HOW TO BUY
Skis
The three things to keep in mind when ski shopping.

Ski Boots
A few tips on how to shop for a boot that fits correctly.

Snowboards
Consider your style and skill level before you purchase.

Snowshoes
Tips to find the perfect pair for running, hiking, or mountaineering.

BACKCOUNTRY SKIS
Dynafit Manaslu
One of our favorite touring skis of 2009.

Movement Goliath
Our Gear of the Year backcountry ski excels on powder and hardpack.

Boot: Black Diamond Factor
A boot that performs nearly as well in-bounds as it does out-of-bounds.

Binding: Marker Baron
One binding for both the resort and backcountry? Yup.

SNOWBOARDS
GNU Altered Genetics
Our Gear of the Year–winning board can handle any terrain.

Salomon Sick Stick
An all-mountain, eco-friendly board for powder and park.

Burton Fix
With reinforced edges, this twin tip is designed specifically for the park.

MEN'S SKI JACKETS
Cloudveil Hoback
One of the warmest and most technical resort jackets we tested.

Scott Spectre
A jacket that wears as well on the slopes as it does in the city.

Mountain Hardwear Kramer
The most versatile jacket we tested, and our Gear of the Year winner.

WOMEN'S BOOTS
Patagonia Stubai
One of our favorite technical après boots, featuring fleece made out of recycled water bottles.

Merrell Lilly
Ankle-high leather boots that work well in the snow and look great in the bar.

Keen Summit County
Our favorite boots for snowshoeing will keep your feet warm to -35 degrees.

ALPINE SKIS
Rossignol Classic CX 80
Our favorite all-mountain ski, and winner of our Gear of the Year award.

K2 Coomba
A big-mountain ski that blasts through powder but can still handle hard snow.

Black Diamond Megawatt
One of the most user-friendly—and fun, and rockered—powder skis around.

Fischer Cool Heat
A super-sticky carving ski that penetrates even the hardest snow.

Völkl Unlimited AC50
The most versatile all-around mountain ski just got better.

WOMEN'S SNOWBOARDING
Board: GNU B. Pro BTX
Our favorite all-mountain women's board.

Binding: Burton Stiletto
An affordable option that doesn't sacrifice comfort.

Boot: Rome SDS Vamp
Plush padding and female-friendly shaping deliver all-day comfort.

WOMEN'S JACKETS
Orage Sofia
A streamlined, insulated jacket, without all the bulk.

Special Blend Saga
A stylish, weather-ready shell.

Cloudveil Women's Madison Quilted
Wear this jacket around town or under a shell on the slopes.

TRAIL RUNNERS
Pearl Izumi Syncroseek III WRX
The 2009 Gear of the Year winner can handle any winter conditions.

Merrell CP Paragon
A lightweight and water-resistant shoe for running on non-technical trails.

Oboz Ignition
A brand new company delivers a shoe fit for the gnarliest trails.

SNOWSHOES
Easton Artica Backcountry
Our Gear of the Year winner excels in virtually any kind of snow conditions.

TSL Walk in the Park
This year's Killer Value also happens to be one of the most versatile snowshoes.

Faber Winter Rover
A retro—and well-priced—model that works well for casual winter outings.

Crescent Moon Gold 13
Our favorite women's specific recreational snowshoe.