL2 ear pads add warmth and are audio-chip compatible
• XT2® antimicrobial lining offers sweat-activated odor control
• Aleck® audio systems compatible
• Weight (Size M): 18oz / 500g

Review #2: Diamond MIPS Snow Helmet – Best Budget Choice

Features

• MIPS Safety System
• Best-In-Class Ventilation 
• Super Lightweight
• Audio Compatible Earpads
• Adjustable Size – Size Adjustment Dial For a Perfect Fit
• Goggles Strap Retainer
• Seamless Compatibility

Review #3: Oakley MOD 5 MIPS Helmet – Best Resort Skiing Choice

Features

• Fit Adjustment: BOA® 360 Fit System, Fidlock buckle
• Visors: Light Brim
• Certifications: ASTM F2040, CE EN1077
• Claimed Weight: 1 Lb 6oz.
• Activity: skiing, snowboarding
• Manufacturer Warranty: Limited Lifetime

The Best New Ski Goggles of 2024

Review #1: Vantage MIPS – Best Choice Overall

Features

• Dual regulator climate control offers easy, one-handed front and rear vent adjustment
• 21 vents
• Removable Snapfit SL2 ear pads add warmth and are audio-chip compatible
• XT2® antimicrobial lining offers sweat-activated odor control
• Aleck® audio systems compatible
• Weight (Size M): 18oz / 500g