Get your shred on this winter. (Photo: Getty Images / Imgorthand)
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As the weather starts getting colder, skiing and snowboarding are two great winter activities for those looking to spend more time outdoors. While ski and snowboarding season was cut short last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, many ski resorts are prepared to reopen as of now with restrictions such as rules to stand six feet apart in lift lines, required face coverings, and exclusively outdoor food options.
If you need some new ski or snowboarding gear—or cannot rent this year because of COVID-19 restrictions—there are some retailers that will ship poles, snow pants, boards, and more straight to your door. Unless you’re a seasoned skier or snowboarder, you might need some help finding the correct sizing for boots, skis, and the like. After all, no one wants to figure out how to mail back a pair of skis. While going into a store is the best way to try things on and find the best fit, many retailer websites have experts available to chat with regarding sizing and what gear is necessary to buy.
To help you find everything you need for snow sports this winter, here are the 10 best places to buy quality ski and snowboarding gear online.
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1. Backcountry
Find guides from this retailer that makes shopping easier. (Photo: Backcountry)
Backcountry is an outdoor gear retailer that sells a ton of affordable snow sports gear from popular brands like Patagonia, Burton, and Black Diamond, as well as its own budget-friendly line. Aside from winter clothing, Backcountry sells top-rated skis, snowboards, poles, helmets, boots, and the like.
Need some product advice on what to buy? You can chat with their experts (known as Gearheads) who can help you with all your winter sport-related questions. Plus, if you see a little green flag on a product, that means it’s Gearhead-approved. Backcountry also offers “Winter Packs” featuring everything you need for select sports as well as “Gear Guides” that break down what gear you need for skiing and snowboarding.
Trying to save on this expensive sports gear? Backcountry is also known for having incredible end-of-season sales, which are a great chance to save. You can find year-round deals on its sister site, Steep and Cheap.
Shop for ski and snowboarding gear at Backcountry
2. Evo
There are vast offerings for snow sports at Evo. (Photo: Evo)
While Evo is based in Seattle, it has quickly become one of the most popular online destinations for ski and snowboarding gear. The site has a massive selection of boards, helmets, poles, and skis, as well as all the accessories you need to stay bundled up on the slopes. With free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns, Evo sells top brands like Patagonia, Burton, and Arc’teryx.
Finding your sizing for boots and more can be especially tricky when shopping online, but Evo tries to make things a little easier with hundreds of guides. Whether you need to find your boot size, the proper length of skis for you, or how waterproof a jacket is, these guides should help you out.
Shop for ski and snowboarding gear at Evo
3. REI
Find top rated brands and winter excursions at REI. (Photo: REI)
Though it’s mostly a camper’s or hiker’s paradise, REI also sells a decent amount of ski and snowboarding gear, including top names like Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and The North Face. While the selection may be smaller than Backcountry or Evo, the site sells all the necessary gear and even has helpful guides for boot fit and the like, which is especially helpful when shopping online.
In addition to providing the gear, REI can help you get out on the slopes with lessons and specialty trips for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. It’s a great way to try a new winter sport and learn from the experts.
Winter sports gear can really add up, but you can save on gear by becoming a REI Co‑op member. For just $20, you can purchase a lifetime membership. As a member, you’ll get 10% back on all purchases made at REI, which comes as an “annual dividend” you can use on items at the store. It also comes with sweet perks like discounted equipment rentals, special pricing on REI Adventures, and more.
Shop for ski and snowboarding gear at REI
4. Dick’s Sporting Goods
There’s gear for every sport here—including the winter ones. (Photo: Dick’s Sporting Good)
Dick’s Sporting Goods has offerings for every sport imaginable, including the winter ones. Like REI, the retailer specializes more in winter clothing and accessories, but it does have a limited selection of skis, snowboards, bindings, etc. Additionally, Dick’s has a few specialty brands only available at its store that come highly-rated by customers and tend to be slightly more affordable compared to some of the name brands offered.
In addition to selling goods, Dick’s offers tips and tricks from their experts. For example, they provide information on how to improve your snowboarding stance and what jacket insulation is best.
Shop for ski and snowboarding gear at Dick’s Sporting Goods
5. Skis.com
There’s a ton of ski gear and sizing guides available on Skis.com. (Photo: Skis.com)
For help with sizing, Skis.com offers size guides and buying guides that help simplify the process of picking boots and ski lengths. You can also watch videos of experts explaining how to care for your new gear as well as in-depth reviews. If you’re looking for more snowboarding gear, check out its sister site Snowboards.com.
Shop for ski and snowboarding gear at Skis.com
6. Amazon
Get your snow gear fast with Prime shipping. (Photo: Amazon)
The retail giant seems to sell everything, so it’s no surprise you can order a new pair of skis alongside a pair of headphones. While you won’t get the expertise or guides that you might find on other winter sports shops, it’s a great option if you know exactly what you’re looking for and/or are looking to benefit from quick Prime shipping.
When navigating the winter sports section of the site, you can filter by brands, including top labels like Burton, Tubbs, OMD, and more. While this is useful for getting recommendations for well-respected brands, it makes it a little trickier for finding specific products. The best way to look for products by activity is by using the right-hand navigation bar, which offers a long list of options for specific gear. Don’t forget to read reviews before purchasing anything, particularly unknown brands, and to avoid unreliable third-party sellers.
Shop for ski and snowboard gear at Amazon
7. Moosejaw
Save on big purchases with Moosejaw’s rewards program. (Photo: Moosejaw)
Moosejaw has a vast selection of snow sports gear with hundreds of skis, snowboards, and boots from brands like Smith, Black Diamond, Weston, and more. You also have the ability to narrow down your search to fit and length, which is great for those who already know their sizing.
Moosejaw also has a rewards program that’s worth joining if you plan on making these big purchases from the site. With every purchase, you get 10% cashback in the form of Moosejaw Reward Dollars, which can be used to purchase more gear and clothing from the site. Even better, it’s completely free to join.
Shop for ski and snowboard gear at Moosejaw
8. Christy Sports
Get help online or in-stores from experts. (Photo: Christy Sports)
Founded in 1958 in Colorado, Christy Sports has flagship stores across the country and offers a vast selection of ski and snowboarding equipment online from top brands like Volkl, Salomon, and Burton. This variety and expertise sets the retailer apart from other stores on the list. You’ll also get free shipping on orders over $50.
Depending on where you live, you have the option to rent winter sports gear from Christy Sports for the season. Although the site doesn’t offer size and fitting guides, you’re welcome to call for some expert advice. The brick and mortar stores will also have custom boot fitting and repairs that are worth looking into.
Shop for ski and snowboard gear at Christy Sports
9. L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean’s quality carries over to its snow gear. (Photo: L.L.Bean)
While the amount of ski gear is more limited at the store, L.L.Bean fans will appreciate the quality and brand recognition of the equipment. They do offer a small selection of skis and accessories, but it’s also worth checking out the brand’s popular winter jackets and Bean Boots to bundle up on the slopes. In addition to gear, L.L.Bean also offers cross-country skiing courses and private lessons as part of its Outdoor Discovery programs.
Shop for ski and snowboard gear at L.L.Bean
10. Burton
Buy high quality snow gear directly from Burton. (Photo: Burton)
Burton is one of the top names in snowboarding and you can order gear directly from its site. You can select snowboards by level or scroll through the brand’s popular Step-On bindings. Burton also has its own line of outerwear and has a commitment to sustainability and fair labor practices, so you can feel good about your purchases, too. Hopping on the board for the first time? Depending on where you’re located, you can take lessons with The Burton Learn To Ride Programs for an introduction to the sport.
Shop for ski and snowboarding gear at Burton
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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