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BASICS- How We Made The She-Shredz Ski & Gear Guide 2025/26


Unfiltered. Unaffiliated. Unapologetically rider-first.


When She-Shredz set out to create the first and only comprehensive ski and gear guide for women, we knew the challenge: how do you build a guide that speaks to all women, all shapes, all abilities—and do it without compromise?


So we tried. And we did it our way.


This guide is unsponsored, unaffiliated, and unapologetically rider-first. No affiliate links. No paid placements. Just honest, experience-backed opinions from women who’ve been there—whether you’re standing in a rental shop wondering what to buy, or staring down an Alaskan spine with the heli humming behind you.


We built this guide to bring transparency to your gear decisions. To help you skip the guesswork, dodge the marketing fluff, and find skis and apparel that actually work for you.


How We Decided What Made the Cut

woman skiier
Constance is testing some powder skis in the ultimate conditions.

In a world of endless gear options, the real question is: what stands out—and what doesn’t?


We broke it down by category, terrain, and rider need. From flex patterns to edge angles, from construction to durability, we evaluated skis based on how they perform in the terrain they’re built for. We also listened—closely—to what other women had to say.


Here’s how we categorized the 2025/26 lineup:


There are 75–90 women's-specific skis on the market this season. While name recognition might steer you toward the big brands, we found that some lesser-known companies are building better skis—period.



Why Some Big Brands Didn’t Make It


Over the past few seasons, we’ve seen major brands dilute their men's and women’s lines to appeal to a “broader market.” For women, this often means softening flex, shrinking lengths, and slapping on a different topsheet. A few skis that were made for women ended up being borderline insulting.


We’re not here for pink-it-and-shrink-it. We’re here for skis that perform.


That’s why you’ll see a mix of women’s-specific, unisex, and even men’s skis in this guide—especially in the big mountain category. Because if you’re charging steep lines, you care less about who the ski was “built for” and more about whether it holds when you need it most.



What Stood Out


We highlighted skis that are built with intention and integrity. Some brands—like Praxis, one of the last independent ski builders handcrafting in the U.S.—blew us away with quality alone. Others went out and made a great ski, one that we would be thrilled to ride on any given day (granted, conditions depenedent).


Every ski in this guide is one we’d personally ride. Many are already in our own quivers.

Deep-dive reviews are coming soon, and if there’s a ski you want us to test, let us know.



How We Picked Apparel: Jackets & Pants


woman skiier
Not all gear is created equally. We took the time to see what lasts and what doesn't. Photo Credit: Flylow

Apparel was a whole different beast—and we gave it the attention it deserved.

We know firsthand how women’s bodies shift throughout the season. One day you feel strong and dialed, the next you’re bloated and uncomfortable. Some of us are flat-chested, others have bust. Some have thick thighs, others are slim. There’s no “right” body—but there is a right fit.


We chose apparel that adapts to real bodies in motion. Gear that works with you, not against you. More importantly holds up over time.


This year’s picks were based on:

  • Fit across shapes and sizes

  • Durability and long-term value

  • Eco-conscious materials and production

  • Overall performance in snow-specific conditions


You’ll also find a few standout women-owned brands in the mix—companies doing things differently, and doing them right.


The categories for Apparel:



Final Thoughts


Got a company or piece of gear you think we should try? Let us know—we’ll make it happen.


Still unsure what gear works for you? That’s exactly why we created the Shred Plans: unfiltered, vetted, honest guidance tailored to your goals, your terrain, and your ride style. No fluff, no guesswork—just clarity and confidence from day one.


See you out there.









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