Feb 13 2015

Magic Mt. says, “Hike One, Ride One”

Magic Mountain ski resort in Londonderry, Vermont, has come up with a novel way to promote uphill skinning — they reward those who earn their turns on their slopes with a voucher of a single, free ride up the lifts. Oh that more resorts would adopt at least an open mind toward uphill skinning. It would be even better if they adopted Magic Mountain’s policy.

Magic Mountain issued the following press release February 2nd, 2015:
Keep making backcountry turns

Feb 12 2015

First Look: Dynafit’s Chugach ski

To say that next year’s new skis from Dynafit are probably the best turning skis they’ve ever made only confirms what backcountry skiers have known for years; there’s a limit to how light you can make a ski if you want great downhill performance in a lot of conditions, at any speed. In short, when you’re harnessing gravity, not wrestling with it, weight is great.

Full fat skis from Dynafit, all the width and some mass behind the muscle too.

Full fat skis from Dynafit, all the width and some mass behind the muscle too.


Keep making backcountry turns

Feb 09 2015

First Look: Fischer ProFoil climbing skins

 

Something truly new in the climbing skin world. Actually, just old stuff respun a new way.

Something truly new in the climbing skin world. Actually, old stuff spun a new way.

The most interesting new gadget at the recent trade shows was Fischer’s new Profoil climbing skins. They’re not made with a traditional plush of fibers lying down. Think of them instead as a removable base of plastic scales, or as Fischer would prefer, a waxless, grippy, crown pattern.

The few leathernecks I ran in to in the trade show aisles all recalled Voile’s Snake Skins, plastic, strap-on, climbing skins with no glide. Just looking at the Fischer ProFoil there’s no question these skins glide well.
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Feb 07 2015

DIY: Making fish-scaled skis

I bought some $30 kids’ skis at my local sports-exchange shop and added some fish-scales to make a waxless base for my 7 year old’s skis to tour with (although he just likes jibbin’ at this point).


Keep making backcountry turns

Feb 04 2015

Hagan makes AT binding & skis for kids

There are a lot of factors that contribute to the future sustainability of skiing, particularly the human powered version. Erratic snowfall is an issue, but equally important is the root element of interest. To combat the trend of kids caught up in a web of virtual reality, Hagan will be offering a kids version of their plate style AT binding, called the Z02 Junior, for winter 2016.

Hagan makes it easier to introduce kids to the backcountry with the Z02, junior sized AT binding.

Hagan makes it easier to introduce kids to the backcountry with the Z02, junior sized AT binding.


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Jan 28 2015

Meidjo wins ISPO Gold Award

 

Meidjo wins Gold award for innovation from ISPO.

Meidjo wins Gold award for innovation from ISPO.

The M-Equipment’s first product, the Meidjo telemark binding will receive a Gold award from ISPO at the upcoming European trade show for its innovative design. Meidjo combines a Dynafit style low-tech toe piece with a spring loaded plate that attaches to the 2nd heel of a NTN boot. The binding weighs approximately one pound per foot, is step-in, and has a safety release. The design allows for the addition of a ski brake (yet to be delivered) and ski crampons. In addition, Pierre Mouyade, the Meidjo’s designer, plans to show an integrated tech-style heel unit at ISPO.
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Jan 27 2015

Amer Group goes deep into the BC

 

Got tech? Salomon does too.

Got tech? Salomon does too.

The belief that interest in backcountry skiing will continue to grow is evident in many booths at the Winter Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City last week. As ever there are a ton of new skis, boots and bindings on display providing a tangible peek at next season’s toys.
Keep making backcountry turns