I get a lot of questions about the gear we use, so here is a run down of the gear we use and the accessories we can’t ski without. I’ve included links if you want to learn more. This page will be a work in progress to add more gear.
Adult Skis and Bindings
Mr. PFF bought Black Diamond’s Route 88’s early last season and have loved them so far. They are designed with back country shape and weight, but without being ultra-light, so they work great as a resort ski as well, particularly for someone who loves being in the trees. Rene-Martin at Absolute Telemark recommended them as a daily driver for hard use, and he was right. These are the skis I teach on and the skis he ski patrols on. You can learn more from his excellent video here:
You can get your own pair HERE
Mrs. PFF also got new skis early last season (quite a year!), and chose the Hot Mess from Moment Skis. Moment is a local company to us, but this was our first pair of Moment Skis. Here’s their overview:
“Ranging from 85-91mm underfoot and styled after the absurdly popular men’s PB&J, the Hot Mess is built for crushing hot laps anywhere in the world. Whether you’re a high school girl making the boys look silly, a collegiate ripper making the older boys look silly, a millennial in her prime making the young men look silly, or a bad ass mama making the dads look silly, the Hot Mess helps you keep male specimens in line. Mustache Rocker smooths out the ride and promises stability to go with flair.”
Best for high intermediate and advanced skiers.
You can get a new pair HERE
Adult Bindings
I have loved these 22 Designs AXL bindings, and they feel like a significant upgrade from my old G3’s. I haven’t yet had a chance to take them into the backcountry for a multi-day tour, because COVID, but I’m looking forward to testing these out to their full capabilities soon.
You can buy a pair HERE
These G3 Targa’s are the workhorse of the Telemark Ski Binding world. I’m guessing just about every US telemark skier has spent a significant amount of time on these bindings, and they work, they are rugged, and they are simple. I’ve taken long, multi-day trips on these and had them hold up really well.
These are now not sold, so if you like this style, I’d got with 22 Design’s AXLs.
Adult Poles
We both use (and love) the Black Diamond Traverse adjustable ski poles. They don’t try to be excellent at anything, but they do a lot of things really well, like being affordable, simple to use, long-lasting, reasonably light weight, well fitting, and adjustable. I use the 155’s and Mrs. PFF uses the 145’s. You can get a pair HERE
Adult Snow Pants
Just like my kids, I love Bibs to keep warm and dry through the ski day. I use the North Face Freedom Bib. It also lets me wear less on my top to stay warm. That said, these are some of the lightest weight bibs out there so I’m able to wear them through a day of spring skiing towing 4 year old’s without overheating! You can buy a new pair Here
Mrs. PFF prefers a really light weight, waterproof pants. Marmot makes the fantastic Precip pant, and they have spawned a series of knock offs from Patagonia, REI, and others. If you prefer a light weight pant, these are a great option and will make sure you stay dry. Also, despite their light weight, they are incredible durable . You can buy a new pair HERE
Kids Layers
We fell in love with this REI Salix Jacket for our kids so much that we bought every size! Truly! Jacket designs change so quickly that if you find something affordable that you like, you might want to think about getting it in a few sizes. This jacket is waterproof, lightly insulated, trim fitting, and ruggedly simple — all great factors for a solid kids ski jacket.
Looks like Columbia is now making a very similar jacket available HERE
These Helly Hansen K Rider bibs are incredible. Like every product HH makes, the waterproofing is top notch. And, these bibs don’t have too much insulation, which means your kids will stay dry without overheating. These bibs have reinforcement where kids are hardest on their ski pants, are they durable. Both our kids have spent 2 seasons each in the same pair of bibs, and they are still going strong. Finally, the K Rider Bibs have nice touches like easy to use pockets and elastic gussets to put around boot tops.
Get your pair HERE