Ski

The all new Cochise 130 is the ultimate 50/50 resort/tour boot for a skier looking to prioritize fit & performance but who demands power and stability on the downhill. This high-performance boot starts with with fit and the C.A.S (Custom Adaptive Shape) System. Used in both Tecnica liners and shell, C.A.S. allows for maximum comfort throughout the boot. One thing I noticed right away was the improved heel hold which stems from the new anatomically shaped liner. After the initial fit, the next thing I noticed was the decreased weight from the last generation of Cochise boots. The boot is lighter and noticeably less bulky. This reduced weight, coupled with the all new T Ride walk mode, allows this boot to walk much better then previous editions. Once on hill, I found the Cochise to perform with the power and stability you’d expect from a downhill ski boot. For me, the Cochise was super comfortable and plush right out of the box. This may not be the case for everyone, so definitely have your local boot fitter take a look at how the boot fits you. However, I think the majority of people will find the out of the box fit surprisingly accommodating. After around 30 days in the boot, it still fits and performs like day one. Tecnica delivered on the all new Cochise 130 and it will continue to be my everyday boot!

The Mavens ski best on bluebird days where you find yourself skiing a variety of terrain - groomers, moguls, or off-piste. The Mavens are incredibly responsive between turns, so you’ll never feel like the ski is skiing you. Their carving performance on groomers is excellent, so if you like skiing on-piste and are comfortable going fast, these skis will match your energy and will snap you right into your next turn. These skis also deliver off-piste. You’ll be able to swiftly turn from mogul to mogul or between trees. Made to be your one-ski quiver, the Mavens will hold up on any terrain you bring them on - making them a perfect mix between a race and a freeride ski. The OMatic construction of the Mavens allows for a light and agile ski that doesn’t skimp on stability from the carbon inserts. The HRZN Tech Tip allows for more control and less chatter on variable terrain, while adding float to the tip for those days with fresh snow. North American skiing often features groomers, moguls, trees, and bowls in a single day, and the Maven is the versatile all-mountain ski we have been waiting for from Atomic.

The ATK Raider 12 touring bindings, weighing in at 335 grams, are one of the best minimalist options out there. The light weight of these bindings makes them ski up hill phenomenally, while maintaining a really solid on-snow feel. They are only outperformed on the downhill by bindings that are more than twice their weight. This solid downhill feel comes from the 12mm of elastic retention in the heelpiece of the binding, allowing you to confidently load up the ski at speed and not worry about flexing out of your bindings. The toe piece is relatively easy to step into, and the lack of icing points are a huge plus, especially in the Pacific Northwest. The ATK Raider 12s are a great choice for a dedicated touring binding, whether you are a gram counter or not.

I tried these goggles on both sunny and stormy days. I'm very impressed with how easy it is to swap lenses out with the new MAG Interchangeable Lens Change System; you can literally do it in seconds! The anti-fog lenses are one of the best by far. We get very wet snow conditions where I live so fogging is always an issue, but not with these. Make sure to check how they fit on your face with your helmet first. I'm not using a Smith helmet and the lip of the helmet presses down on the goggle slightly, preventing a complete seal around my nose.

Uncomfortable ski boots got you down? Well, the K2 Anthem 105 MV is the answer to all your problems (at least in the ski boot realm). The boots were a breeze to get on and off, a blessing if you have a higher instep or any sensitivity on top of your foot! The adjustability in both the calf area and the alignment at the ankle made the boot easily customizable and fit a wide range of leg shapes and dimensions. Heat molding these boots was easy and created an even more custom fit than the already cushy out-of-the-box feel. If you are looking for a comfy, high flex, mid-volume boot then this is a perfect choice.