GOODS

TSL SYMBIOZ ADJUST POLYVER CLASSIC WINTER HIGH

COLD SEASON JOYS

Don’t let snow and low temperatures yuck your yum this winter. As we like to say at BRO, go outside and play in it.

BY DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

Atomic

Redster S9 Gen S What do core trail runners and bike racers do to get their cardio fix in the snow? They hit the Nordic trails—because there’s no better full-body cardio workout than skate skiing. There are plenty of options out there for beginners, but if you are serious about competition, this is the ski for you. The secret is a wider tip and tail, which not only provide more stability, but also help you make longer strides, adding up to fast, efficient skating. $600;

shop.atomic.com Nordica

Wild Belle 78 CA Need one ski that can keep you happy when the Blue Ridge resorts get snow or you head up to Vermont? At 78mm underfoot, this agile ripper is the perfect choice for cruising groomers and navigating hard bump lines. It’s a ski that helps you stay stable and graceful on the slopes, ideal for intermediates and occasional skiers who want to keep upping their games. $600;

nordica.com TSL

Symbioz Adjust The problem with most snowshoes is you just feel like a big dork walking

COLUMBIA LABYRINTH LOOP

NORDICA WILD BELLE 78 CA

BOLLÉ NEVADA NEO LEKI SPITFIRE VARIO 3D POLES + COPPER 3D PRO GLOVES

in them. Not so here: The Symbol Adjust is designed to give you natural foot movement while also delivering grippy performance in the snow. Credit a lot of that flexibility mixed with rigidity to carbon reinforcements in the snowshoe (similar to the tech used in skis and bikes). The end result? Instead of feeling bulky it’s light, natural, and athletic. $300;

tsloutdoor.com Bollé

Nevada Neo The magnetic lens lock on these goggles makes it easy to swap lenses depending on weather conditions. That means you only need one goggle no matter where you ski or ride. We love the Phantom option, which will in fact change as light shifts on the mountain—much appreciated when you pop out of the trees onto a sunny groomer. $300; bolle.com

Polyver

Classic Winter High Newly available in the U.S., these rugged insulated boots from the north of Sweden are the ticket for anything from shoveling a driveway to long winter hikes. A combination of polyurethane, which breathes far better than the rubber in similar boots, and a cozy fleece lining means they keep your toes toasty down to -40 degrees but won’t sweat you out in warmer temps. $169;

polyversweden.com Columbia

Labyrinth Loop With a stylish cut that looks fine anywhere from the grocery store to the slopes, this puffy will keep you warm all winter long. Credit that comfiness to Columbia’s OmniHeat liner, which reflects heat back to your body. Better still, the insulation is a recycled synthetic down that compresses to carry easily, and then quickly pops back into shape. $180; columbia.com

Leki

Spitfire Vario 3D Poles + Copper 3D Pro Gloves Taken in tandem, this pole/ glove combination makes use of Leki’s new 3D system—the mittens connect directly to the poles via a small loop between the thumb and forefinger. It provides more control than a standard strap and releases if you run into trouble. The pole itself builds on Leki’s freeride standby but adds the ability to adjust it between 110cm and 140cm, ideal for shifting from uphill to down. The cozy gloves, which feature generous Primaloft insulation, loop right into the poles, making for a system that’s warm, as well as efficient. $150 pole, $140

gloves; leki.com

From shredding powder to chasing snowy waterfalls, the opportunities for winter adventure are endless in Tucker County. So, this winter, gear up for the experience of a lifetime on the slopes or amidst frosty trails —and also in lively mountain towns. After a day of adventuring is done, explore a plethora of cozy restaurants, eclectic café’s and unique shops and galleries. Escape to Tucker County this season and find your own slice of Almost Heaven.

WVtourism.com/TuckerCounty

SCHWINN COSTON DX

GEAR TO GET GOING

It’s a new year, filled with promise and a full plate of outdoor activities. Here are our picks for the best gear to get you revved up and ready to get out there after the holidays.

BY DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

Outdoor Research

Exit Sensor Glove These unisex warmers will keep your digits cozy—and thus keep you outside—all winter long. Made with a mix of OR’s Alpin-Wool (a blend of wool, polyester, and nylon) and a synthetic palm, the gloves are ideal for Instagrammers and photographers who want to operate their devices no matter the conditions—the thumb and index fingertip feature touchscreen sensor material. $59;

outdoorresearch.com

PATAGONIA HEMP DENIM CHORE COAT

SHEFLY HIKING PANT

LIVBAR ANCIENT GRAIN OUTDOOR RESEARCH EXIT SENSOR GLOVE

SCARPA RUSH TRAIL GTX HULTS BRUK AGDOR 20 SPLITTING AXE

Schwinn

Coston DX The time of the e-bike is here, and Schwinn’s latest batch of commuter cruisers are both reliable and nicely priced. With both pedal-assist power and a throttle option, this ride (which comes in both standard and step-through options) gets you out there, hitting speeds up to 20 mph (legal on most bike paths) and running about 45 miles on a charge (depending on the terrain and power option you choose). It will replace your car for everything from trips to the store (so much less hassle than a vehicle and faster than a manual bike) to close-to-home commutes to casual rides.

$2,000; schwinnbikees.com Patagonia

Hemp Denim Chore Coat Patagonia has made a big commitment to industrial hemp (which contains less than .3% THC and can now be grown legally in the U.S.) in its workwear collection for good reasons. The fabric is incredibly tough and surprisingly comfy in light of its burliness. It’s also sustainable since it does not require lots of water and survives tough conditions. This snazzy hemp denim coat proves ideal for the rigors of car camping, farm work, and even just hanging out at the cafe. $179; patagonia.com

Hults Bruk

“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” While you ponder that koan, we suggest you chop that wood with this small, well-balanced axe from Sweden made just for the purpose of getting that wood down to size for your campfire or wood stove. $124;

hultsbruk1697.se Scarpa

Rush Trail GTX This do-it-all shoe melds the DNA of a trail runner with a light hiker to create our favorite kick for adventure, no matter the season, pace, or terrain. It’s most in its element when you are scrambling up rowdy Blue Ridge summits at a fast pace, but just as comfortable on casual hikes. A sock fit keeps out debris and the sole sticks to rocky terrain and loose roots. $139; scarpa.com

SheFly

Hiking Pant It’s no secret that women are at a disadvantage when it comes to peeing outdoors. No longer. SheFly has busted through that barrier with these clever, good looking hiking pants that feature an extra zipper that makes it easy to relieve yourself without pulling down your pants. $168;

sheflyapparel.com LivBar

Ancient Grain Straight out of Oregon, these energy bars put sustainability front and center. Produced in a solar-powered factory and featuring a compostable wrapper, the certified-organic vegan bars pack a nutritional punch and taste yummy. Our favorite flavors are the lemongrass cherry and coffee maple cacao. $33 for 12 pack,

livbar.com