Let me start out by saying......I "was" a diehard Scott man...my Punisher poles were my go to poles the past few years............but as my education and knowledge of back and sidecountry terrain continues to grow, I have seen the importance of having a quality adjusting pole like the kind that BD makes and is known for. The Traverse pole has super funcionality, nice swing weight, powder baskets, bomber flint lock system, and a great extra lower grip for skinning or traversing. Have I said yet, that these poles were an excellent purchase. This is my first pair of BD poles, but it will not be my last........great product.

Black Diamond Spot Headlamp is a nice option for a lightweight headlamp. I purchased 2 of these headlamps for having "around the house/camp/car"..........The Spot has some nice features like being able to tilt to different angles.......the dimming capabilities.......and a nice lock mode so that it doesn't accidentally turn on in your pack. Black Diamond products are known for their quality, and you can see the Spot is no different. Even though it may be considered a lightweight model......it is built and performs just like or better than some of the "other competitors" higher priced models.

As we prepare for a trip to the Outer Banks, NC......the BD Spot will be a nice addition to have on our heads while "ghost crabbing" and surf fishing at night on the beach.

I have a 9 yr. old daughter that spent this past season (2010-2011) ripping 148 Gotamas. She absolutely loved them.....not only does she dig the top sheet, but she loved how they "surfed"....

The ELP rocker gave her the extra handling she needed on our trips to UT this past year.....the wood core still allowed her to stay quick in the trees......even when I thought the 148 might be a bit long....the ski worked perfect for her in "tight spots" for a young skier.

Seeing her progression over the past few years has always made me feel proud, but the learning curve on the Gotama skyrocketed her confidence and ability to handle different terrain. We spent days at Solitude, Alta and Snowbird this past year........and the 148 Gotama and Marker Squire set up fit the bill perfectly.............

Another great purchase from BC...........they price matched from one of their online competitors........just another reason to buy from the best......

Having put a full year (2010-2011) season on the Gotama, I can honestly say this ski is really good at what it is designed to do. It really performs just as Volkl intends for it to do. Volkl does a great job of developing skis for different types of skiing and terrain and the Gotama fits the bill as a great Side/SlackCountry option. It is a great ski to have for trips out west, and it is very good ski to still use back East in Vermont. It provides enough float for powder days, but I am still able to get on edge for days when I am searching around for leftovers.

I am 6'1 205, and I ski the 186...........I have Marker Schizo 110's..........and am extremely satisfied with my current set up. I plan on keeping the same set for the 2011-2012 season which will include 3 trips to UT and 1 to CO.

The annual lift ticket deals are in effect for 2010-2011. Please take advantage of this great deal for great cause. I am getting into the habit of taking advantage of this annual event...Thank you Backcountry and UAC........

The annual lift ticket deals are in effect for 2010-2011. Please take advantage of this great deal for great cause. I am getting into the habit of taking advantage of this annual event...Thank you Backcountry and UAC........

The annual lift ticket deals are in effect for 2010-2011. Please take advantage of this great deal for great cause. I am getting into the habit of taking advantage of this annual event...Thank you Backcountry and UAC........

The annual lift ticket deals are in effect for 2010-2011. Please take advantage of this great deal for great cause. I am getting into the habit of taking advantage of this annual event...Thank you Backcountry and UAC........

The annual lift ticket deals are in effect for 2010-2011. Please take advantage of this great deal for great cause. I am getting into the habit of taking advantage of this annual event...Thank you Backcountry and UAC........

You can't go wrong with a purchase of a Patagonia Cap3 product. My daughters just wear this bottom and then their Columbia Ski Pants.....and they never seem to get cold.......The wicking properties of the Cap3 mean they will never get sweaty/wet.....which equals cold.......My 2 birds have never complained of cold legs.....so I am assuming this product speaks for itself. Patagonia is the best.

The annual lift ticket deals are in effect for 2010-2011. Please take advantage of this great deal for great cause. I am getting into the habit of taking advantage of this annual event...Thank you Backcountry and UAC........

The annual lift ticket deals are in effect for 2010-2011. Please take advantage of this great deal for great cause. I am getting into the habit of taking advantage of this annual event...Thank you Backcountry and UAC........

The annual lift ticket deals are in effect for 2010-2011. Please take advantage of this great deal for great cause. I am getting into the habit of taking advantage of this annual event...Thank you Backcountry and UAC........

The annual lift ticket deals are in effect for 2010-2011. Please take advantage of this great deal for great cause. I am getting into the habit of taking advantage of this annual event...Thank you Backcountry and UAC........

The annual lift ticket deals are in effect for 2010-2011. Please take advantage of this great deal for great cause. I am getting into the habit of taking advantage of this annual event...Thank you Backcountry and UAC........

The annual lift ticket deals are in effect for 2010-2011. Please take advantage of this great deal for great cause. I am getting into the habit of taking advantage of this annual event...Thank you Backcountry and UAC........

The annual lift ticket deals are in effect for 2010-2011. Please take advantage of this great deal for great cause. I am getting into the habit of taking advantage of this annual event...Thank you Backcountry and UAC........

Not only is this a great shovel to carry with you in the backcountry.....I also carry it in my vehicle for those just in case moments in the motor vehicle world..........This blade blasts through the snow...whether it be a car burial or a hope it never happens avalanche burial...........and the collapse of the shaft is a great design so that it fits perfectly in your Black Diamond pack.....I have the Bandit and the Outlaw........and it fits perfectly in both.

These North Face fleece pants are very comfortable. They are great loungewear for hanging around the house, but stylish enough to wear pre/post ski at the resort condo or driving home from the resort with a stop at the store or diner......I have a couple of pairs because they are so comfortable. The sizing is true North Face........the fit is always a little snug......which is good for somethings but for loungewear.....you need some room for the boys......(TMI)....so order a size up from the normal......for me at 6'1 205.....that is an XL.......

These Under Armour fleece pants are an adequate product for a specific cause. My specific cause is wearing them when driving to the resort....walking from car to the lodge......back to the car at the end of the day......and for the car drive home. I attempted to try to wear them as loungewear, but noticed immediate pilling of the material.......so now I just wear them as my pre/post-ski car drives......they have been adequate for a couple of seasons.The sizing is typical Under Armour...I am 6'1 205 pounds and I wear an XL in all UnderArmour products.If you want a softer more durable pant check The North Face TKA 100 fleece pants.....

Having purchased North Face shoes for the first time....I was a little skeptical, but I have to tell you these might be the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. Not only are they comfortable, but they are waterproof and warm especially if paired with my Smartwool socks. As far as size, I am usually a 10 and the fit was a little snug, so I went for the 10.5 and the fit is sweet......I am impressed.....I guess i have another option to look at for shoes....The North Face is the real deal.

Denali fleece gloves are nice recreational gloves for my daughters. They basically wear them to school, quick trips outside to play in moderate temps...and they wear them from the car to the lodge at the resorts. They have great colors, style and a great fit.....but these are not ski gloves.......they are not waterproof or windproof........if your daughters want a nice looking glove to wear to school, these are adequate.

Purchased the Montana Mitt for my wife. She previously wore some random different brands that never really kept her hands completely warm, even with Smartwool liners. So, I figured I would give North Face a try. So far, so good.....we were out this past week at Brighton, Solitude and Snowbird and she says she really likes them and her hands felt great.....we will have to wait and see when the temp really drops this winter.....but the fit is great and style is nice. For moderate temps, the Montana Mitt is perfect.

Just purchased the Igneo from OR......I am very pleased with my purchase. The fit is right on the money. I am a tweener..... 6'1.....205 pounds.......some brands I wear an XL and some a L.......with OR, I am a Large.....it fits great. All of the pockets and such are very functional, and it is a nice looking jacket. I had it out at the 3 openings (Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird) and it performed great. I look forward to having this in my 3 jacket quiver for the 2010-2011 ski season. By the way.....skiing before Thanksgiving is always a great thing.......nice......

Just purchased this jacket (White Print) for my 8 yr. daughter ripper.....She just about fainted when taking out of the box....It really is a nice looking jacket. We tested it out this weekend at Brighton/Solitude........and it performed beautifully.......the fit is perfect right on the money (14/16)......and pockets and such are very functional. You really cannot go wrong with Columbia for kids jackets. As long as you have the right baselayers and midlayers.....a Columbia jacket fits the bill.

This Cap 3 zip neck by Patagonia is a great baselayer for winter outdoor activites......match this with a fleece midlayer and a goretex shell and you are bomb proof. This piece of clothing is also multifunctional, because it fits so well, it can used as "barwear" when you are at the bar after a day on the slopes.........

This Cap 3 zip neck by Patagonia is a great baselayer for winter outdoor activites......match this with a fleece midlayer and a goretex shell and you are bomb proof. This piece of clothing is also multifunctional, because it fits so well, it can used to wear as just a nice "sweater" when you are at the bar after a day on the slopes..........Anytime my husband purchases Patagonia Cap3 wear for himself....I get some too.

The HI Yellow lens is really "that good" in low light/flat light conditions. Have used the HI Yellow lens the past 5 seasons in some of the gnarliest storms, and I can say that it really works. The lense really clarifies the terrain so you don't get hit with any surprises in the flat light of a huge bowl....and in the trees you will be seeing everything that is being thrown at you.....no surprises..

Each of Oakley's lenses have specific purposes for different kinds of weather. i can say hands down....the HI Yellow is really good in the worst of storms.......or just plain old flat light conditions.

With Mountain Hardwear clothing you definitely know that sizing is going to be pretty close to spot on. I am 6'1 205....and Mountain Hardwear XL's........ fit perfectly. I have lots of MH products and every single XL fits great and I can always count on them. The quality speaks for itself.....and to have the confidence of knowing the product is going to fit well....that is a bonus.

Purchased these fleece jackets again for my ever growing daughters......very functional as their mid layer....both daughters commented how soft these are compared to the ones they had gotten before from BC.....got them for 14.99 each 2 years ago and again now in 2010.......cannot beat that price for such an important part of the layering process.......they are both 14/16 sized....and the size of these Columbia fleeces is again true to fit......see "Pleased" in my earlier 2009 review for further comments.

Nice Tshirt.....great logo on the front......not sure I would pay 30 bucks again for one....but if the price goes down on them....I would buy a couple more. Very comfortable, good fit.....6'1...205...wear an XL....and this XL is true to fit.

Picked one of these up to wear under my shell for somewhat warmer temps we have been having. This product is a really nice, warm, wicking, pullover layer that is perfect to wear under my shell. Taking the shell off for some post skiing beers, this pullover looks great in the bar too. Super product...multi-functional.....which is key for ski trips. Would buy another in a heartbeat.

Having always worn Smartwool socks for their incredible comfort and wicking abilities, I purchased a few pairs for my wife. New to the sport of skiing, and afraid of having cold feet while in ski boots.....she tried her first pair of Smartwool ski socks. It is now year 6 in her skiing life....and she has never complained of cold, wet feet. She is a confirmed believer in Smartwool. Our family will never buy anything else...Smartwool is the best.

These boxer jocks are the best......they wick the heck out of an area that normally produces a lot of sweat.......the fit is true and they stay where they are supposed to stay, there is no ride up factor. They are just another quality UA product....won't ever go back to any other type of underwear.

Good fleece glove to wear around the town and from the parking lot to the lodge. True fit, comfortable, warm enough for short trips outside. The glove has a nice tack on the palm and finger tips that make it somewhat non slip so that you can wear it while driving or when attempting some fine motor skills outside in the cold for a short period of time. It is North Face, so it is quality, but usually have to pay full price...not many sale prices....I try to look in the Outlet for North Face accessory items.

This Solitude lift ticket deal is the best price on the web. Bought 2 for a trip at the end of January 2009. Great deal......and for a good cause, portion of proceeds go to UAC.........

This discount on Deer Valley lift tickets is a nice price..... Bought 2 for a trip at the end of January 2009. Worked great, and it is for a great cause...portion of price goes to UAC.

These 50.00 Canyons tickets are a great deal. I.used them on trip at the end of January 2009... super fast shipping....no problems.....easy.....CHEAP......and for a good cause in the UAC.

I have the Black Diamond Bandit that I use for my resort skiing days with family. It fits nice, very light and provides just enough room for my hydration pouch and the little that I carry when I am out with my daughters and wife. It is perfect for days where you do not need to be carrying your av gear.....although it does have just enough room for a shovel and probe......For days in the backcountry I would use the Outlaw, but for days in bounds at the resorts with my kids....the Bandit is perfect.

I purchased this pack (white/light grey) for my wife and she absolutely loves the style......The pack fits her perfectly in all the right places, and of course the Camelbak hydration system works flawlessly for her even on the coldest of days. It has all the straps she may need for diagonal ski carry.....and when she does not need them, the straps tuck nicely into their little strap storage slots. It has room for all that she needs for resort/sidestash skiing that she partakes in. As she becomes more experienced in backcountry skiing, I would upgrade her to a Black Diamond pack....but for now the type of skiing she does.....SHE IS THE ICE QUEEN.

Just purchased the Smith Maze after some difficulty with my K2 Crossfire fitting with my Oakley A Frames. Just taking it out of the box and onto the head is great low profile fit. It really sits nice on my head. I tried it on with my Oakley AFrames...and they fit perfectly. After wearing this helmet several times now during the season.....I am upgrading this helmet to awesome. It really was a great purchase. Completely satisfied.

The Patagonia Cap3 Bottom is all I need under my North Face Freedom pants. These midweight bottoms keep me incredibly warm and dry on the coldest of days. I have only ever worn these and these are all I will ever need. The size is true, and are such the perfect bottom baselayer. I wear my Smartwool socks and pull these bad boys down to right about mid calf and I am locked and loaded for a long day. The wicking capability is truly remarkable....as dry when I am taking them off...as when I was putting them on in the morning.

Purchased a couple of Patagonia Cap3's for my 2 daughters this past year. I have always worn Patagonia, and have always been more than satisfied with any Patagonia product......so I decided to get some for my daughters. They love them and are a great warm, wicking baselayer. I purchased them for 11.00 each on sale this past summer. I now see the price is back up. I am glad that I got them so cheap.....I just wish I would have bought more at the price I got them for. Oh well....they are worth it.......You cannot go wrong with Patagonia.

Smartwool socks are the absolute best for keeping your feet warm and dry during all days sessions at the resort or in the backcountry. I have always worn Smartwool midweight socks with the extra padding in the shin and heel.....and I hopefully will never have to change. These are best....totally recommend them.

Skiing for 25+ years, I have found that these North Face Freedom pants are absolutely perfect for me. I am 6'1 200 pounds, and the size Large fits absolutely perfect. Even if I gained some winter weight, it has an velcro adjustable waist. Not only is the fit perfect, but one pair of Patagonia Cap3 bottoms are all I have ever needed underneath to keep me perfectly warm and dry. I have 2 pairs....1 black.....1 grey.........These are all I will ever need.

My two daughters both have the Giro G9 from 2008-2009 season. I was able to get BOTH helmets on Backcountry for the current price of this years (2009-2010) G9. If you can wait, wait until this helmet goes on sale....or wait until after the season to pick one up. It is a quality helmet....adjustable fit is great....nice style....low profile.....looks great with Oakley Aframes........but try not to pay full price for it if you don't have to.

Nice little tool to throw in your pack for those little annoyances that occur every once in awhile. Worth the 10 bucks.

Let me first start out by saying this is a sweet looking and fitting helmet. I purchased the Matte Black, and I love the style. The fit is great because of the adjustable dial on the back. So I was extremely happy with the fit. Now to the downside...I wear Oakley A frames. (2 diff. pairs-Fire, HI Yellow) for around a 100 each. This type of Oakley goggles does not fit this helmet very well at all. For me, there is a huge gap and the goggles just do not sit right (crooked) on my face/eyes. Because of this I had a huge decision to make. Do I return the helmet or do I return the 2 pairs of goggles? Well, I sent the Crossfire back.........purchased the Smith Maze....fits my A Frames perfectly........

Bought these mittens for my then 7 yr. old daughter. I bought the XS. They must be warm......because she has never complained of cold hands in 2 yrs. of wearing them. They have held up well...and she is ready to wear them again for the 09-10 season. Getting 3 years out of anything at a young age is a bonus.....good quality construction and nice style. Would buy again.

Bought 2 of these fleece jackets for my 2 daughters to wear as their middle layer. The fit is definitely true to size and they both say the jacket is very comfortable. This will be their second season wearing them.....so I am confident they will be warm and comfortable again this ski season. They like the colors too. The recipe of a good Patagonia baselayer, a nice comfortable fleece, and a water resistant outer shell always provides a "its not so cold out" day for my 2 "only go in for lunch" daughters.

Bought this hydration system at the beginning of 08-09 season. The pack held up well (50+days) and did not have any freeze up problems that I have had with other Camelbak products. I am pleased with the purchase.....although in hindsight I wish I would have just bought a Black Diamond pack and put a Camelbak bladder system into it.This Camelbak is basically just a hydration system, there really is no room to put much of anything.....but I kind of knew that going in.....so it really is my own fault.In the future, I will probably buy a nice Black Diamond pack and then add a Camelbak bladder into it. Update....giving this Camelbak to my friends' son. Bought a Black Diamond Bandit for resort or sidestash skiing.

You can't go wrong with Oakley lenses and I am extremely pleased with the Black Iridium lenses........The fit is true to size, but I wish I could have seen a frontal shot of the glasses.....they might be a bit thick for my style.....but still nice and am planning on keeping them.

Patagonia is the best....and this Cap 3 Zip Neck will be all I need for my baselayer. The shirt is totally true to size and fits great. Not only will I be wearing it as my baselayer, but can be used as a regular shirt to wear around town......Looks great, feels great.

Have used a lot of different goggles over the years....but now I will never buy anything else but Oakley........Purchased 2 pairs at the beginning of the season....A pair of Fire lenses and HI Yellow lenses for flat light days.....The goggles have a great fit (w/ a hat) and style. I finally paid a little more for a quality Oakley product and I was not disappointed. Top notch goggle. An addtion to this review is that this goggle does not fit my K2 Crossfire helmet at all. I have since returned my Crossfire helmet, and now I will be wearing a Smith Maze.......the A Frames fit the Smith Maze perfectly.

I purchased 3 pairs for my wife and 2 daughters and I could not be more pleased with the purchase. The goggles look great on them and they fit perfect. The all wear a Giro G9 helmet, and this Smith goggle fits with it flawlessly. I got one platinum mirror lens for my wife and 2 ignitor lenses for my daughters....all of them have told me that these goggles are so much better than the Uvex goggles they had been wearing the past 2 years.......Just based on their opinion and the look of them, I am extremely pleased with my purchase of this women's goggle.

This hat is super warm and great style......it has a nice partial fleece lining around the forehead and ears which makes it very comfortable........Great purchase.