Ski the East? This Is the Gear for Hardpack, Ice and, God Forbid, Rain

East Coast Diehards—you know who you are. You are bell-to-bell skiers in the cold, rain or snow. No matter what the conditions, you’re out there ripping it up and having a wicked good time doing it. But you need East Coast ski gear that won’t quit before you do. Start with high-performance ski boots and skis that carve turns with pinpoint precision on the hardpack. When the Nor’easter moves in? No problem, there are insulated and waterproof jackets that could survive a January lobster boat ride on the Atlantic. Ice storm? There are boots with steel studs and excellent traction. You know you’re not a fair-weather skier, so here are 10 picks to help you outlast every other diehard out there. Then pick where to put it all to work: start with SKI’s resort guide and our list of the best ski resorts in the East, live now.

Head Kaliber Pro 120 LV GW Single-BOA Ski Boot

$799 at Backcountry

If you like high edge angles and a low-volume fit, the Kaliber Pro 120 LV GW BOA is for you. Designed for groomers and hardpack snow, this ski boot prioritizes precision, control and a secure fit. The BOA Fit System allows for a close wrap around the leg and foot, while softer plastic makes the boot easy to get on and off. The back of the shell features stiffer plastic for more stability and power. The low-volume 98mm last means a high-performance fit, but Liquid Fit material helps the liner mold better to your foot.

Elan Ace SC2 S Ski with EL 10.0 Binding

$300 at Backcountry

If you’re looking to hone your carving chops, the Elan Ace SC2 S will help you progress. With a turn-happy 74-millimeter waist and a confidence-boosting wood and fiberglass construction, the ski is designed to turn easily. Thanks to tip rocker, the Ace SC2 rolls into a turn, while the full Power Cap sidewall provides enough edge grip to handle hard conditions. The best news of all: The Ace SC2 S comes with a pair of Elan bindings for a turnkey skiing experience at an affordable price.

Nordica Dobermann Multipista 80 DC Ski with TPX 13 Binding

$1,300 at Backcountry

Serious East Coast skiers will find an ally in the Nordica Dobermann Multipista 80 DC. With a 16-meter turn radius, these carving skis eat up corduroy and hardpack snow for breakfast with short-swing turns, but when afternoon push piles show up, the tails know how to heel and release. Nordica’s Energy 2 Ti Pulse Core construction means that a full wood core is sandwiched between two sheets of titanal, with an elastomer layer that smooths out the ride and absorbs vibrations. Though not as burly as the Enforcer line, the Dobermann Multipista 80 DC holds an edge like a race ski and powers through choppy conditions like a frontside ski.

Norrona Lofoten GORE-TEX Insulated Jacket for Men and Women

$649 at Backcountry (Men’s)

$649 at Backcountry (Women’s)

There’s a case to be made that Norway and New England share some similar ski days, so rest assured, the Norwegian-based Norrona knows how to keep skiers protected. Whether cold and clear or wet and stormy, this insulated ski jacket is designed to keep skiers warm and dry. The Gore-Tex 2-layer laminate and fully sealed seams are like a fortress from the elements. PrimaLoft Silver Eco insulation has a high warmth-to-weight ratio, trapping heat in key areas, but keeping the jacket streamlined enough to make it backpack-friendly. More storm-taming features include a helmet-compatible hood, a powder skirt and thumbhole cuffs.

Helly Hansen Men’s Evolved Air ½ Zip Midlayer

$78–$91 at Backcountry

A timeless technical fleece, the Evolved Air ½ Zip moves from skiing to après. Bluesign-approved recycled polyester adds warmth and breathability while wicking moisture. The half-zip adds deep venting from the collar to the chest when needed, or high neck protection when temps plummet. A vertical zippered chest pocket offers secure storage for the items you need stashed for the day. Color options include classic black or washed navy.

Kari Traa Women’s Emilie High Waist Capri Pant

$75–$150 at Backcountry

Once you try the Emilie High Waist Capri Pant, you’ll be hooked. This down-insulated capri pant has 450 fill down on front and back panels to keep you warm on cold chairlift seats and windy ridgelines. The capri style goes below the knees, keeping your precious ligaments warm without getting in the way of your boot top. It’s streamlined enough to fit under shell pants, and thanks to the elastic side panels, can move along with you. They’re so cozy, you might end up wearing them all winter long.

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Atomic Volant 9000 Ski + I 12 GW Binding – $275

This ski and binding combo delivers rigidity and control on even the crispiest of resort runs. The edge-to-edge steel layer lends itself to hard turns and the double steel layer construction gives you optimal power transmission and grip. The full Sidewall Sandwich keeps you confident in your edge control while the Power Woodcore dampens vibration and keeps you stable under speed. Plus, the black metal vapor coating and laser engraving gives each ski a durable, one-of-a-kind finish.

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Patagonia Men’s Capilene Thermal Weight Boot-Length Baselayer Bottom

$105 at Backcountry

Capilene’s talent for wicking moisture helps make the Capilene Thermal Weight Boot-Length bottom a great choice for a long day skiing. The Polartec Power Grid fabric saves the day with a stretchy combo of recycled polyester and spandex for warmth without inhibiting movement. There’s even a plant-based treatment to control odor—your ski buddies will thank you. Diehard skiers will appreciate the boot-length cut since every expert knows that baselayer bunching can ruin a day on the slopes.

Outdoor Research Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Glove

$400 at Backcountry

“Prevail” is an apt name for Outdoor Research’s heated Gore-Tex glove because having warm hands and fingers allows you to prevail even during an ice storm. On its own, this  gauntlet-style ski glove is designed for warmth and dryness, thanks to EnduraLoft insulation and a Gore-Tex waterproof and windproof insert. A goat leather palm gives the glove good grip for holding ski poles, but the battery-powered heat inside the glove is the game changer. The rechargeable lithium batteries can last for 8 hours on low, 5 hours on medium or 2.5 hours on high.

Icebug Women’s Ivalo 4 BUGrip Winter Boot

$220 at Backcountry

Ice Coast Diehards are serious about their traction—whether it’s their car tires or winter boots. Icebug is the queen of grip thanks to BUGrip technology, which incorporates carbide-tip steel studs onto the outsoles of the boots. Much like studded snow tires, the steel tips bite into ice and snowy surfaces to help reduce slips. The Ivalo 4 BUGrip has fleece insulation and over-the-ankle coverage for snowy excursions, plus a front zipper for easy entry and exit.

Kulkea Thermal Kart Heated Ski Boot Bag

$280 at Backcountry

Trying to put on cold boots can be an excruciating experience when the plastic stiffens. Enter the Kulkea Thermal Kart Heated Ski Boot Bag. The Advanced Warming System wraps your shells in warmth, powered by a car or wall outlet, so you can warm your boots on the drive to the resort or in the lodge. The 40-liter bag has zippered front stash pockets for accessories and a helmet sling to complete the kit. The sleek backpack-style bag is carry-on-friendly for your ski trip out West.