New technologies are fueling our winter comfort and bumping up the fun meter at the same time. Here’s the latest and greatest for 2015.
1. Outdoor Tech CHIPS
Riding with tunes can make the day so much more enjoyable, especially if you are solo. And high-tech, high-quality Bluetooth speakers have come a very long way to make that experience even better. To use the new CHIPS from speaker and portable power leader Outdoor Tech, all you need is a helmet with an audio liner and a smartphone. Not into the hands- and wire-free convenience of Bluetooth? They are introducing a wired version this year as well for only $40. outdoortechnology.com; $129.95
2. Tasc Baselayers
Merino blends are all the rage when it comes to baselayers, and for good reason. But up-and-comer Tasc Performance has added the additional element of bamboo to it’s baselayers blends, giving them a certain natural viscosity and durability unique to the market, while still tapping into the anti-bacterial, breathable properties of wool. The boxer briefs are a man’s best friend and the long sleeve tops and bottoms for men and women are not to be missed either. tascperformance.com; $24-$80
3. Patagonia NanoAir Hoody
With the high humidity and temperature swings of our Blue Ridge Mountains, Patagonia’s new game-changing NanoAir technology is a match made in heaven for both warmth and breathability. The idea here is “put it on, leave it on,” speaking to both the stretchy, soft comfort and the temperature/climate range of the jacket, featuring Patagonia’s new FullRange insulated fleece and NanoPuff quilting. Will it work for you? Patagonia has never let us down before. patagonia.com; $299
4. Madshus Empower
Just when you thought your Nordic skis couldn’t get any more techy, you can now perfectly match your skier type and stats to your ski via NFC chip. Nine skate and classic models in the Redline and Nanosonic lines will have the embedded Empower chips this year that can be scanned via smartphone to capture vital skier data and begin the high-tech match up. madshus.com; $475-760
5. Alter Ego Snowboard
Two years in development, the Ride Snowboards Alter Ego new for this season may have just solved the one-board quiver problem. It features a freestyle-backcountry shape for maneuverability in all conditions, and a completely unique “split-tail” design: when clipped together, it rides super stable for jumps and crud; when unclipped, it gives a soft, surfy ride for powder and cream corn snow. ridesnowboards.com; $550
6. Marmot Sidecountry 22
Wintersports innovator Marmot has introduced a lower profile backcountry-style pack this year that is also perfect for riding chairs yet, at 22 liters, will hold everything a Blue Ridge skier may need for an off-piste adventure. From goggle pocket and internal hydration sleeve to innovative ski and board carry on the outside, this tight little number should be on your winter wishlist. marmot.com; $129
7. ICEdot Crash Sensor
Groms riding the terrain park or homemade jump features deep in the woods should consider adding an ICEdot crash sensor to their brain bucket. Linked to your smartphone, major head impacts are sent via text message to the emergency contact of your choice. New this spring is the ICEdot Emergency Trigger for use in sports that don’t typically require a helmet such as cross-country skiing. icedot.org; $119
8. Outdoor Research Stormtracker Heated Glove
Winters are cold in the Blue Ridge mountains, damn cold. And for those who get cold hands, Outdoor Research has pioneered what seems to be the best technology yet in heated gloves – 60-percent more powerful with twice the heated surface area than anything else on the market. The Stormtracker is lightweight and desterous, featuring the company’s ALTIHeat technology coupled with Gore Windstopper, a layer of TPU padding, synthetic insulation and a supple leather palm. outdoorresearch.com; $235
9. DryGuy GreenHEAT Hand Warmers
Again, cold hands can ruin a good winter day outdoors whether you’re on the water, trail or slopes, and have been the source of many fights among couples. Disposable hand warmers are chemically and wasteful. DryGuy has not only solved that problem with the five-hour rechargeable hand warmer, but this little lithium-ion pack can also charge your portable electronic devices while you are out having fun. dryguy.com; $40
10. Helly Hansen Supreme Jacket
If you’re still cold, you probably need one of the most technically advanced resort-skiing jackets on the market. The Supreme Jacket features DWR treated four-way stretch fabrics, PrimaLoft Gold down-blend insulation, the new H2Flow mechanical venting system, and zip-out powder skirt and detachable hood – all in a fully insulated, stylish and pocketed winter ski coat. hellyhansen.com; $900
11. Backcountry Access BC Link
You want to stay in touch with your group at the resort or in the backcountry, but you don’t want to look like a gaper with a toy radio. The new pro-level BC Link group communication radio features shoulder-mounted Smart Mic interface with push-to-talk just like the ski patrollers use and is compatible with all standard Talkabout radios. Range is 2.5 miles line-of-sight with 140 hours of battery life. backcountryaccess.com; $149.95
np. Icebreaker Helix Long Sleeve Zip
For a versatile, comfortable, stylish mid-layer, let us recommend the warm-when-wet MerinoLOFT from Icebreaker – with at least 10 percent of each jacket’s loft made from reclaimed factory scraps. A durable, recycled, water-resistant polyester shell fends off light precip and the woven merino lining is cozy and helps regulate body temps. Available with and without hood (both versions are awesome). icebreaker.com; $249.99
