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Counting down the days until you can hit the slopes? We are too. Our hopes for this season are high – we’re anticipating above-average snowfall all across the northern hemisphere. Whether you’re a new rider, an advanced skier, or you’re looking forward to other frosty vacation plans this season, it’s time to prepare for the mountain adventures ahead!
Start With a Gear Check-Up
If you store your own gear, it's essential that you evaluate your gear and apparel for functionality and integrity before heading to the lift lines. Common issues to look for when investigating your items include:
- Pest damage: Check boot liners, goggle straps, and any other fabrics that may have been nibbled on by insects or rodents (especially if your gear is stored in the basement or garage).
- Performance check: Check bindings, boot latches, and any other moveable components for functionality. Rust, impacts, and age can compromise gear performance.
- Test the fit: Whether you feasted a little too much this turkey season, or your kids are growing a little faster than you expected, make sure that last year’s items still fit.
Evaluate gear quality: Check skis, snowboards, poles, goggles, and helmets for any obvious defects. Common issues like warping, material separation, edge rusting, or lens damage may require repair/replacement to maintain safety and performance on the slopes.
Elevate Your Style & Enhance Your Setup
After doing a thorough gear and apparel evaluation, it’s time to optimize your setup. If you’re hoping to avoid the peak prices and prepare before the fresh powder falls, we carry everything you and your family might need for a ski vacation, casual style, and thoughtful gift-giving!
In our regularly rotating selection of the best online ski gear, you’ll find both budget-friendly specials and all of the latest and greatest brands in the industry. Direct from leading ski and board partners like Oakley, Burton, Smith, Hestra, Spyder, and The North Face to name a few, our entire collection is sourced around style, performance, and all-around mountain value.
Here are our top picks for a better helmet, pair of skis, or board setup before you grab your lift tickets:
- Top Helmet Choice: Smith Vantage MIPS checks every box in the safety and style department. This powerhouse of protection is ultra comfortable, well-ventilated, and flows well with any goggle and jacket combination. This rugged helmet is also surprisingly lightweight, provides ample ear coverage for additional warmth, and is compatible with nearly every goggle brand.
- Top Skis: Atomic Bent 100 freeride skis are a balanced all-mountain pair that promise exceptional agility and stability, backed up by a multi-layered core that offers the right amount of flex and strength. Featuring a beveled tip and tail, this versatile pair is a pro pick for the groomers, backcountry, and every park lap in between.
- Top Board: Burton FT Hometown Hero is a premier choice for casual laps or pushing the boundaries of slopeside elevation with a directional camber profile that enhances stability at higher speeds. With a longer nose, plenty of front-end lift, and freeride directional shaping, this wide board offers crisp turning and ample float for those powder-filled tree sessions.
While these are great balanced picks to consider, every skier and rider should have their setup customized for their skiing/riding style. To narrow down more of the best options for your specific skill and style preferences, our pros at the Ski Bum will gladly teach you more about the best ski and snowboard helmets, skis, and boards in side-by-side detail.
Start Planning Your Ski Trip!
Along with the best gear guidance, our mountain experts would love to help you prepare for the rest of the season. Need help finding the perfect holiday gifts? Looking for top ski resorts in the area? Get in touch and we’ll help you bring out the best in your winter plans!
