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Gear Guide: New innovations in winter sports gear

by Greg Moore

Blizzard Black Pearl skis
These rockered all-mountain skis are part of Blizzard's Flip Core line—skis whose cores are cut into shape before being pressed in the mold, rather than bent while being molded. This makes the ski more durable, better performing and able to sit more naturally on the snow. "It holds well on hard snow but just flies through the goop," says Bob Gordon at Formula Sports.
$750-$850, Formula Sports, Pete Lane's

MIPS Helmets

POC's Cortex DH is one of a handful of helmets to incorporate Multi-directional Impact Protection System technology in its 2013 design. Developed by a Swedish neurosurgeon, the technology claims to provide better protection against rotational acceleration (the type of blow to the brain that produces the most severe injuries) by imitating the brain's own way of protecting itself. It integrates a low-friction layer between the outer shell and the liner of the helmet to absorb much of the energy created by an oblique blow to the head.
$250, area ski shops

Skhoop Down Skirt

This Swedish import is a toasty wraparound that's easy to stuff into a pocket until it's needed. "It's good for any active person to put on after a workout—and you look cute!" says Libby Holtz of Backwoods Mountain Sports.
$159, Backwoods Mountain Sports, The Elephant's Perch

Zeal Z3 MOD Live Goggle

Goggle manufacturers are now incorporating GPS technology into lenses to provide real-time location, speed and altitude data visible while you're speeding down the slopes. This year Zeal introduces smartphone integration to its GPS-enabled goggle, adding caller ID, text messaging, buddy tracking and mountain navigation to the 16:9 widescreen display.
$649, area ski shops

La Sportiva RT Binding &
Sideral Ski Boot

La Sportiva's new ounces-shedding entry into the alpine touring binding market is a mere 175 grams (6 oz) and can be combined with the Sideral boot for an ultra-lightweight alpine touring setup.
$699-$750, Backwoods
Mountain Sports

Kjus GSM Glove

The Kjus GSM glove uses Bluetooth technology to provide wireless controls for your smartphone while you're slope-side or anywhere handsfree will help ward off the frostbite.
$249, Pete Lane's


MTN Approach System

These ingenious skis offer snowboarders an alternative to splitboards for backcountry escapades. Short (138 cm), lightweight (4 lbs each), with built-in climbing skins for the trip up, the skis fold up and fit in the accompanying pack for the trip down. They come with an aluminum binding with plastic straps that fit snowboarding boots, and were designed in Ketchum by former pro snowboarder Cory Smith.
$795, The Board Bin