Best Ski Stuff of 2001

Whether you ski on mountains or molehills, Best Stuff has got the scoop on the goods to get you down the slopes in style.


Best New Skis
Salomon just introduced the world’s first skis’ with built-in bindings. Besides the convenience of never having to wait for the ski shop dude to install bindings on your new skis, these new skis add performance to your downhill runs by decreasing your center of gravity, thus adding more power at the edge of the ski for carving. The skis also provide for flex, stability, and seamless steering. $1195. www.salomonsports.com




Suunto Altimax Wristop Computer
This multi-function wrist computer not only tells time, it tracks the weather and stores charts of your progress. Designed for experienced skiers and snowboarders, it has a built-in altimeter and barometer, and features one-button access to intermediate information about vertical ascent/descent. It even counts the number of runs you've skied. The ascent and descent rates are measured in feet per minute between stages. An internal logbook stores total daily ascent/descent, average ascent/descent rate, as well as duration for up to one week of runs. You can view the logbook information while the watch is still recording. The altitude range extends up to 29,500 feet, for those jaunts down MT Everest. Its barometer function gives exact data in one-hour intervals for the first six hours, then in six-hour intervals for up to four days. The automatic memory is circular and self-erasing, keeping you one step ahead of the storm. It features a 12/24-hour clock, a calendar pre-programmed to 2089, 3 daily alarms, stopwatch, and a countdown timer. It's backlit; waterproof easy to see watch face is housed in a sturdy plastic casing. $169. www.suuntousa.com




Motorola Talkabout Two Way Radios
Motorola’s Talkabout two-way radios are the best way to remotely communicate with your friends and family while on the mountain. The weatherproof walkie-talkies feature a 2-mile range (depending on terrain and conditions), a built-in NOAA Weather Radio and audible alerts when storm warnings are issued. What’s new is its clock with alarm and a stopwatch, plus an FM radio with stereo earphones so you can take in some Mega Death on your downhill run. $179/each. www.motorola.com




DA Kine’s Dually Wheeled Ski Bag
Named after big, double-wheeled trucks, this wheeled ski bag has separate zippered compartments for two pairs of skis or, for sliders who go both ways, one pair of skis and one snowboard. $140. www.dakine.com




Camelbak Zoid
This 70 –ounce water bottle fits under your ski jacket and makes a comfortable backrest for hard spills or harder chairlifts. The liquid delivery tube and bite valve is covered in foam insulation to keep flow rate from sputtering in sub zero conditions. $50. www.camelbak.com




SmartWool Mountaineer Sock
The ultimate "Summit Sock," SmartWool technology maintains optimum body temperature, while providing superior moisture control. Wicks and evaporates moisture for all-day comfort. Will not itch or shrink - guaranteed. Its high density padding assuring a comfortable, snug fit and shin protection, as well as cushions sole against blisters. Padded instep protects against lace pressure. Flat knit side panel reduces compression and maximizes ventilation. $19. www.smartwool.com




SmartWool Ski Gloves
New this year, SmartWool will be protecting your hands as well. Styles range from a lightweight spring glove to a full-featured backcountry glove or mitten. Features include 100% terry loop SmartWool linings, waterproof/breathable Graflex leather palms, Ripstop Cordura gauntlet cuffs, articulated thumbs/fingers, and Velcro wrist strap $70-$100.




Lange V9
With these new ski boots, you can make a wrong turn on the slopes without making your knees pay for it. That’s because each boot has an adjustable spring-loaded cuff that follows you as you pitch backwards (commonly happens when skiing powder), preventing catastrophic knee twists. Cuff also automatically resets if you bounce up, so you can keep on skiing. $575. www.langerrs.com




Brunton Multi-Navigation System
This Swiss Army knife of the ski slopes combines an altimeter, barometer, digital compass, clock and a 12-parallel GPS receiver into a single instrument. It provides low power GPS/Compass navigation for expeditions, snowmobiling, and backcountry skiing using only 2 AA batteries. Its compass makes navigation possible in an emergency low battery situation, and when satellites are out of view, a StraightHome button provides one press to get you straight back to your starting position. Its barometer provides a 36-hour weather trend. The MNS is a waterproof receiver with outstanding performance in extreme conditions. Cool options include: a Vehicle Attachment installs in most vehicles and MNS PC, a planning tool for the PC includes Global Map Planner and cable. $400. www.brunton.com




Monomed Nordic Kick Sled
Like a mini scooter on snow, this sleek looking kicksled is a blast on any frozen tundra. To operate, you stand on the one metal runner, and to move along, you kick like a skateboard with one foot alongside the runner. It takes some practice to be able to operate this, but once you have learned it you will travel fast over hard packed surfaces. $499. www.nordickicksleds.com.