Considering that there are over 6,000 ski areas around the globe, narrowing down the best couple resorts on each continent is no easy feat. After all, there are many factors to consider, as well as the fact that some continents are more geographically and meteorologically blessed than others. To determine the best ski resorts on each continent, first, we considered the characteristics that make a ski area the greatest of all time: quality of terrain, reliability of snow, and accessibility.Ěý

Ěý Ěý Ěý ĚýRelated:

So that means setting out to find ski areas with a wide variety of stellar ski terrain, from world-class steeps, and legendary back bowls to slopes geared toward those just learning to ski. For snow conditions, we looked at resorts that consistently have good snow coverage (or, in some cases, the best snowmaking capabilities). And lastly, we looked at accessibility: Is this a place everyone can get to and enjoy equally? That’s just as important as the number of powder days to us.

So, without further delay, here are the best ski resorts, according to our well-traveled editors and contributors, on every continent.

North America

Winner: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

You simply cannot beat’s legendary terrain, from the steeps off Sublette and Thunder chairs to the tree skiing off the Teton Chair. Go stand atop Alta Chute or the Hobacks or Cheyenne Bowl on a powder day and tell us this isn’t the most impressively sustained ski terrain you’ve ever dropped into. With a massive 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and over 4,000 feet of vertical drop from the top of the tram to the base area, this is a mountain where expert skiers come to get their butts kicked. And that’s just the inbounds skiing—you can to take you into some of the expansive surrounding backcountry bowls with views of the Teton Range.

Snow quality is Rocky Mountain cold smoke, with an average of 458 inches of snow a year. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has done a stellar job in recent years of expanding access to intermediate slopes, with the addition of the Sweetwater Gondola, and though flights in and out of Jackson’s remote airport aren’t exactly cheap, you will find 12 direct flights from major hubs around the U.S.Ěý

Ěý Ěý Ěý ĚýNo. 8 in the West:

We’d love it if the base area had more of a day-use lodge and if there were more affordable lodging options at the village. But there are plenty of places to stay on every budget in the town of Jackson, 12 miles away from the resort, and a that’ll take you to the ski hill. Select Ikon passes come with five or seven days of skiing at Jackson Hole (), otherwise, get ahead of time for the best deal.

Runner-Up: Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.

At , you get two neighboring resorts with a total of 8,171 acres. You’ll ski Blackcomb for fall line steeps and backcountry access and you’ll head to Whistler for endless groomers and above-treeline bowls. Connect the two via the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.Ěý

For a classic, expert-only line on Blackcomb, hike to , a couloir that requires a short bootpack to reach. For a gentler option, carve Cloud Nine under the Seventh Heaven chair. At Whistler, don’t miss the , the site of the 2010 Olympic downhill, a speedy, twisty descent that drops 3,300 vertical feet.

Ěý Ěý Ěý ĚýAlso Read:

Though Whistler Blackcomb is lower in elevation than some North American resorts—the mountain’s highest lift accessed point is 7,494 feet—the resort boasts an annual average of 448 inches of snow. Sure, you might get some rain, but cold powder days are the norm. is a breeze: Fly into Vancouver, then take a shuttle up the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. If you’re staying in the village, you don’t need a car, and lodging ranges from high-end to pod hotels. Epic Pass users can also enjoy unlimited access to both resorts.Ěý

South America

Winner: Las Leñas, Mendoza, Argentina

Skiers come from all over the world for the high-altitude steeps and powder at , and for good reason: When the snow is deep, this resort is among the biggest in the southern hemisphere, with a whopping 40,000 acres of skiable terrain. The resort’s highest point is 11,250 feet, and from this sky-scraping, treeless vantage point, you’ll have stellar views of the Andes. The ski season here lasts from June through September and though winters can be hit or miss, if you’re planning a ski trip to South America, Las Leñas is a reliably good bet for snow conditions, thanks to its high elevation base. The Marte double chairlift is famous for its steep chutes and wide-open bowls—expert skiers could just ride this single lift and be content.Ěý

Though Las Leñas is known for its more advanced terrain and backcountry access, intermediates will find plenty to explore off lifts like Minerva and Caris. If you didn’t get enough ski time during the day, Las Leñas is one of few South American resorts to offer under-the-lights night skiing. Getting here is admittedly a challenge, but we promise it’ll be worth the effort. Fly into Malargüe or Mendoza, then take ground transportation (about a four-hour drive, give or take road conditions) to Las Leñas. You can stay on-site in the village at a range of accommodations.

Runner-Up: Portillo, Chile

has terrain for every type of skier. Experts will lap El Estadio—a wide-open bowl that holds powder long after a storm. Intermediates and experts can enjoy the lines off the Plateau lift that serve up stunning views of Laguna del Inca, the shimmering alpine lake nestled within the ski resort. When conditions allow, experienced backcountry skiers can bootpack the legendary Super C Couloir for a nearly 5,000-vertical-foot descent down a narrow, 50-degree chute. Plus, there’s beginner-friendly terrain as well as high-speed cruisers down to the Juncalillo triple chair.

Most visitors stay for a full week at the all-inclusive Hotel Portillo, the iconic yellow lodge at the base of the ski resort, where four meals a day (including afternoon tea) come included in your stay and revelers disco party until the wee hours. Getting to Portillo is half the fun: You’ll drive up 29 hairpin turns on the Trans-Andean Highway to reach the resort. Arrange for an airport shuttle from Santiago and you’ll be greeted by the hotel’s official welcome wagon—a giant Saint Bernard—within a few hours.

Europe

ĚýWinner: Verbier, Switzerland

The only problem with? It’s so massive, that there’s no way you could ski it all in a single visit. Made up of four interconnected valleys, Verbier is Switzerland’s largest ski resort, with over 90 lifts ranging from trams to pomas. From the main village base area, it’ll take you four lifts to reach the top of the Mont Fort tram at 10,925 feet, but it’s worth it for the panoramic view of the Alps and the extensive ski terrain down, ranging from high-speed groomers to backcountry steeps. Verbier has a distinctly luxurious feel to it—with high-end slopeside hotels and celebrity sightings—but the terrain here is ski-bum-approved. There’s a reason the Freeride World Tour has its finale here every year: The steeps and cliffs at Verbier are a freeride skier’s dream. But if groomers and mid-mountain chalets are more your style, this resort has that aplenty, too.

Don’t be fooled by Verbier’s average of 215 inches of snow a year—even if a storm hasn’t blown through in a while, most of the skiers here stick to the piste, which means if you’re looking for powder, it’s usually not that hard to find just a quick sidestep or detour off the groomers.

Head into the valley of La Tzoumaz for protected north-facing lines or to Nendaz for more intermediate and family-friendly terrain. There are two lift ticket options: A less expensive one to lower-mountain zones or an all-access pass that gets you up the Mont Fort tram. Those with an get five days at Verbier.Ěý

To, fly into Geneva and book an airport transfer for the two-and-a-half-hour drive, or take the train to the nearby village of Le Châble for more affordable lodging options and a gondola that takes you to the base of the ski area). For closer access to skiing, stay in the upscale village of Verbier, which has everything from luxury hotels and charming bed-and-breakfasts to DJ-fueled après-ski parties.

Runner-Up: Chamonix–Mont Blanc, France

Skiing in Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, one of the highest peaks in the Alps, is a rite of passage for hardy skiers and ski mountaineers. Though much of this iconic region’s extreme backcountry terrain is accessible only to the very experienced, there’s plenty of approachable and fun inbounds terrain at the valley’s two best resorts, the north-facing steeps of Les Grand Montet and the famous piste of Le Brévent. For the epitome of a Chamonix experience, and ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car to 12,605 feet to ski one of the most classic lines in the world: the 14-mile-long Vallée Blanche, a glaciated run that is doable for most advanced skiers and ends with a train ride back into the quaint village. couldn’t be easier: Fly to Geneva, then hop an hour-and-a-half shuttle or take the rail line directly to Chamonix train station. A free local bus system gets you everywhere you need to go around town.

Asia

Winner: Niseko, Japan

There’s no such thing as guaranteed powder day when you plan a ski trip in advance, but if you’re headed to during the months of January or February, the chances are high that you’ll score deep snow. Between the on-slope ramen, the after-ski soaks in public hot spring baths (called onsens), and the magical over-the-head powder days, this resort on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido has ski culture figured out. The ski resort of Niseko United is made up of four interconnected zones along the flanks of 4,291-foot Annupuri, and the terrain between the collective resorts varies from powder-stuffed glades to low-angle cruisers.

Don’t miss the short bootpack to the top of Annupuri itself, where you can ski off the peak in any direction and the open bowls that lead down to the Hirafu base area. For lunch, stop into the mid-mountain Lookout Café for a steaming bowl of noodles or grab steamed buns from a vending machine in the base lodge at Niseko Village. Lodging varies from high-end slopeside hotels to more rustic and authentic Japanese lodges easily accessible via bus lines from town. With snowbanks that tower above the roads, Niseko has been known to receive a whopping 600 inches of snow in a normal year. Fly into the Sapporo airport, then take a transfer two hours to Niseko, or you can hop on the three-hour bullet train from Tokyo. The Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective both work here for a set number of days.

Runner-Up:ĚýKashmir, India

Skiing at Gulmarg is like nowhere else on the planet. This is adventure skiing at its finest, a cultural experience with steep, intimidating terrain from high-alpine bowls to chutes as far as the eye can see. Groomers are limited here. Instead, you’ll ride two successive gondolas, known as one of the highest ski lifts in the world, toward the top of Mt. Apharwat, where you’ll step out at over 13,000 feet in the western Himalayas. If you plan to head into the surrounding backcountry, be sure to hire a mountain guide. The mountain does have beginner terrain toward the bottom of the hill, but it’s minimal, making this far-flung spot best suited for more advanced skiers.Ěý

Fly into the Srinagar Airport, and book a private transfer, which will take you a couple of hours before you start switchbacking up the final mountain road into the Gulmarg village.

Africa

Winner: °żłÜ°ě˛ąĂŻłľ±đ»ĺ±đ˛Ô, Morocco

Nobody comes to Morocco just for the skiing, but if you happen to be in the area between the snowy months from June to August, it’s worth checking out °żłÜ°ě˛ąĂŻłľ±đ»ĺ±đ˛Ô, which has one old double chairlift to the upper mountain and six surface lifts on the lower half and about 20 designated runs. (The resort does operate a rental shop stocked with retro skis and boots, in case you haven’t traveled to northern Africa with your skis in tow.)Ěý

°żłÜ°ě˛ąĂŻłľ±đ»ĺ±đ˛Ô tops out at over 9,500 feet, making it Africa’s highest-elevation ski area and snow quality can be surprisingly good this close to the equator. Keep in mind that grooming and snowmaking are basically nonexistent here.Ěý

Besides, where else can you get your ski gear carried up the slope by a donkey and pay just $20 for a full-day lift ticket? The views of the High Atlas Mountains from the top of the chairlift will make up for it if the snow quality isn’t great. If you’re in Marrakech, it’s about a two-hour drive by car south to °żłÜ°ě˛ąĂŻłľ±đ»ĺ±đ˛Ô. A few hotels, ranging from dormitories to European-style ski lodges, dot the base area.

Runner-Up: Afriski, Lesotho

Located in the Drakensberg-Maluti Mountains of Lesotho, a sovereign enclave surrounded on all sides by South Africa, this quirky, small ski hill reaches impressively high elevations for this part of the world, topping out at nearly 9,000 feet.Ěý

A rope tow brings you to what’s affectionately called Main Slope or you can ski a more advanced run called Gully Slope. Afriski has enough pitch and vertical drop that these slopes have hosted the only Federation for International SkiĚýrace on the African continent. Not only can you rent skis and boots, but you can also rent jackets and ski pants, and at the end of the day grab a drink at the Ice Station 2720 known for being the highest pub in the country.Ěý

Easy to get to, this place is not. Half the adventure is the roadway. You’ll drive rough dirt roads for several hours to get here. Skiing awaits 13 hours from Cape Town or nine hours from Johannesburg, Make sure you fill up on gas at the last petrol station, and cell coverage is spotty at best. Stay in a chalet or guest house in close proximity to the main lodge.

Australia

Winner: Thredbo, New South Wales, Australia

Here’s what we love most about Thredbo: It’s got long, sustained runs, including some trails that run for over 3 miles., and a wide range of terrain for every ability, including a gentle beginner zone called Friday Flat. On storm days, the resort’s Sponars and Anton’s T-bars can still operate even in high winds, and at the end of the season, the upper mountain can stay open with colder snow even if the lower half is melting out.Ěý

Located within the picturesque Kosciuszko National Park, you’ll need to purchase a park pass to enter the area by car. The skiing here is as steep as it gets by Australian standards (6,683 ft summit) and 14 well-developed lifts (including five T-bars) bring you all over the mountain. Ski season usually lasts from June until October, conditions permitting.Ěý

From Karels T-Bar at the top of the summit, be sure to ring the community bell, the highest lift-accessed point in Australia, then drop Frank’s Face to Cannonball for a fun route down or tackle Funnel Web, through the trees, for one of the mountain’s more challenging top-to-bottom routes. Thredbo has several terrain parks, too. The Ikon Pass gets you up to seven days of skiing here. Driving a personal vehicle is the easiest way to get here: It’s a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney or Melbourne or two and a half-hours from Canberra. Base area accommodations range from hotels to private chalets and there’s a free shuttle to get around the village. Limited bus services run during the season from Sydney and Canberra or from the nearby town of Jindabyne.Ěý

Runner-Up: Hotham, Victoria, Australia

Hotham, in northeast Victoria, has more expert ski terrain than anywhere else in Australia, and 13 lifts grant you access to 790 acres of skiable terrain. Average snowfall is about 118 inches—which is good for Australia—and even in mild winters, the snow quality here can be reliably better than elsewhere, thanks to lift access reaching up to 6,000 feet in elevation. Head straight to the Heavenly Valley quad on a snowy day. The village area is uniquely situated atop the mountain, making for stellar views—plus, your first run of the day can be downhill, instead of a lift-up. It’s about a four-and-a-half hour drive from Melbourne to reach the slopes of Hotham and the village offers an accommodation mix of hotels, apartments, and club lodges, many open to non-members. An Epic Pass gets you access to skiing at Hotham.

Antarctica

Obviously, there are no ski resorts in Antarctica, so this continent gets a pass. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ski on our planet’s southernmost land mass. It just requires a considerable amount of time and effort.

guides two-week-long trips to the Antarctic Peninsula that involve an expedition ship departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, and setting across the Drake Passage. You’ll see penguin rookeries, spot whales, and visit a scientific research station while tackling guided ski descents on glaciated slopes that end at the sea.

The post Our Experts Determined the Best Ski Resorts on Every Continent appeared first on ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ Online.

There’s a new champion in the insulated sleeping pad category. The not only boasts more insulation than any other ultralight pad, but also sports an incredible warmth-to-weight ratio, beating out most of its competition. I spoke to its designer to find out what made that possible.

To give you a little context, here’s how this new pad stacks up against its competition. In 72 x 20-inch mummy form the $250 Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions weighs 17 ounces, inflates to 3.5 inches thick, and achieves an 8.5 R-Value. Therm-a-Rest’s $240 NeoAir XTherm NXT is one ounce lighter, but also half an inch thinner, and only reaches a 7.3 R-value. The $220 Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme is thicker at four inches, but weighs 25 ounces, and its R-value is only 6.2. The $240 Exped Ultra 7R Mummy weighs 17.5 ounces and is 3.5 inches thick, but only manages a 7.1 R-value.

The Nemo will pack smaller than either the Sea to Summit or Exped, which use lofted insulation, and sleeps quieter than the Therm-a-Rest, which also uses mylar baffles. Tensor Extreme Conditions also uses a 40 denier nylon fabric on its underside, which will make it durable and puncture resistant. Winter backpackers, mountaineers, backcountry hunters, and anyone else who camps out of a backpack in very cold conditions will benefit.

R-value is a measurement of how well a pad resists heat transfer. Lay down on a cold surface, and the ground, packed snow, or glacial ice will suck the heat right out of your body. Because a sleeping bag’s insulation is compressed by your weight, it’s the pad, not the bag, that insulates you from conductive heat loss. When a sleeping bag’s temperature rating is measured, that test is conducted using a 4.0 R-value pad. The higher the R-value number, the warmer you’ll sleep.

“Laying on the pad for the first time, even just in your living room, you’ll feel it reflect your body heat nearly instantly, providing a stable, warm surface,” describes Luke Scotton, a product developer at Nemo who led the Tensor Extreme Conditions project.

Scotton explains that Nemo was able to achieve such a radical degree of insulation without increasing packed size or weight by stacking multiple layers of mylar inside the the pad’s baffles.

“Nemo’s previous Tensor Insulated pads [above] used our rectangular Spaceframe baffle system that suspends mylar insulation at the top and bottom of the pad by mechanically trapping the mylar around each weld,” he says. “The new Apex baffle system replaces the rectangular Spaceframe with trapezoidal trusses [below] that allow multiple layers of mylar to be suspended within the baffle, distributing insulative power throughout the full inflated height of the pad and creating a much warmer pad without a significant weight penalty.”

I also asked Scotton how he was able to design a pad with reflective insulation that doesn’t crinkle and crunch when you roll around.

“Our Apex baffle system suspends the mylar insulation without welding it in place, so you don’t get that potato chip crunch common to other insulated pads,” he explains. The mylar is captured within the pad without making it part of the pad’s support structure, so it’s not disturbed as you move.

It’s the ability to “float” those multiple layers of mylar inside the pad that makes Nemo’s new design unique. But it also requires that the pad be used with one surface always facing upwards. Tensor Extreme Conditions uses a two-tone design and thinner, 20-denier sleep surface fabric to make that obvious. And achieving that weld-free structure also meant redesigning both the pad baffles and manufacturing process.

“This pad was designed for backcountry enthusiasts looking for the highest warmth-to-weight possible, and it’s also a great option for cold sleepers or anyone looking to extend the backpacking season into chillier conditions,” says Scotton.

The post Winter Campers Rejoice, This Sleeping Pad Boasts an Insane Warmth-to-Weight Ratio appeared first on ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ Online.

ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ tests upward of 30 snowboards every winter, but only a few wind up featured in the magazine. How do we pick which boards make the cut? Normally, we have a weeklong test and invite riders from far and wide to put all the industry’s new boards through the wringer. This past year was anything but normal, however, so we switched things up. Our test director converted his garage at the bottom of Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon into a gear library, with stacks of boards lined up and ready to rip. Then he sounded the horns in the Wasatch, rallying an army of local riders, who came to check boards out for up to two weeks at a time and then fill out review forms. We repeated this process over the course of the season, andĚýour favorite boards of 2022 rose to the top. Scroll through the photos, below, to enjoy a few testers in action during one of our last days this spring at Snowbird.

The post Behind the Scenes at Our 2022 Snowboard Test appeared first on ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ Online.

These are the products worth snagging at REI’s Holiday Warm Up Sale, which lasts now through December 20.

The post A Wearable Sleeping Bag, Trusty Work Gloves, and More: the Holiday Deals We’re Eyeing at REI appeared first on ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ Online.

We’re giving readers a sweet way to score outdoor gear: ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ+ members receive an annual $50 credit (see ) for our just-launched . It’s stocked with useful items that can make your time outdoors—a hike, camping trip, ski day, or walk around the neighborhood—better. And that selection includes top-tier gear we’ve reviewed in our semiannual Buyer’s Guides. Here are a few premium items worth snagging with your discount.

Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Boot ($200)

We gave the MTN Trainer Lite Mid a Gear of the Year award in our 2020 Summer Buyer’s Guide. Testers Berne Broudy and Jakob Schiller praised its versatility. “With true-to-size fit and a lightweight suede and mesh build that requires zero break-in, the MTN Trainer Lite Mid is at home on mellow hikes,” they wrote. “At the same time, the supportive cuff ­and ­­semi-stiff sole excel on steep, rocky climbs and descents, with an aggressively lugged outsole that grips everything from kitty-litter scree to wet boulders.”

Cotopaxi Allpa Pack 42L ($220)

Contributor Janna Irons crowned the 42-liter Allpa the best travel pack in her Buyer’s Guide roundup of the best luggage. “It held enough gear to get through four sweaty days and three cold nights in Joshua Tree National Park, and the clamshell design granted easy access to the four interior zippered compartments, which are great for separating clothes, shoes, and accessories,” she wrote.

Dynafit Feline SL Trail Running Shoes ($130)

What shoe performs best on mountain trails? Buyer’s Guide testers Cory Smith and Lisa Jhung thought that distinctionĚýbelonged to the Feline SL in 2020. “The second iteration of Dynafit’s bestselling, performance-oriented grip master is perfectly suited to charging hard on short-to-medium-distance runs in alpine terrain,” they wrote. “Our wide-footed testers found the last a bit narrow, but everyone loved the aggressive 4.5-millimeter multidirectional lugs, which kept us at ease in rocky no-fall zones.”

Fjällräven Vardag BeanieĚý($26)

“A perfect beanie is the cherry on top of a cute après look,” wrote senior editor Kelsey Lindsey in her Buyer’s Guide roundup of the best women’s après gear of 2021. “Our pick is the Vardag, made out of recycled polyester with a throwback logo that adds vintage flair. Despite frequent use during testing, it never lost shape.”

Grayl GeoPress Water Purifier ($90)

We featured the GeoPress in our Buyer’s Guide roundup of the best gear for self-supported bike missions. “This two-part device purifies 24 ounces of water in seconds (four to five liters per minute) like a French press, while the inner bottle serves as water storage,” explained tester Amy Jurries.

Smith I/O Mag Goggles ($270)

Winter Buyer’s Guide tester Marc Peruzzi loved the I/O Mag’s magnetic lens system, which features clips that lock the lenses in place. “Unlike a lot of ill-designed goggle tech, the clips don’t require an advanced degree to operate, and we were able to change lenses in just a few seconds,” he wrote. “Best of all, there was no wind channeling or goofy lens dislocation.”

The post Stock Up on This Buyer’s Guide–Approved Gear at the ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ Shop appeared first on ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ Online.

The post The 2022 Winter Buyer’s Guide appeared first on ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ Online.

The post The 2021 Winter Buyer’s Guide appeared first on ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ Online.

Burly clothes can still be comfy

Voormi San Juan Jacket ($299)

To fight off any storm, the San Juan pairs old-school cotton-poly with Cordura reinforcements and a weatherproof membrane. The result is as breathable as canvas, offers greater durability, and doesn’t mind being put through the wringer.

Hestra Njord Gloves ($105)

Removable merino liners set these goatskin gloves apart. Wear them unlined on warm days, then slip in the merino when temperatures sink.

Darn Tough Paul Bunyan Socks ($26)

These over-the-calf, full-cushion socks are made of extra-fine knit and remained firmly in place through a full day of chores. Nylon-reinforced merino wool ensures toes stay comfortable and stink-free no matter how sweaty things get.

Duckworth Hi-Line Shirt ($175)

Duckworth’s hardier take on the traditional shacket feels like a hug and protects like a shell. A dense wool weave repels wind, while the exceptionally soft brushed-polyester interior keeps warm air in.

Eagle Eyes Explorer SL Glasses ($50)

Winter work means long hours in low light. Eagle Eyes’ yellow ­lenses filter out blue light, boosting contrast and depth in dim conditions.

Buff Lightweight Merino Wool Neck Warmer ($32)

This Buff is just thick enough to keep your neck or head warm but stuffs tidily into your pocket when you break a sweat.

1620 Workwear Stretch NYCO Double Knee Pants ($174)

The Double Knee sets the bar for work pants. Two-way stretch and a gusseted crotch ensure mobility, while the straight leg looks crisp even when covered in mud.

Carhartt Legacy 14-inch Tool Bag ($50)

Carhartt’s metal-framed, water-repellent polyester bag accommodates all your tools, though you won’t have trouble stuffing it under the backseat of your Subaru until you need it next.

Lupine Neo X2 SmartCore Headlamp ($275)

The Neo’s compact size belies its 900-lumen output—brighter than a car headlight—and an all-metal interior that handles temperature changes like a pro. (It better, at that price.)

LaCrosse Aero Insulator Boots ($180)

We challenge you to find warmer waterproof boots. Generous tread keeps you upright on ice; neoprene-polyurethane insulation protects feet from subzero chills.

The post The Best Winter Workwear of 2019 appeared first on ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ Online.

A dash of style doesn’t have to mean reduced traction

Oboz Juniper 8″ Insulated ($165)

For big days in the mountains, the high-cut, waterproof women’s Juniper 8″ Insulated is the boot we reach for. With Thinsulate in the upper, it kept our feet toasty and still fit nicely in snowshoe bindings, while the winterized outsole gripped well on snow and ice. A leather slop guard reduces wear and tear, and when the snow is deep enough for gaiters, there’s a handy D ring near the toe.

The North Face Yukonia Ankle Boot ($145)

Inside, the North Face Yukonia has Prima-Loft insulation and a springy midsole that’s stable and comfortable even when sprint­ing for the bus. The leather upper is fully waterproof, the baffles around the ankle are water-resistant, and the outsole kept us from slipping and sliding on icy sidewalks.

Danner Mountain 600 Insulated ($220)

Danner’s boot has toasty PrimaLoft and an enveloping fleece liner for maximum warmth. Terrain-conforming Vibram rubber held as well in snow as it did on slick roots and rocks. This boot has the same cushy and resilient blend of natural rubber and EVA foam in the midsole as you find in the uninsulated version.

Ěý

Keen Targhee Lace ($150)

The synthetic insulation in this hiker is so low-profile, we didn’t even notice it until we’d headed out for a ridge traverse. Our feet stayed warm, and when we hit an ice patch or a snowdrift, the grippy rubber outsole let us cruise right through without incident.

Baffin Kootenay ($168)

The waterproof Kootenay is impossibly light, considering its wealth of features. The two-layer boot has a removable liner, which we pulled out and laid by the fire each night during a multi-day hut trip. It’s heat moldable, staving off blisters, and the rubber outsole didn’t harden when temperatures dropped below freezing, remaining supple and grippy.

Ecco ExoStrike GTX Tall ($230)

Stick your landings all winter long in this high-cut yak-leather boot. The aggressive outsole bites into crud with tenacity, and the ExoStrike is packed with synthetic insulation to help manage winter chill. Your feet remain protected from rain, slush, and snow by a durable Gore-Tex liner.

The post The Best Winter Hikers of 2019 appeared first on ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ Online.

The ski industry’s super-pass arms race is still heating up. And that’s great news for you. At least as far as multi-resort packages are concerned, competition means lower prices, access to more resorts, and better perks, such as buddy passes, lodging discounts, and bonus days at international ski areas. So stop buying pricey day tickets (you’re not still doing that, are you?) and commit to a season pass instead. You’ll save money, ski more days at more places, and have an excuse to check off some bucket-list resorts.

Which pass should you get? Between the ever popular Epic Pass, the new-this-season Ikon Pass, and the still golden Mountain Collective Pass—plus other standbys like the and the —it’s harder than ever to know which one is right for you. We rounded up our favorite resorts from the big three to help you make the call.

Epic Pass

Vail Resorts debuted the Epic Pass in 2008, and it keeps getting better. You receive unrestricted access to all 18 Vail-owned resorts, including Keystone, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Stowe, and (of course) Vail—plus, once the deal goes through, new additions Crested Butte, Okemo, and Mount Sunapee. You also score a week’s worth of days at 47 other locations, including Fernie, Kicking Horse, and Telluride, as well as resorts in Europe and Japan. ($899; )

Cross the Border

Two years ago, Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, became the first Epic Pass resort in Canada. But Vail has worked hard to expand its northern offerings, and this winter you can turn your B.C. trip into a mega-tour by tacking on days at Fernie, Kicking Horse, and Kimberley. Plus, Blackcomb just added a new ten-person gondola from the base to midmountain. The Adara Whistler Hotel is a five-­minute walk from the lifts, it allows dogs, and the staff can arrange for ski rentals to be delivered to your room (from $299; ).

Escape the Crowds

If you’re in California and looking for fine dining, luxury hotels, and extensive beginner terrain, head to Heavenly. If you’re looking for deep powder, steep shots, and crowdless runs, Kirkwood is for you. Nearly 60 percent of this far-flung ski area is rated advanced or expert, and with an average of 354 inches a year, it has some of the highest snowfall levels in Tahoe. But middle-of-the-pack riders need not be discouraged. You can also sign up for backcountry outings, avalanche training, and skills workshops through Expedition: Kirkwood, the resort’s education and guiding service. Snag a room at the Coachman ­Hotel, which opened in 2016, and take advantage of the free breakfast, nightly s’mores, and access to a local coworking space (from $170; ).

Conquer the Steeps

This summer, Vail announced the purchase of Colorado’s Crested Butte. While over 80 percent of CB’s terrain is beginner and intermediate, it’s easier than ever to explore the steeps and bowls that made the mountain famous: the resort now offers guided tours of the North Face and double blacks off the High Lift (from $150). During ski season, stay in town at the Elk Mountain Lodge and you’re treated to a breakfast of homemade granola and huevos rancheros. Bonus: the free shuttle to the ski area stops nearby (from $119; ).

Ski, Eat, Drink

Utah used to be a tough place to get good food and quality cocktails. Not anymore. Now, when you’re done skiing , pair locally distilled whiskey with poke tostadas at the Spur or sriracha and roasted garlic chicken wings at High West Saloon. On-mountain dining is top-shelf, too. The Farm in Canyons Village has a charcuterie board with local salami and pickles, and ski-in Lookout Cabin serves stellar wagyu burgers. And the Viking Yurt, reachable by sleigh from the base, offers a six-course Norwegian dinner.

Best of the Rest

, Vermont, is so enamored of beer that the resort hosts two : one to kick off the season in December, and ­another to wrap it up in April.

Ikon Pass

Meet the coolest new mega-pass on the market—Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon, which grants unlimited access to 12 first-rate resorts, including Squaw Valley, Mammoth, Steamboat, Copper, and Solitude, plus up to seven days at Revelstoke, Deer Valley, Snowbird, Alta, Big Sky, and more. Bonus: you get discounted tickets for friends, 15 percent off food and retail at select resorts, and ­summer lift access. ($999; )

Don’t Settle for Just One Mountain

You get seven days to explore the four resorts that make up Colorado’s Aspen Snowmass. Lap the 3,267-foot Silver Queen gondola at Aspen Mountain for well-spaced glades off Gentleman’s Ridge and perfect bumps on Bell Mountain. Explore 3,332 acres of groomers and expert terrain at Snowmass. Boot-pack to the top of Aspen Highlands’ Highland Bowl for well-earned powder turns. Or hit the terrain park at 470-acre Buttermilk. The Limelight Hotel opens in November with a five-story climbing wall, a ski valet, and live music (from $525; ).

Get Dependably Good Snow

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is known as a rugged, challenging mountain. For a taste of how it earned that reputation, book a guided backcountry tour. An early tram whisks you to the top of Rendezvous Mountain for untracked turns out of the gate. But fully half the resort suits beginners and intermediates, and it recently expanded its gentler terrain. This winter, the Solitude Station lodge debuts halfway up the Sweetwater gondola, with family facilities and a new ski school. Fuel up with breakfast burritos, hot sandwiches, and espresso at the new Southcable Café next to the Aerial Tram in Teton Village.

Go Big on a Budget

At Colorado’s Steamboat Springs, ripping tree runs through Morningside Park or high-speed laps on Sunshine Express is sure to build an appetite. Good thing there’s Taco Beast, a wandering snowcat that slings street tacos and Mexican-style beer right on the slopes. If you can wait until you’re off the moun­tain, head to the new base-area restaurant Timber and Torch, and feast on Parmesan fries and mussels steamed in local beer. You don’t have to spend a for­tune on travel and lodging. It’s just 150 miles from Denver, and the Rabbit Ears Motel is right across the street from the town’s hot springs (from $139; ). Plus, there’s a free shuttle to the lifts.

Plan an Easy Escape

Quebec’s Mont Tremblant may have a distinctly European vibe, but it’s only six hours by car from Boston. Better yet, new owner Alterra Mountain Company has been pouring money into upgrades, including a new high-speed quad and additional glading that opened up 50 new acres of terrain, bringing the grand total to 715. You can book a single room or a two-bedroom suite (with kitchen) at the recently reno­vated, ski-to Lodge de la Montagne (from $132; ).

Best of the Rest

When the Josie Hotel in Red Mountain, B.C., opens in November, it will have a spa, a lounge, and a ski concierge, who will check your gear overnight and point you toward choice runs (from $145; ).

Mountain Collective

If you don’t need a pass that works on your home mountain and would rather travel to faraway resorts instead, Mountain Collec­tive gets you two days of skiing with no black­out dates at 16 top destinations, such as Big Sky, Banff Sunshine, Aspen, Jackson Hole, and Sugarbush, plus lodging deals and 50 percent off additional tickets. ($449; )

Step Back in Time

Lift 1 at New Mexico’s Taos Ski Valley has carried skiers to some classic runs since it was unveiled in 1989. This winter it will be replaced with the resort’s first high-speed quad, located just steps from the Blake hotel (from $324; skitaos.com/theblake), delivering skiers into the high alpine in under five minutes. That’s just part of Taos’s recent renaissance, which has transformed the once throwback ski hill into a modern, world-class destination without touching the main thing people come for: rowdy terrain. You can now grab a lift all the way to the top of 12,481-foot Kachina Peak, and new glading means even more gnarly chutes.

GetĚýPrivate Access

Snowbasin, Utah, which joined the Mountain Collective last year, is a worthy addition to the lineup. The 3,000-acre ski area feels exclusive, thanks to fancy lodges with white-tablecloth lunches and uncrowded slopes. (Skiers in bigger numbers tend to congregate at resorts closer to Salt Lake City.) Sign up for a private lesson on the weekend and you and four friends can access the wide-open Mount Ogden Bowl an hour before everyone else. Do après at Cinnabar for live music and beer-cheese fondue. Afterward, crash in your townhome minutes away at Wolf Creek Resort (from $250; ).

Score a Sneak Peek

This winter, Sun Valley, Idaho, is letting advanced skiers take guided tours of the proposed expansion zone in Cold Springs Canyon, which could eventually add 380 acres to the resort. But you don’t have to head out the gate to find open slopes. Thanks to its remote location, there are no lift lines here. Experts can bomb 3,400 feet down Bald Mountain, while beginners and halfpipe enthusiasts can head for treeless Dollar Mountain. Stay at historic Sun Valley Inn, where the Ram Bar is a prime location for a nightcap (from $249; ).

Sample aĚýLittle Bit of Everything

Each winter, Lake Louise, Alberta, buzzes with one of the first World Cup races of the season. Afterward, mimic the planet’s fastest skiers on runs off the ­aptly named Top of the World Express. Lunch on fondue at Sawyer’s Nook in the Temple Lodge, and at closing bell head to the base for sushi and sake at Kuma Yama. There’s a free shuttle from the Mountaineer Lodge, five minutes away (from $135; mountaineerlodge.com), or ski seven miles into the backcountry to Skoki Lodge, which welcomes you with hot drinks and homemade bread (from $173; ).

Best of the Rest

First, installed two new chairlifts, expanding its acreage to a whopping 8,464. Then, last season, it capped the number of daily lift tickets at 1,500 and the number of season passes at 3,000, to preserve its famous powder for the lucky few.

The post How to Have Your Best Winter Yet appeared first on ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ Online.