Winter is right around the corner, and with it comes shredding season! Make sure you’re ready to hit the slopes with the hottest ski gear for 2024–25, from skis to boots to bindings. These popular products have set themselves apart through innovative technologies, precision performance, and ease of use.
With bestselling gear from top brands like Salomon, Völkl, Elan, Line, and K2, our winter spotlight features the products we’re most excited about, spanning a wide range of skill levels and types of riding.
Read on as we discuss the following in our Winter Gear Spotlight:
- Our recommended skis for men, women, kids, and beginners
- Top picks for men’s, women’s, and kids’ boots
- General skiing tips
Our Picks for the Best Skis
Our top ski picks of the year offer an ideal blend of audacious style, intuitive control, and high-level performance.
Remember, there are lots of different skis out there for various types of riding (including system skis with the bindings included, all-mountain, big mountain, carving/on-piste, powder/off-piste, and park/pipe). Make sure to explore our full selection online and in stores if you’re looking for something different!
Our huge selection of skis feature various profiles, flexes, and ideal skill levels. In the summaries below, we’ll lay out the technical specs and give our recommendations for whom these skis would work best for.
Best Skis for Men
Brand-new for the 2024-25 season, these skis boast the latest advancements to make your days on the slopes more comfortable, safe, and exhilarating. Check out our recommendations below, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out using the chat icon in the lower right corner of this screen!
Atomic Maverick 84R
Highly stable and easy to maneuver, the versatile Atomic Maverick 84R delivers effortless all-mountain skiing in every snow condition, from groomers to powder.
Constructed with a light poplar wood core, these skis are weight-optimized for quick turn initiation and fluid handling without sacrificing stability or shock absorption. A TI Stabilizer adds torsional flex for even more vibration dampening, while a Dura Cap sidewall delivers rock-solid edge grip on harder snow surfaces.
The Maverick 84R’s All Mountain Rocker features an early rise tip and tail profile for total versatility in all snow conditions, in any terrain, both on and off-piste. As the ski community has already discovered, the smooth and ambitious Maverick 84R is the perfect all-mountain, all-condition ski to take everyone’s ride to the next level.
Nordica Enforcer 94
Make each run a masterpiece with Nordica’s Enforcer 94. A favorite among intermediate-to-expert skiers who spend a lot of time on the trails, this all-mountain ski offers exceptional versatility to provide the confidence you need to push forward, no matter the terrain.
For an exceptionally smooth ride, the Enforcer 94 showcases a fresh construction that embeds both a wood core and an elastomer Pulse core between two layers of Titanal aluminum alloy. Combined with a versatile waist width, this construction boosts control and response, enabling powerful and precise turns with outstanding edge hold. Carve your signature all over the mountain with Nordica’s Enforcer 94.
Elan Ripstick 102
From slashing through tight trees and narrow chutes to arcing turns in open bowls, the Ripstick 102 is the essential tool for all terrains and any condition.
Ideal for intermediate riders, the 2025 Elan Ripstick 102 is building a reputation as an everyday essential, thanks to its ability to navigate soft and hard snow, in wide open spaces and tight situations with equal prowess. All-new carbon deck technology provides a lightweight yet hyper-smooth and responsive platform built with unidirectional carbon bands and rods in the core for intuitive maneuverability and unmatched grip.
The newest footprint in the Ripstick line emerges to bring adventurous skiers a poised and performance-driven ski that knows no boundaries. Check it out today!
Best Skis for Women
We also have a huge selection of skis for women, suitable for many different types of riding and skill levels. Our top three picks are below, but browse our full inventory if you’re looking for something different—and as always, reach out if you have questions!
K2 Disruption 75
The K2 Disruption 75 is a women’s ski that will take you everywhere on the hill with confidence. It features a Duracap construction, which keeps the skis light and forgiving, and a Catch Free Rocker profile for effortless turn initiation.
The Disruption 75 is the perfect companion for any beginner-to-intermediate skier looking to elevate their experience on snow. With Marker ERP 10 QuikClik bindings included, these skis are easy to take on any skiing excursion and get you shredding as quickly as possible.
Elan Wildcat 82 Ti
Ideal for effortless all-mountain carving, the Wildcat 82 Ti has the power to push your limits without a punishing feel.
If comfortable cruising with the ability to kick it up a notch is your desire, look no further than these mighty capable skis. They’re designed with the latest innovations to get the most out of your experience. A stable and smooth ride is made possible by the Mono Ti reinforcement of a Power Woodcore that combines stronger laminates and denser wood to reduce material usage by 20% and achieve a more lightweight feel. Additionally, Amphibio Truline technology brings perfect turns, endless energy, and good times on the slopes, guaranteeing a confidence-filled ride.
Salomon Stance 84
The Stance 84 from Salomon is the best women’s ski to ride all over the resort. Designed to be lively and responsive, they hold an edge in any conditions, from groomed runs to icy steep lines. These skis come with bindings for a ready-to-ride package!
A poppy ski that matches your energy on the slopes, the Stance 84 is an all-mountain connoisseur, tackling piste and moguls alike. A combination Karuba/poplar core evokes a spunky spirit, while a single layer of Titanal and sandwich sidewalls provide confidence at high speeds and on firmer slopes. With M11 bindings already included, you can start skiing asap and experience what the Stance has to offer.
Best Skis for Beginners
Are you a relative novice with the need for a pair of beginner skis that will help you build your skills and confidence? No problem—we have those too! Check out our recommended beginner skis below.
Völkl Flair 79 Women’s Skis
For women riders who have recently discovered the unrivaled thrill of skiing, the Flair 79 may be a ticket to freedom.
The construction is a combination of ease and stability. The 3D.Ridge technology and center sidewall significantly reduce weight across the length of the ski while keeping the power underfoot, where a thin layer of steel adds strength. Each turn is easily initiated without sacrificing grip, thanks to the extended tip and tail rocker. Power transfer is prioritized by the iPT Wideride binding system. With all the thought that went into this ski’s redesigned construction, the Flair 79 opens up more terrain, in more conditions, than any other ski in the Flair lineup.
Nordica Wild Belle 74 Women’s Skis
Nordica’s Wild Belle 74 helps beginner women skiers develop their skills and enjoy one of the most exhilarating carving skis on the market. Designed for beginner and intermediate skiers, this all-new women’s ski features a full wood core for a smooth and stable ride.
Thanks to its narrower waist and rocker-camber blend, the Wild Belle 74 is especially easy to maneuver. A shorter binding plate also enhances performance by boosting your ability to flex the ski and initiate turns. Finally, by lowering the position of the rear plate, Nordica’s Natural Stance technology provides a more comfortable centered position that maximizes control. You can confidently explore the entire mountain with Nordica’s Wild Belle 74.
Elan Element 78 Men’s Skis
For male skiers looking for a reliable pair of beginner skis, we recommend the Elan Element 78, which take your skiing to the next level with the smooth flex, exceptional grip, and a stable feel.
Extended Sidewall technology provides dependable edge grip while WaveMotion design enhances the ski’s flex for effortless carving and exceptional torsional stability. Meanwhile, the Element’s Early Rise Rocker provides smooth and effortless turns, thanks to a moderate amount of rockered tip incorporated into the ski. Finally, the special ultra-high molecular weight running base delivers excellent durability and superb gliding performance in a variety of conditions—perfect for building confidence.
Best Skis for Kids
If you have young skiers in your crew who are just getting started on their journey, they’ll need some high-quality gear as well! We offer a wide variety of skis for kids that help young skiers develop their skills and discover their own style on the slopes. Here are our top picks!
Salomon QST
For adventurous kids who want to explore more terrain around the resort, the Salomon QST has a profile designed for comfort and confidence on packed and soft snow. Its monocoque single fiber-layer structure makes the ski more durable. It’s light and forgiving to facilitate maneuverability for young skiers just getting started.
Salomon QST Spark
For young skiers who prefer spending days trying out park/pipe tricks, we recommend the Salomon QST Spark. It has twin tips for twice the fun and a shorter length to make it more agile.
While perfect for the terrain park, the Spark is adaptable enough to ride down piste, letting young skiers stomp airs, slide rails, and rule the mountain. A lightweight wood core combined with classic construction bring newfound skills to those looking to progress on a modern freestyle ski.
Line Ruckus with QuikClik Bindings
Simply put, the Line Ruckus is a full-on, heavy-duty park ski designed for smaller shredders in need of a shorter ski. The Ruckus is the best ski for new freestyle skiers looking to progress in the park. With an Aspen Veneer core and Symmetric Flex, little shredders are sure to cause a Ruckus all over the mountain.
Five different radiuses are blended into the ski’s sidecut, offering a wide variety of turn shapes and an intuitive feel. On top of that, four directions of fiberglass are woven across the top of the core for durability without unnecessary weight. These skis come with QuikClik bindings, making it easy for young skiers to strap ‘em on and start shredding right away.
Our Picks for the Best Ski Boots
So, you’ve found our perfect pair of skis—congratulations! Now you need to pair them with some warm, durable, comfortable boots for those long days in the park or on the mountain. Here are our picks for the best ski boots for men, women, and kids.
Best Ski Boots for Men
K2 BFC 90
For skiers who value ease of use above all else when it comes to their boots, there’s the K2 BFC 90. A low-profile, fully customizable fit gives these boots ultimate comfort paired with performance-enhancing features. An easy flex rating of 90 won’t beat your legs up when the snow gets choppy. Hands-free entry makes getting them on (and off) a breeze, and a Cushfit liner delivers plenty of comfort and wiggle room for your toes. Last but not least, removable and interchangeable rockered soles achieve better grip and comfort while walking, standing, and hiking.
Salomon Select HV 90
Developed to combine some of Salomon’s extensive boot-building know-how with a wider fit that instantly adjusts to your feet, the Salomon Select HV 90 delivers trustworthy performance with minimal fuss. The Autostretch liner perfectly molds around the specificities of your feet, while the shell’s geometry ensures unyielding power transmission at every turn.
Based on the geometry and volume of one of Salomon’s classics, the S/PRO, the Select HV 90 doesn’t make any compromises on performance. The morphological cuff is designed to offer a more open position and automatically adapt its shape to your calf, so you can enjoy more comfort while skiing—the ultimate goal!
Nordica HF 100
Fall in love with skiing all over again with Nordica’s HF 100. Offering a unique blend of performance, comfort, and convenience, it reimagines the modern ski boot. Thanks to Nordica’s revolutionary back-buckle closure system, getting in and out of these boots is as easy and intuitive as sliding into your favorite slippers. This hands-free design is perfect for anyone who wants to skip the hassle of buckling their boots for a simpler approach.
For exceptional comfort and control, the HF 100 features a high-performance liner. And for a fit that’s truly personal, the liner and shell can be readily customized. Your love for skiing should last a lifetime—ensure it does with Nordica’s HF 100.
Best Ski Boots for Women
Atomic Hawx Prime 95
The Atomic Hawx Prime 95 women’s ski boot offers medium flex that’s more than sufficient for most experienced skiers. This boot is a skier’s perfect partner for on- or off-piste riding.
Skiers of all levels will appreciate the added stability and reduced weight offered by Prolite, a revolutionary light construction with extra reinforcements where it counts. Your feet will appreciate the comfort provided by the heat-moldable Mimic Gold liner, which adapts to the precise shape of your foot for a perfect fit. It’s all part of creating the legendary Hawx feel.
Nordica HF 75
The Nordica HF 75 women’s ski boot ensures nothing gets in the way of your love for skiing. Designed specifically for those who want to skip the hassle of buckling their boots, it’s ideal for simplifying your skiing experience.
The cuff and the shell of the new HF are uniquely designed to provide the perfect closure between the cuff parts and the shell. The alignment between the two provides unmatched lateral support for immediate ski response. This means easier turns, more stability, perfect control, and more fun. Season after season, keep on skiing with Nordica’s HF 75 W.
Tecnica Mach Sport MV 85
A ski boot that delivers comfort and confidence, the Tecnica Mach Sport MV 85 is designed for intermediate female skiers. Women-specific features include the Cuff Adapt System, which easily adjusts the volume around the calf to fit a variety of lower leg shapes, and the Women’s Natural Stance, which places you in a perfectly balanced position.
An anatomically shaped NFS liner with Celliant infrared technology offers warmth and a comfortable, secure fit. The 85’s flex provides smooth, progressive support, while the Double Quick Instep and Lift Lock buckles make for easy entry and exit. Finally, the GripWalk soles guarantee easy walkability. The Mach Sport MV 85 combines the comfort needed to keep you on the mountain longer with the performance required to take your skiing to the next level.
Best Ski Boots for Kids
ROCES Idea Up
The 2025 ROCES Idea Up is the first kids’ ski boot able to grow along with the rider. Through its patented 6-in-1 device, the size of the boot can be easily adjusted, allowing the Idea Up to not only grow bigger, but actually allow for adjustment in cuff height and width by utilizing micro-adjustable buckles.
ROCES is innovating the world of skiing through the technical knowledge they acquired in the skating industry. The outcome is Idea Up, a true revolution in youth skiing.
Tecnica Cochise Jr.
Freeriding isn’t just for adults. The groms want to charge too. The 2025 Tecnica Cochise Jr. ski boot makes that possible. It’s a freeride ski boot for little pow fans. The Junior Pro liner has a snug fit that supports the foot and keeps toes warm. Four buckles give the Cochise Jr. a firm grip on the foot and distribute power evenly. The Cochise Jr. also has a flex rating of 60 for supreme fun in the freshies.
Combine all that with a Quick Instep shell and soles that provide traction on snow or hard surfaces, and you have a boot tailor-made for young freeriding adventurers.
Conclusion: The Best Ski Gear for 2024-25
So there it is, just in time for skiing season: our best bets for the newest ski gear! These are the products we’re most excited about, which have already become popular with our customers as well. Here’s a recap of our recommendations:
- Awesome skis for men, including the Atomic Maverick 84R, Nordica Enforcer 94, and Elan Ripstick 102
- Great picks for women’s skis, like the K2 Disruption 76C, Elan Wildcat 82 Ti, and Salomon Stance 84
- Perfect options for beginners, like the Völkl Flair 79 women’s ski, Nordica Wild Belle 74 women’s ski, and Elan Element 78 men’s ski
- Our picks for the best kids’ skis, including the Salomon QST, QST Spark, and Line Ruckus
- Our recommendations for the best men’s ski boots, like the K2 BFC 90, Salomon Select HV 90, and Nordica HF 100
- Best bets for women’s ski boots, like the Atomic Hawx Prime 95, Nordica HF 75, and Tecnica Mach Sport MV 85
- Ideal ski boots for kids, like the ROCES Idea Up and Tecnica Cochise Jr.
Looking for something else? We have a lot more skis, boots, and bindings online and in-store. If you need help finding the perfect fit, check out our How to Choose Skis blog post and our Downhill Ski Buying Guide.
ERIK’S expert winter sports team is here to answer any questions you have. Ask a team member in person or reach out using the chat icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Don’t forget, we offer a full lineup of ski repair services as well!
As winter approaches, it’s time to gear up and get ready for skiing fun all season long. We’ll see you out there!