Aug 16 2011

Review: BD introduces O1 telemark binding

This is a rerun of an article originally published on Couloir Online 22dec05
(Revised 20apr06).
It is reposted here as a historical reference and basis of comparison for future revisions to the O1.

Couloir began prodding telemark binding manufacturers back in 2001 to “expand their horizons from merely binding the boot to the ski, to restoring mountaineering versatility to telemark.” Based on results, several manufacturers heard that complaint. The latest to offer proof is Black Diamond, with the announcement of the O1, their freeride binding for the freeheel world.

Black Diamond's free-pivoting O1 - introduced December 2005

Most modern telemark boot/binding combinations deliver a system with extraordinary downhill power and control, with inverse desirability for uphill skinning. Black Diamond’s O1 binding restores the balance of power and freedom that backcountry telemarkers require.

At a glance, the O1 is an O2 with a hinge beneath the toe. This simplistic description, of course, completely overlooks the actual refinement and superb elements of design incorporated into the O1.

The hinge is a 10mm diameter axle pressed into a baseplate of hot-forged aluminum. To engage the touring pivot, simply put the tip of your ski pole in the rear dimple of the toggle switch at the front of the binding and lean down on the pole, or give ‘er a sharp smack with the palm of your hand. That causes the spring-loaded latch under the rear of the toeplate to let go and the toeplate then swivels on the axle. Say goodbye to over 20 pounds of flex resistance per step (per BD’s own testing), and hello to the skinning freedom Alpine Touring skiers know and love. The location of the pivot is directly under the 3-pin line, making for a more natural stride that feels like you’re pushing off your big toe, not pivoting awkwardly in front of it.
Keep making backcountry turns

Aug 12 2011

Skin Track Angles – A Classic Debate

It’s been quite awhile since first publishing the classic debate on what is the best angle of attack to take when skinning up a mountain. A lot of that comes down to terrain and personal preferences, but everyone I know tends to prefer either a low or high angle skin track.

Heading up to Campion Peak in the Selkirk Range, BC, Canada.

The basic tenets of either camp were laid out a little over ten years ago by yours truly and Andrew McLean. Since then neither of us has wavered in our preference or promotion of the optimal angle for skinning.

However, in the intervening years free-pivots have been incorporated in to telemark bindings. The result for this advocate of meanderthal tracks has been a significant increase in my standard skinning angle from a mere 12° to 15°. It may not sound like much, but I assure you, 3° is a noticeable difference.

Though Andrew routinely sets trail in the 20° to 25° range, he is on record for acknowledging that the fastest rando racers tend to prefer a lower angle track because it is more efficient. If he hadn’t written that in the pages of the same publication as his prior claim – that the steep way is The Way – I couldn’t hold him accountable.

All that is to merely point out that in practice you may prefer one angle over another in most circumstances, but there is a time and a place for both. Herewith are the reasons why you might chose one or the other, depending on the circumstances.

The Way of the Tortoise by Craig Dostie

The Way of the Hare by Andrew McLean

© 2011

 

Aug 12 2011

Skinning: Keeper Steeper

The Steep side of the classic, and eternal, debate on the best path to earn turns by.

Might I be so bold as to suggest that the esteemed skier from Truckee, Mr. Dostie, is suffering from a cranial/rectal impaction when it comes to appreciating the fine art of steep skinning? Not only is steep skinning faster and more efficient, it is The Way. The Chosen Path. The Trail to Enlightenment as well as being a direct reflection of your man/womanhood.
Keep making backcountry turns

Aug 12 2011

Skinning: Tracks of the Tortoise

It's an age old debate. What's better, the low angle or steep skin track? Read on.

While there may be times when a steep route is advantageous, in the mountains, especially when skinning, taking the low road is the rule not the exception. This isn’t a concept I dreamed up, but one that every ski mountaineer, including my testosterone-poisoned colleague, Andrew McLean will some day admit is the best way to ascend. It may take Mr. McLean and thousands of deluded cohorts several years to admit such, but time is the ultimate avenger.

It is clear from his final point, that the real reason for setting a steep skin track is the male tendency to revel in the pride of achievement. However, the true test of manliness, especially in the mountains, is to eat your humble pie while it is easily digested and recognize that the low road is the best road.
Keep making backcountry turns

Aug 09 2011

Outdoor Retailer Summer 11 tele report

While there weren’t any official announcements of new ski specific products at the recent Outdoor Retailer summer show, the rumor mill wasn’t exactly silent either. There wasn’t a peep about anything from the locked heel crowd, but I wasn’t seeking it out that much either. Once you lock the heel there’s little to discuss or distinguish performance differences except with regard to weight and that can be measured with a scale. Hardly worth a discussion except for the conversationally challenged.

On the tele side however there was talk of at least three new bindings for next season. One might argue that these are just version updates to existing products but the degree of change is dramatic enough that they practically qualify as new bindings. Who are they coming from?
Keep making backcountry turns

Jul 31 2011

It’s Volcano Season!

More than many years in recent memory, this year there is an incredible season of the volcano going on. With record snowfall during the Ten-11 season there is still snow worth hiking for as the dog days of summer settle in. Nowhere is that more true than on the slopes of the Cascade Volcanoes, from Mt. Lassen north to Mt. Baker.

North side of Mt. Lassen, July 2011

On a recent trip to visit a friend who is waging an admirable battle with cancer the promise of cool relief from summer heat couldn’t have beckoned with any stronger pull. The road to his house took us past Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta. Though it was mid-July, the north side of Lassen looked as fat as it normally does in May.
Keep making backcountry turns

Jul 30 2011

Mt. Shasta – the Masta’

Reprinted from Couloir Vol. X-4, Jan.'98 - the volcano issue.

Perhaps the most common reprimand that I hear comes from Shasta county locals fearing we’ll make Mt. Shasta more popular than it is. The thought that a little rag like this could have that much influence is flattering but absurd. Instead, I have a theory that the flaming cross on my front lawn carries deeper significance: Mt. Shastas’ local mountaineers are afraid to acknowledge that their hill has already become so popular that its very popularity is part of its allure.

For a mountaineer it is hard to resist the charms of Shasta, or its sister peak, Shastina. As a downhill mountaineer though, it is darn near impossible. In fact, you could convince nearly any serious glissehead that it is one of the ten best destinations in the world, but I’d go so far as to say it is one of the five best. Despite not having much experience outside North America let me make the case anyway.
Keep making backcountry turns