The Best Ski Gear for the Entire Family: Our Experience in Park City

If you're planning a ski trip to Park City, Utah or any other location soon, you want to have the best ski gear to make the most of your time on the slopes. As avid skiers, we recently took a skiing trip to Park City (see Powder Paradise: Our Incredible Ski Trip to Park City, Utah and Unforgettable Adventures: Snowmobiling and More in Heber Valley, Utah), and put a variety of different ski gear brands to the test.

In this ski gear review, we'll be sharing our top picks of the skiing gear brands that stood out to us after thorough testing. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, our review will provide useful insights to help you make an informed decision when selecting the best ski gear for your next ski trip to Park City or elsewhere.

Winter Gear Review

Darn Tough Ski Socks - $28-$31

If you are going to be skiing for a few days, you're going to need more than one pair of ski socks. That would be pretty gross otherwise.  Darn Tough Ski Socks are an excellent choice for any skier looking for warm, durable, and comfortable socks for on the slopes. The socks are made from a blend of merino wool, nylon, and lycra spandex, providing a perfect mix of warmth, durability, and stretch. Their cushioning is just right, providing support where it's needed without being too bulky. The socks are also a perfect fit for skiers, with an over-the-calf length that stays in place and never bunches up or slips down. In addition, the merino wool material is incredibly soft and long lasting, making them a worthwhile investment.

Hot Chilly's Kids' Thermals - $45 and up

This was my daughters' first prolonged ski trip out west so similar to the ski socks, they needed a couple of baselayers to get them through. Hot Chilly's kids' base layers are an excellent choice for keeping warm and comfortable in cold weather. Designed with a blend of soft and warm materials, these base layers provide excellent insulation and moisture management. They are lightweight and flexible, making them perfect for active kids who need free range of motion. My youngest daughter loved hers so much that she refused to wear any other baselayer other than her Hot Chilly's that week. Good thing we had a washer and dryer in the unit. Ultimately, this defeated the original purpose but that's about the best endorsement I can give this product. 

DPS Kaizen 105 - $1549

When DPS offers to drop skis off at your hotel for you to try, you jump on it. So was the case as I walked into the Westgate and saw those pretty blue skis waiting there for me. The DPS Kaizen 105 turned out to be a fantastic ski for all the powder we received on this trip. They blew through the deep snow with ease, offering confidence-inspiring performance in the deep conditions. A longer turn radius, longer effective edge, and less tip taper, provided stability and held an edge at higher speeds on the groomers. I found the Kaizen 105 nimble enough to make quick adjustments in trees and steep spots as well. This ultimately makes it a great option for those who like to explore the whole mountain. The ski is well-balanced, delivering a smooth ride with plenty of power to tackle challenging terrain. Overall, the DPS Kaizen 105 is an excellent option for anyone in search of an all-around ski that can perform in a variety of situations.

Dakine Low Roller Snowboard Bag - $175

With my wife, a snowboarder, traveling out west for the first time, we were in need of a reliable snowboard bag for the trip. The Dakine Low Roller Snowboard Bag proved to be just that, a convenient and well-protected travel option. The bag is well-padded, durable and has smooth-rolling wheels. Its compact design makes it easy to travel with and attach to other luggage bags. The interior and exterior pockets were also a nice addition, helping to maximize the storage space while keeping her gear organized. Overall, the Dakine Low Roller Snowboard Bag is a reliable, lightweight and convenient option for any snowboarder who's traveling on a long trip. 

High Camp Torch Flask - $99

The High Camp Torch Flask is an exceptional product with a unique design, making it stand out from other flasks. I brought my custom All About Apres one along for the trip and it certainly came in handy that first night we got there.

The magnetic top doubles as a 3 oz shot glass, and the wide-mouth opening on the bottom makes it easy to pour in your favorite spirits without the need for a funnel. The double-wall insulation of the flask ensures that your drinks are always at their desired temperature, making it perfect for outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding. I highly recommend the High Camp Torch Flask for anyone looking for a stylish and practical flask. It is durable, compact, and is perfect for taking your favorite spirits on the go. 

Pack It Essentials Set - $55

Even though our unit was equipped with a washer and dryer it was inevitable that we'd end up traveling home with some dirty clothes. To keep those clothes separated in our bags we used the Eagle Creek Pack-It Essentials Set. 

The set includes 3 packing cubes that come in different sizes and fit perfectly into our luggage no matter what type of bag we were using. The packing cubes are made from high-quality, durable materials that are also lightweight and easy to clean. This ultimately made them the perfect travel companion for our adventure.

HydraPak Contour 2L with Arctic Fusion Tube - $43 & $19

I always ski with a hydration pack in my backpack. It makes me feel a little better knowing that I've hydrated all day prior to drinking a few beers apres ski. The HydraPak Contour 2L with the Arctic Fusion Tube is an excellent hydration bladder that provides a reliable and convenient way to stay hydrated during any outdoor activity.

I am thoroughly impressed with the redesigned Hydrapak. It is incredibly easy to clean since it can be turned inside out effortlessly. Additionally, I find the inclusion of a loop that allows me to hang it up to dry after cleaning to be an excellent feature. Furthermore, the valve to connect to the tube located on the side of the HydraPak is a game-changer as it ensures that the tube doesn't get in the way of other items in my smaller pack. 

Meanwhile, the Arctic Fusion Tube is an absolute must in the winter. The insulated tube ensures the water doesn't freeze in cold temperatures. The high-flow bite valve with dust cover makes it easy to drink. Overall, the redesign has numerous convenient features that when combined with the Fusion Tube make it an exceptional and effortless hydration solution for my skiing adventures.

Tailwind Nutrition Active Hydration - $21

Tailwind Nutrition Active Hydration is an exceptional product that has helped me stay hydrated during my ski days in Park City, Utah. The inclusion of electrolytes and collagen in the formula helps support my body during our long days on the mountain. 

I appreciate that the drink mix is free from artificial flavorings and sweeteners, making it a healthier alternative to other sports drinks. The Tangerine Grapefruit flavor is definitely my favorite but to be honest, none of the flavors are bad. I also love the convenience of the individual drink packets. This is a total game-changer as I can easily pack them for my trips and avoid messy spills when putting them in my HydrPak. 

Overall, I highly recommend Tailwind Nutrition Active Hydration to anyone looking for a reliable and refreshing drink mix that provides essential nutrients and hydration while skiing and snowboarding.