I’ve always liked REI for its generous return policy and Co-op rewards. But honestly? It hasn’t always been my go-to for ski and snowboard gear. Other retailers that specialize in snow sports equipment tend to have more extensive selections, and sometimes, more competitive prices. Not this year.

After personally testing more than 100 skis last winter and editing every review in Outside’s and SKI’s 2026 Winter Gear Guides, I can tell you that REI’s current lineup is stacked with our top-rated skis, snowboards, boots, and accessories. The prices might not always be rock-bottom, but between member dividends and good customer service, it’s a retailer worth sticking with. Here’s my curated list of the best ski and snowboard gear available at REI this season.

Best Ski Gear at REI

The all-new Salomon QST 100 feels like the product of steady refinement, not reinvention. It earned a top spot on SKI’s list of the best wide all-mountain skis this season for its versatility, forgiveness, and good value. With just the right mix of camber and rocker, it steers precisely but releases easily and offers a nice balance of pep and dampness. Few skis are this fun and adaptable.

Blizzard Rustler 10 All-Mountain Ski

The Blizzard Rustler 10 is our top pick this season for skiers who want a wider all-mountain ski to do it all. Playful yet composed, it’s quick and energetic without being demanding—stable in crud, responsive on groomers, and easy to release from a turn. Blizzard’s Titanal and wood core construction balances power with forgiveness, giving the ski a smooth, predictable feel that works for both intermediates and experts. It might be a touch wide to be a true one-ski quiver for skiers in the East, but its all-around performance is tough to beat.

Head Kore 100 Ti All-Mountain Ski

The new Kore 100 Ti is a smart update to one of Head’s most popular all-mountain lines of all time. By adding Titanal to its lightweight build, Head gave the Kore more stability and damping without losing its playful, easygoing feel. Testers praised its smooth, predictable ride and standout versatility. With easy turn initiation, solid float, and forgiving flex, the Kore 100 Ti suits progressing intermediates and seasoned skiers alike who want a confident all-mountain ride.

Völkl M7 Mantra All-Mountain Ski

Testers named the Völkl M7 Mantra the best all-mountain ski for experts who like to charge on firm snow. With 96 millimeters underfoot and Völkl’s Tailored Titanal Frame, it carves like a race ski but stays composed in chop off-piste. “Put this ski on edge, and it does not care what’s in front of it,” said one tester. It’s smoother and more forgiving than past Mantras, but still rewards strong, technical skiing. For those who love to drive a ski hard—and want one that delivers confidence and control everywhere on the mountain—the M7 Mantra is a clear standout.

Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Women’s Ski

The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 remains one of the most trusted all-mountain skis for women. It earned top scores for versatility and crud performance, offering a smooth, confidence-building ride on and off groomers. The Titanal-reinforced construction delivers rock-solid stability, while tip and tail rocker add adaptability in variable snow. Available in six lengths, each tuned with its own flex profile, it suits a wide range of skiers. It’s not the most playful ski in the lineup, but you’d be hard pressed to find a more dependable ride.

Atomic Maven 94 CTi Women’s Ski

The Atomic Maven 94 CTi is a new women’s all-mountain ski for 2026, and one of my personal favorites from testing last season. It’s refreshingly lightweight and easy to turn and control, but doesn’t sacrifice too much stability on hard snow or at speed for that user-friendliness. Other testers agreed, giving it high marks for responsiveness, flotation, and playfulness. It shines in soft snow, but it won’t let you down on firm groomers or crud as long as you’re not pushing it to Formula 1 speeds.

Rossignol Arcade 88 Frontside Ski

SKI named the Rossignol Arcade 88 the best narrow all-mountain ski two years in a row for its textbook frontside performance. It excels at carving, thanks to a wide, rockered tip and tail that make turns smooth and responsive. But with a snappy 15-meter turning radius, it’s also agile enough for bumps and trees. Best for confident intermediates and advanced skiers, the Arcade 88 balances accessibility, precision, and fun across varied terrain.

Tecnica Mach1 LV 120 Ski Boots

The Tecnica Mach1 LV returns this season better than ever, earning high marks from our testers for comfort, precision, and snow feel. A fit update—more room over the instep and in the toebox—solves past pressure points without sacrificing the boot’s trademark control. Testers said it’s still a race-bred boot at heart but now far more forgiving, making it a standout for advanced and expert skiers who value both performance and comfort.

Lange Shadow 120 MV Ski Boots

The Lange Shadow MV delivers a rare combo of comfort and power. Testers loved how its liner molds evenly around the foot for a snug, padded fit that stays consistent day after day. Slip it on, and it feels more like a custom wrap than a hard shell. On snow, that comfort translates to control—smooth, precise, and surprisingly effortless. Thanks to a redesigned cuff connection that improves energy transfer, skiers found themselves carving cleaner turns with less fatigue. The result: a boot that feels plush in the lodge but skis like a thoroughbred on the hill.

Rossignol Vizion 4B Pro 100 MV GW Ski Boots

For folks who struggle with ankle mobility and getting their ski boots on and off, there’s currently no better boot on the market than Rossignola’s Vizion 4B Pro. This easy-on boot blew testers awaythanks to a unique cuff that opens wide à la a rear-entry boot with a simple buckle flip. But what sets this boot apart from the rear-entry boots of yore is its on-snow performance. Testers loved that it feels like a performance boot, not a compromise for comfort. With a snug, secure fit and responsive flex, the Vizion 4B Pro is ideal for skiers who want all-day performance without the usual boot struggle.

Best Snowboard Gear

Jones Howler Snowboard

The Jones Howler was the runaway MVP of our snowboard test—the Steph Curry of decks, if you will, dominating every category. Testers raved about its rare mix of stability, agility, and power. It charges through chunder, carves with surgical precision, and stays lively enough to pop, slash, and play across the mountain. Confident riders will love its energy and edge hold, though it may overpower mellow cruisers. But for aggressive all-mountain snowboarders chasing one board to do it all, the Howler is it.

Capita Mercury Snowboard

The Capita Mercury remains a go-to for riders who want one board that can truly do it all. It’s stable enough for carving and cliffs, yet playful in trees, bumps, and side hits. Its mostly cambered profile delivers lively pop and edge hold, while a touch of rocker softens the ride and keeps it forgiving when you’re off your game. Lighter and more approachable than most all-mountain snowboards, the Mercury shines for intermediate to advanced riders who value fun, flow, and all-day confidence.

Salomon Fastlane Snowboard

The Salomon Fastlane is built for riders who like to charge hard and never hit the brakes. Testers called it powerful, stable, and fearless in any terrain—from chutes and cliffs to groomers and slush. The board’s stiff tail and long nose deliver confidence at speed and easy float in deeper snow, while its versatile sidecut keeps turns smooth whether you’re carving or dodging trees. It’s not for the faint of heart—lighter or more relaxed riders may find it demanding—but for aggressive snowboarders chasing big lines and fast descents, the Fastlane lives up to its name.

K2 Orton Snowboard Boots

The K2 Orton is our favorite mid-stiff, all-mountain boot for riders who like to push hard. Its slim profile hides a powerful flex that delivers instant response edge to edge. Testers praised the secure fit and dialed-in control from the dual BOA system and structured liner. The Vibram V5 outsole grips well on bootpacks, while plush, shock-absorbing insoles take the sting out of landings. The Orton isn’t for beginners, but strong riders who want a precise, high-performing boot for big terrain will find it worth every step of the break-in.

Nidecker Altai Snowboard Boots

The Altai impressed testers as one of the most comfortable, best-value snowboard boots in our lineup. Lightweight and medium-flexing, it delivered plush, out-of-the-box comfort thanks to a cozy liner and roomy 3D-molded toe box. Freestyle riders found it playful and forgiving, though some questioned the foam outsole’s durability and noted minor sizing quirks. Best suited for lower-intermediate to advanced riders, the Altai offers an ideal blend of comfort, control, and affordability for everyday all-mountain riding.

Best Ski and Snowboard Accessories

Hestra Fall Line Gloves

The Hestra Fall Line has been one of our go-to ski gloves for years. Tough, timeless, and easy to maintain, it’s the rare glove that improves the more you ski. A waxed cowhide shell shrugs off moisture, while brushed polyester and foam insulation—plus a removable fleece liner—keep hands cozy across a wide temperature range. Sewn seams-out for comfort and finished with a smooth neoprene cuff and Velcro closure, the Fall Line fits beautifully once broken in.

Union Atlas Snowboard Bindings

The Union Atlas is built for riders who want one binding that can do it all. Testers loved its lively, responsive feel and the way it stays smooth at speed yet precise in technical terrain. The updated highback adds just enough flex to make it more forgiving without losing control, while the straps stay comfortable through long, hard-charging days. “It fits so many riding styles and terrain types—super versatile,” said one tester. Whether you’re bombing steeps or hitting side hits, the Atlas delivers dependable all-mountain performance.

Salomon Strive 14 GW Binding

New this season, the Strive 14 continues Salomon’s streak of delivering high-performance bindings at some of the most accessible prices in skiing. The ultra–low-profile toe piece drops your center of gravity, giving you a more natural stance and direct connection to the snow. Paired with a lightweight three-piece heel, the Strive 14 feels lively underfoot, translating subtle movements into confident edge control. This GripWalk (GW) version is for skiers with GripWalk boot soles, but the Strive 14 is also available in an MN (multi-norm) version.

Smith Rodeo MIPS Helmet

The Smith Rodeo stands out as one of the few MIPS helmets you can snag for around $100—a serious value in a sea of pricier options. Testers loved its lightweight, no-fuss design and crossover appeal, calling it an “all-rounder” that works just as well in the park as it does in the backcountry. The roomy, high-cut ABS shell fits a variety of head shapes and shrugs off dents, while adjustable sizing ensures comfort. Made mostly from recycled materials, the Rodeo delivers retro BMX style and dependable protection for riders who value simplicity, safety, and a clean, modern look.

Giro Article II Goggles

With a frameless top and thin lower frame, the Article II offers a sleek look and wide field of view that testers praised for “unimpeded peripheral vision.” Two lenses—a bright and a low-light option—come included, delivering excellent contrast and UV protection at a solid value. Swapping lenses isn’t the easiest with gloves on, but they stay secure once locked in. The Article II fits smaller faces especially well, pairs cleanly with most helmets, and offers customizable straps and lens tints to dial in your perfect setup.

Giro Owen Spherical Helmet

The Giro Owen Spherical rethinks MIPS protection with a clever ball-and-socket design that integrates the system directly into the helmet shell. The result: top-tier impact protection without sacrificing comfort or airflow. Testers were impressed by how lightweight and breathable it felt—even with just six vents. With  its sleek magnetic buckle, plush fleece liner, and removable ear pads, the Owen Spherical stands out as a safe, stylish, and exceptionally comfortable choice for all-day wear.

From the 2026 Winter Gear Guide

The Best All-Mountain Skis 
The Best Snowboard Boots
The Best Cross-Country Skis