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Jul 06, 2023

The 7 Pieces of Equipment That Have Totally Changed Skiing/Riding — According to SnowBrains Readers

There are so many different types of ski equipment within the industry it can sometimes be a little overwhelming on selecting what piece of equipment is best for you. There are the basic requirements

There are so many different types of ski equipment within the industry it can sometimes be a little overwhelming on selecting what piece of equipment is best for you. There are the basic requirements needed to be able to hit the mountain, like skis/board, boots, bindings, gloves, outerwear, etc. Technology in the ski industry has created so many options for you to choose from it is best to consult with a professional when picking out the right gear for you. Most resorts have the option to rent skis, boards, and boots at their mountains for those looking to check out new gear before making a purchase.

Most skiers and riders all have that one piece of equipment that they cannot go without while on the mountain. It is their “game changer,” and it does not take long until most skiers and riders eventually find that one piece of equipment that has totally changed their experience on the mountain. We asked our readers in a poll on Facebook, “What piece of equipment has totally changed your skiing/riding?” and here are their top answers.

If you’ve ever owned a pair of goggles that always fogged up or did not let you see the mountain in low-light conditions, then you are not alone. It is hard to argue that having the right pair of goggles can drastically improve your day out on the mountain. It is pretty simple; if you are having problems seeing when going down the mountain you are not going to have fun doing it.

Keeping things simple will never go out of fashion. The easier ski industry manufacturers make our gear to use, the more that skiers’ and riders’ motivation to hit the mountain is enhanced. BOA stands for “Boot Opening Adjustment” and was developed in 2001 in Colorado and initially designed for snowboard boots. Today the BOA Fit System can not only be seen in boots but also helmets, shoes, and other equipment throughout the industry.

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Sondre Norheim, who is from Telemark, Norway, is credited as being the father of telemark skiing when in 1866, he was invited to attend the first known ski jumping contest and won. A lot has changed since then, and the rival of telemark skiing in the modern day began in the 1970s—alpine skiing. Today, it is hard not to see someone skiing on telemark skis somewhere on any mountain that you go to.

If you are old enough, you can remember the days of putting on layers and layers of clothes just to stay warm enough to go hit the mountain for a day of skiing. After you got fully dressed, it almost made you feel like a big snowman with little mobility and flexibility. Today, those days are long gone, and the advancement of high-quality ski and riding apparel is big business.

Who remembers the days when only professional ski racers wore helmets and all the recreational skiers would just wear a winter hat while going down the slopes? Helmets have come a long way, and there is a very small amount of skiers or riders you can find on the mountain who are not wearing a helmet today. If you get the right helmet for you, they are comfortable, keeps your head warm, and, most importantly, protects your head from injury.

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We all want to feel comfortable while we are on the mountain, and according to our readers, the two-top pieces of equipment that changed their skiing or riding are directly related to their feet. Taking off your boots can be one of the most satisfying feelings after a long day of skiing or riding. Especially if your feet have been aching and screaming all day after taking a beating from being on the mountain. Custom support footbeds provide skiers and riders with that feeling of comfort, which allows us the ability to enjoy the day on the mountain so much more.

Our readers have spoken, and as previously mentioned, our feet are what matter to them the most when they are hitting the mountain on a cold winter’s day. Heated and fitted boots are a total game changer in the ski industry. There is no better feeling than booting up into a pair of boots that were custom fitted for your own two feet. They allow you to perform better while you are on the mountain and also provide warmth to your feet, which allows you to stay out on the mountain longer.

When looking back at the list of the pieces of equipment that have totally changed your skiing/riding, it is noteworthy to point out some things that were left off the list as well. Some of the equipment that did not make the list that our readers mentioned were cambered skis, twin-tip skis, and split boards. It seems that our readers have their priorities set, and that is making sure their feet are warm and comfortable!