From the outdoor gearheads at First Tracks!! Online Media

Salt Lake City, UT - We recently field tested a new outerlayer offering from Sierra Designs, the Rad Jacket, a three-layer waterproof breathable piece with many more features than its reasonable $239 price tag implies.

From the outdoor gearheads at First Tracks!! Online Media

Salt Lake City, UT - You're spending a few days or more in the backcountry, but you want to keep that cell phone topped off in case of emergency. You don't want to pack in the extra weight of spare camera batteries to capture that special sunset scene or blower powder run, either.

From the staff of First Tracks!! Online Media

Salt Lake City, UT - If you haven't looked at the calendar lately, Christmas arrives next week. Next week! If you're looking for a last-minute gift for the skier or snowboarder in your life we've reviewed a collection of products this year that would look perfect wrapped under the Christmas tree. Or if Grandma gave you another argyle sweater this year, exchange it for something you can use for the slopes!

by Jeff Hemmel

Salt Lake City, UT - About 18 months ago, I wrote a feature detailing the many recent improvements in snowboard boot technology, features that allow wearers to truly get a comfortable and secure fit. Shortly thereafter, I was called out for what I didn’t include in that story -- a reference to the value of custom, professionally fabricated footbeds.

Salt Lake City, UT - It's already November and ski resorts are opening across the Northern Hemisphere, which means that it's time for First Tracks!! Online Media's Annual Holiday Gear Gift Guide. Best of all, this year's edition is our biggest ever!

Snowbird, UT - Now that cooler temperatures are upon us and leaves are changing color, the season of ski and snowboard swaps is upon us. The current ski swaps and equipment sale expos of today are a far cry from the garage sales of yesteryear, offering ample opportunity for enthusiasts to buy and sell used gear, as well as find great prices on new equipment. Scott Mathers, the Alta Ski School Training Director, former member of the PSIA Alpine Demonstration Team and organizer of this year’s Mountain Sports Expo at Utah's Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort, offers the following tips to effectively shop equipment sale expos.

We peel our own to see if banana junkies are really on to something…or just off their rocker.

By Jeff Hemmel

Sequim, WA - There’s some crazy stuff going on up in Washington State. First comes the notion that a snowboard’s edge should resemble a crinkle-cut French fry, rather than a traditional curve. The dust on crust had barely settled from that outburst when next came the idea that camber was old news, and that rocker — yes, wakeboard-like rocker — was the wave of the future.

By the staff of First Tracks!! Online Ski Magazine

Salt Lake City, UT - The shopping malls seem to be adorned with holiday decorations earlier and earlier each year. It’s November, and the holiday shopping season is upon us, so before you go out and brave the crowds, the bell ringers and the shopping mall Santas check out this year’s First Tracks!! Online Holiday Gear Gift Guide for the skier or snowboarder on your list. Or find yourself a little something to warm your holiday spirit – we won’t tell if you’ve been naughty or nice!

As was the case last year, we’re splitting our annual Holiday Gear Gift Guide into two parts. This second part covers all manner of ski and snowboard gadgets and accessories. Apparel is covered in Part I. Skiers and snowboarders tend to be outdoor enthusiasts in summer, and you'll find that many of these gift ideas have cross-applicability to hiking, biking, backpacking and more during the warmer months.

By the staff of First Tracks!! Online Ski Magazine

Salt Lake City, UT - The shopping malls seem to be adorned with holiday decorations earlier and earlier each year. It’s November, and the holiday shopping season is upon us, so before you go out and brave the crowds, the bell ringers and the shopping mall Santas check out this year’s First Tracks!! Online Holiday Gear Gift Guide for the skier or snowboarder on your list. Or find yourself a little something to warm your holiday spirit – we won’t tell if you’ve been naughty or nice!

As was the case last year, we’re splitting our annual Holiday Gear Gift Guide into two parts. This first part covers all manner of ski and snowboard apparel. Accessories and gadgets are covered in Part II.

by Matthew Fatcheric

Salt Lake City, UT - The ski industry has in recent years seen tremendous growth in small boutique ski manufacturers building “customized” skis. They often use specialized designs and innovative materials to build a ski to suit a very specific purpose. Among these niche ski builders are PM Gear, Moment Skis, Praxis, and now Salt Lake City’s Bluehouse Skis.

Ski Gear Needs TLC, Too

by Adriana Blake

Taos Ski Valley, NM - So I admit it, I’m guilty. At the end of the ski season in years’ past I may have randomly tossed my skis and boots into our office closet, grabbed my Frisbee golf discs, and shut the door. Sure, I’d completely ignore the gear that I maintained so carefully all winter, but just because my stuff didn’t see the light of day for seven months doesn’t mean I’m a bad person, right?

The Latest Innovations In Snowboard Boot Construction Continue To Bring The Perfect Fit Within Reach

by Jeff Hemmel

Salt Lake City, UT - Listen to the conversations the next time you’re waiting in the lift line or kicking back in the lodge, and chances are most snowboarders share one common complaint — boot comfort. The problem? Everyone’s feet – from the toes to the arches to the heel shape — are different. Snowboard boots, however, are by necessity manufactured for the “average” man and woman. Good luck finding those two.

by the staff of First Tracks!! Online Ski Magazine

With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, it's time to put together your Christmas list. Whether buying for the skier or snowboarder in your life, or even shopping for yourself, we've put together some of the best gift ideas for your snow sports wish list in this, our annual FTO Holiday Ski & Snowboard Gift Guide.

Our Gift Guide has grown in 2006 to the point that we've had to split it into two parts. This is Part II, devoted to ski and snowboard accessories. Part I focuses on ski and snowboard apparel.

by the staff of First Tracks!! Online Ski Magazine

With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, it's time to put together your Christmas list. Whether buying for the skier or snowboarder in your life, or even shopping for yourself, we've put together some of the best gift ideas for your snow sports wish list in this, our annual FTO Holiday Ski & Snowboard Gift Guide.

Our Gift Guide has grown in 2006 to the point that we've had to split it into two parts. This is Part I, devoted to ski and snowboard apparel. <a href=http://www.firsttracksonline.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=742">Part II focuses on ski and snowboard accessories.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Nov. 19, 2005.

Salt Lake City, UT - Let’s get a few things straight here: ladies, we’ve already got a closet full of ties that we never wear, anyway. And guys, we’ll enjoy our turns more on women-specific ski and snowboard gear that’s more valuable to us than baubles and beads.

Are you shopping for a skier or snowboarder in your life this holiday season? Look no further than our Holiday Gift Guide for some of the best gift ideas in snow country. And unlike some other publications out there, we actually test, use and abuse the gear that we review, so you’ll get the straight skinny from First Tracks!! <span class=GramE>Online. From small to big, from cheap to expensive, you’ll find great gift ideas to fill the stocking or place under the tree this holiday season.