Gear for next year

backountry.com probably has everything you could have ever dreamd of

boots you need to go to a fitter for

dont just buy random boots off the internet PLEASE

^word, absolutely go see a fitter and get the best pair for your feet, its worth the extra lawn mows to not be dying on the hill. and for helmet, id just recommend you get one that you can take insulation/padding out of and use when it gets warmer, in case you like using helmets once it gets warm.

ya u should go to a fitter and see which boot model/company best fits your foot then u could always buy online to find a better deal

boots are probably the most important part of your whole package, they will last longer than anything else if you get the right thing and take care of them. start with a foot bed #1 that is a must then look into a zipfit liner, they rule and will last much longer than your standard liner
for helmets there are a lot of options and Smith has been putting out a great helmet lately, with the holt being thier first then the variant brim is a favorite of mine and very skier, and two new helmets this year the hustle which is going to be huge is the freeskiing scene and they teamed up with Troy Lee Designs to make a full face which is great for big mtn and snowmobiling and biking too, I really like Smith for helmets,
Bern makes a style helmet with the baker that has always been a "hard hat" and this year it will have an option of "hard hat" or actuall certified helmet

look at RED helmets
http://www.redprotection.com/