Prepare for a season full of carving snow with the latest tech and apparel designs from top brands that can help you get the most from your time on the slopes.
There comes a time when you realize you’ve outlasted your winter jacket’s usefulness or your skis aren’t helping you push yourself as much as you’d like. That’s when it’s time to think about winter gear replacements and upgrades.
Below are a handful of the top picks to outfit yourself (or a loved one) for the snow season. Most of these selections come with field-tested summaries from Backcountry’s own Gearhead testers. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for here, check out the Ski Guide or Snowboard Guide.
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New Winter Gear and Apparel at Backcountry
Backcountry Cottonwoods LT Xpore 3L Jacket — Men’s & Women’s: $499
The Cottonwoods LT Xpore 3L Jacket delivers three layers of waterproofing and breathability for a comfortable, dry day from first tracks to the last lift. It has a unique overlapping chest flap and smart pocket layout, including gear stashes and a pass wrist pocket. A stretchy 40D face fabric gives it some flex on the move, while being able to sustain years of use.
Other highlights are the jacket’s helmet-friendly adjustable hood, angled pit zips, a stretch powder skirt, premium zippers, and a built-in RECCO reflector. Backcountry gave this piece a healthy mix of style and recent tech without the hefty price tag.
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Backcountry Cottonwoods LT Xpore 3L Bibs — Men’s & Women’s: $449
Built with the same Xpore eco-conscious 3-layer membrane described above, the Cottonwoods LT Xpore 3L Bibs balance protecting you from getting wet while also releasing heat. Likewise, the pants have the same 40D stretchface fabric as the jacket, which shields the waterproof, breathable membrane from abrasion.
Generous thigh vents help you dump heat quickly, while the pockets let you keep certain accessories dry and warm. These lightweight pants offer on-the-hill comfort and weatherproof protection in a lightweight package.
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Look Pivot 2.0 13 GW Ski Binding 13: $378
The Look Pivot 2.0 13 GW Ski Binding brings the brand’s trusted Pivot tech to a broader range of skiers. It delivers the same turntable heel release while easing back the DIN range (up to 13), with the shortest mounting zone in alpine skiing. A Full Action Toe allows for 45mm of lateral elasticity and a 180-degree release for a responsive ride and power transmission through seven points of contact.
The turntable heel absorbs shock with 28mm of vertical elasticity to help reduce the dreaded (unwanted) pre-release. The bindings are compatible with both Alpine DIN and GripWalk soles.
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Smith 4D MAG ChromaPop Goggles: $348
The Smith 4D MAG ChromaPop Goggles deliver big visibility with state-of-the-art lens technology and a rimless frame. First, the ChromaPop lenses cut glare and increase contrast on the snow. Then, the BirdsEye Vision rimless frame, which provides an ultra-wide view.
And since these are Smith goggles, you can quickly swap lenses mid-run via their magnetic system. Adding to the overall performance of these goggles is the three-layer DriWix foam, venting pulls to reduce fog, and a 4D MAG fit sized for medium face sizes.
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Smith Vantage 2 MIPS Helmet: $295
This all-mountain helmet is made with a three-piece hybrid shell for a durable build without excess weight. Based on a familiar design, this updated version adds more protection and ventilation. That protection includes Full Koroyd impact protection as well as MIPS technology to reduce damage from rotational impacts.
Overall, the helmet boasts 40 adjustable vents with two zones for controlling airflow. Carryover features include a BOA 360 dial fit system, a Fidlock magnetic buckle, and removable ear pads.
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Rossignol Smasher 90 Ski With Xpress 10 GW Binding (2026): $380 (24% Off)
Designed for beginner to intermediate all-mountain skiers venturing away from resort slopes. The Smasher is a bit of a go-to option that balances edge control with the responsiveness wanted for building confidence on varied terrain. The Xpress 10 GW Binding keeps things light and easy for quick step-ins, while the 90mm waist provides stability over cut-up snow and groomers. The skis have a poplar wood core with a fiberglass laminate.
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Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Ski (2026): $950
For advanced skiers, the Elan Black Edition Ripstick 96 is there to support carving fast over groomers and chop alike with its confident stability. The 96mm waist and rocker-camber blend is there to help you dig deeper without slowing down with its stable float and short turn radius.
A Tubelite wood core gives the skis power and durability, while the carbon fiber laminate boosts the overall responsiveness and damp feel. The Ripstick 96 skis will reward going big, with a freeride feel in an all-mountain package.
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Salomon S/Pro Supra Dual BOA 130 Boot (2026): $890
If you value control and performance, the dual BOA system will let you dial the fit of the upper and lower shells for a personalized feel that can easily be tweaked throughout the day. The boot itself includes Salomon’s Power Spine construction acts like a conduit to transfer power to skis while absorbing bumpy chatter.
Adding to the secure feel and performance is the Screwed Energizer Claw 50mm strap and ExoWrap construction. A GripWalk sole provides traction and binding compatibility. Lastly, an included 6mm back spoiler gives you the option for more leverage.
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Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro Boot (2026) — Men’s: $980
Enjoy Tecnica’s history of alpine designs with the Zero G Tour Pro boot, made to be lightweight, yet hard-charging during technical backcountry tours and high-alpine missions. By lightweight, we’re talking 1,280 grams, which may be most appreciated during its frictionless walk mode.
On descents, the boot has a 130 flex, carbon-infused cuff, and 99mm last for downhill control with a secure fit in the overlapping shell. Underfoot, the boots have an ISO 9523 sole with inserts and Vibram rubber for grip and binding compatibility.
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Norrona Lofoten GORE-TEX Insulated Jacket — Men’s: $559
Even resort skiing can test your mettle when the temps plunge and the snow turns to slush or ice. On frigid and wet days, reach for Norrona’s Lofoten GORE-TEX Insulated Jacket. Its recycled nylon face fabric takes on the elements with a 2-layer GORE-TEX membrane, delivering the waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection you’d expect for long days on the mountain. For warmth, the PrimaLoft Silver Eco insulation is body-mapped to prioritize cold spots and minimized in areas where movement is most important.
A helmet-compatible hood can be adjusted to suit the conditions, while the powder skirt and thumbhole cuffs help seal out drafts and moisture. Despite its cold-and-wet-weather prowess, the jacket has generous underarm vents to dump heat in warmer conditions.
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Norrona Lofoten GORE-TEX Insulated Pants— Men’s: $539
Like the jacket above, these durable insulated freeride pants use a 2-layer GORE-TEX membrane for waterproof, breathable protection against the elements. Again, body-mapped insulation delivers warmth without bulk in key areas, like the articulated knees, which allows for plenty of mobility.
The pants have a custom-fit waist, several pockets (including tool and phone stashes), and reinforced fabric at the ankles to protect from cuts and scrapes. A built-in snow gaiter and snap-in system can connect to jackets for greater coverage.
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Backcountry Cottonwoods Double Ski & Snowboard Rolling Bag G2: $279
Traveling with skis and snowboards can be a hassle, but the Backcountry Cottonwoods Double Ski & Snowboard Rolling Bag G2 can help reduce those headaches and protect your gear. The wheeled bag is fully padded and adjusts to fit skis or boards up to 195 cm and rolled down to fit your gear close.
The rolling bag is made from a hefty polyester outer fabric and a waterproof lining with reinforced padding along the edges. That’s practically an invitation to stash a jacket and gloves in there. Oversized wheels make it easier to handle the bag on wintry walks and snowy terrain.
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Need Help Finding the Right Gear?
Not sure which gear is right for you? Backcountry’s Gearhead Experts can help. The same testers who take the first turns in the latest gear are available to advise you on your next purchase based on your own needs or wants.
When they’re not chasing their own adventures, they’re on the other end of the phone or chat, ready to help you chase yours. Whether you need advice on sizing, tips on the best gear for your next trip, or help placing an order, they’ve got you covered.
Get in touch at 1-800-409-4502 or use the chat feature on Backcountry.com.
This post was sponsored by Backcountry.com.
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