Skip to main content

Ski Season Preview: Salomon MTN Collection


Winter is upon us. For those of us that worship at the altar of the Snow Gods, this in-between seasons time is one of anticipation as we carefully watch weather forecasts, tune skis, and update gear. Every snow flurry brings hope that opening day at our favorite ski resorts will be that much closer. This year, we’ve carefully researched the best gear, found new trends in the industry, and discovered what will become favorite innovations. Stay tuned as we unroll our Ski Season Preview.

Brands in today’s market tend to specialize and innovate in their established niche – from apparel to skis to safety equipment, there is a top shelf brand for every piece of gear. However, there are a few companies that transcend the established model and build amazing gear across the board. Our experience testing the Salomon MTN Collection earlier this year while testing some the skis, boots, and apparel at Alta Ski Resort in Utah has us convinced that Salomon has once again pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the mountains.

Related: Eddie Bauer Custom Down | Voormi Core Construction

MTN Lab Boot

The all new Lab Boot is the first touring boot we’ve worn that nails both uphill climbing and downhill charging. The two buckle design benefits from a booster strap at the top of the cuff that aids in stiffness and comfort. Whether you’re a first time side country rider or experienced in deep backcountry tours, this boot will help you find every deep powder stash on the mountain.

X-Alp PRO Jacket

Each aspect of the X-Alp PRO Jacket was designed for fast and light alpine touring. From the articulated shoulders that help in comfort under a pack and moving with ice tools, to the lengthened back that aids in coverage under a loaded pack, every detail is backcountry ready. The X-Alp is ultra light, so you’ll forget you’ve got it on, except for when the weather turns nasty and you are happy and warm in this mobile bomb shelter.

Q Lab and Q 115 Skis

Taking cues from Salomon’s lightweight touring models, the Q Lab and Q 115 are the perfect all mountain rippers. With light weight touches like honey comb construction at the tips and carbon fiber stringers through the core for stability, these skis are built to charge even the gnarliest deep snow and crusty conditions. Buyer beware though. Once you’ve been on a pair of these, side effects include calling in sick on powder days and permanently scanning the forecast for any chance of even a dusting of snow.

Photo Courtesy Reuben Krabbe/Salomon. Skier: Brody Leven

Austin Parker
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling…
How to plan your Glacier National Park visit for 2025: Reservation deadlines and key rules
Here's what Glacier National Park's new reservation system will mean for you in 2025
Hiking Glacier National Park in Montana.

Glacier National Park is one of the most gorgeous ones in the United States, so it's not a surprise that it saw almost three million visitors in 2023. Visitors can't get enough of Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald, and the many lakes and glaciers in the area — the best time to visit Glacier National Park is often the busiest time. Because of the congestion in recent years, the National Park Service had previously enacted a reservation system for entry to the park as part of a pilot program. The National Park Service recently revealed this will continue in 2025, including timed entry reservations for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork — here's what you need to know.
Here's how it will look like going into 2025
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park Tevin Trinh via Unsplash / Unsplash
West Entrance: Going-to-the-Sun Road

Reservations required: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., June 13 – September 28.
Applies to travel beyond Apgar Village.
Entry without a reservation: Before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
Exceptions: Visitors with lodging, camping, or certain commercial reservations (originating beyond Apgar checkpoint) will be allowed entry.

Read more
How to plan a day hike: Essential tips for beginners
Day hikes aren't hard to plan; just follow these steps
Man wearing yellow jacket and backpack hiking or rucking in forest or woods with tall trees

Day hikes are one of America's most treasured pastimes, and with some of the most amazing sights for hiking on the globe, it's easy to see why. Nothing beats the fresh air and the invigorating exercise, and the best part is that you can go on these adventures pretty spontaneously. While day hikes require minimal planning, there are still a few things you should bring together before you go.

In this guide on how to plan for a day hike, you'll find essential tips for mapping out your route, packing the right gear, staying nourished, and ensuring your safety on the trail. Follow these steps, and you'll be ready for a successful day hike.
Get the route right

Read more
Insulating your tent for winter camping isn’t as hard as you think
Insulating your tent for winter camping isn't as hard as you think
Woman with a headlamp camping in a winter tent surrounded by snow.

When temperatures drop, and the wind starts howling, heat loss while winter camping can quickly turn a cozy night into a frosty one. The secret to keeping your tent warm isn't about getting the most high-tech gear. Actually, it lies in understanding how heat escapes. From the cold ground beneath you to the sneaky drafts around your tent, each type of heat loss plays a role in how well your tent holds onto warmth. In this article, we'll explore the various ways that heat can sneak away from your tent, as well as how to insulate a tent for winter camping.
Types of heat loss while winter camping and how to avoid them

There are several ways your body and tent lose heat: conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporation. Here's how to avoid all four:
Ways to avoid heat loss due to conduction
Conduction occurs when heat is transferred from your body to colder surfaces, like the ground. To prevent heat loss through conduction, focus on insulating surfaces that come into direct contact with your body.

Read more