Journal

After throwing down some coins on new skis, the last thing you want to think about is replacing them. But the reality is that skis wear down and ultimately affect your performance and become a safety hazard. So if you've gone a few seasons with your skis, you should know how long they'll last.

Entering the backcountry is a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature as yet untouched by man. That’s why backcountry skiing has caught on as it has. What exactly is backcountry skiing?

When most people think of skiing, they picture alpine skiing, with its long runs, high speeds, and big air. But the world of skiing is bigger than alpine, and skiing can take many different forms, stemming from three main categories. So then, what are the three main types of skiing?

You were happy with how your ski boots fit when you tried them on at the store, but now that you’re trying them on again before the big ski trip, they feel far tighter than at the store. Naturally, you're worried they're too tight and you're wondering, "How tight are ski boots supposed to be?"

Few things are as exhilarating as skiing down a steep, snowy slope. But, after a long and exhausting day of skiing, you might find that your body feels like it went through a major workout. That's because it did - and one of the reasons skiing is great for your health (and a lot of fun too.)

While some skiers forego them, most prefer the stability and balance of ski poles. If you’re interested in purchasing a set yourself, or if you're trying to gauge if you currently have the right size, you might be wondering just how tall ski poles should be.

Just a decade or so ago, the only thing atop most skiers' heads was a beanie. But things have completely changed, and the only thing on top of most heads on the slopes are helmets. It's to the point where it makes you question if it's compulsory to wear ski helmets.

Regardless of whether you ski or snowboard, after a few weeks of wear, your jacket's going to get stains and odors. After quite a few seasons of improperly cleaning my jackets and many jackets later, this is what you need to know about washing ski jackets.

So you’re finally taking the plunge and hitting the slopes for the first time? Congratulations, you'll soon experience why millions are obsessed with skiing and snowboarding. Since this is your first time, you're most likely renting your equipment. But you may be wondering if you'll need to purchase any new clothing for the trip. The short answer is yes... and no.