Ski Kit 2026: What I Use All Season (Skis, Goggles, and Layers)
Skis, boots, helmet, and layers I use for resort days in Utah, Colorado, and the Midwest.
Black Crows Camox Birdie skis on a resort day, paired with my Mammut jacket and Dragon goggles.
I love to ski. I have been lucky enough to have skied in some great spots, including Breck, Vail, and some Midwest hotspots. The gear I use has been thoughtfully curated. I chose brands that stand out in what they bring to skiing—from performance to clean design and durability. Skis that hold an edge, boots that fit and stay warm, a helmet and goggles that remain clear, and layers that keep me warm when it’s cold.
At‑a‑Glance: My Ski Kit
Skis: Black Crows
Bindings: Marker
Boots: Coming soon
Shell: Mammut Stoney HS Hooded Jacket Women
Helmet: Smith Method Pro MIPS (fits low‑profile, warm without bulk)
Goggles: Dragon Alliance RVX MAG OTG with bonus lens
Gloves: Hestra Mittens
Base layers: Smartwool
Midlayer: Mammut Crag IN Jacket
Socks: There are many great socks available. It really depends on your taste and your boots, but the brands I wear offer a range for every foot: Smartwool, Darn Tough.
Shop My Ski Kit
This is my ski kit—what I wear on snow from storm days to bluebird laps. Most of the core pieces are from Mammut. Their outerwear consistently holds up in cold, wet conditions and layers well without feeling bulky.
At the end of this article, you’ll find links to more detailed Mammut gear reviews.
Outerwear I Rely On
Mammut Stoney HS Hooded Jacket Women in Moss
Mammut Stoney HS Pants Women in Black
What I Wear Under the Shell
Click the images below to view product details.
Ski helmet, Dragon goggles, and Hestra gloves at the Powder Mountain bar.
My Ski Set-Up
I ski on the Black Crows Camox Birdie. The color shown is the current model year and changes season to season.
Black Crows Camox Birdie skis crossed on a ski lift in Park City, Utah
Studio shot but these are the exact colorway I have.
Ski Kit 2026 — FAQs
How do you pick ski length?
Visit a ski shop where a professional can help you find the best ski for your ability, height, and so on. They will give you a few options.
Boot fit tips that actually matter?
Visit a ski shop where a professional can help you find the best-fitting boots—no better advice than that.
Which lenses are best for flat light vs. bluebird?
Low‑light (rose/yellow) for storms and Midwest gray; a medium everyday lens for most days; dark mirror for high‑altitude bluebird.
What’s your layering system?
Merino wool base layers, an insulating mid-layer for extremely cold conditions, and a breathable shell on top with the option to vent if you get too hot.
Gloves or mittens?
Mittens all the way. Never gloves. Your fingers will get very cold. Mittens keep the fingers warm because they are all together.
How do you keep your feet warm?
Wool socks. Not every wool sock is created equally. Stick with the pros: SmartWool for your socks. If needed, use toe warmers outside the sock, not against the skin.
What do you carry in your jacket?
Pass, phone, snacks, wallet with ID, and a compact midlayer on frigid days.
Michele Underwood writes Overland Girl, where she shares gear she uses on real trips—from the Northwoods of Wisconsin to the Ozarks. She values quality and craftsmanship in everything she buys—from outdoor gear to everyday clothes and furniture. Her choices may seem expensive to some, but she believes in buying less and buying better. Longevity matters, both in terms of function and style. Her couch is five years old and still sold at Design Within Reach—that's the kind of timelessness she looks for. Some of the links in this review are affiliate links, which means she may earn a small commission if you buy through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps support her work. She only recommends gear she’d bring herself.
