Oct 21 2014
To behold the statistics of Black Diamond’s Carbon Aspect is to be tempted with a model of touring perfection. At least, to this ol’ guys perspective. Fat skis are the rage and weight is great and all that except that it’s not. In the backcountry extra flotation comes with a heavy price and for my purposes 90mm at the waist is enough, especially with a free heel.
Black Diamond’s Carbon Aspect. ~6 lbs. light, and white to resist snow sticking and adding weight back.
Oct 20 2014
Dave Polivy shows off this season’s wares.
On October 22nd 2014, TMS celebrates its grand opening in the Safeway Shopping Center on Donner Pass Road. In attendance will be Mountain Super Athlete Conrad Anker who will sign posters and host informal discussions on his many adventures in the alpine. Additionally, Polivy and staff are psyched to welcome shoppers with their good old fashion customer service and community focus.
Last week Earn Your Turns caught up with a very busy Polivy via email to discuss his background, the store’s history and his goals for the future.
Keep making backcountry turns
Oct 16 2014
Fischer’s TransAlp AT boot
Oct 13 2014
The last two seasons have been tough on fat skis. In spite of that, Voile has managed to produce two winners in two years that not only give the sort of delightful response in soft snow you would expect from a company that develops products in Wasatch pow, but in real conditions too. In fact, prior to the V8 and this season’s V6, that might have even been considered a genetic limitation since it is far easier to build planks that deliver miles of smiles in powder than something that works in crud, mush, and on ice.
Voile’s V6 – a slightly slimmer V8
Oct 10 2014
Rick Borkovec back when it began,
1976, the Teleopithicus Era.
If he could figure out a way to get down the hill on those double-cambered 215s, the fleet-footed mobility of Nordic gear would help in the quest for freshies. So along with a like-minded band of free-heelers, Borkovec tweaked the technique and tested the limits of his toothpick-thin boards while snagging classic lines around his adopted hometown of Crested Butte.
Keep making backcountry turns
Oct 08 2014
If you must, slowshoes are better than none for hiking in snow.
It wasn’t that they didn’t understand the willingness to hike around on the snow in the mountains to simply revel in the beauty there; that’s one of the benefits of ski touring, the hike and the views. Even in summer, I like hiking up the trail; but down? To those who can’t ski yet, please understand I purposely pervert the term snowshoe into slowshoes because, compared to skis, they are so clumsily slow. Maybe if I didn’t know how to ski I might consent to tromp around in them, but I do, so I don’t.
Keep making backcountry turns
Oct 06 2014
The Chouinard 3-pin Classic.
When you’re ready to march to the beat of a different drummer, whether you need a new challenge or your rebel spirit compels you that way, this guide is offered to help you decide what binding to get.
When it comes to picking a telemark binding there are many things to consider. Releasability, downhill power, touring freedom, and weight are the dominant characteristics to consider. There is no right or wrong answer with any. The best binding for you is not necessarily the best for someone else based on the boot used, style of skiing, and goals.
Keep making backcountry turns
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