My Anti Season Edit. (Best of New Zealand)
New Zealand changed my life. I am home in Utah now ready for a new winter. Love you all ? Thumbnail Photograph taken by Paul Foley @prethelmets @flylowgear
Henry ZakowSki
Henry Zakowski is an American freeride skier whose profile has grown through a modern mix of YouTube edits, resort laps on storm and “low-tide” days, and steady collaboration with rider-forward brands. Based in the Salt Lake City area, he spends most winters stacking footage at Solitude and Alta while coaching and joining visiting crews for photo and video shoots. Rather than chasing televised podiums, Zakowski’s lane is film-first: concise, watchable edits that show how a strong skier solves real resort conditions—firm chalk, wind buff, and chopped afternoon snow—as well as deeper days when Honeycomb Canyon and the Wasatch backcountry-style lines fill in. What sets his skiing apart is composure and line-reading. In resort terrain he prioritizes clean takeoffs, centered landings, and speed management through natural features—side hits, wind lips, gullies, and technical trees. When conditions are thin, he switches to a more precise style that emphasizes edge control and terrain absorption, making clips educational for everyday skiers looking to refine technique. On deeper days he’ll push into steeper pitches with confident fall-line choices, but the footage remains grounded in lift-accessible zones that viewers can recognize and aspire to ski. Media cadence matters in this lane, and Zakowski has leaned into a consistent YouTube presence. His channel intermixes two-minute resort laps, short park practice cuts, and trip edits, giving viewers a season-long narrative rather than a single annual part. This distributed output suits today’s discovery patterns: individual clips can travel on their own, while playlists and thumbnails make it easy for newcomers to binge through a body of work. The tone remains approachable—captions that explain snow quality, route choice, and what the camera doesn’t show (wind, crusts, variable light) help the audience understand why certain lines work on a given day. Brand and community ties reinforce that identity. With Pret Helmets, he’s appeared in quick-tip pieces about resort etiquette and confidence, aligning with his coach’s voice. Collaborations with ski manufacturers on travel shoots and local meetups highlight an ability to adapt style to different snowpacks and audiences. Regionally, you’ll find him linking up with Utah shop employees, filmers, and visiting athletes for “hot lap” episodes that double as resort guides: here’s where the surface stayed cold, here’s a traverse into a lightly skied pocket, here’s how to ride when the base is firm. That pragmatic angle—less sizzle reel, more real skiing—keeps engagement steady. Travel segments broaden the picture. Southern Hemisphere footage from New Zealand’s The Remarkables shows the same characteristics—measured speed, sluff awareness, confident exits—applied to a lean snowpack, which makes line choice and edge quality even more important. Viewers get a look at how a pro-minded skier keeps the day productive when coverage is limited, a scenario many encounter in shoulder seasons at home. Equipment-wise, Zakowski trends toward a versatile freeride setup: mid-fat skis with enough backbone for firm mornings and enough rocker to stay loose in trees, bindings with predictable elasticity, and boots tuned for progressive flex and shock absorption that won’t punish the shins on chopped exits. The message to fans is consistent: choose gear that matches conditions and your speed tolerance, then focus on line economy—fewer checks, cleaner exits, better flow. As his catalog grows, the roadmap is clear: continue releasing tightly edited resort laps that decode daily conditions; drop a few marquee clips each season that show creative problem-solving on consequential terrain; and collaborate with filmmakers who value readability over spectacle. For skiers researching Solitude/Alta lines, looking for coaching-informed breakdowns, or just wanting relatable, high-signal edits, Henry Zakowski’s channel offers a steady reference—grounded, repeatable, and rooted in the actual surfaces most of us ski.
New Zealand
New Zealand is the Southern Hemisphere’s most complete skiing destination, pairing modern lift-served resorts with a distinctive grassroots culture of “club fields,” world-class terrain parks, and vast alpine backcountry. Split between the South Island’s Southern Alps and the North Island’s volcanic plateau, the country offers a June–October season that Northern Hemisphere skiers use to extend their winters, train, and film. The result is a compact but incredibly diverse scene: polished family resorts minutes from airports, rope-tow club fields where locals lap steep faces, and heli-ski outfits that tap remote glaciated terrain. The South Island anchors most itineraries. Queenstown and nearby Wānaka provide the simplest logistics and the densest concentration of ski options. Cardrona and Treble Cone (above Wānaka) complement each other: Cardrona is famous for impeccably built terrain parks, halfpipe, and consistent grooming—making it a magnet for international teams and aspiring freestylers—while Treble Cone delivers long fall-line pistes, scenic bowls, and the island’s most celebrated on-piste vertical. Over the Crown Range, Queenstown’s Coronet Peak offers extensive night skiing and efficient snowmaking close to town, and The Remarkables brings playful freeride terrain, chutes, and progressive parks set amid dramatic alpine basins. Farther north around Christchurch, Mt Hutt balances reliable snow with an exposed, big-mountain feel, often winning “most reliable” mentions thanks to altitude, aspect, and robust snowmaking. Unique to New Zealand are the club fields—small, member-run areas like Craigieburn, Broken River, Mt Olympus, and Temple Basin. Accessed by nutcracker rope tows, these hills deliver steep, lightly groomed terrain and a friendly, hut-based culture. They’re not for everyone—rope-tow skills, sensible gear (tow belt, leg protection), and comfort with variable snow are prerequisites—but for confident skiers they offer some of the purest fall-line laps in the country with minimal crowds. Safety remains front and center: even when you’re inbounds, alpine travel norms apply—check the day’s advisory, go with partners, and carry a clear plan. On the North Island, Whakapapa and Turoa spread across the flanks of Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand’s largest active volcano. Here you’ll find broad, wind-sculpted faces, natural halfpipes, and expansive beginner zones set against otherworldly scenery. Weather can be fickle, but when the windows open, the scale of the terrain is special for an island nation. Snow quality is maritime and variable: expect quick shifts from cold chalk to wind-buff to soft spring “corn,” often in a single week. Resorts lean on modern snowmaking to ensure coverage at lower elevations, while higher bowls preserve winter textures after storms. August is typically the heart of the season; September brings longer days, stable freeze–thaw cycles, and excellent park and freeride conditions. Freestyle and events are a New Zealand hallmark. Cardrona hosts the Winter Games NZ each season, drawing top athletes for slopestyle, halfpipe, and big air—one reason you’ll see international pros lapping lanes alongside local up-and-comers. The parks are meticulously shaped, and progression features make the environment productive for learning without sacrificing elite-level lines. This year-over-year consistency explains why so many national teams base in Wānaka for their “summer” training blocks. If you’re seeking bigger horizons, heli-ski operators out of Queenstown and Wānaka access long, glaciated runs on the Main Divide and adjacent ranges, with itineraries tailored to ability and conditions. Meanwhile, guided backcountry days off resort ridgelines reveal technical couloirs and mellow, rolling powder meadows alike. As always, bring appropriate avalanche gear and knowledge; New Zealand’s alpine weather can turn quickly, and travel times on foot feel larger than on the map. Travel planning is straightforward. Fly into Queenstown or Christchurch for South Island trips, and into Auckland with a hop to Taupō for Ruapehu. Book a 4WD rental with chains, watch road advisories, and pad schedules for weather holds. Lodging spans slope-side apartments, lakeside hotels, and mountain huts near club fields. Families will appreciate extensive ski-school options at Cardrona, Coronet Peak, and Mt Hutt; advanced skiers should earmark at least a day for Treble Cone on a clear forecast and a club field when snow and wind align. Media and affiliations are plentiful. Major resorts run active YouTube and social feeds showcasing storm cycles, park builds, and safety updates; Winter Games NZ broadcasts attract global attention; and local film crews release short edits that highlight the rope-tow culture and Southern Alps scenery. New Zealand also supports a thriving retail and rental ecosystem with demo fleets—useful if you want to match width to the week’s snow (think ~88–98 mm for firm, 100–110 mm for mixed/soft, and deeper options for storm windows). Bottom line: New Zealand condenses an entire ski universe into a manageable footprint—pro-caliber parks, authentic club fields, family-friendly groomers, and serious alpine terrain—all during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer. Come for August storms and Winter Games energy; stay for the rope-tow adventure days, corn laps in September, and the feeling that every week brings a different flavor of winter.
Flylow Gear
Flylow Gear is a U.S. mountain apparel brand best known for hard-wearing ski outerwear built for freeride and backcountry conditions. Founded by skiers who wanted gear that could handle storm days, bootpacks, and season-long abuse, Flylow blends a workwear mindset with modern technical fabrics. The result is kit that feels practical and confidence-inspiring: articulated cuts that move naturally, robust face fabrics that resist chairlift scuffs and tree brushes, and venting that dumps heat on climbs without sacrificing storm protection on the descent. The brand’s product map is easy to navigate. On the men’s side, the Baker Bib and Chemical/Compound pants are flagship pieces—burly, waterproof, and cut to layer over mid-weights without bunching. For women, the Foxy Bib and its lighter relatives are staples for resort and touring days alike, prized for mobility, pocket placement, and a flattering, functional fit. Shell jackets typically come in two families: storm-proof hardshells that prioritize weather protection, and air-permeable pieces that favor breathability for touring and sidecountry laps. Midlayers range from active insulation—quiet, breathable, and easy to regulate—to classic puffies for lift-access storm cycles. Flylow’s glove line, including leather work-glove styles treated for water resistance, has earned a following among patrollers and high-mileage skiers who value durability over gimmicks. Materials and construction are central to Flylow’s identity. You’ll see rugged face fabrics with high denier counts, reinforced kick patches, sealed seams, and large, easy-pull zippers designed for gloved hands. Where breathability matters—skinning, traversing, hiking ridges—air-permeable membranes and generous pit or thigh vents keep temperatures manageable. DWR finishes and seam taping maximize weatherproofing, while patterning avoids extra fabric where it isn’t needed, preserving range of motion. The net effect is gear that can live on a boot bench all season and still look and perform the part when the cameras come out. Fit and features reflect on-snow reality. Bibs and pants often include beacon-friendly pockets, secure thigh storage you can reach on the chair, and mesh-backed vents that won’t ingest snow. Jackets lean into helmet-compatible hoods, high hand pockets that clear a hip belt, and powder skirts that seal without riding up. Cuffs, gaiters, and hem reinforcements are overbuilt in the right ways, making the kit reliable for storm boarding, tree skiing, and day-in, day-out resort laps. The brand’s audience spans resort chargers, patrollers, guides, and backcountry skiers who need gear that lasts. For buyers, the decision tree is straightforward: if you ski mostly lifts in rough weather, choose the burlier shells and insulated pieces; if you split time between lifts and skins, target air-permeable shells with robust vents; if you prioritize long tours, pair a lighter shell with breathable midlayers and a minimalist bib. Sizing tends to run “athletic-functional”: roomy enough for layers and movement, without feeling baggy or fashion-first. Sustainability and service have become part of the value proposition. Long-life construction means fewer replacements; repair-friendly designs, zipper pulls, and durable face fabrics extend usable seasons. Many buyers treat Flylow pieces like tools—refurbish, re-DWR, repair a scuff—and keep skiing rather than replacing at the first sign of wear. That “buy once, use hard” philosophy resonates with skiers who ride bell-to-bell and want consistent performance in mixed conditions. Beyond winter, Flylow produces shoulder-season and summer gear—softshells, MTB apparel, sun-protective layers—cut from the same pragmatic cloth. The mountain-to-town aesthetic keeps silhouettes clean and color stories timeless, so last season’s jacket still matches this season’s bibs. YouTube and social channels play a supporting role. Expect product walk-throughs, athlete edits, and short “how we wear it” clips that show venting strategies, layering ideas, and durability in storm conditions. The tone mirrors the gear: clear, useful, and light on fluff. If you’re researching a kit for a season in the Rockies, the Alps, or Japan, these videos help visualize pocket layouts, hood movement over a helmet, and how the fabric behaves in wind and wet snow. What to buy first? For all-around resort and sidecountry use, the classic pairing is a storm-proof shell with Baker or Foxy Bibs; add an active-insulation midlayer for cold mornings and open the vents when the sun pops. Patrollers and high-mileage skiers gravitate to the burlier pants with reinforced cuffs and leather gloves that can be re-treated as needed. Touring-forward riders might opt for a lighter, air-permeable shell and a more breathable bib with maximal venting. In every case, the through-line is the same: reliable weather protection, durable construction, and details that make daily mountain life simpler. In short, Flylow Gear stands out by building outerwear that prioritizes function and longevity without sacrificing modern fit and comfort. Whether you’re chasing storms, working on snow, or splitting time between lifts and skins, the brand offers a clean, dependable system that holds up to real use and real weather.
Pret Helmets
ret Helmets is a rider-focused brand dedicated to ski and snowboard helmets, best known for building lightweight, low-profile lids with excellent ventilation and a dialed fit. Rather than chasing gimmicks, Pret’s design language favors clean shells, practical features, and materials that hold up to daily resort use, storm-day laps in the trees, and spring park sessions. The line covers everything from minimalist, everyday resort helmets to more feature-rich freeride models, plus youth options that mirror adult performance in scaled-down fits. Safety and fit are the brand’s core pillars. Many Pret helmets are offered with a Mips option to add rotational impact management, and the company pairs that with robust in-mold or hybrid shell constructions designed to balance strength and weight. A precise rear dial fit system lets riders micro-adjust on the fly, while plush liners stabilize the helmet without pressure points. The brand’s approach to sizing tends to be forgiving across head shapes, which helps skiers and riders land a comfortable, centered fit—crucial for both protection and all-day comfort. Ventilation is a standout. Pret emphasizes multiple intake and exhaust ports with easy, glove-friendly sliders, so you can tune airflow for cold storm days or warm spring corn. Because real-world skiing means hiking ridgelines, waiting in lift mazes, and ducking into tight trees, that quick adjustability keeps goggles from fogging and helps regulate temperature across changing conditions. Many models also use moisture-wicking, antimicrobial liners to manage sweat and keep the interior fresh over a long season. Everyday usability gets careful attention. Magnetic chin buckles click together easily with gloves on, ear pads are audio-ready for drop-in speakers, and goggle clips are designed for secure hold with a wide range of straps. The low-profile silhouette integrates smoothly with most major goggle frames, minimizing the helmet–goggle gap and reducing wind noise at speed. For riders who bounce between storm skis and carving setups, being able to swap headwear and adjust the dial quickly is an underrated advantage. The product family is easy to navigate. Freeride-oriented helmets prioritize broader vent ranges and rugged shell layups; all-mountain models focus on balanced weight, warmth, and airflow for daily laps; park-friendly options aim for low profiles and refined impact zones that stand up to lift bars, chair bumps, and the occasional head-butt with a rail feature. Youth helmets borrow the same playbook—good venting, light feel, easy buckles—so kids can run a comfortable setup that encourages keeping the helmet on all day. Athlete and community ties support the brand’s development cycle. Pret collaborates with coaches, patrollers, and resort regulars who log hundreds of days per year, gathering feedback on liner longevity, vent sliders in freezing rain, and how buckles behave with mittens. That loop translates into small but meaningful revisions: sturdier goggle clips, smoother dials, or liner materials that dry faster between storm days. Seasonal colorways and special editions keep things fresh without compromising the clean, technical aesthetic that defines the line. From a buying perspective, the checklist is straightforward. Start with fit: the helmet should sit level, make full contact without hot spots, and stay stable when you shake your head. Decide whether you want a Mips version for rotational impact mitigation. Consider your climate and riding style when choosing vent count and adjustability—cold, windy resorts reward more coverage and fewer openings, while spring-heavy climates benefit from wider vent ranges. If you use audio, confirm ear-pad compatibility with your preferred speakers, and make sure the goggle interface is seamless with your go-to frame. Pret maintains an active presence across social video and short-form clips, showcasing product walkthroughs, fit and sizing tips, and riding edits that highlight how the helmets behave in real snow—wind, cold, tree laps, and variable visibility. For skiers and riders who value functional gear over flash, Pret’s catalog hits a practical sweet spot: protective tech where it matters, a stable and comfortable fit, and ventilation you can actually feel when the weather flips mid-day. That combination explains why you’ll see Pret on lift lines from the Rockies to the Alps and in the packs of people who ski bell-to-bell.
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