Snow

New Zealand snow conditions are genuinely tough on gear year-round. Early and late season, thin coverage means edges regularly make contact with rocks and hard ground. Mid-season, the South Island's...

Snow isn’t just snow. It has all sorts of different attributes that depend on many different variables, including the depth of the snowpack, prior snowfalls, altitude, wind, sun, air temperature, humidity, time of day, and time of year. As skiers and snowboarders it’s good to know what characterises the different types so we can speak...

You've pulled your skis out of storage, or you're heading to Wanaka or Queenstown for the weekend, and someone mentions you should probably "get a tune." But what does that...

If you’re skiing regularly in Queenstown or Wanaka, getting your skis or snowboard serviced is not optional, it’s essential. The combination of variable snow conditions, abrasive early season snow, and...

Although K2 is new to Outside Sports, K2 is actually the one of the oldest brands in skiing and was responsible for revolutionising the sport in the early 1960’s when it introduced...

Icy winter roads can catch anyone out. Pretty much every Wanaka or Queenstown local has a cautionary tale about unexpectedly hitting ice on the Lindis Pass, Crown Range or Cardrona Valley Road and ending up in the ditch. And that’s even before you get to...

The right ski sock makes a bigger difference to your comfort and performance on the mountain than most skiers realise. Here's how to choose, and which brands are worth your...

Ski Boot Canting and Alignment Explained: Why Your Stance Matters More Than You Think Most skiers focus on boot size, flex rating, and comfort when they think about ski boot...

If you've ever had a professional ski boot fitting, chances are heat moulding came up in conversation. But what exactly is it, why does it matter, and is it something...

When most skiers think about improving their comfort and performance on the mountain, they think about boots, skis, or bindings. Rarely do they think about socks. But if you've ever...

If you've ever sat in a ski boot fitting appointment and nodded along while quietly wondering what on earth a "last" or a "zeppa" is, you're not alone. At Outside...