Men’s Hottest Ski Gear Head to Toe

With the multitude of brands, types, features, and options out there, choosing ski gear can get seriously confusing and overwhelming. Finding the right ski gear for you depends greatly on your own personal preferences and tastes. There are a lot of options out there and can vary in price and performance. 

ski gear
Ski gear has always been about performance, protection and style, but new some technology has revolutionized the way to dress from head to toe on the mountain. (Photo courtesy Atomic Skis.)

So, what’s hot and what’s not in ski gear this season? To help give you some direction, listed out below are our picks for some of the hottest head-to-toe options available for men.

Ski Helmet

Smith Vantage Helmet

Between the protection and comfort, this helmet is hard to beat. The Vantage from Smith Optics uses a hybrid shell structure, and Zonal Koroyd® coverage to give you one of the most lightweight and protective helmets on the market. The MIPS (Multidirectional Impact Protection System) adds more protection against rotational forces and angled impacts. The 21 vents offer ideal airflow when worn together with any of Smith Optics’ goggles, the vents work to also create an ideal anti-fog system.

Ski Goggles

Smith Optics I/O Goggles

The I/O goggles by Smith Optics are incomparable to others. The lenses can be quickly changed according to your preference or needs throughout the day and are even available in Smith Optics’ revolutionary ChromaPop™ lenses. These goggles alone have their own anti-fog tech but work in harmony with Smith helmets for unprecedented fog resistance. The super-wide strap is backed with silicone for a stay-put, no-fuss comfort. The Responsive Fit™ frame adjusts to your face for a fit unique to just you. 

With all the ski mask options out there, it can get overwhelming to choose the right one for you. That’s why we have a blog post highlighting some of our favorites.

Ski Jacket

Helly Hansen Alpha Lifaloft Jacket 

If there’s anything that can be promised, it’s that weather is unpredictable. With the Helly Hansen Alpha Lifaloft Jacket, you can be ready for whatever mother nature decides to throw your way. This jacket is windproof, waterproof, and breathable, even the zippers are water-resistant. Don’t be fooled by this jacket’s lightweight feats, it’s warmer than you think as it is insulated with LIFALOFT™ insulation. The LIFE POCKET™+™ with Aerogel® insulation is dedicated to keeping your phone’s (or other electronics’) battery lasting longer. If you need your hood, it is helmet-compatible, but can also be removed. This jacket is great for wherever you decided to adventure to. 

The new Alpha Lifaloft Jacket from Helly Hansen brings the next evolution of outerwear to the mountain. The company has a long history of quality, lightweight outerwear that thrives in extreme elements. (Photo courtesy Helly Hansen.)

Ski Pants

Black Diamond Recon Stretch Ski Pants

The Recon Stretch Ski pants are a versatile option for men who like to switch up between backcountry or the resort. Due to the four-way stretch, the only restrictions you’ll have, are the ones you put on yourself. The BD.dry™ innovation makes these pants waterproof and windproof, protecting you from powder, and storms. The Recon Stretch pants feature offset side vents, helping you to keep cool when the day heats up, plus, the high-mounted snow gaiter will keep snow out and you dry.

Base Layer

SmartWool Men’s Merino 250 Base Layer One Piece

This one-piece is pretty much a high-performance set of pajamas, and who wouldn’t want that? Made with one hundred percent merino wool, this extremely soft base layer will keep you warm all day. Just because it’s a one-piece doesn’t mean things have to get complicated when nature calls. SmartWool designed this piece with a front fly and drop tail. Even though the fit is snug, the Merino 250 is still very breathable, and the close-fit hood will not restrict your movements, and the hood feature also fits comfortably underneath your helmet. 

Ski Gloves

Baist Gloves’ the BAÏST Glove

This goat leather glove is one of the most durable gloves out there and offers peak levels of warmth. In addition to the goat leather, Baist’s own Cordura Shell technology provides you with remarkable levels of durability, dexterity, waterproofness, and windproof-ness. They reinforce high wear areas, giving this glove extra strength and you more confidence in your gear. There’s even a super soft microfiber nose wipe on the thumb of the glove. 

Ski Poles

Black Diamond Expedition 3 

The Expedition 3 ski poles from Black Diamond are all-mountain four-season poles. These lightweight poles are made from 100 percent aluminum and are adjustable in size for easy packing and storing. Even the strap is adjustable for optimal comfort whether skiing or hiking. The foam grip has been revamped with a new sticky-rubber, dual-density grip-top to grab bindings and buckles effortlessly. Included are powder baskets that can be changed out, so you can have one set of poles that do it all.

Ski Boots

Atomic Hawx Prime XTD Ski Boot

This boot is a must for those of you who like to experience all areas the mountain has to offer. The Prolite construction gives you more strength with reduced weight. The Mimic Platinum liner provides superior comfort with its customizable mold that shapes around your foot. Included in this boot are tech inserts for the uphill. The Free/Lock feature allows you to switch from ski to walk mode with a single switch, complemented by the Frictionless Pivot making walk-mode ease. The newly designed shell may be thicker, but the material is softer giving more flex and providing better dampening. 

Ski Bindings

Marker Griffon 13 ID Ski Binding

The Marker Griffon 13 ID ski binding is must ski gear for all-mountain skiers. The SOLE.ID technology provides compatibility with any boot sole, even ones with the GripWalk soles. Located in the toe piece is a spring that creates a higher level of energy absorption reducing the risk of early release. The Triple Pivot Elite toe and Inter Pivot 3 heel are lightweight and stiff for improved edge grip and control. 

Skis

Atomic Vantage TI Skis

Use our ski sizing guide to get started! The Vantage TI skis are extremely versatile and hot ski gear! Start slashing the runs at Vail or anywhere! Built with Atomic’s innovative Prolite construction these skis are lightweight, with the Titanium Tank Mesh and Energy Backbone making them durable and able to handle anything. The Energy Backbone is a reinforced backbone that provides strength and extra edge grip. The core is Atomic’s Power Woodcore made with Ash and Poplar wood, creating stability, and dampening at high speeds. The Duracap sidewall makes these skis easy to handle and minimizes the dings adding to their durability. The Vantage TI gives you the opportunity to carve out aggressive turns or take it easier, whatever you’re feeling, these skis are ready. 

Snowboard Boots

Ride Anthem Snowboard Boots

For a boot you can rely on anywhere on the mountain, the Anthem has your back, and at a great price for all that it offers. For starters, Ride’s proprietary Closure™ Lace Guide can’t be found on any other boot. The lacing system works with the BOA® Coiler for a complete even pull across the entire boot. That’s right, no more fussing’ with one side being tighter than the other. With the In2grated™ Construction, you get the lightest weight performance boot on the market and a liner that is molded inside the shell for a perfect fit. The liners are Intuition™ Plush Foam, infamous for their utmost all-day comfort. After a pair of these, you may never want to wear any others. 

Niche Snowboards are easily recognized by their dope top sheets and primo control, no matter the conditions on the groomed trails or backcountry. (Photo courtesy Niche Snowboards.)

Snowboard Bindings

Burton Men’s Malavita Snowboard Binding 

A time after time favorite binding, the Burton Malavita never fails. The single-component baseplate offers consistent response no matter the terrain, and its material keeps it lightweight. The heel hammock, a much-loved feature, brings response out of any boot, even with your straps a little loose. The options between the zero-lean and the dialFLAD™ allow you to ride however you’re feeling (or needing) that day. The fullBED cushioning System amps up the comfort level underfoot, while the AutoCANT FullBED positions your boot into a natural feel, helping to reduce fatigue, and gain more board control. 

Snowboard

Niche Snowboards Aether 

For those who want to ride the whole mountain, this twin is exactly what you want. With the use of the Magne-Traction® tech, the extra edge contact maximizes your level of control no matter the snow conditions. Complementing the Magne-Traction® is the multi-camber design providing you with ultimate versatility from groomers, to pow and presses. Replacing the norm of carbon fiber, Niche uses Basalt Stringers tip-to-tail, increasing the pop, and stability at high speeds. Niche boards are eco-friendly with zero-waste, and each wood core is locally sourced and sustainably harvested. Even the graphics and topsheet are non-toxic.

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