We spent the past several days at the SIA Snow Show—the biggest snowsports tradeshow on Earth—browsing 292,310 square feet of next year’s very best ski gear. Our team was blown away across the board by what we saw; from the skis to the boots to the outerwear to the helmets to the goggles and everything else, we are totally psyched about the products coming out for the 2017-18 season.
It’d be a shame to drool over all this stuff on our own, so we’ve rounded up over 100 of our favorite products for you to browse through. And, stay tuned, because tomorrow we’ll be releasing the small selection of products that won “Best of Show” honors.
A glimpse of the SIA Snow Show’s gigantic offerings.
One of the many new stylish neckwarmers from Vermont-based Skida, as shown by the brand’s owner Corrine Prevot.
Rocky Mountain Underground’s new Core Pack, equipped with a ton of useful features, including a ski-carry system, helmet sling and stays made of unused ski core materials.
Hestra’s new backcountry-specific glove, the Ergo Grip Incline, is built to handle all out-of-bounds pursuits, from the access gates to the skin track to the boot pack. Midweight insulation is enough to keep hands warm when it’s shiver-worthy outside, but not too much to overheat during spring missions. It’s Ergo Grip design—pre-curved fingers sewn to the glove—improves dexterity and an impregnated cowhide backs ups the toughness factor.
Shred’s flagship helmet, the Bumper Ultimate, is back for another season of protecting folks all over the world. New to the product is a nanotechnology-based impact liner dubbed Casidion, which is thinner and lighter than liners from previous years while still delivering superior safety. It also features Shred’s Infinite Rotational Energy System™, which adapts to hard blows from all directions, opposed to ones that are just linear. Top it off with a tough yet flexible outer shell, amazing vents, dial fit system, merino soft touch liner that’s removable and audio integration capabilities, and you’ve got one seriously impressive brain bucket.
A look inside of the aforementioned Bumper Ultimate helmet.
The Merino 250 Sport Pattern Hoody is brand-spankin’ new from Smartwool for ’17-18. The hood, shoulder and pockets are made of 56-percent merino wool and 44-percent DWR-treated polyester to achieve warmth, waterproofing and breathability. The inner layer is comprised of 100-percent merino wool for warmth, thermo-regulation and odor-resistance with a protective polyester overlay. Finally, perhaps best of all: it weights in at just under a pound, meaning it’s a great product for backcountry skiers or, simply those that don’t want to drag a ton of weight around.
Building on the success of the Line Miner—a new goggle from Oakley for the 2016-17 season—is the Fall Line. Introduced for ’17-18, this model rocks a similar style to the Line Miner, but boasts a larger field of view, much thanks to a rimless design and a big cylindrical lens. It utilizes Oakley’s highly-acclaimed Prizm lens, which increases color and contrast incredibly well, resulting in a more enjoyable skiing experience, no matter what the conditions are like. It’s sure to be a hit among consumers this fall.
Oakley unveiled its line of helmets last season and will build on the momentum they’ve gained over the past year, bringing back the Mod 5 as its premium offering. The Mod 5 comes in both a smaller and large brim option, allowing users to find the optimal fit with their particular goggle. The Mod 5 utilizes a hybrid construction that combines in-mold and ABS hard shell construction for a top-notch fusion of protection and weight savings, and it’s available with MIPS to further combat rotational blows. Those who are loyalists of the iconic Oakley brand and in the market for a premium helmet will chomp at the bit for the Mod 5.
A FREESKIER Editors’ Pick in 2016-17, the Dragon NFX2 has returned better than ever. This particular style—Chris Benchetler’s pro model—sports an epic design on its strap, created by the California-based pro skier himself; it’s sure to resonate with skiers far and wide who appreciate Benchetler’s smooth sking style and artistic sensibilities. Beyond the look, Dragon’s LUMALENS ensures optimal visual clarity through increased color and contrast, as well as reduced eye fatigue. Dragon’s anti-fog coating is also a whopping 200-percent stronger year-over-year, taking this already award-winning goggle to a whole ‘nother level.
SPIN is the big story from POC this coming season. Twelve silicone-injected pads inside the helmet protect against rotational impacts by shearing, or sliding, with the head during an impact situation. The Auric Backcountry SPIN, specifically (shown here), features an ABS shell, fortified by a multi-impact-resistant, expanded polypropylene liner as well as adjustable ventilation.
The Elsman jacket from Dakine boasts a tailored, long fit; 10K/5K waterproofing and breathability; 40g PrimaLoft BLACK ECO (crafted of 60 percent recycled post consumer polyester insulation) in the body and sleeves, and so much more. That’s a lot of bang for your buck when the MSRP is listed at just $200. Additional features include a Tafetta lining; two-way front zipper; media compatible chest pocket; mesh-lined pit zips; powder skirt; critically taped seams; stretch-mesh goggle pocket; inner storage pocket with headphone port, etc. For those who spend the majority of their days ripping around the frontside, the Elsman gets a Heisman.
Seirus’ Heat Touch Hellfire Glove and Mitt are like products from the future. Via rechargeable batteries, they heat up with the press of a button, and can stay powered on for up to 12 hours at a time. Think ovens for your hands.
Consumers are always looking for more environmentally friendly products, and Phunkshun’s Aviator piece—the brand’s very first baselayer—goes above and beyond in that category. Touting REPREVE fabric made of recycled water bottles and handmade in Denver, this product (available for men and women) is also moisture-wicking, sports UPF 50-plus protection and odor control tech. It’s built to handle serious exertion but also keep you warm. It’s quite stylish, too, easy to sport off-hill without hesitation.
Shred teamed up with Connora Technologies, The CAPiTa Mothership and Protect Our Winters to create this total beauty: the Simplify Natural goggle. Aimed at performance and sustainability all at once, the goggle is made of recycled ski and snowboard materials and has a wide variety of impressive features. Of them all, the ShredWide™ lens is super notable—enabling supreme peripheral vision and visual clarity. The super-soft face foam on this puppy is to die for, as well. Environmentally-friendly skiers will surely flock to shops for this model come fall 2017.
To the delight of hard-charging women everywhere, Armada’s Victa series hit shelves in 2016-17. For year two, Armada adds a new, much sought-after waist width to the collection. The Victa 97 Ti—the fattest of the 83, 87 Ti and 93 family—answers the demand for a high-performance ski that gets the job done across the entire mountain, no matter the conditions. Carbon Kevlar struts keep the package lively while a Titanal plate provides dampness for even the most aggressive crud-busting, powder slaying and groomer-destroying needs.
More from Armada: the new Tracer collection, comprised of four new freeride models that are sure to please the most avid of skiers.
Pictured left: Smartwool’s women’s Wenona sock. Pictured right: the Larimer hat. Both are made of top-notch wool and are certified kickass.
A couple models from DPS’ new Alchemist line. Each feature vibration-tuned aerospace grade carbon construction, melded with absolutely the best in supporting materials.
POC Layer is an innovative approach to protecting skiers and snowboarders from cuts and abrasions. It combines Dyneema fabric with a technical baselayer to form a protective barrier to injury from sharp edges.
Marcus Caston strikes a pose behind Blizzard’s impressive new Cochise.
Combining the style and comfort of a traditional sweater with modern baselayer technology, the Dakine Women’s Callahan Fleece is all about versatility. On the outside, it’s a ski-friendly, street-conscious product, decked out with a hood, thumb loops and split hem. But, the beauty is in the details: body temperature-regulating poly yarns that provide warmth and comfort, plus Polygiene permanent odor control technology to keep everything fresh from first chair to last call at the bar.
Scott markets this beautiful piece to women who spend their days logging “long ascents and deep descents.” Indeed, the Explorair 3L delivers ruggedness, exceptional performance and comfort to those who rely on their outerwear to power them through hearty days in the backcountry, or full-throttle inbounds adventures. Dermizax (20K/10K) fabric provides rockin’ protection from scrapes and cuts, wind and water while remaining plenty breathable, comfortable, lightweight and soft to the touch. And we’re talking noticeably soft, here, making this offering a tough one to turn away from. Furthermore, the list of construction features seems to stretch for miles: Fully taped seams, powder skirt, pack-friendly seamless shoulders, push-button adjustable hem and hood… It just gets better.
The Lab Coat has been a fan-favorite and a staple of Flylow’s line-up since 2008, and it returns for the fall of ’17 with a noteworthy update: This piece now utilizes eVent DVexpedition membrane that has a 30K/30K waterproof and breathability rating while also offering a boost in durability. Flylow touts the Lab Coat as being “meticulously designed for climbing and skiing mountains in harsh and variable conditions and temperatures.” A slew of features—articulated shoulders and sleeves, fully seam taped, DWR—ensure this piece holds up from the farthest reaches of the backcountry to the heaviest days on-resort. More to love: The Lab Coat weighs in at just 602 grams and is highly packable for storage on the fly.
DMOS Collective’s new line of shovels is looking mighty fine, much thanks to this model.
GoPro’s new line is also looking darn impressive… Those black cams, though.
Versatility is the name of the Powdershot’s game; Outdoor Research (OR) touts the garment as “jack-of-all-trades ski apparel,” complete with “the look, feel and breathability of a softshell, combined with the weather protection of a hard shell.” The Powdershot employs OR’s proprietary AscentShell technology (an electrospun process involving charged polymers affixing to a grounded surface and gathering intro a membrane with unique waterproofing and breathable qualities) for insane breathability in a fully waterproof, ultra-stretchy package. On the inside, a light polyester fleece backer keeps warmth from sneaking out and provides a snug, cozy feel. Among its many additional features, chest-to-hip CrossFlo zippered vents provide even more breathability for when the going gets tough. High-exertion athletes, look no further for complete protection from Ma’ Nature’s most brutal assaults.
An awesome addition to the Outdoor Research line for ’17-18 is the Ascendant Hoody, sporting Alpha Direct insulation—Polartec’s latest creation that’s durable, warm and breathable all at once. On the outside is a Pertex outer shell built to fight off tough weather and keep your body protected. Supreme compressibility, men’s and women’s options and interior glide panels (which prevent layers from bunching up on each other) round it out as a real beaut’. This thing will fly off the shelves due to its versatility and attention to detail.
The Porcupine Hooded Pullover from Big Agnes, making its grand debut, is built to battle winter’s harshest days, just like its quilled namesake. Warmth is achieved via PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation, while a durable, rip-stop nylon shell is 100-percent water- and wind-resistant. And despite the burliness of this garment, it’s still very lightweight—ideal for stowing in the bag when weather is tough to predict. Folks spending long days out in the mountains will flock to the shops for this top-notch offering.
Ortovox’s Ortler Jacket is a minimalist backcountry garment that stands up to the unpredictable elements of the high alpine. It boasts a 20K waterproof rating and DWR finish to battle moisture, is 100-percent windproof to shield users from big gusts and has an astonishing 32K breathability rating for the long, energy exhaustive approaches. Merino mesh inserts in the chin provide a bit of warmth and comfort for the face, and one large breast pocket makes room for skins or other items.
Ortovox redesigned its shovels for 2017-18 with the goal of saving space in one’s backcountry pack while still increasing functionality. The Kodiak shovel’s D-shaped grip has been made more compact for better packability. Additionally, the blade’s reverse side is flat, which makes snow pit construction a breeze. As with previous Kodiak models, there is a hoe-mode for efficient snow removal and a rubber grip to prevent slipping.
686 is breaking into the ski scene right now, and this GLCR Gore Tex Smarty 3-in-1 jacket is going to stun consumers in the fall of 2017. The brand picked up big-mountain ripper Parker White this season, and he’s already sporting the product like a champ.
Also from 686 is its 686 x PBR collab jacket that can hold at least 11 beers. Now that’s impressive.
The redesigned Gea will have backcountry skiers drooling this fall. The Grilamid construction maintains a light weight but ensures ample stiffness (100 flex) for descents. Scarpa’s Axial Alpine Evo tongue construction combines ease of entry with an overlap build that keeps power transmission at a premium. The patent pending Wave Closure System utilizes a cable that links to a single buckle for fit adjustment; this feature also lightens the load considerably. For the cherry on top, the Gea’s frictionless hike mode offers a 60-degree range-of-motion.
G3s popular FINDr line earned its fair share of awards and accolades in 2016-17. That was fitting: For more than two decades, G3 has encouraged its users to “Find ‘er,” as pertaining to dream off-piste lines, and that ski certainly enabled such discoveries. And now, in 2017-18, when users do find the goods, they can absolutely SENDr. That’s right, the all-new G3 SENDr is here to fulfill the needs of big-mountain, backcountry rippers who demand a lightweight ski for long, uphill slogs that’ll also hold its own on the burliest of descents. At 112 mm underfoot—for skis of 174, 181, 188 and 195 in length—this ski packs plenty of punch for powder days. Poplar and paulownia wood in the core provide a balance of power and weight savings (3 lbs 12 oz @ 181). Meanwhile, four layers of carbon fiber woven in different orientations with two layers of Titanal ensure optimal torsional rigidity. Polyurethane sidewalls also translate to rock-solid durability.
Tyrolia’s AAAttack series has flown off the shelves for years, and the brand has made updates to the award-winning bindings for 2017-18. The new AAAttack² 14 AT has a toe piece with an adjustable AFD that accommodates alpine (ISO 5355) and touring (ISO 9523)—which includes GripWalk, walk to ride and A/T boot soles—for an incredibly versatile binding offering. On top of that, the AAAttack² 14 AT utilizes Tyrolia’s NX FR heelpiece, which is a bit lighter than the heels of higher DIN models in the AAAttack franchise. The low weight and versatility are sure to be selling points next fall.
Sweet Protection’s new line of helmets is looking money.
K2’s innovations have always been driven by big-name, fan-favorite athletes—from Olympic racers like Spider Sabich and Phil and Steve Mahre to big-mountain pioneers like Shane McConkey, Doug Coombs and Seth Morrison. The technology and thinking behind the all-new Catamaran ski is no different. Living legends Pep Fujas and Sean Pettit worked hand-in-hand with K2’s engineers to produce this asymmetrical, 120-mm-waisted powder-snow-crushing machine. A longer effective inside edge yields increased stability and optimal float while a shorter effective edge on the outside aids in the maneuverability department. A double barrel fir-aspen core with a carbon braid keeps ‘em light yet strong and torsionally rigid, with plenty of pop and energy to boot. With wild minds like those of Fujas’ and Pettit’s behind the Catamaran, skiers will be sailing to high heaven once they click in, no doubt.
Even more skis from one of our favorite brands, K2.
A few of BUFF’s new lifestyle/ski-friendly pieces.
Picture Organic Clothing, made of recycled materials.
Some of Salomon’s new boots for 2017-18.
This new touring boot from Salomon is ridiculously cool.
Icelantic’s best-selling Nomad 105 has a new sibling in the line-up for 2017-18 and it’s sure to turn heads: The Nomad 105 Lite features all of the characteristics of the Nomad 105 at a fraction of the weight, making it an ideal offering for folks who are keen to crush the uphill as much as they are the down. The 105 Lite (161, 171, 181, 191 cm) is billed as a “free-tour” ski—a tool for folks looking to surf, pop and play their way around the backcountry. Icelantic’s utilization of its Ochroma core blend (balsa/flax) yields a 3,538 g package (@ 181) that stands strong on the downhill. So strong, that the ski is backed by Icelantic’s comprehensive three-year warranty.
Leki’s new backcountry-focused line of poles.
Dalbello altered the last-width from 98 to 100 mm in the new Ax collection (three boots), part of the Lupo series. The skiers who have struggled to find a boot that’ll fit their Sasquatch feet will bow down to this line. Besides accommodating those with girthy foot sizes, the Lupo Ax 120 boasts a 120-flex rating, tech inserts, a new hike mode mechanism that allows for a 67-degree range of motion and a fully customizable liner. The Lupo Ax 120 also comes complete with Dalbello’s own GripWalk rockered soles.
It’s hard to imagine the combination of light weight and insane downhill prowess that make up the Ranger 115 XTI until you’ve actually clicked into this beaut’ at the top of a mountain and pointed ‘em downhill. This all-new waist width for the award-winning Ranger Series (down from 122 mm in 2016) stands out as an appealing offering for folks who spend the majority of their days ripping big-mountain terrain but need something that can handle firmer frontside conditions, as well. All that while keeping the legs fresh, thanks to its featherweight qualities. Fischer’s Air Tec Ti wood core brings about a ski that weighs just 2,250 g/ski at 188 cm. Aeroshape construction, ample tip and tail rocker and a slim-shovel carbon fiber tip yield buoyant, nimble characteristics, aiding with maneuverability and float in day-to-day riding. Metal running from edge to edge underfoot, traditional camber and sandwich sidewall construction highlight features that ensure primo stability and edge hold.
Salomon’s new QST line.
Building upon the success of its lightweight alpine boot, the Hawx Ultra, Atomic made a few key tweaks to the equation that have made the Ultra XTD 130 a must-have for skiers this fall. For optimal power transmission, it’s reinforced with stiffer PU plastic in key zones like the backbone, heel and the inner and outer arch. The boot wall is built thin to reduce weight, which, coupled with a walk mode mechanism (54 degrees of movement), tech insert and rockered soles, makes the Ultra XTD 130 a stiff, mighty dependable backcountry boot.
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