photo by: John JohnstonGoggle: Bollé's new Gravity features a wide field of view, and "Modulator" technology that adjusts lens tint for you, growing darker as UV light increases. Extra touches include swinging outriggers for best fit with helmets and triple-layer foam against your face. $100-$140; bolle.com
Jacket: FlyLow's Quantum jacket is our pick for lift-serviced turns. Textured nylon and a waterproof membrane repel rain, sleet, and snow. The helmet-compatible hood, insulation, and fully taped seams keep you toasty all over. If the weather warms up, 16-inch pit zips and a removable powder skirt help you adapt. $360; flylowgear.com
Pants: Technical features meet a looser fit in the Arc'teryx Sabre pants. Articulated knees, thigh vents, instep patches, and a Gore-Tex soft shell fabric satisfy traditional standards. $400; arcteryx.com
Helmet: The Bern Watts helmet turned heads when it hit the market as the first visor helmet with vents. The next step forward is the new carbon fiber shell, backed up by EPS hard foam for unbreakable head protection. Pick from Bern's fleece and knit liners for added warmth in winter. $250; bernunlimited.com
Layer: The Patagonia Ultralight Down Shirt performs well above its weight class. Packed with quilted 800-fill down, it's top of the range in warmth. Ripstop nylon treated with a waterproof finish holds it together in the elements. $250; patagonia.com
Gloves: Hestra's Ski Cross gloves feature supple cowhide on the palms, and tough Cordura stretch fabric protecting the backs of your hands. They deliver warmth and mobility in a long-lasting package. $110; hestragloves.com
Poles: Scott World Cup SL poles are the most iconic ever made. The S4 aluminum alloy shaft is twice as strong as industry standard. $120; scottusa.com
Extra: Need a know-it-all wingman in the mountains? Buddy up with the Suunto Core Watch. It includes a compass, altimeter, barometer, and tracks sunrise and sunset. Alarms go off when a storm is imminent. $275; suuntowatches.com
Boots: In the wake of the last decade's ski design revolution, Nordica sought to improve all mountain boot performance by creating the Fire Arrow series. The new 100mm lasted Fire Arrow F2 uses a three-piece design for superior lateral driving force, utilizing a separate tongue to independently control the forward stiffness and rebound. The result is a boot that's maximized for all-day, any-day performance so you can rip powder skis in the morning and rally carving skis after lunch. $875; nordicausa.com
From the Early Winter 2011 issue
