The Gear I Will Use in 2026/27 Ski Season
When you are a ski professional and spend your winters teaching and skiing, you inevitably accumulate and use a lot of gear.
You may not realize just how much equipment you have until it is time to pack for a big ski trip and figure out what you actually need to bring—especially when you are flying.
Recently I was asked to list the gear I will use on a regular basis in the upcoming season. So I put this together.
Over the years, I have used gear from many different brands. Some products have worked extremely well for me, while others simply did not. Through all that trial and error, I have found the equipment that works best for me.
So, here is a look at the gear I used last season and will continue using this coming season.
SKIS
It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me that I will once again be skiing Renoun Skis this coming season. I love the skis, and for me, the VibeStop technology works.
I am also a member of the RenounPro Membership Program. You can learn more about the program through my article or on the Renoun website:
I will once again use the Endurance 88 for all of my teaching days and for some recreational ski days, depending on the snow conditions.
I will use the Endurance 98 for most of the days when I get to simply ski for fun.
On powder days, I will be on the Renoun Citadel 107. I am especially looking forward to using these on Renoun's Cat Skiing Trip to Crested Butte this January. I plan to do a detailed review of the ski after I return from Crested Butte. [Note: I am currently a Ski Ambassador for Renoun as well as a RenounPro member]
BINDINGS
I have been using Tyrolia bindings for more than 40 years.
It started way back with my first pair of skis and the Tyrolia 360D and RD bindings on my many pairs of Precision Pre 1200 skis. I did recently try another brand at one point, but after one season I returned to Tyrolia for all my bindings. The step in and manual release forces were to high in my opinion.
All of my current Renoun skis utilize the Tyrolia Attack 14 bindings. I even put bright red Attack 14s on my Endurance 88s (which I use as a ski instructor). This makes them very easy to spot on racks full of skis at lunch time.
I use the Attack 14 rather than the Attack 11 (and other brands) because the 14 has a three-piece heel that reduces step-in and manual-release forces. This difference was most evident to me when I tried another well known binding manufacturer while skiing in soft snow and powder.
I found that the lower forces to be particularly helpful in soft snow and powder when you lose a ski and need to put it back on.
For my next pair of new skis, I am considering switching to the Tyrolia Protector Hybrid Binding. It has the Tyrolia Protector heel piece combined with the same toe piece used on the Attack 14.I am considering this as I had a fall in 2024 where I came close to really damaging my knee. I have not yet tried the step in and release forces to compare to the Attack 14 heel piece.
Regardless of which bindings you use, it is important to have them checked periodically to make sure the release settings are correct and that the binding function correctly. You should also have your bindings properly adjusted to fit your ski boots whenever you purchase new ski boots. The Boot Sole Length (BSL) varies from manufacturer to manufacturer even for boots that are the same size.
Ski Poles/Gloves
I mostly use the LEKI 3D Trigger System poles and gloves. O also have a pair of gloves from Hestra with the Leki Trigger adapter.
I switched to this system after my first thumb injury during a fall. It was not a major injury, but it was bad enough that I did bend one of my poles and hurt my thumb.
I really like how easy it is to attach my gloves to the ski poles and then detach them when getting on the lift. It is a simple system that works very well for me.
My check always include the loop for the attachment and the mechanism itself. Also check the glove material for wear or holes that may allow water to penetrate.
I also have a review of the LEKI Trigger System on my website:
Helmet
I am partial to Smith helmets, primarily because of the fit. I have found that helmet sizing varies significantly from one brand to another.
The Smith XL fits me perfectly, while an XL from another brand can be extremely tight. This is a good example of why you should try things on before buying them.
Once you know how a particular brand fits you, you can conceivably purchase that brand online with confidence.
You need to check the straps, the latch, and the material and padding inside for any damage. If you helmet was involved in a hard fall you should consider replacing it as it could damage the MIPS system protecting you.
And yes, I do have wireless earphones in the ear covers.
Googles
I have been using Smith goggles for some time, but this year I will be trying something different. I will be testing the latest photo-chromatic goggles from Glade.
I am looking forward to seeing how they perform throughout the season.
Check the straps, the lens, and the foam to see if they need to be replaced.
Ski Boots
I have been skiing in the Salomon S/Pro Supra 120 with the single BOA system for three years. I came to use these from my prior Rossignol ski boots.
I found that the Salomon S/Pro Supra BOA fit me better than a typical four-buckle design (I tried both).
I just purchased my third pair after the hinge on the side of my first pair broke after nearly 150 days on the snow.
However, so far, the BOA system has worked flawlessly.
I like the adjustable flex on this model as well. For me, my right boot of most boots has always felt less stiff than my left. With the flex adjustment, I can make the two boots feel more consistent.
I also use Sidas insoles, which are cut to fit the boots. My feet are much more comfortable with them than without them.
One of the best things I can say about these boots is that I can wear them all day without ever needing to adjust or loosen them. They are simply that comfortable for me.
Outerwear/Innerwear
There are a lot of great brands out there when it comes to ski jackets and pants, and many of them work extremely well.
For me, most of my outerwear is from Helly Hansen. Even my Keystone Ski and Ride School uniform is Helly Hansen. Prior to this I used outerwear from Montec/Dope which also worked well.
For my jacket I prefer a shell jacket, with warmth provided by layers underneath. I have both insulated and shell-style pants so I can choose what works best depending on the weather that day.
When it comes to jackets and pants, I always look for zippered vents. They are a great feature on warmer days when you need to let some heat out without removing a layer. A small zippered sleeve pocket is great for carrying your Ski Pass (if the ski area uses RFID technology to scan the tickets).
I use a variety of neck gaiters from Renoun and BlackStrap, and my balaclavas are also from BlackStrap. I like Blackstrap and they all work well and keep my head warm on snowy and/or windy days.
I also like my BraceLayer compression layer under my ski pants. These can go under my Helly Hansen insulated 3/4 length layer. This which provides compression knee support along with additional warmth. With these I no longer wear my compression knee sleeves.
Taking Care of Your Ski Clothing
Be sure to use the correct type of cleaner when washing your ski clothes. Regular laundry detergent can strip away waterproofing or water repellency from your gear.
Always check the care labels on your gear for any special cleaning instructions. I use Nikwax products to wash my ski clothing. They also have a product that you add to the washer with your clean clothing and run it thru the cycle to restore the waterproofing. I do this as needed. These products are available online, at ski shops, and at REI.
Keeping your ski clothes clean and properly waterproofed will help them perform better and last you much longer.
Other Important Accessories
When you ski as many days as I do—or even if you are skiing several days in a row—having warm, dry ski boots in the morning is a must.
I have a boot warmer that can plug into either my car or a condo. It is one of those accessories you really appreciate when you wake up to cold, wet boots.
Hand warmers are another simple but useful accessory. These are the small pouches you put inside your gloves, and they can be a great addition on especially cold days.
I also carry a small pouch containing various sunscreen and skin-care products from Dermatone. You need to protect your skin, especially at high altitudes.
Ski Wax
Because I ski so many days each season, I have to wax my skis frequently.
Wax typically lasts about five or more ski days, depending on conditions. Waxing is important not only for good performance but also for protecting the ski base from dirt and everything else it encounters.
Last season, I purchased the MountainFLOW Infrared Waxer, and I love it. I now use less wax but even better is that there is no more scraping wax!
I also have a review of this product on my website:
Snow Boots
A good pair of snow boots is a must.
Look for a pair that you can comfortably drive in. Slipping and falling while walking around the resort can result in an injury that could put an end to your ski day—or even your ski trip.
Hydration
A good hydration bladder/water bottle is another must-have. Check it make sure it does not leak.
You need to stay hydrated, especially when skiing at the high elevations found at many Rocky Mountain resorts, some of which reach 12,000 feet or more. One of the early sign of altitude sickness can be a headache. So watch out for the signs.
The Little Things
There are many other accessories I use throughout the season, and you should think about the little things that can make your ski trips easier.
For example, a good windshield cover is essential in snow country. Scraping ice off your windshield is not something anyone enjoys first thing in the morning.
I also have a TrapSki rack in the back of my 2022 Subaru Outback so I do not have to carry multiple pairs of skis on the roof of the car. The TrapSki rack keeps the skis from rolling around and banging into each other in the back of the vehicle.
Also a boot warmer/dryer is a really great thing to have. I posted the one I use on my Facebook page. Its so much better to put on dry warm boots in the morning than cold damp boots.
Snow Chains
I purposely left snow chains low on my main list because I have snow tires on my car. I do carry a pair of cable chains, but after many years of skiing, I have never had to put them on the car.
However, there are times in some states when conditions are bad enough that you will be required to carry chains and sometimes to put them on, even if you have four-wheel drive and/or snow-rated tires. They (law enforcement) do check for them, especially when road conditions are severe and when accidents occur where you will be asked to show them.
This is something important to consider when renting a car for a ski trip. If you are not carrying chains, make sure you know the weather and road conditions for your trip.
To keep up to date on snowstorms and other winter weather, I use the OpenSnow app on my phone.
Ski Passes
Let's not forget about ski passes!
This season, I will have a full Epic Employee Pass. I have also purchased a Loveland Ski Area Full Pass, since Loveland is only about 15 minutes away and offers great powder skiing after storms roll through.
For those looking for a deal on an Epic Pass, check out the Specialty Passes. If one of those options works for you, you can save a significant amount of money compared with purchasing a full Epic Pass.
Conclusion
Having gear that works for you is important. And yes, there is more than what I list here. Its amazing how much stuff you gather over the years.
Over the years, I have tried a lot of different equipment from many different brands. Some products worked extremely well for me, while others did not. Eventually, I found the gear and accessories that work best for my skiing.
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