Bespoke boots in the West End, DIY poles in Eastie and seasonal leases in Newton – the hunt for mind-blowing new downhill gear ends here.
Parlor’s “Freeride” skis with custom graphics. / Picture by Anders Klinkenberg/Salon
For the skis
Lounge skis
When a trio of retired ski racers couldn’t find superior gear for the New England terrain and conditions, they created their own, launching Parlor Skis in 2009 at a funeral home (d ‘where the name). Now the company has expanded to a state-of-the-art facility in Eastie, where you can either let the pros custom-build your sticks or sign up for a DIY course, where you build your own set on the stage of two days. The personalized and semi-personalized process starts with a phone call or an in-person appointment, then six to eight weeks later, you’ll have your skis.
Starting at $975. East of Boston, parlorskis.com.
Stio’s Boston Mountain Studio “Pinion” down sweater. /Photo via Stio
For ski wear
Stio’s Boston Mountain Studio
It only makes sense that you’d find the hottest base layers from a brand founded in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Upgrade your ski wardrobe at Stio’s Seaport location, opening this month, where favorites include the ‘Environ’ jacket and pant for powder skiing; the “Basis” seamless technical crew and tights for base layers; and the “Pinion” down sweater as a second layer, or as a leisure jacket on a day without skiing.
Seaport, stio.com.
For ski boots
The skiing monster
Trust us: it’s not something you want to buy online. Buying a pair of ski boots requires proper fitting to ensure they are the correct height on your calf and that there are no sore spots on your ankles because if your boots Hurt you off the slopes, guaranteed for a very short day’s skiing. At Ski Monster’s showroom in Boston, customers can try on several pairs before having their footbeds, liners and shells molded while they relax on a leather couch. The result? Bespoke boots ready the same day. Bonus: Check out sought-after brands for women’s ski pants, such as Bogner and Goldbergh.
west end, theskimonster.com.
Ski Monster’s West End showroom. / Photo courtesy of The Ski Monster
Atomic Hawx “Ultra 130 S” ski boots, available at Ski Monster. / Photo courtesy of The Ski Monster
For ski rentals
Boston Skiing + Tennis
Want to hit the slopes without going to the ski shop at 8am? Boston Ski + Tennis offers seasonal rental appointments for skis, snowboards, and junior skis that you can store in your garage until the crocuses bloom. With the knowledge of a ski magazine equipment tester on site, you can also find accessories including heated socks, helmets, goggles and a much-needed defogger.
Newton and Westborough, bostonskiandtennis.com.
For After-Ski
Luna
Whether it’s snuggling up by the fire in your Airbnb or heading to the lodge for hot toddies and toasted marshmallows, soft wool and cashmere are must-haves for a winter weekend. This is where Seaport newcomer Lunya comes in. On your packing list: the brand’s ‘Lofty’ cable knit sweater and washable cashmere ‘Travel Kit’ complete with eye mask, throw blanket and socks. You would also do well to pick up the washable silk robe to wear to make pancakes in the morning.
Seaport, lunya.co.
First published in the print edition of the January 2023 issue, with the title “Happy Trails”.
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