Fall-line Skiing. Issue 176. November 2020.

GEAR OF THE YEAR 2021

Award-winning skis, splitboards, boots, bindings, clothing and more

N I W

D AMOINLT I D K BLACIS, FULL TINE SK OTS & L BO SKIS

The complete skier

R A E G IDE U G

NT U O C R E INT W IS H T E K A M

020 ER 2 EMBE .CO.UK V O 6 N LL-LIN E 17 A ISSU9 W W W.F .9 4 £

9

20

20 8 12

4 7720

76>

Welcome

A FRESH START The world sure has changed since you last opened a print copy of Fall-Line, but thankfully some things remain constant – namely our unbridled stoke for all things skiing.

Like many of you, our season was cut short when the Covid-19 pandemic rolled into town.

But nothing says ‘life goes on’ quite like the changing of seasons, and as we tread hesitantly yet hopefully towards what we hope will be a truly epic season, we’ve been reflecting on what we’ve learned over the course of this bonkers year.

As it turns out, some of these life lessons can be applied to our skiing lives too, in particular what we should be thinking about when purchasing new gear. We were all shortchanged last season, so it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re rocking the right gear that will enable you to make the absolute most of every mountain moment this winter.

First up, adaptability. 2020 has taught us that the ability to adapt and react to rapidly changing circumstances is invaluable. It’s the same with gear. For some this might mean investing in a versatile

GEAR OF THE YEAR 2021

FALL-LINE

Issue 176, November 2020

Award-winning skis, splitboards, boots, bindings, clothing and more

WIN

ND DIAMO TILT BLACK FULL SKIS, TS & LINE BOO S

The complete skier

SKI

R GEA DE I U G

UNT R CO INTE IS W E TH MAK

2020 MBER .UK NOVE 176 ALL-LINE.CO ISSUEWWW.F £4.99

76>

20

48 1220

9 7720

freeride ski that can adapt to a variety of conditions inbounds and beyond the ropes, while for others it could be about committing to a full touring rig so that they can socially distance and enjoy winter on their own terms. Whatever your mountain motivation, this is the year to invest in gear that’s built to adapt or be adapted, so you can get on with the business in hand – squeezing every last drop of goodness out of your well-earned trip.

Next up, a considered approach. If living through a global pandemic has taught us anything it’s that we need to be more considered, considerate and prioritise the things that really matter – our community and the planet. Now more than ever you really need to support your local ski store and be investing in gear that’s built to last by sustainable brands who care about the environment.

And finally, take nothing for granted. If, like us, you are genuinely committed to making this winter count then just go for it. Do your research, consult the experts at your local ski store and get geared up so you’re ready to bring your best game when those first flakes fall. There’s no time to waste. Who’s in?

Sophie Nicholson, Gear Editor

Backcountry editor Martin Chester martin@martinchester.co.uk Office Manager Tamsin Robinson tamsin@fall-line.co.uk CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sally Bartlett, Lee Hardy, Rob Kingsland, Chrigl Luthy, Colin Martin, Amy Marwick, Keren Smail and Kevin Young CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Fabian Bodet, Zach Doleac, Bruce Goodlad, Rob Grew, Oskar Hall, Bevouak Kolodie, Arnaud Lesueur, Andreas Vigl and Noah Wetzel Subscriptions team 07754 279367 ADVERTISING MANAGER

EDITORIAL TEAM

Editor Nicola Iseard nicola@fall-line.co.uk Online & gear editor Sophie Nicholson sophie@fall-line.co.uk Editor at large Jonny Richards jonny@fall-line.co.uk Art director Nicola Lang nic@fall-line.co.uk Sub editor Helen Milbank 2 www.fall-line.co.uk

Rich Evans sales@fall-line.co.uk PUBLISHER

Richard Fincher richard@fall-line.co.uk PUBLISHING Fall-Line Media Ltd, PO Box 7888, Kettering, NN16 6QY, tel: 01733 293250

/FallLineSkiingMagazine FALL-LINE’S INSURANCE PROVIDERS

/FallLineSkiing

Copyright 2020, Fall-Line Media Ltd, PO Box 7888, Kettering, NN16 6QY Printed by Stephens & George Reproduction by Fall-Line Media Ltd No liability is accepted for the accuracy of the information contained herein, nor are any guarantees given by the magazine. Copyright worldwide of original material is held by Fall-Line Media Limited, and permission must be obtained for any use, transmission, storage or reproduction. Publication does not imply that the opinions are shared by Fall-Line Media Ltd. Fall-Line Media Limited assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of contributed material. We cannot accept responsibility whatsoever for product or samples submitted to us for review – please make sure any such items are insured to their full value.

Expert service every step of the way

THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING Skier, snowboarder or sit-back-and-socialiser, with over 100 resorts to choose from and our Crystal Holiday Promise, you can book and travel with confidence.

ONLINE

crystalski.co.uk

CALL US

020 8610 3130

CONTENTS 6 Skeeks

24 Jacob Wester

114 Splitboard & telemark treats

8 Win!

28 McSki Test 2020

122 Layer up in style

30 Snap happy in Glenshee

136 Socks & gloves

32 2021’s pick of the skis

142 Goggles & sunglasses

Your shout! Plus win £100 of Ski Bartlett vouchers Epic gear from Line, Full Tilt and Black Diamond

10 Julien Durant

We chat to Picture Organic Clothing’s co-founder

12 Dream skis

Chrigl Luthy handmakes some badass Ronin skis

14 Lynsey Dyer

The big mountain athlete on life as a female pro skier

16 Rig for the gig

Adventure photographer Robert Grew’s top gear picks

18 Adam Ruscitto

Over to K2’s Global Product Manager…

20 Freedom to explore

PHOTO CHRISTIAN PONDELLA

Dickie Fincher tests Scott’s new Superguide Freetour

4 www.fall-line.co.uk

Meet the Rossignol-sponsored Swedish freeskier The story behind this year’s pilgrimage to Glenshee Photos from the greatest ever ski test in history Hard-charging beauts to really give it the beans: we bring you the latest piste, all-mountain, freestyle, freeride, fat and touring skis

78 Ski boots

The inside line from boot-fitting honcho Colin Martin

80 2021’s pick of the boots

Buckle up – it’s time to get locked and loaded in this season’s piste, freestyle, freeride and touring boots

108 Ski bindings & poles

Maximise your performance this season

Top gear for these quirky sports

Top outerwear, mids, insulation and baselayers Dial in for this season’s digit-savvy gear Get into the best eyewear for 2021

148 Helmets

Put a lid on it and protect those noggins

152 Backpacks

Pack like a pro, plus the latest high-tech avi gear

158 Backcountry booty The quality gear you really do need

164 Kids’ kit

Get equipped for happy family shreds

20

Let’s be honest, right now all of us could really do with adventures to aspire to Dickie Fincher

GEAR OF THE YEAR 2021

Award-winning skis, splitboards, boots, bindings, clothing and more

WI N

MOND K DIALL TILT BLACIS, FU SK OTS & LINE BO SKIS

The complete skier

R GEA E D I GU

T OUN ER C INT IS W E TH MAK

ER 2020 K EMB NOV -LINE .CO.U E 176 ISSU WWW.FALL £4.99

048 9 772

001 FL176 COVER hm ni nl1 ni2 NL.indd 1

76>

122020

18/10/2020 15:13

SUBSCRIBE TO FALL-LINE

Just £25 for four issues and nab a limited-edition Yeti buff!

See p120 for more details

www.fall-line.co.uk www.fall-line.co.uk5 5

WIN! £100 OF SKI BARTLETT VOUCHERS Want a chance to bag £100 of spending money to splash on kit at Ski Bartlett’s legendary shop in Hillingdon or on its website, skibartlett.com?

All you need to do is put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. Share some snowy wisdom, pose a question on anything from kit to couloirs, or send us a photo and the tale behind it. The writer of the winning letter in each issue wins the vouchers… it’s as simple as that.

WRITE TO US AT skeeks@fall-line.co.uk LIMERICK LOVIN’

Thank you to Liz Russell from Watford who sent us a limerick she wrote. Or maybe it’s a prayer…

Please let us move on from this disease, We need to get out there, back on our skis.

I’m not sure we’ll cope, If we’re not on a slope, Oh, and that slope needs some snow on, please!

KNITTING AND SKIN CARE, ANYONE?

My daughter, Anna, sent you a photo of my ‘through the ages ski collection’ (Skeeks, Oct 2020). I also have a few pairs of boots ready for my long-planned museum, including my lace-up leather pair bought in the late ’60s. I’ve never had boots so comfortable! During the clear-out of my treasures (or “junk” as Anna discourteously calls it) I came across this Ski magazine from March 1966.

It’s edited by Neil Graham (do you know him?) and it seems that 54 years on, some things haven’t changed – articles about skiing in Scotland, advice about which skis to choose, competitions to enter, and adverts from holiday companies, ski shops and ski manufacturers (Blizzard is among the still-familiar names). Some things we can leave behind in the ’60s, but there are some features you might consider resurrecting – a knitting pattern for ski pants and a hat, a serialised story called ‘Downhill Racers’ and some skin care tips for women (or should that be ski tips?).

It does make Fall-Line look rather modern (and colourful!) but I’ll be keeping this 1960s mag for the purposes of happy reminiscing and, of course, my museum… I’ll let you know when it’s open to the public!

John Evans, Loughborough

WINNER HELPING HAND I’m pleased to see Fall-Line is still going strong in these difficult times. I’m willing to help you if you need it by writing for free? I’d start with an article titled “Skiing in the Alps in the late ’80s/early ’90s and the crap gear we used”. Interested?

Roy Davies, Telford

Oh Roy, that’s very kind, thank you! Your feature will be commissioned immediately if you can dig out any pics! That is not out of desperation, but purely for interest (and, just possibly, a lot of amusement and horror as some of the older Fall-Line team members get nasty flashbacks).

Thank you, kind sir! We do look forward to visiting your museum one day.We think we’ll leave the knitting pattern and skin care tips where they belong, however – back in the past.

Who needs Gore-Tex when you can knit your own ski wear?!

As for a serialised story, we bet you’ve got a few tales to tell from your 55 years on skis?! Enjoy the latest magazine, in glorious technicolour and right up with the times!

Where are you skiing this winter? Email us your plans (or your ‘I reeeally want to go here’ lists) at skeeks@fall-line.co.uk – we’re stacking ’em up for a Let’s Ski Skeeks Special.

6 www.fall-line.co.uk

FOR THE SKIN TRACK AND THE RESORT

SKIER: Sam Schwartz | PHOTO: Will Eginton

MINDBENDER 120

WORTH £985

WIN

L

LINE BLADE OR BLADE W SKIS PLUS FULL TILT FIRST CHAIR 120 OR SOUL SISTER 100 BOOTS

ine and Full Tilt are offering something super cool for one lucky winner this month – Line Blade skis and Full Tilt First Chair 120 boots (if a man wins) or Line Blade W skis and Full Tilt Soul Sister 100 boots (if a woman wins).

There’s hardly a better boot to complement the turn-slicing Blade skis better than the Full Tilt First Chair 120/Soul Sister 100. They have an easy-entry tongue design and unique progressive flex, allowing them to be skied comfortably at all speeds. Both the male and female versions come with fully mouldable Intuition liners, which will keep your feet secure and warm.

The flex for the women’s boot at 100, and the men’s at 120, is the perfect all-round performance flex we reckon, allowing for most conditions at most speeds, for all but the heaviest/fastest riders.

8 www.fall-line.co.uk 8 www.fall-line.co.uk

As for the skis, we’re always stoked when brands try new shapes and new tech, and Line’s new Blade ski encompasses both. It’s part of Line’s move into the all-mountain and piste segments, where their brand strengths – like innovation and bold, progressive design – have injected some fun into a predictable genre of skis.

The Blade is designed to turn like a beast, igniting the passion of carving for the freestyle crowd, but on test we found it is an awesome tool for more experienced piste skiers too. The 95mm waist width (92mm for the women’s) means it will lay trenches in soft groomers, even slush, while your mates on their narrower carvers are getting bogged down.

The clever metal layer keeps its mid-soft flex from chattering and ensures it is steady on all but the hardest snow. Be in it to win it!

COMPETITIONS

WIN

L

BLACK DIAMOND HELIO CARBON 95 SKIS

isten up touring crowd – this one’s for you! Black Diamond are giving one of you lucky devils a pair of their Helio Carbon 95 skis!

This ski has long been one of the very best touring skis we could recommend, being lighter than most of its rivals year on year.

But this year, for the ’20/21 season, the adjustments the folks at BD have made will make the Helio Carbon 95 ski more like an alpine rig on the way back down.

Black Diamond have tamed the carbon with full-length ABS sidewalls, with no compromise to that incredible weight. The ski has titanal inserts at the binding for stability and strength, and the wood of choice in the core is paulownia – one of our favourite

mega-light woods popular for its predictability and composed feedback.

All this means that the Helio 95, more than ever before, will have you flying down the mountain with as much ease as you flew up to the top.

We reckon that 95mm is the sweet spot for a touring ski of this type, handling well in the skin track on long-day or multi-day tours, while offering better edge grip and hard snow performance than wider-width tourers.

Stick a pair of light pin bindings on them and you’ll be over the hills and far away in two shakes of a chamois’ tail.

So, get online and enter for a chance to win a pair!

WORTH £650

HOW TO ENTER: FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THE LINE SKIS + FULL TILT BOOTS OR BLACK DIAMOND SKIS, HEAD TO FALL-LINE.CO.UK BEFORE 3 DEC, 2020 www.fall-line.co.uk 9

GEAR READ PICTURE ORGANIC CLOTHING

On a mission

Julien Durant

Picture Organic Clothing’s passionate co-founder shares how three friends on an eco-mission built one of the most influential green gear companies on the planet WORDS SOPHIE NICHOLSON

Sophie Nicholson: You founded Picture with your friends Jeremy and Vincent 12 years ago. How did it all come about?

Julien Durant: Jeremy, Vincent and I have been super close since we were kids and grew up together skating and snowboarding around Clermont-Ferrand [central France].

We always talked about starting a brand but ended up going our separate ways.

After a few years we all realised that following the ‘normal’ path and working in big cities for big companies wasn’t for us. So we decided to move home and start working together to build something we believed in. Jeremy was determined any brand we’d create must be committed to sustainability. His vision was to start a mountain brand with fresh designs and a whole new philosophy.

A ‘cool version’ of Patagonia with Burton snowboard style.

SN: Working with friends and building a successful global brand with genuine purpose sounds like a dream come true. Is it really as good as it sounds?!

JD: For sure it is a dream come true!

Working with friends can be challenging, of course, but it works for us because we share the same vision, the same values, we trust each other and we’ve always been transparent about money. Our primary motivation has always been to create a sustainable brand that can be profitable without necessarily having to focus purely on profit. We are very protective of our passion and we look after the brand and our employees in the same way a protective father cares for his family. It’s more than simply a business for us.

SN: Picture is all about sustainability and staying true to environmental values. How do you balance this with the inevitability that all production and expansion comes with a footprint?

JD: It’s a matter of what goes into the cake.

If you look at the outdoor industry as the whole cake, most of the businesses within that cake are making profit without being genuinely sustainable. So, if our market share within the cake grows, the end result is that the industry is more sustainable.

10 www.fall-line.co.uk

SN: You’re focusing on integrating bio-sourced materials into your product range. Tell us more about this…

JD: Bio-sourced materials, such as sugarcane polymers, are renewable and recyclable; they have a much lower carbon footprint than recycled polyesters.. All of the products in this winter’s Expedition line, including the Aeron, Demain and Welcome jackets, are made from bio-sourced materials. But producing sustainable products is really just the tip of the iceberg; the major issue and the biggest part of any company’s footprint is the energy you use to create those products. Burning fossil fuels generates 85% of global air pollution, so if we wipe out our use of fossil fuels we can have a real impact. We’re working with low carbon consultancy Carbone 4 and using their data to analyse and improve our global footprint by moving our production to carbon neutral countries, for example.

SN: Many outdoor brands are only just beginning to incorporate recycled products into their collections, yet you guys have been doing this for over a decade. Why do you think the industry’s been so slow to react to the climate crisis?

JD: These days it is much easier to go down this line as a) there is more demand for sustainable products from the end consumer, and b) it’s less expensive to produce recycled polyester than it was 12 years ago. It’s very important for us to produce sustainable yet affordable products so we have had to make sacrifices elsewhere within the company.

SN: Patagonia are the first company that most people think about when it comes to sustainability. Give us your thoughts on what they’ve achieved…

JD: When we started we wanted to become a cooler, younger version of Patagonia! I have lots of respect for them; what they have pioneered and achieved in the industry is massive. 1% For The Planet is a global triumph and they are involved in so many initiatives behind the scenes. The fact that they are still a family-owned independent company is the key to their success.

SN: We skiers and snowboarders tend to have a pretty significant carbon footprint. What are your thoughts on offsetting and how do you think we can minimise our impact?

JD: Offsetting by planting trees is basically just paying some money to someone so you can say “I am carbon neutral” rather than investing in something, or making lifestyle changes, that effect real change. When it comes to skiing, a recent study revealed that the main contributor to the carbon footprint of a ski resort is tourist traffic. Running chairlifts and gondolas has next to no effect but travel to and from resort contributes 77% to a resort’s overall footprint. So, if you really want to lessen your carbon footprint, you have to change your transport habits.

This is both surprising and empowering as it shows we can make a big difference by making a relatively simple change.

SN: And finally, what’s next for Picture?

JD: From a business point of view we want to be able to continue to develop in a ‘clean’ way, even if this means that we end up growing more slowly as a result. When it comes to sustainability, we hope to develop products that can actually have a positive impact. For example, some of our suppliers are already working on developing fibres from CO2 so I’m sure there will be some amazing opportunities in the future.

Another goal would be to create genuinely local products – i.e. products sold in Europe, produced in Europe and made from European fibres. To reduce our footprint we need to reduce the actual journey of the product.

Julien is helping to carve a pretty impressive path to sustainable mountain wear

We are very protective of our passion and we look after the brand and our employees in the same way a protective father cares for his family

www.fall-line.co.uk 11

Evolution: Chrigl (left) with his freshly-pressed badass skis, while Jonno holds one of the first pairs he ever made The book of revelations

Keep an eye on our Tried & Tested section for a full review of these skis later in the season.

Fingertip precision comes as standard

Epoxy: it’s all in the blend 12 www.fall-line.co.uk

Sparks really fly

Time to refine: bevelling the bamboo sidewalls

RONIN SKIS GEAR READ

Dream skis

Chrigl Luthy joins Ronin Skis’ ski-building workshop and creates a thing of beauty

“T

hey’ve metamorphosed, man! The press, it’s a darn cocoon! They’re skis now!”

For as long as I can remember I have dreamed of making my own pair of skis, and as I lift them out of the press I can barely contain my excitement.

Neon pink, 116 underfoot, entirely handmade.

I’ve been gearing up to the Ronin Skis ski-building workshop ever since founder Jonno Jacobs called me to discuss which ski from the range I’d like to build: width, length and stiffness (according to weight and ski style) would all need selecting in advance.

Tempted as I was by the 98 and 108, the class-leadingly light 116 – just 1850g for the longest version, the 187.5 – was too good to pass up. Fast forward a few months and I’m stepping into Jonno’s workshop in Passy, 20 minutes from Chamonix, ready to build what could be the best ski I’ll ever ride.

PHOTOS CHRIGL LUTHY, JONNO JACOBS

LET’S GET CRAFTY

First things first, Jonno shows me a crosssection model of a ski from his range so I can visualise the process. The weight of the skis, or lack of it, is a defining characteristic of the Ronin range. It is a quality Jonno has engineered and been refining over the past few years. His earliest skis (he has built over 200 pairs since the launch of Ronin in 2016) were meaty powder weapons. Not so with the latest range, which are specifically designed to be used with touring bindings, even the 116.

“What appealed about making ‘tour-able’ skis?” I ask Jonno, as he hands me a pair of protective goggles. A number of things as it turns out: “I loved those pow-surfers, but the geography of Chamonix means that some of the best lines are accessed with skins. I also wanted to challenge the macho notion that ‘real skis’ needed to be bulldozers. They ought to be fun!”

Protective masks donned we set to our first task: planing the wood core. Jonno explains how, not only is it a brand new core from his Swiss supplier, but it contains a new ‘mystery wood’. I alert Jonno to my relative inexperience with woodworking power tools. He insists it’s not a problem.

It transpires that the South African-born ski engineer is a great teacher, patiently allowing you the freedom to do all the work your experience allows you to do, then stepping in at crucial moments.

As we pass the cores (a fusion of bamboo, balsa and the ‘secret wood’, which may or may not be Karuba) through the planer, Jonno produces what must be his favourite tool: a micrometre digital caliper. It allows him to check our progress with ultimate precision

as we shave the core to specific thicknesses along its length. Next task: rout out the channels for the bamboo baseplates. Jonno likes using bamboo where he can. He even uses it for his sidewalls, rather than plastic.

He favours it because of its eco-credentials, its durability and pop and, with the sidewalls, the aesthetic – they look gorgeous.

ART MEETS SCIENCE

As we move onto the angle grinder to cut and set the edges, Jonno becomes focused.

I hear his mantra for the first time that day (a classic Navy Seals mantra): “slow is smooth and smooth is fast”. This is as much for him as it is for me. Jonno is committed to building the skis with precision. These are his babies. We are building a pair of skis that have been shaped with the artistic eye of a surfboard shaper and with the precise measure of an engineer.

Next, we lay the woven sheets of carbon fibre and flax out on the worktop. Flax is an organic fibre with low weight and great tensile strength and dampening properties, which offsets the chatter produced by the carbon layers.

In line with modern ski design, Jonno adds VDS (vibration dampening rubber) at the baseplates, tips and sidewalls, all to reduce vibrations. For my model he suggests we add a fibreglass weave reinforcement under the binding for durability. “You said you ripped the bindings out of your last pair of skis,” he says, looking me up and down and adding one more layer for good measure.

As for the petex base, Jonno has chosen the fastest sintered base he could find to help his skis glide like race sticks. He also chooses to use an extra thick base for durability. “We want Ronin skis to outlast all the rest!”

The next stage, the ‘wetting’ of the layers with epoxy – and the layering of them in the press before the epoxy hardens – is the most critical, time-sensitive part. As Jonno carefully measures out the epoxy blend for each layer, the focus is intense. The epoxy is the most environmentally conscious (and

DO IT

Jonno offers a two-day ski-building workshop in Passy from €1500, which includes taking home your own top-spec customised ski.

Jonno has ‘downhill’ models in the pipeline, using less weight-conscious materials, but the current range consists of 98, 108 and 116 skis, all super light. The skis cost from €1150 off the shelf. For more details visit roninskis.com.

least noxious) Jonno could source, being the by-product of other chemical processes.

Jonno’s precision with the epoxy measures, and the technique he uses of carefully painting each layer, also means there is less chemical waste. And it keeps the ski weights consistently lower, too.

We lay the freshly epoxied layers onto the press, along with the core and petex base.

Layer by layer, the skis start to take shape.

Having been focused on the precise microtasks of each stage, this is the first time I can see how our goal is shaping up – and it’s super exciting. We flip the heat on, check the clock – just over an hour, still within the ‘epoxy window’. Nailed it! Now, we wait while the press works its magic.

The press is a home-engineered masterpiece consisting of a stack of solid steel I-beams, heat pads, and camber and rocker moulds sandwiched in the middle. Through a combination of heat and weight, the press seals the freshly epoxied layers together.

As we crack open some beers, Jonno tells me he’s excited to see how these skis turn out. “I had some feedback that the 116 could be a little looser in the tails, so I’ve adjusted the mould. You’re going to get the first pair with the new tail rocker profile!”

METAMORPHOSIS JOY

The next morning it’s time to pull skis out of the rig. The topsheet is still under wraps, they have little discernible shape and they have jagged fibres sticking out everywhere… but they are recognisable as SKIS! I’m buzzing. Jonno gets it. He loves this stuff.

We spend a few hours refining their shape, even bevelling the bamboo sidewalls, before branding them with a hot point at the ‘Boot Mid-Sole’ point. We also bevel the topsheet so it’s less prone to chipping; a nice touch. I stand the skis up and we both stare at them. “They’re beautiful, man,” Jonno says. I can only agree. We weigh them: 1880 and 1882g at 187.5, and with extra reinforcement underfoot and in the core for my hefty stature. That is stunningly light for a ski of this shape, size and quality.

Jonno explains he is building a nearidentical pair for himself. He’s going to mount them with demo bindings so he can experiment with the mounting point. “I’ll let you know where I think they ski best; that way you can decide if you go a centimetre or two forwards or backwards from that.”

How fitting that the final comment Jonno makes is one of a refinement. At Ronin’s core is the philosophy that the ski is never finished. It is a perpetual search for knowledge; for evolution. www.fall-line.co.uk 13

GEAR READ FISCHER

Feel the female force

Lynsey Dyer

We speak to the pioneering big mountain athlete, activist and community builder…

WORDS SOPHIE NICHOLSON

PHOTOS FISCHER SPORTS GMBH

Sophie Nicholson: You’ve spent over a decade at the top of the pro skiing game. How did you get started?

Lynsey Dyer: I started, like most, skiing with my family and on the local ski team in Sun Valley, Idaho. In a world that constantly reminded me as a girl that my looks or social status were most important, skiing gave me a way to level the playing field. On the hill it was my abilities that mattered; something I could build versus something I was born into.

SN: You’ve starred in 18 ski films, won Powder Magazine’s Female Skier of the Year award, and produced, directed and starred in the first all-female ski film Pretty Faces. What changes have you seen within the industry in terms of the approach towards pro women skiers?

LD: First, it’s important to say I am eternally grateful for all the support I’ve had from positive role models – male and female – and am delighted to see the industry increasingly recognising the female audience. That said, my experience as a female skier hasn’t always been positive. I used to wonder whether I was given opportunities less for my abilities and more for the smile I was born with. One time I hit a massive cliff and made powder turns after. Later I saw my sponsors just used the powder shots for their media campaign, stating the cliff shots were ‘unrepeatable’, further reiterating the narrative of the bubbly blonde playing it safe while the men were portrayed going big. On every shoot I felt the need to prove myself, sometimes even jumping from unsafe places in order to ‘belong’.

I’ve been made to ‘model’ when I thought I was going skiing. I’ve had photographers tell me it would help my career if I got naked, I’ve turned down FHM and Playboy, and said ‘no’ to big sponsorship opportunities from the likes of Coca Cola.

These decisions haven’t been easy, as it’s very difficult to make an income as an athlete.

Plus I’ve watched others take the deals and play up the sexuality card and do well.

SN: Skiers have excellent female role models now. Do you believe this is key to increasing female participation?

LD: It’s imperative; the more the mainstream media represents women as skiers, directors 14 www.fall-line.co.uk

and drone operators, etc, the more change we will see for the better. I love that we’re seeing a more diverse range of athletes and creatives step up and make skiing their own by telling their stories and sharing their experiences.

The more black, brown and LGBTQIA stories in the media, the more we understand there’s a place for everyone in the mountains.

SN: You co-founded the non-profit SheJumps with Vanessa Pierce in 2008 to support women who want to take a ‘jump’ to do something adventurous…

LD: SheJumps was born out of the magic of friendship and the power of a supportive community to enable an individual to reach their potential. It’s evolved into something incredible with events taking place all over the world, organised by healthy role models teaching outdoor skills to their communities.

SN: While many brands are focusing on women’s-specific kit, Fischer are taking a different approach this winter with the launch of their ‘genderless’ ski collection. How do you feel about this?

LD: I’m so glad to see brands like Fischer taking risks and acknowledging what we all have known for a long while – that gender does not equate to ability. The best skiers deserve the best product and they are finally getting it. This move has been a huge risk for Fischer, and while it’s upset much of the industry, I expect to see it becoming the norm because it is born out of truth, rather than a marketing campaign.

SN: Where do you sit on social media and the role of the ‘influencer’?

LD: When social media first came on the scene it allowed you to authentically and organically control your own image without having it interpreted or manipulated by a sponsor and/or the media. These days it’s full of self-proclaimed heroes. I’ve watched some of these big name Instagrammers, who claim to be ‘mountain athletes’ on social platforms, properly melt down in the actual backcountry. It’s alarming to see, while those who deserve to be highlighted are too humble to self promote and go unnoticed. I’m not prepared to pay for self-promotion, use my body or make controversial statements to get attention.

SN: 2020 has been, and continues to be, a challenging year. How are you staying positive?

LD: I believe everything that’s been happening is forcing us to take personal responsibility for our own wellbeing. For this reason I’ve decided to collaborate with Fischer to offer a series of ShowingUP workshops, designed to help us all reach our potential. Over the course of six weeks we will learn from leading experts across the field of high performance to help us adopt healthy habits, build authentic community and step UP to our goals. The course is available online now.

SN: What has been your greatest accomplishment to date, and do you have any goals in life you’d still like to achieve?

LD: Experimenting with my belief system and shifting my mindset to think beyond the norms dictated by society has been my greatest accomplishment to date.

Empowering others to adopt a similar mindset and move beyond feelings of powerlessness is next!

Rules are meant to be broken, limits are designed to be pushed. Join me for the ShowingUP workshops and let’s change the game. ❄ Follow the ShowingUP workshops at lynseydyer.com/podcast; for more on SheJumps visit shejumps.org

Lynsey is determined to empower others to reach their potential

Rules are meant to be broken, limits are designed to be pushed.

Join me for the ShowingUP workshops and let’s change the game‌

www.fall-line.co.uk 15

RIG GIG Behind the lens FOR THE

This month: adventure photographer Robert Grew outlines the gear he used to get the goods at last winter’s McSki Test shoot in Glenshee, Scotland

ROBERT GREW

Robert is an accomplished photographer and creative director in the field of skiing, mountain biking and climbing, known for his ability to capture extraordinary images punctuated by powerful landscapes.

His work has taken him around the globe and he’s worked for the likes of Patagonia, Rab, Helly Hansen and Salomon. His sponsors are Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports, Sungod and SmugMug.

S

ki photography is a tricky business: like orchestrating a symphony without knowing what instruments you have to work with, or when your musicians are going to turn up. Capturing ‘the perfect shot’ takes more than just a skier and a camera; it requires all of the elements to align. Then there’s all the camera gear you need to take with you, on top of all your usual ski and safety kit. Even if you get all that right, at the

end of the day it’s the skier’s ability to understand your vision and paint the image for you that will land you that winning shot.

If you’re planning on getting into ski photography in Scotland prepare to be cold and ‘worked like a mule’. You’d better get fit, because those ski tours in are often long. But don’t let that put you off. The pros outweigh the cons, from the amazing people and lasting friendships to the crazy antics.

GET GEARED TO GET THE SHOT 1

2 9

8

3

4 5

6

16 www.fall-line.co.uk

7 10

Life behind a lens: tough, sure, but the stoke is high…

Ski photography is a tricky business: like orchestrating a symphony without knowing what instruments you have to work with, or when your musicians are going to turn up

1. Backpack: Dakine Team Poacher R.A.S. 26L Avipack £185 dakine.com

Your pack must be large enough to carry your camera gear, with space for all your usual ski kit.

I like this pack because it isn’t overly deep in profile, so it doesn’t feel like there’s a ton of gear swinging from side to side as you ski. The back panel access, combined with an internal camera unit, such as the ICU series from F-Stop, makes for easy access and safe storage.

2. Camera: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II £5430 canon.co.uk

This camera’s 14 frame per second (fps) or 16 fps (with mirror lock up) shutter speed gives me the best possible chance to capture the exact image I need. It features super-high-quality 4K video or 120 fps (slow motion video) at 1080p.

It may be bulkier than some mirrorless cameras, but it’s reliable, durable, the batteries last forever and it has amazing focus tracking.

3. Lens #1: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM £1470 canon.co.uk

This is my most-used lens due to the variable focal length. It allows me to get good close-up shots from a distance, while also having the ability to photograph the skier as they get closer.

It’s worth noting that the f2.8 aperture size is not essential for shooting during the day or in well-lit situations. You could also get away with using a cheaper f/4.0 version if cost is an issue.

4. Lens #2: Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L III USM £2160

7. Helmet: Pret Cynic X MIPS £85 prethelmets.com

Essential for protecting your noggin or mounting a GoPro if you need some POV footage, this lightweight, low-profile, in-mould helmet is super safe and mega comfy.

canon.co.uk

8. Action Cam: GoPro Max £380

The 16-35mm zoom range is perfect for wide shots where you need the skier and the entire landscape in frame. It also does a great job of capturing product images or shooting general activities, like taking off skins.

gopro.com

5. Lens #3: Canon EF 15 mm f/2.8 Fisheye £500 canon.co.uk

The fisheye lens is great for shooting super-wide angle frames that regular lenses are unable to capture. I’ve used it to shoot upwards at the skier when they’re dropping off cliffs or the 16-35mm lens can’t accommodate the full landscape.

6. Microphone: Røde VideoMic Pro £159

If you’re looking for one GoPro to do it all, the waterproof GoPro Max is a great shout. Super stable and rugged, it has four lenses and shoots in both 360 and HERO modes. You can take great high-quality stills from the footage, too.

9. Telescopic Ski Poles £various I hardly ever carry a tripod on a photoshoot unless I know I’m going to need one, so telescopic ski poles (like the Black Diamond ones here) are handy when you need to balance your camera for long periods of time, i.e. for interviews. They can also be used to mount your GoPro for some selfie or follow-cam footage.

rode.com

10. Ski Straps £various

If you’re required to shoot video then a lightweight and compact directional microphone like the Røde VideoMic Pro is key. In-built camera microphones are rubbish at picking up audio, so you really need a separate device.

Essential for carrying your skis to and from the lifts, securing them on your pack or freeing up an extra hand for carrying gear. Life is just easier when your skis are tied together. Never leave home without ’em! www.fall-line.co.uk 17

GEAR READ K2

Industry disrupter

Adam Ruscitto We talk to K2’s Global Product Manager about the past, present and future of the brand – and being put in charge of repositioning K2 in the global ski market WORDS AMY MARWICK

Amy Marwick: How did it all begin?

Adam Ruscitto: It started at a small shop in Vermont, where I worked while studying business at uni. After graduating I moved to Squaw Valley and skied as much as I could for the first couple of years. I had a number of jobs: coaching freeride, judging big mountain comps… Eventually, through a lot of hard work and a stroke of luck, I landed in France as a product manager for a major ski brand. In 2015, K2 contacted me and asked if I’d be interested in moving to Seattle, and now I’m the Global Product Manager for all ski products at K2.

PHOTO ZACH DOLEAC

AM: You have a big task on your hands ‘to reset K2’s position in the global ski market’. How are you feeling?

AR: It’s a big opportunity to be involved with the iconic American ski brand, and I’m lucky to be in a position where I get to have some influence over where K2 is going. The brand was a little lost for a while.

Ideas were coming from all over the place and we lacked a clear vision and ethos that would drive our product development. If you look at some of the other brands based in Europe, most have strong links to ski racing, but that’s not K2. We’re different. And we pride ourselves on being a little different, so when we say ‘reset’ it’s about re-establishing what the goals and the vision for the brand is.

skis is either the same or adapted from the Mindbender. If you look at the top ski racers the skis they use are not applicable to what your average person uses on their holiday.

Some of the concepts we used to make our freeride skis versatile makes sense for piste skiing too, so we adapted that and brought in new tech to specialise them for hard snow.

AM: What are you bringing to the table with the new Disruption range?

AR: Trying to take a different approach to piste skiing – to do it in a decidedly K2, non-race way.

We adapted things we knew were working well on hard snow and added things like Dark Matter Damping (DMD). It quietens highfrequency vibrations in the skis – important for good edge contact on very firm surfaces. It took the Disruption skis to a whole new level and increased the precision and edge grip dramatically without excessive weight.

AM: Presumably you had some kind of tech that did that already though?

AR: There are a lot of materials used in ski construction that absorb vibrations.

But through analysis and lab testing we found we were struggling to dampen high frequency vibrations directly over the edge.

So that’s where the idea for DMD was born.

AM: It seems K2 is going through a full overhaul – first the Mindbender series and now the Disruption…

AR: A few years back we recognised our largest opportunity to make a big impact was in freeride. The core group of product development people here at K2 are all passionate skiers, and we weren’t so excited about the previous skis – so we set out to build the skis we wanted to ski on ourselves.

AM: Who are the Disruption skis built for?

AR: Anyone who skis exclusively on hard snow and piste. It’s a pretty broad collection – waist widths go from 72 to 82mm. At the narrower end you get more precision on perfectly groomed slopes; that’s where the MTI or the STI shine. We don’t consider the wider ones all-mountain, but because piste conditions change throughout the day, the wider ski is a more stable platform if you have crappy end of the day conditions.

AM: Would you say K2 have based the Disruption piste range on a freeride ski?

AR: I wouldn’t say they are 100% freeride inspired, but we learned a lot of things from developing the Mindbender skis that translated well into the Disruption. Some of the technology we put into the Disruption

AM: Which is your favourite Disruption ski?

AR: The MTI – it allows me to do things I’ve never been able to do on-piste before.

The level of accuracy I have with this ski is like nothing I’ve ever felt. We went through 62 prototype iterations over 18 months of testing before landing on the final version.

18 www.fall-line.co.uk

AM: How important is the balance between product and marketing?

AR: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. There are the tech features, and then there are all the other things that go into it, like wood species selection for cores and flex profiles, which are not so sexy to talk about, but have a big influence. Some of that will vary with each model, so what you see in the marketing are the features that follow the design theory and philosophy.

AM: What would be your benchmark for success when it comes to K2’s repositioning mission?

AR: Of course we are judged on sales, but what’s really great is that we’re bringing back old fans and attracting new people to the brand. In the past two years we’ve heard a lot of people saying they hadn’t considered K2 skis in a long time and now, with the new Mindbender and Disruption series, they want to take them for a spin. So that makes all of us feel really good.

AM: What else can we expect to see from K2 this winter?

AR: These new skis are a huge departure from anything K2 has done in quite a while, or ever. We’re going to continue to think outside the box and push where we can take ski design, both from a performance standpoint and sustainability. We’re nearing the completion of a four-year development project, and I can’t wait for the world to see what we’ve been cooking up. We also have some special skis coming this December, getting back to our American roots. .

Adam’s a man on a mission to reposition K2 in the global ski market. No pressure then‌

www.fall-line.co.uk 19

Freedom to explore Dickie Fincher travelled to Courmayeur, Italy, to test out Scott’s big mountain hike and ride specialist – the new Superguide Freetour

I

PHOTOS FABIAN BODET

’ve attended enough Scott press/ product testing trips to be aware that ‘acclimatisation’ and ‘could I just settle in first with a post-travel Aperol Spritz?’ come after the intro. This time I don’t even have time to change at the hotel; we pop out of the Mont Blanc tunnel, take the first exit, and drag my luggage straight onto Courmayeur’s epic new Skyway. It’s off to the top station at just under 3500m, chuck a boot at one of the team for fitting, get issued some swanky new skis before promptly being chucked out of the upper air-lock onto the glacier platform, allegedly ready to skin.

I feel like the victim of an extraordinary rendition, and must be looking somewhat stunned when I clock a grinning Reto

From Fens to free tour in sub three hours…

20 www.fall-line.co.uk

Aeschbacher – Scott’s CMO – “Hey Dickie, we know you love it when we do this. How low were you three hours ago in the Fens, 70m?” He’s so wrong; it was 85m, actually.

Percentage-wise that’s quite significant… if you’re worried about a high tide.

The ski that defines where Scott are heading, along with my wheezing self, is the new Superguide Freetour. For a successful and wide-ranging company, Scott are taking an increasingly pointed view of skiing, and this season’s new kit aims squarely at the pointiest of white pointy bits. In a bold move they’ve reimagined the enormously popular Superguide range and introduced the new Freetour into the range – ‘the holy grail of backcountry skiing’ they call it; a light and agile ascender with all the beefy grunt you

could need for technical descents in freeride terrain. Free touring – what we’d call hike and ride or maybe day touring – is the most accessible way to get the best lines and is becoming increasingly big news, particularly across the pond.

Ski Product Manager Franz Marsan adds info as we gain altitude. “We know a lot of skiers don’t actually need a multi-day touring ski. What they really need is a ski that can climb and skin for fast lines and steep descents. But they also don’t need a heavy, stiff freeride ski because that takes a lot of energy during the ascent, which is still going to be a large part of the day. They want strong performance in all conditions for freeriding down, so there does need to be more power and energy than you’ll find in a

SCOTT GEAR READ

traditional touring ski.”

The new Freetour is the 105mm-underfoot freeridey member of the Superguide family, weighs in at around 8% more than a 95mm Superguide of the same length, and is 9mm wider underfoot, which gives more float. The 24m turn radius is 25% longer than the Superguide 95s at 19m, so they do ski quite differently.

Both the new Freetour and the updated narrower Superguides have been equipped with a new lightweight paulownia/beech core, carbon/aramid fibre reinforcements for increased stability and strength (the

Freetour gets more of it so is a bit heavier and stiffer), and Scott’s 3Dimension Touring Sidecut with a wider radius at the shovel, long radius underfoot and shorter radius at the tail for maximum hoonage.

“You should have been here yesterday,” is essentially the story of my skiing life and so it came to pass. After scrambling off the lift station there’s an hour’s skinning over windscoured high-altitude hardpack. It’s how these skis are configured – shorter uphill stabs to access the best snow… maybe. With little drag, the Freetours scoot up easily and

I find some snow to sink into, force the tails deep and drive up and out…

The Freetour is the kind of powder ski I get on very well with

the stiff construction holds firm on the clattered windslab. Nearly all of the snow that was here yesterday is clearly somewhere over the border in France.

It’s time to set the Atomic/Salomon Shift bindings into play mode and go find some patches of blown pow to bounce around in.

What you need in these conditions is consistent grip, which the relatively short nose and tail rocker and long cambered length has. When we finally hit soft snow, there’s a stack of spring stored in the Freetour, too. For my first few turns of the winter, a damper ski may have eased me in a bit more kindly, but judging from the US and European ski hooners (who generally all live at the foot of a mountain), it’s clear they’re not so stifled.

GEAR READ SCOTT

Enabling adventures is very much part of what ski manufacturers aspire to achieve… And let’s be honest, right now all of us could really do with adventures to aspire to

The long radius lets them scream out some big arcs, regardless of the changeable conditions, thanks to the stability. I settle into the terrain and seek out some fun. Short pivots on the scoured ice, losing as little height as possible, feed me back into the drifts behind the slight ridges. Here I find some snow to sink into, force the tails deep and drive up and out. The Freetour is the kind of powder ski I get on very well with…

Next day, the Scott team’s enthusiasm for exploring manifests itself in three very different trips. One group set off on e-bikes up the valley, another drop into Chamonix and ice-climb back into Italy, and a third borrow a helicopter for some hasty altitude.

I can see the bikes and the ice-climbers from my vantage point, but the brief uplift was never planned to take us all the way.

There are a few of the group on the new Superguides – 95s and 88s – and in deeper snow the lower drag makes for easier climbing. We’re only aiming for a few 22 www.fall-line.co.uk

hours’ skinning so the day isn’t compromised on the big lads, but a week probably would be…

By the time we swing down there are gullies to play in and every gradient you’d want to enjoy. The southern shoulder of Monte Bianco has almost limitless descent lines and we tweak the runs to our own preferences. Couple of steep bits, relax, cruise a pillowy pitch trying to stay off the crust. Concentration levels stay high, and the skis suck up the changeable snow. I’d not need anything stiffer to go as fast as I like to travel, and there’s still enough flex to allow you to pop turns. I was concerned that a cambered ski loses the effortless float that a rockered tip delivers, but the shape, long nose and smooth flex keeps powder playful.

Frustratingly, my big flappy feet couldn’t slot into the test-size Freeguide Carbon boots, which together with the Shift bindings would have delivered a complete free touring package.

My co-testers reported that the Boa liner adjustment and semi-wrap around the cuff deliver stiffer, more powerful forward pressure and retain good mobility. They’re a different proposition from Scott’s established Superguide and Cosmos touring boots, aiming again for the hike and ride, free tour market.

We finish off by scooting across a frozen lake so we could see what it’s like to live in Sweden – to which I’d say “those lakes are bigger than they look” and “where’s the Ski-Doo?” The answer to the latter was,

“on the other side of the lake, waiting to tow you to the bar.” We stepped up the pace.

Enabling adventures is very much part of what ski manufacturers aspire to achieve.

Events such as this one are an insight into what lights up the designers but are, in their accelerated way, exactly what we can all get up to over a few days away in the mountains.

And let’s be honest, right now all of us could really do with adventures to aspire to…

Scott Superguide Freetour £575 ❄ Lengths: 178, 185 – just two because anyone focusing on freeride needs a bit of area underfoot ❄ Radius: 24m @ 185 ❄ Dimensions: 136-105-124 @ 185 ❄ Weight per ski: 1610g @ 185

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

A L E X I S P I N T U R A U LT (FRA)

R E V E A L

DAV I D W I S E (USA)

T H E

I N V I S I B L E

SEE LIKE A CHAMPION TRY OUT OUR AUGMENTED REALITY FILTER

TRY OUT OUR INSTAGRAM AUGMENTED REALITY FILTER

Phantom lens is a combination of 3 advanced technologies that revolutionizes vision on snow. Made with NXT™ material to deliver greater definition, Phantom incorporates a molecular photochromic filter adapting to any light condition. LTS technology (Low Temperature Sensitivity) ensures a high photochromic performance even in low temperatures. A 4th technology is also available on our ultimate Phantom+ lens: a semi-polarized film reducing distracting glare and enhancing contrast to distinguish ice from snow (available only on Phantom+).

All Phantom lenses benefit from PLATINUM expertise, ensuring outstanding anti-fog and anti-scratch performance.

GEAR READ ROSSIGNOL

Ride free

Jacob Wester

We talk to the Rossignol-sponsored Swedish freeskier about his progression to big mountain pro, sustainable skiing, and what it means to be truly free…

WORDS SOPHIE NICHOLSON IMAGES SOFIA SJOBERG

Sophie Nicholson: You started your career as a competitive park skier, medaling at the X-Games and competing in big air, slopestyle and superpipe comps. Talk us through your decision to leave this all behind to carve out a new career in freeskiing?

Jacob Wester: I’d love to be able to say I ‘chose’ the freeskiing side of the sport, but in reality I left the competition circuit for a number of reasons that included repeatedly getting injured, struggling to keep up with the level, financial pressures and constantly having to travel to events.

As amazing as it was, the point came when I felt like I wasn’t that excited about the park any more.

I had been filming with Matchstick Productions for a few years, and the more time I spent with those guys the more my eyes were opened to a new kind of freedom in the big mountains. When I was done with competing, I started thinking about how I could spend more time in the backcountry, and made that my top priority.

SN: The decision to quit the park and head to the big mountains led to the invariable move to Chamonix in 2014.

Tell us a bit more about this and what it is about Cham that keeps you coming back year after year?

JW: I have found myself evolving as a skier in a very natural way since I came to Chamonix. I wasn’t actually that buzzed by the terrain before I got here, but when I arrived and saw the mountains up close, I realised everything was 10 times bigger than I had imagined. I saw cool terrain everywhere, both for hitting jumps and skiing lines. There were pillows, jump spots, tree skiing, mini-golf and all the kind of stuff Chamonix definitely isn’t famous for, which came as a surprise to me.

This was at a time when I was really into building backcountry jumps, and in most places there are heaps of other crews in the best spots really fast after storms, but Cham doesn’t have that vibe going on. Most of the jump terrain is in bowls that people typically just skin right past, so there’s no 24 www.fall-line.co.uk

stress there. The terrain is so varied and there’s almost no limit to how extreme you can get, if you want to push it in that direction. I regard myself a pro freeride skier, but a recreational steep skier. There are levels of skiing where all those stickers on your skis don’t mean a thing anymore and it’s just you and your thoughts.

SN: You’ve been on the Rossi squad for three years. Tell us a bit about why you decided to join the iconic French brand, and what it’s like being on the freeski team with so many other big name skiers – including Sam Favret, Parker White and Logan Pehota…

JW: Rossignol must have been picking up on some of the stuff I was doing in Chamonix because I got a call from their Scandinavian office asking me if I wanted to represent the brand. I was flattered because I’ve always respected their presence in the freeride scene, from back in the day when a lot of my heroes were on their skis, up to present day, with my amazing team members you mention. The current crew all have different strengths as skiers and we all learn things from each other. There’s good camaraderie on team trips, and all of us have very similar ideas in terms of how we like our skis to feel, too.

SN: Rossignol’s new Black Ops collection is one of the biggest gear stories for winter 2021. Tell us about your involvement in the development process and what excites you most about the new collection?

JW: The Black Ops ski is one of the main reasons I decided to sign with Rossignol. It does exactly what I want a powder ski to do, and I loved it from day one. When the design team told us they were expanding the line, I couldn’t have been more excited. As much as I loved the original, there were other shapes I’d been hoping we could develop. Rossi put so much trust in the team, gave us so many different demo skis, asked for our input with every aspect of the building process and, as a result, the new series has everything we could ever have wished for.

SN: From material sourcing to the product lifecycle, each ski in Rossi’s all-new Black Ops range has been designed to have the lowest environmental impact possible. How important is it to you to be working with a brand putting sustainability at the forefront of their production and development plans?

JW: It’s hard to strive for environmental perfection as a professional skier, but keeping international travel to a minimum is the least I can do. And of course it’s essential that we look at our gear. These days there are sustainable ways of manufacturing kit, so why shouldn’t they be the standard? I’m proud to represent a brand that puts their money where their mouth is and helps lead this change.

SN: Making a living out of skiing and helping to design kickass new sustainably-focused skis sounds like the ultimate dream! Is life as a sponsored big mountain pro all it’s cracked up to be or does it come with more restrictions than most people would think?

JW: Nah, it’s just as good as it sounds! [laughs] I really couldn’t ask for a better job.

Having said that it is a changing picture.

Just being a skier isn’t enough anymore and you have to create this online persona,

These days there are sustainable ways of manufacturing kit, so why shouldn’t they be the standard?

www.fall-line.co.uk 25

GEAR READ ROSSIGNOL “Freedom is found in the process of mastery”

and keep everyone entertained seven days a week.

Athletes are increasingly becoming marketing channels for brands, whose sole priority is getting their logo as clearly visible in the content as possible.

I love producing my own videos and entertaining my audience, but I try to keep a good balance and not lose track of the reasons why I’m doing all of this.

If my aim is to perform at my best and keep growing as a skier, I can’t spend hours every day in front of my laptop pushing out vlogs just to stay relevant.

SN: When summer rolls around, you and your girlfriend normally spend several months on the road living out of your van travelling around surf spots.

Were you able to do that this summer or was your freedom curtailed due to the Covid-19 restrictions?

JW: This year has been a mess, hey?

About a week before the pandemic hit I crashed hard while filming and broke my tibial plateau in half – basically one of the worst ways you can break your leg.

I headed home to Sweden for surgery and then the world started to shut down.

My girlfriend and I left our lives in Chamonix thinking we would head 26 www.fall-line.co.uk

back right after surgery to do rehab there, but the border was closed and our Stockholm apartment rented out long-term, so we had to stay with her parents.

They’re amazing people, and I could think of worse ways of spending three months in quarantine, but it sure felt good to be back on my feet when summer came around!

I ended up getting our van back from France in June, and we celebrated by heading up to Riksgränsen to finish shooting for Henrik Harlaut’s coming film Salute. I mostly ski toured and made easy turns in spring snow around our camp while the gang hit jumps, but it felt like such a victory to be able to ski after such a short time. We have spent the rest of the summer in Stockholm where I’ve been focusing on rehab for the upcoming winter.

SN: 2020 certainly has been, and continues to be, a pretty crazy year for all of us.

How do you see this winter shaping up for you? Will it be business as usual?

JW: Besides filming for my

YouTube channel, my plans are still kind of up in the air, to be honest. I am still working to get my leg back to 100% so I don’t want to plan too much before I feel like I can ski at my fullest.

My main worry is that travelling will be a pain, and that new restrictions will probably affect how we travel in lifts, cable cars and skin tracks etc. I’m watching what happens, planning for the best and the worst. I have been wanting to do a season in the north of Sweden for a while, so this might finally be the year!

SN: And finally, what does freedom look like to Jacob Wester?

JW: To me, freedom is found in the process of mastery. In my case, this is skiing.

Every day I’m out in the mountains, I learn something new, and with that new knowledge, doors to higher levels open.

I was so scared of big mountains 10 years ago; now I move effortlessly through them in ways I have learned along the way. With every new piece of knowledge acquired, or skill learned, one’s freedom expands.

Whenever I try to plot my own future freedom-seeking trajectory, I always end up in the speed-riding and wingsuiting categories, so I guess that would be my freedom utopia. I’d love to grow old one day though, so I will try to not get too carried away!

WIN

BIG IN OUR COMPETIT BUMPER ION ISSUE

DON’T MISS

GET OUT THERE

Frontside, powder and backcountry focus

Christmas is coming early, folks! Our mahoosive Get Out There bumper issue will be hitting the shelves mid-December, jam-packed with adventure-filled stories, epic photos, inspirational interviews and more.

INCLUDING: THE LATEST TRAVEL INFO FOR SKIING IN A COVID WORLD ROAD-TRIPPIN’ ON A COLORADO SKI SAFARI 15 MINUTES WITH RECORD-BREAKING SKI MOUNTAINEER GREG HILL DOLOMITES HUT-TO-HUT SKI TOURING ADVENTURE AVI TRAINING WITH THE ‘BEST FREERIDE SKIER OF THE CENTURY’ DOMINIQUE PERRET POW-HUNTING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN JAPAN SKILLS SPECIAL – FROM SKI TECHNIQUE TO SNOW SAFETY

GEAR ON TEST: OUR BIGGEST EVER TRIED & TESTED SECTION, FROM SKI BOOTS TO AVI BAGS

ON SALE 17 DEC 2020, ONLY £4.99 www.fall-line.co.uk 27

2 0 2 1

McSKI TEST 2020 – A The story behind the alternative ski test at Glenshee, Scotland

A

t the beginning of March, our international team of ski testers were primed and ready to hop in cars, jump on planes and converge upon Pila for the annual Ski Test.

Bags were packed, but with just days remaining to the start of the Italian job, the Covid-19 situation really started to crank up all over Europe. Faced with the prospect of plunging headlong into a rapidly escalating global pandemic or not having a ski test at all, things looked pretty bleak.

Enter Fall-Line’s very own Lee Hardy and fellow industry quick-thinker Tord Nilson. As a rather clever chap called Einstein once said: “In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity,” and this positive pair ran with that philosophy…

In a matter of hours they had rapidly assembled an alternative test in the bonnie Highlands, where at that stage the snow to virus ratio was stacked in favour of the white stuff. And so it was that one of the greatest events in the history of UK ski testing came to pass. Over the course of three days, a whoppingly impressive percentage of the industry made their way to Glenshee to carve, charge, hike and huck their way through as many skis as possible.

The pandemic may not have had many positives, but the opportunity to host a UK ski test right here in the UK in near perfect conditions was an experience none of us will ever forget. Thanks to all our testers who rapidly changed their plans to join us, and apologies to those who couldn’t make it. We hope you make a rapid recovery from the FOMO. The final big up must go again to Lee and Tord.

Excellent work one and all.

Lee Hardy, Fall-Line contributor and Head Barista at Braemar Mountain Sports Winner of Braemar’s most popular resident award for a whole five days in March 2020, McSki Test co-organiser Lee is 3-1 odds on to become the first Scouse King of Scotland.

Height/weight: 176cm (maybe 177cm)/82kg.

Test category: All-Mountain and Freeride.

Ski style: Snake hips meets race piste.

Best ski on test: Völkl Deacon V.Werks.

Skill acquired in lockdown: Failed at pull-ups, excelled at baking chocolate cake.

Rich Evans, Fall-Line ad manager and Piers Brosnan lookalike When the opportunity arose for someone to represent Fall-Line at last year’s Dynastar Ski Test in Chamonix, Rich read the email, told nobody else about it and immediately drove to France.

Height/weight: 175cm/76kg.

Test category: Represented Fall-Line at the Dynastar Ski Test in Chamonix.

Ski style: Piste to powder.

Best ski on the Dynastar Test: Dynastar Speed Omeglass Master SL R22 for pure piste carving or the quiver-killing Dynastar M-Pro 99.

Skill acquired in lockdown: Eating his wife’s cakes and then burning them off in their home gym.

Amy Marwick, Fall-Line contributing editor and BASI Level 4 ski instructor

PHOTOS ROB GREW

Scotland’s very own Angel Collinson, Amy drove all the way from her winter base in Morzine to Glenshee for this year’s Ski Test.

Height/weight: 155cm/53kg.

Test category: Women’s skis.

Ski style: All-terrain ripping and big mountain grinning.

Best ski on test: Black Crows Anima Birdie – “a friendly giant, surprisingly manoeuvrable”.

Skill acquired in lockdown: “Learning how to work power tools!”

Dickie Fincher, Fall-Line publisher and semi-metal human

Sophie Nicholson, Fall-Line gear editor and McCat herder

Veteran of 18 ski tests, it’s rumoured that Dickie and his metal hip are entirely responsible for the epic conditions we experienced at this year’s McSki Test.

The source of this rumour has yet to be identified, but it’s widely believed this person has amazing hair and may have blagged an Audi for the trip north.

Height/weight: 183cm/104kg.

Test category: Piste and All-Mountain (and poached a few freeride runs too).

Ski style: Joyful.

Best ski on test: Völkl Deacon V.Werks – “it turns out money can buy you love after all…”

Skill acquired in lockdown: Tuning a dirt bike carburettor to the point of no return. i.e. “I will never be doing that ever again…”

Ski Test team organiser Sophie had ankle ligament reconstruction surgery at the start of last winter, so she wasn’t able to ski at this year’s Test. Instead she spent most of the week suffering from one of the worst ever recorded cases of FOMO, and drinking whisky.

Height/weight: 167cm/58kg.

Test category: Organising.

(Ski) style: Crutchy.

Best (ski) whisky on test: Talisker Storm.

Skill acquired in lockdown: Built a climbing wall in the garage and mastered a few push-ups on the paralettes.

28 www.fall-line.co.uk

REAL HIGHLAND HOOLIE Martin Chester, Fall-Line backcountry editor and IFMGA mountain guide Chemo may have stripped Martin of all his storm fat, but he’s retained all his CV capacity recently, recording a resting heart rate of 42 BPM and a host of PBs on a bike.

Height/weight: 178cm/72kg.

Test category: All things backcountry.

Ski style: “Functional, but not pretty.”

Best ski on test: “I wasn’t at the McSki Test but I’ve high hopes for the BD Helio Carbon 95.”

Skill acquired in lockdown: “Discovering I can get from my front door to the summit of Elidir Fawr and back in an hour-and-a-half.”

Chrigl Luthy, Fall-Line’s driftability expert Airborne rocket ship Chrigl’s favourite descents normally involve air time, steep and/or narrow bits, fast sections and a couple of jibs.

Height/weight: 188cm/86kg.

Test category: Represented Fall-Line at the Wed’ze Ski Test in Chamonix.

Ski style: Maximum juice for the squeezin’.

Best ski on test: FR900 Pow Chaser 115 on the Wed’ze Test. Otherwise Line Pescado or Armada Tracer 118 CHX. Skill acquired in lockdown: “A mastery of a near-extinct Japanese mountain dialect. Building a life-size model of my house out of tortiglioni.” (Hmmm…)

Rob Kingsland, men’s ski tester and owner of Signal Rock Cottages in Glencoe A much-appreciated last-minute addition to our Glenshee crew, aerial trickster and all-round backcountry badass Rob is something of a legend in the Scottish ski scene. Down to earth in person, out of this world on skis.

Height/weight: 178cm/74kg.

Test category: Freestyle, Freeride and Backcountry.

Ski style: Jack of all trades.

Best ski on test: Völkl Revolt 104.

Skill acquired in lockdown: Digging and shifting dirt in his garden.

2021 GEAR GUIDE THE METHOD TO THE MADNESS How we determine the best gear for 2021 in a global pandemic

Compiling the annual Fall-Line Gear Guide – aka The Skier’s Bible - is always a glorious challenge, but doing it in a global pandemic with its international travel bans and national lockdowns has certainly been… um… ‘creatively demanding’. As you may have heard a few times over the past six months, these are ‘unprecedented times’ and as a result this year’s Gear Guide looks a bit different to years gone by.

The Covid-19-induced testing disruption means that we have decided to split this year’s Skis of the Year between Editors’ Choice winners (ones we skied) and Ones To Watch (the ones we didn’t).

While we did our utmost to take all the best new gear for a spin before the premature end to the season, frustratingly we didn’t manage to get on board everything as we normally would. Hence the Ones To Watch winners – aka the skis we’re super excited to take for a spin and the ones we’re pretty sure you guys will love too. Also new are our Buyer’s Beta intros, which we hope will help you navigate this year’s brave new world of ski gear and guide you towards your individual utopia.

And finally, let’s hear it for the latest addition to Team Fall-Line, our brand new yeti mascot. You’ll see him throughout this issue bestowing his Editors’ Choice stamp of approval on all of our favourite gear for winter 2021.

Keren Smail, women’s ski tester and owner of Signal Rock Cottages in Glencoe Like Rob, Keren heeded the late call to join us in Glenshee, bringing her best testing game and kick-ass smile to the party. A trained contemporary dancer with a penchant for cabar tossing, this pocket rocket has all the moves.

Height/weight: 151cm/45kg.

Test category: Women’s skis.

Ski style: Smiles for miles.

Best ski on test: Salomon Stance 88.

Skill acquired in lockdown: Gravel biking and bike track building. www.fall-line.co.uk 29

[ Photo special ]

McSKI TEST GLORY Magic memories from the 2020 Ski Test at Glenshee – aka ‘one of the greatest events in the history of UK ski testing’ IMAGES ROBERT GREW PHOTOGRAPHY

Rob tests the float-ability of the Völkl Revolt 87 at the Glenshee snowpark Sunshine and fresh snow?

It's always like this in Scotland! Right, off to the Test Centre...

30 www.fall-line.co.uk

A whoppingly impressive percentage of the industry made their way to glorious Glenshee to carve, charge, hike and huck their way through as many skis as possible

Amy gets airborne aboard the Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free

The McSki Test team Follow my McLeader

How low can you go?

Pretty low, says Rob, on the Nordica Enforcer 100

Amy ripping it up on the K2 Disruption MTi Alliance www.fall-line.co.uk 31

2 0 2 1

PISTE SKIS

When the piste opens up, these hard-charging beauts will really give it the beans

Dynastar Speed Omeglass Master SL R22

BUYER’S

BETA

DICKIE FINCHER’S GUIDE TO PISTE SKIS Piste is firm, flat and fast, until mid-morning when selfish sorts have made a mess of what should rightfully be ours. It is also the perfect environment for cruising vapidly between small wooden huts selling shots of lethal local hooch, often cluttered with folk making a meal of the task of getting down a hill. For them, a piste-width ski minus stiffness and shape is the perfect solution – a sort of slithery flip-flop.

We Fall-Liners, as Slalom, GS and Downhill Combined champions in all but name, use piste for getting curvy and feeling the Gs, or skiing like vandals and straightlining everywhere. We can’t condone the latter because it eventually loses friends and your lift ticket. But it’s always nice to know you can let rip if the piste does open up invitingly…

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Turn radius. It’s rare to get a piste ski that has a turn radius above 22m; most manufacturers assume that at some point you’re going to put a turn in. What we need to consider is how regularly and sharply we want to corner...

Slalom-based sidecuts – which figure turn radii around 13m or less – are fun, slightly knackering and can take quite a lot of concentration to enjoy. Add a stiff tail and you’ll be sporting thighs like Thor.

Mid-range radii of 15-17m point to a more relaxed ride with the ability to crank hard when effort is applied. These days most piste skis have nose rocker and a track binding system, which transmits power directly to the edges. ❄ Minimising energy loss. This is another element a piste ski excels at. As we admire the race-quality base material, we mainly use this lack of friction to maintain acceleration out of turns, developed by that powerful tail. Moving forwards along the ski, a sturdy sidewall hiding laminate construction with a layer of trimmed metal to dampen vibration is standard practice. ❄ Weight and feel. There’s no need to work hard to reduce weight on piste skis as they want to stay fastened to the snow. A certain amount of material is needed to get a fluid, damp-feeling ski. You can cheat by spending a fortune on laminates, but there are some responsive piste skis for under £500 with all the key ingredients.

32 www.fall-line.co.uk

£795 including bindings

❄ Lengths: 158, 163, 168, 173 ❄ Radius: 13m @ 168 ❄ Dimensions: 121-67-105 ❄ Weight per ski: 2050g @ 168

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

The Speed Omeglass Master SL R22 may not be totally ‘new’ for this winter, but we’ve highlighted it as an Editors’ Choice ski for all you merchants of speed who like to live life on the racier side of rapid.

Based on World Cup slalom skis and created by Dynastar’s race technicians, the snappily-named Speed Omeglass Master SL R22 is a highperformance, super-grippy ski that holds an edge like its life depends upon it.

Tester Rich put it through its paces in Dynastar’s home of Chamonix and loved the leg burn: “Are these skis or rails? There’s just so much grip underfoot!”

As you’d expect from a high-end, race-oriented ski, it performs best when pushed so don’t expect an easy cruiser. Give it the groomer beans however and you’ll be rewarded with superb rebound in return.

Designed to deliver balance, power and precision when travelling at speed, the Speed Omeglass Master SL R22 has a powerful and durable ash wood core, moderate tip rocker for maximum edge control, and full length titanal layers to keep things super stable when you’re driving hard through the turn.

While the Speed Omeglass Master SL R22 takes the majority of its inspiration from competitive race skis, the modern sidecut and shorter radii means you don’t have to be wearing a race suit to get the most out of this speed demon.

Over to Rich for the last word: “Fast, fun, reactive and agile, this ski will keep turning all day long.

You bring the legs, and the Speed Omeglass Master SL R22 will do the rest!” dynastar.com

Are these skis or rails? There’s just so much grip underfoot…

Fast, fun, reactive and agile, they’ll keep turning all day long.

You bring the legs and they will do the rest!

Rich Evans

MEN’S PISTE SKIS

Head Supershape E-Magnum

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

£615 including bindings ❄ Lengths: 149, 156, 163, 170, 177 ❄ Radius: 13.1m @ 170 ❄ Dimensions: 129-72-111 ❄ Weight per ski: N/A

Oh, how Head love to put new stuff into their headline kit, inevitably slicing along the sharpest edge of tech. We’ve had piezo-electric damping, nano-tech in the invisible shape of Graphene, and now another piezo-driven damping technology called EMC – Energy Management Circuit. In

short, vibration twangs the electrically responsive material, which creates electrical energy that then feeds back and dampens said vibes…

They certainly have a turn of speed verging on the alarming. Fortunately, it’s all under control, unless Dickie forgets how bumpy it is off the Cairnwell T-bar in Glenshee… “There’s more power in the tail of this than the previous model,” he spluttered, having nearly wheelied off the hill.

Playing a significant part in delivering this power, and also controlling the ski when used by

K2 Disruption MTi

DPS Pagoda Piste 90 RP

❄ Lengths: 165, 170, 175, 180 ❄ Radius: 18.1m @ 175 ❄ Dimensions: 11874-104 ❄ Weight per ski: N/A

❄ Lengths: 165, 171, 178, 184 ❄ Radius: 18m @ 178 ❄ Dimensions: 12687-107 ❄ Weight per ski: N/A

K2 are very keen to point out that their Disruption series skis are designed as hard-turning piste skis and have zero race-wannabe aspirations.

After telling us this, they then designed a ski cross-style race series called the Disruption Cup and invited a whole bunch of global rippers to chew up a specially-built course in GarmischPartenkirchen. Confused? Us too, momentarily.

Turns out the best thing with any ski is to ignore the flim-flam and just go for a ski, at which point it becomes clear the lower-end M3 and SC Alliance models are properly playful. But, for a mix of charge, whoop and holler, every tester loved the MTi. “So planted, but so responsive,” said Lee. It does need energy/weight to get the spring working, so the men’s version scored higher than the Alliance women’s model in terms of feedback.

For chunkier chaps, the ‘M’ for ‘medium turn radius’ bit of the name worked well – carving well inside the quoted 18m turn radius but hanging on to trench-digging high-speed arcs. Tech-wise the core is a maple/aspen mix, there’s a touch of nose rocker for straight-line stability, and you get an upper-end Marker MXCELL piston binding.

There’s also Dark Matter Damping, which we translate as ‘areas of the sidewall with material to soak up chatter’. The Disruption MTi is very fast to engage and lock into the turn with complete confidence on sketchy, rattly pistes. k2snow.com

DPS have been known and available in the UK for a few seasons, but mainly for their uniquely beautiful spoon-shaped freeride and touring skis.

This year is the innovative US brand’s first foray into piste. And with shapes shared with their 2021 touring line (confusingly also called Pagoda, but with ‘Tour’ at the end instead of ‘Piste’), the DPS team are joining the likes of Black Crows, K2 and Line in injecting a whole lot of fun into what’s become a predictable category.

The Pagoda Piste 90 RP is what we in the UK would generally class as an all-mountain ski. But we at Fall-Line (also in the UK) are more than happy to set anything on its edge and see what happens. We’ve skied the big DPS models before and they deliver two versions of each model – a hard-charging, stiffer C2 lay-up and the more rockered, playful RP shape.

The 90 RP is the only model in the new Pagoda Piste category to feature RP – ‘Resort Powder’ – construction, and while it’s designed to push, grip and arc with the best of them, master blasters will still need to look elsewhere. With a dual ash/aspen wood core and two layers of carbon, it’s likely to feel more like a poppy playful puppy than a heavy metal high-speed screamer.

But if you’re partial to fresh snow and the odd mogul sesh, this looks likely to bring spoony shaped flowing fun to your frontside antics. dpsskis.com

£700 including bindings

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

someone competent, is the deeper wood core.

This translates to increased thickness throughout the ski and sets the Supershape series as railing against the current trend of removing mess from the ends in favour of maintaining the same flex pattern throughout the ski. And yes, it translates to an edge-loving ski that hung onto those chattery Scottish pistes with a calmness reflected in the team’s speed scores. That powerful tail also delivers a proper, controlled grunt on the way oot, as they say in Scotland. head.com

£1150

ONE T WATC O H

www.fall-line.co.uk 33

2 0 2 1

MEN’S PISTE SKIS Atomic Redster X9 WB £750 including bindings ❄ Lengths: 152, 160, 168, 176 ❄ Radius: 13.5m @ 168 ❄ Dimensions: 125.5-75-109.5 ❄ Weight per ski: 3059g @ 168 Our 2020 Editors’ Pick returns with a new stealthy topsheet and the same primo piste performance that made such a big impression last winter. With 10mm more width underfoot than the regular X9, this is a supremely stable ski with a damp ash/poplar wood core and multi-radius sidecut shape that allows a more flexible approach to carving. The rods running along the ski are part of a tensioning system called Servotec that generate power into the shovel and facilitate precise turn initiation at all speeds.

The added width makes it a real all-day ski, and the clever tech and multi-radius shape all combine to deliver a smooth, grippy and super-fun ride. atomic.com

Elan Amphibio 18 Ti2 FusionX £730 including bindings ❄L engths: 160, 166, 172, 178 ❄ Radius: 15.7m @ 172 ❄ Dimensions: 121-73-104 ❄ Weight per ski: N/A The Amphibio 18 is our pick of Elan’s fast-turning rippers, not because of the radius, but rather because of the flex and bitey nose that allows you to whip the ski from edge to edge.

The full sidewall and asymmetric construction gives the inside edge more material for increased grip, and the powerful tail and sharp reactions make this best suited to advanced skiers. Bring your best groomer game and you’ll be rewarded every time.

“This ski is just right for fast, aggressive piste charging,” reckoned Rich.

“It just wants to go fast.” elanskis.com 34 www.fall-line.co.uk

Fischer RC One 73 £560 including bindings

Rossignol React R8 HP £500 including bindings

❄ Lengths: 153, 160, 167, 174 ❄ Radius: 14m @ 167 ❄ Dimensions: 121-73-103 ❄ Weight per ski: 2050g @ 167

❄ Lengths: 156-163-170-177 ❄ Radius: 14m @ 177 ❄ Dimensions: 127-74-110 ❄W eight per ski: 1750g @ 177 w/o bindings

Last winter’s quite excellent Piste Ski of the Year returns with a new colour option designed to appeal to women without actually being a female-specific ski. Say what?

Basically, Fischer have decided to adopt a genderless approach to skiing to keep things fluid, so you can rock the graphic that appeals rather than one that’s been dictated to you. Whether you opt for the original lean, green and mean number or the new navy/ turquoise combo, you’re looking at one fast, smooth, forgiving and challenging ski that works well for a wide range of skier types. Rapid into the turn thanks to the light tip and tail, it feels relaxed and chilled off the gas due to the Triple Radius that delivers variable turn shapes. Top tech, value and versatility – a real resort ripper. fischersports.com

Last year’s Editors’ Pick – the React R8 Ti – may have disappeared from our line-up, but thankfully there’s still a cracking R8 option available in the R8 HP. Rossi market their React series as ‘compact race skis’ and while we loved the strong and engaging R8 Ti, the R8 HP manages to deliver a similar level of fun, albeit with an altogether more accessible feel.

Lighter and slightly less aggressive than the Ti version, it’s a rapid and forgiving ski that still comes with heaps of high-end, race-inspired tech, including flex tip technology for slalom-style levels of grip. Ideal for high-end intermediates looking to push their piste performance, the React R8 HP is a stonking set-up for the money – easy to carve, fun, forgiving, predictable and stable. rossignol.com

Blizzard Firebird Ti £500 including bindings ❄ Lengths: 148, 154, 160, 166, 172, 178 ❄ Radius: 14.5m @ 172 ❄ Dimensions: 121-71-104 ❄ Weight per ski: 1580g @ 172 w/o bindings

This year’s brilliant Firebird Ti is ready to rip with a new graphic and a trend-bucking price reduction

Boot Fitting

PHOT0 ANDREAS VIGL

This year’s brilliant Firebird Ti is ready to rip with a new graphic and a trend-bucking price reduction.

Weighing in at £25 less than last year, it really is a truly belting-value ski for hard chargers looking to ignite those pistey flames.

Gripping with a magnetic level of hold to rockhard morning pistes, it demands input to deliver back high-speed performance. It’s the sort of ski we’d suggest for aggressive piste skiers; there’s no get-out-clause of a tip rocker on the fully cambered Firebird. This means you angulate, feel that nose grip and track straight onto that midradius carve. We loved the oiled feel – so smooth as the speed builds and there’s just no chatter. blizzard-tecnica.com

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

Covid-19 Secure

CMY

Salomon S/Force 9 £560 including bindings ❄ Lengths: 156, 163, 170, 177 ❄ Radius: 16m @ 170 ❄ Dimensions: 127-80-110 ❄ Weight per ski: 2185g Salomon pitch the S/Force 9 as a ‘piste plus’ ski, which is exactly how we like to groove those groomers – hard and fast on-piste, with the ability to mix it up and skip off to the side when we fancy a change of scene. At 80mm underfoot the S/Force 9 offers a wide piste-slash-all-mountain ride and comes with an accessible flex pattern that offers an all-day carveable ride.

The tip inserts and flax layer have been designed to reduce weight and prevent flutter, making this a usefully manoeuvrable and well-controlled ski. Ideal for advancing piste enthusiasts and good value – still a force to be reckoned with we say… salomon.com

At 80mm underfoot the S/Force 9 offers a wide piste-slash-allmountain ride

K

Avoid the Busyness in Resort...

Spend Time Getting Your Ski Boot Fitting Right Before You Go Covid Secure Shopping with a Relaxed Atmosphere Bringing you the UK’s largest range of specialist skis & boots and advice and expertise since 1965.

We’ll always be here to help and advise you on the correct equipment for wherever your passions and dreams take you.

Custom Ski Boot Fitting Specialists Members of the Sidas Boot Fitting Academy Ski Industries Of Great Britain Official Ski Testers Winner Ski Club GB - Best UK Store Sports Equipment Provider Winner Ski Club GB - Best UK Store Sports Clothing Provider RECREATIONAL | RACE | TOURING | TELEMARK FREERIDE | FREESTYLE Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, West London, UB10 0NP T: 020 8848 0040 www.SkiBartlett.com

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S PISTE SKIS

Atomic Cloud 14 WB

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

£700 including bindings ❄ Lengths: 144, 152, 160, 168 ❄ Radius: 13m @ 160 ❄ Dimensions: 123-75-107 ❄ Weight per ski: 2820g @160

The Atomic Cloud 14 WB is an assertive and powerful ski for women who like to ride hard and fast in all piste conditions.

The Cloud 14 WB has all the hallmarks of a grippy and high-performing Atomic piste ski but with a little extra width underfoot (75mm vs 36 www.fall-line.co.uk

70mm), hence the ‘WB’ that stands for ‘Wide Body’. It also has a significantly broader tip and tail than the Cloud 11 and 12. This means there is more ski available to push against on firm pistes and to help you slice through chunkier conditions on snowy or slushy days.

Introduced for the more aggressive female skier, the Cloud 14 WB features the same construction as the men’s X9 Wide Body ski, but comes with a new lighter Flyte wood core that will enable your legs to keep carving all day long. It also features

Servotec, which Atomic says acts like ‘power steering for your ski’. By speeding up the flex rate, the ski becomes more nimble and quicker to react.

It also tightens things up when you’re giving it big guns so feels super stable at speed.

Keren said: “Light yet grounded, the Cloud 14 WB is perfect for playing with turn shapes.

It powers through chop, excels at speed and is so easy to pull out of the turn – it just knows what you want to do and executes it all so easily!” atomic.com

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Head Power Joy 68 £620 including bindings ❄ Lengths: 153, 158, 163, 168, 173 ❄ Radius: 12,7m @ 163 ❄ Dimensions: 122-68-102 @ 163 ❄ Weight per ski: N/A The brand new Power Joy is an ideal choice for advanced piste skiers looking for a hard charger with the latest ski technology. It’s the first women’s ski to feature Head’s new race tech, aka Electronic Management Circuit (EMC), designed to reduce vibrations through the ski.

When EMC is switched to ‘on’, negative vibrations are absorbed and the skier enjoys a more stable ride. You can see the tech at work in our McSki Test Instagram story.

What distinguishes the Power Joy from the rest of Head’s race range is its lighter weight core construction, which gives the ski a real spring in its step and allows you to ping through each turn without feeling like you’re about to be bucked out of the saddle. The 12m turn radius makes it nippy in shorter turns while still managing to continue to

build the power throughout longer GS style carves. Amy and Keren both had a ripper of a time aboard the Power Joy at this year’s Ski Test.

“Highly responsive at fast and slow speeds, the Power Joy whipped through turns and bounced energetically from edge to edge,” revealed Keren.

“The Power Joy does everything it says it will do,” said Amy. “Powerful and precise race-style performance but with less effort than you’d normally need to put in on an out-and-out race ski. Simply joyous!” head.com

Fischer RC One 73 WS

K2 Disruption SC Alliance PHOT0 ANDREAS VIGL

£475 including bindings

£560 including bindings

❄ Lengths: 146, 153, 160, 167 ❄ Radius: 12.6m @ 160 ❄ Dimensions: 127-74-109 ❄ Weight per ski: N/A EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Ready for a shake up? K2 have thrown a curveball right into the heart of the piste category with their all-new Disruption series featuring the brand’s new stealthy-sounding Dark Matter Dampening (DMD), designed to improve the quality of the contact the edge has with the snow.

Drawing on K2’s infamous freeski heritage, the new Disruption range is all about creating mad pistey angles and sparking inbound arcs. The SC Alliance is the shorter radius, more playful of the two skis in the women’s range and we loved it for its audacious versatility in all turn shapes. “You can really dance between the edges and carve in so many different rhythms, a real fun choreographer,” said Keren.

If you’re looking for a bit more grunt on your groomers, the other ski in the range – the MTi Alliance – could well be your sister of shred. With a full sheet of metal and a wider turn radius, it skis with a more powerful character making it ideal for speed demons looking to lay down some GS turns.

“The MTi would make a great ski for instructors moving through the higher levels of the BASI system, fulfilling that wider turn radius and remaining aggressive without being a dedicated race ski,” says Amy. The SC Alliance on the other hand is ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers. Built with a wide shovel in the front, ideal for cutting through crud, a low-density yet resilient aspen core and a slalom-style radius of 12.6m, the SC Alliance felt stable and strong at speed, yet was manoeuvrable and accessible, pinging from turn to turn with a lively pulse. Stable and grippy with bags of control, if you’re looking for a real smooth operator, this could well be the rig for your pistey gig. k2snow.com

❄ Lengths: 153, 160, 167, 174 ❄ Radius: 13m @ 160 ❄ Dimensions: 121-73-103 ❄ Weight per ski: 2050g @ 167

ONE T WATC O H

The WS in the riptastic new RC One 73 WS is Fischer’s way of saying “ladies, this kickass ski is now available in a colour that may appeal!”

Basically, Fischer’s whole line-up is now ‘genderless’, so instead of producing separate skis for different genders, they’re making one ski available in two colours. Last year’s RC One 73 picked up our Men’s Piste Ski of the Year award for its rapid, reactive, smooth and confidenceinspiring performance on the groomers, so we’re delighted to see it return with a new subtle yet stylish navy/turquoise coat for us lassies.

Covid-19 sadly denied our female testers the opportunity to climb aboard the new WS model last winter, but if we Fall-Line ladies end up loving this triple-radius, sprightly, oh-so-turny ski anything like as much as our test brethren, it’s bound to be a primo piste pick for us this winter. Also in RC One Lite 73 WS (1450g @ 155). fischersports.com www.fall-line.co.uk 37

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S PISTE SKIS Dynastar Intense 10 £435 including bindings ❄L engths: 146, 153, 160, 167 ❄ Radius: 13m @ 160 ❄D imensions: 120-73-104 ❄W eight per ski: 1700g @ 160

Rossignol Nova 10 Ti £535 including bindings ❄ Lengths: 153, 160, 167 ❄ Radius: 13m @ 160 ❄ Dimensions: 123-74-109 ❄W eight per ski: 1650g @ 160 w/o bindings

This is a super-responsive, cracking-value ski that will work with you as you progress. Back with a cosmetic upgrade for winter 2021, the lightweight Active Air Core construction and slalom-style sidecut makes the Intense 10 mega nimble and easy to turn so it’s an ideal choice for intermediate skiers looking for a confidenceinspiring progressive ride.

Amy was impressed by the all-round performance in a variety of conditions: “It held an edge really well when I ramped up the speed on a firm, steep piste; the 12m radius had me pinging from turn to turn, and it blasted through bumpy conditions with ease.” dynastar.com

Rossignol’s Nova 10 Ti version won our 2020 Piste Ski of the Year award, standing out as a ski that gives back whatever degree of effort you put in, making it the ideal ski for pushing progression on-piste.

The combination of a light wood core wrapped in a titanal topsheet makes for a fun yet powerful ski.

“Smooth and manoeuvrable, it worked with me as I stretched the performance from slow, short, skiddy turns all the way through to high-speed GS-style carves,” said Amy. The Nova 10 Ti handles well in variable terrain, with the stiff titanal strip along the nose, aided by a rockered tip, cutting through choppy terrain like a swordfish with a plane to catch, offering a damp and stable ride. All this for £30 less than last year? Super Nova-tastic… rossignol.com

Salomon S/Force Fever £530 including bindings

Salomon S/Max W Blast £650 including bindings

❄ Lengths: 142, 149, 156, 163, 170 ❄ Radius: 13m @ 156 ❄D imensions: 126-80-109 ❄ Weight per ski: 1925g

❄L engths: 148, 155, 162, 169 ❄ Radius: 14m @ 162 ❄ Dimensions: 120-72-105 ❄ Weight per ski: 1650g

Brand new, this is the widest ski we’ve chosen in this category: a ‘piste plus’ ski with a similar construction to last year’s men’s AM category winner – the truly epic S/Force Bold.

Ideal for advanced skiers looking for a precise ski without that full-on race feel, the versatile S/Force Fever will have you hollering with delight as it rips around the resort.

Top tech includes Salomon’s vibration-absorbing Crossover Tip Technology, a lively and responsive poplar wood core, and a bit of tip rocker.

Testers reported that it skied a bit like a ‘man’s ski’, so make sure you’re engaged and in charge then let ’er fly. salomon.com 38 www.fall-line.co.uk

Now lighter and more efficient, the new S/Max W Blast is still Salomon’s top-end women’s piste ski.

It may be a little less ‘chargey’, but it remains a stable yet responsive ski built for blasting around the mountain. The beefed-up sidewalls transmit power directly to the ski edge, providing excellent grip from tip to tail so you can carve those arcs from first lift to après.

It may not be the ‘funnest’ ski in this category, but if you’re looking for a piste partner to push your personal limits, the S/Max W Blast offers a precise, progressive and confidence-inspiring ride. salomon.com

Smooth and manoeuvrable, Rossignol’s Nova 10 Ti worked with me as I stretched the performance from slow, short, skiddy turns through to highspeed carves Amy Marwick Völkl Flair 76 Elite £450 including bindings ❄ Lengths: 147, 154, 161 ❄ Radius: 14.2m @ 161 ❄ Dimensions: 124-76-105 ❄W eight per ski: 1750g @ 161 With no carbon or metal in the construction, the relatively lightweight dual wood core Flair 76 Elite may go straight into the ‘intermediate’ category when it comes to categorising skis, but when it actually comes to the serious business of smashing down groomers, it’s capable of seriously high-end fun. Playful and responsive, it’s a good everyday resort ski that’s easy to throw into the turn, holds an edge well and is super happy cruising the blues and reds and helping you push your piste game on the blacks. Superhigh-end aggressive skiers are likely to want to get on board a more race-oriented ski, but if you’re happy cruising blue and reds and pushing your level onto black runs, this will facilitate and flatter. Great value, too. volkl.com

M-LINE FREE RANGE Dynastar continues to make freeride a part of its history: a legend that this winter is developing into M-Pro‌ making it even better. Freeride adventurers will have new weapons on their feet, with an instinct sure to turn heads on the powder. Incisive, fast and powerful, the M-Pro range will withstand high-speed curves and committed landings on any kind of snow‌

DISCOVER THE RANGE ON : www.skibartlett.com www.ldmountaincentre.com www.skiexchange.co.uk www.glideslide.co.uk www.skishops.co.uk www.fluid-lines.co.uk www.absolute-snow.co.uk www.craigdon-edinburgh.com www.snowsun.com www.backcountryuk.com www.theskierslounge.co.uk www.braemarmountainsports.com www.snowlab.co.uk

2 0 2 1

ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS Our pukka picks will let you charge from piste to pow with grins aplenty

Black Crows Justis

BUYER’S

BETA

£675

DICKIE FINCHER’S GUIDE TO PISTE SKIS How much of the mountain? ALL OF IT! That’s the promise in the name, but how realistic is it when translated to, say, the halfpipe. Or a 50° couloir?

Let’s cut out a few bits and say we’re going to ski mainly frontside, and maybe use the pistes quite a lot.

We could even say that our skiing will be almost exclusively lift-accessed, and the off-piste expeditions will be in sight of the resort. In the US, this would be called ‘inbounds’. So we don’t need to worry too much about weight, and we do need solid hardpack performance, but with the ability to work powder and chopped up debris left by those pesky Swedes who got up earlier than us.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ There are essentially two ways to go with an all-mountain ski. You either pick a piste model with a wider footprint, or a narrow version of a freeride ski. The former will have an integrated binding, 75-85mm width, midrange turn radius of 15m+ and probably at least one metal layer for damping and powerful piste performance. The latter could well be a flat-top ski allowing you to pick a binding, might lack a metal layer, and would tend towards a longer turn radius. ❄ A decent AM ski could easily be the one pair you need wherever you go (couloirs and parks depending, see below). To get this level of flexibility you’ll want to know if you’re permanently seeking soft snow off the sides, or mainly hammering the piste. For the former it’s worth looking above 85mm to get some float, adding rocker and soft tips to help if you lack experience in the pow. This set-up is mostly likely to be a flat-top. We’d steer clear of adding a boot with a walk mode to a ski like this. AM skis generally need a stiffer piste boot to power them up properly and there are dozens of more focused and lighter choices. ❄ System skis with integrated bindings tend to have a pistier look and construction, which should deliver decent carving performance.

They’re fun to set up for a chop-smashing run, too, staying centred and using the power in the tails to pivot around like a wannabe mogulist. ❄ Twin tip park skis – we recommend looking at these for AM duties: their pop makes them fun in most conditions and they’re wide enough with flexible noses, making soft snow a cinch.

40 www.fall-line.co.uk

❄ Lengths: 171.3, 177.4, 183.1, 189.3 ❄ Radius: 21m @ 183.1 ❄ Dimensions: 138-100-123 ❄ Weight per ski: 2150g @ 183.1

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Black Crows deliver an increasingly varied set of models, but they were first known for their punchy, powerful skis designed to lay big lines on big hills.

The Justis does indeed do justice to their heritage, with a double layer of metal controlling the grunt, a light sidecut offering directional stability, a smidge of rocker and plenty of camber to generate the power.

This is among the chargiest of our collection, out-beefing even the Salomon Stance with its need for speed to make the most of the mountain. It’s a wide, super-stable place from whence to aim your thousand yard stare and plunge into the fall-line.

“A very pukka all-mountain ski with a touch of pizzaz from Black Crows,” noted Dickie.

“Punchy, fierce in the turn and plenty of drive makes for an advanced skier’s ride and it simply spat out the Scottish chop. It needs legwork to change line and you find yourself reading the terrain to play off it, pivoting off terrain features before charging slightly too fast into the next turn. Yet it still skids and drifts out, so isn’t as deliberately punishing as a long-turn piste ski.”

Lee was equally taken: “Want to stand out from the crowd? The tail shape on the Justis and its H-shaped titanal frame on the top deck make for an interesting look and gives solid performance through the entire ski, but allows a little bit of forgiveness and damping in the shovel and tail. The Justis blasted through the mixed snow at the ’Shee making mincemeat of the terrain; great fun in the mixed powder stashes and ice fields… A great all-terrain ski up there with other belters like the Enforcer 104.” black-crows.com

A very pukka all-mountain ski with a touch of pizzaz…

Punchy, fierce in the turn and plenty of drive makes for an advanced skier’s ride Dickie Fincher

MEN’S ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS

Blizzard Brahma 88

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

£540

❄ Lengths: 165, 171, 177, 183, 189 ❄ Radius: 16m @ 177 ❄ Dimensions: 128-88-110 @ 177 ❄ Weight per ski: 2100g @ 177 The Brahma has been a benchmark mid-width ski for a while, with the proviso that you needed to give it a bit of a prod to make it turn. Blizzard acknowledged this by making the same ski with no metal – the Bushwacker. Now, there’s a revised core with a softened and lightened tip and tail,

a sharper sidecut for faster turning and reduced rocker allowing more good ‘ol poppy camber.

It really has turned a very punchy, not-so-turny blaster into a far more useable hooner with a chunk of added playfulness. Lee sees the revised Brahma appealing to a whole new group of skiers: “A great ski for the advancing intermediate looking for a versatile all-mountain ski to carve the piste, but who wants to venture off-piste. You can tell it’s denser underfoot and filters out at tip and tail. This lets it track really well and gives smooth,

Head Kore 87

Line Blade

❄ Lengths: 153, 162, 171, 180, 189 ❄ Radius: 16m @ 180 ❄ Dimensions: 130-87-110 @ 180 ❄ Weight per ski: N/A

❄ Lengths: 169, 176, 181 ❄ Radius: ‘Tight’ ❄ Dimensions: 154-95-124 ❄ Weight per ski: 2050g @ 176

The Kore series from Head have really hit the mark over the past two seasons. Every model so far has been biased towards freeride, but dropping to sub-90mm underfoot makes the new version a proper AM contender.

As you’d expect, dropping a few millimetres off the waist makes the ski considerably nimbler, and the Kores already feel like they’re made of air. What we needed to check was if grip had been altered from the bigger models’ robust performance…

Lee has this to say: “Fantastic fun! For the changeable conditions on the Thursday at Glenshee it excelled. It is solid underfoot. Easy to turn yet amazingly light and grippy.” There we go – plenty of grip. Dickie was less technical: “Light, lively and fun. This is a chuckabout ski for behaving badly aboard.”

Back to Lee for some actual information: “The Karuba lightweight wood core and graphene in the tip and tail further reduces weight throughout the ski. There’s a damping shockabsorber honeycomb layer for control, so there’s no metal (apart from the edges).

“I found this a fantastically balanced yet playful and poppy ski that oozed confidence all over the mountain. Definitely a firm favourite in the mixed conditions and a great option for any advancing skier looking for their first allmountain freeride ski.” head.com

Here’s something sort of new. Line claim the Blade is their piste ski, but we figure that’s because it isn’t park or freeride-oriented and where else is there to ski? With a 95mm platform underfoot and the fun-loving flex of a powder ski, it’s not like any pure piste machine we know. It is striking, interesting and reminds us very slightly of Salomon’s left-field BBR – all nose and skinny tail. But it’s more interesting, simply because the construction involves a radically cut titanal layer with directional arrows sliced from the sheet, a vast nose, swallowtail and multi-radius sidecut. It also feels flexier along its length compared with everything else here bar the Head Kore, but torsionally pretty stiff given the width.

Hardpack proves it’s no trad piste ski, but it does crank a mean turn and get very whippy when you throw yourself about – the Blade loves being played with and responds to an energetic input, certainly from a heavier skier. Lighter riders had a different experience; they reckoned the Blade simply needed to be thrown into a turn for sharp razor-esque edge engagement.

“I followed Amy on a pair of the Blade Ws and she was pretty well flat across the snow through the turns,” Dickie revealed. “It’s a bonkers carving device, though it liked a bit of bite to the surface to generate full grip – very hard snow got a bit skittery,” he reckoned. When it did go, the ski released very predictably and tail first. lineskis.com

£665 including bindings

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

easy turn initiation with a relaxed tail shape that will smoothly let go at the end of a turn.”

Dickie is a paid-up convert to the sub-90mmunderfoot club: “It’s the perfect width to do everything. The new core and a little less rocker in the nose has given a very stable, powerful AM ski a new spring in its step. It pops around where before it had to be worked harder, and has a sense of fun rather than the deep, serious engagement you needed before.” blizzard-tecnica.com

£600

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

www.fall-line.co.uk 41

2 0 2 1

MEN’S ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS

Salomon Stance 96

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

£580

❄ Lengths: 168, 176, 182, 188 ❄ Radius 20m @ 182 ❄ Dimensions: 132-96-114 ❄ Weight per ski: 1940g @ all lengths The new Stance series fills the missing ‘punchy all-mountain/freeride’ gap in Salomon’s line-up, and is super effective on hardpack even in this relatively girthy 96mm model.

A full sandwich construction ski with two layers of metal and poplar wood core; all trimmed

and spliced to keep weight out of the ends.

It actually feels heavier than the quoted weight, but then it was universally identified as being very planted so maybe it was the locked-in connection to the snow we were associating with mass.

Once sliding, you’re in no doubt as to the ski’s ability to handle any terrain. The 96mm width gives it a natural stability, and the damp, controlled feeling hides the speed right to the point where you start to question a few key elements of the

Völkl Deacon V.Werks

Armada Declivity 92 Ti £540

£1100 including bindings

❄ Lengths: 162, 167, 172, 177, 182 ❄ Radius: 15m @ 177 ❄ Dimensions: 132-84-115 ❄ Weight per ski: 1827g @ 177 w/o bindings EDITO CHOICRS’ E

42 www.fall-line.co.uk

Völkl have taken their incredible Deacon 84, added lightness, responsiveness and directional carbon lay-ups, and also removed any change from a fruity £1100. The result is one of the most effortless ways to tit around on skis we’ve seen.

Chopped snow is scampered through with tiny tweaks and you find yourself changing direction in every possible way. All turn types are available, which was one of the biggest surprises: this is a true frontside slayer. The spec should be explored as you want to know what’s costing the cash. Lee is your man for this: “It’s a Deacon 84 on acid!

“There’s a titanal frame with a triple radius sidecut, plus tailored carbon placement, so the stiffness changes depending on how the carbon is laid up. So it’s ever so slightly softer and then progressively stiffens into the shovel as you drive further Into the ski. The effect is a smooth initial start to the turn but then the grip turns up to max!

The fibres that run aft are splayed to give drive and energy through the tail of the ski to help drive the finish of your turn. It’s mucho fun.”

The core is poplar and beech, and each ski is 300g lighter than a standard Deacon. Strength is still built in – there’s a full carbon plate under the binding, and a race standard base, obvs. This thing is bonkers, but then it should be at £1100.

A touch too spendy? The straight up Deacon 84 and 80 will similarly impress for less. volkl.com

run. Like do you really want to turn in chopped snow at this speed? Answer: possibly not, but get centered, activate the brave button and feel the Stance soak it up.

Dickie was slightly wide-eyed: “Epic stability – the charger’s charger. Fantastic grip and power.

Needs driving to turn at low speed so you do need to keep the power on. As you ease out of the turn the Stance will simply fly; it’s one of the most planted, controlled skis around.” salomon.com

❄ Lengths: 164, 172, 180, 188 ❄ Radius: 17.5m @ 180 ❄ Dimensions: 132-92-118 ❄ Weight per ski: 1825g @ 180

ONE T WATC O H

Armada’s Declivity replaces the fine Invictus series with a different construction though similar attitude – all-mountain adaptability. We haven’t skied it yet, but have pulled the Declivity out because of its interesting metal-augmented construction in a relatively lightweight package.

Like a lot of the more interesting skis, Armada is tweaking how titanal is used rather than as an old-school straight plate. The result is ‘articulated titanal banding’ – and no, we don’t think it’s contagious as long as you wear a mask...

Basically, it looks like a regular sheet of metal taking up most of the topsheet area, with a load of longitudinal slots cut into it, with more in the tip and tail. The slots are filled with a flexible damping material. It’s all laid over a caruba wood core, with a mid-length nose rocker extending up into the deep, wide nose. The shape should give a lot of float with a shortish running length on edge, so that 17.5m turn radius might well feel tighter.

Together with the construction, the shape and weight look nimble and useful, and we really liked Armada’s previous take on All-Mountain - the Invictus - which never got the traction it deserved in the UK. So, given the weirdness of delivering an assessment of a ski we haven’t tested, take this as a ‘worth a look’ plug for an interesting ski. armadaskis.com

Atomic Vantage 86 Ti £660 inc bindings

K2 Mindbender 90 C £435

Nordica Enforcer 88 £550

❄ Lengths: 165, 173, 181 ❄ Radius: 18.2m @ 173 ❄D imensions: 123-86-106.5 ❄W eight per ski: 3100g @ 173

❄ Lengths: 156, 163, 170, 177 ❄ Radius: 17.5m @ 177 ❄ Dimensions: 127-90-113 ❄ Weight per ski: 1721g @ 177

❄ Lengths: 165, 172, 179, 186 ❄ Radius: 16.5m @ 179 ❄ Dimensions: 121.5-88-109.5 ❄ Weight per ski: 2015g @ 179

Climb aboard K2’s easiest and most fun Mindbender 90 for a tenner less this winter and let the good times rip! Lively and engaging both on and off the piste, the Mindbender 90 C scores strongly across the board, exudes confidence and offers a buttery smooth yet stable, sure-footed and super-versatile ride. The 90 Ti might have all the metal but the 90 C’s carbon weave ‘Spectral Braid’ makes for a poppy, rebounding lightweight ski that keeps scoring 10s on our testers’ fun-ometers.

Hammer away until your knees buckle thanks to a turning ability that will crank tighter than the quoted radius. Then ease off, release the tails and admire the funky new blue and red topsheet.

Playful, grippy and driftable, this is a ski that’s justifiably confident in its ability to entertain. k2snow.com

One of the most tested and highly rated skis last season, this returns with the same wide appeal, innovative design and brilliant skiability. Predictable, smooth and grippy underfoot, it really does the all-mountain job exceptionally well.

The lightweight wood core and carbon-reinforced chassis inject the lightness and nimbleness that make it so accessible with excellent vibration-damping properties ensuring you’ll still be able to power down and lay out the smoothest of smile-inducing carves. If you are an aspiring intermediate/advancing on-piste charger looking for an all-mountain weapon that can still pop off for a spot of sidecountry, this is a fun, solid and powerful performer.

And if you need it punchier, simply scale up to the new Enforcer 94 – a 2021 Editors’ Choice freeride pick. nordica.com

Back with a new translucent topsheet, this super-lively member of Atomic’s Vantage family has serious AM game.

Titanium tank mesh provides the kind of grunt on the groomers that rewards power and solid technique, winning the 86 Ti many fans among the more pistey-oriented at this year’s Ski Test. Combine this stiffness and power with Atomic’s Prolite construction and Energy Backbone stabilisers and you’re looking at a solid yet dynamic and responsive ski. Nip off the side for an off-piste amuse bouche, and the All-Mountain (AMT) Rocker helps maintain your pace in the soft stuff. “All the fun of the fair with almost piste-ski flick-flackability,” says Dickie. atomic.com

Salomon S/Force Bold £820 inc bindings

Scott Slight 93 £700 inc bindings

Völkl Kendo 88 £575

❄ Lengths: 170, 177, 184 ❄ Radius: 16m @ 177 ❄ Dimensions: 132-84-116 ❄ Weight per ski: 2405g

❄ Lengths: 170, 175, 180, 185 ❄ Radius: 17m @ 180 ❄ Dimensions: 138-95-126 ❄W eight per ski: 2630g @ 180

❄ Lengths: 163, 170, 177, 184 ❄ Radius: 17m @ 177 ❄ Dimensions: 129-88-111 ❄ Weight per ski: 1940g @ 177

Last year’s All-Mountain conquerer, the S/Force Bold is back with the same beefy brilliance. Salomon officially categorise it as a ‘piste plus’ ski, but we’re still sneaking it into our AM line-up because of its all-round frontside flair.

“This ski is so smooth and glidey, it feels like operating a mechanically immaculate device,” Dickie raved.

“On-piste, the power comes on demand. Grip follows beautifully and confidence abounds. Head off the side and the 84mm waist handles it all admirably and the feedback is terrific.”

The primo price tag may be a touch gulptastic but you’ll reap the rewards aboard this quite brilliant all-mountain ride. salomon.com

Light, super playful and with remarkable grip, the Scott Slight 93 returns this winter with a new topsheet more fitting of this standout ski.

Bright, alert and classy, Scott describe the Slight 93 as a ‘crossover ski’ with plenty of shape to create hard carves, fantastic response the moment you apply pressure and a truly broad performance envelope.

The torsional stiffness from Scott’s construction means despite minimalist weight there’s impressive aggressive edge hold on hardpack.

Oh, and it really does rip powder. If you’re looking for an all-mountain rig with floaty freeride vibes, the Slight 93 is fun, capable and quite literally up for anything. scott-sports.com

Last year’s Overall Men’s Ski of the Year, the Kendo 88 is still a versatile genius capable of delivering all over the mountain.

A cleverly designed lean machine, the combination of super-gentle rocker with multi-radius sidecut, metal subtraction and carbon-fibre is a recipe that really works. The grip is up to the usual Völkl ‘hang on until your femurs compress’ levels if you keep the pressure on, and at that point you’ll be putting the 17m turn radius into play. Ease back and the nose and tail will naturally pick a softer turn shape.

Vigorous to aggressive reactions on-piste are backed up by nimble performance in the soft stuff courtesy of its confidenceinspiring skiability and long nose-rocker. Still a truly delicious all-round, super-charged, ski-anywhere winner. volkl.com www.fall-line.co.uk 43

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS

The Wildcat series is designed to bridge your progression from piste performer to all-mountain ripper

Elan Wildcat 86 CX Powershift

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

£640 including bindings ❄ Lengths: 152, 158, 164, 170 ❄ Radius: 14.7m @ 164 ❄ Dimensions: 127-86-113 ❄ Weight per ski: N/A

The brand new Wildcat series from Elan is the women’s equivalent of last year’s Elan Amphibio range – a collection designed to bridge your progression from piste performer to all-mountain ripper. If you feel most comfortable on the piste but are committed to expanding your mountain 44 www.fall-line.co.uk

environment, the Wildcat 86 CX Powershift will help you do just that. There’s a range of less stiff, slightly narrower Wildcats to suit different ability levels, but we loved the 86 CX Powershift for its ability to hold up under the control of a strong skier. It rides like a carver, stiff and grippy, but is a little more forgiving than a straight-up piste ski, and comes with a wide shovel at the front for chewing up any deeper snow. With 86mm underfoot to play with it copes well in different snow, inspiring confidence.

Smooth yet aggressive on the varied snow we

experienced at this year’s Scottish Ski Test, the Wildcat 86 CX Powershift was easy to work. Built with Elan’s Amphibio Truline Technology, it’s reinforced on the inside (so there’s a left and right ski), which allows for added pressure on the inside edge of the outside ski as you carve through the turn. The outside ski is where you want to stay balanced through a turn for high-performance skiing. The outside edges also have a slight rocker, which allows for easy turn initiation and better flotation through deeper snow. elanskis.com

Head Kore 87

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

£665 including bindings ❄ Lengths: 153, 162, 171 ❄ Radius: 14.3m @ 171 ❄ Dimensions: 127-85-107 @ 171 ❄ Weight per ski: N/A

Sitting at the freeride end of the all-mountain scale is the truly epic new Kore 87 from Head.

Having given last year’s Kore 93 our Women’s Freeride Ski of the Year award, we were super excited to see what her skinnier sibling could do.

With its reduced waist size and feathery weight,

you might mistake this ski for an entry-level freeride rig, but the Kore 87 retains a supercharged energy that requires a rider to drive through the turn and offers stokelacious rewards to those that do.

Cover the whole mountain, pop off drops, slice up the piste, truck through the crud, or slap a touring binding on her and head off into the backcountry – the Kore 87 comes screaming into this year’s all-mountain line-up with so much versatility it’s impossible to ignore.

The key to it all lies in the construction. Behind the subtle, simple and low-profile style lies a heap of clever tech that combines ultra-light yet strong graphene, with a honeycomb of flexy koroyd and a springy caruba wood core.

Amy was genuinely impressed: “the Kore 87 is the real all-mountain deal. An incredibly versatile and exciting ride, it’s ideal for skiers looking to invest in a rig that will help facilitate their freeride ambitions, while still maintaining a strong performance on the piste”. head.com

Salomon Stance 88

Völkl Yumi 84

❄ Lengths: 154, 161, 168, 174 ❄ Radius: 17m @ 161 ❄ Dimensions: 120-88-102 ❄ Weight per ski: 1520g

❄ Lengths: 147, 154, 161, 168 ❄ Radius: 14m @ 161 ❄ Dimensions: 125-84-107 ❄ Weight per ski: 1408g @ 161

Built for skiers looking to carve the hardpack, dance in the moguls, float in the fluff and groove around the groomers, Salomon’s much-anticipated new Stance series created a serious all-mountain buzz at this year’s Ski Test.

The narrower of the two women’s offerings this year, the Stance 88 offers the perfect blend of racestyle edge grip and power-building piste performance combined with the nimbleness and float of a freeride ski.

A great all-mountain choice for intermediate to advanced skiers who favour a traditional-shaped ski but are keen freshen up their style, the Stance 88 made a big impression on our female testers in Scotland last winter.

Scoring well across all categories, it varied shapes easily and the all-terrain rocker coped well with both chunky snow and boot-top fresh. Light, damp and rapid, the combination of the caruba/poplar wood core, dual titanal plates and progressive sidecut give the ski a lively, adaptable yet confidence-inspiring character.

“Hard charging, leaping and diving with the flexiest of fun times,” said Amy. “The Stance 88 is ideal for those seeking confidence in deeper or variable snow, yet still want a ski that will can rip up the piste”.

If you’re looking for something a little further down the freeride end of the spectrum, the wider Stance 94 comes with a more planted and powerful feel, but if you like starting your runs with clean carves, boosting off ridge lines, slithering neatly through the bumps before finishing by cutting through the deeper crud with ease, the Stance 88 could well be the ski for you. salomon.com

The new Yumi 84 brings the freeride feels of Volkl’s popular Kenja and Secret skis into the all-mountain category with a more accessible and versatile construction.

New for this winter is the addition of glass layers that wrap around the titanal binding platform designed to add stability and drive to the Yumi without adding a whole heap of excess weight.

Designed to mimic the Titanal Frame in Völkl’s top-end freeride models, the glass frame construction should make this already lively ski even more responsive and easier to ski, and we’re super excited to take it for a spin when the lifts start turning.

When it’s time to dive off the side, the Yumi 84’s tip and tail rocker will provide float in the fresh and the 3D radius sidecut means that at slower speeds you will be able to employ a slalom-sized turn easily.

But if the speeds get racy you can expect the Yumi 84 to switch into GS mode, and do all the hard work for you.

The perfect partner to progress your all-mountain game, the new Yumi 84 is ideal for aspiring freeriders who are not yet ready make a permanent departure from the frontside. volkl.com

PHOTO KLEMEN RAZINGER

£520

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

£525

ONE T WATC O H

www.fall-line.co.uk 45

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS Atomic Vantage 90 Ti £630 including bindings

Black Crows Orb Birdie £600

❄ Lengths: 153, 161, 169 ❄ Radius: 16.5m @ 161 ❄ Dimensions: 124.5-90-111 ❄ Weight per ski: 1600g @ 161

❄ Lengths: 159.1, 164.4, 169.2 ❄ Radius: 19m @ 164.4 ❄ Dimensions: 124-88-108 ❄ Weight per ski: 1550g @ 164.4

The 90 Ti returns this winter with a new construction designed to make it lighter, more robust and more fun than ever. It still skis like an Atomic race ski - quick edge to edge, with an aggressive sidecut and robust edge hold in a carve - yet it manages to cross over into all-mountain mode without bucking you out of the driver’s seat.

Equally reliable on ice and crud as it is through slush and softer snow, testers were impressed by the new Vantage 90 Ti’s ability to adapt to conditions, managing to ski smoothly without becoming twitchy when asked to slow down the speed.

Amy reckons this winter’s Vantage 90 Ti is more agile, easier to ski and a whole lot more fun: “A real do-everything ski, the 90 Ti will suit advanced to expert resort aficionados looking for a lively ski that charges hard in all conditions – a guaranteed grin-maker!” atomic.com

Back again this winter, the slimline Orb Birdie may be pitched at female ‘piste’ skiers, but we’re still sticking it in our all-mountain category as we found this ski executed tidy, agile turns in all conditions. The Orb Birdie has a pretty substantial 19m radius in the 164.4cm length, meaning tester Amy felt right at home making wide swooping GS-style turns all over the mountain.

“This ski did everything I asked it to and it did it all with minimal effort,” said Amy. “It may be overpowered by an aggressive skier looking for a more traditional racey ski, but for intermediate, aspirational females looking to expand their horizons and explore beyond the piste, the Orb Birdie is an excellent crossover choice.” black-crows.com

This did everything I asked it to, with minimum effort Amy Marwick

K2 Mindbender 88 Ti Alliance £525

Nordica Santa Ana 88 £500

❄ Lengths: 149, 156, 163, 170 ❄ Radius: 14.7m @ 163 ❄ Dimensions 125-88-112 ❄ Weight per ski: 1570g @ 163

❄ Lengths: 151, 158, 165, 172 ❄ Radius: 15m @ 165 ❄ Dimensions: 119-88-107 ❄ Weight per ski: 1715g @ 165

Last year’s Overall Ski of the Year is back with a wicked new graphic but the same creatively crafted, grin-inducing, high-performance freeride feel with all-mountain versatility.

Great looking and laden with personality, the 88 Ti brings K2’s freestyle heritage into the present, popping, dropping and exploding all over the mountain. Precise yet playful, K2’s Titanal Beam Technology (Ti) provides accuracy, control, power and stability, enabling you to switch from edge to edge with ease and hold firm when powering through turns. “This ski breeds burning legs, high fives and smiles sailing from piste to sidecountry with reliable edge grip and spring underfoot,” says Amy. k2snow.com

Last year’s All-Mountain Ski of the Year, the Santa Ana 88 remains a frontside-oriented winter weapon that’s strong, light and super playful. Adaptable and relatively stiff for such a lightweight construction, it’s excellent if you’re looking for a quiver-of-one to ride on-piste, off-piste and everywhere in between. Playful yet still able to pack a powerful punch on demand, it carves fast and hard on the groomers when driven with Amy Marwick-style levels of commitment. Put simply it likes to get on an edge and offer a focused and reliable ride thanks to the two layers of metal reinforced with carbon stringers in the fulllength chassis, which keep any crud-shaped distractions at bay. And if you’re harbouring any backcountry aspirations, then we see no reason why you wouldn’t be able to slap a tech touring binding on ‘em and head off on a short day tour.

Versatile, nimble and manoeuvrable it’s a confidence-inspiring ski that harnesses freeride power to a slender frame and delivers fun all over the mountain. nordica.com

This ski breeds burning legs, high fives and smiles Amy Marwick 46 www.fall-line.co.uk

Blizzard Black Pearl 88 £490

Dynastar Intense 4X4 82 Xpress £495 including bindings

❄ Lengths: 147, 153, 159, 165, 171, 177 ❄ Radius: 14m @ 165 ❄ Dimensions: 128-88-110 mm @ 165 ❄ Weight per ski: 1740g @ 165

❄ Lengths: 156, 164, 171 ❄ Radius: 13m @ 164 ❄ Dimensions: 130-82-110 ❄ Weight per ski: 1850g @ 164

The all-conquering, all-mountain dominator returns this winter with a new Trueblend wood core designed to make the ski stiffer underfoot and softer at the ends, and a subtle tweak to the shape and rocker profile.

The hugely popular Black Pearl has always been one of the best all-mountain skis around and these revisions just make everything even more whoop-tastic.

Lightweight, stable, with a smooth flex and torsional rigidity, it still comes with Blizzard’s women’s-specific Carbon Flipcore WSD high-performance construction that helps you spring through the turns with strength at high speeds. A real confidence inspirer, the Black Pearl responds to its rider, giving back what you put in, making it suitable for all levels of skier. Get this ski if you want agility in the powder, speed on hardpack and reliability on variable terrain. Also in 78, 82 and our 2021 Freeride Editors’ Choice – the Black Pearl 97. blizzard-tecnica.com

Adaptable and agile, responsive and stable at all speeds, last year’s Editors’ Pick returns to deliver another superbly strong performance both onand off-piste. At 82 underfoot, the Intense 4x4 82 Xpress is closer to a piste ski than some of the others in this category, so is best suited to skiers who enjoy ripping the resort but may have their eyes occasionally on an all-mountain prize.

A super-turnable, great-value ski, the 4x4 82 Xpress transitions from smooth groomers to cruddy sidecountry effortlessly, with the hybrid paulownia wood core showing off excellent dampening qualities at high speeds.

Tester Amy felt it was: “Equally happy making short sharp turns and nipping through bumps as it was swooping through long arcs.” dynastar.com

Scott Slight 93 W £680 including bindings

Zag H-86 Lady £520

❄ Lengths: 155, 160, 165 ❄ Radius: 13m @ 160 ❄ Dimensions: 130-87-118 ❄ Weight per ski: 2470g with bindings @ 160

❄ Lengths: 155, 162, 170 ❄ Radius: 15m @ 162 ❄ Dimensions: 126-85-109 ❄ Weight per ski: 1560g @ 162

The Slight 93 W is a wicked all-mountain ski that returns this winter with a classy new topsheet more befitting of its high-end DNA. The combination of its lightweight feel and capability to hold up on hard, icy early-morning pistes with zero chatter to be heard, even when travelling at high speeds, continues to impress.

Built with a carbon/aramide elliptic construction, the Slight 93 W has incredible dampening properties and super-stable rigidity. Despite this, it still delivers a super-fun and springy performance when playtime is the order of the day – a massive all-mountain win. Also in 83 W. scott-sports.com

Zag’s super-clean-looking H-86 Lady is the Chamonix brand’s high-performance, all-mountain ski for resort rippin’ and sidecountry slashin’. Light and manoeuvrable, the H-86 Lady’s short turn radius, versatile 85mm waist and broad tip all combine to offer serious all-mountain adaptability that will see you charging from piste to pow with smiles aplenty. The poplar wood core keeps the ski light, bouncy and playful and the multi-axial glass fibre layers deliver power and rigidity for more stability and performance when needed. Eyes more fixed on the freeride prize?

Then simply size up to the H-96 Lady. zagskis.com

It delivers a super-fun and springy performance when playtime is the order of the day

This is a super-turnable, great-value ski

This ski will see you charging from piste to pow with smiles aplenty www.fall-line.co.uk 47

2 0 2 1

FREESTYLE SKIS

Super fun to ski all over the mountain, if you want more air this winter these are for you

Faction CT 1.0

BUYER’S

BETA

£499

CHRIGL LUTHY’S GUIDE TO FREESTYLE SKIS

❄ Lengths: 158, 165, 172, 178, 183 ❄ Radius: 18m @ 178 ❄ Dimensions: 122-92-120 ❄ Weight per ski: 2150g @ 178

If I had a penny for every time I wanted to use ‘pop’ in this paragraph describing freestyle skis… But that’s what they’re for, getting airborne!

Their no-nonsense, wood core feel and energetic character mean they excel at zipping about, skiing bumps, carving and then popping out of the turn for the edge change, bashing crud, even little steep sections where their low swing weight helps manoeuvrability. And these days, the combination of their rocker profiles and waist widths even allow for some exploration in deeper snow. As for freestyle itself, the term has many sub-headings, such a pipe, slopestyle and urban, and while it’s true freestyle is more a question of how you express yourself rather than what ski you’re on, there are specialist design elements in each category.

Waist widths rarely dip below 80mm, and if they do it is likely you’re looking at something designed for edge grip in a halfpipe. Generally speaking, the fatter you go, the softer the skis and the more rocker will be built in. Butter zones allow riders to butter off lips and rolls for extra steeze points.

Extra width underfoot, 90mm and above, means a bigger landing platform; the sacrifice will naturally be the extra weight and a less-nimble feel.

All freestyle skis aim to reduce overall weight, but also swing weight in the tips and tails. Some will include a healthy dose of early taper to reduce this weight, but be aware some of these models are quite specific in their applications.

A burning question for all freestylers is price, and equal to that is the question of durability.

They need to be built well and will eventually need replacing. Make no mistake, as is true with most things in life, the lighter the ski, the less it will last.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Is the more expensive option always better? They may need replacing if you twang them on a rock, so have confidence that these days some of the cheaper options are super capable. ❄ One-ski quiver? If you choose a more versatile width, between 90-100mm, you might find they become the only ski you ever use. ❄ Bindings with high DIN ranges are heavier and pricier, but may last longer. Figure out your favourite DIN range and allow for a range a couple numbers higher and that should be adequate. ❄ Softer skis equate to more fun on small features, which also means you can be more creative. Stiffer skis mean stability at higher speeds, support on bigger landings and more edge grip. ❄ Mounting. DON’T let a shop mount your skis without having a proper conversation about the mounting point first! Shops will often mount at whatever line they find first, rather than what will best suit your freestyle aspirations. Talk to friends with similar set-ups, research online, and also be realistic about your style.

48 www.fall-line.co.uk

A staple in this category for years, Candide Thovex’s Signature Series of all-mountain freestyle skis has become a legend in its own right; the Air Jordans of the ski world if you will.

The skinniest ski in the line-up, the 92mm-waisted, multi-award-winning CT 1.0 has been given a total overhaul for winter 2021 with the addition of titanal and rubber making this master of trickery even more stompable than ever before.

The new construction brings it in line with last year’s winner – the wider CT 2.0 (102mm underfoot) – presenting Candide fans with a glorious but serious dilemma when choosing their weapon for mass freestyle destruction.

Rob is a big fan of the narrower CT 1.0 as it offers: “More performance as a pure park ski than the CT 2.0, but still gives it the beans when it’s all-terrain jibbing time.

“The flex and profile make it easy enough to slash and press while offering a seemingly endless speed limit to charge inbounds, rip moguls and boost chopped-up natural features.”

If you’re looking for a playful park ski that can still hold its own when things get loose in the resort then jump aboard the new CT 1.0. It’s Candide’s park ski of choice, so who are we to argue? factionskis.com EDITO CHOICRS’ E

The flex and profile make it easy enough to slash and press, while offering a seemingly endless speed limit to charge inbounds and rip moguls Rob Kingsland

MEN’S FREESTYLE SKIS

K2 Reckoner 102 £425

❄ Lengths: 163, 170, 177, 184 ❄ Radius: 19.3m @ 184 ❄ Dimensions: 134-102-127 ❄ Weight per ski: N/A K2’s ‘directional freestyle’ Reckoner series is new for 2021, and the 102 is actually the skinniest of the bunch. If you’re looking at a season hitting up backcountry booters in Japan then you’ll want to be looking at the

112 or 122, but the 102 is definitely the most versatile ski in the line-up.

With its low swing weight, soft flex and poppy feel the Reckoner 102 is a grin-inducing accessible ski, ideal for those spring sessions when you’re playing around at slow speeds, working on your butters and looking to cruise anywhere and everywhere.

The gradual all-terrain twin rocker profile hints at this ski’s desire to find soft snow but

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Rob was impressed by how well it performed in all conditions and terrain at this year’s Ski Test: “It’s perfect for someone looking to search out takeoffs, slash windlips, rip moguls and make the mountain their playground. It has a fun and playful feel, easy to release in the turn, is quick to manoeuvre through bumps, yet has a solid flex underfoot that enables you grip and rip turns at the drop of a hat.” A freestyle force to be reckoned with… k2skis.com www.fall-line.co.uk 49

2 0 2 1

MEN’S FREESTYLE SKIS

The new Blend still does everything it has ever done – just better

Line Blend

£435

❄ Lengths: 171, 178, 185 ❄ Radius: 20m @ all lengths ❄ Dimensions: 133-100-122 ❄ Weight per ski: 1940g @ all lengths Approved by park and street ski specialist Will Wesson, the new and improved Line Blend has been redesigned to ‘bend, send and butter even 50 www.fall-line.co.uk

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

better’. With an extended sidecut for rapido turns, a wider tip and tail to press on and a blunted tip for nailing those nose blocks, the new Blend still does everything it has ever done – just better. With 100mm underfoot, there’s a solid base for sliding boxes, rails and stomping landings. Combined with the symmetrical medium flex, it keeps giving across the whole mountain.

Rob dug its versatility at this year’s Ski Test: “Outside the park the Blend excels in playful terrain when you’re hitting up natural transitions and boosting side hits. If you’re looking for a fun ski to hit the park, jib the whole mountain with the odd powder day thrown in, the new Line Blend is a pretty magic mix.” lineskis.com

Völkl Revolt 104

Armada Stranger

❄ Lengths: 172, 180, 188 ❄ Radius: 20.2m @ 180 ❄ Dimensions: 132-104-122 ❄ Weight per ski: 2000g @ 180

❄ Lengths: 172, 180 ❄ Radius: 15.8m @ 180 ❄ Dimensions: 139-100-121 ❄ Weight per ski: 2100g @ 180

Völkl’s ‘Built Together’ series (a super-sick collab of athletes, engineers and artists) welcomes a new family member this winter – the Revolt 104.

Rob’s personal ski of the year, it’s been brought in to fill a very obvious gap between the parkspecific 95 and last year’s Editors’ Fat Ski Pick, the super-floaty Revolt 121. Designed to perform in the park, on the piste and in the backcountry, it’s a one-stop charging shop for AM freestyle skiers.

A Jack of all trades and master of well… all of them really, Rob loved it: “The new Revolt 104 was instantly predictable in the way it handled turns from snaking moguls through to slashing windlips.

The sense of not noticing the ski you are on is a sure fire sign of a well-thought-out design.

Whatever kind of turns I wanted the ski delivered and did so without hesitation. And it was exactly the same situation in the air. Balanced through takeoff to landing, it just inspires the confidence you need to stick tricks on any terrain.”

Unique yet versatile, the Revolt stands out due to its innate ability to function in all terrain. If you are looking for an all-mountain jib ski that inspires confidence and helps you unlock your potential, the Revolt 104 is hands down the ski for you. volkl.com

The all-new Stranger lines up in Armada’s Zero Series this year as a real world freestyle-slash-freeride ski – a shred all day, every day, everywhere kinda rig.

“No bottomless pow, no 80-foot booters, no racing gates… just making the most of the everyday conditions at your local resort,” say Armada, which quite frankly makes a lot of sense – particularly these days.

The chat may sound convincing but it’s the tech that makes the Stranger so potentially compelling.

The tight 15.8m radius looks set to deliver the kind of snaptastic turning trickery you’d expect from an all-mountain or pistey kinda ski, yet you’ll be riding aboard a girthy freeride-esque 100mm underfoot, so it should be simple to switch into float mode when it’s time to hit the soft play area.

Mix in some key freestyle attributes, such as the straight-tapered edgeless butterzone in the tip and the rockered Springboard tail for pop-tastic wheelies, and you’re looking at a wicked hybrid ski for free spirits who refuse to be pigeon holed. Excited? We are… armadaskis.com

£450

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

£540

ONE T WATC O H

Armada Bdog Edgeless £500

Line Sir Francis Bacon £565

❄ Lengths: 164, 172, 180 ❄ Radius: 15m @ all lengths ❄ Dimensions: 121-94-116.5 ❄ Weight per ski: 1775g @ 172

❄ Lengths: 176, 184, 190 ❄ Radius: 16m @ all lengths ❄ Dimensions: 143-107-139 ❄ Weight per ski: 1850g @ all lengths

We’re stoked to see last year’s press-happy, super-light Bdog Edgeless back this year for another round of good times in the park.

Last winter saw flat spots introduced in the sidecut at the butter zones, designed to reduce hook-ups and edge-catches when buttering.

Those same flat spots continue all the way to the tip and tail, effectively giving it an aggressive taper, which make it super spinny at the tip and tail. The rest of the ski has been built for durability and pop, and the versatile 94mm waist delivers both a stable landing platform for bigger stomps and the potential for fun in variable conditions. Chrigl adds: “Despite its somewhat extreme looks, it still rails turns on-piste, so it would be wrong to dismiss the Bdog as a one-trick pony.” armadaskis.com

Light, soft, buttery, and with 107mm waist for those deep-ass days, the Line SFB is still one of our most favourite skis – ever. If you are a lighter rider and you want to perfect Nimbus Crew-esque hand drag 360s off the top of Japanese pillows and mushrooms… buy this ski. If you want to slash the slushy sidewalls of kickers in the park then jump a piste sign into mushy snow before doing switch hand drag carves down the remainder of the piste… buy this ski. If you want to invent your own tricks and evolve the sport of skiing as we know it… buy this ski. The paulownia/maple core may be too noodley for hard chargers and heavy skiers but for creative folks seeking something different that rewards ingenuity and deftness of touch, the SFB still reigns supreme. lineskis.com www.fall-line.co.uk 51

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S FREESTYLE SKIS

PHOT0 OSKAR HALL

Last year’s top freestyle pick retains its all-conquering rippin’ and flippin’ crown

Faction CT 2.0X

£549

❄ Lengths: 166, 173, 178 ❄ Radius: 16m @166 ❄ Dimensions: 131-102-127 ❄ Weight per ski: 1950g @166 Last year’s top freestyle pick retains its all-conquering rippin’ and flippin’ crown this winter thanks to a few design tweaks that keep it ahead of the chasing pack.

Designed in collaboration with the true all-terrain trickster himself, and featuring exactly the same construction as the CT 2.0, the super-popular men’s ski, the re-designed CT 2.0X 52 www.fall-line.co.uk

pops, drops and ploughs up, over and through any conditions you throw at it.

Equally at home in the park as it is slashing through soft stuff, with 102mm underfoot making it ideal for backcountry booters, the CT 2.0X embodies a genuine all-mountain freestyle identity.

New for this winter is a slightly wider tip and tail, longer radius, and a new titanal/rubber stomp pad providing increased strength where you really need it. An evolution of an already epic ski, this playful symmetrical twin turns the whole mountain into your own personal playground.

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Last year’s stylish white and pink topsheet has been replaced by a stealthy black number, but still comes with the legend himself’s signature stamped on top to help you channel your inner Candide in style.

Pricing in at the more expensive end of the freestyle ski spectrum and packed full of wellconsidered tech, we think this ski will suit an intermediate to expert skier who is serious about developing their style and getting ultra creative in the process. Also available in a wider, stiffer model – the CT 3.0X. factionskis.com

Armada ARW 86 £365

K2 Missconduct £350

❄ Lengths: 156, 163, 170 ❄ Radius: 17m @ 163 ❄ Dimensions: 114-86-108 ❄ Weight per ski: 1600g @ 163

❄ Lengths: 149, 159, 169 ❄ Radius: 17m @ 169 ❄ Dimensions: 116-88-110 ❄ Weight per ski: N/A

Looking to pop, jib and spin your way around the whole mountain? The ARW 86 is back with a super-stylin’ new topsheet for winter 2021.

A high-performance expressive freestyle ski with a lightweight, playful style, the 2.2mm impact edges and durable S7 base ensure it’s super durable when hitting up rails and the freestyle rocker and poplar ash core means it can hang on around the rest of the mountain too.

Creative, stylish and most importantly, FUN – it’s perfect for all-day park playing and all-mountain cruising. armadaskis.com

Last year’s retro top sheet may have been replaced with a more muted, subtle style but graphics aside, you’re looking at the same old kick-ass Missconduct character. Super affordable and mega popular, the Missconduct remains one of the best women’s all-mountain twins around. Grippy in the pipe, floaty over jumps and lightweight and nimble on the rails, she boosts in and out of the park with power and personality. A mega bonus of its playful, forgiving DNA is that it translates equally well into an all-mountain cruiser with enough stiffness for laying down a solid carve or cutting up the crud in the sidecountry. k2snow.com

Line Honey Bee £290

Völkl Bash 86 W £350

❄ Lengths: 144, 155, 166 ❄ Radius: 16.5m @ all lengths ❄ Dimensions: 120-92-116 ❄ Weight per ski: 1499g @ all lengths

❄L engths: 148, 156, 164, 172 ❄ Radius: 18.5m @ 164 ❄ Dimensions: 120-86-110 ❄W eight per ski: 1590g @ 164

A sub-£300 freestyle ski from the legendary newschool brand, the Honey Bee is back with a seriously good-looking new graphic to back up her freestyle flair. Ideal for entry level or intermediate skiers looking to progress in the park, the mega poppy wood core and low swing weight means it’s playful, nimble and bang on for spins and grins.

Big ass edges and a durable 4d fibrecap construction means it’s built to withstand stomps, boosts and grinds.

The 92mm waist provides stability and float so this lass is prime for switching things up between park playin’ and powder slayin’. lineskis.com

Blurring the line between dedicated park ski and all-mountain fun times, the Bash 86 W is a versatile, swanky-looking ski designed to flatter and facilitate.

Balanced and manoeuvrable, it’s ideal for aspirational freestylers looking to refine tricks and perfect their park game.

The combination of its directional shape and twin tip rocker ensures maximum adaptability, meaning you can carve up those early morning groomers before jumping straight into the park for undiluted playtime. volkl.com

www.fall-line.co.uk 53

2 0 2 1

FREERIDE SKIS

When all-mountain rigs run out of steam in the rowdier stuff, these step up and bring it.

Dynastar M-Pro 99 £540

BUYER’S

BETA

❄ Lengths: 162, 170, 178, 186 ❄ Radius: 20m @ 178 ❄ Dimensions: 127-99-117 ❄ Weight per ski: 1900g @ 178

LEE HARDY’S GUIDE TO FREERIDE SKIS

Built for aspiring freeriders and hooners alike, freeride skis tend to span a wide range of widths, from the ultra-versatile mid-90mm to knocking on the door of 105-110mm. Most will sport a good deal of tip rocker to help lift the ski out of the deepest conditions, while being traditional enough to ski like an all-mountain ski in firmer conditions.

Jacks and Jacquelines of all trades and masters of much, freeride skis are built to tackle anything the mountain can throw at them. These are a legit multi-talented, confidence-inspiring bunch, and you’ll be blown away by their grip on ice and how well skis this width can carve up the groomers.

Look out for models with metal layers – often manufacturers will offer a ‘Ti’ version of a ski alongside the standard.

Metal translates to a super-planted, smooth, clinical feeling. But if you prefer a bit more of a snappy feel with more direct feedback, consider opting for the standard model. In fact, take the time to look at the construction of your ski choices; even look at the stated weights for comparison. Then shred forth!

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Be realistic about the kind of terrain you are most likely and/or capable of skiing: a lighter more playful ski is likely to be way more fun for most. ❄ Get tech-savvy. Skis with metal layers will be more stable. Carbon layers will help save weight but will need good dampening to counteract their chatter. Check what woods are used. And, if it all sounds like gobbledygook then find the brand you’ve always liked, as chances are they use similar tech across their range. ❄ Leaness over lardiness – resist the temptation to buy the fattest-looking ski if you spend 75% of your time on-piste. A narrower and more versatile 95mm will do everything really well. ❄ Ready to hike? Consider weight if you are planning on using your freeride rig for hike and ride free touring missions, or prepare to be left behind. ❄ Make it last. Future-proof your investment by buying a binding that will allow you to expand your horizons. Powder is addictive, so it’s worth thinking about a hybrid free touring binding like the Shift or Duke PT if you’re harbouring backcountry aspirations. It’s common to see plain pin bindings with pin heels on these widths too.

54 www.fall-line.co.uk

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

It’s au revoir to one Legend and bonjour to another – the brand new M-Pro 99 from Dynastar. New for winter 2021, the M-Pro 99 takes its place in the French brand’s M-Line – a spankin’ new range of freeride and touring skis that represents the latest evolution of the super-popular Cham, Legend and Mythic series.

With an all-new outline shape and hybrid wood/PU core, the M-Pro 99 is a super-slick, well-designed ski that offers the smoothest of rides.

Versatile, capable and built to go fast, it’s a midweight freeride ski with an average rocker profile, capable of doing a whole lot of things very well indeed. The new Rocket Frame Titanal laminate enables power on demand, and the full width underfoot and tapering towards the tail combine to deliver a light, nimble ride with great edge contact in the hardest of conditions.

Tester Rich jumped aboard the new M-Pro 99 at the pre-lockdown Dynastar Test launch earlier this year and was impressed by its performance inbounds: “When it comes to on-piste performance it has the stability and edge control to carve it up on the hardpack, and the moderately deep tip rocker delivers a smoother, tighter turn than you’d expect.”

By all means take it for a spin on the groomers, but it’s beyond the ropes where the M-Pro 99 really shines. Damp, lively and easy to pivot, the M-Pro 99 is most at home popping through the pow, floating on fresh and charging through the chop.

If you’re into super-powerful, heavy and demanding skis it may not be your bag, but if you’re looking for a dynamic ski with a middle of the road weight that just feels ‘easy’, the new M-Pro 99 is an accessible, responsive and fun ski that’s guaranteed to become a firm freeride fave. dynastar.com

When it comes to on-piste performance it has the stability and edge control to carve it up on the hardpack, and the deep tip rocker delivers a smoother, tighter turn Rich Evans

MEN’S FREERIDE SKIS

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Elan Ripstick 96 £550

Nordica Enforcer 94 £580

❄ Lengths: 164, 172, 180, 188 ❄ Radius: 18m @ 180 ❄ Dimensions: 136-96-110 ❄ Weight per ski: 1650g @ 180

❄ Lengths: 165, 172, 179, 186, 191 ❄ Radius: 17.1m @ 179 ❄ Dimensions: 127-94-115,5 ❄ Weight per ski: 2015g @ 179

This much-loved Fall-Line fave is back this year with some minor tweaks. Glen Plake apparently warned the designers not to “mess around with it too much” and who are we to argue?!

Before you jump aboard a Ripstick you need to remember to get these on the correct feet.

That’s right, they’re asymmetrical, which means they actually have a left and right ski.

Once you’re ripping you’ll immediately notice that the new carbon lay-up allows more direct transmission to the driving edge; these really do grip unbelievably well for something so bendy!

“Man these things are fun,” said Lee. “How something so smooth and easy to turn can grip this well on a carved-up piste is amazing!”

A new tip and tail profile provides less chatter in variable snow so they feel super balanced and floaty through every turn. Rob was loving them too: “A super-fun ski that you can easily bend and create a lot of turn shapes all over the mountain: a rippingly smooth operator that’s just so easy to ski.” elanskis.com

Following on from the successful Enforcer 104 (a 2020 Freeride Ski of the Year) comes the new Enforcer 94 with a more usable waist width of 94mm. Dickie says: “Revised, softened and now the pokey, potent Enforcer gets semi-cuddly, gaining nimbleness and pivotability.”

So, how does it do it? The carbon-reinforced chassis not only reduces weight but increases the ski’s strength and stability. Couple this with ‘True Tip Technology’, which trims heavy ABS plastic away from the extremities, replacing it with a lightweight wood core in these areas, and you have a playful and nimble ski that still retains that classic powerful and stable Enforcer feel.

Lee loved both the new Enforcer 100 and 94, but the 94 pipped it for him due to its versatility: “This is the one to go for if you’re looking for a ‘real world’ freeride ski that really can ski everywhere.”

With a softer tip flex than its bigger bro, the Enforcer 94 is a more progressive turn initiator and gives back heaps when it comes to grip. nordica.com

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Rossignol Black Ops Sender £585

Völkl Blaze 94 £575

❄ Lengths: 165, 172, 179, 186 ❄ Radius: 17m @ 179 ❄ Dimensions: 134-94-116 ❄ Weight per ski: 1570g @ 179

❄ Lengths: 164, 172, 178, 186 ❄ Radius: 18m @ 178 ❄ Dimensions: 138-104-128 @ 178 ❄ Weight per ski: 2100g @ 178

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

This follows firmly in the footsteps of the Soul 7 and manages to fill those boots with a large dollop of pop and a whole lot of freeride fun.

So, what have those creative dudes at Rossi done? By extending the paulownia wood core into the shovel and doing away with the full honeycomb, they’ve increased the contact point and torsional stability. The result is a really easy to ski winter weapon with super-smooth turn initiation that’s playful and pivoty.

The Damp Tech inserts at the tip help absorb irregularities in the terrain to give it a consistent, confidence-inspiring feel. Lee says: “I loved this ski. So smooth, playful, yet planted. All over the mountain. Harder chargers may want to go for the stiffer bigger brother – the new Sender Ti. But if you like your rigs on the fun side of the mountain, the straight-up Sender will have you grinning like a Covid-19 vaccine creator.” rossignol.com

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Best known for their solid performance piste skis, serious backcountry chargers and nimble touring uphillers, the new smile-inducing Blaze range blasts into the line-up. Light, playful and designed to do it all, the narrower of the two new men’s Blaze options – the 94 – came up trumps due to its straight-up versatility. Quick, turny and super playful, it features Völkl’s infamous 3D radius sidecut, which really contributes to its agile nature.

“This thing just encourages shorter radius turn shapes,” says Rob. “Lightweight and good in soft and light chop, it’s a playful ski laden with top tech.”

The titanal under the binding area of the ski gives strength where you need it and the new suspension tip and tail ensure smooth turn initiation and a fun, lively flex.

“If you are looking for a light, playful, poppy freeride ski that loves a spot of touring then stop right here,” says Lee. Hard-charging, cliff-hucking stompers might want to look elsewhere, but if you like your skis super agile, the Blaze 94 will ignite your freeride flame. volkl.com www.fall-line.co.uk 55

2 0 2 1

MEN’S FREERIDE SKIS

Atomic Bent Chetler 100 £450

Blizzard Rustler 10 £525

Fischer Ranger 102 FR £500

❄L engths: 164, 172, 180, 188 ❄R adius: 19.5m @ 180 ❄D imensions: 129.5-100-120 ❄W eight per ski: 1700g @ 180

❄ Lengths: 164, 172, 180, 188 ❄ Radius: 17.5m @ 180 ❄ Dimensions: 133-102-122.5 @ 180 ❄ Weight per ski: 2020g @ 180

❄L engths: 163, 170, 177, 184, 191 ❄R adius: 18m @ 177 ❄D imensions: 136-102-126 ❄W eight per ski: 2000g @ 177

Super grippy, super powerful and super-good value, the Bent Chetler 100 remains a true all-mountain rocket ship designed to charge. Lively and playful yet somehow reassuringly stable, it’s a punchy confidence-inspiring freeride performer that consistently does the biz in hard and soft snow.

With its poplar wood core, full sidewalls and directional shape, the BC 100 feels equal parts light, precise and solid. This winter sees a stompin’ new stealthy topsheet that further enhances its already stratospheric appeal – still one of our favourite freeride skis of all time. atomic.com

Last winter’s Editors’ Pick returns this year with a new graphic and a more affordable price tag – what’s not to like?!

Strong-intermediate to expert skiers looking for a progressive freeride ski with power and stability in a lightweight package will do well aboard this weapon of freeride fun. Blizzard’s Dynamic Release Technology is the key driver behind the impressive performance – a shaped layer of titanal that reduces torsional rigidity in the tip and tail, so when you get into the soft stuff it floats and smears. “A playful, light, stable yet dynamic ski that does all of the above at the same time,” said Lee. Also in 94 (Rustler 9) and 116 (Rustler 11). blizzard-tecnica.com

56 www.fall-line.co.uk

Our Overall Freeride Winner from two winters ago returns this season as a genderless ski with two new looks in a wide range of sizes, designed to appeal to anyone who self identifies as a freerider. Whether you opt for cool blue or kick-ass shocking pink, you’ll be rocking a truly versatile all-mountain blaster and genuine one-ski quiver contender. With heaps of tech, including Fischer’s Airtech Ti milled core, titanal and full carbon shovel, the Ranger holds firm when pushed hard, but is easy to skid thanks to the freestyle-inspired flicked-up tail.

Fun, progressive, confidenceinspiring and creamy-smooth – the Ranger 102 FR lets you decide the kind of skier you want to be and facilitates your individual freeride journey. fischersports.com

Head Kore 99 £665 including bindings

K2 Mindbender 99 Ti £565

Line Sakana £650

❄L engths: 170, 177, 184, 191 ❄R adius: 18.5m @ 184 ❄D imensions: 135.5-99-123 ❄W eight per ski: N/A

❄ Lengths: 166, 174 181 ❄ Radius: 15m @ 174 ❄D imensions: 150-105-138 ❄ Weight per ski: 1770g

Ideal for advanced to expert skiers, this returns with some minor graphic tweaks but otherwise it’s unchanged, and that’s totally fine by us. The Kore series of lightweight graphene-infused performers are seriously versatile skis capable of packing a powerful freeride punch. Fans of lighter, shorter radius skis may prefer the skinnier Kore 93, but if you’re looking for something more solid to push against, the multi-talented Kore 99 is the way forward.

In steep chalk and moguls we were blown away by the Kore 99’s manoeuvrability and high-speed carving on-piste performance. It’s wide and floaty yet light enough to slap on a touring binding and hike for freshies. head.com

Last year’s Editors’ Pick launched onto our freeride radar with a mind-beltingly unforgettable performance, firmly establishing itself as one of our favourite new skis for a long time. There’s nothing to fix or tweak here (other than the addition of a super-stylin’ new topsheet), so thankfully this winter’s version offers more of the same: namely a punchy, strong ski that’s so much fun we reckon it would even put a smile on the face of Victoria Beckham. With a titanal Y-Beam shape in the forebody of the ski, full titanal underfoot, and a powerwall, the Mindbender 99 Ti feels immensely powerful and stable underfoot. The titanal continues down the central spine into the tail, translating into amazing manoeuvrability around the mountain, yet it still feels super composed at speed. k2snow.com

All hail the return of arguably the coolest looking ski of all time – the multi-award winning Sakana. With a new tattooesque white and black graphic for this winter, the 2021 Sakana looks more like a work of art than ever before, and still skis like one too. The spoony tips, versatile 105mm waist and signature swallowtail at the rear all add up to a radlooking ski with a super-surfy, turny feel. The oversized tip rocker allows for the big sidecut on such a fat ski, ensuring it doesn’t hook up in the soft stuff, and the mix of lightweight and denser woods deliver spring and response.

Accessible, beautifully crafted and so much fun, the Sakana is quick to impress and impossible to forget. lineskis.com

Nordica Enforcer Free 104 £550

Rossignol Black Ops Holyshred £535

❄L engths: 165, 172, 179, 186, 191 ❄R adius: 17.5m @ 179 ❄D imensions: 134.5-104-123.5 @ 179 ❄W eight per ski: 2125g @ 179

❄L engths: 162, 172, 182, 192 ❄R adius: 19m @ 182 ❄D imensions: 131-98-121 ❄W eight per ski: 2000g @ 182

Wed’ze FR 500 Slash 100 £250 w/o, £299 with bindings

❄L engths: 162, 171, 180, 189 ❄R adius: 17m @ 180 ❄D imensions: 134-99-120 ❄W eight per ski: N/A

Last year’s Freeride Ski of the Year returns with the same impressive balance of manoeuvrability and stability and a more affordable price tag. Playful yet powerful, it comes with Nordica’s Energy 2 Titanium construction – a raceinspired full wood core with two metal sheets that give fantastic top-end power transmission, torsional stability and fantastic edge grip. A genuinely intuitive all-rounder, with a snappy radius and rocker profile that changes with each length, the feel is consistent no matter which length you’re riding. Also in 110 Free and 115 Free. nordica.com

The artist formerly known as the Black Ops 98 returns with a whole new identity – coming back as the truly epic-sounding Holyshred. Other changes come in the shape of cold hard stats as Rossi abandon their previous mysterious approach to the Black Ops series that saw very little information regarding dimensions, sidecut and weight etc. We may now officially know what we already think we kind of knew, but nothing’s really changed. The Holyshred is still all the fun it ever was, skiing like a park ski gone to the dark side – playful and poppy underfoot yet still solid and stable at speed. The moderate rocker ensures a tip flap-free ride, and it carves hard with real security when laid over. Drifting fast piste turns, pushing the nose through crud and fooling around in a non-linear fashion becomes addictive once you work out when to transfer weight twixt tip and tail. rossignol.com

❄L engths: 174, 183 ❄R adius: 17m @ 183 ❄D imensions: 133-100-124 ❄W eight per ski: 3295g with bindings Accessible, affordable and quite simply flippin’ awesome – the new Slash 100 is a superb gateway freeride ski.

Nimble, fun and oh-so speedy, it’s a fine-looking, fully rockered, floaty ski that oozes the freeride fun factor. Chrigl put it to the test in Chamonix last winter and was super impressed: “On-piste the short 17m radius and the energetic rebound in the flex makes the ski super reactive. It was just mega fun. For a beginner or intermediate this would be a fantastic resort mess-around ski. And for a more advanced skier it was great to get on something that had such a playful side but could still handle speed.” wedze.co.uk www.fall-line.co.uk 57

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S FREERIDE SKIS

Blizzard Black Pearl 97

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

£530

❄ Lengths: 153, 159, 165, 171, 177 ❄ Radius: 15m @ 165 ❄ Dimensions: 136,5-97-118,5 @ 165 ❄ Weight per ski: 1900g @ 165 Updated for winter 2021, the legendary Black Pearl 97 is back to inject a whole new level of epicness into your freeride game.

At 97 underfoot it’s a super-adaptable ski that sits happily on the all-mountain/freeride fence, but we’ve popped it into our freeride category as the dimensions and characteristics are ideal for aspiring female skiers looking to develop their freeride potential.

The big news for winter 20/21 is that this year’s Black Pearl 97 packs a whole new construction designed to make your progression to full blown freerider a rapid and grin-inducing blast.

With a brand new sidecut, a spankin’ new TrueBlend wood core with different densities of wood stringers running through the ski, and a little more camber underfoot, the new and improved Black Pearl 97 was noticeably confidence inspiring and excelled at medium speeds.

“The new construction all adds up to a ski with more strength underfoot and an easy

release through the tip and tail that makes turn initiation super smooth and easy going,” Amy explained. “I was able to crank it up a level when needed but it was still light and narrow enough underfoot to feel manoeuvrable through tight chokes or over the bumps.”

Our female testers rated the Black Pearl 97 as a generous, low-maintenance ski that doesn’t ask much but gives out heaps in return.

Designed for women, by women, the Black Pearl 97 is a great first choice freeride ski that will grow with you as you begin to venture into big mountain terrain. blizzard-tecnica.com

The new construction all adds up to a ski with more strength underfoot and an easy release through the tip and tail that makes turn initiation super smooth and easy going Amy Marwick

Nordica Santa Ana Free 104

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

£550

❄ Lengths: 158, 165, 172, 179 ❄ Radius: 16m @ 165 ❄ Dimensions: 133-104-122 @ 165 ❄ Weight per ski: 2125g @ 165 The Santa Ana range just keeps on growing, and this year sees the arrival of the mid-fat Free 104 that’s got our hearts pumping and thighs burning.

All the skis in the Santa Ana range have been given a new construction for this winter; a carbon-reinforced chassis, lower swing weight due to a reduction of plastic and extension of the wood core in the tips, and the metal sheets 58 www.fall-line.co.uk

in each ski are specifically shaped for use, giving each ski in the range a defined personality.

Strong freeriders looking for a bit more width to make those deeper days all the more epic will want to get onboard the new Santa Ana Free 104. With less metal than her slimmer sisters, but more flexibility and bounce, the Free 104 is most at home in softer conditions.

The rocker profile gives the tip and tail a pronounced rise for full-blown floatage on pow pow days or sailing over chop when you’ve slept in and missed first tracks (you fool!).

Girthy she may be, but the new Santa Ana

Free 104 still packs an impressively punchy performance on regular days when pistes are crunchy and hard. Eyebrow-raisingly obliging across the full spectrum of conditions, the Free 104 earned herself a heap of pals among female Testers.

“A best friend,” said Keren. “Can turn, get steep, get deep and boost through the windblown snow, but still felt light and was easy to get in the air.”

Engaging, amiable and so much fun, the Santa Ana Free 104 will help you bring your best game into the big mountains with a massive smile on your face. nordica.com

Rossignol Black Ops Rallybird

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

£585

❄ Lengths: 154, 162, 170 ❄ Radius: 16m @ 170 ❄ Dimensions: 137-102-127 @ 170 ❄ Weight per ski: 1800g @ 170 The folks at Rossignol have overhauled their entire women’s freeride collection for winter 2021. It’s au revoir to the much-loved 7 Series (cue sniffing!) and a super-stealthy bonjour to a new Black Ops range (cue hurrah-ing!).

With their sustainably sourced wood cores and recycled steel edges, the new Black Ops series are a multi-talented bunch that command you ‘Ride Free’, which quite frankly, we’re more than happy to do. We’re all over

liberating skis that encourage riders to do what they like, in their own particular style, and the new women’s Rallybird is exactly that – a veritable weapon that will help you unleash your inner freeride agent and start ticking off those big mountain missions.

Described by our female testers as a ‘friendly freeride ski’, the Rallybird ripped around the variable conditions at this year’s Ski Test, sailing through the crud with fluidity, carving up the piste with stability and popping off bumps and jumps with just the right amount of spring.

Super accessible for the progressing freeride skier, it’s a confidence-inspiring and well-balanced steed for taking on more

challenging terrain. At 101mm underfoot with a 13m radius in the 162cm version we tested, it’s über turny for tight corridors but can still surf through wider turns when you reach those open powder fields.

The extended wood core keeps things torsionally stable when you’re travelling at speed but if you’re looking for more to push against, you might want to look at the slightly punchier Rallybird Ti, with its extra metal injection. The narrower and lighter Stargazer is another cracking Black Ops offering if you want to take things in the other direction and scale it back a touch with an even more reassuring rig. rossignol.com

Dynastar M-Pro 99 W

Fischer Ranger 94 FR WS

£540

❄ Lengths: 154, 162, 170, 178 ❄ Radius: 18m @ 170 ❄ Dimensions: 126-98-116 ❄ Weight per ski: 1800g @ 170

ONE T WATC O H

This brand new ski didn’t make it to the McSki Test but as its predecessor (the Legend) was one of our consistent all-time freeride faves, we’ve got high hopes for the super-stealthy M-Pro 99 W. Lining up in Dynastar’s new freeride/touringspecific M-Line, the directional M Pro 99 W is packed full of new tech that we’re itching to let rip.

The M-Pro 99 W’s hybrid poplar/PU core combines the power and agility of wood with the damping properties of PU so it should be a superversatile ski. A full-length Ti (metal) layer is strategically cut into a funky shape to channel power where it’s needed and avoid adding excess weight elsewhere. We imagine this will suit intermediate to expert riders looking for a broader whip with serious freeride flash and frontside capabilities. One of the few women’s skis to come in a 178 with a specifically proportioned 20m radius for that length, the M-Pro 99 W should be a great choice for taller female skiers looking for performance that suits their frame. Like the look but keen for something a touch narrower? The M-Pro 90 W may be the rig for your gig. dynastar.com

£420

❄ Lengths: 153, 161, 169, 177 ❄ Radius: 16m @ 169 ❄ Dimensions: 126-92-117 ❄ Weight per ski: 1850g @ 177

ONE T WATC O H

The perky pink and purple WS version of the Ranger 94 FR may not be a women’s specific ski per se, but it certainly hints at the vibrant freeride flair we’re expecting from this ski. The introduction of Fischer’s genderless skis this year sees the departure of Fischer’s female My Ranger range, opening up these previously male-centric all-mountain/freeride blasters to the ladies. The Ranger 94 FR WS’s twin tip construction and freeride rocker profile shows the freestyle DNA of this ski and should be great for slashing through the soft stuff and launching off backcountry booters. A versatile 16m turn radius looks set to enable pivoty turns on demand and the wood core with titanal shell is prime for powering up in firmer terrain. An exceptionally good-value freeride rig for creative skiers, particularly fliptastic females transitioning from a freestyle background. Scale up to the brilliantly pink 102 FR WS for those deliciously deep days. fischersports.com www.fall-line.co.uk 59

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S FREERIDE SKIS Black Crows Camox Birdie £580 ❄L engths: 156.1, 162.3, 168.1, 174.2 ❄ Radius: 19m @ 168.1 ❄D imensions: 128-97-116 ❄W eight per ski: 1725g @168.1 Back in a peachy new pinstripe cloak, this fiery freerider is wild at heart and ready to rip. Last year the Crows injected a heap of changes into the Camox Birdie, which translated into a super-versatile rig. This winter it retains those refinements, returning with same levels of grip and carveability that impressed us on the hardpack last season. The tip and tail rocker and twin tip style are also still present, aiding pivot and boosting the Camox Birdie’s playful character.

Ideal for strong skiers with big mountain ambitions. black-crows.com

Blizzard Sheeva 10 £485

Elan Ripstick 94 W £530

❄ Lengths: 156, 164, 172, 180 ❄ Radius: 14.5m @ 164 ❄ Dimensions: 131.5-102-121.5 @ 164 ❄ Weight per ski: 1760g @ 164

❄L engths: 146, 154, 162, 170, 178 ❄ Radius: 16.2m @ 170 ❄ Dimensions: 136-94-110 ❄ Weight per ski: 1570g @ 170

Easy to direct, super manoeuvrable and quick to respond, the 102mmunderfoot Sheeva 10 returns in the same perfectly proportioned package designed to deal with a wide variety of snow conditions.

Light enough to get onto an edge at ease, yet solid enough to hold right through the fastest and longest of turns, the Sheeva 10 is equal parts stable and nimble, playful and forgiving. The girthy waist has it most at home out of bounds in the soft stuff, but we continue to be impressed by its ability to switch things up in resort too. Great value and an ace new topsheet to boot. blizzard-tecnica.com

The award-winning Ripstick 94 W just gets better! Our 2019 Overall Winner and Editor Nicola’s favourite ski of all time returns this winter with a whole new tip and tail shape and Elan’s new Amphibio Carbon Line Tech. You’re probably already aware that Ripsticks have a left and right ski, and Elan have taken their unique assymetrical tech to the next level by placing carbon reinforcements on the inside and carbon rods into the wood core.

It all adds up to the lightest, most stable and powerful Ripstick yet. Wide up front, the soft rockered tip gives float in all but the deepest of pow while the narrow waist and energetic tail provide snap and manoeuvrability on harder terrain and steeps. The Ripstick comes in 102 and 88 but we still feel the 94 is the best for getting the most out of this ski’s full-blooded adaptability. elanskis.com

Head Kore 93 W £665 including bindings

Rossignol Black Ops Stargazer £475

Salomon QST Lumen 99 £500

❄ Lengths: 153, 162, 171 ❄ Radius: 15.4m @ 171 ❄D imensions: 130-91-113 @ 171 ❄ Weight per ski: N/A

❄ Lengths: 154, 162, 170 ❄ Radius: 16m @ 170 ❄ Dimensions: 127-94-117 @ 170 ❄ Weight per ski: 1700g @ 170

❄L engths: 153, 159, 167, 174 ❄ Radius: 19m @ 167 ❄ Dimensions: 134-99-116 ❄W eight per ski: 1700g @ 167

One of Rossi’s three new women’s-specific Black Ops freeride skis for winter 2021, the Stargazer would make an ideal first-time freeride ski for ladies looking to scale up from an all-mountain rig. Lighter and narrower (and more affordable!) than the Rallybird – a 2021 Editors’ Choice – the Stargazer feels energetic, nimble and responsive thanks to a lightweight wood core and Rossi’s signature Air Tip tech.

“Reassuring, amazing at churning through chop and super carvable,” said Keren.

“If you’re looking to expand your freeride universe, the Stargazer has all the cred to rocket you skywards.” rossignol.com

Unchanged this winter, the QST Lumen 99 returns with the same supercharged freeride flavour we loved so much last season. With a full wood lightweight poplar core, a layer of flax with carbon running through, cork inserts at the tip and reduced taper, the QST Lumen 99 is a super-springy ski with snappy turning power and excellent vibration-absorbing capabilities. Easy to manage and responsive on all terrain, it’s ideal for first-time freeriders and experienced rippers alike, aiding your development and giving back more than you put in. salomon.com

Last winter’s Freeride Ski of the Year is still a huge Fall-Line fave. The graphene-infused Kore 93 W is a seriously impressive high-tech, lightweight supercharger ideal for women with two feet firmly in a freeride frenzy. Poppy and versatile, equal parts light, responsive, nimble and balanced, the more we put into the Kore 93, the more we got back – all over the mountain. Perfect for a whole range of intermediate to advanced skiers looking to push their performance in crud, pow and hard pack, and at just £665 with Tyrolia Attack 12 GW bindings, it’s banging value, too. head.com 60 www.fall-line.co.uk

Martin Chester IFMGA GuIde

Faction Dictator 2.0X £579 ❄ Lengths: 155, 163, 171 ❄ Radius: 15m @ 163 ❄ Dimensions: 127-96-117 ❄ Weight per ski: 1680g @ 163 Large and in charge, this Barbie-pink bombshell is anything but girly. This year’s Dictator 2.0X returns with a topsheet tweak but it’s still the same beauty of a freeride beast. Dual titanal layers combined with an energetic wood core and versatile 96mm waist make this freeride flat tail feel manoeuvrable and easy to ski, but still super stable and capable of charging fast and hard.

Amy says: “The Dictator 2.0X is snappy and playful and allowed me to pop off the ridges and rollers with ease, but I found it performed best when ripping fast GS-sized turns edge to edge.” Capable of slicing up a gauntlet of snow types, it’s a great choice for pushing freeride performance to the next level. factionskis.com

If you believe the best skiing starts where the groomers stop, get in touch. I provide advice, skills coaching, tailor-made groups and bespoke guided adventures from the Alps to the Arctic, to help take your skiing...

Above and beyond

The Dictator 2.0X is snappy and playful Amy Marwick Wed’ze FR Patrol 95 W £299 with bindings, £250 w/o ❄ Lengths: 165, 175 ❄ Radius: 17.5m @ 175 ❄ Dimensions: 136-95-118 ❄W eight per ski: 3170g @ 175 including bindings Versatile and outstandingly good value, the new FR Patrol 95 W is a great option for budget-conscious newbies and aspirational female freeriders alike. A traditional-shaped freeride ski, the light yet solid Patrol 95 responds best when let off the leash to run free and do its thing. Reassuring and adaptable, it turns tightly in the trees, rebounds energetically on-piste and arcs out the longest of GS carves with confidence.

Looking for a more out-and-out freeride ski? The wider freestyle inspired FR 500 Slash 100 W offers a more surfy kinda ride. wedze.co.uk

Outstandlingly good value, it’s a great option for budget-conscious newbies www.martinchester.co.uk

2 0 2 1

FAT SKIS

Fat floats. Fact. So get buoyant in even the shallowest powder on these fab fatties

Wed’ze FR 900 Pow Chaser 115

BUYER’S

BETA

CHRIGL LUTHY’S GUIDE TO FAT SKIS

£350 w/o, £399 with bindings

Who are you calling fat?! It’s all relative, I suppose and fat skis are unquestionably at the top of the food chain. Their waists measure from 105mm at the skinnier end to a lard-assed 130mm-plus, and they plane nearer the surface, reducing overall friction, meaning that fat is also FAST. Being on top of the fresh stuff doesn’t only mean they glide faster either, it also grants them extra manoeuvrability. This is why fat skis wearers are often regarded by ‘purists’ as cheaters, because the chubbers make turning in deeper snow a doddle. Staying up on top allows for quicker pivots and with less input. This is also why they appeal to those who have less experience of deeper snow conditions. It’s funny, fat skis are often marketed as ‘expert’ models, but the truth is, if you are new to deep snow, these are the tools that will help the most (in the short term at least).

If, however, you want to ‘get your pro on’, they will open doors for your off-piste progression. The extra stability and speed they offer in tricky snow, the mega landing platform they have for stomping tricks or cliffs, and the increased width underfoot for big slarvey slashy turns are all reasons why they are designed like they are.

These days fat skis are cleverer than ever.

Rocker profiles make them feel less cumbersome on-piste, as do new dampening technologies so they don’t chatter. Now, more than ever, it’s a good time to leave those purists in your big fat wake.

❄ Lengths: 177, 186 ❄ Radius: 17m @ 186 ❄ Dimensions: 139-115-134 ❄W eight per ski: 2135g w/o, 3575g with bindings

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Hard piste performance and short turns will suffer.

There is no denying this. How fat you go depends on how much you value the qualities they will bring you in certain conditions.

As for grip in couloirs, if you can’t get enough edge grip on a ski with only a cm more width, then you probably shouldn’t be there! ❄ Stiffness. More than width, this will really affect how easy a ski is to live with. Softer fat skis, often referred to as ‘noodles’, can make everything on the mountain more fun… except for going fast. A fat ski that is too stiff, unless you are truly hauling ass, will be utterly soul-destroying on most slopes. ❄ Length. You may be able to size down compared to your typical 100mm underfoot, all-mountain/freeride-preferred ski length. ❄ Rocker-profile, camber, twin-tip and mounting point – these are all key elements beyond the simple waist width measurement. If you want it to feel looser, aim for more rocker, even going for reverse camber. More traditionally (rear) mounted skis will need to have their tips driven, while more centrally mounted options are pivotable from a more neutral stance. ❄ Turning radius. A tighter radius will mean it is more reactive but also potentially more fidgety. ❄ Weight. Some lightweight 116mm fatties are lighter than 102mm freeride models, so don’t be afraid to skin/bootpack touring lines.

62 www.fall-line.co.uk

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Talk about a revolution! Chrigl put Wed’ze’s new FR 900 Pow Chaser 115 to the test in Chamonix earlier this year and was blown away by its performance: “Stable and predictable at speed, yet still happy to skid and drift on demand, the Pow Chaser was like a bloodhound ripping around the expansive bowls at the Grands Montets, seeking out lips and drops and other features to play on.”

While the forgiving soft-to-medium flex makes the Pow Chaser 115 a more accessible ski than others in this category, Chrigl claims it will still work well for more advanced and/or heavier skiers as the flex is very well designed, predictable and consistent…

“This ski has bags of energy, pop and edge grip and, despite the flex softening towards the tips and tails, there are no nasty surprises where the ski bends dramatically – no hinge points. Underfoot the slightly less rigid flex than some rivals also translates to great on-snow feel and vibration dampening.”

Fun and forgiving yet reliable and capable, the Pow Chaser 115 is a genuine triumph: a kick-ass, affordable ski that delivers all over the mountain. wedze.co.uk

Stable and predictable at speed, yet still happy to skid and drift on demand, the Pow Chaser was like a bloodhound Chrigl Luthy

PHOT0 ARNAUD LESUEUR

MEN’S FAT SKIS Armada ARV 106 £540

❄L engths: 172, 180, 188 ❄R adius: 20.5m @ 180 ❄D imensions: 134-106-124 ❄W eight per ski: 2125g @ 180

ONE T WATC O H

Black Crows Anima

Dynastar M-Free 108

Faction Dictator 4.0

❄L engths: 176.6, 182.1, 189.2, 194.4 ❄R adius: 19m @ all lengths ❄D imensions: 145-115-135 ❄W eight per ski: 2250g @ 182.1@ all lengths

❄L engths: 172, 182, 192, ❄R adius: 18m @ 182 ❄D imensions: 138-108-128 ❄W eight per ski: 2200g @ 182

❄ Lengths: 179, 185, 191 ❄ Radius: 23m @ 185 ❄ Dimensions: 141-116-131 ❄W eight per ski: 2100g @ 185

If you’re looking for a superstable, nearly symmetrical twin that surfs, slashes and carves, the brand new M-Free 108 from Dynastar could be the rig for your big mountain gig. Ideal for freestylers looking to transition to a more solid ski, or directional skiers looking for a more playful ride, the M-Free 108’s sturdy weight, strong flex, tapered shape and deep rocker line promises to deliver a dependable, damp yet playful performance all over the mountain. Kick-asslooking graphics too.

ONE T dynastar.com WATC O

The weapon of choice for legends Sam Anthamatten and Andrew Pollard, the re-designed yellow peril is designed for all-out charging.

The major change for this winter is the addition of the elliptical radius sidecut that makes for easier turn initiation. Aside from that it’s business as usual at Dictator 4.0 HQ with dual titanal layers keeping you locked and loaded when you’re sending big backcountry booters, and a 116mm waist that provides all the float you’ll need. factionskis.com

£640

ONE T WATC O H

Arguably the ‘funnest’ ski of all time, the ARV 106 is back to inject a whole new level of epicness into your fat freeride game. With a full redesign from the bottom up, the latest version of this versatile all-mountain freestyle ski promises to be the most playful yet. We’re psyched to see the Smear Tech upgrade in the tip and tail, which should make soft snow sessions buttery smooth and reduce any potential hook-ups. Other exciting new additions include ash stringers for increased pop in the pow and park and reinforced AR75 sidewalls designed to reduce high-speed chatter. armadaskis.com

Whether you’re looking to tackle technical terrain in the big mountains or rip big wide open faces on hard snow, you’re going to need a ski that will hold your line at all speeds. Enter the new Anima. The crew at BC have tweaked the sidecut to improve edge hold, and stiffened up the flex in the tip and tail to make this beast even more stable, whether you’re in high or low speed mode.

Throw in a lardy 115m waist, a smattering of camber underfoot and a deep double rocker and it adds up to a hard-charging rig. black-crows.com

£540

H

£679

ONE T WATC O H

www.fall-line.co.uk 63

2 0 2 1

MEN’S FAT SKIS

Völkl Katana 108

ZAG SLAP-112 £580

❄L engths: 170, 176, 182, 188 ❄ Radius: 20.5m @ 182 ❄ Dimensions: 139.5-111-128.5 ❄ Weight per ski: 1970g @ 182

£675

❄ Lengths: 170, 177, 184, 191 ❄ Radius: 19m @ 184 ❄ Dimensions: 146-108-129 ❄ Weight per ski: 2298g @ 184

ZAG’s SLAP line is made up of burly, playful doublerockered skis designed for maximum floatage on the deepest of days. The SLAP-112 is the middle child in this fat family and returns this winter with a new construction, making it simultaneously lighter and more powerful than ever before.

Pro freerider Wadeck Gorack’s ski of choice, the 2021 SLAP-112 looks set to be simultaneously super stompable – thanks to its combined stiff flex, multi-axial fibre construction and reinforced edges – and wickedly nimble with a light poplar/paulownia core, medium radius and low camber all set to ring the bell for mega powder playtime. A sub-2kg ski with a 112mm underfoot? Sounds bonkersly awesome to us! zagskis.com

Remember the Katana? Well it’s back.

Kind of… Lighter, narrower underfoot and more tapered than its predecessor, the new Katana 108 may be living its most accessible life yet but it’s still a straight-up solid beast of a ski. The fattest ski in Völkl’s current ‘all-mountain freeride’ line-up, and one of the heaviest skis in its class, this big mountain player with titanal frame construction is an ideal option for strong and aggressive freeriders seeking a damp and stable ride rather than a mega-light floaty freestyle fest.

With its subtle deep rocker lines, smattering of camber underfoot, Völkl’s 3D radius sidecut, stiff tips and soft tail flex pattern, the new Katana 108 can ‘do’ lively when it needs to, but it’s happiest when it’s pedal to the metal, charging the big white castle. volkl.com ONE T WATC O H

ONE T WATC O H

A sub 2kg ski with a 112mm underfoot?

Sounds bonkersly awesome to us!

Elan Ripstick 106 £600

K2 Mindbender 108 Ti £600

Scott Scrapper 115 £525

❄L engths: 164, 172, 180, 188 ❄R adius: 18.1m @ 180 ❄D imensions: 143-106-120 ❄ Weight per ski: 1790g @ 180

❄L engths: 172, 179, 186, 193 ❄R adius: 22.9m @ 186 ❄ Dimensions: 136-108-125 ❄W eight per ski: N/A

❄L engths: 182, 189 ❄R adius: 23m @ 182 ❄D imensions: 142-115-131 ❄W eight per ski: 1700g @ 182

Last year’s Fat Ski Winner returns with some upgrades designed to make an already fab fattie even more fantastic.

All of this year’s Ripsticks have been given a construction overhaul with a carbon fibre weave added to the front inside edges of each ski. The goal is to create lighter skis with primo edge hold and power transfer.

Stick the rip dial full on, get the Ripstick 106 on an edge and it grips like a barnacle on a boat hull. The flexy nature of the ski acts like a big suspension unit, soaking up undulations in the snow. It is just so much fun, super smooth and floats like a butterfly off-piste. Lee reckons: “If it’s good enough for Glen Plake, it’s good enough for me!”

Also in 88, 96 and 116. elanskis.com 64 www.fall-line.co.uk

Our 2020 Editors’ Pick returns with a super-cool topsheet that we reckon is way more reflective of how flippin’ awesome this thing is on the mountain. At 108mm underfoot, it’s plenty wide enough to see most of us through anything the sky can deliver. The Y-shaped titanal layer allows the nose to flex easier than a solid sheet, and we found it turned harder than the drawn-out 23m radius on the spec sheet.

Chrigl’s summary? “It’s got that damp Ti feel, aka edge grip and stability, but comes with a relatively loose tail, meaning that you can switch to drift at any time. It’s stable where it needs to be, making it an ideal freeride comp ski.”

Fat and funky fresh - we like! k2snow.com

Solid, powerful and most importantly mega fat… this is a big mountain charger that delivers grins as wide as its waist. Back with a gruntylooking new topsheet, but the same carbon/wood core construction and 3D sidecut, the Scrapper 115 is both impressively light and responsive for such a gnarly, lardy dude.

Push it hard and the stiff flex pattern provides stability and explosive power underfoot, or back off in the deep stuff and it’ll float with ease all day.

Even better, it’s lightweight, so if you’re in the market for a touring ski for Japan this could be the fat friend you’re looking for. scott-sports.com

Photo : ©Sofia Sjoeberg

Jacob WESTER (SWE)

ATELIER S RF JACKET

WE DON’T FREERIDE, WE RIDE FREE !

A range of products for those that are never not sending. Those willing to create and explore. Those who Ride Free. Each ski has a

BLACKOPS SENDER TI

ALLTRACK ELITE LT 130 GW

for your style. For the last three years we’ve tested all over the globe.

To ensure all conditions, terrain, and influences were considered. To build an all-new vision of freeride. Progressive. Inclusive. Irreverent.

Athlete-approved. Ready to send.

ROSSIGNOL.COM

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S FAT SKIS

Black Crows Anima Birdie £640 ❄ Lengths: 176.6, 182.1 ❄ Radius: 19m @ all lengths ❄ Dimensions: 144-115-134 ❄ Weight per ski: 2150g @ 176.6 Screaming into winter 2021 with a big mountain bang is the new Anima Birdie – the women’s version of the legendary Anima. A fat freeride beast with a freestyle edge, it features the same new construction as this year’s men’s version, designed to make the ski softer, more playful and

more accessible. The double rocker profile with traditional camber underfoot gives it a stable yet pivoty feel and the tail has been relaxed allowing you to shave off speed in double-quick time.

The flex has been stiffened and a longer sidecut introduced to help you hang on in hard snow, and the tip has been enlarged.

Amy is a big fan of this new introduction: “It seemed to float effortlessly across the chopped up snow at this year’s Test. I was surprised at how

Faction Dictator 3.0X £629 ❄ Lengths: 164, 172 ❄ Radius: 16m @164 ❄ Dimensions: 134-106-124 ❄ Weight per ski: 1780g @164 The all-new Dictator 3.0X is destined to become a fat fave among female freeriders bossing the big mountains. Freeride World Tour competitor’s Elizabeth Gerritzen’s ski of choice for her winning line on the legendary Becs des Rosses, it’s a

classic freeride flat tail with a poplar wood core running tip to tail and two layers of titanal.

Combine this with a lardy 106mm platform underfoot, and you’re looking at a big-ass ski that likes to roll from edge to edge, hard and fast.

Incredible in wide open spaces it chews up any terrain in its path but still reacts at high speeds thanks to its 16m radius. Amy was impressed by its versatility: “Despite bulldozing through the chop

Völkl Blaze 106 £625 ❄ Lengths: 158, 165, 172 ❄ Radius: 14m @ 165 ❄ Dimensions: 146-106-128 ❄ Weight per ski: 1600g @ 165 The brand spankin’ Blaze 106 W is the lightest of our Editors’ Choice fat skis making it a great option for those looking for a wider platform that still feels agile and lively. Surprisingly pingy for a chunky ski, it’s super broad across the nose and tail, but the 66 www.fall-line.co.uk

full wood core construction and lack of titanal across the length ensures it delivers a bendy, responsive and accessible big mountain ride.

The short titanal binding platform underneath the foot retains good power transmission through the drive phase of the turn, but the central radius of the ski’s 3D radius sidecut is just 14m, meaning shorter turns are easiest to initiate. Some testers

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

light and turny the Anima Birdie felt despite skiing it in the 182.1 length. I usually ski around 163cm so was worried that the two available sizes may be too large, but the 182.1cm was super compliant.

“While the Anima Birdie is undeniably built for creative big mountain riding in wild open spaces, it’s still incredibly manoeuvrable and shmeered through tight turns when asked.” In all, a supersmooth, buttery ride that would suit an instinctive, advanced off-piste skier. black-crows.com

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

it was still manoeuvrable in the tight rocky sections that dominated the Scottish test terrain.”

Responsive and controllable yet with real power and purpose, this is a ski for experienced off-piste riders whose charging style lies at the hard and fast end of the spectrum. “Joyous to ride and oh so darn cool looking, it makes you ski like a badass, line after big mountain line,” said Keren. factionskis.com

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

found it a little unnerving at high speeds, suggesting it needs a strong skier to keep in control.

All the skis in the new Blaze range have the added bonus of being able to double up as hike and ride skis, with skins available pre-cut and a lip on the tip and tail for fitting. For occasional short day tours when powder hunting is the order of the day, this will get you to the goods. volkl.com

PHOT0 ROB GREW

Faction’s all-new Dictator 3.0X is destined to become a fat fave among female freeriders bossing the big mountains Scott Scrapper 105 W £525 ONE T WATC O H

Armada ARW 116 VJJ UL £680 ❄ Lengths: 165, 175 ❄ Radius: 16m @165 ❄ Dimensions: 137-116-133 ❄ Weight per ski: 1550g @ 165 The work of art that is the ARW 116 VJJ is back, and this year she’s gone zero gravity on us with an all-new ultralight (UL) caruba wood core designed to bring even more float to your fat freestyle antics. She may have lost a whole heap of weight (800g per pair), but the 2021 VJJ is still rocking the same big-ass attitude and burly dimensions to make deep days so

goddamn dreamy. The new caruba wood core may be light but it should still retain the strength and dampness needed for cruddy off-piste conditions, while the monster freestyle rocker ensures a quick response if you need to quickly switch things up on pillows and in the trees.

With her whopping 116mm waist, Smear Tech and 3D bevel on the base, the ARW 116 VJJ UL should be one surfy, smeary, pivoty, powdery player. We can’t wait for that first big winter storm to roll in… armadaskis.com

Line Pandora 110 £525 ❄ Lengths: 162, 170, 178 ❄ Radius: 16.5m @ all lengths ❄ Dimensions: 144-110-130 ❄ Weight per ski: 1500g @ all lengths We’ve been loving the lightweight, playful, stable character of Line’s Pandora skis for years, so we’re stoked to see this wider longer option added back in to the collection. The Pandora 110 packs a new shape, construction and profile that promises to bring big time fun to your powder playtime. With a significant tip and tail

ONE T WATC O H

rocker and less camber underfoot, it’s built for floatastic freeride times, while the paulownia/ maple Partly Cloudy core should allow you to put the power down at will. The tech we’re most excited about is Line’s THC construction with carbon, aramid and fibreglass that should keep this lightweight rocket ship smooth and damp when conditions get gnarly. The 16.5m radius is balanced to provide pivot down pillow lines, but will still allow you to hold firm when you’re ripping long freeride turns. lineskis.com

❄ Lengths: 167, 175 ❄ Radius: 20m @167 ❄ Dimensions: 132-99-120 ❄ Weight per ski: 1580g @167 Last year’s Fat Ski of the Year, the Scott Scrapper 105 returns with a new topsheet (we asked, they answered!) but the same fat, fun, female-specific freeride spirit that wowed last winter. The soft and light air-channeled wood core construction is unique to the women’s-specific Scrapper 105 and allows progressive female freeriders to really feel like they’re in charge of the ski.

Throw into the mix the 3D sidecut and carbon stringers and you’re looking at a light, responsive ski.

The Scrapper 105 W’s twin-tip rocker profile allows for maximum float and fun, and its nimble nature begs to be slashed and playfully tested. If you’re looking to get rowdy or send your first cliff drop, then the Scrapper 105 W’s powerful DNA will give you the confidence you need to give it the backcountry beans. scott-sports.com www.fall-line.co.uk 67

2 0 2 1

TOURING SKIS

Veritable vehicles to get you places – and bring you back with a smile on your face

Atomic Backland 85 SL

BUYER’S

BETA

£500

MARTIN CHESTER’S GUIDE TO TOURING SKIS Truth is, on a day of pure touring you’ll be going uphill for at least 75% of the time, so we need to consider both uphill and downhill performance in this category. And versatility is the watch word here: when we’re ski touring we don’t always get to dictate terms and conditions.

Traditional touring skis are skinny and straight. These days we tend to focus more on quality skiing, so we all put on a bit of weight and girth a couple of seasons ago. Very few people took it wider than 110mm underfoot, and 105mm wide is about the top end of this category. Now we’ve come of age and shed the extra width, recognising the sweet spot sits between 85 to 95mm.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ What kind of ski-mountaineer are you?

An uphill athlete, a sideways traverser or an adventure skier who’ll stop at nothing? ❄ Is it all about the up and big vertical?

Lightweight carbon lay-ups, as skinny as you dare, will shave grams off your feet. But beware: just like a sports car, stripping a ski back to basics can lead to a rattly ride. Pair them with hybrid race boots and race tech bindings. ❄ Versatility. If you’ll be ‘coming round the mountain’ rather than sprinting up or hooning down, you want an all-round touring ski. Aim at 95mm underfoot for starters. These are likely to be relatively straight, so don’t be surprised at a relatively long turn radius and seemingly little sidecut. A lightweight wood core will add spaniel-like spring, with little extra load. Most people like an early rise or progressive rocker in the tip. Pair them with a mid-range pin binding to suit you and your touring boots. ❄ All about the skiing? Adding a bit of weight and shape to all the features above will be worth the extra effort it takes to punt them uphill. At 100mm-plus underfoot, these are likely to sport a wood core, stiffer construction, maybe a bit more sidecut, or at least a shapely shovel to keep you floating. If you plan to spend a bit of time on the lifts, a burly binding like the Shift or Duke PT will be the ideal partner. ❄ Which skis? You can go touring on just about any ski, so long as you fit the right binding, so don’t be bamboozled by weight.

Ripping it down on a ski you love will be worth the extra effort it takes to push it uphill.

68 www.fall-line.co.uk

❄ Lengths: 158, 165, 172, 179 ❄ Radius: 17m @ 172 ❄ Dimensions: 117-85-105.5 ❄ Weight per ski: 1080g @ 165

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Atomic, who are well known for their race pedigree, have been building some fantastic freeride skis using their bombproof construction and know-how over the past few years.

Fast forward to the present and they’re taking this knowledge and throwing it hard and fast into the backcountry touring segment. The result? The bloomin’ awesome Backland range.

Many will overlook the skinnier 85 SL, favouring the fantabulous 95 or powder-slaying 107 in the Backland range, but quite frankly they’d be fools. This svelte beauty is a real powerhouse of fun.

With a capped sidewall construction and ultra-light wood core it is a real thoroughbred when it comes to the ascent. Pair this with Atomic’s fantastic Backland pin binding and you’ve got a real rocket ship to launch you up the skin track.

The Backland 85 SL may go up like a firework on Hogmanay but do not let that fool you into thinking it will be a noodle on the descent. The carbon backbone running the length of the ski provides enough grunt and stability to allow you to let this thing fly.

Lee says: “I was lucky enough to try this ski out on a touring trip earlier this year with Atomic in Kosovo.

Other testers were jostling for the 95 and 107, but with a three-hour skin and limited recent snow the 85 SL was the weapon of choice for me.

“On the ups it was extremely sure-footed – its straighter sidecut gave me great confidence when traversing sketchy icy couloirs. But it was on the downs where it really made its presence felt. Stable yet light underfoot, this lightweight ripper made for effortless changes in direction, making light work of the varied terrain. In windblown gully powder stashes, the HRZN Tech Tip gave great float and maintained excellent control no matter how demanding the conditions.”

Pair it up with Atomic’s Hybrid skin with tip fixing and you have a fantastic multi-day touring platform or a true Scottish touring slayer, where Lee maintains a mid-80 underfoot ski McRules… atomic.com

Stable yet light underfoot, this lightweight ripper made for effortless changes in direction Lee Hardy

MEN’S TOURING SKIS

Blizzard Zero G 95

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

£620

❄ Lengths: 164, 171, 178, 185 ❄ Radius: 22m @ 178 ❄ Dimensions: 127-95-111 @ 178 ❄ Weight per ski: 1260g @ 178 Last year’s All-Round Touring Ski of the Year may not have changed, but it’s a 2021 Editors’ Choice because it’s still so darn good.

While all the Zero G models are superlative skis in their own right, the 95 remains our pick of the bunch. Weighing in at just 1170g per ski, the Zero G 95 is super speedy on the ascent

but crucially has been designed to make sure you keep up on the down.

The carbon Drive 2.0 technology uses a 3D carbon fibre frame with an ultra-lightweight paulownia wood core to guarantee optimal flex and torsional rigidity. The result is an impressive combo of downhill stability and edge grip in a confidence-inspiring, supremely lightweight package.

Backcountry Editor Martin is a big fan of the 22m sidecut: “It delivers grip all over the mountain, particularly in steep terrain, and

provides a forgiving and catch-free ride, especially in variable snow. The smooth flex and tip-tail rocker gives spreadable smoothness right round the turn, with the long contact surface improving stability on all types of terrain.”

Lee is in agreement: “Still the same übersmooth flex, still super lively underfoot and grippy when you need it, this thing just rocks.

An uphill charger and a downhill slayer.”

Also in Race, 85 and 105. blizzard-tecnica.com

The Blizzard Zero G 95 delivers grip all over the mountain, particularly in steep terrain, and provides a forgiving and catch-free ride, especially in variable snow. The smooth flex and tip-tail rocker gives spreadable smoothness right round the turn Martin Chester

Faction Agent 3.0

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

£649

❄ Lengths: 164, 172, 180, 188 ❄ Radius: 21m @ 180 ❄ Dimensions: 134-106-124 ❄ Weight per ski: 1720g @ 180 Having been very impressed by Faction’s Agent 2.0 last winter, we were busting our backcountry guts to give the new Agent 3.0 the run around at this year’s Ski Test.

With its 106mm waist, 21m radius and progressive shape it’s undeniably a descentoriented backcountry ski, yet still more than

capable on the uphill thanks to the combo of the lightweight karuba wood core and full carbon weave.

Weighing in at 1720g, the Agent 3.0 is certainly on the burlier end of the spectrum, yet it was Sam Anthamatten’s weapon of choice for his recent high-mountain adventure following the Patrouille des Glaciers route from Zermatt to Verbier. So it’s clearly got the game – you just need to bring the backcountry beans to back up its ambition.

Lee took the Agent 3.0 for a solid spin in

sunny Scotland at this year’s Ski Test and had an absolute riot. “Man this ski is a whole heap of fun. It’s super smooth into the turn, feels nimble and pivoty underfoot yet somehow still really planted and grippy. A crud-smashing, confidence-inspiring, free touring weapon that’s begging to be let loose in the big mountains.”

Perfect for free touring adventures and inbounds freeriding, the Agent 3.0 ticks a whole heap of backcountry boxes – a genuine big mountain quiver-killing contender. factionskis.com www.fall-line.co.uk 69

2 0 2 1

MEN’S TOURING SKIS

A pukka powder operator capable of bouncing and playing in deep snow PHOT0 FABIAN BODET

Dickie Fincher

Scott Superguide Freetour £575

❄ Lengths: 178, 185 ❄ Radius: 24m @ 185 ❄ Dimensions: 136-105-124 @ 185 ❄ Weight per ski: 1610g @ 185 The all-new Superguide Free Tour 104 from Scott is a hike and ride specialist designed for adventure-seeking skiers looking for ease of ascent and a potent downhill experience.

Weighing in at 1.6kg per ski in the 185cm length we tested, it’s impressively light for a ski boasting a relatively burly 105mm underfoot.

Dickie tested the ski over the course of three days at altitude in the Mont Blanc Massif where he was treated to the typical full spectrum of high-mountain conditions. Strong, confident and lightweight was the summary (of the ski, obvs…)

70 www.fall-line.co.uk

but if you’re looking for more detail, over to the man himself: “There’s a bit of rocker for the first foot in the tip – I’d call it a long nose – and a carbon wrap to stiffen and dampen the wood core. With 105mm underfoot and a long 24m turn radius you’ve got a stable platform for cranking up the descents.

“The three days threw up clattery surface, bearable because the Free Tour is well-damped, and a few patches of soft snow, which show the rebound quality that makes this a pukka powder operator capable of bouncing and playing in deep snow. That stability means you can let it run and put in some big, smeary turns on increasingly steep pitches.”

Dickie skied the Free Tour with a variety of bindings, including Fritschi Tetons and Salomon

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Shifts, and found it worked well across the board.

“It’s strong enough to benefit from the Shift’s increased stability on the downhill, but if you’re looking to mix in a lot of climbing then a robust pin binding like the Tecton still proved very capable.

“Personally, I enjoyed pairing it with the Shifts and a reasonably stiff boot like the new Scott Superguide Carbon, as the package gave a lot of control at the expense of a few hundred grams.”

Back in-bounds and it still does the job: “Piste was fine – this is a long-radius ski and tracks well – but it is wide and doesn’t have the planted feel of a multi-layer metal ski. It is soft enough to bend when pressured up so can be turned harder than you’d expect, but I’d class the narrower underfoot Superguide 95 as better in hardpack”. Also in 95 and 88 widths. scott-sports.com

Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95

Dynafit Blacklight Pro £630

❄ Lengths: 158, 166, 172, 178 ❄ Radius: 18.5m @ 172 ❄ Dimensions: 116-80-100 ❄ Weight per ski: 960g @ 172

£650

❄ Lengths: 162, 169, 176, 183 ❄ Radius: 19m @ 176 ❄ Dimensions: 124-95-113 @ 176 ❄ Weight per ski: 1400g @ 176

ONE T WATC O H

They say that ‘recombination’ is the fastest kind of evolution, where two sets of genes collide to produce something entirely new. We’ve been impressed with the recent direction of BD ski development, and applauding the Blizzard Zero G 95 as one of the ‘top five touring skis’ for a few seasons. So when Black Diamond take the genetic material of the Helio ski line, and get the team at Blizzard to build them in Austria, our eyes were always going to be firmly fixed on the outcome. Covid-19 may have prevented Martin trying out his test pair, but he’s ready and raring to put ’em to work this season: “These have a springy camber and elegant early rise 327mm (18.5%) tip rocker, plus a paulownia core. Shapely and full ABS sidewalls should dampen any carbon chatter – all in a 2.8kg per pair package.” blackdiamondequipment.com

ONE T WATC O H

Dynastar M-Tour 99

Rossignol Black Ops Alpineer

£720

❄ Lengths: 162, 170, 178, 186 ❄ Radius: 20m @ 178 ❄ Dimensions: 127-99-117 ❄ Weight per ski: 1300g @ 178

ONE T WATC O H

If you fancy the cut of Dynastar’s new freerideoriented M-Pro 99’s jib and want to replicate its capable and confidence-inspiring character in the backcountry, the brand new mega-light M-Tour 99 should help you do exactly that.

This slick-looking new ski is essentially a replacement for the legendary Mythic: Dynastar’s popular lightweight carbon-enhanced touring ski that excelled on the uphill and charged on the descent. The standout feature of the new Tour 99 is the fantastically feathery, basalt-reinforced hybrid paulownia/PU core that looks set to deliver a damp, light and smooth ride. Steep skiing legend and IFMGA Mountain Guide Vivian Bruchez’s new ski of choice, the M-Tour 99 looks set to become a big player in the high mountains when long approaches and technical descents are top of the menu. Also available in a leaner option – the M-Vertical 88. dynastar.com

A sub 1kg from the masters of all things fast and light, the new ISPO award-winning Blacklight Pro has all the cred to facilitate speedy ascents in the high alpine.

The pinnacle model in Dynafit’s new ultra-light, minimalist Blacklight series, the Blacklight Pro looks set to be a super-light and stable ski.

Constructed using 100% full UD carbon fibre reinforced with a paulownia wood core, it’s likely to appeal to experienced ski mountaineers looking to make rapid ascents and steep descents in technical terrain.

If you’re looking to light up the PDG or Mezzalama Trophy, it’s worth knowing that the Blacklight Pro has already established itself as a world beater, being the ski of choice for ski mountaineer and Dynafit CEO Benedikt Böhm’s successful Dhaulagiri VII speed record mission. No excuses then! dynafit.com

£445

❄ Lengths: 154, 162, 168, 176, 182 ❄ Radius: 19m @ 176 ❄ Dimensions: 122-86-108 @ 176 ❄ Weight per ski: 1260g @ 176

ONE T WATC O H

Rossi market the new Alpineer as a free touring ski, but weighing in at 1260g with just 86mm underfoot, we’d class it more as a lightweight, multi-day kinda rig. Ideal for newbies and experienced tourers alike, it’s an affordable touring ski designed to facilitate rapid progress in the backcountry. A paulownia/ microcell core lies at the heart of the Alpineer’s feathery feel, and Rossi’s Air Tip tech lightens the ski at the tip and tail further adding to its uphill cred.

There are slots in the tip for attaching skins, which should ensure a solid interface and speed up backcountry transitions. When it comes to the down, ABS beam tech and fibreglass reinforcements look to add balance and stability on the descent giving it real deal all-round potential. At just £445 it’s all looking super tasty – we’ll let you know how it goes when we finally get to take it for a spin. rossignol.com

www.fall-line.co.uk 71

2 0 2 1

MEN’S TOURING SKIS Atomic Backland 100 £500 ❄ Lengths: 164, 172, 180, 188 ❄ Radius: 19.2m @ 180 ❄ Dimensions: 129.5-100-120 ❄ Weight per ski: 1400g @ 180 Another epic new addition to the Backland family, this will be bang on for experienced backcountry skiers looking for a beefy yet light and nimble ski that delivers float and grunt.

The carbon backbone runs the length of the ski, giving it supreme edge hold with no extra weight. Push the slightly soft shovel too hard and it will hook up, but chill and let it do its thing and the stability from midshovel to the rear will deliver alpine-esque performance.

Lee reckons it skis more like the bombproof Bent Chetler than a twitchy touring rig, so is ideal for advanced skiers looking for a solid platform that can cope with hardpack and inconsistent crud but is fit for floatage when the deep days roll round. atomic.com

Black Diamond Cirque 84 £550 ❄ Lengths: 157, 164, 171, 178 ❄ Radius: 19.5m @ 171 ❄ Dimensions: 115-84-104 ❄W eight per ski: 1350g @ 171 The new Cirque 84 is a classic lightweight ski mountaineering ski for long approaches, speedy ascents and technical descents in the high alpine. With a fulllength engineered paulownia wood core, pre-preg carbon fibre lay-up, versatile 84mm width and ‘all-conditions’ tip rise, it’s ideal for experienced ski mountaineers looking for an ultra-light ski built to deliver a smooth, damp and balanced downhill experience. The titanal binding mounting plate inspires confidence in such a lightweight ski and the tip notch and ABS tail protector with skin-clip tab ensure you won’t be slowed down in transition. Ideal for multi-day tours in hard snow and/or the occasional skimostyle foray. Also in 78. blackdiamondequipment.com 72 www.fall-line.co.uk

Black Crows Corvus Freebird £670

Black Crows Ferox Freebird £730

❄L engths: 176, 183.4, 188.2 ❄ Radius: 21m @ all lengths ❄D imensions: 140-107-119 ❄W eight per ski: 1875g @ 183.4 @ all lengths

❄L engths: 170.1, 176.7, 181.4, 186.2 ❄ Radius: 21m @ 181.4 ❄D imensions: 136-110-126 ❄W eight per ski: 1800g @ 181.4

This year’s new and improved Corvus Freebird fires into winter with a longer sidecut, less defined tip rocker and more taper at the tail.

Big mountain riders will appreciate the new titanal mounting plate underfoot, which should ensure any hybrid Shift/Duke PT-style bindings stay connected to the ski when dropping cliffs.

It all adds up to a supercharged pink rocket that feels solid, stable and durable in all manner of conditions. At 1875g per ski, it’s no lightweight Lycra-wearing skier’s weapon of choice, but it’s still megamanoeuvrable underfoot for such a wide ski. Beauty and a beast? We think so… black-crows.com

Big boards can feel unwieldy and weighty, but not these weapons of fun. Weighing in at 1800g per ski, last year’s Fat Touring Ski of the Year is far from heavy, yet it brings full-width, powder-chasing into the touring category.

Tech-wise, you’re looking at 3D semi cap construction with a poplar/paulownia wood core. Combined with the mix of glass and carbon fibre, this gives a lovely compromise between flex and stiffness.

With a 136mm tip and a 126mm tail, this ski has a powerful 21m radius but the rocker feels like a twin-tip and makes it feel super nimble.

Perfect for deep pow hunting in the trees on stormy days. black-crows.com

Dynafit Seven Summits+ Pack £800

Fischer Hannibal 106 Carbon £630

❄L engths: 149, 158, 166, 174, 182 ❄ Radius: 20m @ 174 ❄D imensions: 116-85-105 @ 174 ❄W eight per ski: 2002g @ 166

❄ Lengths: 171, 178, 185 ❄ Radius: 22m @ 178 ❄D imensions: 138-106-122 ❄W eight per ski: 1540g @ 178

Pairing touring skis with the right bindings and skins can be a faff. If you’re keen to spend less time researching kit and more time actually skiing, Dynafit’s new ‘Unpack and Ski’ Seven Summits ski sets may be the stroke of genius you seek. One of three new touring packages this winter, the Seven Summits+ is Dynafit’s premium package made up of a pair of the Seven Summit skis, ST Radical bindings with brake and Pomoca’s Seven Summits skins. Also in regular Seven Summits (with Speed Turn bindings) and Seven Summits Youngstar for kids. dynafit.com

Light and fat, the Hannibal 106 Carbon is a powderseeking backcountry skier’s dream. A paulownia wood core keeps things light on the uphill, while titanal reinforcements underfoot and full-length carbon stringers are designed to deliver a super-stable ride when it’s time to drop in for that well-earned, hardcharging descent. The minimal sidecut facilitates long smooth turns so you can lay out fresh arcs on wide open powder-laden faces.

And at just 1540g per ski it’s light enough that you’ll be happy to hike again for a bonus lap. fischersports.com

G3 Findr 94 £745 ❄ Lengths: 172, 177, 182, 187 ❄ Radius: 20.7m @ 177 ❄ Dimensions: 126-94-113 ❄W eight per ski: 1400g @ 177 The Findr 94 returns with its magnetic bases, lightweight wood core and four layers of carbon, which all combine to deliver one high-end ski mountaineering rig. This year’s version is unchanged other than the price tag, which has been reduced from £819 to £745 – a mega win. With amazing flex and stiffness, this full-length trad camber ski has only a slight rocker at the tip. With a fulllength sidecut at 20.7m radius, you need to give it some oomph and flex to throw in the turns, but unleash your inner rapido demon and you’ll be firing from a super-stable platform at speed.

PU sidewalls dampen chatter, and the magnetic contact points in the base make for speedy, secure bootpack transitions if you prefer skiing with leashes. genuineguidegear.com

Scott Speedguide 89 £575

Völkl Rise Above 88 £530

❄ Lengths: 156, 163, 169, 176 ❄ Radius: 19m @ 176 ❄D imensions: 123-89-113 @ 176 ❄W eight per ski: 1270g @ 176

❄L engths: 149, 156, 163, 170, 177, 184 ❄ Radius: 15m @ 170 ❄ Dimensions: 131-88-111 ❄W eight per ski: 1186g @ 177

2020’s Lightweight Touring Ski of the Year returns with a new topsheet and the same elliptical paulownia wood core. This cunning sandwich sidewall gives more lateral and torsional stiffness for less weight, yet still allows a whippy flex that makes the ski such fun to ride. At 89mm underfoot, this will suit the traditional ski tourer who doesn’t need to go any wider.

While Scott are hell-bent to keep the weight down, they still put more ski where it is required – so the 123mm tip and 113mm tail give you a 19m radius in the 176 length.

You get a lot of downhill performance in just 1270g per ski. Also in 80 width. scott-sports.com

Völkl’s new Rise series encompasses six new touring skis designed to appeal to a broad range of levels. The Rise Above 88 is the most versatile in the new line-up, with the lightweight DNA to strike the balance between uphill performance and downhill skiabliity. Featuring Völkl’s infamous 3D radius sidecut, it enables you to make the switch between tight turns in steep couloirs to high-speed, GS-style turns on open faces. Other touringspecific features include a Tourlight hybrid wood core and Völkl’s new Smart Skin Clip attachment tech, which allows you to attach and detach skins from the tip or tail of the ski. volkl.com www.fall-line.co.uk 73

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S TOURING SKIS

Atomic Backland 107 W £550

❄ Lengths: 159, 167, 175 ❄ Radius: 17.5m @ 175 ❄ Dimensions: 136-107-123 ❄ Weight per ski: 1450g @ 175 Atomic have extended their popular Backland range and added the excellent Backland 107 W to the mix – a women’s free touring ski in a super-light package. At 107mm underfoot, it’s what we call ‘a ski anything kind of ski’, and it felt surprisingly rapid in short turns for such a broad platform.

With such a wide tip and relatively light overall weight, you might expect a touch of the dreaded

‘flappage’ when giving it the rapid guns on hard snow, but not a bit of it. “Sturdy at speed and super easy to turn – the Backland 107 W is a bouncy, easy-driving ski that’s happy to play all day long,” says Amy. Built to retain stiffness with an Ultra Power wood core and a backbone of super-strength carbon, the directional Backland 107 W makes for a super-smooth transition from the groomers, under the ropes and off into the backcountry.

Weighing in at just 1450g per ski, skinning will feel like a breeze. It really is a triumph of ski tech that a broad ski such as this can genuinely

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

feel so light. And if you’re lucky enough to be regularly finding bottomless fresh on your backcountry missions or looking for a first time pow ski, you’ll be stoked you opted for the Backland 107 W with her girthy dimensions.

Maximum floatage guaranteed on those well-earned descents!

If 107mm underfoot is a bit too much ski for you, check out the narrower 98mm version.

Also new for winter 2021, it’s a tighter-turning ski with a shorter radius and less weight – making it the ideal choice for more in the way of technical descents. atomic.com

Sturdy at speed and super easy to turn – the Backland 107 W is a bouncy, easy-driving ski that’s happy to play all day long Amy Marwick

Faction Agent 3.0X £649

❄ Lengths: 164, 172 ❄ Radius: 18m @172 ❄ Dimensions: 134-106-124 ❄ Weight per ski: 1540g @172 All hail the conquering Agent 3.0 and women’s Agent 3.0X – both the male and female versions of these skis are 100% deserving of their 2021 Editors’ Choice awards.

Slightly heavier and marginally narrower than the Backland 107 W, Faction’s much-hyped new Agent 3.0X is another stonker of a free touring ski that delivers similar levels of backcountry stoke.

74 www.fall-line.co.uk

“A joyful cruiser, this lilac beauty looks as good as it performs,” said Amy, who took it for a spin in the Scottish chop the morning after a storm.

“This ski dominated the McChop as if it were untouched pow! Ideal for strong skiers, it’s smooth through the turn but the progressive shape allows you to push hard and get more back.

“It felt most at home painting wide open freeride turns but was reactive to changes in terrain and could outmanoeuvre obstacles when needed.

“It leapt and bounded down the mountain, felt like zero gravity in the air and the extra width underfoot meant landings felt super stable.

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

I’m dying to try it in deep, deep pow as it’s just built for a face shot frenzy!”

Amy felt the Agent 3.0X skied like a more flexible version of the Dictator 3.0X, meaning it could be a great freeride option for lighter women or juniors – as well as an out and out backcountry free touring ski. At 1540g per ski, the Agent 3.0X is still light for its width, and while it may not be your go-to rapid touring option for multi-day trips, this ski is bang on point for big mountain powder quests when you’re looking for maximum whoopage on the descent. Plus you’ll look super stylin’ all the while. factionskis.com

Scott Superguide 95 W

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

£525

❄ Lengths: 160, 168 ❄ Radius: 20m @ 168 ❄ Dimensions: 128-94-113 ❄ Weight per ski: 1370g @ 168 New to the legendary and updated Superguide collection this winter is the super-versatile, women’s-specific Superguide 95 W. We loved last year’s Lightweight Touring Ski of the Year – the Superguide 88 W – so we had high hopes when we heard the folks at Scott had added the wider Superguide 95 W to the line-up.

Filling that understandably popular ‘do everything, ski everything’ 95mm underfoot gap,

it turns out the Superguide 95 W is every bit as good as we’d hoped – result!

Stiff enough to stand up at higher speeds yet supple and forgiving through short turns, our female test team were unanimous in their praise for the Superguide 95 W at the Scottish Ski Test.

“It’s super easy to wield and rebounded energetically without feeling like it might fold in half in firm conditions,” said Amy. “It’s got a freeride feel that gives you confidence to push on the downhill. It ate up the lumps and bumps and hopped over the heather like a happy haggis.”

When it’s time to start earning those turns, the Superguide 95 W has got mountain goat-

Atomic Backland 98 W

Dynafit Beast 98 W

G3 Slayr 114 Swift

❄ Lengths: 156, 164, 172 ❄ Radius: 14.6m @ 164 ❄ Dimensions: 127.5-98-118 ❄ Weight per ski: 1120g @ 164

❄ Lengths: 163, 170, 177 ❄ Radius: 17m @ 170 ❄D imensions: 124-96-115 @ 170 ❄W eight per ski: 1340g @ 170

❄ Lengths: 172, 178 ❄ Radius: 19.1m @ 172 ❄D imensions: 143-114-128 ❄W eight per ski: 1500g @ 172

£500

ONE T WATC O H

ascending capabilities thanks to its low weight and easy skin fixation system. The lightest of our 2021 Women’s Backcountry Editors’ Choice skis at 1370g per ski, it’s as feathery as a fluffed up duck but still super durable and strong thanks to the addition of beech wood stringers to reinforce the paulownia wood core.

If you’re looking for a well-balanced, women’sspecific touring ski for hut-to-hut Alpine tours, summit-to-sea spring Nordic adventures, day hits in Scotland and everything in between, the Superguide 95 W will have your back. A genuine backcountry quiver-of-one contender. scott-sports.com

It’s not often we give shout outs to two skis from the same series, but the new Backland 98 W looks so darn good we simply had to weave her in as a 2021 One To Watch.

Covid-19 may have stopped us checking out the 98 W for real last winter, but we strongly suspect this ski would have picked up an Editors’ Choice award had we been granted the opportunity to let it rip. Weighing in at 1120g per ski with a solid all-round 98mm underfoot, the new Backland 98 W may well offer the solution to that eternal backcountry quest – aka a ski that goes up as well as it descends. Promising lightweight performance and genuine skiability at a cracking price, it has all the cred we look for in a do-itall touring partner. The 98 W looks set to make a solid impression this winter. atomic.com

£585

ONE T WATC O H

Last year’s All-Round Touring Ski of the Year returns in a leaner package that looks set to broaden its appeal.

Weighing in at 140g less per pair this season, the new ‘freeride-touring’ Dynafit Beast 98W should climb uphill better and feel way more nimble on the descent.

It also comes with a special new snow-shedding topsheet to reduce snow build-up on the top of your skis so there’s no excuses for slow ascents!

A serious quiver-of-one contender for day tours and off-piste adventures, the descent remains the Beast 98 W’s DNA despite its recent weight loss. dynafit.com

£830

ONE T WATC O H

A whopping new backcountry ski from G3, designed for smaller users who may or may not be women! With 114mm to play with underfoot and just 1500g per ski to carry up the skin track, it’s rapidly becoming our ski of choice for the next Japow/ BC/deep-ass big mountain adventure. Fabulously fat and seriously light, it looks exactly like the kind of ski we’re going to need when we’re shredding lap after lap of life-affirming cold smoke. The combination of G3’s ultra-light custom wood core, PU sidewalls, carbon fibre construction and titanal layers makes for a seriously strong, light, damp and powerful ski. genuineguidegear.com www.fall-line.co.uk 75

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S TOURING SKIS

76 www.fall-line.co.uk

Armada Trace 108 £590

DPS Yvette A100 RP £1150

❄ Lengths: 156, 164, 172 ❄ Radius: 17m @ 161 ❄ Dimensions: 132-108-125 ❄ Weight per ski: 1550g @ 164

❄ Lengths: 153, 163, 171 ❄ Radius: 15m @ all lengths ❄ Dimensions: 131-100-116 @ 171 ❄ Weight per ski: 1760g @ 171

Last year’s Fat Touring Ski of the Year, the Trace 108 delivers backcountry giggles and girth by the bucketload. Updated for 2021 with a super-sick new top sheet and caruba wood core, the Trace 108 is undeniably built for deep days in the backcountry yet surprisingly light and nimble for such a big ski.

Floating in the deep stuff might be in its DNA but the Armada Trace is no one-trick powder pony. Poppy and playful in soft spring snow, the Trace 108 is just at home ripping around the frontside as it is off the back.

Armada’s Adaptive Mesh shaping has been tailored to different parts of the ski to deliver torsional stiffness and stability underfoot and minimal chatter, and swift turn initiation at the tip and tail. All the credentials required to float through power and crud with ease. Light enough that it won’t hold you up on the uphill section of a day tour yet solid and stable enough to charge when off-piste conditions are primo, the Trace 108 hits a real sweet spot for such a wide rig. armadaskis.com

Weighing in at 1760g, the high-performance Yvette A100 RP doesn’t pretend to be the lightest ski in the skin track, but if you’re packing a half-decent amount of mountain fitness and a pair of lightweight touring bindings, you won’t notice a thing.

The ‘A’ in the A100 signifies that this ski sits in DPS’s Alchemist range – a superlative series of pure carbon lightweight skis using the finest of materials to deliver a primo ride.

The descent is where the DPS Yvette A100 RP really comes into its own. With a soft flex and deep rocker, the Yvette A100 RP was playful and floaty in the powder, powerful and damp in the crud and surfy as hell in the life-affirming spring corn snow.

Carbon skis can jar and jolt, but this gal felt stable, solid and reliable in challenging conditions – a triumph that goes a long way to justifying its premium price tag. Stunning to look at, even better to ski! dpsskis.com

Scott Superguide 88 W £475

Zag Ubac 95 Lady £619

❄ Lengths: 144, 152, 160, 168 ❄ Radius: 16m @ 160 ❄ Dimensions: 121-84-106 ❄ Weight per ski: 1200g @ 160

❄ Lengths: 158, 164, 170 ❄ Radius: 16m @ 164 ❄ Dimensions: 127-94-114 ❄ Weight per ski: 1210g @ 164

If you’re planning a multi-day, hut-to-hut trip this winter where every gram counts, or are just keen to facilitate fast and light day tour adventures, the feathery nature of the Superguide 88 W will be right up your skin track. Last year’s Lightweight Touring Ski of the Year, the Superguide 88 W returns with a great-looking new topsheet and the same top-of-the-range touring tech, including Scott’s elliptic carbon/aramid core and clever 3Dimension sidecut, that enables the ski to both pivot and power with ease.

Crud, corn, ice, dust on crust or fresh pow, the Superguide 88 W is robust and responsive and capable of crushing all round the mountain, and its lightweight nimble DNA will definitely come in handy on those end-oftour whacky races when you’re thrashing through the woods or hammering down icy narrow forest tracks at speed. scott-sports.com

The Ubac 95 Lady is an impressively lightweight free touring ski with a capable and versatile 94mm waist designed to ensure you enjoy those well-earned downs.

The feathery feel comes courtesy of Zag’s 100% paulownia wood core that helps keep quad burn to the minimum on both the ascent and descent.

Throw in a dollop of multiaxial carbon and fibreglass into the construction and you’re looking at a light, dynamic and energetic ski with just the right level of stiffness and flex for technical descents in the backcountry.

A snappy 16m radius reinforces its playful feel, while the tip and tail rocker ensure you’ve got the floaty goods for ripping those powder fields you’ve worked so hard to hike into.

Max performance. Minimum weight.

Big style backcountry fun. zagskis.com

ST ROTATION

www.dynafit.com

2 0 2 1

SKI BOOTS

PHOT0 NOAH WETZEL

T

hese are strange times indeed. The ’19-20 ski season curtailed by an invisible virus, ski shops and resorts closed, and skiers all over the world left wondering what happened. Skiers are a resilient bunch and, as they say, a comeback is always stronger than a setback, so onward and into the new normal we head forth.

With the development cycle of a ski boot taking some 20-24 months, boots that are being released for the ’20/21 season were already being produced before this whole situation began.

So this winter brands will do what has been the norm for a number of years and have some exciting new models and new 78 www.fall-line.co.uk

colours in their line-up alongside a few carryover models.

TOP TRENDS

Yet again, the trends that were seen last season are repeated. The growth area for ski boot sales is most definitely the freeride touring boot. These crossover-type boots that combine alpine performance with lightweight touring features have improved tenfold over the past few seasons, and now do most things for most people.

The most notable new options come from Lange with their new XT3 models in two last widths and with a much-improved walk function over their past models; Atomic with

the Prime XTD, a mid-volume version of their highly successful Ultra XTD; and Salomon with their latest offering, the Shift AT, which brings the brand firmly back into this marketplace.

For the touring purists there have been advancements too. One technology stands head and shoulders above the rest: the Quantum by Dalbello, which uses a fusionwelded shell (think an Easter egg, but instead of chocolate it’s high-tech carbon-loaded plastics). This technology allows them to create more intricate shapes in the shell, and creates a bond between the two parts which is as strong as the material itself.

Probably the area of least visible

Solutions 4 Feet’s head boot-fitting honcho Colin Martin rounds up the latest developments in ski boot design

There is a boot out there for everyone, whatever you seek, whether it’s a freeride boot for powder missions, a race boot to beat the clock, a lightweight tourer or an alpine boot to simply enjoy the mountains

development is the traditional alpine boot, although there are still advancements happening in this sector, such as some new high-volume models for skiers with wider feet and colour updates from all brands.

REAR-ENTRY RETURNS!

And now, for a step back to the future…

For those who have been skiing since the ’80s you will most likely remember a particular style of boot – and younger readers you will have possibly heard about these strange boots, but not seen a pair in the flesh. Well, now you can. Yes, the rear-entry boot is back!

Last year Atomic brought us the Savor,

and now it’s Nordica’s turn. They’ve done some research, bought lunch for a few of their boot designers from the ’80s, and used their knowledge from 30-40 years ago, along with modern technology and materials, to create the HF range. Based on their 102mm last platform from the highly successful Sport Machine range, the HF offers a singleclip, easy-entry boot that gives comfort, convenience and enough performance to get you around the mountain. It’s ideal for skiers who struggle with boot comfort or the ability to clip a boot up due to weakness or injury.

The HF is available in both men’s and women’s models, as well as a heated version for those who suffer from cold feet.

SHOP LOCAL... AND EARLY

There is a boot out there for everyone, whatever you seek, whether it’s a freeride boot for powder missions, a race boot to beat the clock, a lightweight tourer or an alpine boot to simply enjoy the mountains.

So, support the new normal, shop in the UK and book an appointment with your local boot fitter if they offer this facility (more will than ever before). Be sure to shop early in the season – not only will there be more choice, but shops are normally quieter early-season, and there is the added bonus of being able to try your new boots at your local ski slope and have any adjustments made prior to your holiday. www.fall-line.co.uk 79

2 0 2 1

ALPINE BOOTS

Buckle up folks – it’s time to get locked and loaded in these resort-rippin’ boots of plenty

Nordica HF 110 GW £440 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Alpine Sizes: 24-31 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 110 Rear-entry boots are dead, right? So in the lift queue you might see some yellowing Salomon SX 50s, but rear-entry boots disappeared along with music cassettes, didn’t they? Not so fast; the HF110 might be one of the most interesting boots of the year.

Nordica has realised that many skiers want convenience and comfort, not a low-volume shell that’s harder to put on and take off than a wetsuit.

The HF 110 uses a single rear buckle to close the cuff and then a second closure over the instep to tighten the shell, wrapping the foot in a race bred cork and oil-filled liner. That means that it fits, and fits remarkably well. A double hinge system gives the sense of flexing in a traditional overlap boot, but in a boot that you can put on and take off ‘hands free’. This isn’t the boot for everyone, but it is the boot that has a unique blend of convenience, comfort and performance, you can put in on completely hands free and even unfasten it with your ski pole tip.

Bottom line: convenient, great for an older but strong skier. nordica.com

Roxa R/Fit 130 IR £420 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Alpine Sizes: 24.5-32.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l last: 102 flex: 130 Roxa’s R/Fit 130 looks relatively conventional but hidden under the lightweight Grilamid skin there are lots of clever features that make this a really interesting choice. Out of the box the boot feels extraordinarily light, so much so that Roxa stakes the claim that it’s ‘the lightest sport performance ski boot series ever offered’. As with most modern boots the shell can be gently cooked to iron out fit problem hotspots, but out of the box it’s already lightly fettled, with preformed stretches anticipating problem areas, such as pressure on the ankle and where your sixth toe might be.

With a 102mm last it’s orientated towards higher volume feet and anticipating the larger calf muscles that come with them releasing a bolt gives a more space at the cuff.

A clever ripcord pull lets you release the power strap without having to mess about with the clam buckle. Inside you’ll find a liner specifically designed in coordination with Intuition to integrate shell architecture.

Bottom line: light, skis well, fits larger feet. roxa.com

Tecnica Mach1 MV 130 TD £500 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Alpine Sizes: 24-31 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 130 Tecnica’s Mach 1 seems to have been around since Moses was a lad, but over the years only the name’s remained the same along with the concept of a high-performance, all-mountain boot that you can wear all day, not just until you cross the finish line.

The latest iteration of the Mach1 uses a unique cuff set-up for better power transmission. Most traditional alpine designs have a side hinge and a bolt or two at the base of the cuff, connecting it to the clog. The T drive reverses this concept with a composite plate connecting the clog to the top of the cuff. It’s schoolboy physics – lengthen a lever and you can create bigger outputs with less energy needed. Because the plate is a super-strong composite, it reinforces the cuff and allows the use of softer plastics elsewhere, wrapping the foot more evenly. The T drive and a more upright cuff makes this year’s model feel livelier and more responsive than previous versions.

The MV version has a 100mm last with a spacious toe box and Tecnica’s trademark grindable CAS liner to tweak any minor fit issues.

Bottom line: quick, responsive, race boot feel but without the pain. blizzard-tecnica.com

80 www.fall-line.co.uk

Jermemy Bernard

CYRIUS EXPAND YOUR FIELD OF VISION

The microfibre piste map

WHY BUY A WIPEOUT ?

Solves the problem of torn soggy paper maps Doubles up as a goggle and sunglass wipe Durable, washable and eco-friendly Take it to the office and brag about your trip!

OVER 100 SKI RESORTS AVAILABLE plus other great gift ideas for skiers in our online shop!

www.wipe-out.eu

2 0 2 1

MEN’S ALPINE BOOTS 1

KEY: Volume: l Low l Medium l High

2

1. Atomic Hawx Ultra CTD 130 £730 Alpine Sizes: 22-30.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 98 Flex: 130 This brand new model promises to make you a better skier!

Atomic’s new Connected range come with Movesense technology that tracks technique, turn count, slope angle etc.

The Atomic Skiing app then logs your progress, offers challenges and provides feedback from World Cup pros Benni Raich and Daron Rahlves. Tech-aside, it’s a precise, responsive, narrowfitting performance boot that has Atomic’s new customisable heat-mouldable Mimic Platinum liner. atomic.com

2. Dalbello DS Asolo 120 GW £450 Alpine Sizes: 24.5-30.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 98 Flex: 120

3

4

The new 98mm-last DS Asolo series has been created to fill the gap between Dalbello’s super-narrow 97mm DRS racing series and wider 102mm DS range. The DS Asolo 120 is a stiff, performance-oriented boot that comes with PU Power Cage construction, GripWalk soles, and a new easy-on, easyoff tongue. Also available in a 130 flex. dalbello.com

3. Dalbello DS 100 GW £345 Alpine Sizes: 24.5-30.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 100 All-day comfort in a performance boot, the updated DS 100 GW is back and ready to rip with its responsive 100 flex, pre-mounted GripWalk soles and a new adaptable MyFit liner.

Ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers, the 100mm last hits the sweet spot for medium-footed skiers. dalbello.com

4. Fischer RC4 The Curv GT 130 Vacuum Walk £540

5

6

Alpine Sizes: 24-29.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 96 Flex: 130 This new, low-volume boot delivers a superlative fit. The thermoformable 3D pre-shaped liner has been designed to deliver comfort and support, and it comes with a removable, grindable tongue that can be adjusted according to instep height and shin shape. The shell is also adaptable thanks to Fischer’s Vaccum Full Fit tech. fischersports.com

5. Fischer Ranger One 100 Vacuum Walk £360 Alpine/all-mountain Sizes: 25.5-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 101 Flex: 100 Our 2020 All-Mountain Boot of the Year winner returns with a new colour and identity. PBV (Powered by Vacuum) becomes Vacuum Walk. The standout feature is the walk mechanism hidden in the top buckle. Flip the lever and the cuff releases into a walk mode with 55° ROM; close it and you’re back in four-buckle alpine mode. fischersports.com

Our 2020 All-Mountain Boot of the Year winner – the Fischer Ranger One 100 – returns with a new colour and identity.

PBV (Powered by Vacuum) becomes Vacuum Walk…

82 www.fall-line.co.uk

6. Full Tilt First Chair 120 £385 Alpine Sizes: 24.5-30.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 99 Flex: 120 Fully customisable and mouldable with Pro Intuition liners, the shell opens right up to offer easy-on/off access. A narrow last with roomier toe box offers control with comfort, and the 120 flex delivers power and precision. fulltiltboots.com

MARKER.NET

B O R N

T O

R U L E

THE NE W LE ADING POWE R : DUKE PT 16 T IME F OR T HE R E SE T

Tec hnical Inf ormation

Ride & Hike Toe for superior Royal Family downhill per formance and release function combined with pin-technology for strong uphill per formance; DIN 6 – 16

Inter Pivot 3 Freeride Heel: the newest generation with magnesium housing

Convertible Toe: save 300 g per binding for the uphill Lock & Walk Brake including neutral walking mode and 10° climbing aid // Auto Quad Lock Technology: 4 -point self locking toe par t // Sole.ID technology: compatible with alpine, touring and GripWalk soles

2 0 2 1

MEN’S ALPINE BOOTS 1

2

1. Head Edge Lyt 110 £300 Alpine Sizes: 25-30.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 110/100 Just a little less hardcore than the Edge LYT 130, the 110 still retains the great fit and smooth flex of its big brother but with a slightly less hefty feel. Best suited to a lighter skier or one who doesn’t always take the fastest route to the bottom, the Lyt 110 feels strong and damp on hardpack but light on the chairlift. Take the adjustable flex down a notch to 100 if you’re looking to cruise. head.com

2. Head Nexo Lyt 130 RS £450 Alpine Sizes: 25-30.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 98 Flex: 130/120

3

4

New last winter, the top-of-the-range Nexo LYT 130 RS is a super-high-performance boot that will appeal to aggressive skiers looking to rip fast and hard. With wonder material graphene, GripWalk compatible soles, and a Liquid Fit Primaloft liner, the lightweight Nexo LYT 130 RS is packed full of primo tech. The adjustable flex means you can tone it down to 120 if you’re feeling on the zen side of charge town. head.com

3. K2 Recon 120 £395 Alpine Sizes: 24.5-30.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 120

5

Weighing in at 1620g, the K2 Recon 120 goes sub-£400 this year and returns in a stealthy camo-style cloak. A lightweight, high-tech boot and built to respond, it comes with GripWalk compatible soles, heat-mouldable Powerlite shell and optional Thermic heated liners. Mega customisable, with a strong flex and responsive feel, the Recon 120 is ideal for advanced skiers looking for a kickass-looking, feature-laden boot. Looking for max power? The brand spankin’ Recon Pro comes with a whopping 140 flex. k2snow.com

4. Lange LX 120 £325 Alpine Sizes: 24-31.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 120 Last year’s Alpine Boot of the Year, the LX 120 offers Langelevels of precision and performance in a slightly roomier package for wider footed skiers. The anatomical shell with stout 120 flex is powerful when you tilt onto the edge, and the heat-mouldable Dual 3D Pro liner irons out any fit hotspots. A comfortable, lightweight, high-performance boot with Dual Core shell and GripWalk compatible soles, the LX 120 is guaranteed to put wide smiles on wide-footed skiers this winter. lange-boots.com

5. Lange RX 100 LV £290 Alpine Sizes: 24-31.5 Walk mode: N Volume: ll Last: 97 Flex: 100 Lange’s RX 100 LV returns unchanged this winter – as does its 130, 120 and 100 flex siblings. Offering a precise, highperformance fit, the RX 100 LV features Lange’s Dual Core sandwich construction for speedy rebounds, quick reactions and edge-to-edge action, customisable 3D liners, Shin Control tech and GripWalk compatible soles. Great value, too. lange-boots.com

84 www.fall-line.co.uk

KEY: Volume: l Low l Medium l High

1

1. Nordica Promachine 130 GW £510 Alpine Sizes: 24-30.5 Walk mode: N Volume: ll Last: 98 Flex: 130 The flagship model in the high-performance Promachine range, the 130 GW is a powerful boot that offers the performance of a Doberman race boot in a more comfortable lightweight shell and liner. Aimed at expert skiers, it employs stiffer plastic along the spine of the shell, allowing for tons of lateral stability and a smooth flex. Both the anatomical 98mm last shell and 3D liner can be heat moulded. Also available in the more accessible 110 and 120, women’s versions and the Promachine J for rippin’ kids. nordica.com

2. Nordica Sportmachine 120 £380 Alpine Sizes: 24-32.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 120 The Nordica Sportmachine 120 is designed for advanced resort shredders looking for all-day comfort without sacrificing performance or precision. With more room in the clog and right up through the adjustable cuff opening, it’s best for skiers with wide feet looking for a stiff, highly-tuned, high-volume alpine boot.

The shell is customisable, as is the cosy 3D Cork Fit Primaloft liner will keep tootsies toasty warm. Also available in 130, 110 and 100 flex. nordica.com

3. Rossignol AllSpeed 100 £275

2

3

Alpine Sizes: 25.5-30.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 100 The AllSpeed 100 offers all-day resort performance in an accessible, comfortable boot. With softness and firmness in all the right places, this is a solid and dependable boot with plenty of volume for those wider of hoof. Features of note include the toasty, fully customisable Thinsulate liner and GripWalk soles. A top boot at an affordable price point. rossignol.com

4. Salomon S/Pro HV 130 £390 Alpine Sizes: 24-33.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 102-108 Flex: 130

4

5

Full of foot and fed up of pinchy pain? The new S/Pro HV takes technology from the racy S/Max and puts it in a wider shell with a high-volume fit. Pop the custom 3D seam-free liner into the custom shell, gently heat et voila – you’re looking at a stiff and zippy boot that will fit all y’all with broad bases. At 1800g, it comes in close to touring boot weight, but still has all of the performance and precision of a traditional alpine boot. Also available in 120, 100, 90 and 80 – all HV. salomon.com

5. Salomon S/Max 120 £420 Alpine Sizes: 24-29.5 Walk mode: N Volume: ll Last: 98 Flex: 120 The tried and tested S/Max 120 is a narrow-fitting boot with a firm 120 flex, ideal for advanced to expert skiers. The carbon Coreframe construction uses a thinner shell designed to shave weight and add zip to your pistey ride. Both the shell and the seamless liner are fully customisable and there’s GripWalk soles for top traction on foot. salomon.com

www.fall-line.co.uk 85

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S ALPINE BOOTS

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Fischer Ranger One 115 Vacuum Walk £460

Alpine/all-mountain Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 101 Flex: 115 Glance at a Fischer and it often seems very conventional; look again and behind the business suit style are some of the most innovative approaches to ski boot design out there. The Ranger One looks like a four-clip with a power strap, built with more than one eye on the groomers, yet it has many features that out-tour touring boots. Sitting under the top buckle is a lever that releases the cuff and gives an astonishing 55° of cuff travel.

Weighing in at around 1790g also parks it alongside many free touring boots, yet it has a true alpine feel, eating up the miles when you make big arcs. Of course, it’s female friendly with a preformed last that can be customised, and the liner has the extra benefit of Primaloft insulation for frigid January days.

Bottom line: one-boot quiver, a hike and rider hiding in alpine clothes or an alpine boot with occasional touring tricks. fischersports.com

K2 Anthem 100 £325 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Alpine Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: ll Last: 98-100 Flex: 100 The Anthem 100 is a quiver-killing, crowd-pleasing, super-styling instrument of shred.

Designed to fit the needs of a wide spectrum of skiers, it plays a tune that is sweet all over the mountain. The new Powerlite shell checks in at a featherlight 1560g and is made with four different grades of plastic. Despite it being one of the lightest alpine boots on the market it still has a beefy feel with K2’s unique ‘spyne’ connecting the clog and cuff without rivets; the more you drive against the cuff the more powerfully it connects to the clog. It’s at its best driven by an advanced skier whose natural home is the piste, though it’s stable enough to get you through chopped mashed potatoes.

Available in low and medium volume with the ability to expand 6mm further with a simple oven-cooked custom-moulding session.

Bottom line: best at being good at everything on-piste. Featherweight. k2skis.com

Salomon S/Max 100 W £369 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Alpine Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: ll Last: 98 Flex: 100 It’s an S/Max built for women. We could just leave it there, but allow us to elaborate…

The S/Max is a piste-orientated boot that tips the scales at 1620g – not far away from free touring boot weight. Salomon thinned the shell and wrapped it around a composite skeleton that cradles the foot. That stiff inner skeleton means that the shell is super quick, responsive and gives an almost telepathic connection to the ski. Of course, it’s lasted for a female foot with a lower and more flared cuff, and when the shell and liner are heated it gives a vacuum-packed fit, snug but not crushing. It’s a great choice for someone who prefers short to medium arcs on the groomed and wants a boot that will go with them on their journey from good to great.

Bottom line: as quick as a race boot with the weight of a free tourer. salomon.com

86 www.fall-line.co.uk

KEY: Volume: l Low l Medium l High

1

1. Dalbello DS 90 W GW £300 Alpine Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 99 Flex: 90 With its lower cuff profile and soft warm liner, the DS 90 W GW is a well-thought-out boot pitched at advancing intermediate skiers. The Powercage structure enables easy edge to edge performance and MyFit tech means both the shell and IF-liner can be fully customised to fit. GripWalk sole compatible. Also available in a feistier 110 flex version. dalbello.com

2. Dalbello Panterra 95 W GW £350 Alpine/all-mountain Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 99-101 Flex: 95 Last year’s All-Mountain Boot of the Year, the Panterra is an adjustable weapon with heaps of potential for customisation.

Aimed at experienced skiers regularly charging between piste and powder, it comes with an adjustable last, adaptable collar, lightweight Powercage construction, variable ramp angle and canting system. GripWalk sole compatibility and a 50° ROM walk mode are ideal for quick bootpacks, short tours or simply that bit extra flexibility required to bust out your best moves at après. Also available in 105, 85 and 75 flex. dalbello.com

3. Fischer RC4 The Curv 105 Vacuum Walk £380 Alpine Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 99 Flex: 105

2

3

The new RC4 The Curv 105 will suit medium-footed females looking to push their performance on-piste. With a women’sspecific cuff and warm customisable pre-shaped Primaloft liner, it’s built for max comfort. Other features of note include Fischer’s Precision Steering tech, designed to help you nail those turn shapes in style. Scale up to the 115 flex for a punchier ride. fischersports.com

4. Fischer RC4 The Curv GT 95 Vacuum Walk £369 Alpine Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 96 Flex: 95

4

5

The new RC4 The Curv GT is a high-performance, low-volume boot built for max piste precision. The lightweight shell comes with adjustable forward lean so you can dictate and adapt the boot to suit your own individual groovy groomer style. Premoulded liners can be further customised and GripWalk soles will prevent unwanted slips when you’re busting out that postaprès stride of pride. fischersports.com

5. Full Tilt Plush 90 £300 Alpine Sizes: 23.5-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 90 Pink and punky, the Plush 90 is the Soul Sister’s chunkier alter ego and with a little more width and volume comes added comfort all wrapped up in a luxe furry lining. Super easy to get on and off with a non-slip GripWalk sole and removable insoles, the Plush 90 is Full Tilt’s highest performance all-mountain boot for women, pitched at advanced skiers looking for a comfortable freeride feel. The 90 flex provides a springy rebound for landing off jumps, boxes and bumps, and the boot has a secure feeling with great heel hold. Also available in 70 flex for a softer, easier ride. fulltiltboots.com www.fall-line.co.uk 87

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S ALPINE BOOTS 1

2

1. Head Edge Lyt 90 W £300 Alpine Sizes: 22-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 90/80 If you’re wider of hoof and seeking an intermediate-toadvanced, lightweight alpine boot, get your trotters into this.

Wonder material graphene creates a feathery feel and provides a lightweight boot with super-dynamic rebound. The easy-entry design means you can wave goodbye to painful, slow and frustrating moments in the boot room, and once they’re on, Head’s primo Liquid Fit liner and super-macro tooth plate enable you to customise the fit. head.com

2. Head Nexo Lyt 110 RS W £410 Alpine Sizes: 23-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 98 Flex: 110/100

3

4

This comes in three flexes: 90, 100 and 110, all of which feature Head’s power plate tech for increased support through the upper cuff and a higher level of performance. Ideal for expert skiers who like to blast the groomers, the Nexo LYT 110 W can be slackened off with a flex adjuster when you’re ready to take the pace down a notch. Constructed using super-light, super-durable graphene, these rapid chargers also come with a cosy Primaloft liner and heat-mouldable Liquid Fit tech, offering a precise performance fit. head.com

3. Lange RX 110 W LV £360 Alpine Sizes: 22-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: ll Last: 97 Flex: 110

5

A real resort ripper, the RX 110 LV features Lange’s Dual Core shell construction and Dual 3D liner designed to offer good heel lock and foot hold, which in turn leads to precision and power transmission to the ski. With GripWalk compatible soles, Thinsulate insulation and a specially designed shin liner to disperse pressure more evenly, these boots will suit advanced, low-volume-footed skiers looking for a tech-laden boot. Also available in a medium volume with 110 flex and in both low and medium volumes in 90 and 80 flex. lange-boots.com

4. Lange LX 80 W £270 Alpine Sizes: 22-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 80 With an 80 flex and 102mm last this boot suits an entry-level to intermediate skier with high-volume feet looking for max comfort. The LX features Lange’s Dual Core technology that aims to harness the energy that you put in and translate it into explosive power and rebound through the turn. An ideal and affordable choice for improvers keen to continue their development in comfort. lange-boots.com

5. Nordica Promachine 105 W £400 Alpine Sizes: 22-27.5 Walk Mode: N Volume: ll Last: 98 Flex: 105 The high-performance Promachine 105 remains an excellent choice for advanced skiers pushing their limits on all terrain.

This reasonably stiff race-style, low-volume and lightweight boot features super-high-tech stiff plastic along the spine of the shell that adds up to lateral stability and fast energy transfer when you’re giving it beans on the groomers. It also comes with GripWalk soles, a heat-mouldable 3D liner and articulated rear cuff. Expert riders looking for extra power should consider the extra boost from the 115. nordica.com 88 www.fall-line.co.uk

KEY: Volume: l Low l Medium l High

1

1. Nordica Speedmachine 95 W £340 Alpine Sizes: 22-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 95 A great-value, sporty boot, this offers bagloads of tech, including a fully customisable Infrared Tri-Force shell, 3D performance fit liner, women’s-specific cuff and Primaloft inner. A favourite year after year, this medium-flex version is ideal for advanced skiers looking to refine carves, explore the bumps and learn to rip in all conditions. Scale up to the 105 or 115 flex for harder hitting performance or down to the new 85 Heat for a super-toasty, comfortable ride. nordica.com

2. Rossignol Pure Heat £350 Alpine Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 70 This has all the technical excellence you would expect from a Rossignol boot but with comfort, warmth and luxury in droves.

Featuring a super-soft furry liner, a softer flex and a wider last, it comes with a heated Thermic liner. But if you’re looking for mega-crazy tech then upgrade to the stiffer Pro version and you’ll be able to control your foot temperature via Bluetooth from your smartphone! rossignol.com

3. Roxa R/Fit W 85 £240 Alpine Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 85

2

3

New this winter, the R/Fit W 85 packs a host of primo tech into a very impressive and affordable alpine boot. Featuring Roxa’s two-piece Next Gen structure, they’re ultra light, zippy, forgiving and easy to get on and off thanks to the Easy Entry panel. The medium flex, furry heat-mouldable liner, women’sspecific cuff and roomy last combine to deliver a comfortable, well-designed female-specific boot that should prove very popular among intermediate and advanced skiers. Scale up to the 95 flex for more punch or down to the cruisier 75. All models come with GripWalk compatible soles. roxa.com

4. Salomon S/Pro 90 W £320 Alpine Sizes: 24-31.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 100-106 Flex: 90

4

5

New last winter, the S/Pro 90 W is a super-comfortable, highperformance boot with seamless customisable liners and a mouldable shell that enables wider footed skiers to go up to a whopping 106mm inside the boot. Available in black or white, the S/Pro 90 W is powerful, precise and ready to rip. Also available in 100, 80 and 70 flex and the self-heating 90 CHC W with Custom Heat Connect technology. salomon.com

5. Tecnica Mach1 LV 105 W £350 Alpine Sizes: 22-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 98 Flex: 105 The super-high-tech, low-volume Mach 1 LV 105 is a highperformance boot aimed at narrow-footed skiers seeking precision and power. The 105 flex makes it an ideal choice for advanced skiers who want a boot that can help them push and progress in comfort. And get this – the super-high-spec Celliant and lambswool liner claims to convert body heat into infrared energy that penetrates your tissue to increase circulation. Blimey! Also available in a more relaxed 95 flex and the 115 Pro version that offers the same low-volume fit with a stiffer flex. tecnicasports.com www.fall-line.co.uk 89

2 0 2 1

FREESTYLE BOOTS Pop, drop, butter and jib – unleash your creative side in these spin-tastic boots

1

MEN’S FREESTYLE BOOTS

2

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

3

Full Tilt Kicker £270 Freestyle Sizes: 24.5-30.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 70

Despite Full Tilt’s ancestors being a favourite for World Cup downhillers in the 1980s, the brand has found its natural home among big mountain skiers and in the park. All Full Tilt models use an external, ribbed flex tongue to control their flex, making them feel very different from more conventional two-piece designs with a smoother and more progressive flex. Though Full Tilt boots are relatively easy to modify, in the past they’ve tended towards favouring lower volume feet.

The Kicker redresses that with a generous 102mm last and more space all round.

Add to that Full Tilt’s use of the category-leading Intuition liner with a central buckle mounted at 45° pulling you directly back into the heel pocket and you have a boot that will give a low-volume feel to higher volume feet. Throw in shockabsorbing inserts underfoot and you have a boot that’s perfect for someone starting to explore in the park.

Bottom line: a great entry-level freestyle boot. fulltiltboots.com

In the past Full Tilt boots have tended towards favouring lower volume feet.

The Kicker redresses that with a generous 102mm last and more space all round 90 www.fall-line.co.uk

4

KEY: Volume: l Low l Medium l High

1. Dalbello Il Moro ID £575 Freestyle Sizes: 24.5-29.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 98 Flex: 120

WOMEN’S FREESTYLE BOOTS

Dalbello’s top-of-the-range Il Moro ID returns this winter in a new low-profile colour but the same highperformance features for advanced freestyle antics.

Designed to bracket both park and big mountain performance, the full-length ‘landing gear’ boot board takes the sting out of hard landings from big drops and the centred stance makes it easy to zero in on the boot’s sweet spot when you’re motoring. The threepiece Cabrio construction provides a super-smooth and responsive flex and with a 100% customisable shell and liner system, you’ll be stomping through winter on your terms. dalbello.com

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

2. Dalbello Il Moro MX 90 £250 Freestyle Sizes: 24.5-30.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 103 Flex: 90 Aspiring freestylers with big air ambitions will want to get into the Il Moro MX 90 this winter. With it’s threepiece Cabrio construction, medium flex and widefitting last this is a kick-back comfortable and versatile boot for progressing in the park and laying down laps all over the mountain. The TruFit Sport liner is heat mouldable and there’s a full-length shockabsorbing footboard so you can stomp those landings time after time. Great value, too. dalbello.com

3. Full Tilt Drop Kick Pro £350 Freestyle Sizes: 22.5-31.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 90 It’s time to commit and drop into winter with the Drop Kick Pro. The most successful boot on the market, this bangin’ blue bad-ass just got even better this winter with the addition of a new 100% customisable Intuition Pro liner for pro level fit and support. With an adjustable flex, light but durable easy on/off customisable shell, shock-absorber boot board and 45° heel lock you’ll be rigged and ready to get max sendy. fulltiltboots.com

4. Roxa Element 100 £300

Full Tilt Soul Sister 100 £350 Freestyle Sizes: 23.5-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 99 Flex: 100

Nothing skis like a Full Tilt. The three-piece shell with a tongue ribbed like a drink straw is reassuringly mellow in its progressive forward flex. Miss-time a landing in a traditional shell and you might feel as if you’ve walked into a fence. Landing in a Full Tilt is more like endlessly exhaling. However, because of the tall cuff with a low hinge point, there is a real sense of lateral support – park the ski on its edge, ride and fly. The combination of the Intuition liner and open shell means that the boot is easy to customise, though high insteps will need a little work. While this is categorised as a freestyle boot it wouldn’t be out of place on a strong skier who loves the wind in her face and gets to the lift first.

Bottom line: smooth flexing with an almost power steering feel. fulltiltboots.com

Roxa Trinity £350

Freestyle Sizes: 24.5-30.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 99 Flex: 100

Freestyle Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: N Volume: ll Last: 99-101 Flex: 85

The new Element 100 uses the same three-piece cabrio design made famous by the likes of Dalbello and Full Tilt. It makes sense, of course, because it’s easy to get on and off, allows for a super-smooth flex and powerful edge to edge performance in the park.

The Intuition liner wraps the calf and shin, you can adjust the forward lean and lock the heel in place with an independently functioning instep buckle positioned at 45°. Inverted toe buckles prevent scrapes and breaks when rails and rocks are the order of the day.

Scale up to the reggae stylin’ 120 or 110 for a stiffer flex and Intuition IR liners. roxa.com

Roxa’s three-piece cabrio design is the holy trinity that lies at the heart of this medium-flexing female-specific freestyle boot. The lower height women’s-specific cuff leaves room for those strong calves to stomp and slide their way through winter, and the adjustable spoiler ensures you’re in control when it comes to forward lean. Other features of note include Intuition liners, an adjustable Biofit last, shock-absorbing boot board, inverted toe buckles and GripWalk soles. Get ready to worship… roxa.com www.fall-line.co.uk 91

2 0 2 1

FREERIDE BOOTS

Hike and huck, slash and stomp – take your big mountain game to the next level

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130 Tech GW £500 Freeride Sizes: 24-32.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 130 Weight: 1668g The Hawx Prime XTD is really something of a hybrid, bringing the snow feel that you would expect from a Hawx-inspired clog, but mated with the Backland’s long cuff travel and beefy freelock 4.0 ski to walk system. Atomic’s Hawx models have always been a boot fitter’s favourite; out of the box they fit lots of feet well. This year things have improved with the new 100mm last Platinum Mimic liner, pre-shaped to fit before it goes into the oven for final customisation. The liner is also built with flex zones so it moves with you when the cuff is released for a long skin up and uses its 54° of travel. The ultra-lightweight shell with its friction-free hinge feels quick and agile on the way down with a real short-turn-snap underfoot.

Bottom line: a medium-fitting boot that can cope with just about anything on the way up or down. atomic.com

Lange XT3 130 £570 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Freeride Sizes: 24.5-29.5 Walk Mode: Y Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 130 Weight: 1800g Lange has always been known for building high-performance, alpine-orientated boots with a race, or race-like snowfeel, a painted-on fit and the power of a supercharger.

Though Lange has produced freeride boots in the past, the XT3 is almost certainly the furthest Lange designers have even ventured under the ropes.

Lange says that this is the boot engineered to go up and built to ski down. There’s a lot of engineering in there, with a unique metal-on-metal cuff lock that mimics the feel of Lange’s bolted cuff on the way down but allows a 53° range of movement for climbing.

With GripWalk soles and tech inserts this may look less like a Lange of old, but it retains the powerful trench-cutting feel of its race-orientated siblings. It’s best skied from the centre with its upright stance.

Bottom line: a bipolar boot: climbs like a tourer, carves like a racer. lange-boots.com

Salomon Shift Pro 130 AT £540 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Freeride Sizes: 22-31.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 130 Weight: 1670g Salomon’s Shift Pro 130 doesn’t fall wholly into the full-on touring category, but it is a boot for skiers who prefer to earn their turns; and one you’re more likely to find covered in untracked snow than carving on ripplechip groomers. The Surelock ski/walk mechanism means you have plenty of cuff travel for the climb up. However it uses much of the core DNA of Salomon’s race-orientated S/Max models with the lightweight Polyolefin/ Polyamid shell wrapping a composite insert.

The Coreframe insert cradles the foot and allows the boot to be made light, without the risk of the shell deforming when your speed cranks up to 11 or you’re making crisp short radius arcs. The Shift Pro also uses the 3D Seamless Race liner which is dense and when heated offers a close to foam quality of custom fit, without niggling from stitches around the toe box.

Bottom line: versatile and light with an alpine feel. salomon.com

92 www.fall-line.co.uk

KEY: Volume: l Low l Medium l High

1

2

1. Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 £600 Freeride Sizes: 22-29.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 98 Flex: 130 Weight: 1580g Last year’s Freeride Boot of the Year returns with the same combo of light, precise feel and heaps of top level hike and ride tech, including Skywalk Gripwalk soles and a 50mm cam-style power strap. New is the Mimic Platinum liner with Touring Flex Zone – a fully customisable anatomically pre-shaped liner that uses magic Mimic tech (rather than foam) that softens when heated and hardens when cooled to give a truly personalised fit that will help you shred harder and faster this winter. A nimble bootpacker with punch and power. atomic.com

2. Dalbello Krypton AX 120 ID £450 Freeride Sizes: 24.5-29.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 120 Weight: 1960g

3

4

The three-piece cabrio design of the legendary Krypton is bang-on for riders looking for a progressive flex that ramps up as you drive deeper into the boot. Dalbello’s ‘Rocker’ Stance has been developed to help balance post-stomp and the light, warm customisable Custom Fit ID Max liner offers great impact absorption and solid foot hold. NB there’s no walk mode here so it’s best for inbounds ripping and sidecountry slashing. Also in a stiffer 130 ID and softer 110. dalbello.com

3. Fischer Ranger 130 Walk DYN £630 Freeride Sizes: 24.5-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 99 Flex: 130 Weight: 1600g

5

Back with a new colour and a slight rebrand (no longer the Ranger ‘Free’), the super-popular Ranger 130 still offers the same top downhill performance in a lightweight package. It has all the freeride features you need, from Dynafit inserts to Vibram GripWalk soles, lightweight Grilamid shell and cuff, Active Fit Zones and 55° ROM in walk mode. Scale down to the 120 or ease things further with the 100. fischersports.com

4. Full Tilt Ascendant Sammy Carlson £425 Freeride Sizes: 24.5-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 120 Weight: 1900g Approved by the legendary, mega-versatile Sammy Carlson, this new hike and ride specialist features FT’s easy on/off Evolution Tour shell with a higher back and Grilamid plastic.

With 60° ROM in walk mode, a fully mouldable Pro Tour Wrap liner for a blister-free fit, easy ripcord cinch strap, TPU shell, GripWalk soles and shock absorber boot board it’s loaded with freeride tech for getting up to get down. fulltiltboots.com

5. Head Kore 1 £550 Freeride Sizes: 23-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 130 Weight: 1525g The supremely feathery Kore 1 returns this winter with a new graphic and the same stand-out hike and ride-ability that has established it as one of our all-time freeride favourites. The graphene-infused Kore 1 is still a ‘light is right’ boot with a natural but powerful 130 flex, Liquid Fit liner and optional power plate to help distribute pressure in the shin area. When it’s time to hike it’s happy to do the backcountry biz thanks to the 45° ROM in walk mode, Dynafit tech inserts and GripWalk soles. Skiers looking for a more forgiving flex can opt for the Kore 2 120 flex version that features the same top-level tech. head.com www.fall-line.co.uk 93

2 0 2 1

MEN’S FREERIDE BOOTS 1

KEY: Volume: l Low l Medium l High

1. K2 Mindbender 120 £475 Freeride Sizes: 24.5-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 98 Flex: 120 Weight: 1675g The boot that can’t make its mind up: frontside or backside, piste or deep? The shiny new Mindbender 120 is a megaversatile, lightweight top-of-the-freeride-tree boot rammed with belting features. It’s super stylin’, lightweight, responsive and powerful with a Powerlite shell, GripWalk soles, and a tough metal ski/hike switch that offers 50° ROM in walk mode. The fit is snug, but with strategic pre-punches common hotspots have been taken care of, and there’s a fully heatmouldable PrecisionFit Pro Tour liner. Also available in a punchy 130 or medium-flexing 100. k2snow.com

2. Nordica Strider Pro 130 DYN £520 Freeride Sizes: 22.5-31 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 130 Weight: 1910g Nordica’s leading hike and ride boot returns in a new cloak for a mega-huckable £70 less! The 100mm last is expandable to 104mm using infrared tech, and the heat-mouldable 3D cork liner means it can be made to fit most foot types. It skis just like an alpine boot, with a stiff 130 flex, but the efficient walk mode, Dynafit tech inserts and Michelin rubber Gripwalk soles mean it’s ready to go beyond the resort. Ease things off with the slightly less-firey 120 flex version. nordica.com

3. Rossignol Alltrack Elite 130 LT GW £595

2

3

Freeride Sizes: 25.5-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: ll Last: 98 Flex: 130 Weight: 1740g Designed for max fun on the descent, the brand spankin’ new Alltrack Elite 130 LT GW is a free touring specialist guaranteed to bring stealthy style to the backcountry this winter. Part of Rossi’s new ‘Ride Free’ collection, this is the flagship boot in the Alltrack line. Light enough to hike, and locked and loaded with features for downhill charging, it comes with a lightweight Grilamid shell, stiff 130 flex, 50° ROM in walk mode, and GripWalk soles. rossignol.com

4. Roxa R3 130 TI I.R. £520 Freeride Sizes: 24.5-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 99-101 Flex: 130 Weight: 1520g

4

5

At 1520g, Roxa claim the not-so mellow yellow R3 130 TI I.R. is the one of lightest high-performance alpine ski boots ever.

There’s a little screw on the rear which, when turned 90°, softens the flex in the upper cuff giving a more progressive damping with quick rebound – a sort of suspension mode for your boot. The three-piece construction provides fantastic hold inside the boot, while the 45° instep buckle further enhances stability. With a lightweight Grilamid shell, adaptable last, GripWalk soles and a ski-hike cuff lock the R3 may well be your perfect companion for freeride escapades. roxa.com

5. Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN GW £520 Freeride Sizes: 22-31 Walk mode: Y Volume: ll Last: 99 Flex: 130 Weight: 2035g The biggest and burliest dawg in the Cochise line-up, the Cochise 130 returns with a new graphic and GripWalk soles. It may not be the lightest, but it’s packing a serious load of toplevel tech, including 42° ROM in walk mode, a customisable thin/stiff CAS shell made from polyether, Dynafit tech inserts and RECCO technology. tecnicasports.com 94 www.fall-line.co.uk

SEE MORE THAN EVER BEFORE

4D MAG™ Experience a visual revolution with the 4D MAG™ goggle featuring BirdsEye Vision™.

Soar with BirdsEye Vision™ ultrasporteu.com

01332 813 150

info@ultrasporteu.com

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S FREERIDE BOOTS

Head Kore 2 W £460 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Freeride Sizes: 23-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 110 Weight: 1616g Made using the wonder spacedust that is graphene, this is a lightweight freeride boot with a slightly more on-piste feel than some others in this category. It feels precise and has a broad sweet spot that’s helped by the new cuff design, which uses an integrated power plate, increasing its height and combined with a 50mm power strap gives a bucketfull of power in the middle and end of each arc.

The Kore uses Head’s trademark LiquidFit liner, a system where a gel can be injected, or removed, to fine-tune the fit after the liner and shell have been heated. It’s as close as it’s possible to get to a custom, aftermarket liner without shelling out for one. A neat trick, borrowed from race boots, is the locking buckles, so that when you’re hiking up it’s impossible to catch and unintentionally open a buckle, leaving you with a nasty shock on the first turn.

Bottom line: light, powerful and with lots of clever details. head.com

Made using the wonder spacedust that is graphene, this is a lightweight freeride boot with a slightly more on-piste feel

Lange XT3 90 LV £445 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Freeride Sizes: 23-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: ll Last: 97 Flex: 90 Weight: 1800g As with the men’s XT3 boots, Lange has aimed for a boot that gives more of a nod to getting under the ropes than in the past, yet still retains the powerful snowfeel associated with the brand. It uses the classic Lange V shape last with a narrow heel and wider forefoot.

The shell blends a dual core polyurethane clog with a featherweight Lyftran cuff, sculpted to fit a lower calf muscle.

The two are connected with a metal-to-metal cuff lock and the polyurethane shell retains the ride-the-rails feel that comes with a boot that still carries a race heritage. The friction-free hinge means that even a lighter skier can press though the full range of movement of the cuff. It feels strong, powerful and stable on the way down.

Bottom line: Lange with a backcountry twist – but still a Lange. lange-boots.com

This boot gives more of a nod to getting under the ropes than in the past, yet still retains the powerful snowfeel associated with the brand 96 www.fall-line.co.uk

KEY: Volume: l Low l Medium l High

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Rossignol All Track Elite 110 LT GW £465 Freeride Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 98 Flex: 100 Weight: 1530g

It’s pink, get over it, there’s more to this boots than its looks. This is a boot for a strong female skier who wants to ski the frontside and the backside. She wants 50° of cuff travel so she can climb and plenty of ooomph when she tilts onto the edge. The Alltrack uses Rossignol’s trademark spider’s web-like Generative Grid construction with material pared away in key areas to slash weight but not performance. The cuff is low and the tulip-shaped rear spolier easily accommodates a woman’s natural calf shape.

With a 98mm last and 110 flex this is a boot for someone serious about precision and more interested in the descent than the climb. It feels quick yet powerful and stable, a hard blend to find.

Bottom line: a boot for someone who can handle just about anything on the hill. rossignol.com

Salomon Shift Pro 110 W AT £460 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

1. Atomic Hawx Ultra Xtd 115 Tech GW £530

Freeride Sizes: 22-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 110 Weight: 1600g Salomon’s Shift Pro replaces the quirky QST Pro and it’s fair to say that the freeride design team must have sneaked into the company’s race department with a camera when sketching it out.

It picks up on many of the great ideas pioneered in the S/Max collection. The composite coreframe stabilises the clog so that when the ski is tilted on its edge power transmission is direct. It feels quick and agile with none of the compromises that can come with a design that has to work on the way up as well as down. The seamless liner is dense, but the lack of any stitches means that the foot feels evenly wrapped with no hotspots.

Add to that the oven-ready customisation option and you have a close-fitting freeride boot with a stable feel underfoot and lots of support from the cuff.

Bottom line: responsive and versatile. salomon.com

1

2

Freeride Sizes: 22-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 98 Flex: 115 Weight: 1458g Back in brilliant white, this comes with Atomic’s new Mimic Platinum liner with Touring Flex Zone – a fully customisable, anatomically pre-shaped liner. atomic.com

2. Dalbello Chakra 105 ID £350 Freeride Sizes: 21.5-26.5 Walk mode: N Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 105 Weight: 1890g Tiny-footed freeriders, this one’s for you! This starts at Mondo 21.5 (that’s a UK 3.5). It comes with heaps of top spec, but no walk mode. dalbello.com www.fall-line.co.uk 97

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S FREERIDE BOOTS 1

2

KEY: Volume: l Low l Medium l High

1. K2 Mindbender Alliance 110 £475 Freeride Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 98 Flex: 110 Weight: 1640g Last year’s Freeride Boot of the Year is back in a new pink/ grey cloak designed to maximise its appeal to hard-charging females. The stiffest in the women’s range, it has 50° ROM, a heat-mouldable shell, adjustable forward lean and is compatible with alpine and tech bindings. There’s a rip cord powercinch strap for a super-secure fit and a GripWalk sole. If you’re looking to venture beyond the ropes, the stiff yet lightweight Mindbender Alliance 110 will take you there in style. Scale down to the 90 Alliance for a cruisier ride. k2snow.com

2. Nordica Strider 95 W DYN £420 Freeride Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 95 Weight: 1710g

3

4

A smart hike-and-ride boot for the aspiring freeride explorer.

With weight-saving power strap and buckle construction, Michelin rubber GripWalk compatible soles, tech inserts and a waterproof weather shield, it’s light and built for burly backcountry biz. The 46° ROM in walk mode and 1710g per boot weight make it a legit option for short tours and uphill forays, but it’s on the descent where it really comes into its own. Expert riders should check out the 115. nordica.com

3. Roxa R3W 105 TI I.R £450 Freeride Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 99-101 Flex: 105 Weight: 1430g

5

This über-lightweight, bright blue beauty comes with all the tech you need to perform at your best in freeride terrain. The three-piece Cabrio design delivers the kind of smooth and progressive flex that will put grins aplenty on hard-charging female freeride faces. Built with CAD Design technology, 3D printing and other fancy weight-saving tech, it’s a durable and powerful boot with 45° ROM in walk mode. The 99mm last comes with extra relief zones in painful areas and there’s a women’s-specific cuff for a peachy fit. Light, comfortable and ready to charge. Also available in 95 and 85 flex. roxa.com

4. Salomon QST Access 80 CH W £400 Freeride Sizes: 23-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 104 Flex: 80 Weight: 1830g If you’re fed up of freezing feet holding you back, it’s time to get into the QST Access 80 CH W. For all-mountain exploits and the occasional freeride foray, it comes with Salomon’s thermal Custom Heat liner, which will keep your feet cosy for up to 18 hours. With a forgiving 80 flex, CustomFit liner, special women’s-specific lower cuff, and hike and ride mode it’s a great boot for rapidly progressing freeriders. salomon.com

5. Tecnica Cochise 95 DYN GW W £385 Freeride Sizes: 22-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: ll Last: 99 Flex: 95 Weight: 1670g Built for aspiring freeride skiers, the lightweight Cochise 95 W offers cracking value and mega multifunctionality. Updated this winter with a new low-key colour, GripWalk soles and DYN inserts, all the freeride tech you could need is here from the hiking mode with 42° ROM, female-specific cuff and C.A.S. (Custom Adaptive Shape) shell that offers an anatomical fit.

The 85 W GW and 105 W DYN GW also feature GripWalk soles for the first time this winter. tecnicasports.com 98 www.fall-line.co.uk

BOOTS THAT FIT HAWX PRIME XTD No matter your foot shape, your skill level or where you want to ski. We have the boots that fit.

To find out more, visit atomic.com/bootsthatfit

2 0 2 1

TOURING BOOTS Go further, faster and higher into the big mountains this winter…

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Dalbello Quantum Asolo Factory £600 Touring Sizes: 25.5-28.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 99 Flex: n/a Weight: 950g

A sub-1kg boot that can actually charge? You betcha. The lightest boot in our line-up is also currently the most talked about, thanks to the crazy-cool new bonded shell construction. Dalbello’s next-level Quantum boots are basically two halves of a light, mega-stiff polyamide/carbon fibre shell bonded together. It’s genuinely next level stuff according to Lee: “You can really feel the boot enveloping your foot with fantastic heel hold. How something this light can feel so genuinely powerful is a real triumph.” With 65° ROM you’re looking at a genuinely efficient uphill player, then pull the simple ski/walk lever and nail the correct tension with the Dyneema Technora Rope system and you’ll find they’re super rapid in transition. The Quick Lacing System means you can dial in the fit to suit and the ID Touring Pro liner is fully customisable. The flex doesn’t jar on the descent thanks to the carbon fibre in the cuff, inspiring confidence. Also available in the slightly heavier Quantum Asolo (1065g with carbon cuff) and Quantum (1150g).

Bottom line: a lightweight revolution – well played Dalbello. dalbello.com

Dynafit Hoji Free 110 £620 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Touring Sizes: 25-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 110 Weight: 1550g All hail Hoji and his flippin’ excellent boots! Following on from the success of last year’s Hoji Free 130 comes the slightly lighter and flexier Hoji Free 110 – a speed nose-free boot that opens up Hoji town to a wider range of skiers.

Compatible with alpine touring and hybrid bindings and automatic crampons, it comes with a lightweight Grilamid shell and offers an impressive 55° ROM in walk mode thanks to the V-shaped tongue design. Throw in the bespoke thermo-mouldable Hoji Free liner by Sidas and the much-lauded, super-easy-to-operate Hoji Lock system designed to fit over the top of your ski pants for rapid deployment, and you’ve got one of the most innovative backcountry boots on the mountain.

Bottom line: flip it and rip it. dynafit.com

Scarpa F1 LT £560 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Touring Sizes: 24.5-31 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: n/a Weight: 990g Weighing in at 990g, the brand new F1 LT (Light and Tough) plugs the gap between Scarpa’s skimo-esque Alien and the heavier F1/Maestrale series, as a super-light alpine touring boot optimised for technical adventures and multi-day trips in the high alpine.

With a bonkers 72° ROM in walk mode and a sub-1kg carbon/Grilamid construction, this black/orange beauty offers category-leading uphill performance. Built for long approaches, ski mountaineering and bonus laps, the numbered velcro buckle on the upper cuff ensures you easily remember your personal fit preferences and there’s a thinner removable power strap higher up if you need it snugger around the calf.

Boa tech takes care of the fit on the lower part of the boot and the Intuition liner keeps things warm and comfy inside. The tall, durable cuff gives you a solid platform to push against on the descent and the buckle/booster strap combo locks things down so you can go as hard as you dare. Keep your skis under 100mm underfoot and you’ll be set for fast and light adventures with a massive injection of power.

Bottom line: Lycra lovers and steep skiers unite. scarpa.co.uk

100 www.fall-line.co.uk

KEY: Volume: l Low l Medium l High

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Scott Freeguide Carbon £630 Touring Sizes: 25-29.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 101 Flex: 130 Weight: 1455g

Scott’s all-new Freeguide Carbon boot with carbon/Grilamid shell is the Swiss brand’s stiffest, most downhill performance-oriented backcountry boot to date. Weighing in at 1455g with a stout 130 flex and a whopping 60° ROM in walk mode, it sits alongside the likes of the Hoji Free, Maestrale XT and Zero G etc. as a light but beefy free touring boot that hikes well and rides like a beast. The three-piece CabrioHybrid construction includes an inner overlap, which not only makes things more comfy on the uphill, it adds power and more precise energy transmission on the descent. The Boa Closure System on the liner provides a solid, personalised fit around the calf and shin and the streamlined 180° auto lock buckles don’t get in the way when you’re skinning.

“Neater yet more powerful and with more forward lean than the Superguide, this boot really is a grunty performer,” said Lee. “The Boa closure on the super-plush liner is a joy to use, keeping the tongue and liner snug around your foot allowing you to leave the clips pretty loose for the ups. The 60° ROM doesn’t feel quite as slick as the Superguide’s, but after 15 days trying it out around Glenshee last season, the new Freeguide has become my go-to boot for a day on the hill.”

Bottom line: looks like the Hulk, skis like a hunk. scott-sports.com

1. Atomic Backland Carbon £650

1

2

Touring Sizes: 24-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 98 Flex: 110 Weight: 1094g Weighing in at 1094g per boot, Boa technology allows for a precise fit, the Free/Lock 4.0 ski/walk lever is easy to use, and skinning feels natural thanks to the Frictionless Pivot system.

If you’ve got the skills, it’s got your back. atomic.com

2. Dalbello Lupo Air 130 £625 Touring Sizes: 24.5-29.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 130 Weight: 1299g This is one of the few that is featherweight but still has enough support to hold you up at speed. With Grilamid construction and Vibram soles, it’s a comfy high-performance boot. Lighter skiers could take a look at the Lupo Air 110, but committed tourers will want to get into the new Quantum series. dalbello.com

3

4

3. Dynafit TLT8 Expedition CR £540 Touring Sizes: 25-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 103 Flex: 110 Weight: 1130g This boot will take you deep into the backcountry. The 60° ROM in walk mode combined with its lightweight, low-profile feel makes skinning a breeze. The closure mechanism is unique with a single buckle doing treble duty by managing walk and ski cuff release, tightening the cuff and snugging a second cable over the instep. Gram counters should look at the CL version. dynafit.com

4. Dynafit TLT Speedfit Pro £590 Touring Sizes: 22.5-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 103 Flex: n/a Weight: 1060g A lightweight Grilamid shell wraps the foot with a traditional twobuckle and power strap closure. The external tongue is fixed and gives a smooth rather than stiff flex on the way down. dynafit.com www.fall-line.co.uk 101

2 0 2 1

MEN’S TOURING BOOTS

KEY: Volume: l Low l Medium l High

1. Fischer Travers TS £420 Touring Sizes: 23.5-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: n/a Weight: 1190g

1 2

With a clean design, loads of tech, a mammoth 80° of cuff travel and a super-lightweight shell, this is a ski-mountaineering boot with the emphasis on the mountaineering. Travers models all have a unique feel with their clog closed by a lightweight lace system, tightened by spinning a Boa dial. fischersports.com

3

2. Full Tilt Ascendant Approach £475 Touring Sizes: 24.5-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 130 Weight: 1850g This new boot features a 100% Grilamid shell and 60° ROM in walk mode to keep things nimble on day tours and bootpacks.

The Pro Tour Tongue Intuition liner has been designed for max power transfer. Other features of note include Michelin rubber GripWalk soles and FT’s progressive flex. fulltiltboots.com

3. Roxa RX Tour £460

4

Touring Sizes: 24-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 99 Flex: 100 Weight: 1190g A super-light Grilamid touring boot, it uses a one-and-a-half buckle closure design; the clog closing with a traditional buckle and cable set-up. The half buckle is the cuff closure, which uses a power strap. When closed it’s a cuff buckle, open it and you get around 62° ROM for the uphill. Available in a 1290g black/green RX Scout and the 899g RX Carbon. roxa.com

4. Salomon S/Lab MTN £550 Touring Sizes: 24-29.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 98 Flex: 120 Weight: 1570g With a progressive 120 flex and great edge to edge response, you’d be forgiven for thinking this was an alpine boot… until you hit the skin track where the sleek two-buckle design, low weight and 47° ROM perform like the proverbial mountain goat.

A lighter, flexier option is the MTN Explore. salomon.com

5. Scarpa Maestrale XT £600 Touring Sizes: 23.5-31 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 101 Flex: 130+ Weight: 1490g Last year’s Touring Boot of the Year with RECCO tech has 56° ROM. The robust 130+ flex, combined with a two-buckles-onthe-cuff set-up, means it has a powerful freeride feel. The wave closure system uses a wrapping cable to tighten. scarpa.co.uk

6. Scott Superguide Carbon £630 Touring Sizes: 25-31.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 103.5 Flex: 125 Weight: 1415g

5

6

7

With 60° ROM, this super-light boot has all the DNA you need for speedy adventures in the high mountains. Vibram soles inspire confidence in technical terrain. scott-sports.com

7. Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro £660 Touring Sizes: 22-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: ll Last: 99 Flex: 130 Weight: 1320g This has 55° ROM, a Grilamid customisable CAS shell and Light Fit waterproof/breathable liner with RECCO tech. The 35mm power strap means you won’t lose momentum in transition and the 130 flex is super charged. tecnicasports.com 102 www.fall-line.co.uk

CHRIS BENCHETLER

PXV2 // SPLIT LL VIOLET

©2020 Marchon Eyewear Inc.

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S TOURING BOOTS

Dynafit Seven Summits £360 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Touring Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 104.9 Flex: n/a Weight: 1460g Ski touring can be an expensive old business, so when you come across a boot that’s reliable, comfortable and affordable, you jump into it. The new Seven Summits is an easyto-get-to-grips-with PU/Marfran boot designed to fill the gap created by the departure of the Neo. At 1460g, it may not be the lightest rocket in the range but with its wide 104.9mm last and all-round uphill and downhill capabilities, it’s a very practical option for intermediate to advanced tourers looking for a roomy boot that does everything impressively well. With 60° ROM in walk mode, it’s an efficient climber and with a simple flick of the single buckle Ultra Lock 2.0 closure system, you’re ready to shreddy. It skis well too, thanks to the three-buckle construction and progressive flex, providing a sufficiently rigid ride without feeling overly stiff. The CR Custom Ready liner is the thicker and warmer of Dynafit’s two offerings, a downhill-optimised liner that feels reassuring, comfortable and supportive. Also available for men.

Bottom line: an affordable all-rounder and a bright blue badass. dynafit.com

La Sportiva Vega W £525 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Touring Sizes: 23-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 102.5 Flex: 125 Weight: 1300g It’s arrivederci and buongiorno time at La Sportiva as we wave goodbye to the muchloved Sparkle and welcome a brand new star this winter – the Vega. This new freeride touring boot takes the best features of its predecessor (mega lightweight boot with 60° of motion) and gets rid of the not-so-good – aka the old fiddly buckles that have been replaced with new easy-to-operate alpine-style EZ-Tech buckles – hurrah! For just 1300g of weight you get a beefy 125 flex, making the Vega ideal for big mountain turn earners looking for bombproof performance in a lightweight, comfortable package. It will set you back a few beans but you’ll be rocking a super-stylish boot laden with time-tested touring tech, including Vibram outsoles, fully customisable pre-moulded liners that go easy on your ankles, and La Sportiva’s Pebax Rnew bio-based EZ Flex Tongue for supersmooth striding. Also available for men.

Bottom line: a durable dynamo with real downhill skiability. lasportiva.com

Roxa RX Scout W £410 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Touring Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 99 Flex: n/a Weight: 1140g The new great-looking RX Scout is an accessible, affordable, light and super-versatile touring boot that will work well for a whole lotta ladies. Weighing in at 1140g per boot, it’s among the lighter female-specific boots, so is ideal for intermediate and advanced ski tourers with narrow-to-mid volume feet looking to begin moving at speed in the backcountry. The impressive 62° ROM in walk mode will help make those long alpine ascents a breeze, and the combination of the dual density tongue, heat-mouldable liner and women’s-specific cuff ensures you’ll be comfy in the skin track. The Quick Carbon Ski-Hike mode is light yet strong, so you won’t be faffing in transition, and when it is time for that oh-so well-earned descent, the Cabrio construction means you’re looking at a smooth and progressive flex with quick rebound so you can adapt and adjust to the conditions.

Bottom line: no gimmicks, just sensible and realistic; a touring boot for powder people. roxa.com

104 www.fall-line.co.uk

KEY: Volume: l Low l Medium l High

1

2

1. Atomic Backland Pro W £550 Touring Sizes: 22-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 98 Flex: 95 Weight: 1030g This returns in a new white cloak with the same Frictionless Pivot and Free/Lock 4.0 technology. The Boa fitting system uses a cog, making for a mega-personalised fit. With a sleek design, female-specific liner and customisable shell it’s ideal for experienced fast-and-light enthusiasts. atomic.com

2. Dalbello Lupo AX 105 W £450 Touring Sizes: 21.5-26.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: 105 Weight: 1620g

3

4

Remove the Kinetic Response tongue on the uphill and you’re looking at 67° ROM for easy skinning. When it’s time to charge, the three-piece design offers the kind of confidenceinspiring progressive flex you’ll appreciate as you find your feet in new terrain. With a women’s-specific cuff, GripWalk soles and fiberglass-reinforced polyamide shell, it’s a technical tourable boot. Ideal for tourers with titchy feet! dalbello.com

3. Dynafit TLT8 Expedition CL £540 Touring Sizes: 25-30.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 103 Flex: 110 Weight: 1020g Last year’s Touring Boot of the Year packs a lot into an extremely lightweight package. Everything about it has been designed for speed and efficiency on the mountain, with Master Step technology for easy entry into pin bindings, a two-buckle design and easily adjustable and precise buckles.

Dynafit’s controversial flat Speed Nose is all about reducing weight and replacing it with a more natural stride, and while it does work, it may leave you needing to add a new pair of crampons into the mix. Also available with the slightly heavier but warmer CR liner. dynafit.com

5

4. Dynafit Hoji Pro Tour W £580 Touring Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 103.5 Flex: 120 Weight: 1320g The multi-award-winning Hoji Pro Tour returns. So, what’s so special about it? It’s all down to the patented Hoji Lock system – a lever at the rear that enables the wearer to shift between ski/walk mode with one hand in one quick motion, putting an end to faffing around with cuff buckles in transition. Basically, when the lever is up you’re in skinning mode with a 55° ROM, and when it’s down you’re ready to charge the descent in a rigid alpine-style boot with 11° forward lean. dynafit.com

5. Fischer My Travers GR £500 Touring Sizes: 23.5-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 100 Flex: n/a Weight: 1080g Brilliantly white and fantastically light, this 1080g high-tech touring boot offers alpine-esque downhill performance in a comfortable, warm, super-light, female-specific boot. The customisable Thermoshape Lite liner and Boa system combine to offer a max personalised fit, ensuring your foot is held in exactly the right position when you’re nailing those kick turns and jump turns. Switching between hike/ski modes is easy thanks to the large durable lever at the rear, the sticky rubber sole provides reassurance when bootpacking and the Active Cuff pivot system maximises efficiency on the uphill and provides additional torsional rigidity on the descent. fischersports.com www.fall-line.co.uk 105

2 0 2 1

WOMEN’S TOURING BOOTS 1

2

KEY: Volume: l Low l Medium l High

1. Salomon MTN Explore W £450 Touring Sizes: 23-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 98-104 Flex: 90 Weight: 1270g The freeride-esque MTN Explore W returns with the same lightweight Grilamid, customisable shell and excellent 63° ROM in walk mode for uphill bossing. The stout 90 flex combined with Carbon Spine technology and swift Surelock mechanism means these boots are ready to respond when it’s time to hit up the downhill. Confidence-inspiring in steep and challenging terrain, they’re super stylish, too. salomon.com

2. Scarpa F1 W £500 Touring Sizes: 21.5-27 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 102 Flex: 95 Weight: 1260g

3

4

The multi-award-winning F1 is a real speedster in the skin track with an impressive 60° ROM in walk mode. It may not be the featheriest of the feathery but it still feels super low profile, so will appeal to fast and light experienced ski tourers. The Boa closure system provides a secure fit, and the 102mm last makes it great for wider feet. scarpa.co.uk

3. Scarpa Gea RS £520 Touring Sizes: 22.5-27 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 101 Flex: 120 Weight: 1250g A top-of-the-range, freeride-style touring boot, the best-selling Gea RS is for those looking to up their game on the descent.

The three-buckle pulley cord system across the top straps your ankle in securely, there’s a minimal-faff hike/ski mode lock, and it’s packed full of smart Scarpa touring tech. The 60° ROM in walk mode makes for easy skinning, and the lightweight Intuition liner is an industry fave. It all adds up to an enormously popular lightweight yet solid downhill backcountry demon with a flexible uphill alter ego. scarpa.co.uk

5

4. Scott Celeste III £475 Touring Sizes: 23-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: l Last: 103.5 Flex: 110 Weight: 1205g Our 2019 Touring Boot of the Year returns this winter with exactly the same construction that wins us over year after year.

It ticks all the boxes for female touring fun: progressive flex, heat-mouldable liner, easy-clipping, micro-adjustable buckles, a tasty 60° of cuff rotation, Vibram sole, slipper-like feel and a voluminous last (103.5mm). Ideal for advanced backcountry skiers looking for a comfy uphill wanderer with power to push against on the descent, the Celeste III is still a big winner in our book. scott-sports.com

5. Tecnica Zero G Tour Scout W £590 Touring Sizes: 22-27.5 Walk mode: Y Volume: ll Last: 99 Flex: 115 Weight: 1365g The Zero G Tour Scout may have had a colour update this winter, but it’s still the same technical, hard-charging and lightweight backcountry performer. A four-buckle boot, it has all the spec and downhill performance of a robust freeride charger, but at just 1365g, comes with none of the associated weight. With 55° ROM in walk mode, Grilamid and carbon fibre shell, RECCO tech, Vibram sole and waterproof, breathable liner, this is one high-tech touring package that we want to rock all season long. Also available in a slightly less rowdy version – the Zero G Tour with 105 flex. tecnicasports.com 106 www.fall-line.co.uk

August Long Glove Made for cold days deep in the trees the August Glove features a “Grade A” Goatskin leather palm, HIPORA® Waterproof insert, Premium anti-pill micro-fleece lining and Primaloft® Gold insulation. This multi-functional breathable & lightweight glove is available in Over Cuff for deep days of blower pow or Under Cuff for a more stealth look.

2 0 2 1

SKI BINDINGS

Maximise your performance this season with our best bindings picks

BUYER’S

BETA

MARTIN CHESTER’S GUIDE TO BINDINGS

THE SEVEN C’S OF BINDINGS 1. Choice: bindings are starting to cluster into obvious groups, so making a choice is getting easier, provided you’re clear about your intended use.

2. Competition: with an array of touring bindings on offer, competition is stiffer than ever, with every brand chasing marginal gains to get ahead.

3. Category: consider these: a) Lightweight race bindings are more widely accepted. You really can go as light as you like. If you really wanna! b) At the other end of the spectrum are heavyweight freeride bindings, and an increasing selection of Multi Norm Compatible (MNC) bindings. I witnessed the CAST system in Japow, while the Salomon/Atomic Shift has become a game-changer for the Chamonix skinto-ride set. The Marker Duke PT bindings slot neatly in between the two, with a multi-functional ‘hike & ride’ toe piece. c) Pure touring bindings. Frame bindings are history and pin bindings are king. ATK are definitely a brand to watch with a host of lightweight bindings with newly patented features.

The range of bindings are now separated by brand loyalty and features, leading us to consider...

4. Cunning: the devil really is in the detail with some clever innovations.

Great examples include G3 giving greater clearance under the springs to prevent them icing up.

5. Compatibility: unless you want to change your full set-up, you mustn’t forget the boots. On the simplest level, you need tech inserts in your boot to fit into a pin binding. But if you don’t know your ISO XXX from your GripWalk you need a good retailer to help you.

6. Combinations: be clear what you want the whole rig to do. Increasingly, I get asked questions like “Can I put a Shift on a SpeedGuide?” Of course you can. Great skis, great binding. Just like you can put a tow hitch on a formula one car. If you want to… They just don’t necessarily go together.

7. Compromise: you still can’t have it all. Which is more important to you: saving weight or freeride performance? You choose.

108 www.fall-line.co.uk

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Dynafit Superlite 150 £450 TOURING DIN RANGE: 4-13 WEIGHT: 150g per unit If gram-counting is your thing then you need Dynafit’s new ISPO award-winning Superlite 150 binding in your life. Weighing in at just 150g, it’s an unbelievably feathery bit of kit with an adjustable 4-13 lateral release. Based on the platform of the

Superlite 2.0, the new SL150 is lighter, made mostly of metal and comes with a choice of two heel riser heights. With easy step-in, a durable toe piece and a super-functional heel unit that performs well in firm snow, it’s built to be pushed making it as viable for aggressive skiers as it clearly is for weight weenies.

Swap out the springs for adjustable forward release and add or remove brakes to customise this binding to fit your needs and vertical motivation. Another massive plus of this 100% aluminium binding is that it comes with Dynafit’s Lifetime Guarantee so you can rest assured that your gear will be kept in play long-term. dynafit.com

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

G3 Zed 9 £335 without brakes TOURING DIN RANGE: 3-9 WEIGHT: 345g per unit without brakes The multi-award-winning Zed returns this winter in a new lightweight, user-friendly package with adjustable 3-9 DIN setting. Ideal for pocket rockets, be they lighter skiers or kids, the Zed 9 is a fully featured, high-performance, easy-to-use, super-light binding that makes no compromises when it comes to downhill performance. Specifically calibrated for lighter skiers, all the components have been designed to work with minimum faff and force so

you won’t bust a blood vessel when you’re trying to rotate the heel piece or get the toe lever to open and close. Step in is straight forward thanks to G3’s Boot Stop tech and the QuickFlick heel risers are easy to manipulate with your pole. To avoid ice build up and subsequent binding failure, G3 have provided a ski pole tip-sized cleaning slot under the toe so you can keep your cool on the descent.

With impressive toe elasticity, long range of forward pressure in the heel, strong toe springs and a wide freeride mount, the Zed 9 inspires confidence on the descent so you can shred it your way. It comes with a set of leashes but if you’re looking for additional reassurance, add on a set of easy-toinstall brakes for an extra £60. genuineguidegear.com

Marker Duke PT 12 £500

FREE TOURING DIN RANGE: 4-12 WEIGHT: 1150g per unit in downhill mode

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

The launch of the hybrid free touring Marker Duke PT is the biggest binding story for winter 2021. The new Duke PT (Pin Technology) is available in two versions: the PT16 and – our 2021 Editors’ Choice – the lighter PT12. The hike and ride toe piece is removable, saving around 300g of weight on the uphill.

When it’s downhill time, simply click the toe housing back onto the base plate, scrape off the snow on the bottom of your boots on the Anti Ice Rail and you’re ready to charge. With a 24mm heel height the Duke PT 12 is a screamer to ski. And with Marker’s Sole.ID tech it’s open to everyone whether you’re rocking alpine, touring or GripWalk boots. marker.net

1

2

3

1. ATK R12 £495 with brakes FREE TOURING DIN RANGE: 5-12 WEIGHT: 330g per unit If you’re looking for a beautifully made, lightweight binding, the R12 is a genuinely awesome shout. Italian binding company ATK have established a reputation for their light, predominantly all-metal bindings that offer excellent weight to performance/reliability ratios.

The R12 packs a whole load of features, including ATK’s much-coveted cam release system. Looking for something burlier? Scale up to the FR14 (£535) a free touring expert with 8-14 release, beefier springs in the heel and freeride spacers. atkbindings.com

2. ATK Crest 10 £385 with brakes TOURING DIN RANGE: 5-10 WEIGHT: 280g per unit

4

5

This incorporates some top features from ATK’s R series in a super well-priced lightweight binding. With brakes, three heel riser levels, adjustable lateral and vertical release, and ATK’S special cam release, it has all the tech most skiers will need. Weighing in at just 280g per unit with a brake, it’s ideal for budget-aware backcountry skiers looking for a well made, predominantly metal binding with 5-10 release setting. atkbindings.com

3. Atomic Backland/ Salomon MTN Tour £430 with brakes TOURING DIN RANGE: male/female/ expert (three heel piece settings) WEIGHT: 400g per unit Ultra lightweight, exceptionally functional and great looking, the Backland/MTN Tour features a patented step-in aid at the front so your boot is automatically

guided for easier pin engagement. A wide mount creates a secure fix for wide skis and with one easy click you can choose between three different heel riser heights. Simple, effective and super light. atomic.com, salomon.com

4. Cast Freetour Upgrade Kit £269 FREE TOURING DIN RANGE: 6-15 and 8-18 WEIGHT: 1000g per unit If you’re keen for the best of both worlds, but yet to be convinced by hybrid free touring bindings, this may be your freeride way forward. The world’s first pin-tech touring system designed by pros Lars and Silas Chickering-Ayers, it’s a patented conversion system designed to rapidly turn your Look Pivot 15 or 18 alpine toes into a super-light pin-tech touring system.

Once you’ve mounted the Freetour Upgrade Kit you simply swap the toes by pushing a small lever and sliding them off. Simples. Hike with pins and a choice of two heel risers, chill on the summit while you switch the toe pieces then shred with all the style of a rip-tastic, secure alpine binding! casttouring.com

5. Dynafit ST Rotation 7 From £400 TOURING DIN RANGE: 2.5-7 WEIGHT: 590g per unit A cracking option for the lighter skier, this is ideal for ladies, kids and anyone keen for a reassuring max 7 DIN release. A super-light binding with a rotating toe, the ST Rotation puts uphill performance and safety at the top of its list. With indexing to help centring of the toe-piece when stepping in and a speed step climbing bar, this is a low-profile, clean and simpleto-use bit of kit. Also in a slightly burlier ST Rotation 10 and 12. dynafit.com www.fall-line.co.uk 109

2 0 2 1

SKI BINDINGS

1. Dynafit Speed Radical £340 TOURING DIN RANGE: 4-10 WEIGHT: 365g per unit

1

This brake-free speedster is a stripped back, uphill-oriented binding that will see you bagging multiple summits at… ahem… speed. Light yet durable, it’s easy to step into thanks to the step-in side towers and comes with 4-10 lateral and vertical release. With two levels of heel riser and 25mm of adjustment, it comes with Dynafit’s Lifetime Guarantee. dynafit.com

2. Fritschi Xenic 10 £300 without brakes TOURING DIN RANGE: 4-10 WEIGHT: 280g per unit w/o brake Weighing in at 280g, last year’s Binding of the Year is a light and super easy to use, with great downhill performance. The pin levers in the front unit shift horizontally, so there’s no need to lock out the binding in a no-fall zone. Unlike other models in the Fritschi range, the Xenic 10 only has one heel riser level, however the reduction in weight and subsequent lighter action underfoot is likely to negate the need for additional uphill assistance.

For extra security add brakes for just £46. fritschi.swiss

2

3. Fritschi Tecton 12 From £485 TOURING DIN RANGE: 5-12 WEIGHT: 550g per unit w/o brake This takes the Vipec toe and combines it with an alpine-style heel unit for mega grip and reliability. Constructed using a Power Rail system, the heel system engages and grips the rear of your boot to deliver excellent power transmission and alpineesque downhill performance. Other features include the lateral safety release at the toe, 9mm frontal release elasticity to prevent pre-release, four heel riser heights, and positive pin closure at the toe. fritschi.swiss

3

4. G3 Ion 12 £455 with brakes TOURING DIN RANGE: 5-12 WEIGHT: 579g per unit The much-acclaimed Ion 12 remains pretty much faultless in its performance on the mountain. With a wide freeride mount for excellent power transmission, optimal toe elasticity and forward pressure in the heel, this is a solid binding that you can push hard in the backcountry. Step-ins and transitions are swift and hassle-free thanks to the integrated BootStop alignment guide, and the fully retractable, spring-loaded brake inspires confidence when it’s time to shred. If you’re looking to save weight go for the minimalist brakeless Ion LT 12 or Ion 10 for lower-release range. genuineguidegear.com

4

5. Marker Alpinist 8 £275 TOURING DIN RANGE: 3-8 WEIGHT: 245g per unit w/o brake The new ultra-light Alpinist 8 is ideal for lighter skiers looking for a binding for long wilderness explorations where every gram counts. At just 245g per unit, this is an uphill-oriented rig with three levels of heel risers designed to help you boss the skin track no matter the gradient. When it’s time to get your down on, the carbon-reinforced toe makes power transmission a breeze so you can really drive the ski. Ultra light, mega durable and also available in a DIN 9 and 12 version, this black and blue bombshell with anti-ice pads in the toe packs tech, style and features aplenty. marker.net 110 www.fall-line.co.uk

5

6. Marker Kingpin 13 £450

6

FREE TOURING DIN RANGE: 6-13 WEIGHT: 680g per unit It may be lighter than ever (80g lighter per toe), but it’s still the same super-powerful backcountry boss. It comes with heaps of top-level tech, including easy step-in, heel risers up to 13°, toe piece ‘release lockout’ when skinning, and an alpine-style heel piece. There’s also a DIN 10 option. marker.net

7. Marker Jester 18 Pro ID £315 FREERIDE/FREESTYLE DIN RANGE: 8-18 WEIGHT: 1085g per unit

7

Marker’s burly 18 DIN binding has been updated with stiffer but lighter magnesium parts and components, and a new AntiIce rail.

Triple Pivot toes and Interpivot 3 freeride heels deliver increased power transmission, edge grip and stiffness. With Marker’s Sole.ID, you can rock the Jester in alpine or touring boots.

Lighter skiers might opt for the Jester 16 ID, but if you weigh in at 60kg+ the 18 Pro ID is for you. marker.net

8. Plum Summit 12 £450

8

FREE TOURING DIN RANGE: 5.5-12 WEIGHT: 550g per unit Lightweight and versatile, this is built for backcountry skiers with big mountain aspirations. With forward and lateral release, a choice of three heel riser heights, solid aluminium construction and automatic retractable brakes, it’s a beautifully engineered, stripped-down binding. fixation-plum.com

9. Salomon/Atomic S/Lab Shift MNC 13 £450

9

9

FREE TOURING DIN RANGE: 6-13 WEIGHT: 880g per unit There may be some new hybrid touring bindings on the block (hello Duke PT!), but the Shift still remains an exceptionally popular option – for good reason. Combining the light weight and uphill workings of a pin binding with the elasticity and skiing performance of a true alpine binding, the Shift has led the charge in creating the binding equivalent of a ‘one-ski quiver’.

Weighing in just at 885g per unit, it packs a whole lot of function and features for a mid-weight binding. Also available in MNC 10 with 4-10 release. salomon.com, atomic.com

10. Tyrolia Adrenalin 14 AT £325 FREE TOURING DIN RANGE: 4-14 WEIGHT: 2720g per unit

10

This supreme all-rounder offers a great weight to freeride performance ratio. Easy to switch between skinning and skiing without having to remove your skis, it’s a super-practical backcountry binding. Tech includes two levels of heel risers, alpine, alpine touring and GripWalk sole compatibility, a freeride pro toe and heel, and Tyrolia’s freeflex technology. tyrolia.com

11. Tyrolia Ambition 10 AT £290

11

FREE TOURING DIN RANGE: 3-10 WEIGHT: 1960g per unit The Ambition 10 has alpine touring and GripWalk compatibility, a single adjustable telescopic frame, anti-friction slider, three levels of heel risers, an easy to operate AT climbing aid and Tyrolia Freeflex tech. tyrolia.com www.fall-line.co.uk 111

2 0 2 1

SKI POLES

Get planted! Make your point this winter with our top stick picks

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1. BCA Scepter 4S £130

4. Dynafit Speed Vario 2 £125

7. Line Vision £85

Lengths (cm): 110-130 (43cm collapsed) Re-designed for winter 2021, the new Scepter 4S is a fully collapsible, high-performance pole designed for ski touring and splitboarding. With releasable straps for rapid release, utility hooks for easy manipulation of heel risers, and BCA’s Scraper Grip for swift snow removal from skins/ topsheets, it’s locked and loaded for backcountry adventures. backcountryaccess.com

Lengths (cm): 105-145cm (105cm collapsed) This 100% carbon fibre adjustable pole weighs just 208g, so it won’t slow you down when you’re on a max vert day. The ergonomic foam grip with EVA extension is easy to hold both higher up and lower down the handle, and the solid pressure lock system inspires confidence in what is an undeniably speedy lightweight pole. dynafit.com

Lengths (cm): 103.5-145 Line’s versatile new Vision pole is a fully adjustable lightweight carbon/aluminium pole that will take you from the resort into the sidecountry and further beyond. With 95mm screw-off baskets, anti-slip sleeve and Line’s Screw It All! Tips, they’re engineered to turn your backcountry visions into a solid stompin’ reality. lineskis.com

2. Black Crows Meta £35

5. K2 Freeride Flipjaw £60

Lengths (cm): 110-135 Available in a range of super-sick colours with typically strong Black Crows design, the new Meta is a straight up no messin’ pole for frontside rippin’. The shaped rubber grip has a great fit and feel and there’s a durable 90mm basket for bigstyle pole whacking. black-crows.com

Lengths (cm): 100-135 Dubious of splashing the cash on flimsy-looking poles? This super-sturdy adjustable aluminium freeride pole is light enough for high mountain exploring but built to withstand burly behaviour in the backcountry. Comes with K2’s proprietary FlipJaw locking system, 70mm baskets and freeride dual injection grip. k2snow.com

8. Scott Scrapper Pro SRS £80

3. Black Diamond Vapor Carbon 2 £135 Lengths (cm): 100-135 (95cm collapsed) The super-feathery, super-strong Vapor Carbon 2 is BD’s new 100% carbon top level touring pole this season. Weighing in at just 225g, it’s one of the lightest ski poles around and comes with a two-piece carbon shaft and a minimalist foam grip with BD’s special sticky rubber for heel riser hooking on the fly. blackdiamondequipment.com 112 www.fall-line.co.uk

6. Leki Spitfire 3D £95 Lengths (cm): 110-135 This super-stylin’ freeride specialist returns this winter equipped with Trigger 3D Pro G Grip – Leki’s genius multi-directional release mechanism for max security on the mountain.

Other top tech includes two sets of baskets, high-strength lightweight aluminium shafts, precise carbide tips, comfortable Mesh Frame straps and soft rubber Pro G Grips. leki.com

Lengths (cm): 110-140 With a big time burly aluminium alloy 18mm shaft and Scott’s innovative S.R.S strap release system, this high-tech freeski pole is built for the backcountry. The extra-long rubber grip is bang on for choking up on steep skin tracks and the carbon diamond tip offers max traction on ice.

Pair ’em with your Scrapper skis and get after it! scott-sports.com

9. Scott Sun Valley £45 Lengths (cm): 110-135 This retro resort ripper pays homage to the good ole days when a simple, straight up aluminium ski pole was all we needed for grins a plenty.

Solid and dependable, we’re loving the wicked ’80s red/white/blue colour combo. scott-sports.com

EXPECT EXTRAORDINARY The All-New Skier’s Edge

ALL-NEW POWER BAND CONFIGURATION

5 band configuration creates the perfect elasticity for powerful yet smooth turns.

ALL-NEW ALUMINUM CARRIAGE SYSTEM

Extra wide carriage tops our most robust and stable machine yet.

ALL-NEW ALUMINUM FOOTPADS

Independent footpads pivot side-to-side engaging more muscle groups in legs and calves and improve edging and weight transfer in skiing.

ALL-NEW MULTI-STANCE PLATFORM 8 different settings so you can personalize your workouts. Easily adjust settings in 20-30 seconds.

ALL-NEW ALUMINUM RAILS

Precision designed aircraft aluminum rails.

© 2018/2019 The Skier’s Edge® Company

ALL-NEW & COMPLETELY REIMAGINED QUICK ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM Resistance is easy to adjust in seconds with just one hand.

Exclusive Official Supplier to the World’s Best Ski Teams®

ALL-NEW TRUSS FRAME

This wider frame enhances stability and features high quality, heavy gauge steel and aircraft aluminum.

30-DAY TRIAL

SKIERSEDGE.CO.UK 0800 849 4051 The Skier’s Edge Company

2 0 2 1

SPLITBOARD SWAG

Go on, admit it. You fancy a snowboard, sliced down the middle to make, er, two skis…

1

2

BUYER’S

3

4

BETA

OUR ED AT LARGE’S SPLITBOARD GUIDE

For plenty of us skiers it’s long been a dirty secret: how on the deepest of powder days nothing matches the surfy sensation of a snowboard.

And there’s no better place for finding this nirvana than in the backcountry. It’s here that a splitboard comes into its own.

These days, boards break apart easily (in a good way), bindings can be changed out/ rotated rapidly, and specialist skins found without too much cursing. Crucially, the downhill experience is now super positive, almost matching the performance of a standard ‘unsplit’ board.

6

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ N+1 Your splitboard and bindings will not handle as well on-piste as a traditional snowboard. If you spend 90% of your time riding bullet-hard pistes in resort, a splitboard is not for you. ❄ Transitioning So you’re a skier who’s never been snowboarding and you think a splitboard is a good first ride? God help you. Trad board first; split later. ❄ Soft or hard Oi, settle down… we’re talking about boots and bindings. So many compromises, so many opinions. If you want ultimate feel on the descent go soft… but prepare to flail around in the skin track like a split-iot. If you fancy yourself as a high-mountain, first ascent alpinist kinda dude, go hard… but be prepared to look like a numpty if you haven’t yet got the technical tools. ❄ Pole goals Compactor poles are pricey, but don’t try to save a fiver and then find they won’t fit in your pack. Do your homework and check the collapsed length. ❄ Go for a spin Like all boards/skis/lovers, it’s advisable to try before the marriage begins. Some look dreamy and cause tears, others are oft overlooked diamonds, so do your research.

114 www.fall-line.co.uk

5

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

8

9

KEY:

7

Women’s specific

BOARDS 1. Black Diamond x Cardiff Collab Goat Carbon $1,200 (available in US only) SIZES: 154, 158, 162 OK, so you can’t get this one in the UK (yet!), but we’ve squeezed it in because it’s just so flippin’ fly.

This collab sees BD and Cardiff Snowcraft teaming up for the first time to bring the much-lauded, oh-sopretty big mountain charging Goat to a whole new audience. With its 100% carbon fibre construction and lightweight hybrid poplar/paulownia wood core with vertical metal strips for increased dampening, it’s a high-tech work of art that will engage on steep skin tracks and rip it up at high speed on the descent. BD Pro rider Bjorn Leines says it’s the “best board I’ve ever ridden”. Now to try and get our hands on one… blackdiamondequipment.com

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

W

2. Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Camber £720 SIZES: 146, 150, 154, 158, 162, 168 Pitched at expert riders, this directional big mountain board wants to chase pow (don’t we all?), but thankfully is still built to work in a variety of conditions so you can get after it all season long.

Super versatile, the freeride shape with setback camber is designed to deliver freestyle feels when you’re riding flat but put it on an edge and it’s allmountain playtime. Balanced and stable, Burton claim the Split Channel Mount with pre-mounted pucks “is the strongest, fastest, easiest and most adjustable mounting system ever offered”.

Superlatives. We like superlatives… burton.com

3. G3 Scapegoat £765 SIZES: 158, 162, 166 The award-winning Scapegoat is a lightweight, powder-specific split laden with top G3 tech. The combination of the hybrid poplar/paulownia wood core and full carbon construction ensure it’s light and responsive when you’re negotiating steep narrow chutes. But when the pow comes to town it’s good to go thanks to the 25mm taper in the tail and rockered tip. With a full thickness base, textured nylon topsheet and PU sidewalls, it’s built to be busted out in big mountain terrain. Tear it up in the trees or float down those pillows, the Scapegoat will have your back. genuineguidegear.com

4. Jones Ultra Solution £1270 SIZES: 158, 161, 162W, 164, 165W An ultra board for ultra-good riders, the redesigned and renamed artist formerly known as the Carbon Solution combines a directional freeride shape with a stiff flex to deliver a supremely balanced, responsive and stable ride. New for winter 2021 is an increased taper in the tail for optimum float and a 3D Contour Base 3.0 designed to make turn initiation more intuitive. Throw in a couple of carbon stringers, a killer whale-esque ash veneer topsheet, Karakoram clips and Inner/Outer Traction Tech for mountain goat-like grip and you’re looking at an absolute bomber of a big mountain board. jonessnowboards.com

5. Jones Women’s Solution W £815 SIZES: 146, 149, 152, 155 Women of winter, this may well be your backcountry weapon of choice. The directional freeride Solution is Jones’s most versatile split designed to float in the pow, charge over crud, tear up the hardpack and grip like a demon on ice. Redesigned for winter 2021, this confidence-inspiring, playful board now comes with a new tapered shape for even more float and a 3D Contour Base 3.0 for super-fluid turns. It also comes with a premium Ultra core, flax/basalt power stringers, Karakoram clips, Traction Tech and an ECO-plastic topsheet. jonessnowboards.com

6. K2 Split Bean Package £700 SIZE: 144 This short ’n’ stubby fella may look different but by heck, does he rip! If you’re looking for a partner for multi-day technical trips then you’ll need a longer, thinner pal, but for lift-accessed, sidecountry stash hunting the wee Bean is a backcountry belter. The swallow tail and spoon nose are perfect for Japowstyle riding with short, flattish approaches and bucket loads of pow and K2’s easy-to-use Splittrack inserts really help keep things secure in the skin track. Oh and kick turns? Yeah… easy. Cult and oh-so cool. Package includes board, skins, risers, hardware and mounting pucks. k2snow.com

7. K2 Marauder Package £875 SIZES: 147, 151, 156, 159, 162, 158W, 163W, 166W Playful yet precise, the Marauder is a blunt-nosed backcountry split that gets up to get down. The directional camber baseline means you’ll stay stuck to the skin track when things get steep and the tapered outline is built for dropping backcountry bombs on the descent. Lays down a pretty performance on the groomers, too. A mega-value package that includes board, skins, risers, hardware and mounting pucks. k2snow.com

8. Salomon Pillow Talk Split W £720 SIZES: 145, 151 Shaped by Wolfgang Nyvelt, this women’s-specific split comes with a wide tapered pow-focused design for max manoeuvrability and float in the fluff. The wood core profile has been optimised to deliver skatedeck levels of pop and kick and it comes with custom Pomoca skins, too. salomon.com

9. Salomon S/Lab Premiere £1350 SIZES: 159, 165 This top-of-the-line, four-part carbon split consists of two pieces that fit in your backpack, so it’s not only lighter on the up, you’ll be able to fit into skier-made skin tracks too – mega win! Stiff and light, the focus here is on shaving grams for the ascent, meaning it’s best suited to the harness-wearing, AT boot-wearing crew earning technical turns in big mountain terrain.

Price includes custom-cut Pomoca skins and custom crampons. salomon.com www.fall-line.co.uk 115

2 0 2 1

SPLITBOARD SWAG EDITO CHOICRS’ E

1 2

3

4

5

6

10 7

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

9

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

8 11 116 www.fall-line.co.uk

KEY:

BOOTS

1. Burton Tourist Boots £340 Designed in collaboration with Spark R&D, this boot has a solid amount of negative flex, Speed Zone lacing for rapid transitions and a Dryride Heat Cycle liner that’ll keep your Tourist tootsies toasty in the back of beyond. It also comes with a Vibram sole for chamois-levels of grip. burton.com

2. K2 Aspect Boots £400 The badass-looking Aspects are built for big mountain splitboard adventures where long, steep bootpacks and narrow ridges are the order of the day.

The bulletproof crampon-compatible Vibram sole, Boa tech and Intuition Space Heater liners combine to create a legit backcountry boot. k2snow.com

3. Salomon Trek S/Lab Boots £450

12

When S/Lab tech comes to town you know you’re playing with Salomon’s elite big mountain crew. The medium-flex Trek S/Lab is a super-techie boot with Boa+ Trek lacing, full custom fit liner, strategically placed sweat-wicking Quickdry panels, adjustable internal heel strap and rugged Trek BC+ outsole. It can be used for non-split riding too. salomon.com

BINDINGS 4. Burton Hitchhiker Bindings £420 SIZES: XS, S, M, L This takes the user-friendliness of Spark’s lightweight Tesla T1 System and combines it with some of Burton’s best tech. Double Take buckles make for speedy transitions, and the highback construction comes with customisable negative forward lean options. burton.com

5. K2 Far Out Bindings £365

13

SIZES: S, M, L Developed in conjunction with split legends Voilé, this is a bombproof, easy-to-use binding. It comes with lightweight aluminium chassis, pinless speed-rail mountain system, comfortable ankle strap and one-tool adjustability. k2snow.com

6. Spark R&D Arc Bindings £389 SIZES: S, M, L Lightweight, durable, comfortable and simple to use, this embodies everything you need in a backcountry binding. The Montana-based splitboard pioneers have shaved grams wherever possible to ensure a megalight rig, yet reliability, flex, comfort and performance are still there in droves. sparkrandd.com

ACCESSORIES 7. Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Splitboard Skins £160 Durable, light and packable, these come with BD’s time-tested nylon plush that offers mega grip and efficient glide in the skin track. New for this year is a redesigned adjustable tail attachment that stretches in two directions to fit a wide variety of board shapes.

Built for the long haul and better than ever. blackdiamondequipment.com

Women’s specific

W

8. Burton x G3 High Traction Splitboard Skins £180 These grippy and durable skins come with G3’s High Traction nylon plush. The laminated tip connector with self-aligning stainless steel hands keeps things secure at the front and the camming tail connector takes care of things at the rear so you can focus on the job in hand. burton.com

9. Black Diamond JetForce Pro Split Avalanche Airbag 25L £1040 Light, rechargeable and easy to travel with, you can deploy this modular pack over and over again.

Bluetooth connectivity means you can run updates and diagnostic checks before you head out. Featurepacked, it has a splitboard strap, avy tools pocket, ice-tool attachment system and helmet holder. blackdiamondequipment.com

10. Burton Sidecountry 20L Backpack £130 This technical pack has all the features you need for sidecountry hits and big mountain bizzle. With an easily accessible avy tools pocket, back panel access to the main compartment, skins pocket, hydration system compatibility, and a sternum strap with whistle, it’s built for the backcountry. Choose A-frame carry when you’re in split mode or vertical carry for quick hikes with a fully mounted board. burton.com

11. G3 Pivot Poles £130 Collapsible poles can be a faff… Enter the all-new Pivot – a split-specific, innovative and supremely packable three-part pole that wraps around the handle and locks into place keeping everything just so. Light and strong, these aluminium beauties are available in a choice of two lengths and come with a durable 18mm upper shaft, a bird of prey-esque extended utility tab specifically designed for hooking and manipulating splitboard bindings on the move, and a well-designed extended foam grip handle for choking up in the skin track. Collapsed length 38.5cm (long length). genuinegearguide.com

12. Jones Expedition Wheeled Snowboard Bag £215 Go beyond this winter with this light, fully padded, water-resistant roller bag with enough room for two to three boards. It comes with heaps of pockets designed specifically to accomodate boots, bindings, avy gear, and oversized wheels and a skid plate to keep you rolling down those snowy streets.

Fits boards up to 166cm. jonessnowboards.com

13. Spark R&D Ibex Crampons £99 If you want to stick to the mountain when things get slidey underfoot then you need the Ibex crampon in your life. Compatible with a heap of bindings including the Arc (featured here), these built-to-bite aluminium crampons are easy to install and take out without having to remove your bindings. If you’re looking for mega backcountry feathery-ness upgrade to the Pro version that weighs 22% less. sparkrandd.com www.fall-line.co.uk 117

2 0 2 1

TELEMARK TREATS This quirky sport is made all the more fun with the right gear. Let’s get shopping…

Go with the telemark flow…

BUYER’S

BETA

KEVIN YOUNG’S* TELEMARK GEAR GUIDE

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Systems: NTN or 75mm?

The New Telemark Norm (NTN) was established in 2007 and brought safety release and brakes to telemark bindings, a new shape of boot toe, and a duck-butt to telemark boots. The 75mm systems developed from leather boots and are so called because of the width of the long toe lug. ❄ Boots – buy smart There’s not a huge choice of telemark boots on the market. Scarpa, Crispi and Scott are your brands (Scott are re-branded Garmonts). They all offer NTN and 75mm boots. When you buy a pair they need to be a snug fit. Most have heat-mouldable liners, so make sure you get them fitted, and that the boot fitters use rubber toe caps on your feet during the fitting. You need your heel to be locked down in the liner as it cures, and the toe caps help create a little wiggle room for the toes. ❄ Which skis?

There are a few telemark-specific skis on the market, but you can telemark on any ski provided you can attach the bindings. When buying your skis for telemarking you need a ‘flat deck’ ski so a technician can drill the holes to mount your chosen binding. ❄ Useful stuff!

My telemarking bible is Allen & Mike’s Really Cool Telemark Tips. I can recommend joining the Telemark Skiing Forum on Facebook, and when it comes to gear, Braemar Mountain Sports are the pick of the bunch in the north, while Ski Bartlett are the best shout for the southern crew.

Oh and check with your local indoor snow centre for telemark groups. It’s always fun to go with friends.

118 www.fall-line.co.uk

PHOT0 BEVOUAK KOLODIE

If you’re new to this wonderful, quirky sport there is one thing you will need to succeed: a strong will. Alpine skiing is less tiring, easier to learn, more stable in challenging conditions and usually faster.

Yet we free-heelers persevere.

Why? Because when you get it right there is no feeling like telemark skiing. It’s amazing.

NTN brought safety release and brakes to bindings

Go for a snug fit and have your boots properly fitted

*Kevin Young has been a skier since the late ’70s, progressing from Pontypool’s dry ski slope to his adopted home near Chamonix, where he has lived since 2014. Following 19 years with Snow+Rock, he now works with Alpspec as a UK agent for Elan, Roxa and G3. He made his first telemark turns in 2010 and made a permanent commitment to free-heeling in 2015.

BOOTS

1

1. Scarpa TX Pro Boots £450 SIZES: 24.5-30 A versatile tele boot for all terrain, this is light enough for the uphill but powerful enough to rip back to base. The intuition liner keeps the weight down, and we love that instep buckle for keeping your heels locked down. The toe lug has tech inserts, but there is no longer an insert on the heel (remember locked down heels are frowned upon). It’s a 102mm last and has a snug heel pocket and four micro-adjustable buckles. scarpa.com

2

2. Scott Synergy Boots £410 SIZES: 25-30.5 One of the more powerful 75mm boots, with four clips for precision and not forgetting the essential D-ring for your ski leashes (no brakes on 75mm bindings). The last is 103mm and the pebax shell helps keep weight down. While there is a walk mechanism this is more suited to lift-served skiing or short hikes to access some fresh tracks. It will easily handle a wide ski. scott-sports.com

BINDINGS 3. 22 Designs Vice Bindings £220 Made predominantly for resort skiing this is one of the more powerful 75mm bindings. You can fine-tune the performance with spring tension and pivot position – once you’re dialled in just go for it. It’s best to pair them with a higher performance, stiffer boot to feel the full benefits. If you do the occasional tour the Vice will oblige, but there are better options if you enjoy life in the skin track. twentytwodesigns.com

3

4. Voile Hardwire Bindings £225 This is an awesome combination of an old-school three-pin toe box, top-quality materials and simple, solid engineering. What you get is a lightweight, versatile binding that you can even use with a leather boot if you want (yes you can still buy them). The hardwire ‘cables’ can be removed for touring to keep the weight as low as possible and simply clip back on for the descent. Best to use in conjuction with a lighter more flexible boot rather than a higher performance model. voile.com

5

4

5. Rottefella Freeride Bindings £320 The Freeride binding is at the heavy end of the scale for a tele binding, but you can tour on it if you are not in a hurry. Its big attraction is the power and precision you get on the descent, plus safety release and brakes. There is also a bonus feature that allows you to move the binding forward and backwards to three diffferent positions to change the way your skis react.

You can also buy a second set of base plates and heel pads for around £70 so you can share the bindings with more than one pair of skis. Thrifty and nifty! rottefella.no

6. Meidjo 3.0 Bindings £499

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

6

The new Meidjo combines the pin toe concept of an alpine touring binding with the NTN system. The new toe piece features stronger springs to improve retention (no need to ski it locked in difficult terrain). You get a light, reliable binding that can be set up with brakes, a crampon or even an alpine heel piece for times when you just want the extra security.

They also have a safety release, which is controlled independently of the binding performance. So you can have a powerful, high-performance binding and still set the release to your weight. the-m-equipment.com www.fall-line.co.uk 119

SUBSCRIBE TO The complete skier GEAR OF THE YEAR 2021

GREEN GEAR AND SKIS OF THE YEAR

It’s time to get equipped for winter

Ski

simply How to do it without the impact

WIN

CK NOL BLA S ROSSIG OPS SKI

The complete skier

PITZTAL POW Face shots and close calls on Austria’s highest glacier

Award-winning skis, splitboards, boots, bindings, clothing and more

WI N

The complete skier

ND DIAMO TILT BLACK FULL SKIS,OTS & LINE BO SKIS

TRAIN IT

How to reach the Alps by rail – yes, even without the Ski Train

R GEA E D GUI

SKIING IN A COVID WORLD

How resorts are planning to get YOU skiing this winter

T OUN ER C INT IS W E TH MAK

ER 2020 K EMB NOV -LINE .CO.U E 176 ISSU WWW.FALL £4.99

❄ MIKE DOUGLAS ON HOW HE’S TAKING ACTION TO SKI GREEN ❄ ZERMATT TO VERBIER WITH SAM ANTHAMATTEN AND TEAM ❄ SCOTLAND’S BEST BACKCOUNTRY SPOTS – AND HOW TO PLAN YOUR FIRST TRIP ❄ TOURING BACKPACKS: HOW TO REDUCE YOUR KIT FAFF AND PACK SMART ❄ A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO LAAX ❄ 15 MINUTES WITH SCOTLAND’S PRO SKI PHOTOGRAPHER HAMISH FROST ❄ AN EPIC BIKE AND SKI MISSION FROM THE AUSTRIAN ALPS TO THE FRENCH RIVIERA

048 9 772

001 FL176 COVER hm ni nl1 ni2 NL.indd 1

76>

122020

18/10/2020 15:13

Want to be in our gang? Sign up as a subscriber and enjoy every Fall-Line issue. Who knows if we’ll make it to the mountains this season, but by reading Fall-Line you’ll feel like you’re on the slopes...

We’ve had to make a few changes for the 2020/21 season as it’s such a weird one.

For just £18, your subscription will include:

❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄

issues of the best ski magazine 4 on the planet – three printed and one digital (two this season and two next).

A limited-edition Fall-Line headband/ face covering.

Stuff! We’re going to be sending you goodies as a thank you for being a Fall-Line fan. xclusive competitions to win E great gear (we’ll be running some subscriber-only competitions this season).

Entry into all our subscriber-only prize draws to win some brilliant prizes!

FREE

Our new Fall-Line buff/headband/neckwarmer/ face covering is a truly versatile and artistic piece of clothing featuring our very own Fall-Line Yeti Mascot! Use it to keep bits of you warm, cover your face or mop your brow. It has loads of uses – you’ll soon get your head around it.

TO ORDER CALL 07754 279367 OR GO TO

120 www.fall-line.co.uk

SHOULD WE STAY OR SHOULD WE GO? FED UP WITH BEING ASKED DON’T KNOW IF YOU’RE COMING OR GOING?

“WILL YOU BE SKIING THIS SEASON?”

Keep up!

We’ll have updates on the winter’s intrigues as per usual online, on social and via banner-trailing aircraft, plus other regular channels.

Link to all the ski news from fall-line.co.uk

SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS SHARE THE LOVE

SEIZE THE DAY

FREE T-shirt when you buy two subscriptions

Buy a subscription and get a half-price calendar

Buy TWO subscriptions and receive a free organic Fall-Line T-shirt by Howies.

How would you like this awesome British Backcountry calendar hanging on your wall? This work of art is a feast for your eyes. Inspiration guaranteed. Now you can enjoy it for half price (£6 instead of £12) with free p&p when you buy it at the same time as a subscription.

Yup, that’s right. Buy one for yourself and one for a pal and you’ll get a free Fall-Line tee AND two free Fall-Line neckwarmers. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Once you’ve ordered the two subscriptions online just email subs@fall-line.co.uk with your order numbers and let us know which size T-shirt you’d like.

Use code SUBSCAL6 to claim the deal.

FALL-LINE.CO.UK AND CLICK ‘SUBSCRIBE’

www.fall-line.co.uk 121

2 0 2 1

OUTERWEAR

The mountains are calling – get up and get down in this top technical kit

BUYER’S

BETA

OUR GEAR ED’S GUIDE TO OUTERWEAR

2

1

It’s what’s on the inside that counts right? Well, yes… most of the time. Unless you’re stuck on a chairlift in a snowstorm going hypothermic in your expensive new shell that’s proving itself to be utterly useless at keeping you warm and dry. At the end of the day, the rules are simple: when you’re buying ski jackets and pants, the gear really does need to fit the idea.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Reality check Do you need a layer that breathes, sheds precipitation, keeps you warm or does all of the above? This will depend on the climate and environment where you intend to ski, and the kind of skiing you’ll be doing (vs the kind of skiing you’d like your Insta followers to think you’re doing). Have a think about the where, what and when and then… ❄ Tech talk Waterproof or water-resistant?

Hardshell or softshell? Two-layer or three-layer construction? Gore-Tex Pro Most Rugged or Gore-Tex Active?

H2No or eVent? Hydrostatic heads and MVTRs? Find out what these are, what they mean and decide which is best for you. And your wallet. ❄ Extra factor Do you need a hood that works with your helmet? Are you always losing your ski pass? Tend to sweat a lot?

Like keeping your skins as warm as possible in between laps? All of the above? Then you’re going to need heaps of features. By all means seek out the essentials, but be wary of over-engineered kit at the same time. Excessive, irrelevant fiddly and weighty features? No thanks. ❄ Protect your winters Buy once, buy well. Seek out progressive and sustainable brands that prioritise the use of recycled and eco materials in their manufacturing processes, such as PFC-free DWRs and environmentally friendly dyes. Investing in intelligent kit may sting initially but it’s ultimately the smart skier’s game.

122 www.fall-line.co.uk

3 4

5

KEY:

1. Arc’teryx Cassiar LT Jacket £480 The new waterproof, windproof and breathable Cassiar LT is ideal for skiers looking for a lightweight, low-profile jacket that can stand up to the demands of resort riding. Weighing in at 605g, it’s light yet laden with Arc’teryx ski-specific tech, including taped seams, a soft cosy flannel liner, helmet-compatible hood, powder skirt, RECCO reflector and ski pass pocket. arcteryx.com

2. Arc’teryx Incendia One Piece W £900 Female freeriders – this one’s for you!

It’s not often a brand produces a standout product only for women, yet Arc’teryx have done exactly that this season with their brand new kick-ass, high-peformance Incendia onesie. The super-stealthy grey colour is guaranteed to make you feel like a secret ski agent when you’re ripping.

Top tech includes waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex protection, a helmet-compatible Stormhood and smart ventilation system at the thighs that doubles up as a ‘quickrelease system’ for the ladies. Because even secret ski agents need to pee… arcteryx.com

6

3. Black Diamond Recon Stretch Shell £330 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

7

If this three-layer jacket looks familiar it’s probably because you saw it being worn

by Parkin Costain when he was laying down his royally awesome title-winning run at the 2020 King of Corbet’s comp in Jackson Hole. Ideal for inbounds charging and beyond-the-ropes freeride adventures, it’s a mega-versatile jacket that combines four-way stretch with waterproof/ breathable BD.dry tech so you can hike for freshies, boost off booters and rip around the resort all season long. Features of note include a helmet-compatible hood, DWR-treated pit zips, skin-compatible internal stash pockets and removable powder skirt. In men’s and women’s. blackdiamondequipment.com

4. Dynafit Radical Gore-Tex Jacket £400 Weighing in at 407g, the new Radical is a light yet durable waterproof hardshell for backcountry exploration. Super breathable and lightweight, it can be worn for skinning on high-precipitation days or thrown in your pack to be brought out on the summit for extra weather protection. The targeted Gore-Tex Active and Gore-Tex C-Knit fabrics combine to deliver breathability and durability in all the right

W

Women’s specific

places. Other top-level touring tech includes pit zips for extra ventilation, an easily adjustable helmet-compatible hood with visor, adjustable cuffs and hem, large external and internal pockets and reflectors on the back for max visibility.

Also in women’s. dynafit.com

5. FW Manifest 2L Jacket and Bib Pants W Jacket £350, bib pants £320 New for winter 2021 this technical combo from Verbier-based dudes FW has been designed specifically for the style-conscious sisterhood of shred. Fully waterproof and lightweight, the stealthylooking waxed outer and adjustable storm hood with visor will keep you protected on burly days in the backcountry and there’s a heap of other well-thought-out freeride/ backcountry features in there too, including harness and backpackcompatible pockets, roll up gaiters and hidden kick patches, plus bonded extrawide pockets. fwapparel.com

6. FW Manifest Tour 3L Jacket and Bib Pants Jacket £450, bib pants £400 This brand new men’s three-layer touringspecific combo takes FW’s relaxed style and fires it into the backcountry this winter.

Light, breathable, soft and stretchy, this technical jacket and bib pant offer full weather protection, comfort and freedom of movement for sidecountry laps and full-on big mountain adventures. Fave features include the large pockets with laser-cut mesh vents for gear stashing/ extra breathability and the adjustable bib cuff system. fwapparel.com

7. Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity Shell Jacket £650 Think it’s impossible to create a genuinely sustainable jacket without compromising on technical performance? Then HH is about to prove you wrong. This superimpressive 770g eco-genius has been constructed using LIFA Infinity Pro – a three-layer, waterproof/breathable fabric that’s made without any added chemicals and LIFA Infinity, which is a highly breathable membrane made in a solventfree process. The DWR coating is chemical-free, too. Features-wise, it’s more of the same impressive stuff from HH with ‘ultra sonic’ welded seams, an adjustable helmet-compatible hood with hi-vis brim, pit zips, articulated sleeves, RECCO tech, internal stash pockets for skins, wrist gaiters with thumb loops, and a detachable powder skirt. Top tech that’s good for you and good for the planet – a win-win. hellyhansen.com www.fall-line.co.uk 123

2 0 2 1

OUTERWEAR 1

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

2

3

5

4

124 www.fall-line.co.uk

KEY:

1. Jack Wolfskin Solitude Mountain Jacket £390 A burly and sturdy three-layer jacket, designed to deliver ‘sustainable protection against the elements’, this makes up part of JW’s new Felix Neureuther Signature Series and features Texapore Ecosphere Future Dye Stretch made from recycled materials. Weighing 820g, the 100% PFC-free fabric is low on energy, chemicals and waste water. The spec is equally impressive with targeted abrasion-resistant materials on the shoulders and elbows, a helmet-compatible hood, powder skirt, stretchy wrist gaiters and huge skin-guzzling, harnesscompatible chest pockets. jack-wolfskin.co.uk

6

2. Mammut La Liste Pro Hooded Jacket and Bib Pants Jacket £625, bib pants £550

7

If you’re looking to bring your best freeride game to the big mountains, you quite simply have to put the Jérémie Heitz-inspired ‘La Liste Pro’ kit on your… ahem… list.

The high-end, robust, technical three-layer Gore-Tex Pro jacket is light yet super rugged, and comes with numerous freeride-specific features including skin stash pockets and high collar with offset venting for simultaneous air circulation and weather protection. The matching pants come with a detachable bib, laser-cut ventilation holes in the rear, an integrated Barryvox-compatible pocket, plus a neoprene pocket designed to keep mobile phone batteries alive. A big mountain jacket with a minimal environmental impact, the dyeing process involves reduced water consumption and it comes with the Fair Wear Foundation stamp of approval. In men’s and women’s. mammut.com

3. Mountain Equipment Quiver Jacket and Pants Jacket £450, pants £450

8

The Quiver Jacket and Pants are two new technical, packable Gore-Tex Pro ski mountaineering-specific pieces from the legendary British mountaineering brand. Weighing in at 500g (men’s jacket) and 680g (men’s pants), this three-layer combo epitomises well-thought-out alpine simplicity with just exactly the amount of features you need for adventures in the high alpine – and no more. Think helmetcompatible hood, detachable powder skirt, and transceiver pockets rather than media outlets and ski pass pockets. Also in women’s (jacket 450g, pants 640g). mountain-equipment.co.uk

4. Mountain Hardwear ‘The Viv’ Gore-Tex Pro Jacket and Bib Pants Jacket £670, pants £580 MHW’s super-cool, ‘all the bells and whistles mon frère’ Vivian Bruchez signature outfit – ‘The Viv’ Gore-Tex Pro jacket and bib pants. Designed by the legendary steep skier and mountain guide himself, this ultra-light, waterproof, breathable, durable combo is the ultimate choice for ski

W

Women’s specific

mountaineers who demand top-level durability and toughness with pro-level functionality. We love the jacket’s oversized internal drop pockets for storing gloves, skins or radios that are easily accessed from the outside via the large chest zip vents. Both the jacket (515g) and bib pants (632g) are Bluesign-approved with RECCO tech. mountainhardwear.com

5. OOSC Yeh Man Jacket £199 This retro-styling jacket from British brand OOSC is a bold, bright inbounds expert designed for all-mountain antics. Made from recycled polyester, it’s waterproof and breathable with taped seams, 80g of synthetic insulation, an adjustable helmet-compatible hood, integrated wrist cuffs with thumb loops, ski pass pocket, goggle pocket and headphone loop. New for this year is the funky ‘Fresh Prince Chevron’ pattern on the lining. oosc-clothing.com

6. Ortovox 2L Swisswool Andermatt Jacket and Pants Jacket £525, pants £435 This award-winning, two-layer combo offers wind and waterproof protection, bags of warmth, burly freeride style and a genuine point of difference – aka Swisswool Black insulation. Despite being an eco-friendly raw material, most black wool just ends up as waste product, due to the regular white stuff being easier to colour and less likely to show through outer material. But as always, the clever folks at Ortovox have turned that on its head, and created their own black sheep-specific Swisswool Black insulation instead! So many impressive features stand out, including the two-way adjustable hood, transceiver pocket on the pants with integrated carabiner, elastic wrist gaiters, and chafe-free merino wool chin. In men’s and women’s. ortovox.com

7. Patagonia Stormstride Jacket and Pants Jacket £450, pants £360 Designed for dedicated backcountry skiers looking for rugged, low-impact, highly technical touring clothing, the new Stormstride jacket and pants are Patagonia’s most active waterproof hardshell combo. Made from lightweight three-layer stretch, 54% recycled nylon face fabric with H2No, the jacket comes with adjustable low-profile cuffs to go over or under gloves, internal stash pockets for skins, pit zips and RECCO tech. Fave feature on the pants? The large thigh pockets and outer thigh vents. Available in men’s (jacket 490g, pants 476g) and women’s (jacket 428g, pants 442g). patagonia.com

8. Patagonia Upstride Jacket and Pants Jacket £260, pants £220 Patagonia’s new stretchy, breathable Bluesign-approved softshell series is built for speedy ski touring, rapid mountain adventures and spring missions. 100 % recycled polyester stretch fabric on the outside and embossed polyester on the inside combine to deliver impressive air circulation, moisture-wicking, breathability and stretch, while the abrasion-resistant DWR finish gives solid weather protection. Fast and light efficiency with a solid dollop of Patagonia-esque sustainability. In men’s (jacket 403g, pants 445g) and women’s (jacket 343g, pants 383g). patagonia.com www.fall-line.co.uk 125

2 0 2 1

OUTERWEAR

1 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

2

3

6

5

4

126 www.fall-line.co.uk

KEY:

1. Picture Organic Clothing Aeron Jacket W £360

7

Picture’s first three-layer jacket for women, the bio-sourced Aeron is an eco-friendly technical hardshell destined for low-impact adventures in the high mountains. Available in ‘misty pink’ or classic black, it’s a waterproof, breathable, stretchy jacket made from 58% biosourced polyester with a PFOA/ PFOS-free DWR. Features of note include fully taped seams, an integrated goggle cleaner, pit zips, wrist gaiters, adjustable hood, ski pass pocket, waterproof YKK zippers and a removable powder skirt. picture-organic-clothing.com

2. Picture Organic Clothing Demain Jacket £450 The new 780g Demain Jacket is a technical three-layer, 25K/20K waterproof, breathable, solvent-free and PFC-free shell made from Xpore – a polyester bio-based membrane made from sugarcane waste. Pioneeringly sustainable, comfortable, durable and built for the big mountains, the new Demain is a genuine triumph. The design may be sleek and simple, but it still sports all the technical features you’ll ever need. Bellowed chest pockets are capacious as are the hip-height waist pockets (great for storage but not exactly harness compatible). The hood is helmet-friendly and still cinches down tight enough to offer bellow-free protection when worn over just a beanie. An excellent choice for eco-conscious, fashion-aware freeride aficionados looking for a great all-rounder that will keep them warm and dry, while keeping the planet a touch cooler. picture-organicclothing.com

3. Picture Organic Clothing Welcome BioSource Jacket £379

8

The new three-layer Welcome Jacket is Picture’s first 100% bio-sourced jacket with an outer fabric made from cane sugar/recycled polyester and a bio-based sustainable membrane made from castor oil.

Picture are dedicated to mixing bio-sourced and recycled products as they strive to eliminate fossil fuels from the manufacturing process. Other ecopowers include PFOA/PFOS-free DWR treatment and comes with heap of top-end freeride tech including hybrid multi-density ProKnit for targeted breathability, pit zips, fully-taped seams, goggle cleaner, adjustable hood, wrist gaiters, pit zips and waterproof zippers. picture-organic-clothing.com

4. Planks ‘Yeah Baby’ Jacket and Pants Jacket £200, pants £150 Designed and tested by the legend himself, this wickedly named, super-styled-out, workwear-inspired combo are the stand out highlights from Woodsy’s

W

Women’s specific

brand new Signature Series for winter 2021.

Waterproof and breathable, there’s heaps of pro-level features here including taped seams, lift pass pockets, media pocket, powder skirt, and a removable hood. Constructed using recycled fabrics and a solvent-free DWR, it’s all about laying down planetfriendly vibes whether you’re lapping the park with your mates or poppin’ for that podium place. planksclothing.com

5. Planks Fun-garees Bib W £190 These women’s-specific insulated bibs from the shiny happy people at Planks are all about the good times. Constructed using recycled polyester, they’re waterproof, breathable and feature 40g of light insulation so they’re all set to keep you warm, cosy and dry on the mountain. Fave feature? The cleverly-designed, easy-access zip system for peak pee time. Fun name and fun colours, too… planksclothing.com

6. RAB Khroma GTX Jacket and Bib Pants Jacket £500, bib pants £425 When it comes to big mountains, British brand Rab certainly know what they’re doing, so we were delighted to see them bringing their established mountaineering heritage and channeling it into their new backcountry and ski mountaineering Khroma line. The Khroma GTX Jacket and Bib Pant are the stand out pieces – two technical, waterproof, breathable, durable backcountry outers constructed using recycled 70D Gore-Tex Pro ‘Most Rugged’ fabric. Features include ski helmet-compatible hood, adjustable cuffs with wrist gaiters, and a removable powder skirt. The new collection also features the ‘soft’ harshell Khroma Kinetic jacket, the Khroma Karve synthetic insulated jacket, Khroma Tour softshell pants and Khroma gloves. Available in men’s (jacket 689g, pants 826g) and women’s (jacket 620g, pants 780g). rab.equipment/uk

7. Rossignol Exces Ride Free Jacket and Relax Ride Free Pants Jacket £400, pants £195 It’s all about the freeride vibes at Rossi HQ this year.

This relaxed but über-technical combo drops perfectly into the brand’s new ‘Ride Free’ collection of skis, boots and apparel designed to deliver head-to-toe freeski style. The slightly oversized fit ensures you look the part and with low-bulk insulation, full weather protection, taped seams and heaps of other freeskioptimised features, it’s built with all the technical goods to back up your big mountain ambitions.

Explore, create and ride free! rossignol.com

8. Salomon Highland Jacket £360 This mega-insulated, waterproof and breathable Bluesign-approved men’s jacket is built to keep you warm, dry and protected from those high mountain elements. Weighing in at 955g with a helmetcompatible hood and waterproof zips, it’s a stormskiing, powder-hunting burly bit of kit that will keep you cosy on the chilliest of chairlift rides. Top tech includes 100g of insulation, Salomon’s MotionFit and AdvancedSkin Dry fabric. salomon.com www.fall-line.co.uk 127

2 0 2 1

OUTERWEAR

THE GORE-TEX LOWDOWN It’s the big daddy of mountain clothing fabrics.

Introduced in 1978, Gore-Tex uses expanded PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene – try saying that after three shots of grappa) membrane. It features some nine billion microscopic pores per square inch. These pores are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet meaning that rain can’t get through but – and here’s the clever part – also 700 times bigger than a molecule of moisture vapour, so that moisture can escape.

Over the decades, Gore have regularly updated and diversified their offering and remain the leading brand in the field. Gore-Tex comes in a few flavours: ❄ Gore-Tex The tried-and-tested Gore-Tex membrane. Used mostly in its two-layer spec with a moisturemanaging lining, or combined with lofted insulation. ❄ Gore-Tex Pro This top-end Gore-Tex is a three-layer laminate waterproof/breathable fabric designed for sustained use by mountaineers and backcountry skiers. It features multiple layers of expanded PTFE (ePTFE) bonded to the outer material and a grid backing textile. It delivers excellent breathability with a big emphasis on durability for extended use.

Always used in shell garments intended to layer over base and insulating layers. Now available in three different variations that have the potential to be used separately or in combination - Most Rugged Technology, Stretch Technology and Most Breathable Technology. ❄ Gore-Tex Active The most breathable of Gore-Tex waterproof three-layer fabrics for fast and light users (ski tourers, we’re looking at you!). Lamination technology integrates the backer textile directly onto the waterproof membrane for a streamlined, very breathable package. Designs are trim with minimalist features and less durability than Gore-Tex Pro garments.

1 2

3

4

ALTERNATIVE FABRICS Many skiwear brands use other fabrics, such as Toray Dermizax, when a high level of stretch is desirable; for example in more piste-focused garments with a closer engineered fit. Some also use softshell fabrics (soft, stretchy, superbreathable, windproof and snow/shower resistant) when breathability on the ascent is as important as weather protection on the descent.

You will see a lot of brands’ own specification fabrics, particularly when they integrate stretch and insulation into ski garments. Popular own-brand ski wear fabrics include H2No from Patagonia, FutureLight from The North Face, Lifa Infinity Pro Tech from Helly Hansen, and Advanced Skin Dry from Salomon. All do a brilliant job in answering the needs of recreational skiers blasting around the front side of the mountain. If you hike to ride, and big storm days are your mountain heaven, look to Gore-Tex as your best friend.

128 www.fall-line.co.uk

Scott’s premium three-layer Gore-Tex jacket delivers the beefiest weather protection

KEY:

W

Women’s specific

5 1. Salomon Proof LT Insulated Jacket W £320 This new insulated shell has all the female freeride vibes. Designed to take you from the resort into the sidecountry for lifeaffirming powder laps, it’s a fully featured waterproof, breathable jacket with 60g of Primaloft Black Eco insulation. The longer freeride-style cut offers additional warmth where it’s needed and there’s heaps of well-thought-out features here, including a cosy high neck, adjustable helmetcompatible hood, goggle wipe, powder skirt, pit zips, media pocket, lift pass pocket and lycra wrist gaiters with thumb loops.

Great colours, too. salomon.com

2. Scott Explorair 3L Resource Jacket and Pants Jacket £275, pants £240

6

Scott’s classic Explorair 3L Jacket and Pant are living their best life yet! Part of the Swiss brand’s Re-Source line for 2021, this affordable, super-comfy, waterproof and breathable touring/freeride combo is constructed using a PFC-Free DWR treatment to keep those elements at bay while helping to protect our beloved backcountry. Touring-specific tech includes pack-friendly seamless shoulders, leg vents, Cordura scuff panels, adjustable helmet-compatible hood, powder skirt, and anti-chafe chin guard.

In men’s (jacket 630g, pants 660g) and women’s (jacket 530g, pants 570g). scott-sports.com

3. Scott Vertic GTX 3L Stretch Jacket £540

7

Scott’s premium three-layer Gore-Tex jacket is optimised to deliver the beefiest weather protection so you can ride out those storms in comfort and style. Stretch inserts allow for max freedom of movement when you’re nailing those crucial turns in tight couloirs, and the vented neck gusset zipper keeps the air flow going when you need to hide from the weather. There’s heaps more to like including backpackfriendly seamless shoulders, fully taped seams, waterproof zippers, pit zips, internal google pocket with detachable cloth, adjustable helmet-compatible hood and lots of pockets. A 950g Bluesign-approved big mountain rider. scott-sports.com

4. Scott Ultimate GTX Infinium Down Jacket W £310 Designed to withstand the harshest of winters in sustainable style, this new

women’s jacket features PFC-free Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper construction and 800 fill traceable, responsible down. Super soft and cosy with fully taped seams and a detachable powder skirt, it’s a multi-talented 990g jacket built to protect both you and the environment.

Part of Scott’s new super-sustainable Re-Source range. scott-sports.com

5. Yuki Threads Staten Anorak £245 Bringing a street vibe to the mountain playground, the Staten Anorak is a Bluesign-approved, 15k waterproof/ breathable jacket from the supersustainably-focused folks at Yuki Threads.

Produced in a socially audited factory and constructed using GRS-certified recycled fibres, the Staten lines up in Yuki Thread’s new GREENLON recycled collection for winter 2021. Get yourself kitted up in a Staten and you’ll also be helping contribute to the non-profit Eden Reforestation Project that works in developing countries to rebuild natural landscapes destroyed by deforestation. yukithreads.com

6. Wed’ze FR900 Jacket and Pants W Jacket £150, pants £130 This cracking women’s freeride jacket and pants set has been designed to provide top freeski tech in an affordable package. Waterproof, durable and breathable, all the essentials are here including an articulated cut, taped seams, vents, adjustable hood, loads of pockets and heaps of well-thought-out pockets.

Bang on for aspirational freeriders looking to venture beyond the resort this winter.

Also available in men’s. decathlon.co.uk

7. Wed’ze Touring Jacket and Pants Jacket £170, pants £130 Getting into touring and looking for a non-bank-account-busting outfit to take you there? This new touring-specific combo from Wed’ze has all the technical features to get you on your backcountry journey. Light, breathable and waterproof, both the jacket and pants are constructed with a mechanical stretch material to enable freedom of stride and shred.

The jacket comes with a removable powder skirt, helmet-compatible hood and skin-sized chest pocket, and the bib and shoulder straps on the pants are removable. Weighing in at 585g (jacket and 570g (pants) it’s legit light and great value, too. decathlon.co.uk www.fall-line.co.uk 129

2 0 2 1

MIDS & INSULATION Lightweight insulation, hybrid or straight-up fleece? The choice is yours…

BUYER’S

BETA

OUR GEAR ED’S GUIDE TO MID-LAYERS

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

1

Whether you’re riding the lifts in resort or working up a sweat in the skin track, it’s your mid-layer that holds the key to all-mountain glory. No matter what your granny tells you, a big thick woolly jumper will not keep you as warm as a mid-weight merino wool or fleece layer, or an insulated liner jacket, nor will it allow moisture to make its way to the outer layers so they can do their job.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Fleece The traditional choice. Soft, light, warm, breathable and quick to dry.

Cons? Can be bulky and not as warm as others. ❄ Merino wool The sustainable choice. Natural fibres, warm when wet, breathable, with a strong anti-stink game. Flipside?

Can be heavy when wet, expensive, and doesn’t have the best warmth-toweight ratio. ❄ Lightweight insulation The cosy choice. Perfect for extremely cold days, down and synthetic insulated jackets offer the warmest option and best warmth-to-weight ratio, trapping air between down filaments or polyester strands.

Down packs smaller, is warmer and lighter, but not when wet, and won’t be as breathable as synthetics.

Synthetic fillings like Primaloft and manufacturers’ own synthetic technologies perform better than down when wet, are arguably more sustainable and are breathable, packable and easy to wash. ❄ Hybrid The technical choice. These jackets draw on the strengths of different fabrics and apply them in targeted areas to maximise functionality, performance, durability, weatherresistance and weight saving. They can be breathable on the back, stretchy on the sides and under arms, durable around shoulders and other high-wear areas, and warm around the core.

Often expensive, always clever.

130 www.fall-line.co.uk

2

3

4

KEY:

5

1. Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody £220 A legend in its own lightweight, super breathable lifetime – the Atom LT has been a staple in our kit cupboard for years due to its outstanding versatility. Updated for winter 2021, this latest version comes with a more durable face fabric, a revised lining material for increased air permeability and Coreloft Compact – a more resilient synthetic insulation that will keep you warmer for longer.

Wear it as an outer or mid for frontside fun, backcountry adventures and après strolling.

Available in men’s (375g) and women’s (320g) in a range of kick-ass colours. arcteryx.com

6

7

8

2. Black Diamond Coefficient Fleece Hoody £150 This Bluesign-approved fleece is a soft and sustainable low-profile mid with mega wicking powers. The athletic slim fit fits easily into your layering system, and with a full-length zip and under-the-helmet hood, you can ventilate or increase the cosy level depending on the conditions. Other features of note include the quickdrying Polartec Power Dry fleece and lightweight stretchy cuffs with integrated thumb loops. Available in men’s (582g) and women’s (546g) in a choice of muted colours. blackdiamondequipment.com

3. Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody £240 This Bluesign-approved, megabreathable insulated jacket can be worn as a mid or an outer – depending on the nature of your mission.

Constructed using Primaloft Silver Insulation Active and Schoeller EcoRepel Bio PFC-free DWR Technology, it’s built to facilitate long, low-impact days in the mountains. Available in men’s (475g) and women’s (402g). blackdiamondequipment.com

4. Dynafit Radical Primaloft Hooded Jacket £220 Light, warm and packable, this jacket is ideal for throwing in your pack when skinning and pulling out on chilly mountain summits. Constructed using

W

Women’s specific

recycled materials and targeted Primaloft Gold/Silver insulation, it’s wind and weather resistant, allows for exceptional freedom of movement and packs down into its own stow pocket.

In men’s (406g) and women’s (340g). dynafit.com

5. Dynafit Speed Hybrid Jacket £165 Designed for dawn patrols and speedy summits, this breathable, stretchy hybrid fleece is loaded with technical touring tech. The hybrid construction delivers maximum breathability at the back, and warmth and protection on the front. Other features of note include the tight-fitting hood, elastic cuffs with thumb loops, reflectors, stretch inserts, and two large front pockets for storing skins. Available in men’s (476g) and women’s (392g). dynafit.com

6. FW Manifest Crew Neck Top £180 This technical, versatile mid/outer will take you from first lift to first in line at après in kick-ass sustainable style.

Built with Bluesign-approved recycled Primaloft Black Insulation Eco made from 80% recycled post-consumer waste, it’s environmentally-friendly, lightweight and super packable too. fwapparel.com

7. FW Manifest Powerstretch Hoodie £200 Rip around the resort, hike for freshies or simply kick back in laidback FW style in this great-looking technical hoody. Made from Polartec Powerstretch Pro, it’s one moisturewicking, stretchy and durable bit of kit built to be pushed it to its limits on the mountain and at après. Cool and comfy, soft and springy, it’s available for both men and women. fwapparel.com

8. La Sportiva Kobik Women’s Hoody W £190 Constructed using Kapok – a 100% natural, vegan, biodegradable and pesticide-free fibre that surrounds seeds on a Kapok tree – this is a supersustainable hybrid fleece mid, ideal for chilly ski tours. With VapoVent tech for breathability and a weather-resistant, stretchy TechStretch Storm fabric in the sleeves and side body and a partinsulated hood, the 420g Kobik is perfect for mountain women looking for a fully featured mid to protect their winters in naturally sustainable style. lasportiva.com www.fall-line.co.uk 131

2 0 2 1

INSULATION 2

3

1

5

6

4

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

8

132 www.fall-line.co.uk

KEY:

1. Mammut Flexidown IN Jacket £230 This hybrid Bluesign-approved insulator combines 750 fill power RDS recycled down insulation with Pontetorto Tecnostretch inserts on the sides and under the arms for sustainable warmth and freedom of movement where you need it.

Weighing 290g, it’s fantastically light, warm and packable and constructed using a PFC-free DWR. In men’s (350g) and women’s (290g). mammut.com

2. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Hooded Down Jacket £380

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

7

Weighing in at just 189g with a whopping 1000 fill power RDScertified down, this ultra, mega, super-light jacket offers a warmthto-weight ratio worth boasting about in mountain huts. The perfect ski touring partner, simply stuff it into one of the handwarmer pockets when you’re skinning and bring it out for brief breaks on the summit. While a jacket this feathery is never going to offer expeditionlevels of warmth or durability, it’s more than fit for fast and light purposes. Think Kilian Jornet rather than Kenton Cool. In men’s and women’s (175g). mountainhardwear.com

3. Ortovox Merino Fleece Light Zip Neck Top £125 Lightweight, soft and comfy, and made from exotic-sounding, super-sustainable Tasmanian merino wool, this warm, moisture-wicking mid is ideal for freeride fun and technical ski tours.

Stretchy, comfy, quick to dry and low on stink it’s ideal for hut to hut, multi-day mountain adventures.

Available in men’s (290g) and women’s (250g). ortovox.com

4. Ortovox Swisswool Zebru Jacket £250 This ISPO award-winning insulated jacket is the perfect sustainable ski touring layer. Light, warm, stretchy, weather resistant and packable, it’s made in Europe from environmentally-friendly Swiss sheep wool and produced using sustainable methods. It’s a high-quality, low-impact jacket with heaps of tech features. Available in men’s (262g) and women’s (232g). ortovox.com

5. Outdoor Research Helium Down Hooded Jacket £200

9

Mega warm and ultra durable, the new Helium piles 800 fill power goose down insulation into an impressively lightweight packable package.

Waterproof tear-resistant Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse is used on the hood, shoulders and upper sleeves, while the rest of the jacket is

W

Women’s specific

constructed using breathable, abrasion-resistant Pertex Diamond Fuse Ripstop fabric. It packs down into its own pocket and comes with an adjustable hood, several pockets and carabiner loop with key clip. Available in men’s (463g) and women’s (436g). outdoorresearch.com

6. Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket £180 The latest iteration of this iconic lightweight, packable, insulated jacket is the most sustainable yet. Warm, windproof and water-resistant, this new Fair Trade Certified sewn insulated mid/ outer now comes with 60g of PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco with 100% post-consumer recycled polyester with P.U.R.E. (Produced Using Reduced Emissions). Fave feature? The zippered internal chest pocket that doubles as a stuffsack with a reinforcer carabiner clip-in loop. In men’s (337g) and women’s (284g). patagonia.com

7. Patagonia R1 Air Hoody £130 Look out outdoor folks – there’s a new R1 on the mountain! Lightweight, quick-drying and extremely breathable, the new R1 Air is a technical fleece specifically designed for fastpaced, high-output mountain adventures.

Constructed with HeiQ Fresh, hollow core yarns and lofted zig-zag texture, it’s a warm, durable, moisture-wicking, air-permeable, stink-free piece – perfect for heart-pumping winter activities, be it resort ripping, ski touring, alpine climbing or mountain running. Made from 100% recycled polyester and Fair Trade Certified Sewn, the R1 Air is sustainable and speedy – a very exciting new addition to Patagonia’s much-loved, timetested, mega-versatile R1 fleece. Available in men’s and women’s in hoody, half-zip and crew neck versions. patagonia.com

8. Salewa Pedroc Hybrid TWR Hood Jacket £220 This lightweight, warm and breathable jacket combines natural insulation (wool from Tirolean mountain sheep) with Salewa’s smart Responsive technology that harnesses the natural power of minerals to increase circulation and speed up recovery. The infrared matrix in Responsive tech claims to absorb energy from the body and recycle it back into muscle tissue to improve performance and reduce fatigue. Clever stuff! salewa.com

9. Scott Insuloft Superlight Jacket £195 This brand new insulated jacket delivers mega warmth for its supremely feathery weight. A super-versatile, seriously low-profile mid or outer, it comes with 60g of Bluesign-approved Primaloft Gold insulation, tight-fitting elastic cuffs and packs down into its own pocket. Available in a range of fab colours in both men’s (290g) and women’s (270g), it’s ideal for mountain adventurers looking for a lightweight insulated jacket for skiing, touring, mountain biking and après strolling. scott-sports.com www.fall-line.co.uk 133

2 0 2 1

BASELAYERS

It’s all about that base – lay those foundations with these technical first layers 3

1

BUYER’S

BETA

OUR GEAR ED’S GUIDE TO BASELAYERS

As the great gear philosopher Meghan Trainor once wrote: ‘we’re all about that base, ’bout that base, no cotton’. OK, maybe she didn’t quite say that, but let’s pretend she did because it makes a whole heap of sense. When it comes to choosing a first layer, nonwicking fabrics like cotton retain sweat, which makes you chilled when you stop. So, what’s available to skiers to ensure they strike a balance between warmth, weather protection, temperature control and moisture management?

4 2

6

5

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Synthetic fibres For energetic skiers, synthetic fibres offer maximum transfer of humidity and breathability and a next-to-skin sensation. They’re also light, durable, quick to dry and good for sensitive skin. Cruisier types can opt for 100% polyester, which is soft and warm.

But if your bag is high-intensity action, the answer’s a blend of polyester, polyamide and elastane, ideally with… ❄ Bodymapping A construction precisely adapted to the needs of an active body, with extra ventilation in zones where you sweat more, and extra insulation in zones that feel the cold. This varies between men’s and women’s anatomy; sweating is also an individual thing and some of us generate more moisture than others. ❄ Natural fibres Merino and yak wool don’t dry as fast as the best synthetics and are less breathable, but they are sustainable, warm and have superb natural odour control. If you can’t wash your baselayers during a trip, natural fibres are your best bet. However, synthetics aren’t far behind: baselayer specialists treat polyester fibres with silver ions, which inhibit the growth of bacteria, thereby considerably reducing stink. ❄ Weight Don’t overthink this one, just focus on both your metabolism, anticipated ambient temperature and activity level.

134 www.fall-line.co.uk

7

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

8

9

KEY:

10

1. Black Diamond Solution 150 Wool Quarter-Zip Hoody £120 If you’ve been struggling to find a warm, dry baselayer that will last beyond one season, the new Solution 150 may be the... solution. BD claim Nuyarn’s stretch merino wool technology is warmer and faster to dry than traditional merino, making this bob-on for any sweat-inducing activities. It comes with thumb loops, plus shoulder panels to minimise pressure when you’re carrying a pack. blackdiamondequipment.com

11

2. Columbia Women’s Engineered Long Sleeve Half-Zip Crew Top W £65 This seamless top features Columbia’s Omni-Wick tech to keep you dry when you’re working up a sweat. Close fitting for warmth, it’s toasty cosy and looks good. The half-zip allows you to regulate temps further, and the antimicrobial treatment will keep you stink-free all day/week/season long. columbiasportswear.co.uk

3. Dynafit Speed Dryarn W Long Sleeve Top W £65 If your sights are set on speedy summits this winter then this light, stretchy, close-fitting baselayer is built to facilitate your ambitions. More breathable than polyester, warmer than wool and lighter than any other fabric, Dryarn will take care of the moisture management and temp regulation side of things, leaving you free to focus on your big mountain objective. Also available in men’s. dynafit.com

4. Floa Backcountry Shirt £99 With targeted breathability, body-mapped compression and specially designed cooling channels, this is a technical baselayer designed to keep you in the best shape possible so you can go further, faster and higher in the backcountry. Constructed using a merino-poly blend, it’s rammed with backcountry and freeride-specific features. Comes with matching pants. Also in women’s. floasports.com

12

5. Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Midweight Hoody £90

13

Looking for mega cosiness and max sustainability creds? Helly’s signature Lifa Merino tech combines the best of both worlds to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. Each Lifa Merino baselayer is solution dyed (minimising water usage) and uses merino sourced from ZQ Merino, a global leader in providing sustainable, ethical and traceable wool. Available in men’s and women’s. hellyhansen.com

6. Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crew Top £80

14

Icebreaker’s best-selling 100% merino baselayer is back. Versatile, technical and good-looking, it comes with offset shoulder seams to minimise pack-induced sore points and a drop tail hem to keep things cosy at the rear. icebreaker.com

7. Mons Royale Cornice Rollover LS Top W £100 Style and performance combine in this technical 100% merino top. Soft, warm and breathable, it has a double-layer high neck for max cosiness around the

W

Women’s specific

face and a drop tail for toasty tooshies. A kick-ass women’s-specific top, it also comes in half-zip, crewneck and hood versions. eu.monsroyale.com

8. Ortovox 185 Merino Mountain Long Sleeve Top £85 Soft, functional and sustainable, this 100% merino baselayer is made from the wool of happy Tasmanian sheep! The extra fine fibres ensure itch-free comfort.

Ideal for touring and freeride adventures, it comes in a range of colours for men and women. ortovox.com

9. Ortovox 185 Rock’N’Wool Top and Hot Pants W Top £45, pants £45 Ortovox does funky and functional very well, and this breathable, soft, moisture-wicking merino wool sport top and hot pants will keep you warm and dry so you can focus on the adventure in hand. ortovox.com

10. Patagonia Capilene Air Crew Top £110 Patagonia’s warmest and most advanced baselayer, this is made from a blend of 51% Responsible Wool Standard-certified merino and 49% recycled polyester. Sustainable, quick-drying, warm and stink-free, it’s got all the baselayer creds you need for low-impact mountain adventures this winter.

Available in men’s and women’s. patagonia.com

11. Planks Fall-Line Baselayer Top £50 And the prize for the baselayer with the best name goes to… you guessed it, the super-styling Fall-Line Top from the fab folks at Planks! Constructed using recycled materials, this polyester/elastane top is warm, comfy, stretchy and sustainable. Tech and comfort in covert camo style. planksclothing.com

12. Salomon Outline Seamless Crew M Top £70 The new men’s Outline is a close-fitting, soft and warm baselayer with engineered mesh zones and moisture-wicking fabric for max temperature control.

The seamless construction minimises pressure points and the viscose/acrylic/polyester/elastane blend is both cosy to wear and quick to dry. Ideal for cold weather adventures inbounds. salomon.com

13. Salomon Outspeed Wool LS Hoody £110 This wool/polyester/elastane baselayer offers the perfect blend of warmth and breathability in a moisture-wicking, quick-drying package. The targeted ventilation panels ensure max air flow where it’s needed and you can cosy up in the soft scuba hood if you’re looking for extra protection from the elements.

Available in men’s and women’s. salomon.com

14. Smartwool Women’s Merino 250 Baselayer Quarter-Zip Top W £112 Heavy, soft and warm, this female-specific baselayer will keep you cosy on the chilliest of chairlift rides.

It’s got all the tech performance you’d expect from a 100% merino wool top, and with a flattering fit and funky design it looks equally as good as it performs.

Also available in men’s. smartwool.com www.fall-line.co.uk 135

SOCKS

2 0 2 1

KEY:

W

Women’s specific

Get ready to stomp your way through winter with our pick of the best new ski socks 4

3

2 1

6 5

7

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

9

8

1. Darn Tough Alpenglow Over-The-Calf Socks £27 No-nonsense ski socks with a lifetime guarantee.

With 56% merino wool and DT’s Performance Fit, you’ve got a fast-wicking, rapid-drying, nobunching sock that’s built to last. darntough.com

2. Dynafit Tour Warm Merino Socks £30 These light, breathable 33% merino blend socks are technical tourers designed to keep your feet cosy and dry when you’re working up a sweat in the high mountains. The targeted cushioning around the toes and ankle area provides padding in the places where it’s needed. dynafit.com

3. Falke ST4 Ski Touring Socks £30 With extra-light cushioning and added padding on the instep, these should keep your feet blister-free in the backcountry. The triple-layer structure has been designed to wick sweat from hard-working feet, a mega 65% merino keeps things cosy, and the extra-light cushioning provides a touringspecific fit. In men’s and women’s. falke.com

and arch support, and seamless toes, they’re packed with lower limb specific tech. Our favourite feature of all? The brilliantly-named ‘function junction’ that prevents bunching inside the boot.

Available in men’s and women’s. icebreaker.com

5. Lé Bent Le Send Backcountry Ski Socks £20 These backcountry-specific socks have been designed in conjunction with freeskiing’s über-power couple Cody Townsend and Elyse Saugstad.

Made from 19% non-mulesed merino and 44% OCIA certified bamboo, they’re cosy warm, super soft, anti-bacterial, stink-free, sweat-wicking AND environmentally friendly. We like. lebent.com

6. Mons Royale Women’s Tech Cushion Socks W £30 Jump into Mons’ warmest sock this winter – the funky Tech Cushion. The durable 64% merino blend construction keeps trotters cosy, sweat and stink-free, and there’s heaps of other fancy footwork here including arch and ankle support. eu.monsroyale.com

4. Icebreaker Men’s Merino Ski+ Light Over The Calf Socks £24

7. OOSC Jamie Nicholls Signature Series Socks £20

These 55% merino, lightly cushioned socks are ideal for warmer days in bounds and ski touring.

With left and right anatomical fit, Achilles, ankle

These lightweight 64% merino blend socks have been designed by Team GB double Olympian Jamie Nicholls, so it’s safe to assume they’re legit!

136 www.fall-line.co.uk

Moisture-wicking and quick to dry, they’ll keep your feet feeling fresh, warm and dry. The seamless toe box minimises pressure points, the padded shin keeps you protected in the park and the calf band makes sure they stay firmly in place. oosc-clothing.com

8. Ortovox Tour Compression Socks £45 Designed to support your muscles and minimise fatigue, these touring-specific 39% merino blend socks come with graduated compression to help stimulate venous flow. Throw into the mix the targeted cushioning in the heel and toe, 360° webbing for increased breathability, flat body construction and flat toe seam to keep blisters at bay and you’ll be good to go for long days in the backcountry. In men’s and women’s. ortovox.com

9. Smartwool PhD Ski Light Elite Benchetler Print Socks £29 Designed by pro skier and all-round freeski legend Chris Benchetler, these lightly cushioned 57% merino wool socks are big on style, design and performance. With targeted breathability, 4 Degree elite fit with ankle flex, and Indestructawool (we like what you did there) technology, they’re loaded with features and legit freeski style. Also available in Ultra Light. smartwool.com

New

Are you fed up with skiing niggles:

For



Charity!

    

Lugging awkward skis/poles?

Winter chills?

Fastening stiff boot clips?

Skis/Board going missing?

Scratched goggles?

Past its “Sell By” hire helmet?

Only £6.95 including £3.50 donation to: Disability Snowsport UK      

www.trixski.com

www.trixski.com

“Thank you - this changes everything!”

Richard Auerbach

“Without my Ski Mojo I’d never get onto the slopes” Nigel Barden “I now have bionic knees!” David Carpenter TEL: 07464 373336

“Skimojo has been transformational... money really well spent!” John Heagney

2 0 2 1

GLOVES

Glove love – get your digits dialled into this season’s best gloves and mitts

BUYER’S

2

BETA

MARTIN CHESTER’S GLOVE GUIDE

Few things can make or break a mountain jolly quite like the humble glove. The right pair will fit your paws like a veritable, er, glove, sliding seamlessly off sweaty hands, layers nicely intact. Get it wrong and you’re in for a miserable, cold, damp time – and risk your digits losing their dexterity. Here are some pointers to help you choose your gloves wisely…

1

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Cuff compatibility You have all sorts of lengthed gloves, from short-cuffed gloves (known as under-the-cuff) to arm-dominating gloves (gauntlets). I like gloves that fit over softshell and fleece layers, but under my Gore-Tex shell. You need to shop with the sort of layers you’ll use, or borrow some garments off the jacket rack. Check for the under/over size and shape compatibility between glove and clothing cuffs; then see how any closures (drawstrings, Velcro or straps) might clash with your clothing, or leashes from poles and ice axes. ❄ Loose linings The best glove membrane liners will be made in one piece. The challenge for the manufacturer is to fit layers of contrasting materials (comfy lining, insulating layers and burly outer shell) in such a way that it doesn’t pull out when you remove your sweaty paw.

Trust me, once inverted you can never get those complex layers back in the right place. A bonded construction is best, and if in doubt, ask the retailer. ❄ Sizing Once you’ve skinned up that kilometre climb, then wrestled with your skins, your hands will be puffy and clammy.

Now’s the time you need that glove to go on fast – so buy them plenty big enough. Find the perfect fit in the shop, then buy at least a size up. ❄ Breaking them in The warmest gloves will require a bit of breaking in, so don’t be surprised if they feel bulky and stiff. So long as the size is right, the leather will soften and the insulation will pack down with use.

138 www.fall-line.co.uk

4

5

8 7

KEY:

1. Arc’teryx Fission SV Mitts £150 Arc’teryx’s warmest mitts, these are big, burly and built for the harshest of winter conditions. A Gore-Tex insert provides full weather protection, and hands will be kept mega toasty thanks to Primaloft Silver and Gold insulation.

There’s a double layer of goat leather for increased durability, with an easy-to-operate elastic wrist strap and open/close gauntlet. arcteryx.com

3

2. Arc’teryx Sabre Gloves £160

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

These über-technical, short-cuff Gore-Tex gloves are designed for all-time freeride adventures in the high mountains. Waterproof, windproof and breathable, they offer heaps of weather protection in a low-profile glove that fits easily under your jacket. With Primaloft insulation on the inside and leather reinforcements on the fingers and palms, they’ll keep you warm and protected. arcteryx.com

3. Black Diamond Recon Gloves £95

6

Brand new this winter, these super-warm freeride gloves are designed for the coldest and snowiest of days. With targeted Primaloft Gold Insulation, 100% waterproof BD.dry insert, a goat leather palm and long Pertex Shield cuff you’ve got all the tech you need to stay warm and kick up a freeride storm this winter. blackdiamondequipment.com

4. Black Diamond Spark Angel Finger Gloves W £80

9

Built for Angel Collinson, these durable three-finger women’s-specific freeride gloves are designed for temperatures down to -15°C. Lined with super-soft fleece and with Primaloft Gold insulation on the back and palm, they’re max toasty and also come with BD’s own waterproof fabric insert. Fave feature? Angel’s choice of inspirational symbols – the Flower of Life and Sri Yantra – and the comedy moustache design that makes us feel a little more like the legend herself. blackdiamondequipment.com

5. Hestra Windstopper Ergo Grip Touring Gloves £80 Buy once and buy well. If you’re looking for a touring glove that’s built to last, Hestra’s moisture-wicking, breathable, water-

W

Women’s specific

repellent Ergo Grip glove is where it’s at.

The Ergo Grip construction puts the seams in the optimal place to give you dexterity and a snug fit, and the fabrics give the right balance of weather resistance against breathability. Typical Hestra top quality stuff. hestragloves.com

6. Mammut La Liste Gloves £110 You’ve got the outfit, now it’s time to complete the full La Liste look with these top-of-the-range freeride gloves. Built for the backcountry, there’s all the top tech you’d expect here, including full waterproof Gore-Tex protection, targeted Primaloft Gold and Silver Eco insulation, high-quality Bemberg fleece liner and durable goat leather on the thumbs and palm. Other features of note include the carabiner loop on the fingers, pre-shaped design for max dexterity and grip, and padding on the back of the hand to keep your knuckles protected when you’re building belays or looking for that perfect axe placement. mammut.com

7. Mountain Hardwear High Exposure Gore-Tex Gloves £135 If you’re looking for mega-warm, waterproof, breathable, windproof gloves then it’s time to get your hands into the High Exposures.

With Primaloft Gold insulation and Aerogel tech, these Gore-Tex gloves offer industryleading warmth engineered to keep those digits cosy in gnarly high-mountain conditions. Available in men’s and women’s. mountainhardwear.com

8. Ortovox Tour Light Gloves £80 Ortovox have taken all their mountain know-how and plunged it into these lowprofile, lightweight, breathable, water and wind-resistant touring gloves. Hitting the sweet spot between comfort, breathability, dexterity and weather protection, they come with a host of impressive features, including the long merino fleece cuffs with pull-on aids, durable goat leather palm, carabiner clip loops and smartphone/GPS compatible index fingers. Available in men’s and women’s. ortovox.com

9. Ortovox Swisswool Freeride Mitts £130 These mega-insulated soft and warm freeride mitts are primed and ready for cold stormy days when you’re lapping the pow.

With goat leather on the palm, a mega-cosy Swisswool lining and windproof, weatherresistant Dermizax EV shell, these mitts will keep your hands protected from the summit all the way down and back into resort. ortovox.com www.fall-line.co.uk 139

2 0 2 1

GLOVES

KEY:

W

Women’s specific

1. Planks High Times Insulated Pipe Gloves £40

2

These good time gloves are perfect for booter boosting, spring sessioning and laidback resort lapping.

Constructed using recycled polyester and 40g of recycled insulation, they’re planet and park-friendly and come with a faux suede palm, low-profile neoprene cuff, and removable wrist leashes. Bring on the high times – we’re ready for ya. planksclothing.com

2. Rab Khroma Freeride GTX Gloves £120

1

One of the best-looking gloves we’ve seen for a while, the new Khroma Freeride GTX from mountain specialists Rab are bound for the big mountains. With long cuffs, full Gore-Tex Plus Warm weather protection, targeted hydrophobic Primaloft Gold insulation, reinforced Pittards Armortan leather palms and a soft stretchy Matrix outer, these really are the real freeride deal.

Kick-ass colour too. Also available in mitts. rab.equipment/uk

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

3. Salomon Propeller Plus Gloves £115 Low-profile styling with heaps of high-end tech, the Propeller Plus combine leather, soft shell and Primaloft insulation into an impressively dexterous package.

Supple, warm and durable, they’ll keep your digits dry on all but the most Scottish of mountain days. salomon.com

3

4. Scott Explorair Tech Gloves £80

4

If you’re looking for a functional touring glove that does everything really well, the breathable, weather-resistant Explorair Tech is a cracking option. The DRYOsphere membrane keeps weather where it belongs, the quality goat leather and nylon palm reinforcements are great for handling ropes and hardware, and the freeride-style cuff with Velcro closure provides a bombproof seal around the wrist. Other features of note include the finger mounted carabiner hook for rapid secure storage on the move. scott-sports.com

5. Wed’ze Freeride FR Warm Gloves £35 These super-stylish leather gloves have all the workwear feels of a higher priced glove with none of the associated price tags! Durable and dexterous, well insulated and weather proof, they’ll keep you cosy, warm and dry – all for the price of a few hot chocolates and a couple of plates of chips at a mountainside restaurant.

No brainer really… decathlon.co.uk

5

6. Wed’ze Ski Touring Mitts £20

6 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

140 www.fall-line.co.uk

These two-in-one, gateway touring-specific gloves/mittens offer the ideal combination of warmth on the uphill and mega warmth on the descent. Designed to be worn as a glove when you’re working up a sweat in the skin track, simply pop the integrated mitten over the top of your fingers when you reach the summit and you’ll be on the receiving end of an additional 8°C of warmth for the descent. Clever and cosy, the 10k waterproof protection will do the job unless you’re planning on heading out on high precipitation days. decathlon.co.uk

QUAL IT Y TAKES TI M E QUALITY TAKES TIME. TIME, KNOWLEDGE AND ACCURACY, IS PROVIDED FOR PRODUCING GLOVES THAT SHOULD LAST A LONG TIME. FOR MORE THAN 80 YEARS, HESTRA HAS KEPT COLD HANDS WARM. WE HAVE DESIGNED AND CRAFTED GLOVES FOR MANY DIFFERENT PURPOSES, STYLES AND WEATHER – ALL OF THEM WITH ONE THING IN COMMON: TIMELESS, UNCOMPROMISED QUALITY.

@HESTRAGLOVES | #HESTRAGLOVES | HESTRAGLOVES.COM

Your Your Winter Winter Wardrobe Wardrobe Just Just Got Got Brighter Brighter All our outerwear is made from recycled plastic bottles

WWW.00SC-CLOTHING.COM WWW.00SC-CLOTHING.COM

2 0 2 1

GOGGLES Get into the best goggles for winter 2021

BUYER’S

BETA

LEE HARDY’S GOGGLE GUIDE

It doesn’t matter how good your equipment is if you can’t see where you’re going! So get to your local ski shop and get some goggles on your head, and if you have a helmet don’t be afraid to take it with you.

Having a good seal from the face foam will allow the goggles’ double lens to do its job more effectively. These foams are often made of more than one layer to provide a weather-tight seal and prevent steaming up. Make sure they’re not pinching on the bridge of your nose and, once you’re happy with the fit and comfort, it’s time to choose the right lens tech to suit the conditions.

1

3

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Face fit Press your goggles onto your face without the strap. If the connection feels solid chances are they’re good to go. Snug but not too tight please, and definitely no pressure points. ❄ Comfort with your helmet Trying your goggles in combination with your lid will give you the most accurate picture of how it will all feel. ❄ Venting check While you’ve got your helmet on, check whether it blocks any of your goggle vents. Nobody wants foggy goggles… ❄ Lens focus Make sure you have the right lens for the conditions. Interchangeable or fixed? Mirrored, polarised or photochromic? Talk to an expert at your local retailer to help you decide. ❄ Field of vision Cylindrical lenses are more affordable but offer less peripheral vision.

Spherical lenses curve horizontally and vertically so provide max field of view for a larger outlay. Toric lenses are kind of like spherical ones except with less of a bug-eye look. ❄ Glasses wearers Go for OTG (over-the-glasses) models and try your specs/goggle/helmet combo in the shop.

142 www.fall-line.co.uk

5

7

8

KEY:

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

2 4

Women’s specific

1. Anon Women’s WM3 W £195

5. Giro Millie W £90

These top-end, low-profile, cylindrical-style goggles are ideal for smaller faces and come with top anti-fog tech, full perimeter venting, triple-layer face foam and two Perceive lenses that can be easily switched out using Anon’s Magna-Tech magnetic lens system.

OTG-compatible, the lenses have a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating designed to reduce smudges, scratches and moisture. burton.com

These high-end, women’s-specific googles are ideal for the sisterhood of shred. With a premium toric Vivid lens with optics by Zeiss, the OTG-compatible Millie offers an impressively wide and clear field of view.

Other top tech includes EXV Expansion View Technology, triple-layer face foam with microfleece, anti-fog coating and Seamless compatibility for a gap-free fit with all Giro helmets. giro.com

2. Bollé Nevada Neo £172-£249

6. Julbo Moonlight £100

Bollé’s first magnetic goggle, the Nevada Neo comes with two lenses – a Cat 1-3 high-end NXT Phantom+ photochromic polarised lens and a Cat 0 replacement lens. All the premium tech is here, including Flow-Tech venting, anti-fog and anti-scratch treatments and a siliconised strap. But the standout feature is Bollé’s new eyelatch system that ensures the lens stays in place no matter how hard you’re rippin’. bolle.com

Julbo’s new Moonlight goggles provide a mega-wide field of view for small to medium-sized faces. The frameless design and spherical Spectron or Glare Control lenses are designed to offer top visual performance in a comfy lightweight package, making these ideal for backcountry missions. julbo.com

3. Cébé Silhouette W £67-£96 These awesome-looking, brand new women’sspecific cylindrical goggles have heaps of style and all the top goggle tech. Available in six kick-ass colours, they come with a photochromic lens with anti-fog and anti-scratch coating, and triple-density face foam. cebe.com

4. Giro Contour £220

6

W

Designed in partnership with Zeiss, these brandspankin’, super-premium OTG-compatible goggles come with two new injection-moulded magnetic toric Vivid lenses shape that offer a seriously mammoth field of view. With EXV+ Expansion View Technology, Evak Vent Tech, anti-fog coating and triple-layer face foam with microfleece, they’re laden with top tech designed to expand your horizons. giro.com

7. Julbo Quickshift £190 The new frameless cylindrical Quickshift features Julbo’s innovative Switch Air System, with two detachable drop outs on the bottom of the frame designed to maximise air flow and reduce fogging.

Perfect for heart-pumping ascents in wild weather and spring skiing, they also come with Julbo’s Reactiv photochromic lenses for max visuals. julbo.com

8. Oakley Flight Path XL £177 These new toric lens semi-rimless frame goggles are inspired by the Canopy, Oakley’s original oversized model. Developed in conjunction with Norwegian World Champ Aleksander Kilde, they have the top and side coverage of a fully rimmed goggle with full helmet integration and a semi-rim bottom for max field of view. Key features include Ridgelock EV lens for enhanced upward visibility and Oakley’s Prizm Snow lens. oakley.com

GOGGLEBOX

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

Which category?

The key to seeing clearly in flat light, bright sunshine or a blizzard is wearing the right lens –and Sally Bartlett from Ski Bartlett is here to explain what’s what…

“Lenses have category numbers and VLT percentages (Visible Light Transmission – the percentage of light transmitted to your eyes). They vary from 100% in a clear lens to 3% for a very dark lens. Category 1 lenses are lightly tinted for grey days; Category 2 have a medium tint, and Category 3-4 lenses are darker for bright sunny days.

“For skiing, Category 2 or 3 is recommended unless you are out in very low or flat light, in which case Category 1 would be better.

Category 4 would normally only be required for high-altitude glacier skiing in very bright conditions.

“Everyone’s eyes respond

slightly differently to different colour lenses. For some a yellow lens is great for flat light, while others prefer a hint of pink or orange, so look through different colour lenses in the shop. Look at bright lights and into darker corners to see what feels more comfortable on your eyes and gives you better clarity and definition.

“Most brands produce easy on-slope lens-change systems, whether they click in, snap on or slide out.”

Just to complicate things further, some lenses, known as photochromic, are a bit of a one-fits-all, as they adjust according to light conditions.

Cylindrical, spherical or toric?

Cylindrical lenses curve horizontally, while remaining flat vertically. They are generally cheaper than spherical lenses.

In spherical lenses, the bubble shape gives more surface area, enhancing peripheral vision, while strategically planned curves reduce glare. Most spherical lenses are injection-moulded, which allows for tapering (the lenses getting thinner further away from the centre). This reduces distortion and allows the light to hit your eye naturally.

Also, there’s more volume inside a spherical lens, which means better air-flow and so less fogging.

Toric lenses are the new kids on the block. Similar to spherical lenses, they mimic the shape of the eye but have a tighter horizontal radius for enhanced peripheral vision, hence less of a bug-eye look.

This shape also maximises the vent volume in the goggle for an unmatched field of view and max fog-free performance. www.fall-line.co.uk 143

2 0 2 1

GOGGLES

2

2 1

4

7

5

6

8

144 www.fall-line.co.uk

KEY:

3

Women’s specific

1. POC Fovea Mid Clarity Comp+ £200

6. SPY+ Marauder £130

Calling all ski racers and speed demons, these are for you! These small-to-medium fit toric goggles come with Poc’s Clarity Comp lenses specifically designed with enhanced visual contrast for competition skiing.

They also come with a spare lens for night skiing, a high-density strap for a super-tight fit with helmets, ventilation padding to reduce airflow at high speeds, and triple-layer face foam with fleece lining. Next level stuff. pocsports.com

The new Marauder from SPY+ comes with two lenses and the brand’s new patent-pending Deadbolt magnetic lens change system designed to lock those lenses down and prevent unwanted pop-outs in the pow. Happy Lens Tech boosts colour and contrast and it has all the usual primo features, including OTG-compatibility, anti-fog and anti-scratch coating, venting, silicone-lined strap and triple-layer face foam with fleece. spyoptic.com

2. Salomon Ivy Photochromic Sigma W £165

7. Sungod x POW UK Vanguards £110

These female-specific spherical goggles come with photochromic Sigma lenses for max colour and contrast even in flat light. Salomon’s Custom ID adaptive hypoallergenic foam adjusts to the contours of your face and they come with airflow tech, an easily adjustable silicone strap and a sturdy hard case to keep them looking sharp all season long. salomon.com

Limited edition collab goggles that not only look good, they do good too. With big time POW UK eco creds, a lifetime guarantee and a choice of six lens tints with 4KO lens tech, these totally customisable goggles enable you to show you care for the planet in your own particular style. Choose your lens, strap and logo online and join the tribe. Best for medium to large faces. sungod.co

3. Salomon S/View Sigma £95 These minimalist cylindrical goggles come with Salmon’s Sigma lens tech for max field of view and enhanced contrast. The low-profile design is ideal for small to medium faces, and they come with a solid airflow system, double-layer face foam, silicone strap and microfibre goggle bag. salomon.com

4. Scott Shield £85 These semi-frameless goggles have a large cylindrical Cat 2 Amplifier lens that optimises contrast and clarity. Ideal for medium to large faces, they come with an extra wide silicone strap to keep things secure on your helmet and NoFog anti-fog treatment for a, you guessed it, fog-free ride. scott-sports.com

5. Smith Squad Squad XL £120 Unsurprisingly best suited to larger faces, the cylindrical Squad XL features a semi-rimless design for optimum field of view and comes with two topdrawer ChromaPop lenses for all condition shredding.

The Carbonic-X lens with Fog-X anti-fog tech is scratch and impact resistant and there’s heaps of other top features here, including an ultra-wide silicone strap, max air flow and triple-layer face foam for a fog-free fit. smithoptics.com

GOBBLEDEGOOK EXPLAINED ❄ Double lenses These create a thermal barrier that significantly reduces fogging.

9

W

❄ Photochromic lenses These automatically adjust to changing light conditions by darkening when exposed to stronger UV light and lightening up when there is less. It’s not instantaneous though – it takes a few minutes to work. But you might find

a photochromic lens that covers, say Categories 1 to 3, which will be good for pretty much all conditions you’ll find. ❄ UV protection All good quality ski goggle lenses are certified to cut out 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. ❄ Anti-fogging & antiscratch You can assume that most goggles have

8. Sweet Protection Boondock £180 The brand new Boondock is a low-profile, mediumsized, high-spec goggle with slick Sweet style. The semi-frameless design and two cylindrical lenses combine to offer top optics, great impact protection and a clean modern look. The RIG lenses offer enhance contrast in low light and they come with all the top goggle tech you’d expect, including excellent venting and a wide strap with integrated buckles for easy on/off with beanies and helmets.

Also available with just one RIG lens for £140. sweetprotection.com

9. Zeal Beacon £215 If you’re partial to wicked-sounding tech then you’ll want to grab a pair of these new cylindrical Beacon goggles with Observation Deck Technology.

Designed to improve vertical peripheral vision, the new Beacon has a 10° lens angle inspired by the ‘physics behind structures like air traffic control towers.’ They also come with polarised and photochromic lens that transitions tint and colour to changing light conditions so you’ll only ever need one lens. zealoptics.com

these coatings, but it’s something to look out for. ❄ Magnets Lots of brands are incorporating magnets into their lenses and frames for easy, quick changes. ❄ Outrigger This is the connector between the strap and the goggle. ❄ Triple-layer face foam It my sound like

some kind of beauty treatment, but actually it just means that there’s a back layer of foam that adheres to the frame, a soft bouncy mid-layer and a plush contact layer against your face. ❄ Vents Again, you can assume that all goggles have these to reduce fogging. Some have them on the lenses, others on the frame, or both. www.fall-line.co.uk 145

2 0 2 1

SUNGLASSES

Sun’s out, shades on – get some light in your life this winter with these shiny new sunnies 2 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

1

4

3

5 6

7

1. Bollé Chronoshield From £145 Bollé’s retro ’80s classic returns with top photochromic Phantom+ lens tech that adjusts to varying light conditions to provide enhanced contrast and razor-sharp vision. Large and in charge, the Chronoshield provides a super-wide field of fog-free view, and the adjustable temples and nose pads, and removable brow bar, mean you can dial in the fit. Top tech, wicked style. bolle.com

2. Bollé Cobalt From £100 The vintage glacier style of these lightweight sunnies plays homage to Bollé’s Himalyan mountaineering heritage in a high-performance package packed with modern tech. Available with top-of-the-range photochromic Phantom+ lenses with impact-resistant NXT material or Bolle’s high altitude-specific Phantom Black Gun lens, they’re built to keep you looking cool and protected from glacial glare. bolle.com

3. Dirty Dog Axle £45 These light, flexible, super-strong shades have a TR90 frame that’s designed to bounce back into shape no matter how gnarly things get. They also come with impact-resistant, super-protective polarised polyfilter and polycarbonate lenses to keep those mince pies protected in super-bright conditions. dirtydog.com

4. Julbo Stream £125 Fit, grip, style and top lens tech… these are perfect for multi-faceted mountain athletes looking for max visuals in a super-sporty, high-performance package. Julbo’s photochromic adjustable Reactiv performance lens 146 www.fall-line.co.uk

adjusts and adapts to changing light, and the wraparound wide shape with 360° adjustable temples has been designed to fit easily and securely under a helmet or over your beanie – you decide. julbo.com

5. Oakley Clifden £201 These retro sunnies are engineered to keep your eyes protected from the most scorching of rays. With Prizm lens technology, an interchangeable and removable bridge blocker and side shields, and integrated leash, they’re full of high-mountain-specific features. oakley.com

6. Smith FlyWheel £130 These retro-modern sunnies come with Smith’s ChromaPop lenses for enhanced contrast with natural colour. The lightweight, flexible TR90 frame stands up well to the abuse that mountain life regularly dishes out to unsuspecting fragile shades. We’re loving the autolock hinges, which make them easy to get on and off with one hand. smithoptics.com

7. Sungod Renegades £70 These best-selling, super-durable, fully customisable sunnies are built for adventure. The flexible plastic frames mean you can flex, twist and bend these bad boys and they’ll keep on bouncing back. Choose from eight frames and seven different 4KO polarised interchangeable, scratch-resistant lenses and you’ll be living like the proverbial Sungod this winter.

They’re also available with non-polarised lens for £45, and all models come with Sungod’s lifetime guarantee. sungod.co

GOBBLEDEGOOK EXPLAINED

Polarised lenses: when sunlight reflects off a surface it can become concentrated horizontally, resulting in glare. Polarised lenses provide 100% protection from this effect.

Mirrored lenses: reduce glare, but not as much as polarised lenses do.

Tints: different colours offer different benefits – for example amber accentuates relief detail.

Photochromic lenses: automatically adjust to cope with changing light intensities and conditions. They also cross lens categories (see below).

Lens categories: range from 0-4.

Higher figures mean higher UV protection and stronger glare reduction, so you need a higher figure for brighter light.

Optical classes: all the sunglasses here have Class 1 lenses, which means they’re suitable for all-day use. You’re unlikely to see Class 2 (intermittent use) or Class 3 (occasional use) ski sunglasses, and we wouldn’t recommend them.

©OAKLEY INC.

OAKLEY.COM

2 0 2 1

HELMETS

Put a lid on it – protect those noggins with our pick of this season’s best helmets

BUYER’S

BETA

2 1

LEE HARDY’S HELMET GUIDE

Modern skid lids have come a long way since those early days when you’d look as though you were about to be shot out of a cannon. While the purpose of a helmet hasn’t changed – i.e. to protect your noggin should you have a fall or be taken out from behind by an out of control eejit – the latest line of lids not only look better, they feel better to wear and they’re better at keeping you safe, too. With high-tech materials bringing down weight, huge improvements in fit, the addition of visors/ shields and MIPS tech being increasingly integrated across the board, it’s safe to say latter-day lids inspire confidence while offering style, comfort and versatility.

It’s a fast-growing sector that’s evolving all the time.

3

4

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Head size As a guide, measure your head at its widest point, above the ears and in the centre of the forehead in cm. ❄ Try it on Next, get into your local ski shop and try one on. Like footwear, shapes vary.

The helmet wants to be relatively snug on your head when the adjustment is at its loosest, then take up any slack with a twist of the helmet’s fit system. ❄ Pair it up Take your favourite goggles with you to make sure they fit with the helmet, or splash out and buy some new ones. ❄ Do your research Ask your shop about the helmet’s intended use. It’s pointless buying a lightweight touring helmet if you are going to be spending all your time in the park, where a hard shell would be a much better option. ❄ Down with the kids And mums and dads, please don’t buy a helmet for little Johnny to grow into!

If it’s too big, it’ll be uncomfortable at best and totally useless at worst.

148 www.fall-line.co.uk

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

5

6

KEY:

1. Bollé Ryft £258

7

This award-winning helmet is a super-techie, super-safe and super-well-ventilated lid.

The innovative hybrid shell comes with a revolutionary ventilation system designed to funnel steamy air from your goggles out of your helmet via large, strategically positioned ‘shark vents’! If that’s not enough for you, it also comes with MIPS tech, Bollé’s AVID Progressive EPS system for max protection, Boa tech, Fidlock magnetic buckles, an antimicrobial liner and a clever goggle retainer system. And exhale… bolle.com

2. Cébé Contest Vision MIPS £182 A high-quality visor helmet with all the top features, the new in-mould Contest Vision brings MIPS tech into the popular Contest family for the first time this winter. All the tech to keep your noggin safe, comfortable and protected is here, including passive venting, Cébé’s finetuning fit system and RECCO technology to help folks find you if things go seriously wrong out there. The integrated photochromic visor offers optimum visuals in a range of conditions and has been designed to deliver a low-profile, close-face fit. cebe.com

8

3. Cébé x Superdry Pow MIPS £96 This new collab helmet combines Superdry’s style with Cébé’s technical know-how and fires it into a great-looking, high-performance lid.

Available in two colours, this all-mountain helmet combines an ABS construction with MIPS tech to offer max protection for your noggin so you can keep shredding in safety and style. cebe.com

9

4. Giro Grid MIPS £220

10

The new Grid MIPS is a high-end, legit lightweight, super-protective helmet designed for freeride and backcountry adventures.

The quick-drying, breathable Polartec liner keeps things cool and comfortable when you’re putting the power down on those stormy skintracks and the MIPS Spherical construction helps reduce rotational forces from impacts if you spin out on the descent. Other features of note include Fidlock magnetic buckles, removable earpads, and active Thermostat Control venting.

Also available as the ‘Envi’ for women. giro.com

5. Giro Aria MIPS W £380 Futuristic females – this one’s for you! The new Aria MIPS is a very clever, top-ofthe-range, super-stylish visor helmet.

The articulated visor – or ‘shield’ - is easily pulled out and over the helmet, making it ideal for glasses wearers.

Laden with high-end

W

Women’s specific

tech, including MIPS Spherical protection to reduce rotational energy during impacts, and a Vivid Lens with optics by Zeiss, it’s an impressively well-designed, safe and modernlooking lid. giro.com

6. Julbo Peak £155 This new ski touring helmet has been specifically designed to help you go further, faster and higher into the backcountry this winter. Weighing in at 360g (without earpads), the light, ventilated, in-mould/ABS Peak comes with dual certification for skiing and mountaineering. Other features of note include active venting, adjustable fit, Fidlock magnetic buckles, and headlamp retainer. julbo.com

7. K2 Phase MIPS £115 K2’s mega-popular Phase helmet returns this winter with a serious safety injection courtesy of MIPS tech. The low-profile hard shell construction with dial fit system and full wrap liner comes with heaps of other ace features, including K2’s Baseline Audio system so you can rock out when riding, and Active Matrix Venting that will help you keep a cool head when you’re throwing down hot laps in resort. k2snow.com

8. Petzl Meteor £76 The first CE-certified ski touring helmet, this 240g mega-lightweight, in-mould lid is a backcountry beaut that works for climbing and mountaineering too. Low profile with high-end touring-specific features, it’s supremely ventilated for sweaty ascents, headlamp and goggle-compatible, and offers all the protection you need on technical descents. Heads up though – it’s not certified for alpine skiing, so keep her in the backcountry where she belongs. petzl.com

9. Poc Obex BC Spin £230 The standout feature on this innovative new backcountry-specific helmet is the integrated NFC Medical ID chip, which provides rescue teams arriving at the scene of an accident with the necessary information needed to make decisions in a critical treatment window. Super safe and super clever, this polycarbonate/ABS hybrid helmet also comes with SPIN protection technology, RECCO reflectors, detachable earpads and Obex Communication Headset compatibility. pocsports.com

10. Salomon MTN Patrol £145 At 345g, this is a lightweight in-mould helmet that packs a heavyweight performance punch.

With dual certification for alpine skiing and mountaineering thanks to Salomon’s EPS4D tech, it’s big on safety, making it an ideal choice for freeriders making regular forays into off-piste terrain. Other features of note include a merino wool liner, headlamp retainer and adjustable dial fit system. salomon.com www.fall-line.co.uk 149

2 0 2 1

HELMETS

KEY:

2

1

3 4

5

1. Salomon Pioneer LT Visor £180 This 430g men’s visor helmet piles the latest in modern lid tech into a lightweight low-profile package. Salomon’s EPS4D construction provides primo impact protection and the built-in airflow channels in the liner have been designed to keep your noggin cool and your visor fog-free. Speaking of the visor, it’s removable, fits easily over glasses and comes with an interchangeable lens system so you can switch things up and keep ripping. salomon.com

2. Scott Track Plus £90 The in-mould Track Plus comes with heaps of top helmet tech and a relatively low price tag. Available in a range of colours, the standout features include MIPS protection and 360 Pure Sound earpads to keep you alert and connected to your surroundings. It also comes with passive venting, the RAS custom fit system and a new goggle retainer system. scott-sports.com

3. Smith Vida W £160 The new Vida is a low-key, women’s-specific, in-mould helmet with Smith’s Aerocore Koroyd construction and MIPS protection. Comfy, light and well ventilated, it also 150 www.fall-line.co.uk

comes with a speedy adjustable Vaporfit system.

Simple yet effective. Also available in a men’s version, the Altus. smithoptics.com

4. Spy+ Astronomic £110 Send it to the moon and back this winter in this kick-ass-looking helmet with ABS construction and MIPS protection. All the features are here including Spy+’s Fine Tuning Fit system designed to keep things stable when you’re stomping, passive vents for a cool head when you’re dropping in and removable, audiocompatible earpads so you can boost to the sound of your own track. Great style, top tech – what’s not to like? spyoptic.com

5. Sweet Protection Looper MIPS £145 Sweet’s new Looper is a straight up, no messin’ helmet that comes with all the essentials you need to shred boldly this winter. This version combines Sweet’s premium Impact Shield Technology with MIPS tech to ensure you hang on to those brain cells when you’re giving it the boosty beans. There’s heaps of passive venting and removable audio ready earpads so you’ll look as cool as you feel. sweetprotection.com

W

Women’s specific

HELMET GOBBLEDEGOOK EXPLAINED

❄ In-mould helmets bond a lightweight plastic shell to an impact-absorbing foam liner.

They are a lightweight option, but are more likely to suffer from small dings and wear and tear than hard shell ones because they deform more easily. ❄ Hard shell helmets do exactly what they say on the tin – they are more impact resistant and they’re stronger too. They often comprise an injection-moulded ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) shell that is fused with a foam liner. ❄ Hybrid construction helmets combine the two ideas described above.

Hard plastics are added to key, high-impact areas in a bid to offer the best of both worlds when it comes to top-notch noggin protection. ❄ MIPS technology was developed by brain surgeons and scientists to reduce rotational forces on the brain caused by angled impacts to the head.

If you take a big crash the outer helmet rotates independently around your head, redistributing the impact. ❄ Boa’s 360° Fit System is used by many helmet brands.

It gives a precise fit, with the added advantage that you can make easy micro-adjustments with the turn of a dial. ❄ Fidlock is the award-winning designer of a new breed of ultra-fast and secure fasteners.

Their magnetic helmet buckles are easily operated with one hand. ❄ Earpads are removable on most lids. Some linings are also removable so you can wash them.

You can get helmets with fixed or adjustable vents, or a mix of both. ❄ Audio-compatible helmets allow you to add audio kits, which are sold separately from various companies. They usually have zippered or Velcro pockets in the earpads. A few helmets have a built-in audio system so you can just plug in and play.

2 0 2 1

BACKPACKS

Pack like a pro – here’s our round-up of the best backpacks for winter 2021

BUYER’S

1

BETA

MARTIN CHESTER’S GUIDE TO BACKPACKS

When it comes to choosing a pack, it’s important to be absolutely clear what you want it for, and why. Once you’ve realistically identified how and where you’re going to use it, you can then get on with the business of speccing the right size, style and features for the job.

3

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Size matters… as does fit There is a law that suggests whatever size you bring, you are going to fill it, so choose carefully!

Fit also matters; the best pack in the world will be overtaking you on the descent if it doesn’t fit your body shape. Here are things to focus on: Back length: get it right to keep the weight on your hips and the pack strapped to your shoulders.

Shoulder width: essential to ensure the straps don’t slip off your shoulders at every turn and the load is comfortable to bear.

Hip belt taper: if you have more than a simple strap, and especially for women’s packs, the shape matters.

I have a confession that with my short back, Deuter girls’ packs fit me better than the blokes. I’m (literally) comfortable with that! ❄ Quality not quantity We’re talking features here. When it comes to panel dividers, avy tool holders, straps, pockets and gizmos, more is only better if you really need them and the function justifies the extra weight. ❄ Try before you buy In person. From a retailer. Try for fit (shape) as well as size.

Be clear which features you value (and don’t be fooled by gimmicks you don’t want or need). Wear the right clothing and, even better if you can, add some load when you try them on.

152 www.fall-line.co.uk

2

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

5 4 6

7

8

KEY:

1. Arc’teryx Alpha SK 32 £240 The lightweight, minimalist Alpha SK 32 returns this season with the same unique stripped-back construction that has seen it become such a fast and light front-runner in recent years. Waterproof, durable and streamlined, it comes with a dedicated avy tools pocket, side access to the main compartment, diagonal or A-frame ski carry and a helmet-compatible lid. arcteryx.com

9

11

Women’s specific

expect from Swiss mountain specialists Mammut.

The usuals are all there, including hydration system compatibility, helmet-carrying system, ice axe attachment points, rear panel access to the main compartment, A-frame and diagonal ski carry and we’re seriously digging the radio and crampon pockets. mammut.com

7. Ortovox Haute Route 40 £170

Fast and light folks looking for maximum vert will want to get into BD’s awesome new trail running-inspired Cirque 22 Ski Vest. Low profile but big on features, it comes with dedicated avy tool storage, diagonal ski carry, an easy-access skins/crampon pocket and can be configured as a single compartment or divided top to bottom. blackdiamondequipment.com

With its slick new design, new O-Flex-2 Back System and repositioned hip fins for improved load distribution, the PFC-free Haute Route is a technical and sustainable pack designed for long days in the mountains. Features of note include A-frame ski carry for wider skis, rear panel access to the main compartment, hip belt pocket, rope and ice axe attachment points and well-designed pockets for goggles, maps and snow safety tools. ortovox.com

3. Deuter Freerider Pro £155

8. Osprey Sopris 20 W £100

The new Freerider Pro from Deuter is a PFC-free technical ski-specific pack that works equally as well for single day tours as it does for multi-day backcountry adventures. The Freerider Pro comes with all the features of the very best ski touring packs, with the addition of a roll top closure that expands capacity by a whopping 10 litres, allowing you to add more gear, carry a rope, or compress the load. Clever. Available in men’s (34+) and women’s (32+ SL) deuter.com

A simple women’s-specific pack for in-bounds and sidecountry missions, the slender profile of the Sopris means you can just about get away with not having to take it off when riding the chairlift (you daredevil, you!).

With a dedicated snow safety front pocket and full zip rear panel access to the main compartment, it’s easy to reach in and grab your gear without having to chuck everything out. Other features include A-frame ski carry and helmet storage net. Available in 20L and 30L options for men (in the Soelden version) and women. ospreyeurope.com

2. Black Diamond Cirque 22 Ski Vest £140

4. Dynafit Expedition 30 £120

10

W

This impressive-looking new lightweight, weatherresistant pack sees Dynafit getting in on the roll top construction game. Tried and tested in the Himalayas by the brand’s Expedition ski team, it’s light yet super durable and the construction means you can adapt the volume according to the amount of gear you’re taking on the hill. Simple and streamlined it may be, but it’s still got heaps of ski mountaineering features, including a range of options for attaching ice axe, rope, ski and climbing hardware, an aluminium ski hook, helmet carrier and the easily accessible integrated ‘Safety Box’ for crampons, ski crampons and skins. dynafit.com

9. Patagonia Descensionist 40L £180

5. Lowe Alpine Revolt 35 £130

This 26L Picture/Arva collab combines Arva’s top-level snow safety and backpack tech with Picture’s sustainability creds and kickass freeride style. All the necessaries are here, including A-frame ski carry, vertical snowboard carry, avy tools pocket, hydration system compatibility, ice axe attachment point, hip belt pockets and fleece-lined goggle pocket. Fave feature?

The easy-to-use roll top closure system for increased waterproof protection. picture-organic-clothing.com

The brand new PFC-free Revolt is Lowe Alpine’s first dedicated ski touring pack. Streamlined yet sturdy, the 35L version is bang on for technical day tours when you need to throw a harness and crampons into your existing mountain mix. Lowe’s TriFlex carry system is designed to contour to your body ensuring a snug fit on both the ascent and descent. There is also all the usual touring-specific features you would expect in a highend pack, such as ice axe attachment points, avy tools pocket, rear panel access to the main compartment, diagonal and A-frame ski carry and a light interior for easy access to gear. An impressive debut from the climbing and mountaineering backpack specialists.

Also available in 25L. rab.equipment/uk/

6. Mammut Spindrift 32 L £145 This PFC-free ski touring pack comes with a host of well-thought-out design features that we’ve come to

The brand spankin’ new and improved Descensionist 40L returns with a more durable construction and a new roll-top system, so you can either expand the capacity or cinch the pack down to stop it sloshing around when you’re not fully loaded up. Simple and efficient, it comes with a dedicated avy tools pocket, removable helmet-carrying system, A-frame and diagonal ski carry, and a pocket on the waist belt for phones/cameras/energy bars etc. Also available in 32L (£160). patagonia.com

10. Picture Calgary Backpack £120

11. Wed’ze FR100 Defense £40 This innovative new backpack comes with a removable back protector, A-frame ski carry and dedicated avy tools pocket with quick-opening system. With just 23L of storage, it’s best suited to short freeride forays and sidecountry adventures. Designed by freeriders, for freeriders – it’s a cracking looking gateway pack for anyone getting into off-piste riding. decathlon.co.uk www.fall-line.co.uk 153

2 0 2 1

AVALANCHE AIRBAGS Electronic or compressed gas? Modular or fixed? Let the pros and cons list-making begin!

1

BUYER’S

2

BETA

OUR GEAR ED’S GUIDE

First up, let’s be clear. An airbag is not – and never will be – a substitute for avalanche and snow safety education, years of experience, and the ability to make smart decisions under pressure. Staying safe requires committing to a lifetime of learning that can’t be bypassed by simply exchanging cash for a fancy airbag. That said, paired with the mandatory transceiver/ shovel/probe combo, an airbag can be a sound investment.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ All systems go Compressed gas cylinder systems tend to be light and fast to inflate. The flip side is they can be a hassle to travel with, tricky to get refilled (BCA’s Float excepted) and difficult to repack.

Electronic systems are easy to use and travel with, simple to stuff back into the pack and, crucially, can be deployed multiple times. The flip side is they can take longer to inflate and depend on electronical components and batteries. ❄ Consider your mission What kind of skiing are you really going to be doing? Lift-accessed freeriding or multi-day touring? This will help you decide the size of pack you need. ❄ On the move Whatever system you’re using, call your airline two weeks in advance to inform them of your plans. Print out any confirmations and check with local customs. If you have a canister system it may be easier to buy or rent cylinders at your destination, but if you do decide to take them, unscrew and disarm them before you fly. ❄ Size matters Avalanche packs invariably come in a range of sizes, so get yourself to a retailer to try them out in person. ❄ Pack it up If you plan on using it day in, day out, you need to make sure the airbag system doesn’t interfere with its usability as an actual pack. ❄ Carry on Some packs have limited carrying options for skis and snowboards, so check that their system works for you.

154 www.fall-line.co.uk

3 4

8

5

6

KEY:

1. Arva Airbag Reactor 24 £530 Light, compact, comfortable and perfect for sidecountry exploring, this pack comes with Arva’s Reactor dual-airbag carbon canister system that can be switched to another Reactor-compatible bag.

The 24L version weighs 2350g and comes with a dedicated avy tools pocket, 3D-Fit tech, front map pocket, diagonal ski carry, ice axe loop, hydration system compatibility, and an emergency whistle on the sternum strap. arva-equipment.com

7

2. Black Diamond JetForce Pro 25L £1020 Weighing in at 3100g (M/L), the ‘Tesla’ of avalanche airbags is a 200-litre modular airbag that uses electronic technology so it’s easy to recharge and travel with. It also means you can deploy it as many times as you want, which helps build muscle memory and instinctive reactions in an emergency situation.

Bluetooth connectivity enables you to run software updates and perform both mechanical and electronic diagnostics at home in your chalet via the Pieps app.

On the hill, it’s light and low-profile and comes with pro-level features, including the tuck away diagonal ski carry system, ice axe attachment point, HiLo helmet holder and retractable leg-loop strap. Need more capacity to feel the Force? Size up to the 35L version. blackdiamondequipment.com

3. BCA Float 32 £550 The 2942g Float 32 is a fully-featured, exceptionally light and good-value backcountry pack for day tours.

BCA’s Float 2.0 compressed air canister system claims to be half the size of their competitors’ and fits easily inside the same compartment as the 150-litre airbag itself, reducing weight and freeing up space inside the main compartment. It can also be inflated at home with a Track Pump. Other features of note include BC Link radio compatibility, diagonal ski carry, dedicated avy tools pocket, internal ice axe carry and a removable helmet carry system. backcountryaccess.com

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

9

4. Mammut Light Protection Airbag 3.0 £670 This 30L über-lightweight touring pack uses Mammut’s latest lightweight 3.0 compressed gas canister system, which is ideal if you’re concerned about battery life in extreme environments. Light, yet durable and comfortable, it weighs just 2430g and comes with a 150-litre airbag, diagonal ski carry, ice axe and ice screw attachment points, compression straps, hydration system compatibility and hip belt pocket for easy access on the move. mammut.com

5. Mammut Pro X Women Removable Airbag 3.0 W £599 Weighing in at 2580g, this lightweight women’s 35L pack comes with Mammut’s award-winning R.A.S. compressed gas canister system for max versatility.

The back length, shoulder straps and overall dimensions have been designed specifically to fit the female frame. There’s heaps of other features to like here too, including the use of recycled materials in the construction, rear panel access to the main

W

Women’s specific

compartment, a dedicated avy tools pocket, diagonal ski carry, padded hip belt and shoulder straps, integrated helmet carrier and SOS label with emergency instructions. mammut.com

6. Ortovox Ascent 38 S Avabag W £630 The lightest airbag in our line up, the 1960g women’sspecific Ascent 38 S offers a whole heap of capacity and features in an impressively feathery package.

Remove the compressed gas canister and you can practice activating the bag over and over again, so you’re good to go if the shizzle hits the freeride fan.

Other notable features include the innovative handle that can be swapped for left and right-handed skiers, front-panel access to the main compartment, bright internal fabric for rapid location of gear, diagonal ski carry and multiple attachment points for ropes, sleeping bags and mats. ortovox.com

7. Ortovox Free Rider 22 Avabag £610 This award-winning 2130g pack is light, compact and ideal for hitting up sidecountry stashes. As with all of Ortovox’s Avabag packs, it has a great handle design and the ability to practice deployment when the canister is removed. In addition it comes with heaps of other primo freeride features, including an SPS Flex back protector, big hip belt with pocket, diagonal ski carry, bright internal fabric, dedicated avy tools pocket, hydration system compatibility and front access to the main compartment. ortovox.com

8. Osprey Soelden and Sopris Pro £950 Osprey’s first foray into avalanche packs, the new Soelden and women’s-specific Sopris Pro are two technical backcountry-specific 30L packs featuring Alpride’s E1 Electronic Airbag system with supercapacitor technology. Weighing in at 2950g and designed in collaboration with guides and pro athletes, both combine top airbag tech with Osprey’s pack-building expertise to deliver two light, rechargeable, easy to use, travel-friendly packs destined for backcountry greatness. Features of note include rear panel entry into the main compartment, A-frame or diagonal ski carry, vertical snowboard carry, internal GPS/radio holder and microphone holder on shoulder strap, dual position stow-away helmet carry and sled carry attachment loops. osprey.com

9. Scott Patrol E1 30 Backpack Kit £800 The E1 30 is a fully electronic airbag with innovative supercapacitor tech that releases power faster, lasts longer, and works better than batteries in low temperatures. Weighing in at just 2670g, it’s ideal for lift-accessed freeriding and hike and ride adventures in the backcountry. With no canisters to worry about travel is hassle-free, it’s easy to recharge and comes laden with features including diagonal and A-frame ski carry, a dedicated avy tools pocket, sternum strap with whistle, helmet carry system and an SOS label with emergency instructions. scott-sports.com www.fall-line.co.uk 155

2 0 2 1

AVALANCHE TRANSCE With ever cleverer options, which potentially life-saving transceiver should you invest in?

BUYER’S

1

BETA

MARTIN CHESTER’S TRANSCEIVER GUIDE

We live in a world of updates, upgrades and latest models, so it’s baffling to me that folks are happy spending a fortune on the latest smartphone, but are still dumb enough to trust their lives to cheap, old, outdated tech when it comes to avalanche transceivers.

If you’re thinking of upgrading this winter, read on…

2

3 4

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ The rule of three Anything other than a modern tripleantenna digital device is now defunct. ❄ Latest and greatest…

The latest devices work faster, as well as better. Processing speed may be invisible when you’re looking at the box, but out on the hill it’s obvious, so do your research and buy the latest model. And while we’re on that, buy the best device you can afford. Some bits of kit are not worth scrimping on. ❄ …But buy what you need The clue’s in the name – ‘pro’ level features are exactly that. You don’t want to get lost in a complex menu when the proverbial hits the fan. So go for the simple-to-use model, with exactly what you need and no more. ❄ Signal range In my experience there’s a massive disparity between the manufacturers’ claims and what I actually see happening out on the hill. Make sure you read reviews where the testers have actually tried them out.

If in doubt, the Mammut Barryvox devices consistently win this one, in my experience. ❄ Try before you buy Quick and obvious in the shop usually means quick and slick in a crisis! ❄ Follow up I forgive you for not registering your new hairdryer or microwave. Really I do. But make sure you have the registration and service details (and follow up on them) when you buy a new transceiver. It needs to work all the time, every time, and none of us know how long that will be.

And finally, practice, practice, practice!

156 www.fall-line.co.uk

5

6

7

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

EIVERS The latest devices work faster, as well as better… do your research and buy the best you can afford.

Some bits of kit are not worth scrimping on

PHOT0 BRUCE GOODLAD

Martin Chester

1. Arva Evo5 £220 With 50m search strip width, group check, interface management and U-Turn alarm, the 165g Arva Evo5 has all the capacity and features recreational backcountry skiers should ever need.

Measuring just 11x7cm, it attaches to a waist belt and fits into the pocket of your jacket or pants, or you can use a traditional chest holder. Features include the marking function for multiple burials and the auto revert feature, which reverts it to transmit mode after eight minutes, unless you choose otherwise. Compact and great value. arva-equipment.com

2. Arva Neo Pro £275 Expert users should have the Arva Neo Pro on their list. This high-end, feature-laden transceiver is pitched at snow safety pros and experienced backcountry skiers. ‘Expert’ features include a 70m/80m search strip width depending on whether you’re in digital or analog mode, standby mode with sensor-controlled revert to transmit, and scrolling function to target a specific victim in a search. arva-equipment.com

3. BCA Tracker 4 £310 The new super-speedy, easy-to-use BCA Tracker 4 functions similarly to its predecessor, the Tracker 3, but comes with a durable rubberised overmoulded case and a larger LED screen, making it ideal for use on bright sunny days and for users wearing polarised lenses. All the latest

features are here, including Signal Suppression and Big Picture modes for no-nonsense multiple-victim searching, multiple burial and close proximity indicators, and a motion-sensing auto revert-to-transmit mode. It also comes with upgradeable software and electronics performance testing for fleet management.

Simple, slick and efficient – definitely one to watch. backcountryaccess.com

4. Black Diamond BD Guide BT Beacon £360 This high-tech, reliable and capable unit comes with a 60m search strip width, multiple burial mark and scan function, and an auto antenna switch that automatically adjusts to send the best signal. With Bluetooth functionality you can manage settings and software updates yourself via the Pieps app, and it comes with an integrated inclinometer so if in doubt you can angle it out. blackdiamondequipment.com

5. Mammut Barryvox £280 Simple, durable and intuitive, the regular Barryvox remains one of the best devices out there. With a 70m search strip width, large and easy-to-read display, acoustic search guidance, multiple burial function, one-button operation, reverse direction alert, auto revert after four minutes, and an accessible price tag, it’s hard to look beyond it for the majority of backcountry users. mammut.com

6. Mammut Barryvox S £350 With an effective search area width of 70m, rapid processing speed, simple interface, intuitive operation and large screen with animated graphics, the Barryvox S is a very impressive bit of kit. The extras that you get here are the Smart Search function that interacts with other searching rescuers, a Rescue Send function that protects rescuers not involved in the transceiver search and the customisable auto revert function that can either be disabled or set at two or four minutes. It also has a Pro Check mode that displays the frequency and interval of the transceiver being checked in group check. mammut.com

7. Ortovox Zoom+ £180 The perfect starter beacon, this will do the job no matter how much of a Luddite/technophobe you are. This simple triple-antenna device comes with a 40m search strip width, auto revert facility and just two buttons, which makes it really intuitive to use. Rotate the turn-lock button to power on at the back, then pull the switch apart on top to go into search mode. Easy. Then just follow the arrows on the screen, the distance countdown and listen to the acoustic guidance. Light yet tough and well built, it also comes with a RECCO reflector. Scale up to the 3+ if you’re looking for an updatable device with group check, flagging function and visuals at the fine search stage. ortovox.com www.fall-line.co.uk 157

2 0 2 1

BACKCOUNTRY BOOTY The quality gear you really do need, plus Martin Chester’s tips to ensure you’re kit-savvy

BUYER’S

BETA

1 2

MARTIN CHESTER’S GUIDE TO BACKCOUNTRY BOOTY While this section covers a variety of gear, the same basic principles hold true. Here are some silver bullets to save you blowing cash on duff kit…

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Quality. Always.

By all means seek out a deal, but don’t go for cheap and nasty imitations when it comes to safety kit. Stick to well-known, good-quality brands. ❄ Tech tips Be savvy about ‘wearable tech’. While we are all enjoying the benefits, we’re also waking up to the reality of transceiver interference from other devices. Suffice to say a cloud of bluetooth gadgets dotted around your persona is a very bad plan in the backcountry. ❄ Built to last Shop for shovels, axes, probes and the like in the same way you would for tools.

Because that’s exactly what they are.

Cheap and light usually doesn’t last, and may well fail in extremis. ❄ Zero compromise For ‘combination’ read ‘compromise’.

Beware those gadgets and gizmos that claim to transform into something else (like ski poles that become probes, etc).

They are usually gimmicks, jacks of no trades and masters of nowt. ❄ Probing Girth, stiffness and reliable locking mechanisms trump every other feature.

Every time. End of. ❄ Teething tech I hate to play bad backcountry cop, but it’s worth being wary of any swanky new tech launches because they invariably always end up having teething problems. Be patient and wait a season until the second generation becomes available. ❄ No to the pro Do you really need those fancy, superexpensive, pro-level features and gizmos?

Be honest now. It’s unlikely right?

Stick to the basics, buy gear with features that you’re actually going to use, and in doing so you’ll be saving cash and keeping things stripped back to the essentials – aka exactly how you should be travelling in the backcountry.

158 www.fall-line.co.uk

3

5 EDITO CHOICRS’ E

4 6

7

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

8

9

Y 1. Arva Access 240 Probe £35

10

Arva’s best-selling probe returns with a new handle that’s easy to use when deploying the probe and can then be snapped onto the tube once the victim’s been located. Weighing in at 190g, it’s light and reliable and comes with a Kevlar tensioned cord, Arva’s Flash Lock knot-locking system, and snow depth markings.

Collapses down into six 40cm long segments. arva-equipment.com

2. BCA Skins From £160 Easy on, easy off. These new 65% mohair, 35% nylon ‘glueless’ skins with Contour Hybrid construction require minimal effort to pull apart and remove from the ski in transition. Designed to stay in place lap after lap no matter how cold the weather, you won’t have to re-glue them either – simply wipe down the adhesive layer and tackiness is restored. backcountryaccess.com

3. BCA Stealth 300 Carbon Probe £100 Updated this winter, this 290g probe is perfect for pros and recreational backcountry users alike. Super light and long enough for deep snowpacks, it comes with laser-etched markings and a shorter 43cm collapsed length making it easy to fit into most packs. backcountryaccess.com

11

4. Black Diamond Glidelite Mix Skins £155 The Land Rover of the skin world, these consistently impressive and reliable 65% mohair, 35% nylon skins hit the sweet spot when it comes to grip, glide and durability. Updated for 2021, they’re now available in fixed lengths – all with redesigned tip and tail attachments to fit a wider range of ski tips and provide more adjustability at the rear of the ski.

Packable, easy to handle and super sticky, they also come in pre-cut versions designed to work specifically with the new Helio Carbon skis. blackdiamondequipment.com

5. Black Diamond Ski Strap £6

12

Ski straps are multi-talented little backcountry beasts.

At 25in, this tough, stretchy rubber strap is great for keeping fat and skinny skis together, and it’ll come in handy for a whole heap of other purposes, like dealing with skins that don’t stick, adjustable poles that won’t stay locked in place, and keeping boots together when the buckles have given up for good. Grab a couple and shove ’em in your pack – you won’t regret it! blackdiamondequipment.com

6. DPS Pre-Trimmed Skins £199 These superlative skins are constructed with Pomoca’s Climb Pro S-Glide spec, which means 70% mohair and 30% nylon. The glide is right up there with racing skins, but they still offer loads of grip when you’re travelling in firm conditions. Pre-trimmed and perfectly cut to DPS sidecuts and lengths, you can also get them in a trim-to-fit version that comes with an easy-to-use cutting tool. dpsskis.com

7. Dynafit Upcycled Primaloft Phone Case £30 Batteries hate the cold. Fact. If you’re looking to keep your smartphone sweet this winter then you need this insulated, weather-resistant phone case. Constructed using recycled materials, it’s basically a mini sleeping bag designed to keep your phone safe and warm so you’re good to go if you need to make an emergency call or simply get that epic summit selfie. dynafit.com

8. G3 Avi Shovel £75 The time-tested Avi returns with a new low-profile colour and an updated grip designed to make digging faster and more comfortable. The flat aluminium slotted blade is robust, ideal for snow-profile analysis, and can also be used to construct a rescue sled in an emergency situation. Reliable and easy to use, choose between the lightweight 730g T-Grip or the super-powerful 770g D-Grip version and get shifting. genuineguidegear.com

9. G3 Love Glove £49 (per pair) Feel the love this winter with these in-the-field skin savers designed to speed up transitions in the backcountry. Simple to use, they not only function like a stuff sack for your skins, they also prevent hernia-inducing attempts to rip skins apart, wick away moisture and keep skins glue and gunk-free. genuineguidegear.com

10. G3 Alpinist+ Universal Skins From £155 From this winter the waterproofing used on all of G3’s nylon Universal and Grip skins will be PFC-free.

Weighing in at 249g in 100mm, the Alpinist+ Universal Skins may not be the featheriest of the uphill fleet but they are durable, versatile and reliable. The stiff material at the tip prevents snow creep, there’s a low-profile elongated tail strap for swift transitions, and a camming clip that keeps things solid and secure at the back. They also come with a removable rip strip.

Available in 100, 115, 130 and 145mm widths. genuineguidegear.com

11. Mammut Alugator Ride 3.0 Shovel £50 Weighing in at 700g, this anodised aluminium shovel is simple, robust, versatile and easy to use. The handle comes with an ergonomic D-shaped grip to enable rapid snow shifting, the straight back of the blade is ideal for digging pits, and the space-saving design means it fits easily in your pack. mammut.com

12. Ortovox Beast Shovel £50 This compact shovel with an anodised aluminium blade is a legit backcountry beast. Weighing in at 580g with a telescopic shaft, the high sidewalls on the blade and the defined centre ridge increase rigidity. Combine this with the 83cm working length and 2.3 litre scoop volume and you’re looking at a genuinely fit-for-purpose bit of kit. It also packs down easily and the T-grip handle can be converted to work for both left and right-handed users. ortovox.com www.fall-line.co.uk 159

2 0 2 1

1

4

2

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

3

5

6

7

8

160 www.fall-line.co.uk

BACKCOUNTRY BOOTY 9

1. Ortovox Bivi Pro £85

7. Petzl RAD System £296

When the proverbial stuff hits the fan things can go wrong pretty quickly. If the weather changes or one of your team gets injured in a remote environment you could be in for a long, frostbiteinducing wait, which is where this windproof and weather-resistant bivi bag comes in. Suitable for one to two people, it weighs 680g and comes in a compressible stowaway bag. Protection from the elements and a potentially life-saving bit of kit. ortovox.com

Whether you’re abseiling into a couloir or conducting an emergency crevasse rescue, the light and compact RAD (Rescue & Descent) system has got your backcountry back. Weighing in at 1040g, it comes with a Micro Traxion pulley, Tibloc rope clamp, sling, three locking carabiners, 30m of RAD Line 6mm static rope and a storage bag. There’s also an ice screw holder on the outside of the bag. Only need the rope? Petzl have made the RAD line available to buy separately in a choice of two lengths: 30 and 60m for £162 and £301 respectively. petzl.com

2. Ortovox First Aid Waterproof Mini £27 Compact, lightweight and equipped with all the essentials for dealing with an emergency on the mountain, this 150g waterproof first aid kit is a fundamental addition to a backcountry rig. It’s well designed and thought out: we particularly like the emergency card that serves as a reference point to help you keep a clear head in a crisis. Probably a good idea to throw some hand sanitiser and a face mask into the mix for this winter at least… ortovox.com

3. Petzl Iko Core Headtorch £77 With 500 lumens of brilliant brightness for just 79g, the lightweight, low-profile rechargeable Iko Core is primed for lighting up your backcountry adventures.

The thin Airfit headband stops your head getting sweaty when you’re giving it the beans in the bootpack, and it comes with three easy-to-adjust lighting levels and two different beam types. Wear it on your head, your helmet, around your neck or turn it into a lantern with the integrated storage pouch.

Cool and clever. petzl.com

4. Petzl Fly Harness £97 Weighing just 130g, the buckle-less Fly is Petzl’s lightest harness. Easy to put on and remove standing up, even when wearing crampons, it comes with two gear loops, four additional loops, ice screw retainers and removable comfort foam.

It packs down super small, too. petzl.com

10

5. Petzl Ride Ice Axe £82

11

This 240g ice axe is a super-lightweight classic mountaineering axe that will work well for the majority of ski tours. The compact 45cm length enables it to be carried inside or outside your pack, and the curved shaft, steel head and tapered pick combine to deliver great handling and performance in technical touring terrain. If you prefer your big mountain adventures on the sharper end of steep, then the more technical 280g Gully, with its tapered banana-shaped pick and adjustable Trigrest handle, should be your tool of choice. petzl.com

6. Petzl Irvis Hybrid Crampons £134 Get the best of all worlds with these technical, lightweight, 10-point hybrid crampons with steel front piece and aluminium heel piece. Designed for glacial approaches, the 540g Irvis Hybrids come with anti-balling plates, are easy to fit and brilliantly packable. petzl.com

8. Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide Skins £190 With a 100% waterproof membrane, improved tip attachment and enhanced glide treatment, these 70% mohair, 30% nylon PFOA-free skins deliver optimal glide and grip and solid sustainability creds.

Designed to work in a wide variety of snow conditions, they’re ideal for multi-day outings when things can, and very often do, change. They also come with a year’s warranty. pomoca.com

9. SPOT Gen4 £150 If you’re in big shizzle deep in the backcountry, the chances of having mobile reception are slim. Enter the low-profile, rugged, award-winning SPOT Gen4!

With a push of a button you can let friends, family and/or the emergency services know what’s up – good or bad. The latest version comes with a new more rugged design with a carabiner/strap, GPS tracking at 2½ minute intervals, increased water resistance, motion activated tracking, industryleading battery life and live/historical mapping.

Flexible monthly and annual service plans are extra. findmespot.com

10. Suunto 7 GPS Watch £429 The Suunto 7 is a smart GPS watch in so many ways. Shock, water and dirt proof, it comes with a wrist heart rate monitor, 70-plus sports modes, offline maps, an altimeter, barometer, and 24/7 activity tracking. Battery-wise it’s good for up to 48 hours of regular use or up to 12 hours in GPS tracking mode, and you can always just fire it into battery-saving mode if you’ve any concerns.

With built-in wifi connectivity, updates happen automatically and you can connect it to the likes of Strava and Training Peaks so you can log those kms and vert all season long. suunto.com

11. Wed’ze Ski-Mo Metal Probe £30 Ideal for both aspirational and experienced backcountry users, this 240cm probe is durable, easy to use and great value. Weighing in at 260g, it comes with an automatic locking system for rapid tightening and swift deployment. When collapsed, it folds away to be stored in a 46cm bag so it will fit easily inside the majority of backpacks. decathlon.co.uk www.fall-line.co.uk 161

RETAILERS’ DIRECTORY ACTIVE SNOWSPORTS

BOARDWISE

activesnowsports.com 01473 487474 Suffolk Ski Centre, Ipswich

B

boardwise.com 0131 229 5887 Cannock & Edinburgh

ABSOLUTE SNOW

craigdonmountainsports.com 01467 625855/0131 445 7711/ 01224 62433/01463 248600/ 01738 631006

absolute-snow.co.uk 01442 232154 Watford, Herts

Scotland

Inverurie, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Perth

ALPINE ROOM

alpineroom.co.uk 01245 223563 Danbury, Essex

ANYTHING TECHNICAL

braemar@braemarmountainsports. com 01339 741242 Braemar, Scotland

skiequipmentuk.co.uk 01539 734701 Kendal, Cumbria

With three shops in the Cairngorms National Park, our Aviemore & Braemar stores specialise in telemark, alpine and nordic touring equipment, while Aviemore has a wide selection of specialist climbing equipment and ice tools. Our shops provide a relaxed and welcoming environment in which customers can browse around whilst dreaming of their next adventure.

“Can’t make it to the store?

Then check out all of our products online at braemarmountainsports.com

ATTWOOLLS

attwoolls.co.uk 01452 742233 Gloucester

BAC OUTDOORS LEISURE bac-e.com 01422 371146 Elland, West Yorkshire

BACKCOUNTRY UK

backcountryuk.com 01943 816011 Ilkley, West Yorkshire

Scotland’s largest independent ski retailer with five locations throughout Scotland. We pride ourselves on our friendly service and expertise, offering a wide range of ski equipment and clothing, including custom boot fitting and ski touring departments.

DEVON SKI CENTRE devonski.co.uk 01626 833356 Newton Abbot, Devon

DEVINE RIDE

devineride.co.uk 0121 4231160 Halesowen, West Midlands

CARTERS

The UK’s largest and most established ski retailer with 27 stores nationwide.

Stockists of the largest range of men’s and women’s ski and boot brands, including Atomic, Salomon and Rossignol. Try before you buy today at selected locations nationwide.

carters360.com 0118 959 9022 Reading, Berkshire

Being dedicated skiers we pride ourselves in our specialist ski boot fitting, full shell adaptation, liner moulding and custom insoles. Wide range of skis, boots and clothing all widely tried and tested. Full ski workshop in store, on site servicing.

B

dicksboardstore.co.uk 0114 279 7909 Sheffield, South Yorkshire

tiso.com/blues 0131 554 9101 Scotland (Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness & Perth)

Snowboard stockist

162 www.fall-line.co.uk

horacebarton.co.uk 01242 516772 Cheltenham, Glos

LD MOUNTAIN CENTRE

ldmountaincentre.com 0191 232 3561 Newcastle, Tyne & Wear

LOVE & PISTE

loveandpiste.co.uk 01509 853944 Loughborough, Leics

MAGIC TOAST

NEVISPORT

nevisport.com 01479 810239 Nationwide

COYOTI SKI & SNOWBOARD

profeet.co.uk 0207 736 0046 London

Vale of Glamorgan, Wales

ROUTE ONE finchesemporium.com 020 8699 6768 Forest Hill, London

countryside.co.uk 01438 353086 Stevenage, Herts

As one of the oldest independent ski shops in the UK, Countryside Ski & Climb are dedicated to bringing you the best gear with unmatched customer service. Offering expert fitting and advice on all things ski, with gear from leading brands such as Patagonia, Salomon, Hestra and Helly Hansen.

Prepare for your next adventure with Countryside Ski & Climb.

B

magictoast.com 0116 2124262 Leicester, Leics

PROFEET

coyoti.com 01446 775778

banksofperth.co.uk 01738 624928 Perth, Scotland

B

HORACE BARTON & SON

lockwoods.com 01926 339388 Leamington Spa, Warks

cairngorm@ braemarmountainsports.com 01479 810 903 Aviemore, Scotland

BLUES THE SKI SHOP

Bringing the ski shop to your doorstep, anywhere in the UK. Specialising in custom ski boot fitting, with simple, old fashioned, one to one customer service.

We’re a totally mobile business, stocking the best kit, from the biggest brands in the industry, all backed by our Comfort Fit Guarantee.

LOCKWOODS

ellis-brigham.com 0800 035 6483 mail.order@ellis-brigham.com Nationwide

BIG DICK’S BOARDSTORE

hikeandride.co.uk 07719 315301 info@hikeandride.co.uk London

Finches are the only independent ski & snowboard store in London run by the same family since 1947. Our vast store is packed with a huge range of equipment, clothing & accessories & backed up by experts who will help you with your selection.

FLUID LINES

fluid-lines.co.uk 01206 545533 Colchester

FREEZE PRO SHOP

freezeproshop.com 0131 2609677 Edinburgh, Scotland

routeone.co.uk Nationwide

rivingtonalpine.co.uk 01257 483999 Adlington, Lancs

Specialising in service and knowledge for ski hardware. We’re Masterfit graduate fitters, and have a fully equipped boot lab with fit guarantee.

We have ski tested extensively and can provide you with excellent, first hand advice for ski purchasing and on-site servicing.

Hardware is our thing. Oh and Jägermeister, don’t forget the Jägermeister!

SAIL AND SKI

SNOW TOGS

SCOOTER & SKI

SNOWEAR

sailandski.co.uk 01244 401449 Chester, Cheshire scooterandski.co.uk 0117 970 1356 Bristol

skishops.co.uk 023 807 73925 Southampton, Hants snowear.co.uk 01892 517807 Tunbridge Wells, Kent

SKEE-TEX

skee-tex.co.uk 01268 768282 Essex

skibartlett.com 0208 848 0040 info@skibartlett.com Uxbridge, West London

Bringing you the most comprehensive range of skis and boots in the UK, combined with over 50 years of specialist expertise and friendly, helpful advice. Our goal is to help you choose the correct equipment to improve your skiing. We are custom boot fitting specialists, and Ski Industries of Great Britain official ski testers. We are also a World Snow Awards winner.

SKI EXCHANGE

skiexchange.co.uk 01954 210984 Cambridge, Cambs

THE SKI SHOP

theski-shop.co.uk 01732 464463 Sevenoaks, Kent

snowfit.co.uk 01603 716655 info@snowfit.co.uk Norwich, Norfolk

Snowfit/Revolutionz, looking after skiers and snowboarders since 1998.

Our dedicated staff have a wide range of expertise. Our huge choice of skis, snowboards and boots includes a specialist Ski and Snowboard Touring Department. On-site boot fitting, Physio Clinic and ski/snowboard servicing workshops make Snowfit/Revolutionz your one-stop wintersports specialists.

SNOWTRAX

snowtraxstore.co.uk 01202 499155 Christchurch, Dorset

SOLUTIONS 4 FEET

solutions4feet.com 01869 244424 Bicester, Oxfordshire

SUBVERT

subvertboardstore.com 0161 7476066 Castleford & Manchester

SUFFOLK SKI CENTRE

suffolkskicentre.co.uk 01473 487474 Ipswich, Suffolk

snowandrock.com 0845 100 1000 Nationwide

We offer a huge range of ski, snow and climbing clothing and equipment from the world’s best brands.

Advertise your business here and be seen by the kind of folk who view shopping for skis, boots, helmets and kit as serious stuff.

Fall-Line’s esteemed ad manager Rich is the guy who can make the magic happen. For details email him on sales@fall-line.co.uk

THE SNOWBOARD ASYLUM

B

ellis-brigham.com 01827 59047 Tamworth, Staffs (The Snowdome)

TRESPASS snowlab.co.uk 01323 848410 Hailsham, East Sussex

Snow Lab is an independent specialist winter sports store based in East Sussex.

We are committed to bringing you the best products available to the winter sports industry. We offer a comprehensive custom boot fitting service, only using experienced and knowledgeable fitters to maximise your comfort and performance.

Snow Lab has an onsite workshop for all your servicing needs. We also hire quality ski and snowboard equipment.

Please see our website for more details.

thebootbus.co.uk 07792 199099 thebootbus@outlook.com Kent

The Boot Bus is a one-stop ski shop, providing all you need from an alpine stockist at a time and location that suits you best.

With our mobile service we visit you to service skis, fit boots and everything in between. Covering the South-East UK & more!

THE OUTDOOR STORE

braemarmountainsports.com 01339 753878 Ballater, Scotland

trespass.com 0141 568 8089 Nationwide

tallingtonlakesproshop.com 01778 347000 sales@tallington.com Tallington, Lincolnshire

Est 1975. An independent ski and snowboard retailer, with years of experience. Large selection of quality products in store and online. Expert boot fitting service. On-site dry ski slope and equipment servicing workshop.

FOR A FULL LIST OF SIGB RETAIL MEMBERS HEAD TO SIGB.ORG.UK

VENTURA

venturaski.co.uk 01942 717971 St Helens, Merseyside

WHITE STONE

white-stone.co.uk 01423 858584 Harrogate, North Yorkshire

2 0 2 1

KIDS’ KIT

Get equipped for happy family shreds with our top picks for winter kit for the kids

BUYER’S

BETA

OUR EDITOR’S KIDS’ KIT GUIDE

2

“When I were a lass, we skied in a pair of tracksuit bottoms, no gloves, no goggles…!” We jest, but there’s no question that the quality of gear for our nippers has gone through the roof. So, in the spirit of keeping them cosy, we look through some of the offerings from the brands most dedicated to the kiddos.

1 3

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Size adjustability Some ski suits come with this. For example, they might have cuffs that can be easily lengthened, meaning the suit will last more than one season. ❄ Go bright Don’t be afraid to choose bright, easily recognisable colours. You’ll be grateful when trying to pick your kids out of a piste-ful of be-goggled groms. ❄ Be prepared to upgrade If you child says their boots hurt, or their gloves are not comfy, or their goggles always fog up, try and relate.

It’s a shame to spoil a holiday over a €20 goggle upgrade, for example. ❄ Check the waterproofing/ breathability Check the ratings on suits to get an idea of what quality materials are being used in the construction.

Sometimes suits are marketed well but can fall short on these specs… and vice-versa. 5000g/5000ml is a bare minimum for a snowy/wet holiday. ❄ All-in-ones One-piece suits are amazing for younger kids (up to four) and for sledding (until any age). ❄ Ninja disguise Never underestimate the power of a good neck gator/buff. Our favourites are the hooded ones for extra warmth that make the kids look like ninjas. ❄ Mix it up If your child is having trouble progressing, try putting them on longer or shorter skis… just try and mix things up. Look at similar aged kids and see what they use. ❄ Cotton no-no Avoid cotton underlayers, this includes socks. Use wool or synthetic blends.

164 www.fall-line.co.uk

4

6

7

5

8

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

1. Black Crows Atris JR Skis £445 ❄ Lengths: 156.1, 162.3, 168.1 ❄ Radius: 18m ❄ Dimensions: 127-97-115 @ 162.3 ❄ Weight: 3150g/pair @162.3

9

This mid-fat, all-terrain weapon is designed to help aspiring big mountain skiers. With a double rocker, 97mm waist, medium-long sidecut and progressive flex, it’s equal parts stable, creative and playful, and suited to shredders over 5ft tall. black-crows.com

10

2. Black Diamond First Strike Poles £40 These fully adjustable poles are perfect for kids who like to ski in the winter and hike/run in the summer.

The Fidlock adjustable system means they grow with you, and the rubber handle and straps have been designed for smaller mitts to grip. They also come with freeride and trekking baskets for max four-season fun. blackdiamondequipment.com

3. Cébé Bow Junior Helmet From £38 Stick this freestyle-oriented lid on your park rat and watch them jib, slash and drop with full protection. It has a high-impact ABS construction, a Fine Tuning Fit and removable earpads. cebe.com

4. Dinoski Peter Rabbit Suit £185

11

If only they made this for adults! Snuggly warm, waterproof and breathable, it’s made from recycled plastic bottles and comes with loads of fab features including a helmetfriendly hood, taped seams, aqua-seal zips, thumb mitts and a free drawstring bag, sticker book and gift box. dinoskiwear.com

12

5. Dynafit Youngstar Seven Summits Ski Pack £530 This ‘unpack and ski’ kid-specific set includes Dynafit’s Seven Summits Youngstar skis, ST Rotation 7 bindings and Pomoca skins. A top-quality, fast and light package. dynafit.com

6. Giro Buzz MIPS Helmet £150 Fed up of faffing around with goggles and looking for a super-safe lid for your grom? This cool-looking, in-mould lid comes with MIPS protection, an integrated shield/visor, easy-to-adjust InForm Fit dial and Super Cool vents. giro.com

13

14

features of Jones’ adult range so mini rippers can really hit up the sidecountry and beyond. The 3D Contour Base 1.0 makes turning a breeze, the Sintered 8000 base will have you firing down the mountain at speed and the Inner/Outer Traction Tech 3.0 edges help you to hang on in the hard stuff. Also comes with Karakoram Tip & Tail Clips. jonessnowboards.com

9. Namuk X Giro Goggles ¤49 See more, be more! These super-cute collab goggles combine Namuk style with Giro’s top google tech. Specially designed to fit small faces, they come with a soft foam lining, anti-fog protection, cylindrical double lenses and added vents so your wee one can keep their eyes on the pistey prize. namuk.ch

10. Namuk Glint Primaloft Jacket ¤159 Cosy, reversible and oh-so versatile, this insulated weather-resistant jacket can be worn as an outer on warmer days or under a ski jacket when it’s super chilly. The primo PrimaLoft Silver Eco insulation is made from 70% recycled fibres giving it the kind of low-impact construction that cares about future generations. Fave feature? The integrated reflective threads designed to ensure your grom remains super visible at all times. namuk.ch

11. Nordica Speedmachine J3 Plus GW Boots £140 Sizes: 22-26.5 The first customisable junior ski boot, the J3 Plus GW’s shell and the super-soft and warm thermoformable liner can be customised to fit using Nordica’s Infrared adjustable technology.

The flex can also be changed to suit the level of your mini ripper. nordica.com

12. Reima Beringer Jacket £100 A great-value, eco-conscious jacket for little dudes who like to stay warm but look cool too. This 5k/5k waterproof, breathable down jacket is great value and benefits from classic Reima eco-conscious choices, such as responsibly sourced feathers and down for the insulation and a PFC-free water repellent finish. But the standout feature is the carbonised coffee grounds that are spun into the polyester. Comes with detachable arms so it can be worn as a vest. reima.com

7. Isbjörn Helicopter Jacket £140

13. Rossignol All Track Jr 80 Boots £215

Green groms – this one’s for you! The Bluesignapproved warm, waterproof and breathable winter jacket packs heaps of eco ski cred including Primaloft Black Eco insulation and PFC-free DWR. It’s also expandable. isbjornofsweden.com

Sizes: 22-27.5 Light yet powerful, these offer 50° ROM in walk mode. The 100mm last offers a comfortable yet precise fit and they come with custom liners so you can really dial in the fit. rossignol.com

8. Jones Solution Split Youth £480

14. Salomon Grom Visor Helmet £85

Lengths: 137, 142, 147 A big time backcountry board for the next gen of splitters. Brand new for 2021, this fully featured directional split has been designed with all the

The ultimate combo of convenience and protection, this in-mould helmet comes in a range of colours.

Lightweight and adjustable, it has a removable visor so you won’t lose your goggles! salomon.com www.fall-line.co.uk 165

2 0 2 1

KIDS’ KIT 4

2 1

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

3

7

5

6

1. Scott Airflex Junior Vest Protector £85 New this winter, this über-cool, low-profile back protector comes with AirFlex technology with D3O. Super breathable and mega protective, it’s easy to wash, backpack friendly and available in a range of colours and sizes. Perfect for junior racers, wannabe freeriders and safety conscious parents alike. scott-sports.com

and comes with a host of well-thought-out features, including a helmet-compatible hood, ski pass pocket, fully taped seams and a powder skirt that automatically adjusts to fit when the jacket is done up. decathlon.co.uk

4. Wed’ze Kids’ FR900 3-In-1 Jacket and Bib Pants Jacket £90, bib pants £70

This mega-protective lid has all the slopestyle feels. With its ABS construction and MIPS tech you can give it the beans in the park knowing that you have bomber levels of safety tech on board.

Targeted fixed venting keeps you cool when you’re scouting for features and with dual certifcation for biking and skiing, it’s good to go all year round. smithoptics.com

This waterproof, breathable, durable combo comes with top-level freeride-specific features to keep you shredding all season long. The jacket has a removable light insulated jacket for allseason ripping, an integrated helmet-compatible 3D hood that tightens automatically, and a high collar with micro-perforations to keep you comfy and protected in stormy conditions. The ingenious pants come with a built-in back protector and both come equipped with RECCO tech. Technical and great value. decathlon.co.uk

3. Wed’ze Kids’ 580 Ski Jacket £50

5. Wed’ze Kids’ Ski Gloves 500 £15

Wed’ze design team is made up of parents of young skiers so they know what really works! This 100% waterproof insulated jacket is cosy warm

Warm and waterproof, these are easy to put on and come with a wide cuff that fits over, or easily under, your jacket depending on how you like to

2. Smith Scout Jr MIPS Helmet £90

166 www.fall-line.co.uk

roll. A special cuff inside the glove keeps snow and wind on the outside so your hands stay toasty as toast and the elastic drawcord around the wrist seals the deal. decathlon.co.uk

6. Wed’ze Kids’ Half-Zip Baselayer Top £13 Warm and breathable, this synthetic baselayer has all the cred to keep you comfy, dry and smelling like the angel your mother thinks you are.

The half-zip construction means you can vent or cosy up depending on the conditions and there’s a breathable insert on the back to help keep you cool so you can keep charging all day long. decathlon.co.uk

7. Wed’ze Kids’ 100 Ski Socks £5 These 50% wool/acrylic socks strike the perfect balance between warmth and durability. Available in a host of colours, they have just the right level thickness to keep your tootsies toasty and come with a warmth pad in the calf designed to increase blood flow. Clever and great value, they also come with a two-year warranty. decathlon.co.uk

WEDZE

PURE SKI TOURING

PHOTO

Hansi Heckmair

HAUTE ROUTE

A PIONEER THAT LEAVES ITS MARK FOR OVER 10 YEARS, THE HAUTEÂ ROUTE has been the premier ski touring backpack.

A streamlined design, intuitive handling and perfectly detailed ergonomics make this new edition a reliable, versatile and comfortable backpack for single-day tours and ski excursions.

Find out more at ortovox.com

A classic that never stops evolving.

T he HAUT E ROUT E 32 raises the bar in terms of comfort, handling and versatility.