Note: W indicates female-specific item.

Skis

Head Cyber i.C 160 ($700)

When Walker Giersch of Bob Smith’s Wilderness House on Comm Ave started explaining the technology behind Head’s Intelligence skis, we wondered if he might be pulling our poles. Dig this, if you will: inside the Intelligence skis, there’s something called Intellifibers. These miracles of science, developed right here in Cambridge, transform mechanical energy into electrical energy. As vibrations travel down the ski, the electric energy created by the Intellifibers is captured in a closed circuit and sent through a resistor up to a chip embedded in the tip of the ski. The energy is filtered and fired back to the fibers. Unreal, eh? There’s more. The energy then tells the fibers either to shorten, making the ski more rigid (giving it better grip on hard snow), or to lengthen, (softening the ski torsionally for softer snow). The result of this tiptop technology? The skis respond instantly to changes in snow, speed, and terrain, giving you total control of the ski and ultimate precision in your turns.

Fischer Scenio 500 ($675)

So maybe we’re a bunch of nerds, but we think what’s behind the ski is as exciting as schussing down the slopes. Well, almost. To develop the technology behind this ski, Fischer looked at how auditoriums manage sound. As every good sound engineer knows, it’s got everything to do with the density of materials. The denser the material, the more sound it absorbs. Fischer transplanted this idea to skis with a technology called "frequency tuning." Different parts of the ski have different densities, designed to absorb vibration most effectively. As Giersch says, you’re getting a lot of technology for a great price.

Boots

Technica Icon Alu Hot Form ($775)

The Hot Form system allows you to customize the liner of the boot repeatedly, as many times as you want. Inside, there’s a three-layer sandwich. The middle layer is made of reactive foam that pushes against the outer shell, making the ski more responsive to the boot; it also pushes against the inside, customizing the boot to your ankle and feet. The result is decreased response time and increased comfort.

Lange Comp 100 ($550)

"If you haven’t had a pair of Lange boots and have always wanted to try them," says Giersch, "now’s the time." The shell has been redesigned for the first time in 20 years. It’s powerful. It’s precise. And it fits a variety of feet. The best, as they say, has just gotten better.

Bindings

Tyrolia LD12 ($280)

The biggest thing with bindings is integrating them with the skis. These days, most skis come with bindings; K2 is the only brand that doesn’t, and this is the last season that’ll be the case. The right bindings allow the ski to flex more fully, thereby providing more variety in turn shape. The Tyrolia Rail Flex system mounts on any ski (and comes on many of the Head skis) and does the best job of allowing the ski to flex naturally.

Marker and Völkl Motion 1200 ($229)

The original cooperative effort between Marker and Völkl, the Motion boasts a lightweight design and high-performance responsiveness. And instead of a series of screws, the binding interface slides on rails integrated into the skis. Everything flexes around a stable, solid pin. That means better stability, better edge grip, smoother turns, and enhanced versatility.

Poles

Leki Titanium Limited Edition Trigger ($80)

In the ski-gear ensemble, poles are the unsung workhorses. In the Leki Titanium, the trigger grip provides more security and comfort, and lessens the risk of injury with its safety release, popping off just like a binding. In terms of pole material, titanium’s the best it gets; it’s got a stronger resistance to snapping than carbon. As Eric Kerensky of Ski Market demonstrated, the pole can be bent to a gentle U-shape, and returns to arrow-straightness.

Snowboards/Bindings/Boots

K2 Recon Riser 161 ($499)

K2 believes in enjoying the ride. For mountain riders who focus on speed and control, and like to catch some air from time to time, the Recon performs. The base is made of 4000 CGX, "the newest and best performing base material ever made," says the K2 Web site. The material is infused with wax, making it hyper-resistant to abrasions, extremely durable, and able to retain wax longer. As K2 puts it, "Always waxed, always fast."

K2 Ambush Snowboard ($415)

This free-ride machine wants to be ridden forward and fast. A smidge of Riser (two millimeters) gives control in every situation, from the big snow in the West to the hard stuff we have here. The Ambush turns hard and holds the edge. Made with triaxial fiberglass, it features a K2 Superlight core, carbon/Kevlar matrix, and narrow-profile edges.

Drake Matrix ($230)

Drake made a lot of adjustments on its bindings this year. It redesigned the strap, making it thick, comfortable, and flexible. An aluminum heel cup wraps around to the toe, uniting the rider with the board for better response. The high back is completely adjustable, and the base plate also adjusts back and forth.

K2 Corsair Boa Boots ($220)

New this season, the Corsair is fast becoming one of K2’s most comfortable and versatile boots. It’s got increased lateral flexibility, and also offers specifically designed flex and movement for technical all-terrain riders. What we find particularly neat is the Boa cable-closure system. Instead of cumbersome laces and varying boot looseness, all you need to do is twist a dial. Titanium cables tighten, giving precise lace tension and a completely uniform pull. Adjustable on the go. Reliable in the long term.

Burton Fish ($470)

The Fish is a small, wide board, designed for maximum float in powder with precise maneuverability. In order to optimize the rider weight-to-flex ratio (all in the name of obtaining the perfect ride), Burton designed one board with two different flex patterns. The MD (medium density) board is geared to 120-to-150-pound riders; the HD (high density) works for riders from 150 to 180 pounds. At Ski Market, Seth Ustaitis tells us that the HD gives you better control on harder snow (good for New England), and that the MD is ideal for powder (for when you head West). A 25-to-30-millimeter taper maximizes float and control, and the side cut makes for decisive styling.

Burton P1 ($249)

The two-piece base plate on these free-ride bindings is new this year for Burton. This innovation enhances edge control. The bindings have a carbon high back, and, like the Burton Fish Board, come in both MD and HD. Plus, the P1s have a cushioned strap and adjustable toe ramps.

Ride Fuse Boots ($229)

This new line has all-new liners. The Direct Drive 3D liner consists of custom-moldable foam. Cut-out metatarsal ridges provide a better fit for wider feet. And the Fuse has that great moon-boot retro look. Don’t we all miss moon boots?

Salomon SP4 Bindings ($185)

This powerhouse of a binding has anatomic straps and a customizable high back, making for a velvety ride. Set up is simplified with the Integrated Mounting System, and the Fast Fit toe means you’ll be buckled in before your buddies.

Jackets

Mountain Hardware Alchemy ($240)

Soft-shell jackets are this year’s industry buzz, says Bill Boyle at Wilderness House. The Alchemy excels in the cold, wet, and wind. The 100 percent windproof Gore WindStopper laminate keeps convective heat loss (otherwise known as wind chill) to a minimum. The DWR (durable wind repellant) finish works with the WindStopper to resist water penetration, ideal for mercurial New England weather. Trango fabric, a brushed-fleece inner lining, and Power Shield panels put the soft in soft shell.

Burton AK Aileron Jacket ($279) W

Designed for women by women, the Aileron is cut to fit the contours of the female form. And it’s got a flood of features. The Exo-contour hood keeps the weather out. There’s a jacket-to-pant interface, an internal collar, an interior goggle pocket, pit zips, a stretch waist gaiter ... the list goes on. It’s made of GoreTex Classic fabric, making it as rumble-tumble down-and-dirty tough as you are on the slopes.

Arc Teryx Javelin SV Jacket ($425)

The Javelin is more supple than traditional three-layer garments, meaning you won’t want when it comes to mobility. And you’ll stay warm because of the soft-brushed interior. This jacket has all the essential features, plus a zipper on the diagonal — just enough slant to give it style.

Fleece

Patagonia R2 Midweight ($150)

Ahh, the ubiquitous Patagonia fleece. Prepsters and preppettes have warmed themselves inside these fuzzy coverings for years, but don’t let that dissuade you from these products. Patagonia’s an environmentally sound and savvy company, and its fleece jackets compete with the best. The R2 blends lightweight compressibility with roasty-toasty warmth, and the sculpted fit streamlines bulk.

Goody Fleece Products (prices vary)

Think of Goody fleecewear as fleece couture. Goody designs and creates everything imaginable in fleece in specific sizes, shapes, colors, and functions. The hot-ticket item this season is the windproof fleece jacket, made of Malden Mills material (starting at $79). Under one roof up in Vermont, Goody makes everything from goggle bags to bras (if you wear such garments, take a moment to imagine the bliss), from socks to scarves to quilts. While we were on the phone with Goody himself, he finished up a hat for a premature baby. Goody Fleece is located at 62 US Route 4, Mendon, Vermont.

Mountain Hardware Power Stretch Zip ($85)

Welcome to the world of wicking. Made of Polartec Power fleece, this pullover is dry engineered to draw moisture from the inside surface and disperse it on the outer surface for fast evaporation. ’Cause no one likes feeling clammy. With this fleece, you’ll stay dry (and thus warm) even when you’re burning lots of calories.

Marmot Power Stretch Fleece ($99) W

Like the Mountain Hardware version, this is a lightweight, front-zip, wicking stretch pullover. It’s got a Nylon face for durability and a polyester fleece back for warmth and moisture management. Lycra gives it the stretch fit. And in the they-think-of-everything department, the fleece is anti-microbial to prevent odors.

Pants

Arc Teryx Theta SK ($375)

The Theta SK is made of the "most waterproof, most breathable material on the market right now," says Andy Weig of Wilderness House. These pants sit above the waistline, have a full-stretch back, a full side zipper, a powder cuff, and a Kevlar instep patch to protect against fraying. "These pants move with people," says Weig.

Burton Radar Jean Pant ($110) W

We always thought that denim on snow was a snow-sport no-no. But as Burton puts it, "We’ve taken a major faux pas and made it dope." These pants look like a baggy pair of jeans. They’ve got a water-resistant wax coating, wicking mesh lining, gaiters, and streetwise style.

Burton AK Full Zip Pants ($180)

The technical two-layer fabric defends against the rotten weather. The ankle-to-hip zip allows for ultimate accessibility, ease of entry, and maximum ventilation. These pants have fully taped seams, kickpatch panels, jacket-to-pant and cuff-to-boot interfaces, and a boatload of other edge-cutting features.

Gloves

Bonfire M20 ($70)

A thermos keeps hot things hot and cold things cold. The Outlast Insulation that lines these gloves does something sort of similar. As you build up heat, the fabric absorbs it. As you cool off, the fabric releases your heat back to you. How does it know? We’re not really sure, but we like the idea that our heat is something we deposit into these gloves, from which to make a withdrawal when funds are low.

Black Diamond Dry Tool ($59)

These light, extremely durable gloves put up a heroic fight against cold and wet. They’re windproof and water- and abrasion-resistant. They’re made of Schoeller material, a Swiss blend of nylon, Lycra, CoolMax, and polyester. The leather pads are fantastically tanned by Pittards, leaving them supple and totally waterproof.

Outdoor Research Mt. Shuksan Shell Mitts ($53)

These Gore-Tex mitts are light, rugged, stuffable, and totally waterproof. The palms are made of 1000d Hydroseal-200-coated Cordura and are waterproof to over 200 PSI. And that sounds pretty waterproof to us.

Helmets

Boeri Kameleon ($90)

Helmets are needed in the same way as seatbelts: you might be the best driver on the highway, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a bunch of buffoons on the road with you. Same goes for skiing. You wear a helmet not only to protect yourself in your own wipeouts, but also to protect yourself against others’. The Kameleon is simple foam and plastic. It fits. It looks good. And it helps keep your cranium intact.

Ovo Titan ($159)

The Titan has a polycarbonate main frame and a carbon-fiber dome. That’s a fancy way of saying it’s safe. It’s also durable and comfortable, and a Thermo-plastic ear base makes it warm. The three-point goggle-retention system prevents against premature goggle ejection. Because we all know how disappointing premature goggle ejection can be.

Goggles

Smith Triad Spherical ($85)

Be it brush, bumps, or babes, you want to see it all on the slopes. The shape of the lens on the Triad Spherical mimics the shape of the eyeball. That makes for a much clearer picture of what’s in front of you. When you’re traveling at speeds nearing 60 miles per hour, having the sharpest picture is paramount.

Velvet II Flurry ($90) W

The Velvet Flurry is the first patented technical snow goggle anatomically fitted and designed for the female rider. The goggle is made of high-density, hypo-allergenic foam with a CoolMax top layer to wick away moisture. The patented high/low-pressure vents control air flow and oust fogging. We’re reluctant to list the colors the goggles come in, lest you think that girly fluff outweighs substance. Violetta, lemon drop, wine cooler, and blue mist represent a sampling of the goggle flavors. Sure, the colors are pretty, but performance comes first.

Nina MacLaughlin can be reached at nmaclaughlin[a]phx.com