Skis, Boots, Bindings & Accessories

If you spend most days on groomers choose carving or all-mountain skis for edge grip and versatility on mixed resort terrain. Powder and freeride skis prioritize flotation and wider dimensions for soft snow and off-piste runs, so pick those if you hunt deep snow or want more play in variable conditions.

Think about the snow you chase: lightweight touring skis often sit in the 85–95mm range underfoot for easier ascents, while backcountry skis around 105mm underfoot give balanced flotation in variable conditions. Powder-focused choices can span from slightly wider than all-mountain up to over 120mm for maximum float.

Lighter backcountry construction reduces uphill fatigue but typically sacrifices some dampness and impact resistance compared with heavier resort skis. Expect wood or foam cores and metal edges that favor weight savings, which can result in more chatter on hard snow and greater vulnerability to base and edge damage.

Bindings and boots for touring range from minimalist pin-style systems to alpine-style touring bindings with more robust heel pieces; brands like Dynafit and Marker offer both speed-oriented and alpine-capable options. Look for mechanical heel locks on boots that switch to a rigid ski mode for descent and note that touring setups can span about 1,800 grams per pair for ultralight systems up to heavier alpine-style configurations near 3,600 grams.

Check for climbing-skin attachment notches on tips and tails and a rocker profile that improves flotation and turn initiation in soft snow. Also consider features like adjustable two-section poles or tall poles with extended grips for slope touring, and bindings from ATK or Dynafit if you want a balance of uphill efficiency and downhill control.