Shred in Style

Whether you’re catching air at the half-pipe or schussing the slopes old-school style, here’s the hottest in cold-weather gear.
-By William Spain

With the economy doing most of the shred ding these days, few in the snow sports biz are expecting to make much out of this year’s season. Pre-bookings were way down and resort operators are nervous. Still, if there’s good snow, many of us will scrape up the cash for a trip toward fresh powder. Or, as Michael Berry, head of the National Ski Areas Association, puts it, “A lot of people will just dump their $5 lattes into the tank and drive up.” At the very least, those of us who hit the slopes can look forward to less crowding—and maybe even some bargains.

COLD POLE
$80

Why spend a C-note on poles with trigger snaps and carbide tips when they’re going to snap anyway? Cold Pole has all the aluminum alloy and epoxy powder finish called for, with a little something extra: Each pole holds about half a pint of hooch, chilled to outside temperature. Just unscrew the handle and pour while you wait for the ski patrol to haul your broken body out of the snow. The poles even come with a funnel and a cleaning brush. ColdPole.com

CHAKRA LEGIT KIT
LAZY SUNDAY
$160

Chakra is the latest line from legendary goggle maker Von Zipper, which calls the Lazy Sunday “a ritual of oneness with the flow of the flurry universe.” That may sound a bit too groovy, but the detachable headphone muffs will help drown out the sounds of humanity. Meanwhile, a smoke-gray chrome lens keeps visibility high in almost any light condition, and the limitededition matching bandanna will make you easier to pick out. VonZipper.com

VOLKL GRIZZLY
$1,525

With its new shape, this papa bear of the piste can fly over the powder and carve the pack. A layer of titanium reinforces the wood core for strength and stability, while ensuring the skis won’t break until long after your leg does. The ski also features Volkl’s three-setting power switch—the world’s first onboard adjuster—which can change rides from the canyons to the kiddie slopes with a simple turn of the dial. Volkl.com

2008 BURTON CUSTOM X SNOWBOARD
$700

This is touted as the best wood-core board in the world, and designed for riders who want to kick things up a notch. A pre conditioned, wax-impregnated base keeps it fast, while the core’s 500 separate laminations keep it light, strong, and lively. As an added bonus, the “Infinite Ride” technology means no break-in period, and stainless-steel pressuredistribution edges make for a sharper cut on packed snow, and extend under the binding for extra hold. Burton.com

REI SHUKSAN
$290

This is billed as a climbing jacket, but it’s well-suited for alpine skiing, especially if you’re inclined to break a sweat. REI uses an “eVent” fabric with a membrane that lets perspiration out, keeping you warm and dry. It also has a helmet-compatible hood, sealed seams for total waterproofing, and six pockets. Plus, for anyone who’s caught in a blizzard, or skiing recklessly on the day’s final downhill run, it’s windproof to 60 miles per hour. REI.com

FULL TILT BUMBLEBEE PRO
$500

The boot that made Full Tilt famous is back. The pros love this one—Seth Morrison was hoarding them when they went out of production—but you don’t have to be a worldclass skier to appreciate it. The three-piece design pro vi des a very natural flex, while the rubber bootboard absorbs the shock. But one of the most unique features is the liner: It’s pre-lasted into the boot at the factory for a great fit to the shell, and can also be heat-molded to your foot for one-of-a-kind comfort. FullTiltBoots.com