# SnowTested

> Ski and snowboard gear reviews and buying guides: skis, boots, bindings, snowboards, helmets, goggles, outerwear and layers, with sizing explained, plus reader codes.

SnowTested publishes snow sports gear reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://snowtested.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://snowtested.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://snowtested.com/glossary): snow sports gear terms defined
- [How we test](https://snowtested.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Ski](https://snowtested.com/category/ski): All-mountain, carving, powder and freestyle skis, ski boots, bindings and poles.
- [Snowboard](https://snowtested.com/category/snowboard): All-mountain, freestyle and powder snowboards, boots and bindings.
- [Helmets & goggles](https://snowtested.com/category/helmets-goggles): Ski and snowboard helmets, goggles and lens tints.
- [Outerwear & layers](https://snowtested.com/category/outerwear): Ski jackets, pants, base layers, mid layers, gloves and socks.

## Buying guides
- [Avalanche Gear Basics: Transceiver, Probe and Shovel](https://snowtested.com/guides/avalanche-gear-basics): Avalanche centers identify a transceiver, probe and shovel as the core companion-rescue kit for every person in an avalanche-terrain party. A transceiver sends and receives signals, a probe helps pinpoint after a signal search, and a shovel moves snow. Gear does not replace training, practice, current local forecasts or terrain decisions; this page defines equipment roles, not rescue technique.
- [Kids' Ski Gear Checklist: What to Rent, Fit and Pack](https://snowtested.com/guides/kids-ski-gear-checklist): For resort skiing, plan a child's skis and bindings, boots, snow-sports helmet, goggles, warm layers and insulated mittens. Alpine Canada's Gliding Start guidance gives child-specific ski, boot, helmet and goggle fit advice, including a ski length range from shoulder to head height for that stage. Renting skis and boots while fit is changing can keep the first setup flexible; check current model charts rather than buying larger gear to grow into.
- [Ski Binding DIN Settings: How Release Values Are Set](https://snowtested.com/guides/ski-binding-din-settings): DIN is the release value setting on alpine ski bindings. It is worked out from your weight, height, age, boot sole length and skier type, using the ISO 11088 standard that shops follow. Choose a binding whose DIN range covers your setting in the middle, and have a certified technician set and test it, especially after changing boots.
- [Ski Boot Flex and Fit: Flex Index, Mondopoint and Width](https://snowtested.com/guides/ski-boot-flex-guide): Ski boots are sized in mondopoint, your foot length in centimeters. Last width, the width of the boot's forefoot, comes in narrow, medium and wide ranges. Flex index is the boot's stiffness; softer boots suit beginners and lighter skiers, and stiffer boots suit aggressive and heavier skiers. A fitted boot feels snug, with toes lightly touching the front when standing and pulling back when you flex forward.
- [Ski Goggle Lens Guide: VLT, Categories and Tints](https://snowtested.com/guides/ski-goggle-lens-vlt-guide): VLT (visible light transmission) is the share of light a lens lets through. Low VLT lenses (filter categories S3 and S4) suit bright sun; high VLT lenses (S1 and S0) suit flat light, storms and night skiing; S2 is an all-round middle. Many skiers carry two lenses or choose goggles with quick-change lenses. Check that the frame fits your face and your helmet.
- [Ski Goggles Over Glasses: OTG Fit and Alternatives](https://snowtested.com/guides/ski-goggles-over-glasses): OTG (over-the-glasses) goggles have frame features designed to leave room for prescription eyewear, but they still need to fit your glasses, face and helmet. Try the full setup together and check temple pressure, the foam seal and strap position. A prescription insert is another option when the goggle maker lists your model as compatible.
- [Ski and Snowboard Helmet Guide: Certification and Fit](https://snowtested.com/guides/ski-helmet-certification): Look for a snow sports helmet certified to ASTM F2040 (common in North America) or EN 1077 (Europe), or both. Rotational systems such as MIPS are an extra feature on many models. Measure your head circumference just above the eyebrows, choose the maker's size, then adjust the fit system so it sits snug and level. Check that your goggles fit with no gap at the forehead. Replace the helmet after a significant impact.
- [Ski Length Chart: How Long Should Your Skis Be?](https://snowtested.com/guides/ski-length-chart): As a starting point, beginners choose skis that reach about the chin, intermediates about the nose to forehead, and advanced skiers around head height or longer. Size up for heavier weight, faster skiing, more rocker or deep snow; size down for lighter weight, short turns, or if you are still learning. Waist width matters too: narrower skis carve groomers, and wider skis float in powder.
- [Skiing vs Snowboarding for Beginners: Which to Learn?](https://snowtested.com/guides/ski-vs-snowboard-for-beginners): Skiing usually feels easier on day one because you face forward with independent legs, but refining technique takes longer. Snowboarding is often harder for the first few days, with more falls, then many people progress quickly. Gear costs are similar. Choose the one that excites you, take a lesson, and rent before you buy.
- [Ski Wax and Tuning Guide: Bases, Edges and Service](https://snowtested.com/guides/ski-wax-and-tuning-guide): Alpine ski maintenance has two separate parts: glide wax for the base and care for the steel edges. Choose wax and an application method using the ski and wax makers' instructions; deeper base work or edge geometry may be a job for a ski shop. Nordic kick wax has a different role and is outside this downhill-ski guide.
- [How to Layer for Skiing: Base, Mid and Shell Explained](https://snowtested.com/guides/how-to-layer-for-skiing): Use three layers: a base layer of merino or synthetic fabric that moves sweat off your skin, a mid layer of fleece or light insulation for warmth, and a waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants. Adjust the mid layer for the temperature. Avoid cotton, which holds moisture. Shell waterproofing is rated in millimeters and breathability in grams; higher numbers handle wetter and harder days.
- [Insulated vs Shell Ski Jackets: Which Should You Buy?](https://snowtested.com/guides/insulated-vs-shell-ski-jackets): An insulated ski jacket combines an outer fabric with built-in insulation, while a shell is a non-insulated outer layer. A shell gives you more control over warmth by changing the layers underneath; an insulated jacket packages warmth and weather coverage in one garment. Choose by your usual conditions, how much you layer and the jacket's published weather and ventilation details.
- [Ski Gloves vs Mittens: Warmth and Dexterity](https://snowtested.com/guides/ski-gloves-vs-mittens): Mittens keep the fingers together and generally prioritize warmth; gloves separate the fingers for more dexterity with zippers, buckles and small tasks. Three-finger designs split the difference by grouping some fingers while leaving the index finger separate. Choose by hand warmth, the amount of dexterity you need, the weather and the fit of the complete liner-and-shell system.
- [Ski Pole Sizing Guide: Length by Skier Height](https://snowtested.com/guides/ski-pole-sizing-guide): For alpine skiing, start with the manufacturer's height chart, then confirm the pole with your ski boots on. Rossignol's alpine chart maps a 170 to 175 cm skier to a 120 cm pole; its fit check also places the elbow at a right angle with the upper arm close to the body. Treat the chart as brand guidance and verify another manufacturer's measurements before buying.
- [Snowboard Boot and Binding Compatibility Guide](https://snowtested.com/guides/snowboard-boot-binding-compatibility-guide): Before buying snowboard boots or bindings, match the boot interface, boot size and board mounting pattern. Burton Step On bindings are designed for Step On boots, and its Re:Flex and EST versions use different board mounting compatibility. Check the exact boot and binding charts and the board's mounting system instead of assuming all models interchange.
- [Snowboard Size Chart: Length, Width and Profile](https://snowtested.com/guides/snowboard-size-chart): Size a snowboard mainly by your weight using the maker's chart; height is a rough check, with most boards landing between chin and nose. Then check width: your boots should overhang the edges only slightly, and riders with larger boots often need a wide board. Shorter boards are easier for park and learning; longer boards are more stable at speed and float better in powder.

Contact: info@snowtested.com