Erin SpongStoriesMAR 20, 2026

Nothing But Sunshine For the 2026 FREESKIER Gear Lab

While we would've loved at least one powder day for testing skis, consecutive days of sunshine and slush certainly kept the spirits high all week. 

2026 FREESKIER Gear Lab

Featured Image: Elise Sterck


That's a wrap on the 2026 FREESKIER Gear Lab!

Our crew rolled into Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Sunday, March 15 with a weather window spring breakers dream of. Monday started out with left over windbuff but the slush party kicked off as soon as the sun rose on Tuesday. With progressively warmer and warmer temperatures throughout the week, our crew of testers worked though blood, sweat and a few happy tears to put our fleet of 2027 skis, boots, outerwear and plenty other gear to the ultimate test. Of course, a deep powder day would've been welcomed with open arms from our winter-starved team of skiers but warm, sunny skiing is never a bad time. From pristine corduroy in the mornings, to soft bumps and slushy park laps in the afternoon, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's terrain proved once again to be the perfect testing grounds for every style of ski.

Although results from our 2026 Gear Lab won't be available until our Buyer's Guide goes to print in the fall, we can't help but leak some of our favorite photos from the week. Keep scrolling for the full photo gallery, below.

2026 FREESKIER Gear Lab

Photo: Keegan Rice

2026 FREESKIER Gear Lab

Photo: Elise Sterck

2026 FREESKIER Gear Lab

Photo: Elise Sterck

2026 FREESKIER Gear Lab

Photo: Elise Sterck

2026 FREESKIER Gear Lab

Photo: Keegan Rice

Photo: Elise Sterck