Why it's a top pick:

"This is a piece of gear that everyone should have and use if you venture anywhere off the beaten path. When you’re starting your run, bike or ski adventure a simple text can be sent such as “starting my run,” “stopped for lunch,” “turning around,” and “back at the car safe”. This combined with “Live Tracking” give my family that extra piece of mind. In the event of having to hit that little “SOS” button, I also have a message sent to my wife with my exact location and to notify local Search and Rescue.  Pairing with the Garmin App “Explore” for detailed mapping as well as pairing it with my watch gives me a next level of security. Having the pair with my watch also gives me “wrong” turn notifications, especially useful when off trail.

- Alpenglow Educator Lou

Why it's a top pick:

"In so many movies characters speak of swords as an extension of your arm. This would be the ski equivalent of that idea. The Speedmax Helium’s new construction drastically improves the swing weight, flex characteristics, and speed (most importantly) compared to the previous generation. I like to describe this ski as a carbon rod strapped to your foot that complies to every small input you give the ski. It truly is an absolute blast to spend time on the trails while easy or racing."

- Alpenglow Educator Cooper

Why it's a top pick:

"This board inspired a completely new perspective on splitboard mountaineering. The Ultralight Butterfly split is lighter than our lightest pair of skis(and all the splits) but it doesn't ride like ultralight gear. Skiers constantly complain about their noodley lightweight skis and I don't have a single complaint with how this thing rides. 

The long effective edge makes this board confidence inspiring in steeps and the length and weight make it super easy to hop-turn in tight spaces. The directional full camber profile and setback make for better edge hold than anything else I've ridden."

- Alpenglow Educator Max

Why it's a top pick:

"I have been skiing in the Tecnica Zero G Tour Scout Boots for 3 seasons – I like that they are light and have a great range of motion. They are comfortable enough to wear for a full day of touring and they are stiff enough to drive a ski in any conditions."

- Alpenglow Educator Janice

Why it's a top pick:

"The DPS Lotus 138 literally changes the sport of powder surfing into a spiritual, out-of-body experience. In good winters, I ski this board over 40 days a season. The reverse camber design gives a nice kick-pattern directly underfoot, where only about 14 inches of the ski touches snow, making skinning an extremely efficient and low-resistance experience. This increase in skin track turn-over (cadence), allows for quick and easy touring, despite the size of the ski. I’ve skied every iteration of the Lotus since 2013 and I highly encourage my powder thirsty friends to drink from this chalice of goodness."

- Alpenglow Sports Owner Brendan