[Pre-Order] - The 2026 Gear Guide will start shipping in early October!

On the Cover: On a winter morning, it’s easy to press snooze, stay wrapped in a warm nest of blankets and wait for the sun to rise—a lot easier than rallying out of bed, getting into ski gear and driving to the trailhead in the cold dark of pre-dawn. But, as they say, the early bird gets the worm. Well-versed in the demand of Wasatch fresh, Caroline Gleich knows that if she wants her proverbial worm—blower, low-density pow—she’ll have to be one of the earliest birds. “Caroline Gleich never misses a chance to wake up early and skin in the dark for the perfect powdered snow,” says Jay Beyer. When it’s this good, it’s not hard to wonder why. Jay Beyer 

THE 2026 GEAR GUIDE

GEAR STORIES

What’s the story behind those upgraded Boa boots or the new eco-friendly shell jackets and pants? Our experts dive into the sweeping trends and essential tips for this gear shopping season.

SKI INDUSTRY TARIFFS
BOA’S H+i1
FOREVER CHEMICAL LAWS
BOOTFITTING PRO TIPS

THE GEAR GUIDE

After months of testing—including our weeklong Powder Mountain test and tours across North America—our editors narrowed down hundreds of products into the 144 best skis, splits, boots, bindings and outerwear.

SKI GEAR
SPLITBOARD GEAR
APPAREL

CONTRIBUTORS
EDITOR’S NOTE
LETTERS
INDEX
TAILGATE

For over three decades, Backcountry Magazine has been dedicated to the pursuit of fresh lines and the people who live for them.