Winter
ArchiveThis perennial favorite didn’t win any awards this year, but testers still love it for its backbone and dependability
The best women’s powder ski of the year is one heck of a fun ride
If you’re an expert ripper looking for a ski that can keep up with you in the deep stuff, this is your ski
This year’s most playful wide all-mountain ski also eats crud for breakfast
Want an all-mountain ski that can rail off-piste like it rails on groomers? Here you go.
If you’re looking for an all-mountain ski that can also carve up a storm, look no further
Only advanced and expert skiers need apply to this pow ski with Titanal
This Sender is all-new, and it’s a crowd pleaser
A dialed groomer ski that excels in short to medium turns
It’s got race heritage, but it’s much more accessible than you’d think
A ski made for the technical backcountry lines of the Rockies
A true frontside ski made for all levels of skiers to improve their carving prowess
This accessible all-mountain tool for ladies earned high marks in versatility and quickness
The runner-up in the women’s all-mountain category is a universal crowd pleaser
A powder ski that floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee
A no-nonsense ski for ladies who don’t shy away from big mountain lines
If it’s deep, this ski will float your boat
It’s not the lightest backcountry option out there, but if you’re plowing through backcountry crud, this is the ski you want underfoot
An approachable frontside ski perfect for groomer rippers who aren't afraid to play off-piste on the same ski
If you’re looking for a confidence-inspiring teaching tool to help you level up, give this ski a try
If you like playful powder planks (who doesn’t), check out this energetic ski
It’s built for deep snow, but you’d be surprised by its versatility
This ski offers an impressive balance between flotation and power
Super-stable planks for strong skiers who know how to steer a ski
A ski that likes to stay on-piste for skiers who like to do the same
This new addition to the all-mountain category impressed with its balance of skills
The runner-up in the women’s powder category is a force to be reckoned with
Featuring tech inserts, rubber soles, and hike-modes with plenty of range of motion, these boots make short work of long, uphill slogs
Allow us to introduce you to this scrappy brand and its supremely fun all-mountain ski
Glen Plake’s first ever signature model is a backcountry tool that skis like Glen Pake
Truly a ski for everyone, in all conditions, wherever you ski
This fast and light backcountry ski doesn’t skimp on downhill performance
Not just for carving, this all-mountain ski can do it all
It’s not a backcountry powder plank, but it sure is quick in steep, technical terrain
This quick and reliable backcountry ski for ladies gets the job done on all but the deepest of days
When the fluff turns to crud, this is the ski you want underfoot
This year’s category winner makes everyone who skis it feel like a star
A lightweight free-touring ski with a moderate waist, the Escaper W 97 Nano is a versatile backcountry ski for ladies who charge no matter the conditions
We challenge you to find a more playful and responsive backcountry ski than this
A tried and true favorite that delivers in crud
Power and precision are the name of the game with this tried and true favorite
This ski was voted the most playful ski among this year’s crop of women’s all-mountain skis
Carv’s digital coaching software uses insoles with pressure sensors to give you real-time feedback. But can it really help first-timers improve?
Defined as “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness”
A season marked by tricky conditions and progressive riding wrapped up last week in Verbier
Photographer Brian Kaiser captures the joy of this niche winter sport
Choosing the right puffy is challenging. We’re here to help.
Enjoy riding frozen waves more than ever with these items
A few winter flurries had the Outside staff reaching for some cozy booties, cherished beanies, and near-perfect ski boots
If you don’t know how to ski, hire an instructor—not your significant other. It might just save your relationship.
You’ll be surprised by the places on this list, but maybe it’s time we started redefining what makes a ski town
Skiing 101: how to start, what to wear, and pitfalls to avoid
Figuring out how to best equip and dress yourself when you’re just starting this sport can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help.
Keep guests comfortable with this advice around the best food, drink, and gear for cold-weather grilling
What we used to start the year right
Whether you’re mountain biking or just commuting around town, a few key parts will keep you riding, regardless of the elements
Explore America’s favorite winter wonderlands on these scenic routes, which range from beginner to expert terrain
‘The New Age of Reason,’ a recent film from ski makers Wndr Alpine, takes the sport to a higher level—physically and mentally
November usually means the onset of winter, but much of the country is experiencing dry and unseasonably warm weather. Here’s what Outside editors have been using to pass the time until snow season.
Winter needn’t send your overlanding setup into hibernation. Here’s what you need and where to go.
It’s time to break out the merino base layers and the heat-exchange breathing masks
The film will premiere for general audiences this spring, marking the 40th anniversary of the tragedy
Entrepreneurs from Amalgam Skis and Winterstick Snowboards take us on a tour of what sets Maine apart in both skiing and community
Don’t be afraid of ice climbing. It’s a fun winter skill to pick up, and we’ve got all the intel on how to get started.
Whether you want to learn a new sport—like skate skiing or ice climbing—or improve your skills, there’s a lesson out there for you
Sledding hill not included
40-plus testers spent four months testing the latest, greatest winter gear on ski hills, backcountry routes, and trails, and in our own home gyms and backyards
We still love these runner-up apparel pieces and accessories
There were so many good boards this year that it was hard to pick just a few for print. Here are the others our testers loved.
Tough, multifunctional accessories for any itinerary
With this gear, twice the ice is just as nice
We only have space for six pants in the print magazine, but there are plenty more worthy pairs you should know about
Make cold, snowy sites feel like home
These layers herald a bold, new, sleeveless future
Let the rippers’ rumpus start
Surfing in Baja. Summit-to-sea skiing in Alaska. Hiking in Death Valley. There’s no shortage of epic adventures to be had in winter. We’ve rounded up our favorite trips to make sure you get your fill of thrills.