It’s that time of year–the 2012 gear tests. Backcountry Magazine, Powder Magazine, SKI Magazine, Skiing Magazine, Mountain Magazine and Outside Magazine are all putting 2012’s best gear to the test at ski resorts and backcountry playgrounds across the country.

We kicked off Powder Mag’s #powderweek here in Jackson Hole with tons of new snow. Sidecountry reconaissance out of the gates at JHMR produced the goods in Pinedale, Four Pines, and Granite. Photographer Mike Schirf gets into it on the Nordica Radict.

Mike Rogge really loves headbands, powder skiing, and Dynafit’s new Huascaran ski and Vulcan boot.

Nordica’s Patron and Unleashed Hell are perfect for sidecountry missions.

Then, our newest team member and former editor at SKI and Skiing magazines, Sally, headed south to Snowbird for the SKI/Skiing tests. She joined Nordica freeride team manager and ski product coordinator Sam Beck to make sure testers were dialed in on Nordica’s best.

Denny, ink. and Nordica also hosted the first annual Hot Tub Happy Hour at the Cliff Lodge in Snowbird. Pitchers of beer, hot tubs, and sunsets over the Wasatch sure do pair nicely…

Backcountry Magazine’s test is going on at Powder Mountain, Utah. Dynafit sent down a slew of skis, boots, and bindings–the Huascaran and Vulcan on the roster–plus one donkey piñata. Because you can never have too many donkey piñatas.

Drew Pogge, editor of Backcountry mag, also went live on local television with some of his favorite products–the Nordica Hell & Back among them.

Thanks to all the magazines for putting Dynafit and Nordica skis, boots and bindings through the paces. Stay tuned to this fall’s buyers guide for 2012’s best gear.