The Slope Shredder

Somehow he’s always on the side of a mountain. Snow seems to follow him and he knows the best lines of every run. You won’t keep up with him, but it’s worth ensuring he’s having a blast.

Smith Scout MIPS

Prior to last year, I had used the same helmet for the 14 years prior. Needless to say it was time for an upgrade. I went with the Smith Scout MIPS for three reasons. One, it works seamlessly with their goggles, meaning there’s no awkward forehead gap. Secondly, I was tired of using airpods under my helmet, and wanted to utilize in helmet audio from Outdoor Tech (see below). Lastly, I think protecting your noggin’ should be of the utmost importance, and the MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) offers the best solution second to not falling. Seeing as there is no choice other than to send it, MIPS was a must. I also did not need the added ventilation from the higher end models because I don’t have much time to ride in the spring. All said and done, the Scout has proven to be a great choice at an excellent price.

Smith I/O Mag XL Snow Goggles

Having interchangeable lenses means I can tackle each day without sacrificing visibility. The lowlight really comes in clutch when trying to avoid icy patches on overcast days. My favorite part is how well they fit with my helmet. While a bit pricier than some options, Smith makes incredible lenses and Chromapop really makes them shine.

Smartwool Men’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew

Smartwool Men's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip

Smartwool Men's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom

Best way to keep your fingers warm? Keep your core warm. If your body doesn’t have to worry about protecting your core, it can supply blood throughout your extremities. Merino Wool is a favorite of mine, and I always opt for a higher percentage to reap all the benefits of this wonderful material. I’m also partial to Smartwool since they were started in Steamboat and I have been wearing their base layers for as long as I can remember.

Outdoor Tech In-Helmet Audio

So long as I remember to turn them off after use, these headphones make snowboarding with music not only more enjoyable, but also more comfortableWhile these come in both a wired and wireless version, I would save the money and go for the wired version. Connectivity issues become annoying, and I prefer to deal with a single piece of technology instead of the pair. If the wire is a concern, check out the wireless pair here.

West Slope Pro-180x Chest Pack

I am really not a fan of wearing a backpack on a chair lift. While it offers additional storage for a day on the slopes, the extra inches it pushes me closer to the edge of the seat does not seem worth it. West Slope offers an innovative solution with their chest pack. My favorite part is that is offers a great way to carry your phone on the slopes without fear of dropping it.