And Some Time-Tested Gems

As the shop transitions from run to ski—or from Run The Whites to White Mountain Ski Co—we’ve been fired up about the steady stream of new gear arriving daily. Greg and Spencer were especially stoked to highlight a few long-awaited pieces that finally made it in. And because we’re committed to promoting the gear we’ve actually use and trust—stuff that holds up in our rugged, ornery mountains—we’ve also included time-tested favorites that continue to earn their place.

ATK HY Free 11/13 Bindings

True to its DNA, the HY Free is built entirely from CNC-machined aluminum, with minimal plastic and a serious eye toward strength-to-weight performance. The HY Free 13 clocks in at just 675g per ski, which makes it only ~75g heavier than a Dynafit Rotation, and a full 210g lighter than the Salomon Shift 13—long considered the standard for freeride hybrids.

This binding makes it possible to have that one ski quiver for 50/50 use (50% inbounds, 50% backcountry). It skis flat with no heel-toe delta, giving you an unmistakably alpine feel underfoot. That comes with a bit of a trade-off on the up track: the default walking position sits at a -10° ramp angle (read: slightly downhill), so you’ll likely want to flip up the first riser early to level things out. Still, it’s a thoughtful feature for skiers with boots that lack rearward mobility.

I tested the HY Free last winter on a DPS Kaizen 100 paired with a Tecnica Zero G Tour Scout, and the setup weighed around 300g more than my daily touring rig. I noticed the added grams on longer climbs, but the performance payoff on the descent was undeniable. The binding felt strong and elastic—especially at speed—and easily handled big, fast resort turns. Compared to the Salomon Shift, it’s also way easier to transition, especially with gloves on and freezing hands. Overall, the added simplicity, build quality, and impressive downhill feel make this one of the most compelling hybrid bindings we’ve seen yet. At $949, it’s an investment—but one that delivers. ~ Greg

Bottom line: ATK’s HY Free is now a serious contender in the hybrid binding market. If you’re looking to build a one-ski quiver for mixed use, this should be at the top of your shortlist.

Raide Ski Packs

After seeing Raide packs in action on the skin track and hearing strong feedback from trusted users, we knew we had to bring them into the shop this season. Designed with ski mountaineering in mind, these packs balance minimalist weight with smart, technical features that make a difference when you’re moving fast in the mountains. Highlights include Challenge Ultra 400TX fabric, back-panel access, a waterproof stash pocket, multiple ski carry options, and a glove holder on the shoulder strap. New for this year: an updated skimo-style ski carry and a reinforced back panel for added comfort and reduced gear bulge.

I’m personally looking to retire my old 45L setup and will be testing the Raide LF 40L this winter—stay tuned for a full review later in the season. Raide is also expanding their line with a midlayer, hardshell, and zip-off baselayers, so expect more from this brand beyond just packs. ~ Greg

Bottom line: Raide packs are purpose-built for ski mountaineers who value streamlined gear that won’t slow them down—every feature earns its keep.

Blizzard Zero G 96 Skis (men’s & women’s)

The all-new ’25–’26 Blizzard Zero G 96 builds on the legacy of the Zero G 95, long considered a  benchmark for light-and-precise skis in the alpine touring world—especially on steep, consequential terrain. This updated version adds just 80g in the 178cm length but brings noticeably more dampness and versatility, thanks to a slightly softer wood core and tweaked construction. 

While it’s more forgiving than its predecessor, the new Zero G still delivers the edge hold, precision, and stability the line is known for. We had the chance to put it to the test last spring on a few Mt. Washington classics, from Huntington Ravine to Tuckerman, mounted with the new ATK Haute Route 10. The brakeless setup made for efficient skinning and confidence-inspiring descents. It’s still a ski that rewards good form, but we were impressed by how much easier it is to mix up turn shapes and styles without sacrificing control or energy. ~ Julian

Bottom line: The Zero G 96 keeps its sharp edge for technical terrain, but it's now more approachable and adaptable—perfect for big days in variable conditions.

Time Tested

Norrona Falkentind Thermo40 shorts 

Mt. Washington is a tricky mountain to layer for. Most days start in the trees down low, sheltered from the wind. As we climb, we generate a lot of heat—only to break out into the alpine zone and get hammered by wind and cold. One layer I carry that solves a lot of these problems is the Thermo40 shorts by Norrona—also known as my “puffy shorts.” They’re full-zip, synthetic insulated shorts. Worn unzipped, they allow you to dump heat; zip them up, and they lock in warmth and block the wind. Paired with a lightweight down jacket, they’re warmer—as a system—than a full down parka. After surviving a full season of skiing and ice climbing, they've earned a permanent spot in my winter kit. ~ Spencer 

Norrona Lynfen Flex1 Pants 

For most days out—and with an eye on the weather—soft shell pants are a smart choice for ski touring. They offer better mobility than hardshells, which is critical for the way I like to move in the mountains. While hardshell pants provide superior protection in harsh winter conditions, they can be overkill on most days and rarely offer much in the way of fit or comfort. More often than not, the weather isn’t that bad—making soft shells a practical option that won’t leave my baselayers soaked with sweat.

The Lynfen Flex1 Pants offer a solid balance of breathability and water resistance, making them a dependable choice for most ski touring conditions. Clothing choices only get more nuanced as terrain changes. Having the breathability of soft shell pants, then adding the Thermo40 shorts for above-treeline use, brings versatility to the kit and keeps me better prepared for shifting conditions. ~ Spencer 

Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro Ski Boots

The revamped Zero G Pro from last season was a highly anticipated update, and it did not disappoint. Tecnica shaved a bit of weight off prior iterations with the current gen weighing in at 1302g in my size 26.5. The new mold accommodates a higher instep and a tiny bit wider of a forefoot, allowing for a broader range of users to fit into and enjoy this marvel of a boot. The instep plastic where the shell overlaps has been slightly softened, improving range of motion—especially when flexing backward. This combined with the lower weight pay dividends on the skintrack. I found the boot to have a pleasant range of motion, in line with other class favorites such as the Dyafit Radical Pro and the Scarpa Maestrale RS.

The Tour Pros are just as solid on the descents—arguably best in class after testing them against several competitors. The boot is rated at a 130 flex, which is consistent with other touring boots in this category—but it doesn’t match the stiffness of an alpine boot with the same rating. I was able to lean into turns at higher speed and the boot supported me throughout the turn, providing confidence when it was needed the most. 

A lot of this ultimately comes down to fit, and this boot wasn’t perfect for me straight out of the box. It took some fiddling with the insoles to dial things in. I also used it inbounds paired with the MC Liner—an aftermarket liner that gives the boot a more alpine-like feel—which made them great for lift-served glades and bumps.

One downside is how tough the boots can be to get on in cold temperatures. With the relatively low instep and the two piece construction, getting them on and off was sometimes a chore, a sacrifice I was willing to make for what they can do on the hill. Choose the Zero G Tour Pro if you are somewhat weight conscious but still want a kit that can rip on the way down or if you want more of a familiar feeling boot compared to your alpine counterpart. ~ Greg

WMSC Hot / Cold Stainless Thermos Bottle (12oz) 

Dubbed “The Silver Bullet,” this tiny little guy lives in my pack all winter and has saved my backside on the hill more times than I’d care to admit. The thermos itself is ultralight and compact, weighing in at 224g with a cup lid and insulating cap to keep things warm. I generally heat up some Miso broth before hitting the road and routinely burn my tongue on the first sip—a testament to this product’s effectiveness. This is my favorite piece of gear that may not show up on any “essentials” list but there’s nothing like a piping hot drink when the wind chill is -30° in the Ravine! ~ Greg 

Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex thermo100 short Gloves

These gloves may come at a bit of a higher price tag, but I can assure you they are worth every penny. They are my go-to glove and accompany me on virtually every outing from November to April. After roughly 250 ski days, they’ve held up with nothing more than a superficial scratch—proof enough they’re built to last. They fit perfectly, offer an excellent warmth to dexterity ratio, and are fairly waterproof. Choose these gloves if you are looking for a reliable option for daily use in the backcountry and at the resort. ~ Greg

Raide 650ml Locking Flask 

Having nutrition and hydration that is at the ready and easily carried is a must for any ski tour. With more and more packs offering upfront or hip belt storage, a small flask or insulated water bottle can give you easy access to much needed refreshments. The Raide 650ml Locking soft flask is a great option for all but the coldest days. It’s lightweight and packable enough to virtually disappear in your backpack when empty. And more importantly it comes with a locking nozzle, which—trust us—you want. For those arctic days out, check out the previously mentioned “Silver Bullet,” the WMSC Stainless Thermos Bottle. ~ Spencer 

NITECORE NU21 360 Lumen Ultralight Rechargeable Headlamp

The “Oh Shit” Kit always comes along for any ski tour. The cornerstone piece is a lightweight and packable headlamp. The Nitecore line up of lights, from the NU21 to the burly HC60 UHE 1600, are light, durable, inexpensive, and rechargeable. They hold up to season after season of abuse and have battery power to last even the longest New Hampshire nights. ~ Spencer

Norrona /29 CorespunUll Liner Gloves

I often leave with three to four pairs of gloves: liners, working, and extra burley mitts. Liner gloves help cut the wind and keep your hands from freezing during below treeline movement. When skinning, I generate plenty of heat and don’t need much insulation from my gloves—but in deep winter, even the warmest person can benefit from a light liner glove. They help protect us from the biting cold, draw moisture away from the skin, and can easily be jammed into a larger glove—making them a dual-purpose piece, which I love. ~ Spencer