2022 Ski and Snowboard Gear Preview
By Mekenna Malan | March 9, 2021
Winter isn't over yet, but we're already looking forward to the exciting innovations that next year's season will offer.
From boards to boots, bindings and beacons, here's a small sneak peek of some of the newest, hottest ski and snowboard gear that's already getting us stoked for 2022.
Icelantic Saba PRO 117
The Saba features Icelantic’s Reflective Rocker profile, a full rocker profile that mirrors the sidecut radius. This creates a ski that is both playful and surfy when skiing flat, while still allowing the skier to engage the entire edge, providing the power to charge and carve the ski when needed. The Saba is stiff enough to minimize chatter, while providing the skier a solid platform to stomp landings without wheeling out. Not to mention - like usual - the topsheet is stunning.
Salomon QST Blank
The athlete-designed QST Blank is a pillow-popping, powder-loving 112 mm waist freeride ski built to slay everything on deep days at the resort or in the backcountry. Camber underfoot and an early rise in the tip and tail adapt to whatever the mountain throws at you. C/FX super fiber in the tip and tail adds power, but also allows for quick, pivoting turns. Double sidewalls create confidence-boosting stability and power underfoot, while tip and tail Cork Damplifier enhance versatility and playfulness.
Dynafit Beast 98
The Dynafit model for powder, the Beast 98 ski was developed for descent-oriented ski tourers who seek downhill performance in the backcountry combined with an easy-handling ski for the climb. This model has a full ABS sidewall as well as an ash-poplar wood core for edge grip and stability and torsional rigidity. Its wood core is responsive and lends the model outstanding damping and rebound properties, despite its light weight.
Dynafit Radical Pro Ski Boot
The Radical Pro Boot features the revolutionary Hoji Lock System and combines the seemingly contradictory worlds of freedom of movement on the ascent and rigidity for the downhill. In walk mode, the cuff and shell are separated from each other to be able to climb efficiently with a 60-degree cuff rotation for unrestricted, resistance-free mobility. Its low weight and a flexible tongue construction made of two different high-tech synthetics ensure an energy-saving, natural walking movement even on steep terrain.
Salomon HPS Louif Paradis
The HPS Louif is a brand-new design from Salomon's Hillside Project - a collaboration between Wolle Nyvelt and Salomon's most product-driven rider Louif Paradis. This is essentially a wider directional board with a similar camber and sidecut profile as Louif's super-popular board The Villain. I'm stoked on this new board because of the amazing way it blends all-mountain stability and playfulness. I've been riding it for the past few weeks and it is a dream in powder, chunder, and groomers. I normally ride a 152, so this board didn't feel all that playful due to its larger size (155 is as small as it goes), but it was a blast in powder and extremely stable at high speeds. - Cody
K2 Alchemist
This board features an award-winning design backed by the likes of Sage Kotsenburg, Pat Moore, and Jody Wachniak. Meticulously constructed with premium materials, the directional K2 Alchemist features a fully cambered profile and stiff flex that’s built to stack up to any terrain on the planet. It'll be your go-to board for deep powder days at the resort or in the backcountry, as the Alchemist is built to float in pow and keep you on your feet.
Jones Stratos
A directional freeride with a playful spirit and fun flex, we think this could be the best overall board in the Jones lineup. A tight sidecut and friendly flex give this board a playful feel so you can carve, drop, and bounce around the mountain to your heart's content. I personally love that it's cambered, with a 3d nose and float pack inserts so you can mount the board further to the tail for the deepest storms of the year. - Cody
Jones Meteorite Bindings
Jones Meteorite bindings are designed for all-mountain riding with a medium flex that's perfect for tweaking grabs. It uses NOW Skate Tech technology to transfer power effortlessly edge to edge using variable bushings to change the feel of the ride. Furthermore, the Meteorite's highbacks can be swapped between freeride mode and surf mode. Freeride mode offers maximum response, while surf mode offers a looser, soft feel.
K2 Darko Snowboard Boot
The K2 Darko snowboard boots are tried-and-true freestyle kicks that have been keeping park rippers on their feet for a long time. Designed to keep you lapping all day long, the Darko is built with a traditional lace but with the addition of a BOA mobility conda liner lacing to tighten the ankle and reduce any heel lift. New for 2022, the K2 Darko is a collaboration with Torment Magazine.
Ortovox Diract Voice Transceiver
A revolutionary piece of gear for avalanche rescue, the Ortovox Diract Voice is the first beacon to reinforce avalanche training with audible guidance during the search process. What's more, this beacon is intuitive, easy to navigate, and even features a built-in rechargeable battery.
