Upgrade: Skate Skiing

Fischer RCS Carbonlite Skating Hole Skis

Awkward Euro nomenclature notwithstanding, Fischer’s RCS Carbonlite Skating Hole skis are the most powerful (but still crazy light) skis we’ve ever reviewed. The namesake hole in each tip reduces weight so you can boost your diagonal stride cadence—especially when climbing.

Fischer Racing Xcelerator Skate NIS Bindings

Pair Fischer’s RCS Carbonlite Skating Hole skis with their Racing Xcelerator Skate NIS bindings. The metal (not plastic) closure mechanism helps ramp up the power of your kick.

Alpina Elite Carbon Skate Boots

Complete the package with Alpina’s Elite Carbon Skate boots. The anatomical carbon-fiber struts that serve as the cuff pour leg power into the ski.

Start SD3 Poles

Since they’re wound in a 3-D process, Start’s SD3 poles are strong where most poles are weak—down by the aero baskets—and stiff where most poles are soft, in the midshaft.

Sugoi Piston 140 Base Layer

The jury may still be out on whether compression benefits performance, but it sure feels good, especially when it’s built into a fast-wicking base layer like Sugoi’s Piston 140.

Arc’teryx Trino Jersey

For outer layers, you can’t beat the versatility of Arc’teryx’s Trino jersey and the Gore Bike Wear ALP-X SO pants. Both are stretchy and block wind—and both can easily double as cold-weather running or biking layers.

Gore Bike Wear ALP-X SO Pants

For outer layers, you can’t beat the versatility of Arc’teryx’s Trino jersey and the Gore Bike Wear ALP-X SO pants. Both are stretchy and block wind—and both can easily double as cold-weather running or biking layers.

Hestra Windstopper Action Racing Gloves

A thin sheet of Gore’s Windstopper fabric in the Hestra Windstopper Action Racing gloves provides the perfect amount of protection and warmth.

SmartWool PhD Graduated Light Socks

Down low, pull on a pair of SmartWool PhD Graduated light socks.

Swix Earmuffs

Fully embrace your inner nordic dork with Swix’s earmuffs, which keep your ears warm and your body cool when you’re hammering away at the climbs.