Remember when 90 underfoot was fat?

SKIS
Fat skis used to be the outliers—you used them for big dumps or once a year on that heli trip. But as waistlines grow even thicker, big skis are only getting more responsive. That means it’s become pretty easy to return to the old quiver-of-one ethic. That said, here are our top picks for 2010-2011. Even the fattest will work as your one ski for the season.

1. Völkl Kenja
There was a time when women’s skis were soft and pretty—and useless. No safe, little lady-board, the nimble, wood-core Kenja simply slices through the untracked. The big shovel pushes sloppy snow out of the way and offers float, but there’s still enough sidecut to make quick turns and bomb goormers at full bore. 129/86/105 in a 156 cm.
$649; volkl.com
BEST FOR: Women who Shred

2. Blizzard Magnum 8.7 IQ Max
For a few years, old-school alpine manufacturers like Blizzard had fallen behind the big-ski curve. No longer. This is the ideal Colorado ski: adept underfoot for top-to-bottom leg-leg burning on sunny days yet big enough up front to mash in chewed up powder. In other words, it’s a frontside ski that can run with fatties. 128/87/113
$1,000; blizzard.com
BEST FOR: A quiver of one

3. Salomon XW Enduro
Forget the distinction between powder ski and frontside board. At 85 underfoot and armed with Salomon’s Powerline dampening technology, the Enduro can hold an edge on the hardpack or shimmy through ugly tree lines. But it’s also equipped with rocker for float in powder, crud-crushing and, believe it or not, better bump skiing. 127/85/112 in a 184 cm.
$700; salomon.com
BEST FOR: Full-speed ripping

4. Rossignol S3
Rossi’s big S7 got so much media love last season that the slimmer S3 slipped under the radar. More managable at 98 underfoot, the S3 combines camber and reverse camber for a ski that’s easy to spin around—whether floating in wild snow, flying through the woods, mashing bumps or playing in the park. And the wood core makes it nice and lively. 118/98/128
$600; rossignol.com
BEST FOR: Freeriding versatilty

5. Liberty Double Helix
Liberty’s Helix was our favorite do-it-all fat board last year. The Double Helix is even fatter, making for absolute dominance on big, aggressive lines in pow. Yet, the truly amazing thing about this rockered board is just how well it handles everywhere. These fat skis swing around quick—even in tight tree lines.150/121/140
$759; libertyskis.com
BEST FOR: Pow, POW, pow

6. K2 Coomback
The late, legendary Doug Coombs signature ski was built to be equally adept at touring and turning. It suceeds on both fronts—built with a light wood core for easier trudging uphill, it can do most anything on the way down thanks to a massive shovel that elevates the boards and smooth-turning sidecut.  135/102/121
$650; k2skis.com
BEST FOR: Slipping out the gates

7. G3 Mass Transit
The fatter cousin to G3’s popular Rapid Transit, this assymetric board is a workhorse with perfect dimensions to take on all terrain inbounds or switch to tour mode and slip out the gates. It will carve if you step on it, and slight rocker lifts it up in the untracked.125/95/114
$640; genuineguidegear.com
BEST FOR: Resort-to-sidecountry freaks

Just as stylish and techy as your swag

The North Face Girls
Reversible Down Moonkitty Jacket
When it comes to kids clothes, versatility is key —Hence this high performance 550-down jacket that’s just as well suited to blustery school days as it is to outdoor adventures.
$129; thenorthface.com

Deuter Kid Comfort II
Life is not over when you have that kid… you just have to haul your progeny along with you. With a roomy, easy-to-access gear pouch and the best harness system in any kid carrier we have ever tested, this baby is the way to introduce your baby to the wild.
$175; deuter.com

Atlas Sprout
Designed for kids ages 4-8, this mini-me snowshoe features easy-to-adjust Grom bindings and a steel crampon for a little extra traction on the hills. It’s an easy way to introduce them to the woods in winter. Plus, it leaves a fun snowflake print wherever it steps.
$70; atlassnowshoes.com

Madshus Snowpup
When you tire of hauling your kid on cross country ski jaunts, get that child schussing. This 85 cm ski will attach to snow boots and a pattern on the bottom makes it easy to tromp up little hills. We suggest you don’t push it. Get them to like poking around before you head on a hut trip.
$60; madshus.com

Shaun White Shoes
Sure you hope your kid will become something like Shaun White, so that you will never have to work a day in your life again. Keep dreaming and buy the grom a pair of the dude’s kicks.
$28-35; target.com

The North Face Insulated Toasty Toes Bunting
It’s comfy thanks to TNF’s waterproof/breathable HyVent outer fabric coupled with toasty Heatseeker Aero insulation on the inside. You could leave your little bundle of joy swaddled at the belay station while you lead some waterfall ice. Well, maybe.
$99; thenorthface.com

Patagonia Kid’s Down Vest
The vest is the ultimate layer for when a fast-moving grom starts to whine—and it’s easy to carry in a pack. Patagonia’s has all the technical performance of its clothes for parents.
$60; patagonia.com

The hottest Alpine, AT and Snowboard drivers

Blizzard Slider
It’s not exactly a binding, rather a plate that fits on Blizzard’s IQ skis, but, man, is it a game changer. The slider will mount any binding—alpine, AT, or tele—to the ski. Want to switch styles? Simply unscrew in one spot and slide the binding out. Now that is what we call versatility.
$90; blizzardskis.com

Scarpa Mobe
The Mobe is the ideal AT boot for Colorado skiers who have a pass but like to pop out gates or tour when the area is skied out. It feels like an alpine boot, powering big skis through turns. And ski easy—it’s built from plant-based plastic.
$749; scarpa.com

Ride Insano
A Boa Coiler and Closer lace guide system makes this boot feel like part of your foot, allowing for more control on the hill. That easy adjustment translates into efficiency whether you are laying into hardpack or looking for pop in the park.
$300; ridesnowboards.com

G3 Onyx
G3 revamped its AT binding for this season and the results have been quite impressive. The binding drives even big skis with authority and is both stable and easy to enter thanks to a rubber insert in the toe piece. G3 redesigned the brakes and heel lifters to make a more solid package. We also found it simple to switch the binding from ski to tour mode. The women’s version is called the Ruby.
$500; genuineguidegear.com

Tecnica Dragon Slayer
This alpine boot is all about adjustment that can change the ride whether you are attacking deep pow or hardpack. It’s a powerful boot built with three densities of plastic for different flex within different parts of the boot. Better still, the boot’s UltraFlex Powerstrap offers shock absorption when the terrain changes underfoot.
$650; tecnica.com

Salomon Quest 12
You know AT has hit the big time when a core alpine freeski company like Salomon gets in the game. And the Quest is one impressive AT boot.  It was designed to be able to handle the slog of touring yet it’s still rated with a 120 flex index. You won’t feel much difference between it and your usual alpine boot on the hill.
$550; salomon.com

Lange RS 130
Skiers used to joke about the weird narrow “Lange foot” and how the vice-like boots only fit skiers with narrow dogs. No longer. Lange spent years testing a boot shell that would conform to any size foot. This 130-flex-index boot proves that research was worthwhile.
$760; rossignol.com

Burton C60 EST
The latest, greatest in Burton’s plush EST system, this binding was designed to suck up all the chatter and turn it into a smooth, in-control ride. The key is the soft plate where binding attaches to the board and a lack of the usual (and often frustrating) mounting screws. The system also allows for multiple stance optons. However, it only works with EST boards.
$495; burton.com

Because “riding” means not skiing

BOARDS

Snowboards keep getting lighter, more technical and more adept at riding anywhere on the mountain.

1. Burton Method

Burton went all in with the Method, allowing its designers to build the board of their dreams without worrying about the cost. It’s obscenely light, yet strong thanks to carbon and titanium and the latest incarnation includes rocker.

$1,500; burton.com

2. Venture Storm

Colorado-based Venture developed this board on the steeps and pow at Silverton. The Storm has been made a bit stiffer this year for more stability on steeps and groomers but it will still charge the soft stuff.

$575; venturesnowbaords.com

3. Ride Canvas

This women-specific freestyle board features a touch of rocker and Ride’s Pop Rods, carbon rods that give the board some srping without adding extra stiffness.

$470; ridesnowboards.com

4. Lib Tech Rasta Pow NAS

Lib Tech’s NAS (Narrow Ass Snowboard) is so tiny, the brand suggests you ride on two at once. When you do, you will float pow and crush crud (thanks to rocker) and grip hardpack with the brand’s serrated edges. These limited editions were handbuilt by freeskier Tim Dutton.

$899; lib-tech.com

7. Jones Mountain Twin

You expect big things from Jeremy Jones, and the Mountain Twin delivers—it’s a freeride board with traditional camber underfoot for stability and tip and tail rocker for float and manueverability. This directional flex twin-tip thrives everywhere from the park to sidecountry.

$449; jonessnowboards.com

NORDIC

We’re not sure how they ended up next to the snowboards but these skis call out for attention.

6. Rossignol Xium Skate

Much like road bikers, Nordorks are constantly obsessed with weight and Rossi cut its sexy X-ium Skate package (ski, boot, and binding) by 230 grams. It’s our choice for speed.

$1,195; rossignol.com

BEST FOR: Going freaking fast

5. Madshus Annum

Built for off-track adventure, this waxless touring ski features a big nose and metal edges that break through nasty snow.

$340; madshus.com

BEST FOR: Touring exploration

GREEN WAX

You won’t go very far on those boards without a good wax job. We’re fans of Green Wax since it’s petroleum- and PVC-free. Most importantly, it works. Beyond all that feel-good greenness, the stuff keeps you sliding through the dead spots when you put it on the bottom of your skis or board.

greenskiwax.com

This stuff will make grown men giddy

Fifty Classic Ski Descents of North America

Meet the dude’s ultimate coffee table book. This upscale guidebook chronicles must-do descents from Aspen to Alaska, as chosen by local mountaineers.

$55; wolverinepublishing.com

Frends Classic

These pro-snowbaorder-designed headphones would look just as hip on a dude working on a laptop in a Park Slope cafe as they do chilling post-ride. And though they seem retro, the sound is quite contemporary.

$60; wearefrends.com

ContourGPS

Oh, do boys like gadgets. We also love to look at ourselves being badass in the wild. Countour melded the trend of GPS positioning with the trend of helmet cams and created the hottest outdoor electronic device of the year—a helmet cam that allows you to track and tag the action on a map back home.

$350: contour.com

Ski Logik Ullr’s Chariot

Ullr was the Norse god of skiing. He took no prisoners, ate with his hands, set things on fire and got down in the primoridal pow. Men want to be Ullr. This board can help.

$750; skilogik.com

Blundstone 560

Blundies were already the ultimate dude shoe, but they just got functional. The Australian brand that began making shoes for sheep shearers has come out with a waterproof version. Plus it’s lined with a cozy Thinsulate footbed and—get this—it’s oil and acid resistant. The only problem? We may never take it off.

$200; blundstone.com

Lemond Revolution Trainer

Your man is chomping at the bit for his bike all winter long so put him on this hi-tech gerbil wheel to keep him happy (and ready to put the hammer down on warmer days). Made for mountain and road bikes, Lemond’s new trainer uses direct drive instead of rollers, giving it a more natural feel and the ability to focus on proper pedal cadence.

$449 ($549 with cassette); lemondrevolution.com

Moots Psychlo X

Why has ‘cross become so popular? We can get out for a burly, adventure-filled workout out the back door. We can feed our egos and batter our bodies on race days. We can play on a toy that’s tough to break. Well sometimes. Moots Psychlo X may cost a bit more than the standard ‘cross rig but it’s well worth it. The handmade titanium frame was designed to endure the slop and beating of ‘cross.

$3,025 (frame); moots.com

Tequila Avion

Once the provence of frat parties, amateur nights and  spring-break belly-button shots with cougars, tequila is now classy. Avión tops our list of tequilas with the gravitas of sigle malt scotch. It’s made from fine Blue Weber agave distilled in unique pot stills that feature copper coils. The final filtration process takes 10 times longer than traditional methods.

$40; tequilaavion.com

Gifts to raise her heart rate

Patagonia Women’s Cashmere Hoody
What could be warmer—or more luxurious—than a cashmere sweater? If you want the holidays to be a little warmer, we suggest you spoil her with this post-slope hoody. Patagonia’s uber-commitment to quality and style longevity make this one to last.
$179; patagonia.com

The North Face Women’s Freedom LRBC Ski Pants
The last thing you want is for your lady to complain of cold. These classic ski pants offer unflagging protection from the elements. With low-rise cut around the waist and generous flare to accommodate aggressive boots, these pants are designed with a special venting system to prevent that sweaty feeling.
$129; thenorthface.com

Ski Logik Goddess Skis
Designed by Colorado ski-maker David Mazzerella, the Goddess is far more than just a softer version of men’s boards with feminine graphics. Featuring a 101 mm waist and carbon-fiber construction, these women-specific fatties float in powder and crush crud.
$750; skilogik.com

Dharma Medicines Emotional Tonics
This Colorado-based line of hand-crafted wildflower tonics inspires and uplifts with remedies such as Relax, Balance, Harmony and—uh huh—Love. Slip one in the pocket of her new sweater or tie onto a gift tag for extra credit.
$10; dharmamedicines.com

Keen Bern Baby Bern Boot
There’s no suffering for fashion in Keen’s latest women’s boots. Inspired by one of Europe’s most scenic walking cities, the Berns are warm enough for alpine temps but stylish enough for the office. With water-resistant full-grain leather upper and memory-foam footbeds, these kicks will inspire instant boot envy.
$150; keenfootwear.com

Pangea Organics Italian White Sage and Geranium Body Oil
Calming sage and energizing geranium infuse this rich body oil. Organic sunflower, jojoba, olive, coconut and sesame oils create a luscious blend that’s perfect balm for chilly temps.
$24; pangeaorganics.com

Haiku Rumi Handbag
Sleek enough for a night on the town but functional enough for serious travel, the Rumi is named for the 13th century sufi poet (hint: we like when you read us Rumi). It’s built from a 100-percent post-consumer recycled-bottle fabric.
$24-$109; haikubags.com

Leicia V-LUX 20
Why should guys be the only ones to get gadgests as gifts? A girl can geek out on the sexy Leica V-LUX—the 12.1-megapixel camera features an impressive 12x zoom as well as HD movie recording and GPS tagging. That system lets you record the exact spot where you snapped a shot, so you can prove that you are just as badass as him.
$699; leica.com

Our picks for the best technical wear

Outdoor Research Axccess
This two-layer Gore-Tex shell is a multitasker. Complete with a powder skirt, attached hood and zip-in balaclava it’s warm on a long lift ride. But it’s also ready to hot the backcountry with roomy chest-to-hip zippers that actually vent when you are slogging. It’s smart too, with pocekts in all the right places. It’s ideal for exploring the sidecountry.
$365; outdoorresearch.com

Powderhorn Powderride
Powderhorn’s ceramic down technology stays warm when cold yet vents when you get steamy, ideal for changing conditions. This season, the brand put that tech in a waterproof/breathable shell.
$475; powderhornworld.com

The North Face Kishtwar
It took us a bit to trust that this soft shell was all we needy for an athletic day on the hill. But once we trusted it we were blown away. The jacket’s Polartec Power Shield Pro stays warm yet breathes extremely well and wards off even wet spring squalls.
$279; thenorthface.com

Rab Infinity
We thought puffy midlayers were a thing of the past but this baby changed our minds. Thanks to a new Pertex fabric that’s light yet quite strong on the outside and 850 fill down on the inside, it never feels like a big hot puffy. That makes it the ideal mid layer for lapping a backcountry run or just chilling in town.
$280; rab.com

Smartwool Zip T
Smartwool never gets old, especially as our favorite baselayer. Simple and effective this merino zip will keep you temperature regulated on the lift and not stink so much when you head out to eat after a long day on the slopes.
$80; smartwool.com

Burton Women’s Joplin
The ideal women’s riding jacket combines performance with sass and the Joplin, which is the prefered shell of Burton’s Gabi Viteri’s, delivers both. The waterproof/breathable membrane is part of the fabric print. Plus, it’s fully seam taped and bolstered with a touch of extra insulation.
$280; burton.com

Arc’teryx Alpha SV
We were shocked at just how much technology Arc’teryx put into this glove, building each finger with “complex three-lobed patterns” that allow for natural hand movement. Even better, they allow for a waterproof breathable membrane that’s attached to the glove itself and stays dry.
$275; arcteryx.com

Fly Low Stash Pants
Built with Cordura and a waterproof/breathable liner with big cargo pockets and the ability to withstand all the thrashing on the lift and backcountry, as well as all the pizza grease and bongwater you can spill on it, this pant is all you need.
$265; flylowgear.com