Rome Machine A board designed for one thing and one thing only: the terrain park. Rome loaded the Machine with a suite of impact technology (thicker edges, anti-compression plates, durable compounds) creating a workhorse for park rats. This board is designed to withstand season upon season of jib, rail, and pipe abuse. $400. Romesnowboards.com.
Rossignol Works One Mag A lightweight, all mountain board with patented Magne-Traction technology that puts more control between the snowboarder’s feet. Instead of relying solely on standard edge grip, this Rossi board features “Mag bumps” that grip better on icy conditions while allowing you to maneuver more effectively in all kinds of snow. $499. Rossignol.com.
Bolle Scream The streamlined look keeps you from looking like a dork and the Air Booster system keeps air moving over the lenses for maximum anti-fog performance. $109.99. bolle.com
Patagonia Powder Bowl A classic hard shell with 21st century characteristics. The Powder Bowl has a 100% recycled polyester shell that’s completely waterproof, as well as a recycled mesh liner. Our wear-tester liked the padded iPod pocket, but fell in love with the exaggerated collar, which eliminates the need for a cumbersome gator on the coldest days on the slopes. $350. Patagonia.com.
K2 Hawk Solid construction is paired with a user-friendly binding to create a ski package that is forgiving and easy to maneuver. The Hawk builds confidence in beginners just starting to explore the greens and blues. And the price is right too. $500 (with bindings). K2skis.com.
Nordica Speedmachine Mach 3 Power A high performance ski built for expert skiers who like to suck the most life out of steep, groomed runs. The exaggerated sidecut grips well on firm conditions (East Coast ice and packed powder) and the faster you go, the more stable the skis become (think Porsche on the Audubon). The performance-oriented package allows you to carve aggressively down the fall line. $1435 (with bindings). Nordica.com.
Ibex Shak Freestar Standard Merino wool goodness (moisture control and premium warmth to weight ratio) in this midlayer with the added bonus of thumbholes, and “Zque,” an Ibex guarantee that the wool is produced in a sustainable way with animal welfare as a priority. $150. Ibex.com.
North Face Park Cargo Pant Take your standard ski pants, make them slightly baggy for more mobility and add about a dozen pockets, and you get the Park Cargo. Breathable, roomy, and stylish enough to keep the kids in the terrain park from making fun of you. $189. Thenorthface.com.
Bern Unlimited Watts More stylish than your average ski lid, Bern combines the performance of multiple impact foam with the sleek look of a visor helmet. The insulated knit earflaps snap out for warmer sessions, as does the handy internal vent cover. Add the 8 Track sound system for hi-fi sound. $99.95. bernunlimited.com.
Outdoor Research Primo Volta You think gloves can’t get any warmer, then OR goes and adds a layer of rechargeable heated polymer film that stores energy and releases heat to its Primo Volta, and wham! You’ve got toasty digits all day long. $259. outdoorresearch.com.
Deuter Attack This pack, with a patented spine guard, is designed for mountain biking, but add an insulated tube liner and it’s poised to conquer the terrain park as well. The Shield Backsystem is unnoticeable when you’re wearing the Attack, but the spine protection it provides when you slip on a rail or over-extend on a pipe is priceless. $148.95. deuterusa.com.
IceBreaker Slalom Zip and Legging The Slalom Zip’s 260 Merino wool makes it the ideal baselayer for colder days on the slopes, and the zip-up turtleneck is welcome in high wind situations. $109.99 for top, $79 for legging. icebreaker.com.
Check out more ski & snowboard gear at our sister publication, Elevation Outdoors
