Take an exclusive journey with Gigi Rüf through the Alaskan backcountry as he talks about what motivates his riding and his signature Dragon Alliance Advanced Project X goggle designs.

FRAME OF MIND- Backcountry Inspiration With Gigi Rüf from DRAGON ALLIANCE on Vimeo.

StepChild® is not just a snowboarding company that makes quality snowboards that are built to last. It is a team of like-minded individuals who believe that staying true their roots is exactly what the industry is lacking. Ever since its conception in 2001, owners Sean Johnson—a self-proclaimed ‘washed up’ 90s pro snowboarder—and childhood shred buddy, Brad Richmond, have made it their mission to help develop great products while supporting both professional and amateur riders.

With technology such as Carbon Stringers and Kevlar, StepChild delivers the very best in snowboards from beginner to pro. It’s not hard to guess why these boards are the number one pick for pro boarder, J.P. Walker, and E-Man Anderson.

At StepChild, they believe in their own way of doing things. Involved in almost every aspect of snowboarding since 1985, they are the “old dogs” who learned to ride on a golf course until the mountain allowed them access. Refusing to let corporate flakes dictate to them what snowboarding is, StepChild stands behind their product and team 110%. This is the main reason they are still around today. StepChild—Bigger Hearts Than Brains!

With snowboarding season just around the corner, you just might have new gear on your holiday wishlist. That’s why we asked Jim C., one of our buyers for the Zappos Rideshop, to recommend some of his favorite gear from Burton.

Now all you need is some fresh powder, and you’re ready to shred!

Guys: 1. Burton Custom 160 Snowboard, 2. Burton Malvita EST Bindings, 3. Burton Imperial Boots

Girls: 4. Burton Feelgood Flying V 149 Snowboard, 5. Burton Escapade EST Bindings, 6. Burton Mint Women's Boots

Toward the end of 2003, a team of forward-thinking individuals banded together in the hopes of forming a snowboard company unlike any other – one that connected with customers on a one-on-one basis through a philosophy, not an image. They knew their name would have to symbolize and encompass just that; so, in 2004, Signal was founded as an artistic company anchored in snowboarding.

Handcrafted in Huntington Beach, California, Signal snowboards are produced year-around, with the factory in constant research and development in order to provide the very best in snowboarding and customer service.

In order to provide the very best riding experience, all Signal snowboards come equipped with top-of-the-line technology. The latest is Rocker Technology which makes for easier edge to edge turns and float in powder. For Signal, Rockers are flat through the bindings and roll up to a 5 degree or 10 degree rise, allowing unbelievable height on the slopes. Flat Technology is made for park riding. The lack of camber allows the rider to engage the entire edge and get better leverage for tricks.

Signal's mission is to build a community with a much bigger cause—one that includes building boards and a foundation at home in California. It is their priorities that separate them from other snowboard companies and keep them dedicated to building a solid community, as well as quality snowboards.

CAPiTA Snowboarding is based on the fishing docks of Seattle, Washington and is recognized throughout the industry for unique graphics, progressive product, and world-class athletes. Founded in 2000, this is the 12th collection using the finest materials, meticulous construction and award winning design.

CAPiTA has not only teamed up with the most respected factory in snowboarding but has refined their technical designs while implementing innovative new shaping theories and materials. This has stepped up the freestyle specific snowboard construction for everyone out there.

Men: 1. Grenade G.A.S. Sullen Jacket , 2. Burton Poacher Pants, 3. Grenade Lizard gloves, 4. Spy Optic Platoon goggles, 5. thirtytwo Lashed 2012 boots, 6. Burton Custom Flying V 158 snowboard

Women: 7. Sessions VPS, 8. Oakley eaves 2.0 Pant, 9. Celtek Neptune gloves, 10. Arnette Mercenary goggles, 11. Burton Sapphire boots, 12. GNU B-Pro snowboard

There’s lots of fresh powder begging to ridden out there this season. Are you ready to carve through the snowy terrain? We’ve rounded up some of our best snowboarding gear to get you ready to shred it all winter long.

To check out even more snowboarding shoes,clothing and gear, check out the Rideshop Snow page!

Pro snowboarder JP. “The Don” Walker has collaborated with etnies to create the RVM 2 sneaker. J.P. has been hailed Rider of the Year by Snowboarder magazine a total of six times; that’s more than any other snowboarder in history!

To keep up with The Don, check out his tumblr page. And to rock his latest kicks, check out the etnies RVM 2!

Von Zipper is in the business of promoting sunglasses, snowboard goggles and MX goggles that revolve around the surf, skate, music, snow, MX and wake lifestyles. When it came time to release their new impact-resistant Drydock shades, they needed a battle-tested vet to put it to the test - enter Weeman of Viva La Bam and Jackass fame. The Grilamid nylon frames are flexible in all temperatures, shatter resistant and possess a high memory to ensure the frame retains its shape and fit, regardless of how many times you’re launched from a shopping cart. The impact resistant polycarbonate lenses are distortion free, optically correct, and have maximum scratch resistance to make sure you come out looking fresh. Check out the video below of Weeman sporting his new Drydock shades from Von Zipper and make sure you head over to the Rideshop to pick up a pair for yourself: