The PowMow descent has begun

Backcountry Magazine's annual descent upon Powder Mountain has commenced. After cross-country travel, flying over snow storms and overnights spent in airports, all of our 50 testers have arrived, and Gear Test Week is now officially underway.

Testers trying fresh 2014 models. Goggles required while adjusting bindings all day long. [Photo] Alden Pellett

Small hail and four inches of wind-whipped snow didn't slow down anybody, as each tester worked through more than eight skis today.

A tester sampling the fresh in untracked territory. [Photo] Alden Pellett

All day testers skied fresh powder, swapped skis, tried boots and adjusted bindings. The ambitious skiers hit closed trails and traversed out to bigger terrain while the rest skied fresh powder on ungroomed runs.

Boxes full of brew awaiting testers to end the day. [Photo] Alden Pellett

The beer quiver was on par with the gear selection, ready for après after a long day.

For more videos, photos and event antics check the out the gear test week 2014 dispatch page.