Skip to main content

Ski Season Preview: Salomon MTN Collection


Winter is upon us. For those of us that worship at the altar of the Snow Gods, this in-between seasons time is one of anticipation as we carefully watch weather forecasts, tune skis, and update gear. Every snow flurry brings hope that opening day at our favorite ski resorts will be that much closer. This year, we’ve carefully researched the best gear, found new trends in the industry, and discovered what will become favorite innovations. Stay tuned as we unroll our Ski Season Preview.

Brands in today’s market tend to specialize and innovate in their established niche – from apparel to skis to safety equipment, there is a top shelf brand for every piece of gear. However, there are a few companies that transcend the established model and build amazing gear across the board. Our experience testing the Salomon MTN Collection earlier this year while testing some the skis, boots, and apparel at Alta Ski Resort in Utah has us convinced that Salomon has once again pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the mountains.

Related: Eddie Bauer Custom Down | Voormi Core Construction

MTN Lab Boot

The all new Lab Boot is the first touring boot we’ve worn that nails both uphill climbing and downhill charging. The two buckle design benefits from a booster strap at the top of the cuff that aids in stiffness and comfort. Whether you’re a first time side country rider or experienced in deep backcountry tours, this boot will help you find every deep powder stash on the mountain.

X-Alp PRO Jacket

Each aspect of the X-Alp PRO Jacket was designed for fast and light alpine touring. From the articulated shoulders that help in comfort under a pack and moving with ice tools, to the lengthened back that aids in coverage under a loaded pack, every detail is backcountry ready. The X-Alp is ultra light, so you’ll forget you’ve got it on, except for when the weather turns nasty and you are happy and warm in this mobile bomb shelter.

Q Lab and Q 115 Skis

Taking cues from Salomon’s lightweight touring models, the Q Lab and Q 115 are the perfect all mountain rippers. With light weight touches like honey comb construction at the tips and carbon fiber stringers through the core for stability, these skis are built to charge even the gnarliest deep snow and crusty conditions. Buyer beware though. Once you’ve been on a pair of these, side effects include calling in sick on powder days and permanently scanning the forecast for any chance of even a dusting of snow.

Photo Courtesy Reuben Krabbe/Salomon. Skier: Brody Leven

Editors' Recommendations

Austin Parker
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling…
Learn to tie the clove hitch for when you need a secure, adjustable knot
The clove hitch is one of the most useful knots to have at your disposal in the outdoors
A clove hitch tied to a fixed point

The clove hitch knot is among the most useful outdoor knots you can learn. This fully adjustable bind has endless uses and can be tied either freestanding or around an object. Being fully adjustable means you won't have to completely retie the knot in your system if you want to adjust the tension of your rope.

Read more
8 healthy benefits of hiking you need to know
Start hiking and enjoy the mental and physical benefits right away
Two people hiking together

Hiking is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the U.S. However, it’s more than just a full-body workout; it’s also an excellent opportunity to spend time in nature, clear your mind, and improve your sense of well-being. In addition, hiking is a fully adjustable workout, and you can start on an easy trail and work your way up to full-blown mountain hiking no matter how long your progress takes!

It’s an activity that can be done just about anywhere. Because the prime hiking season in the national parks around the U.S. varies based on climate and affordability, you can easily adjust your hiking plans to match the seasons and see some beautiful areas throughout the country. It’s a great way to meet nature at its level and a perfect excuse to shut out the noise of the modern world.

Read more
ZERO BREEZE Mark 2 is the first real off-grid AC and it’s discounted right now
Zero Breeze Mark 2 real off-grid AC being carried

Last summer, and most of last year, really, was one of the hottest on record. This year looks to be just as hot, so you'll need a reliable way to cool down. The problem with that is that air conditioners are expensive. They're expensive to install and run, and if you're living off-grid, you can pretty much forget about AC at all — until now, anyway. ZERO BREEZE has introduced the first truly off-grid air conditioner that's ultra-portable — at only 16.5 pounds — and battery-powered. The 24-volt battery can last up to eight hours in sleep mode, perfect for extended off-grid use or van-living. You can even connect solar panels or plug it into DC or AC outlets to boost battery life, if and when available. The handheld and lightweight design works exceptionally well for easy transportation and travel, so you can bring the Mark 2 wherever your adventures take you. Use code SPRING15 at checkout through ZERO BREEZE for a limited time to get 15% off your purchase — good from March 15 to March 21.
Buy Now
 
What can the ZERO BREEZE Mark 2 do for you?

Summer can be hot and clammy, and it can even get miserably wet if you live in a humid climate.  One of the trade-offs of staying off-grid is that you're living more efficiently, which also means you're interested in cutting down on power usage and comparable utilities. Even if that's not your goal, and you're just out for an adventure, you'll have to make the same concessions. The wilderness is, well, the wilderness. But with the Mark 2, a portable, battery-powered AC unit, you can cool off anytime, anywhere.

Read more