Ski & Snowboard,
Gear Guides
Oct 15, 2026
Best Ski & Snowboard Gear for 2026/27: The Winter Gear Guide
By Christy Sports Team
Last Updated: October 2026
Looking for the best ski and snowboard gear for 2026/27? Our gear experts at Christy Sports and Sturtevant's break down this season's skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, helmets, goggles, outerwear and accessories, with picks for different ability levels, terrain and conditions.
Use the guides below to compare your options, figure out what works for the way you ski or ride, and decide what to buy, rent or try before you buy.
Find the Right Gear Guide
- Best Skis for 2026/27
- Best Ski Boots & Bindings for 2026/27
- Best Snowboards for 2026/27
- Best Snowboard Boots & Bindings for 2026/27
- Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets and Goggles for 2026/27 (coming soon)
- Best Ski & Snowboard Jackets and Pants for 2026/27 (coming soon)
- Best Ski & Snowboard Accessories for 2026/27 (coming soon)
Best Ski and Snowboard Gear for Beginners
Buying your first setup? Start with fit, not a list of the most expensive gear. Skiers should pay particular attention to boots, while snowboarders need boots and bindings that work well together. Learn how to choose ski boots or how to choose snowboard boots.
Still figuring out what you like? You don't have to buy right away. Rent ski and snowboard gear while you learn, or use Try Before You Buy at participating locations to test eligible skis before committing to a pair.
Replacing gear you already own? Give your current setup a preseason check first. Our opening day gear guide covers bases, edges, bindings, boots and helmets so you can figure out what needs attention before your first day on snow.
Buying for kids? Kids grow quickly, so owning isn't always the best answer. Learn how season rentals work for growing kids, or check Kids Rent Free for family trips.
Do I need to buy all my gear?
No. Plenty of skiers and snowboarders rent while they learn, then buy once they understand what they like. Our first-time ski and snowboard rental guide explains what to expect, while the complete guide to ski and snowboard rentals covers the different rental options.
Should I rent by the day, rent for the season or buy?
It depends on how often you plan to ski or ride, whether you're still learning and how quickly your gear needs may change. Our rent vs. buy guide compares all three options, and the season rental guide explains how season packages work.
Ready to get on snow? Reserve ski and snowboard rentals.
Can I try skis before I buy?
Yes. Try Before You Buy lets you test the same ski models we sell before committing to a new pair. It's available at participating locations, you can test multiple pairs in a day, and up to two days of Try Before You Buy fees can be applied toward the purchase of new skis during the same season. Want to compare a few models first? Read how to demo skis and snowboards.
What should I know before buying skis?
Start with our ski buying guide to understand width, length, rocker and the other basics that affect how a ski performs. Then use our Best Skis for 2026/27 guide to compare this season's options for different terrain and skier types.
Ski Gear
Best Skis for 2026/27
Looking for an all-mountain ski, a frontside carver or something built for powder? Our 2026/27 ski guide organizes this season's picks by how and where you ski, including all-mountain days, groomers, trees and soft snow, deep days and a full women's section.
The guide also explains how ski width, length, rocker and turn radius affect the way a ski feels so you can narrow down what makes sense for you.
Learn how to choose skis · Plan a ski quiver for different conditions · Shop skis
Brand stories: Inside the Atomic story · Why the Salomon QST works for how people actually ski · Ten years of the Blizzard Black Pearl 88
Shop by brand: Atomic · Salomon · Nordica · Blizzard · Rossignol · Head · K2 · Völkl · Dynastar
Best Ski Boots & Bindings for 2026/27
A good ski setup starts with boots that fit. Our 2026/27 guide covers what to look for in ski boots and bindings, what's new this season and how the pieces of your setup work together.
Learn about boot fit and flex, BOA dials versus traditional buckles, GripWalk and Multi Norm compatibility, and why binding release settings should be handled by a certified technician rather than copied from a chart online.
Read Best Ski Boots & Bindings for 2026/27
Learn how to choose ski boots · Why a professional boot fitting is worth it · Learn about custom boot fitting · Shop ski boots
Brand stories: Tecnica Mach boots · Salomon's approach to boot fit · The Nordica Machine family · Tyrolia Attack bindings
Shop by brand: Tecnica · Salomon · Atomic · Nordica · Lange · Rossignol
Snowboard Gear
Best Snowboards for 2026/27
Looking for an all-mountain board, a park board or something for deeper snow? Our 2026/27 snowboard guide organizes this season's picks by riding style, including all-mountain, freestyle, freeride, powder and park, with options for beginners, women and riders with bigger boots.
It also explains snowboard sizing and shape, including when a volume-shifted board is designed to be ridden shorter than your usual length.
Read Best Snowboards for 2026/27
Learn how to choose a snowboard
Why directional twin snowboards work mid-season (Salomon)
Shop by brand: Burton · Ride · Salomon · Jones · K2 · CAPiTA · Lib Tech
Best Snowboard Boots & Bindings for 2026/27
Your boots and bindings have a big influence on how your snowboard feels under your feet. Our 2026/27 guide compares boot fit and flex, binding options and compatibility so you can build a setup that works together and suits the way you ride.
Read Best Snowboard Boots & Bindings for 2026/27
Learn how to choose snowboard boots
Learn how to choose snowboard bindings
Brand stories: Ride Lasso and Hera boots · Union Force and Trilogy bindings
Helmets & Goggles
Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets and Goggles for 2026/27
A helmet and goggles work as a system, so fit matters as much as individual features. Our 2026/27 guide covers helmet fit, comfort and protection features, plus goggle lenses for changing light conditions and how to get a clean, comfortable fit between your helmet and goggles.
Read Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets and Goggles for 2026/27 (coming soon)
Learn how to choose a ski or snowboard helmet
Learn why helmets and goggles should be chosen together
Learn how lens tint helps in flat light
Outerwear, Layers & Accessories
Best Ski & Snowboard Jackets and Pants for 2026/27
Staying warm and dry is about more than buying the heaviest jacket. Your outerwear and layers need to work together for the weather, your activity level and the way you ski or ride.
Our 2026/27 guide covers this season's ski and snowboard jackets, pants and layers and what to consider when putting your kit together.
Read Best Ski & Snowboard Jackets and Pants for 2026/27 (coming soon)
Learn how to choose ski and snowboard clothing
What to wear skiing in Colorado and Utah
What to wear skiing in Washington and Montana
Shop by brand: Obermeyer · Helly Hansen · 686 · Rossignol · Spyder
Best Ski & Snowboard Accessories for 2026/27
Gloves and socks are easy to overlook until they aren't keeping you warm. Start with fit, warmth and the conditions you usually ski or ride in, then think about the smaller pieces that can make a full day on the mountain more comfortable.
Read Best Ski & Snowboard Accessories for 2026/27 (coming soon)
Shop by brand: Hestra · Swany · Smartwool · Turtle Fur · Darn Tough
Kids Ski & Snowboard Gear
Kids can outgrow ski and snowboard equipment quickly. The useful question for kids is what makes sense to own and what makes more sense to rent.
Season rentals give kids properly fitted gear for the whole winter, and our stores can help with sizing for kids who are ready to own.
Shop kids ski and snowboard gear
Renting as a family? Kids Rent Free covers one qualifying kids ski or snowboard package for a child 12 or younger with an eligible adult daily ski or snowboard rental of four or more consecutive days. Blackout dates and other program terms apply, so check the current offer before booking.
Get Your Gear Ready for the Season
Already have your setup? Before replacing anything, make sure what you own is ready to go.
Our preseason gear check walks through what to look for on your skis or snowboard, bindings, boots and helmet before opening day.
If your bases are dry, your edges are rusty or your gear needs more attention than a home check can handle, bring it to a Christy Sports shop for ski and snowboard tuning and repair.
Heading out of town? Use our ski trip packing list before you leave.
Gifts for Skiers & Snowboarders
Shopping for someone who lives for snow days? Our holiday gift guide sorts ideas by who you’re buying for, with sections for skiers, snowboarders, her, him and kids, plus stocking stuffers and gifts for the winter traveler. You can also browse by budget, see staff picks from our experts, or give a service instead of a thing, like a custom boot fitting or a wax and tune before their first day out.
Expert Help When You Need It
Some gear decisions are easier in person. Christy Sports teams can help fit boots, tune skis and snowboards, and troubleshoot a setup that isn't working the way you want it to.
Learn about custom boot fitting
Ski & Snowboard,
Gear Guides
Oct 15, 2026
Best Ski & Snowboard Gear for 2026/27: The Winter Gear Guide
By Christy Sports Team
Last Updated: October 2026
Looking for the best ski and snowboard gear for 2026/27? Our gear experts at Christy Sports and Sturtevant's break down this season's skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, helmets, goggles, outerwear and accessories, with picks for different ability levels, terrain and conditions.
Use the guides below to compare your options, figure out what works for the way you ski or ride, and decide what to buy, rent or try before you buy.
Find the Right Gear Guide
- Best Skis for 2026/27
- Best Ski Boots & Bindings for 2026/27
- Best Snowboards for 2026/27
- Best Snowboard Boots & Bindings for 2026/27
- Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets and Goggles for 2026/27 (coming soon)
- Best Ski & Snowboard Jackets and Pants for 2026/27 (coming soon)
- Best Ski & Snowboard Accessories for 2026/27 (coming soon)
Best Ski and Snowboard Gear for Beginners
Buying your first setup? Start with fit, not a list of the most expensive gear. Skiers should pay particular attention to boots, while snowboarders need boots and bindings that work well together. Learn how to choose ski boots or how to choose snowboard boots.
Still figuring out what you like? You don't have to buy right away. Rent ski and snowboard gear while you learn, or use Try Before You Buy at participating locations to test eligible skis before committing to a pair.
Replacing gear you already own? Give your current setup a preseason check first. Our opening day gear guide covers bases, edges, bindings, boots and helmets so you can figure out what needs attention before your first day on snow.
Buying for kids? Kids grow quickly, so owning isn't always the best answer. Learn how season rentals work for growing kids, or check Kids Rent Free for family trips.
Do I need to buy all my gear?
No. Plenty of skiers and snowboarders rent while they learn, then buy once they understand what they like. Our first-time ski and snowboard rental guide explains what to expect, while the complete guide to ski and snowboard rentals covers the different rental options.
Should I rent by the day, rent for the season or buy?
It depends on how often you plan to ski or ride, whether you're still learning and how quickly your gear needs may change. Our rent vs. buy guide compares all three options, and the season rental guide explains how season packages work.
Ready to get on snow? Reserve ski and snowboard rentals.
Can I try skis before I buy?
Yes. Try Before You Buy lets you test the same ski models we sell before committing to a new pair. It's available at participating locations, you can test multiple pairs in a day, and up to two days of Try Before You Buy fees can be applied toward the purchase of new skis during the same season. Want to compare a few models first? Read how to demo skis and snowboards.
What should I know before buying skis?
Start with our ski buying guide to understand width, length, rocker and the other basics that affect how a ski performs. Then use our Best Skis for 2026/27 guide to compare this season's options for different terrain and skier types.
Ski Gear
Best Skis for 2026/27
Looking for an all-mountain ski, a frontside carver or something built for powder? Our 2026/27 ski guide organizes this season's picks by how and where you ski, including all-mountain days, groomers, trees and soft snow, deep days and a full women's section.
The guide also explains how ski width, length, rocker and turn radius affect the way a ski feels so you can narrow down what makes sense for you.
Learn how to choose skis · Plan a ski quiver for different conditions · Shop skis
Brand stories: Inside the Atomic story · Why the Salomon QST works for how people actually ski · Ten years of the Blizzard Black Pearl 88
Shop by brand: Atomic · Salomon · Nordica · Blizzard · Rossignol · Head · K2 · Völkl · Dynastar
Best Ski Boots & Bindings for 2026/27
A good ski setup starts with boots that fit. Our 2026/27 guide covers what to look for in ski boots and bindings, what's new this season and how the pieces of your setup work together.
Learn about boot fit and flex, BOA dials versus traditional buckles, GripWalk and Multi Norm compatibility, and why binding release settings should be handled by a certified technician rather than copied from a chart online.
Read Best Ski Boots & Bindings for 2026/27
Learn how to choose ski boots · Why a professional boot fitting is worth it · Learn about custom boot fitting · Shop ski boots
Brand stories: Tecnica Mach boots · Salomon's approach to boot fit · The Nordica Machine family · Tyrolia Attack bindings
Shop by brand: Tecnica · Salomon · Atomic · Nordica · Lange · Rossignol
Snowboard Gear
Best Snowboards for 2026/27
Looking for an all-mountain board, a park board or something for deeper snow? Our 2026/27 snowboard guide organizes this season's picks by riding style, including all-mountain, freestyle, freeride, powder and park, with options for beginners, women and riders with bigger boots.
It also explains snowboard sizing and shape, including when a volume-shifted board is designed to be ridden shorter than your usual length.
Read Best Snowboards for 2026/27
Learn how to choose a snowboard
Why directional twin snowboards work mid-season (Salomon)
Shop by brand: Burton · Ride · Salomon · Jones · K2 · CAPiTA · Lib Tech
Best Snowboard Boots & Bindings for 2026/27
Your boots and bindings have a big influence on how your snowboard feels under your feet. Our 2026/27 guide compares boot fit and flex, binding options and compatibility so you can build a setup that works together and suits the way you ride.
Read Best Snowboard Boots & Bindings for 2026/27
Learn how to choose snowboard boots
Learn how to choose snowboard bindings
Brand stories: Ride Lasso and Hera boots · Union Force and Trilogy bindings
Helmets & Goggles
Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets and Goggles for 2026/27
A helmet and goggles work as a system, so fit matters as much as individual features. Our 2026/27 guide covers helmet fit, comfort and protection features, plus goggle lenses for changing light conditions and how to get a clean, comfortable fit between your helmet and goggles.
Read Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets and Goggles for 2026/27 (coming soon)
Learn how to choose a ski or snowboard helmet
Learn why helmets and goggles should be chosen together
Learn how lens tint helps in flat light
Outerwear, Layers & Accessories
Best Ski & Snowboard Jackets and Pants for 2026/27
Staying warm and dry is about more than buying the heaviest jacket. Your outerwear and layers need to work together for the weather, your activity level and the way you ski or ride.
Our 2026/27 guide covers this season's ski and snowboard jackets, pants and layers and what to consider when putting your kit together.
Read Best Ski & Snowboard Jackets and Pants for 2026/27 (coming soon)
Learn how to choose ski and snowboard clothing
What to wear skiing in Colorado and Utah
What to wear skiing in Washington and Montana
Shop by brand: Obermeyer · Helly Hansen · 686 · Rossignol · Spyder
Best Ski & Snowboard Accessories for 2026/27
Gloves and socks are easy to overlook until they aren't keeping you warm. Start with fit, warmth and the conditions you usually ski or ride in, then think about the smaller pieces that can make a full day on the mountain more comfortable.
Read Best Ski & Snowboard Accessories for 2026/27 (coming soon)
Shop by brand: Hestra · Swany · Smartwool · Turtle Fur · Darn Tough
Kids Ski & Snowboard Gear
Kids can outgrow ski and snowboard equipment quickly. The useful question for kids is what makes sense to own and what makes more sense to rent.
Season rentals give kids properly fitted gear for the whole winter, and our stores can help with sizing for kids who are ready to own.
Shop kids ski and snowboard gear
Renting as a family? Kids Rent Free covers one qualifying kids ski or snowboard package for a child 12 or younger with an eligible adult daily ski or snowboard rental of four or more consecutive days. Blackout dates and other program terms apply, so check the current offer before booking.
Get Your Gear Ready for the Season
Already have your setup? Before replacing anything, make sure what you own is ready to go.
Our preseason gear check walks through what to look for on your skis or snowboard, bindings, boots and helmet before opening day.
If your bases are dry, your edges are rusty or your gear needs more attention than a home check can handle, bring it to a Christy Sports shop for ski and snowboard tuning and repair.
Heading out of town? Use our ski trip packing list before you leave.
Gifts for Skiers & Snowboarders
Shopping for someone who lives for snow days? Our holiday gift guide sorts ideas by who you’re buying for, with sections for skiers, snowboarders, her, him and kids, plus stocking stuffers and gifts for the winter traveler. You can also browse by budget, see staff picks from our experts, or give a service instead of a thing, like a custom boot fitting or a wax and tune before their first day out.
Expert Help When You Need It
Some gear decisions are easier in person. Christy Sports teams can help fit boots, tune skis and snowboards, and troubleshoot a setup that isn't working the way you want it to.
Learn about custom boot fitting
