Freeskier Magazine - 2013 Buyer's Guide

SEPTEMBER 2012

SKIER: TOM WALLISCH PHOTO: CHRIS O’CONNELL LOCATION: SAPPORO, JAPAN

T E S T E D

DISPLAY UNTIL: DECEMBER 1, 2012 O N L O C A T I O N A T

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THE NORTH FACE ATHLETE, TOM WALLISCH WEARING THE GONZO JACKET + SKULL HORN BIB. ATHLETE TESTED FROM INCEPTION TO SHRED.

In the subzero temperature of Alaska, The North Face athlete Tom Wallisch is towed up a staircase and over a railing at 45mph. This is Tom pushing the progression of the sport. The North Face collaborates with the world’s most progressive skiers to create, test and refine the gear that protects them in brutal weather and harsh terrain.

SEE THE KIT TOM HELPED BUILD @ THENORTHFACE.COM/WALLISCH

ERIK SEO PHOTO WASILLA, ALASKA

BEYOND REASON

FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE IT LONG BEFORE THEY SEE IT BEFORE YOU CAN SEE IT WITH YOUR EYES, IT TAKES SHAPE IN YOUR MIND. THE WIDER PERIPHERAL VISION OF THE CANOPY ™ GOGGLE HELPS YOU TURN VISIONS INTO REALITIES.

SIGNATURE SERIES CANOPY GOGGLE ™

TANNER HALL

©2012 Oakley, Inc. | 800.320.9430 | OAKLEY.COM

FREESKIERFEST SKI TESTS P. 124 HOW TO BUY SKIS 142

P.

TOP TEN SKIS 144

P.

ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS 146

P.

BIG-MOUNTAIN SKIS 152

P.

POWDER SKIS 158

P.

PARK SKIS 164

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MICROBREW SKIS 172

P.

BRAND GUIDE 180

P.

WEBSITE DIRECTORY 242

P.

SKIER: JESPER TJÄDER PHOTO: DANIEL TENGS_FIELD LOCATION: BÆRUM, NORWAY

ON THE COVER:

“Wallisch told me: ‘This is the gnarliest urban non-rail feature I have ever hit’. Enough said.”

– CHRIS O’CONNELL SKIER: TOM WALLISCH PHOTO: CHRIS O’CONNELL_LEVEL 1 LOCATION: SAPPORO, JAPAN

[ CONTENTS |

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 07

JOSSI IN HIS ELEMENT, FILMING ON ATOMIC PUNX SKIS AND IN ATOMIC BURNER 130 BOOTS. GET ALL YOUR SEASON’S UPDATES AT FACEBOOK.COM/ATOMICSKIING

ATOMIC.COM

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT. BUT, NOT REALLY. Here’s your chance to design a feature for the Breck Winter Dew Tour. The ONLY winter stop of the Tour. Your shot to own the pros. Make them nervous. Make them sweat. If you win, you’ll get the chance to come hang VIP-style in Breck at the event.

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRIES

BY FRIDAY, SEPT. 7

at facebook.com/breckenridge.

Hashtag #BreckDewTourFeature on pics, tweets and facebook posts to continue the craziness of this awesome contest.

BOBBY BROWN | SMILEY CREEK, IDAHO I/O GOGGLE & MAZE HELMET

SMITH GOGGLES ARE MADE IN THE USA LIFETIME WARRANTY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK WELSH

THE MOST ADVANCED ANTI-FOG LENS EVER CREATED. BUILDING UPON THE HYDROPHILIC, MICRO-ETCHED SURFACE AREA PRINCIPLES OF OUR FOG-X LENSES, OUR REVOLUTIONARY, NEW 5X ANTI-FOG INNER LENS HAS BEEN ENGINEERED TO PROVIDE OVER FIVE TIMES THE ABSORPTIVE PROPERTIES OF ANYTHING ON THE MARKET. AUTHENTIC SINCE 1965.

SMITHOPTICS.COM

Sammy C pro

166-172-178

D. BACHA

sammy Carlson

NEVER MISS A MOMENT

ZEAL OPTICS RIDER: WHIT BOUCHER

INTRODUCING

i ON

8 MP

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8MP PHOTOS

IN-GOGGLE VIEWFINDER

HD VIDEO

WHATEVER YOUR JOURNEY, iON WILL HELP YOU NEVER MISS A MOMENT.

We are about to change the way you see in color.

01 Pull 02 Switch 03 Snap

anonoptics.com

© ORAGE 2012 | LOCATION: KEYSTONE, COLORADO | PHOTO: BLAKE JORGENS0N

CASABON

Phil

Truck blunting a dub kink in a dub XL B-Dog Pro

FREESKIING’S ORIGINAL OUTERWEAR BRAND

035

PEP FUJAS

Skis: K2 Kung Fujas Boots: Dalbello Scorpion 130 Bindings: Marker Jester Pro Jacket: Oakley Great Ascent Pant: Oakley Great Ascent Goggles: Oakley Canopy Mitts: Dakine Cobra Poles: Joystick Pep Fujas Signature Accessory: Kicker Valid Earbuds PHOTO: ALEX O’BRIEN LOCATION: PARK CITY, UT

037

038

PG. 038 |

040

043

DAN TREADWAY

Skis: Rossignol Squad 7 Boots: Rossignol Experience 130 Bindings: Rossignol FKS 180 XXL Jacket: Oakley Great Ascent Pant: Oakley Great Ascent Goggles: Oakley Canopy Gloves: Dakine Mustang Helmet: Giro Seam Poles: Leki Spitfire Triggers Backpack: Mammut Ride R.A.S. 30 PHOTO: MATTIAS FREDRIKSSON LOCATION: CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, WA

044

046

Photo: Matt Berkowitz

T N E D N E P E IND SINCE 1924 N RTIO E MPOEWD MIKSH ER CATS EE MONA

BIG STIX ARE BACK! Bring on the white room! The new re-invented line features solid sandwich sidewall wood core construction with a layer of carbon fiber, keeping these skis torsionally rigid with a lot of energy. The 120 also features our Freeski Rocker, tapered tip/tail, with camber underfoot. This ski will surf the deepest of fluffy white goodness with ease, while still giving you confidence in other snow conditions.

SKI: Big Stix 120, BOOT: Vacuum Ranger 12, BINDING: X17, POLE: Ranger Carbon Vario

fischersports.com

048

CHRIS RUBENS

Skis: Salomon Rocker2 122 Boots: Salomon Quest Max 120 Bindings: Salomon Guardian 16 Jacket: Salomon Cadabra 2L Pant: Salomon Sideways II Goggles: Smith I/O Helmet: Smith Maze Poles: Fresh Great One Pole Backpack: Salomon Quest 30 PHOTO: BRYN HUGHES LOCATION: LAST FRONTIER HELI, STEWART, BC

NIKE.COM/SKI

NIKE.COM/SKI

EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR EDITOR

Matt Harvey Shay Williams Nate Abbott

ART DIRECTOR

Chris Hotz

ONLINE EDITOR

Henrik Lampert

ASSOCIATE GEAR EDITOR EDITOR-AT-LARGE SENIOR WRITER COPY EDITOR SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Damian Quigley Christopher Jerard Tess Weaver Alison Larson Bryn Hughes, Chris O’Connell Oskar Enander, Mark Fisher, Reudi

Flück, Mattias Fredriksson, Garrett Grove, Teemu Heljo, Reuben Krabbe, Rocky Maloney, Mason Mashon, Alex Nawrocky, Alex O’Brien, Christian Pondella, Matt Power, Bryan Ralph, Daniel Ronnback, Daniel Tengs FOUNDER & CEO ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER SR. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE FINANCE DIRECTOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Bradford Fayfield Greg Wright Jason Smith, Nicole Birkhold Zach Berman Andrew Fuhrer Melissa Beckwith

THIS ISSUE WAS MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE HELP OF Red wine. Red Bull. Monster.

Gatorade. Sierra Nevada beer. Rdio. BIC pens. Knife Party. BIC lighters. Abo’s Pizza. Adium. West End 3K race. FedEx. Danny Brown. Adobe Lightroom. The Oatmeal. foursquare. Apple Magic Mouse. Swedish House Mafia. PR people. Coat hangers. Power strips. Egyptienne font. The National Hockey League. Drumstep.

Justin’s peanut butter cups. $11 blowup mattress. Gretchen, Eero and Ohio. Superchunk. Hapa Sushi. New Belgium. First responders.

SUBSCRIPTION REQUESTS AND QUESTIONS: Please send all questions, requests and concerns to Freeskier Magazine at PO Box 469024, Escondido, CA 92046, call tollfree 1-866-916-6889 or visit www.freeskier.com/subscribe CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Address changes should be sent along with a copy of your mailing label to PO Box 469024, Escondido, CA 92046, or call toll-free 1-866-916-6889 or visit www.freeskier.com/subscribe with your mailing label available.

EDITORIAL: Please contact: editor@freeskier.com ADVERTISING: For advertising information, please contact Greg Wright, Storm Mountain Publishing Company, PO Box 789, Niwot, CO 80544-0789.

TO CARRY IN YOUR STORE: Please call (303) 834-9775 and ask for the Circulation Department.

Copyright ©2012 Freeskier magazine (ISSN 1522-1527). Freeskier is published by Storm Mountain Publishing Company. All rights reserved. The content of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express consent of the publisher.

Printed in the USA. Freeskier is a trademark of Storm Mountain Publishing Company.

Freeskier is published six times a year: Buyer’s Guide, October, November, December, January and February by Storm Mountain Publishing Company, PO Box 789, Niwot, CO 80544-0789. Subscription rates are $9.95 for one year (6 issues). In Canada, $29.95 (includes 7% GST); other foreign $39.95 payable in U.S. funds. Periodicals postage paid at Niwot, CO and additional mailing offices (USPS# 024094).

FREESKIER MAGAZINE Storm Mountain Publishing Company *"Ê ÝÊÇn ÊUÊ£ÎÇÊÓ `Ê Ûi ÕiÊ Ü Ì]Ê "Ênäx{{ * \Ê­ÎäήÊnÎ{ ÇÇxÊUÊ >Ý\Ê­ÎäήÊnÎ{ n{È freeskier.com

The world’s top summer athletes are currently in London competing on the world’s biggest stage. To get there requires rare natural talent, a lifelong commitment to pushing oneself mentally and physically and a fair bit of luck.

For the Winter Games (much more so than Summer) it also requires the right gear.

PG. 058

To compete at the highest level in each discipline also requires gear specific to that discipline. A pipe skier is using a different ski and usually a stiffer boot than a slopestyle skier, for instance. This segmentation has caused manufacturers to create more focused product, and with that, better product.

While slope and pipe will draw the most attention from the masses over the next decade, the backcountry and sidecountry scene is growing at an equally rapid pace. And while better park skis are the result

[ SPIN |

of narrower focus, it’s the gear itself that’s helping push skiers further (and more comfortably) into the backcountry.

All this great new gear has one downside: the buying process is not getting any easier. That’s what this Buyer’s Guide tries to help with. In this issue, you’ll not only find reviews and specs on the year’s best gear, but also short primers on how to buy it. Interested in picking up an airbag pack?

Check out our How to Buy on page 108. Not sure what 3L 10K/10K means? Turn to the How to Buy on page 68. Plus, we added new sections, like the sidecountry setups guide that gives you four different setups for four different ad-

| FREESKIER ]

ventures. We’ve also added Meet the Testers pages. We know not every skier is built the same, so with this, you can find one of our ski testers similar to you and see what skis they liked best, even if the skis aren’t deemed Editor’s Picks.

No matter if you want to stomp a dub 12 in front of millions or hike miles into a deserted backcountry, this issue is your guide to navigating the ever growing and increasingly focused ski gear on the market today.

Matt Harvey Editor

SKIER: ANGEL COLLINSON PHOTO: BRYAN RALPH LOCATION: SNOWWATER, BC

In 2014, halfpipe and slopestyle skiers will have their first moments in the big spotlight and gear is going to play a major part in the outcome.

The combination of flexes and energy transfer present in the endless variables in boots, bindings and skis will have a very real impact, especially in the pipe where amplitude is

determined so much by technique (and a balls-to-the-wall disregard of fear).

with increased breathability. Your hands will stay drier and warmer for longer — even at high activity levels.

GORE-TEX ® GLOVES ENGINEERED WITH GORE-TEX® XCR® PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY.

JAY BEYER

The ideal solution for active sports in cool and cold conditions: durably waterproof and windproof combined with increased breathability. Your hands will stay drier and warmer for longer — even at high activity levels.

CALLING IN SICK BlackDiamondEquipment.com Legend Gloves

EDITORS’ SETUPS

I require lightweight, simple and darkly colored gear as I spend a great deal of time at events and photoshoots. Nike’s Bellevue jacket and Highcrest pants keep me dry (10K/10K), are light enough to wear on hot days, and fit great. Everything I need, nothing I don’t.

PG. 060

$60

DAKINE TANNER HALL TEAM FILLMORE MITT

It doesn’t matter where I am—Winter X, a city big air, or at home in Boulder—I need some shades to keep the sun out. The Dispatch II is stylish, lightweight and is backed by Oakley’s longstanding tradition of producing high quality optics.

A laptop bag is the most important piece of gear I travel with. Whether I’m going to a halfpipe event, movie premiere or trade show, domestic or international, the Oakley Vertical Messenger bag keeps my laptop and travel documents—my entire life—organized and safe.

$130

OAKLEY CANOPY GOGGLES

$90

$150

HIGHCREST PANT

&

$180

NIKE BELLEVUE JACKET

Managing Editor

I’m a sucker for mitts.

They’re warm, and their comfort outweighs their impracticality. Dakine’s Fillmore feels great on the hand, and it has short cuffs that fit nicely under the Originate jacket.

Rasta isn’t my thing, but Tanner’s Rasta hits are subtle enough that I can deal with them because I love the overall white look.

OAKLEY VERTICAL MESSENGER

Featuring fully taped seams, a 10K/10K rated fabric, magnetic hood, removable storm skirt, tons of venting, media pocket, wrist gaiters and suspenders, the only other thing I want from a jacket and pant combo is for it to look casual—like it doesn’t have all these features. That’s why I picked the Originate.

$110

$250

ORIGINATE PANT

&

$300

OAKLEY ORIGINATE JACKET

$315

I’m mounting my JJs with Salomon’s STH 14, the binding I have used since it came out, and will probably continue to use until I’m too old to ski. Its weight-to-power ratio is great. It releases when I want it to, stays on when it should and doesn’t leak energy in edge transition.

OAKLEY DISPATCH II SUNGLASSES

After using Salomon’s Rocker2 for a season (which I still really like), I picked up a pair of JJs at FreeskierFest in Aspen last winter and fell back in love with my old go-to.

I like how well the JJs carve in all conditions and how they feel alive under my feet. The JJ skis exactly how I think a ski should.

SALOMON STH 14 BINDING

$900

ARMADA JJ

Editor

With such variable weather at events, I need a goggle that provides the best optical clarity and the most lens options, so I can focus on my job. The Canopy by Oakley offers a huge field of vision and a grip of lenses that can’t be beat.

BRYCE BACKS THE RUBICON RUBICON RIDER: WARMTH, DURABILITY AND ALL-MOUNTAIN PERFORMANCE ON THE COLDEST DAYS “The Rubicon Rider is the best for when you have a cold storm come in...maybe it’s super windy and temps drop. The synthetic insulation is critical if there’s any kind of moisture. You stay warm with a Rubicon.” — Bryce Phillips JUSTIN WIEGAND © 2012 Patagonia, Inc.

$125

$175

The M9-P perfectly fits the way I shoot photos. It’s stealthy, bombproof and performs to the highest standards in all situations.

Most importantly, Leica’s decision to not include a moiré filter on the sensor— something my other cameras have—makes for unbelievably sharp details in images of skiers, landscapes and girls.

PG. 062

Sure, protecting my camera gear is of utmost importance, but the reason I stick with the Loka is the way it rides on my back. From 30-pound light kits to a small camera and backcountry gear, my load for the day rides comfortably and allows me to get around the hill quickly and safely.

When your job is basically watching skiers go big while staying safe, there are few things more important than a shovel. Whether in the backcountry—for safety or jumps—or on the streets building lips, I demand a packable, light and strong shovel that can move as much snow as my (huge) muscles allow. The B52 is the strongest and biggest on the market.

$89

MERINO 3 MIDWEIGHT BOOT-TOP BOTTOMS

&

$119

(shell and one ICU)

$339

F-STOP GEAR LOKA

(body only)

$7,995

LEICA M9-P

Senior Editor

PATAGONIA CAPILENE 4 EXPEDITION WEIGHT ¼-ZIP HOODY

I have one simple travel rule: Always pack a bathing suit and a Bruins jersey. Rocking the black and gold on the hill is a must. It was especially fun to wear in Whistler this season, as the Vancouver contingent was still fuming from the Canucks’ loss in the 2011 Cup final.

$60

Nothing spoils a day faster than cold, unhappy hands. I prefer a mitt to a glove for added warmth. The Windstedt pro is not only warm and breathable, it’s extremely comfortable. And like all Hestra products, these are built with quality and durability in mind.

BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS B52 SHOVEL

The Ace of Spades is a fantastic park-oriented boot. It’s soft. It keeps my feet and shins happy after a long day of romping. It’s ultra easy to slip in and out of. It’s lightweight, durable and does just fine when I’m ripping in the pow, too.

REEBOK BOSTON BRUINS PREMIER JERSEY

HESTRA HENRIK WINDSTEDT PRO MITT

$745

NORDICA ACE OF SPADES BOOT

$820

FOLSOM GAMBIT

EDITORS’ SETUPS The Gambit is an insanely fun ski. It’s best in the powder and rips on edge, too. It’s energetic and soft in the tails—ideal for buttering and bouncing around. I’m always looking to catch air. I rock the 185—it’s nimble so I can maneuver through the trees.

Online Editor

Stay warm and not stinky: two valiant goals only possible with the best base layers. I’ve been buying Patagonia long underwear for 20 years or so, and it has always been successful at both. There are all sorts of different weights and styles to pick from.

Mine is a heavy, hooded top and a Merino wool bottom that stays out of my boots.

THE ONSET GOGGLE

Crisp, clear Optics by Carl Zeiss Vision, a massive spherical lens, and the widest peripheral vision of any goggle today thanks to our new EXV™ technology. The Onset™ is fully helmet compatible, with luscious triple-layer face foam for extraordinary comfort and fit. Learn more at giro.com.

The new Armada Norwalk is in a sweet spot between two of Armada’s popular models: The JJs I’ve ridden the last four seasons and the newer TST. Plenty of ski underfoot at 116 mm, but rocking a traditional tail. It’s a great all-purpose ski for the places I’ll be skiing: Colorado, California and Washington.

PG. 064

As I will be spending more time in the Pacific NW—skiing out of Seattle—technical layering is a necessity. But I don’t want to sacrifice any style. Armada has fine-tuned their technical offering to include lightweight, Gore-Tex outerwear that satisfies both form and function.

On the hill, my feet reside in the Nordica Ace of Spades. As and editor, I spend a lot of time in my boots—comfort is key but performance is critical.

The Ace of Spades comes through in every way.

$85

NIKE ERIC KOSTON SHOE

$745

NORDICA ACE OF SPADES BOOT

$550

&

EXPOSURE GORE-TEX

I haven’t found a slimmer, lighter or lower-profile helmet on the market.

While most round helmets squeeze the temple, Pret’s oval shape sits farther back and hugs the occipital. It not only looks better, it’s safer. This Pret helmet is so light, you’ll forget it’s there. And it can be worn over a beanie. You boys will want to try the guys’ version, the Cynic.

$550

$900

ARMADA NORWALK

Editor-At-Large

$100

$750

I enjoy skinning because I’ve embraced light gear.

“Revolutionary” is used too often when describing gear, but when it comes to Dynafit’s women’s TLT 5 Mountain boot, which has five pending patents, it’s warranted, with a lower shell constructed of Grilamid nylon, a magnesium Ultra-Lock system, downhill tongue and 60-degree cuff rotation.

ARMADA SHIFTER PRO GORE-TEX

I trust the Swiss when it comes to watches, chocolate, banking (they’ve done a great job managing my offshore account) and now airbags. Snowpulse cylinders are the easiest to deal (and fly) with. They connect with one screw and are easily refilled.

With its horseshoe shape, Snowpulse’s Lifebag airbags provide the best trauma protection.

PRET LYRIC HELMET

DYNAFIT TLT 5 MOUNTAIN TF W BOOT

(with cylinder)

$1,120

SNOWPULSE GUIDE 30 AIRBAG PACK

$350

&

$450

BETA AR PANT

EDITORS’ SETUPS ARC’TERYX BETA FL JACKET

Made of lightweight Gore-Tex Active Shell, the Beta AR pant and Beta FL jacket offer 3L waterproof protection with mega-breathability.

They prove it’s possible to be both durable and lightweight. The Beta FL jacket features a lowprofile storm hood and aptly placed front pockets for wearing a pack.

Senior Writer

Keeping with a theme of form and function, for pre- and post-ski footwear I choose the Eric Koston Nikes. These kicks (I prefer black and white or the gray) are classic skate shoe style. Plus with the new lunar footbeds they feel like a slipper, which, after a good day of skiing, is simply magic.

ANDREAS HATVEIT Andreas, the Onset™ goggle, and a closed session sunset shoot in Tahoe. Check out the edit on giro.com.

PG. 066

James Heim/ The things that make possible, possible

2/ 3/

5/

4/

6/ 1 / James Heim airborne near Haines, AK. Shooter: Adam Clark.

2 / Pray for snow. James’ good luck charm.

3 / Finding the right line takes good binocs and a patient heli pilot.

4 / AM/PM energy drinks.

8/

5 / “I put cilantro on everything but breakfast cereal.”

6 / I know when it snows: PowDay & MultiCam BC Highway.

7 / Heavy lifting: landscaping in the off-season.

Whole Lotta Jacket/

8 / Big mountain gear for those who strive for bigger things.

Breathable Dry.Q® protection. Big mountain design.

© 2012 by Mountain Hardwear

1/

7/

mountainhardwear.com

THE BEST WAY TO STAY WARM IS TO STAY DRY, AND THE BEST WAY TO STAY DRY IS TO LAYER ACCORDINGLY TO THE WEATHER OUTSIDE. HERE’S WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN PUTTING TOGETHER A GOOD CLOTHING KIT. WORDS: DAMIAN QUIGLEY

BASE LAYER

OUTER LAYER

Avoid cotton at all cost! Your first layer should be form fitting, lightweight and comprised of wool or a synthetic such as polyester or polypropylene. Unlike cotton, these materials are fast drying and have microfibers to wick moisture away from your skin. They are available in a variety of weights that you should select based on your activity level and tendency to be warm or cold. A good base layer allows you to move freely and has flat seams to prevent rubbing or chaffing.

Investing in a quality base layer is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to improve your comfort.

The fundamental part of any good outerwear is a waterproof and breathable membrane. These two qualities are achieved in tandem by way of tiny pores, smaller than water molecules but larger than vapor molecules, that allow vapor to pass to the outside while preventing water penetration. Ratings of these attributes can come off a little confusing at first but aren’t quite as technical as they seem.

MID LAYER A mid layer is the best way to provide insulation, and therefore it’s a rotating piece of the puzzle, depending on temperature and how hard you’re charging. The term “mid layer” can refer to many different types of clothing with varying attributes that can blur the line between an under and outer layer. A traditional mid layer is made of loosely woven fabric such as fleece and worn underneath a shell of some variety. The loose weave allows moisture to pass through and out while holding air in place. It should have a snug fit but not so much that it inhibits any movement.

Softshell jackets can also work well as a mid layer, and this is where the line gets somewhat blurred. The soft, woven fabric of a softshell ranks high in breathability but not quite as well when it comes to waterproofness. This makes it useful as an outer layer when breathability is a priority, such as warm spring days in the park or hiking in the backcountry.

However, some are treated with DWR (durable water repellants) to help with water resistance, and fabrics such as Polartec’s NeoShell are emerging with higher waterproof ratings. As technology advances, expect to see softshells with increased waterproofing.

PG. 068

Waterproofing is primarily tested using a vertical column of water. The column is placed on the membrane and filled until it penetrates it. If the column is filled to 15,000 mm before moisture makes it through the membrane, then the waterproof rating will be 15,000 mm or 15K. Breathability tests measure how many grams of vapor can escape the membrane per square meter within a 24-hour period. If 10,000 grams escape, the piece rates at 10,000 g/m2/24hr, or simply 10K. Our ratings are listed with waterproof first and breathability second. In this case, 15K/10K. These membranes are durable but must be protected to ensure longevity, so a layer of fabric, usually nylon or polyester, is laminated to the outside. This exterior fabric is often treated with a DWR to keep it from soaking up water, which would eliminate the breathability of the underlying membrane. There is no standard by which DWR’s are measured and while there is no reason to say that one company’s proprietary membrane or DWR won’t work, there is something to be said for the millions of dollars spent on R & D by well-known brands in the industry. Be sure not to confuse DWR with the waterproofness of the membrane, and look for both when considering a purchase.

When browsing outerwear you will see 2L (two-layer) and 3L (three-layer) options. The membrane and its outer, protective layer are the meat of a 2L jacket, but the inner membrane must also have some protection. To achieve this, the manufacturer can sew in a simple mesh lining or add a layer of insulation. The protection on a 3L garment comes [ HOW TO BUY - OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

from a hydrophilic (water-loving) layer that is laminated to the inside of the membrane. This third layer attracts water away from your skin and towards the membrane faster, where it can then pass through to the outside. A layer of insulation on a 2L jacket is not to be confused with 3L, as it isn’t laminated to the membrane. Bottom line: a 2L insulated piece will work great on cold days, with proper insulation, a 2L shell will work well all the time and a 3L shell will work really well all the time.

Once these fabric layers are built, they must be stitched together to form your jacket or pants. This process inevitably results in thousands of tiny holes in a membrane that used to be impervious to water. To remedy this, manufacturers seal these holes with seam tape. Some garments are fully taped and some are “critically” or “strategically” taped, meaning exposed areas, such as the shoulders and hood, are taped, leaving less-exposed areas as they are. You will also see welded seams on some pieces, meaning the seams have been overlapped and sonically welded to completely eliminate holes related to stitching. Critical taping will do you just fine if you’re skiing in the park, but if you plan on spending your time in a wetter climate hunting down the deepest snow you can find, you might want to go the fully taped or welded route.

So, as you can see, the options flourish as you move from simple base layers to varied outerwear. No single setup will work for everybody so take this knowledge, ask around, try different combinations and get your layering dialed in. You’ll be much dryer, warmer and happier when you do.

Freeskier would like to thank skis.com and Polartec’s PR man, Fielding Miller, for their contributions.

MEN’S

OUTER-

WEAR Outerwear is a vital part of our identity as skiers. Mixing, matching and making something uniquely you is important. For that reason, we give you big photos.

But we also include technical details and points of interest because, honestly, you can’t be cool when you’re cold. Here are 23 outfits—including eight Editor’s Picks—that successfully tackle the dual tasks of looking good and working well.

J:

SABRE

$525

J:

CRUSH

$250

P:

SABRE FULL BIB

$525

P:

FIXED GORE-TEX

$290

ARC’TERYX

ARMADA

This Arc’teryx outfit is distilled down to the essential elements surrounding new Gore-Tex N80p-X material. Its clean, minimal design and low 1,377-gram weight are perfect for long days deep in the backcountry, and all the right functional details—burly inner-ankle protection, weather-sealed zippers—enhance durability and keep you dry.

PG. 070

If you’re riding the resort and rock the oversized fit, this Armada combo is right up your alley—no lengthening or customization necessary. No longer an upstart clothing brand, Armada has finished this duo with onpoint details—even with toned-down colors—the art-print lining of the 2L fabrics and the fit give it a stylish tilt.

THE PROS:

Plush Gore-Tex lo-loft softshell 3L fabric feels luscious.

THE PROS:

Ingenious placement of an elastic-attached pass holder.

THE CONS:

Half-zip-entry bibs aren’t easy to get on and off.

THE CONS:

Oversized fit not for everyone. Cuff zips on baggy pants?

[ MEN’S OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

MEN’S OUTERWEAR

J:

EDGE

$319

J:

CHAMPION

$250

J:

VIRTIKA

$200

P:

CLUTCH

$319

P:

DRIVE THRU BIBS

$200

P:

VIRTIKA

$150

DAKINE

EIRA

Dakine, longtime purveyor of gloves and packs, is getting its feet wet in the outerwear business. The inaugural line puts forth the Edge Jacket, a 2L, PrimaLoft-insulated, 15K/10K piece. Pair the Edge with the Clutch pant, a technical, 3L shell that can stand up to whatever the elements throw at you.

FIRST DROP

This jacket comes in with a solid 20K/20K rating, and boasts a helmetcompatible hood, pit zips and a 360-degree microfiber collar. The bibs sport durable, metal toggles and buttons on the upper portion and have a 10K/10K rating. Down below you’ll find two inner-thigh vents and more than enough pockets.

This kit is thick and warm. The 20K-waterproof fabric and taped seams keep you dry even on the soggy days. Eight mesh-lined vents allow for solid airflow, and removable sleeves allow for additional cooling (both body temp and outward image). The zip-off bib means versatile styling, while elastic-waist cinches keep ‘em up when the bib is removed.

THE PROS:

Eight pockets keep your gear stashed for a full day.

THE PROS:

Hard to beat the tech ratings of the jacket for that price.

THE PROS:

Use the online “suit picker” to customize your look.

THE CONS:

Not all zippers are taped, including the main zip.

THE CONS:

Buttons instead of side zips on bibs could let snow in.

THE CONS:

17 pockets: might take a bit to find where you stashed your stuff.

[ MEN’S OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 071

J:

BA PUFFY

$290

J:

COACHES

$200

J:

CLASSIC

$260

P:

CHEMICAL

$290

P:

MOUNTAIN CHINO SKINNY

$170

P:

BOVILLE

$180

FLYLOW

HOLDEN

This insulated jacket and shell-pant combo has a 10K/10K rating with Thermolite Micro-puff insulation to keep you warm as well as large pit zips and inner and outer thigh vents for great ventilation. The jacket is fully seam taped, and the pants feature Cordura reinforcements on the articulated knees and cuffs.

MOMENT

For some fashionable threads that won’t break the bank, Holden has got you covered with the Coaches jacket and Mountain Chino Skinny pant.

High on style, both pieces are also big on technical features like taped critical seams, recycled poly lining and a 10K/10K rating.

For a different look, try out the Classic jacket by Moment. The herringbone fabric looks and feels great yet belies the jacket’s true technical nature: 15K/15K rating, fully taped seams and 18-inch vents. Pair it up with the stylish Boville—a 10K/10K polyester denim, slim-fitting pant— and you’ve got quite the kit.

THE PROS:

Very durable pant design.

THE PROS:

Eco-friendlier fabrics will keep you warm and green.

THE PROS:

Jacket & pants employ massive zippers for incredible venting.

THE CONS:

Fifteen pockets in all is a bit excessive.

THE CONS:

Tech but not that tech. Don’t hike Denali in this.

THE CONS:

Jacket lacks taped zippers.

PG. 072

[ MEN’S OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

MEN’S OUTERWEAR

J:

ARTISAN

$325

J:

BELLEVUE SE

$300

J:

UNIFICATION PRO

$550

P:

BOMBER CARGO

$250

P:

HIGHCREST GORE

$300

P:

UNIFICATION PRO

$480

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Mountain Hardwear provides an outfit exactly on the mark for resort shredding in winter weather with the jacket featuring 100 grams of Thermic Micro-insulation and pant being tricot-lined. Colors, design and fit are mature for those disinclined to a younger look, while all the technical features keep you comfortable and warm.

NIKE

OAKLEY

Nike’s second generation of outerwear comes out of the gates with the Bellevue SE jacket and Highcrest Gore pant. The no-frills, seam-sealed, 10K/10K jacket looks great, comes with a removable poly-filled vest and is lined with material produced from recycled products. Camo pants don’t always scream technical savvy, yet the Gore-Tex shell speaks otherwise.

Seth Morrison demands his outerwear perform at the highest levels, so Oakley answered with the Unification Pro outfit. The Gore-Tex laminated, 27K/20K rated, fully taped jacket and pant receive Seth’s full technical endorsement, from the peaks of AK to the cliffs of East Vail.

THE PROS:

Comfy fit and versatile design make an all-around winner.

THE PROS:

You’re getting three quality items for the price of two.

THE PROS:

Outfits don’t get much more technical than this one.

THE CONS:

The powder skirt hangs free when not in use.

THE CONS:

Chest pocket uses Velcro instead of a zipper.

THE CONS:

For technical pants, they are pretty baggy.

[ MEN’S OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 073

J:

JONES

$500

J:

B-DOG

$320

J:

POWSLAYER

$679

P:

JONES

$300

P:

BELMONT

$160

P:

POWSLAYER BIBS

$599

O’NEILL

ORAGE

These lightweight, 3L shells are made from recycled material, have fully taped seams and are rated at 20K/15K. The jacket features dual underarm and chest vents, a goggle pocket and a powder skirt that hooks straight into the adjustable waistband on the pants. You’ll also find two side vents and thigh-high pockets.

PATAGONIA

The B-Dog and Belmont combo is stylish and tough. The 10K/10K canvas is sufficient to keep you happy in all but the worst conditions. This rock-solid canvas fabric sets the kit apart and will hold up against hard slams on metal or asphalt. Plus, the jacket is Casabon’s brainchild—you know it’s legit.

These two pieces are constructed using lightweight, 3L, Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric. Cord locks for the lower waist and a helmet-compatible hood is designed to keep snow out, while a fleece backing against your chin maintains comfort. The powder skirt snaps into the bibs, which feature long exterior vents and four pockets.

THE PROS:

Great ventilation, soft and breathable chin guard.

THE PROS:

Removable sleeves allow you to turn the jacket into a vest.

THE PROS:

Extremely lightweight, packable.

THE CONS:

Hood not specifically designed for helmet compatibility.

THE CONS:

Other than the removable sleeves, there are no vents.

THE CONS:

A very, very expensive outfit.

PG. 074

[ MEN’S OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

MEN’S OUTERWEAR

J:

STRATEGIST

$220

J:

ON DECK

$200

J:

SIDEWAYS 3L

$400

P:

TEAM SERIES III

$150

P:

ANOMIE

$200

P:

SIDEWAYS BIB

$325

SABOTAGE Norwegian-based Sabotage pairs its popular Team Series III pant with the all-new Strategist jacket. The 5K/5K pieces are stylish, meant for those looking for bigger and baggier fits. Not completely devoid of technical features, the insulated outfit possesses reinforced, taped seams; articulated arms and knees; and large vents.

SAGA

SALOMON

This jacket is a 2L piece with a 10K/10K rating and critical seam taping. The 60 grams of insulation keep you warm, while pit zips and a large vent across the back help regulate your temperature on warmer days. The Anomie pant is fully seam taped with 3L construction, a 20K/15K rating as well as inner and outer vents.

THE PROS:

Super durable fabric for super inexpensive price.

THE PROS:

THE CONS:

The outfit is very heavy.

THE CONS:

Button on the calf hold them up when you’re not on the slopes.

Jacket is on the heavy side.

[ MEN’S OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

The design of this duo from Salomon is concise. Nothing is overdone or overlooked, which perfectly balances low weight with superb functionality. Enjoy details—hemmed edges of the wrist cuffs, weatherproof zippers and a well-designed removable pow skirt—and stay dry with 20K/20K ClimaPro Storm 3L fabric.

THE PROS:

Highest quality finish is worth the price.

THE CONS:

Media pocket inaccessible without opening main zipper.

PG. 075

J:

BRONXX

$225

J:

TRUCKER

$375

J:

NOMAD

$350

P:

OMAK

$175

P:

KICK ASS

$225

P:

NOMAD BIBS

$300

SCOTT

SPYDER

With bold colors, a relaxed fit and a smattering of features, the Bronxx jacket and Omak pant are a great match for those who want to be noticed but don’t want to sacrifice performance. Both pieces come equipped with taped seams and a 10K/12K rating, making sure you’re comfortable, even when the elements are otherwise.

STRAFE

This combo is critically seam taped with a 10K/10K rating. The jacket features six pockets and a removable softshell piece that attaches to the inside with neck and cuff snaps. The detachable upper bib will keep the snow out, while double-decker cargo pockets hold everything you need.

These durable three-layer pieces boast a 20K/25K rating with a fourway stretch that allows you to move freely. Large pit zips help with climate control, and a powder skirt attaches to the pants just below the detachable bib portion. Fully taped seams are found on both, with heavily reinforced cuffs on the pants.

THE PROS:

A longer cut on the jacket is ideal for tall folks.

THE PROS:

Bonus softshell.

THE PROS:

Four-way stretch, high tech ratings.

THE CONS:

Bold colors are off-putting to some.

THE CONS:

Detachable bibs leave a small gap on the waist.

THE CONS:

Leg vents don’t open very wide.

PG. 076

[ MEN’S OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

MEN’S OUTERWEAR

J:

SPINEOLOGY

$499

J:

COSMIC

$395

J:

UA UNCHAINED

$175

P:

SPINEOLOGY

$370

P:

TREWTH BIB

$420

P:

FLOW FIELD PANT

$150

THE NORTH FACE These athlete-inspired shells are the highlight of TNF’s Cryptic Collection. The fully seam-sealed Gore-Tex Pro Shell keeps you dry, while the inner thigh vents down below keep you cool. Other features include waterproof zips, media and goggle pockets, an integrated powder skirt, a fleece-lined chin and hidden hem-cord locks.

TREW

UNDER ARMOUR

Oregon-based Trew brings back the Cosmic jacket and Trewth bib for this season. Both are 3L pieces made from Gelanots fabric, rated 20K/20K. Durable and versatile, the shells are built tough to withstand both wet climates of the PNW and the bitter cold of New England.

Despite including all the features you need for a day at your favorite resort, these offerings from Under Armour are among the most affordable of our picks. The 10K/10K fabric is suitable for all but the most extreme conditions, and the color-block jacket will have all eyes on you when you stomp your run.

THE PROS:

Technical and feature-rich without feeling too busy.

THE PROS:

The Cosmic is more affordable now, it was $460 in years past.

THE PROS:

Great powder skirt with belt attachments and secure stowage.

THE CONS:

Jacket vents are quite small.

THE CONS:

Rigid feeling, not the most comfy all-day gear.

THE CONS:

The jacket vents are really short.

[ MEN’S OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 077

WOMEN’S

OUTER-

WEAR The offerings of these six pages— featuring 17 outfits and five Editor’s Picks—echo and represent the forward movement in women’s skiing. Each has technical features suited for your specific needs, be that braving the cold in the East, hiking long into the peaks of the Tetons, burrowing through Wasatch powder or stomping a rodeo under the sun at a slushy park in California, and will keep you looking good.

J:

KAMODA

$750

J:

ISIS

$250

P:

SENTINEL FULL BIB

$519

P:

DECKER

$230

ARC’TERYX

ARMADA

The Kamoda is constructed using 3L Gore-Tex Pro fabric with 80 grams of compact insulation. The cross-backed bibs also employ Gore-Tex and feature an articulated seat and knees. Three long zips down the side of the bibs allow you to vent as much or as little as you want.

PG. 078

In its second year of producing women’s threads, Armada more than holds its own with the Isis jacket and Decker pant. With more features than you can shake a stick at—10K/10K MegaRex fabric in the jacket, 20K/20K fabric in the pants, targeted lining, and sealed seams, to name a few—Armada has raised the bar for stylish, technical outerwear.

THE PROS:

Jacket is very lightweight though insulated.

THE PROS:

A great cut and fit, not often found in such technical gear.

THE CONS:

Expensive.

THE CONS:

Powder skirt is not removable or stashable.

[ WOMEN’S OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

WOMEN’S OUTERWEAR

J:

JADE

$279

J:

ZOE

$295

J:

DOLCE VITA

$290

P:

JADE

$249

P:

NANA

$200

P:

BELLA DONNA

$260

DAKINE

DNA

This 15K/10K duo uses 100 grams of PrimaLoft insulation in the jacket body and 60 grams in the sleeves, knees and seat of the pants. The fleece collar feels great against the chin, and the powder skirt attaches to the adjustable waistband of the nicely cut pants. Inner-thigh vents and reinforced cuffs add comfort and durability.

FLYLOW

A day on the slopes with Zoe and Nana ain’t a bad one. The 10K waterproof rating and a decent amount insulation keep you comfortable and dry. An elastic cinch in the waist keeps your pants up, and a removable hood allows you to dress the Zoe up. Vents in both pieces keep you cool.

The Dolce Vita jacket is back and better than ever as a two-layer, 10K/10K piece that keeps you dry while the synthetic down insulation keeps you cozy. And the 10K/10K Bella Donna pants are perfect for the sidecountry aficionado with 1,000-denier Cordura reinforcement, taped seams and long thigh vents for great ventilation.

THE PROS:

Compartmental lining for optimal insulation.

THE PROS:

Convenient zippered cuff spreaders on the pant.

THE PROS:

Jacket has nine pockets, enough room for a picnic.

THE CONS:

Lower pant cargo pocket could overlap boot cuff.

THE CONS:

With RFID everywhere, we’d like to see a pass pocket.

THE CONS:

Not all of the jacket’s zippers are taped (e.g. the main zip).

[ WOMEN’S OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 079

J:

ELLA INSULATED

$230

J:

MISS SNOW IT ALL

$275

J:

BELLEVUE

$300

P:

HOLLADAY

$220

P:

RETURNIA

$160

P:

WILLOWBROOK

$180

HOLDEN

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR

Both the jacket and pant from Holden feature 10K waterproof Micro Ox, a 100-percent recycled poly fabric with DWR coating, and they are insulated, which means you’re going to be hecka warm and dry all day. The jacket is a quilted, slightly puffy style, but the cut and fit of both pieces will still turn heads.

The varying degrees (80 grams core, 60 grams sleeves) of synthetic insulation in this jacket will keep you warm without inhibiting movement, while the supple lining furthers this mobility. Both feature Mountain Hardwear’s waterproof and breathable DryQ core, and the Returnia pant has an adjustable waistband and reinforced cuffs.

NIKE This two-piece jacket consists of an insulated vest over a 2L shell. Each can be worn independently and feature several pockets, including mediaplayer pockets. The shell is equipped with pit zips and an interlocking powder skirt. The stretchy, softshell pants feature a jean-style cut with fleece lining and thigh vents.

THE PROS:

Pant has a mock high-waist—flattering but won’t ride up.

THE PROS:

Warm and versatile.

THE PROS:

Two upper pieces for the price of one.

THE CONS:

Jacket has no pit zips; need another option for warm days.

THE CONS:

Chin lining only covers zipper, no venting on either piece.

THE CONS:

Softshell pants not ideal for harsh weather conditions.

PG. 080

[ WOMEN’S OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

WOMEN’S OUTERWEAR

J:

ROSE

$250

J:

GRETE

$280

J:

BALA 2

$280

P:

BLAZER

$200

P:

GRETE

$250

P:

ELEVATION

$180

O’NEILL

OAKLEY

Two-layer construction with midweight insulation creates a warm barricade to the elements. The fleece-lined interior of the jacket gives way to an interlocking powder skirt that works nicely with the high-back waist of the pants, which are also fleece lined. Exterior buttons add style, while Velcro, snaps and zippers keep things practical and functional below.

ORAGE

Grete Eliassen is a super versatile pro skier, so it’s no wonder her outerwear matches that versatility. Bold and bright like Eliassen, the 15K/15K, loose-fitting jacket and pant (with detachable bibs) boast taped seams, big vents, wrist and boot gaiters, a removable storm skirt, laser-cut zippers and more.

This duo from Orage is made for a girl on the go, not afraid to get in a little trouble. Heavier 10K/10K, 2L fabric (canvas and herringbone on the jacket and canvas on the pant) is durable and works with the insulation for added warmth, yet the small bits of flair ensure you’re cute even while you smash the heck out of a pow line through some tight trees.

THE PROS:

Inexpensive.

THE PROS:

The bibs are detachable to suit your needs.

THE PROS:

Bunches of pockets make carrying your stuff a breeze.

THE CONS:

Lacks technical features.

THE CONS:

Saying the colors are bright is an understatement.

THE CONS:

Heavier and too warm for long hikes or spring days.

[ WOMEN’S OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 081

J:

RUBICON RIDER

$299

J:

LINDA

$339

J:

BUMBLEBEE VEST / SOFTSHELL $175

P:

INSULATED SNOWBELLE

$199

P:

CALAMITY

$215

P:

CANYON

PATAGONIA While this outfit from Patagonia isn’t designed for huge mountaineering lines or epic slogs, it is more than capable as a companion in the sidecountry or mellower touring days. And the details—articulated knees, a multitude of pockets, pit zips—show Patagonia’s dedication to making its clothing work for you, from park to peak in any weather.

POWDERHORN

$160

ROXY

These 2L pieces rate at 20K/10K with full-seam taping on the jacket and strategic taping on the pants. The Linda has 80 grams of insulation and the vents are located on the sleeves to keep them away from backpack straps. The powder skirt snaps securely to the pants, and the inner goggle pocket includes an attached microfiber cloth.

This Roxy outfit takes a fresh approach to combining style and function. The slim fit pant is 10K/10K stretch fabric, while the jacket combines a puffy vest with polyester softshell arms and hood to give the impression of layering while maintaining a dry, integrated piece.

THE PROS:

Jacket features chest pocket with secondary media pocket.

THE PROS:

Softshell feel with hard shell ratings.

THE PROS:

Variety of textures and colors for your personal style.

THE CONS:

Color and looser fit are geared for fashion over function.

THE CONS:

No pant vents; sleeve vents removed from the core.

THE CONS:

Limited venting in the jacket through short side zips.

PG. 082

[ WOMEN’S OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

WOMEN’S OUTERWEAR

J:

ARLETTA

$225

J:

GIFT IT DOWN

$330

J:

SNOW BLIND

$275

P:

OMAK

$160

P:

CYMBIANT

$299

P:

SLEEP WALKER

$150

SCOTT

THE NORTH FACE

Idaho-based Scott Sports brings you the Arletta jacket and Omak pant—a great match for the fashion-forward ripper. The decidedly urban look will turn heads, while Scott’s fabric, rated at 10K/12K, gives you the confidence to tackle the day, no matter the conditions.

UNDER ARMOUR

This water-resistant down jacket is a breathable piece with vents running the length of the underarm. A handy goggle cloth is attached to the inside of the wrist pocket, and a powder skirt clips into the slim and long Cymbiant pants. These waterproof shells feature thigh vents and TNF’s FlashDry, a microporous layer that accelerates moisture removal and drying time.

Ladies, if you’re looking for more technicality in fashionable outerwear, Under Armour has answered your prayers. The Snow Blind is a longercut, faux-fur-hooded, insulated, 20K/20K jacket that’s at home in the BC backcountry or on the streets of Aspen. The 10K/10K Sleep Walker pant stylishly, and economically, completes the outfit.

THE PROS:

All-day style and comfort for bargain-bin prices.

THE PROS:

Street-inspired pant styling with high-level performance.

THE PROS:

Zone insulation keeps you warm without overheating.

THE CONS:

Pants have a superfluous second cinch at the boot gaiter.

THE CONS:

Jacket isn’t waterproof.

THE CONS:

Buttons make putting the jacket on and taking it off a pain.

[ WOMEN’S OUTERWEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 083

WORDS: SHAY WILLIAMS

SPHERICAL LENSES VS. CYLINDRICAL LENSES Goggle lenses come in two basic forms: spherical and cylindrical (commonly referred to as flat). Spherical lenses are curved on both axes, while cylindrical lenses appear flat vertically but curved horizontally.

The difference boils down to two things: optical quality and goggle volume. Many companies mold-inject spherical lenses, a process that allows for full lens tapering, in which the plastic gets thinner the further it is from the center of the lens. With tapering, the peripheral light travels the same distance to your eye as the central light, resulting in better optical performance. Lens tapering is possible in flat lenses but only on one axis. “It comes down to optics,” says Tag Kleiner, the director of marketing at Smith Optics. “If you’re able to inject a spherical lens and get better optical performance, it’s a better lens.”

The second difference is volume, which makes a difference in the fogging department. “Spherical lenses increase the interior chamber volume in the goggle, which helps with fogging,” explains Kleiner. Cylindrical-lensed goggles, by virtue of their shape, have less interior volume that leads to more fogging.

However, all those benefits come with a price. “Spherical will be more expensive, but it’s a better lens,” says Kleiner.

“If there is a drastic quality difference, there will be a drastic price difference.”

HOW MANY LENSES DO YOU NEED? Whether you go with a spherical or cylindrical lens, you’ll be faced with a decision about how many extra lenses, if any, to purchase. Sure, extra lenses mean more cash to pony up, but the right lens for the conditions is worth a little extra money. You wouldn’t shred BC pow on skinny skis or moguls on your rockered fatties.

No lens can provide optimal visibility and comfort across all weather and lighting conditions. “You could theoretically use a darker lens tint in thick fog, but you’re not going to see very well,” says Andy McSorley, Oakley’s global category manager for goggles. “Conversely, you could use a light lens tint on a bright sunny day, but your retinas will be scorched and may cause damage to your eyes.” And if you don’t have perfect vision, lens choice is an even more integral part of the equation. “For those with less-than-perfect vision, the correct lens tint is even more critical because there’s a reduced amount of inherent visibility for you to work with already,” he says. “Compounding your slightly fuzzy vision with the wrong lens tint is just salt in the wound.”

PG. 084

GOGGLES ARE THE WINDOW TO THE SKIING WORLD. THEY’RE CATEGORIZED AS AN ACCESSORY, BUT THEY ARE AN ESSENTIAL PIECE OF YOUR KIT. SINCE ALL GOGGLES OFFER PROTECTION FROM THE WIND AND COLD, THERE IS A LITANY OF CHOICES TO BE MADE WHEN FINDING THE RIGHT ONE, AT THE RIGHT PRICE, FOR YOU. Extra lenses are expensive, but no need to go buy five or six right off the bat. “You’re going to want a lens suitable for low light or foul weather and one lens for bright sunny conditions,” says McSorley. “Orange base tints are a good choice in snowy weather and are pretty versatile as well. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll want a mirrored lens to knock down bright light and protect against those harsh rays in bluebird conditions. A third lens tint is a good call for the more avid skier to enhance visibility and comfort in those inbetween conditions where lighting varies. But make sure you have the far ends of the spectrum covered first.”

QUICK CHANGING LENS SYSTEMS Since having multiple lenses is an important piece of the puzzle, many goggle companies have come up with ingenious ways to make the hassle of swapping lenses easier. From magnets to toggles to release levers, almost every company offers a faster way to swap lenses. “As we all know, lighting conditions can change pretty dramatically,” says Trevor Moore, product manager at anon. “A quick lenschange technology makes it fast and effortless to swap out a lens to adapt to any lighting situation.”

Many of the upsides of quick-changing lens systems are merely a superficial convenience, but “if it’s snowing, the longer it takes to change a lens, the more chance that you will get moisture in your goggle, leading to fogging, which can definitely ruin your day,” says Moore.

Is a quick-changing lens system a must-have? No. But if you’d rather spend your time skiing than fussing with your goggles, a better lens-change system will improve your day.

POLARIZATION What the heck does a polarized lens do? “It’s awesome,” says Carl Walker, marketing specialist at Zeal Optics. “It cuts the glare from the sun almost completely so that you can see better no matter what the conditions. While a mirror can reduce glare by 10 to 20 percent at best, quality polarization will reduce 99 percent of glare.” Beyond cutting glare, polarized lenses increase contrast and definition, so you’ll find reduced eye fatigue after a day on the hill.

The question isn’t whether or not polarized lenses are beneficial; it’s a question of how quality your polarization is. A ton of elements go into producing a polarized lens leaving a large price and quality gap between products. “Sure, you can get a cheap polarized lens from someone, but they are cutting a lot of corners to get there,” says Walker. “It’s kind of like a cheeseburger. You can have a Double-Double at In-N-Out, or you can have a 99-cent burger from McDonald’s. To the consumer, both are burgers, but one is definitely better. That’s kind of how it works with lenses. There are a ton of lower-end polarized options but only a few premium polarized suppliers in the world.”

While polarized lenses are not a must-have item, their benefits are undeniable. If you decide to purchase polarized, don’t go cheap. [ HOW TO BUY - GOGGLES |

| FREESKIER ]

HELMET COMPATIBILITY Today, if you’re going to wear a helmet, you’ll need to think about helmet-to-goggle interface. Considering both technical and aesthetic repercussions, you’ll want to make sure you research how the goggle you’re buying fits with your helmet.

“Even if you don’t buy a goggle and helmet from the same brand, you should try them on before you make the purchase,” says Bob Scales, senior brand manager at Giro. More than fixing gaper gap, helmets and goggles designed to work in harmony will provide maximum ventilation and comfort.

BIG VS. SMALL FRAMES Goggles have been trending bigger for the past few years because larger goggles provide a greater field of view, giving you less-obstructed vision. “Who’d rather see the inside of the goggle frame than the hill or hazards off to the side,” says Josh Hartley, goggle and eyewear manager for Electric Visual. “Oversized lenses don’t just extend one’s view horizontally, they provide greater vertical vision as well. When you’re skiing, you’re often crouched, so to see directly ahead, you’re actually looking up to a degree. By increasing the lenses vertically, you no longer have frame in your field of vision. For those who do tricks that require careful tracking to land cleanly, the absence of frame in their view is very helpful.”

But simply making a goggle bigger isn’t an easy task.

“When we started designing the EG2 goggle in 2005, our intention was just [to make it bigger]. Simple,” explains Hartley. “It took us two years of intensive R & D to overcome the obstacles posed by the larger lens: increased wind turbulence, greater reflective surface area on the inside and engineering an optically correct lens at that scale.”

Ever since the folks at Electric overcame the technical issues, goggle companies have been following suit, with almost every major manufacturer producing a supersized option.

The only downside is aesthetics. To assuage some trepidation that smaller-proportioned buyers might have, companies are introducing slightly smaller versions, like Electric’s EG2.5.

You can go small if you want, but when picking a frame, don’t shy away from the frame that seems too large, it might just be your best bet.

photos credit: Tristan SHU - Dom DAHER /// EIDER©

GOGGLES As goggle frames continue to get bigger and the number of lens options broadens, picking the right goggle has never been harder. There have also never been so many solid choices.

Here’s our take on the latest trends—and Editor’s Picks—from this season’s crop of goggle offerings.

SKIER: ERIK SUNNERHEIM PHOTO: DANIEL RÖNNBÄCK LOCATION: ENGELBERG, SWITZERLAND

M1

SKYLIGHT

ANON

ARNETTE

The defining feature of the M1 is the lens changing system. Six magnets located around the edge of the frame correspond to those on the scratchresistant lens allowing for effortless swapping. The strap is attached to a pivoting hinge for a great fit with or without a helmet. Triple layer face foam feels great and as a bonus, each pair comes with an extra lens.

$200

PRICE

GRAVITY BOLLE

The new Skylight by Arnette is the company’s foray into the world of bigger goggles. Arnette’s No-BS (blind spot) tech offers an impossibly large field of vision without adding unnecessary bulk. And with a ton of vents, moisture-wicking triple layer foam and anti-fog lens coating, the Skylight is built for all-day comfort and performance.

$120

PRICE

Bolle’s Gravity goggle returns this year with 12 different frame colors as well as a plethora of lenses. The steeply curved, double-layer spherical lens is coated with Carbo Glas to protect your eyes from anything that might want to harm them. Flow-Tech venting keeps them from fogging up, while the Forestay outrigger system ensures a comfortable fit.

PRICE

$100

THE PROS:

Easy lens changing system, extra lens.

THE PROS:

Incredible field of vision.

THE PROS:

Plenty of style options, fits great with helmet.

THE CONS:

If frame gets squeezed, part of the lens may pop out.

THE CONS:

Pretty big for smaller face.

THE CONS:

People with smaller facial features, look elsewhere.

PG. 086

[ GOGGLES |

| FREESKIER ]

GOGGLES

TJ SCHILLER SIGNATURE ROGUE

EG2.5 PARKER WHITE

DRAGON

ELECTRIC

The Rogue by Dragon has been around for years because it’s a rock.

No gimmicks, no schtick, simply a great goggle. TJ Schiller lends his name and styling to the medium-fit frame that offers optically correct spherical lenses, anti-fog coating, and adjustable hinges for increased helmet compatibility.

$140

PRICE

ONSET GIRO

Electric introduces the EG2.5 as part of its rider-inspired lineup. For those who liked the EG2 but found the fit a little large, this is your answer. Like its bigger brother, the 2.5 offers a dual spherical lens with an anti-fog and scratch-resistant coating.

$185

PRICE

This year Giro breaks out the big guns with the new Onset goggle.

The huge frame enlists Carl Zeiss optics, giving the user a clear and distortion-free view of the landscape. Giro offers some of the widest peripheral vision lenses on the market thanks to proprietary EXV technology.

$150

PRICE

THE PROS:

Great venting, decent field of view, comfortable.

THE PROS:

Spherical lens, great fit for smaller faces.

THE PROS:

A large, unrestricted, Zeiss-backed view of the slopes.

THE CONS:

No silicon to keep strap in place on a helmet.

THE CONS:

Could use outriggers to help with helmet fit.

THE CONS:

Be wary if you have a small face.

TANNER HALL SIGNATURE CANOPY

CORNEA

OAKLEY

POC

The bigger-frame-for-improved-vision trend has been on the upswing, and Oakley hits it perfectly with the Canopy. Exceptionally comfortable, the Canopy features an impressively large field of vision. Add to that Oakley’s rugged and specialized lenses—and Tanner Hall’s styling— and you’ve got a hell of a goggle.

$170

PRICE

ROCKFERRY ROXY

The POC Cornea keeps things simple with its minimalist frame design and understated colors. The silver mirror cylindrical lens shown here is attached to the outside of the frame to increase your field of vision. The outriggers extend to a silicone-lined band to ensure comfort and non-slip performance. Check out the yellow/white color combo for a flashier look.

$150

PRICE

Ladies lookin’ for a no-nonsense goggle, Roxy’s Rockferry is right up your alley. The spherical lenses are made shatterproof and distortionfree by the first-rate lens experts at Carl Zeiss. Born and bred in Italy, the Rockferry also offers decent peripheral vision, dual-molded face foam and anti-fog lens coating.

$125

PRICE

THE PROS:

Wide field of vision, a lens for any situation.

THE PROS:

Great optics, great helmet fit.

THE PROS:

Optics don’t get much better than Zeiss.

THE CONS:

Rasta coloring might not float your boat.

THE CONS:

Limited lens selection.

THE CONS:

Only five lens options currently available.

[ GOGGLES |

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 087

GOGGLES

TOM WALLISCH SIGNATURE OFF-GRID

I/OX

SCOTT

SMITH

We aren’t all cut from the same mold, but that doesn’t mean we can’t use the same goggle. The new Off-Grid has two four-way adjustable dials positioned on the underside of the frame that fine-tune your fit by pivoting behind the lens. Combine the customized fit with the stylish Tom Wallisch Pro Model, and you’re good to go.

$160

PRICE

PLATOON SPY

Based off the wildly popular I/O goggle, Smith built the larger and boxier I/OX. Sporting the same quick-changing lens system, the I/OX sweetens the pot with a larger field of vision and the company’s new 5X Anti-Fog inner lens. Triple-layer face foam and Smith’s battery of lenses further increase I/OX stock.

$175

PRICE

Can’t decide if you love the beach or the mountain more? Bring a little bit of the beach to the mountain with Spy’s Aloha Platoons. Palm trees and hula dancers adorn the outside, while the inside boasts moisturewicking foam to keep your face dry. The patented Scoop ventilation system will keep your oversized lenses as dry as your face.

$140

PRICE

THE PROS:

Flexible, tunable fit.

THE PROS:

Great anti-fogging (no one likes foggy lenses).

THE PROS:

Bonus lens included, great field of vision.

THE CONS:

No slip resistance measures on the inside of strap.

THE CONS:

Despite size, field of vision isn’t greatly increased.

THE CONS:

Feels pretty large on the face.

FISHBOWL

MODEL FOUR JON LIMITED

VON ZIPPER

YNIQ

We think the Fishbowl offers the largest field of view of any of this year’s goggles. Period. Von Zipper didn’t just make a big goggle but made the frame wrap the face, markedly more so than similar models from competitors. While the FOV will grab headlines, the Fishbowl also has a strap clip, an underrated, yet appreciated, trait.

$170

PRICE

VOYAGEUR ZEAL

The Yniq goggle packaging looks like a shiny humidor straight from Scarface’s desk. The brainchild of Jon Olsson, Yniq strives to hit the mark of both high fashion and high function. Stainless steel outriggers ensure durability and helmet compatibility, while side view windows give you some extra peripheral vision.

€309

PRICE

This year Zeal is under new ownership, with new product developers and all-new product. One of many new products is the Voyageur.

Sporting a rimless design, the Voyageur provides a generous field of vision and Zeal’s Quick Step lens changing system. Anti-fog infused, high-density Optimum lenses make for a nice cherry on top.

$149

PRICE

THE PROS:

Biggest field of vision on the market.

THE PROS:

Wide field of vision, durable construction.

THE PROS:

A second lens is included. More bang for your buck.

THE CONS:

The large frame shape is a little off-putting at first.

THE CONS:

309 euros, really?

THE CONS:

Face foam is a bit too thick.

[ GOGGLES |

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 089

WHEN IT COMES TO EXCITING GEAR PURCHASES, BOOTS CAN SOMETIMES TAKE A BACKSEAT TO A NEW PAIR OF SKIS, BUT THIS SHOULD NOT BE THE CASE. THESE OVERSIZED, HARD-PLASTIC SHOES ARE ARGUABLY THE MOST ESSENTIAL PIECE OF THE PUZZLE—THE ALL IMPORTANT BOND BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR EQUIPMENT. AND FIT CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR SEASON. WORDS: DAMIAN QUIGLEY

BOOTFITTERS When hunting for a new pair of boots, your first step is to find a reputable shop with good bootfitters. Ask around.

When somebody gets their boots dialed in just right, they’ll tell you about it—as well as who made it happen for them.

While buying skis is mostly discretionary, boot selection is somewhat predetermined by the anatomy of your feet, and you need to involve somebody who knows how to properly examine them. Stephen McDonald, a certified pedorthist and bootfitter at Jackson Hole Sports, points out that “boot companies have gotten very good with anatomical fits over the years,” and part of his job is to know which models fit which types of feet.

In addition to your foot type, you’ll want to discuss your style of skiing and what functionality you need in a boot. Are you lapping the park or spending your days in the backcountry?

After a thorough foot examination and quick discussion of your skiing preferences, you can swiftly narrow down which models will work for you while ruling out ones that might cause problems. Most of us have brand or style preferences, but you should go into this process with an open mind and soak up the knowledge these professionals have to offer.

“Bring your own socks,” says McDonald, and “be prepared to spend a few hours.” You’ll benefit greatly from this time.

SHELL TYPES There are two distinct shell types on the market, the threepiece (also known as the three-buckle or cabrio) and the two-piece (also known as the four-buckle or overlap). The primary difference is in the flex. A ribbed tongue is the pivotal part on a three-piece boot, which Full Tilt’s Jason Levinthal likens to a flexible straw. There’s no restriction on the movement, “So what you get is a smooth, progressive PG. 090

flex that enables you to move more naturally on the snow,” he says. A major plus with this design is that the tongue is easily swapped out to adjust stiffness. As for fit, a low, flat and narrow foot works best in this boot.

A four-buckle boot can be thought of as having two cylinders, one around your forefoot and one around your shin. The pinch point, between the second and third buckle, is where the boot will stop flexing and start driving the ski, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but can jar some skiers. The flex of this design relies on the thickness of the plastic and the secure attachment of the rear cuff to prevent over-flexing.

Keep this shell in mind if you have a higher instep as there is no buckle directly over that area. “They dominate the market for a reason,” says McDonald, “They are powerful and they hold your foot securely.”

Aside from the fit—three-piece tends to have a lower instep—it really comes down to personal preference between the two. In what way do you want your boot to flex? Some people have grown to prefer one type over another, but you should put your foot in both to get a feel for them.

HIKE MODES As backcountry skiing has become more prevalent, so too have hiking modes. In its early days, this feature in alpine boots caused performance problems, as the cuff would often move around while in ski mode. Matt Rihm of Lange says he understands people’s hesitation but points out, “These problems arose from companies trying to beef up touring boots, as opposed to starting with an alpine boot and adding the functionality of a hiking mode.” The latter is the approach that Lange took with its new XT 130 boot, and you can look for better performing boots around the industry as design continues to move in this direction. [ HOW TO BUY - BOOTS |

| FREESKIER ]

CUSTOMIZATION Once you have chosen your new boots, you’ll want to get them tailored to your feet. Most of the boots on the market come with some form of customization, such as heatmoldable liners and shells. Work with your bootfitter to take advantage of these, and point out any pressure points, no matter how slight, as these can build over time and cause painful bone spurs. Most stock footbeds leave something to be desired, so replacing them with a more supportive alternative is usually not a bad idea. Options range from relatively cheap drop-in supports to pricey custom orthotics.

You’ll get what you pay for, but your arches will appreciate any amount of additional support.

Now that you have your boot dialed in, it’s time to hit the snow. But don’t be afraid to revisit your bootfitter—ideally the same one—as the season wears on. Build a relationship with your fitter and deal with problems as they arise, not letting small issues turn into big problems. Don’t forget to pull your wet liners out to dry when you’re done with your day, and always remember to thank your bootfitter, who has just made your season a whole lot better.

BOOTS

Boots are the most intimate part of your setup. Your feet, shins and calves demand nothing short of a perfect fit. To achieve this, boots must be intricately detailed while remaining rugged enough to take a beating. These are the best on the market, but be sure to try them on or work with a fitter before dropping cash for a new pair.

SKIER: PEP FUJAS PHOTO: CHRISTIAN PONDELLA_NIMBUS LOCATION: STUBEN, AUSTRIA

OVERLOAD 100

BOSS

VFF PRO

ATOMIC

DALBELLO

DALEBOOT

The Overload 100 offers a comfortable ride with a relaxed fit. The shell has a 102 mm last with medial and lateral Live Fit zones that allow your feet to expand on hard landings. Silicon inserts in the heel and toe offer forgiveness, and the two-buckle system keeps the weight down.

$499

PRICE

Combined with plush, heat-moldable liners, the 103 mm last in the Boss is great for those who need a little more room. An elastic and shock-absorbing polyether shell and rubber underneath the heel will help ease the impact of hard landings, while replaceable soles and adjustable flex (100 - 110) round out the features that make this boot perform both in the park and on the peak.

$575

PRICE

The VFF (Variable Forward Flex) Pro allows you to adjust the forward flex to suit your skiing and the terrain while maintaining lateral stiffness. Every purchase includes an analysis of the lower leg and foot, which is then used to set the adjustable footboard and replaceable and cantible soles. Round out your custom fit with an Intuition liner developed exclusively for Daleboot.

$795

PRICE

THE PROS:

Comfortable, less expensive.

THE PROS:

Comfortable fit, versatile.

THE PROS:

Intuition liner, custom-shell features.

THE CONS:

Comfort comes at the expense of some performance.

THE CONS:

Slightly heavier than other boots on the market.

THE CONS:

Plastic soles.

PG. 092

[ BOOTS |

| FREESKIER ]

BOOTS

STORMTROOPER

VACUUM RANGER 12

FIRST DEGREE

FISCHER

First Degree offers two versions of the Stormtrooper: the ST1 with a flex rating of six (medium) and the ST2 with a rating of eight (stiff). The threepiece shell has four buckles, walk mode and five different stages of forward lean. It comes with a DFP insole that has better arch support than your average footbed and a heat-moldable liner that won’t pack out.

$599

PRICE

TOM WALLISCH PRO FULL TILT

The 120 flex Ranger comes with a 101 mm last that can be customized to anywhere between 96 mm and 106 mm during a relatively simple, 25-minute molding process known as Vacuum Fit. It features full-Vibram soles that pair well with a hiking mode for sidecountry adventures and is heat-system friendly, in case your mom needs new boots too.

$799

PRICE

Utilizing the new FTS Soul shell, the TW Pro comes in a 99 mm last with added room in the toe box and replaceable rubber toepieces and heelpieces. Intuition Pro Liners come standard and provide a comfortable fit while enhancing performance. The lightweight ratchet buckles are easily microadjusted, while leather and lace add style to your kicks.

$730

PRICE

THE PROS:

Comfortable liner and insole combo.

THE PROS:

Shock-absorbing footboard, moldable shell.

THE PROS:

Intuition liner is uber-comfortable.

THE CONS:

Non-replaceable soles aren’t grippy.

THE CONS:

A lot of moving pieces.

THE CONS:

Front buckle cable has the capacity to come loose.

OVERKILL

XT 130

ACE OF SPADES

HEAD

LANGE

NORDICA

The Overkill has a 98 mm last and a forgiving, progressive flex pattern that will keep your shins happy all day, while an increased forward lean and a lower ramp angle boost edge-to-edge performance. Four SpineTech alloy buckles and a 50 mm strap keep your foot in place, and a heat-moldable liner provides a snug fit.

$750

PRICE

The XT 130 is Lange’s sidecountry machine. The ultra-grippy rubber sole and arch, combined with a hike mode, allow you to ascend steep terrain, while the 130 flex provides the performance to descend in confidence. The shell is available in two lasts, 100 mm and 97 mm LV (low-volume), to better accommodate different foot shapes.

$800

PRICE

Nordica’s Ace of Spades returns this year to the delight of many. The middle of the three buckles provides great heel retention directly over the instep. The footboard dampens hard landings, and Nordica’s Dynamic Performance blends just the right amount of stiffness, progressive flex and rebound to keep you nimble in the park without compromising performance.

$745

PRICE

THE PROS:

Solid construction.

THE PROS:

Toe-to-heel rubber sole.

THE PROS:

Rear pant clip and rubber soles are great for après.

THE CONS:

Plastic soles are not replaceable.

THE CONS:

Footboard doesn’t dampen impacts or vibrations.

THE CONS:

Shin strap is wide but has no stretch.

[ BOOTS |

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 093

BOOTS

ELECTRA PRO 110

GHOST 120 CS

ROSSIGNOL

SALOMON

For the female rippers with a slightly narrower foot, the Electra is a great choice. The Sensor Inside shell has a 97 mm last, and Rossignol addresses some common fit problems with an asymmetrical toe box and more articulated ankles. The furry liner is not just for looks as it boasts down filler to keep you warm on those frigid days.

$650

PRICE

THE PROS:

Warm, performance fit.

THE CONS:

Not much shock absorption under the foot.

COCHISE 130 TECNICA

The Ghost 120 is Salomon’s premier freeride boot, designed for bigmountain athletes. The Custom Shell allows you to mold a precise fit in just twenty minutes—an alternative to costly boot fitting. Rubber integrated into the arch gives you great traction for scrambling around rocks and ice, and the two-buckle system saves weight.

$750

PRICE

The Cochise 130 Pro features a hike mode, with a metal-to-metal connection to reduce movement while in ski mode. The four-buckle system differs in that the buckle around the upper cuff is integrated with a 45 mm powerstrap for a tight fit. It has a 98 mm last, and shock absorption will keep your feet happy.

$850

PRICE

THE PROS:

Custom Shell fit.

THE PROS:

Good shock absorption.

THE CONS:

Lacks some instep retention with only two buckles.

THE CONS:

Toepiece doesn’t have much grip.

[ BOOTS |

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 095

T SIMON DUMON Athlete: Simon Dumont ..

Photographer: Marcel Lammerhirt

BINDINGS

DEADBOLT 15

X17

PIVOT 14

4FRNT

FISCHER

LOOK

The toe piece on this 5-15 DIN binding features four rollers and a 180-degree horizontal and vertical release to keep those knees safe. Steel construction on the heel housing and tracks provide rigidity, while a zero ramp angle keeps you well positioned for switch riding. New this year are three additional brake widths, bringing the total to six, ranging from 78 mm to 150 mm.

$310

PRICE

Like the 4FRNT Deadbolt, the Fischer X17 has a static AFD with four rollers to optimize front-end release. Race retention springs allow for a slightly higher DIN of 6-17 with the weight distribution being slightly skewed toward the rear. A variety of brake widths ensures compatibility with most skis.

$350

PRICE

Like the FKS 180, the Pivot 14 offers a DIN range of 5-14 with highly elastic travel but in a slightly lighter package. The wide screw pattern and 72 mm static AFD ensure efficient energy transfer from boot to ski, and a low ramp angle of 0.5 degrees is nice for switch maneuverability.

A short mounting zone allows the ski to flex naturally and consistently.

$375

PRICE

THE PROS:

Solid construction.

THE PROS:

Slightly lighter and cheaper than similar bindings.

THE PROS:

High amounts of elastic travel.

THE CONS:

Heavy heel piece.

THE CONS:

Fore and aft weight could be balanced better.

THE CONS:

Heavier than other 14 DIN bindings out there.

JESTER

FKS 180

STH 16

MARKER

ROSSIGNOL

SALOMON

The Jester returns this year with revamped features. The redesigned toe sits atop a wider base plate for the market’s ever-broadening skis and has a height-adjustable, stainless-steel AFD that helps your boot pivot out safely when release is warranted. The heel has been revamped to better channel energy through the sole of the boot and prevent pre-releasing.

$395

PRICE

Familiar bright orange paint covers the 8-18 DIN, all-metal housed binding, which can take quite a beating. Seven points of contact with your boot ensure efficient energy transfer, while highly elastic lateral and vertical travel keep you in the binding as long as possible. If you do need to come out, you can count on the 180-degree multidirectional system to let you go just in time.

$475

PRICE

The STH offers a healthy 9-16 DIN range with sturdy steel and composite construction to keep weight down and performance up. An oversized stomp pedal and front wings, which can be adjusted simultaneously with a turn of the flathead, provide great lateral energy transmission.

$395

PRICE

THE PROS:

Wide DIN range (6-16) to accommodate most.

THE PROS:

It’s bombproof.

THE PROS:

Adjustable wings.

THE CONS:

A lot of plastic used in construction.

THE CONS:

Heavy, expensive.

THE CONS:

Lighter skiers will want the STH 12.

PG. 096

[ BINDINGS |

| FREESKIER ]

Fornix Helmet The Fornix helmet combines light weight, adjustable ventilation, size adjustability, and a unique safety feature called The Aramid Bridge to bring you a safe and comfortable helmet.

Iris 3P Goggle Key Features Aramid Bridge Adjustable Ventilation Size Adjustment Light weight

Iris 3P has the unique 3P lens which enables relief from excessive reflection without sacrificing the needed glare to differentiate snow from ice. Thanks to the POC Partially Polarized Technology the 3P

The Aramid Bridge is a safety feature that ensures

NXT lens optimizes ability to quickly read the snow

the entire integrity of the helmet is used upon an

conditions ahead. The 3P lens is Photochromatic

impact, ensuring a high level of energy

and also has the patented color vision boosting filter

absorption. The strands of Aramid within the EPS

HCD (High Chromatic Definition) as well as superb

foam increase the structural stability of the

olephobic/ hydrophobic treatment and state of the

helmet, all while being very light.

art anti-fog treatment.

Used and preferred by: Jeremy Jones, Mitch Tรถlderer, Flo Orley and Tyler Peterson POC is a Swedish brand with a strong mission to do the best we can to possibly save lives and to reduce the consequences of accidents for gravity sports athletes.

Key Features Partially Polarized NXT Lens Photochromatic HCD Filter Optimized fit for POC helmets

GLOVES

GLOVES Whether it’s a toasty spring day or a frigid December morning, the right gloves are paramount in keeping yourself comfortable. So if you’re in the market for heavy mitts, daily drivers or pipe gloves, take a peek at our selection—and Editor’s Picks—of gloves for the 2012/13 season.

SKIER: CHRIS LOGAN PHOTO: BRYN HUGHES_LEVEL 1 LOCATION: PEMBERTON, BC

B-DOG MITT

LEGEND

TANNER HALL TEAM FILLMORE MITT

ARMADA

BLACK DIAMOND

DAKINE

The B-Dog mitt employs a reverse die-cut leather palm, showing off an Armada logo, while the back uses a warm, lightweight nylon with leather accents to give it some color and a style smooth enough for its namesake, Phil Casabon. A microfleece liner and Thinsulate insulation keep your hands toasty.

$70

PRICE

BD’s Legend glove is a technical masterpiece. It utilizes a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing, is loaded with insulation to keep your hands toasty, uses compression-molded padding to protect your hands against trees and rocks, and has a goat-leather palm for a great feel and comfort.

$120

PRICE

Thick fleece for toasty warmth, a water-repellent leather palm, and a waterproof and windproof insert make Dakine’s T-Hall mitt one of the top accessories of the year. Subtle Rasta hits allow the rest of the glove’s design to shine, while nylon accents and a soft thumb round out the piece with style.

PRICE

$60

THE PROS:

Warm, light and comfortable.

THE PROS:

Very warm and waterproof.

THE PROS:

Warm and comfortable, especially for the price.

THE CONS:

All-leather thumb hurts the nose.

THE CONS:

Looks like a hardcore race glove.

THE CONS:

You’ll want to own a less-insulated glove, too.

PG. 098

[ GLOVES |

| FREESKIER ]

Völkl Team, L-R: Tyler Peterson, Nick Goepper, Dan Marion, Matt Philippi, Dylan Hood, Ahmet Dadali, Ian McIntosh, Jenn Berg, Jessica Sobolowski-Quinn, Dash Longe.

Eric Schramm

. e v e Beli

To achieve the incredible takes a tremendous belief in the gear on your feet.

GOTAMA

SHIRO

You know the feeling. You’re pushing a little harder than normal, trying something new... hoping your equipment will help you ski your best. Völkl’s advanced engineering delivers unparalleled performance, reliability and durability. When you believe in your skis, you believe in yourself. That’s the power of engineering.

KINK

MANTRA

Believe in the power of engineering.

Scan the tag to find out more about the power of believing.

volkl.com

GLOVES

QUEEN SB

TOUGH GUY GLOVE

EMPIRE

FLYLOW

The brand-new Queen SB was inspired and partially designed by the late Sarah Burke, one of Empire’s first team members. It employs a full goatskin-leather shell with a fleece lining and keeps you warm with Thinsulate insulation. A portion of proceeds from the glove will support a foundation to honor Sarah’s legacy.

$84

PRICE

COOPER GRANDOE

A functional ski glove for only $30? You read it right. Flylow’s Tough Guy glove is quintessential Jackson ski patrol: no frills, no buzzwords and no gimmicks. It’s a mostly-leather work glove that has been hand waxed and heat treated by the staff at Flylow. If you’re the no-frills type, pick up a pair.

$30

PRICE

The goatskin-leather on the palm offers great grip and a soft feel, while deerskin on the fingers and a softshell on the back add to its styling. The glove is waterproof and breathable and also uses Primaloft for premium insulation, resulting in a supremely warm glove.

$75

PRICE

THE PROS:

Proceeds support a foundation to honor Sarah.

THE PROS:

A great value glove in an expensive glove market.

THE PROS:

Super warm.

THE CONS:

A bit bulky feeling on your hand.

THE CONS:

Not terribly warm.

THE CONS:

Feels a bit fat in the fingers.

ODIN INSULATOR

WINDSTOPPER HIKER

HERITAGE PIPE

HELLY HANSEN

HESTRA

OAKLEY

The Odin Insulator is more like a sleeping bag for your hands than a glove. Less a daily ski accessory, it’s made for longer journeys into the mountains when you might need some extra warmth. The gloves pack down into a small bag (included) for easy storage, so pack a pair next time you’re exploring a fourteener.

$110

PRICE

At $90, the Windstopper Hiker is the most affordable Hestra glove we’ve ever featured, but it hasn’t sacrificed anything in terms of quality.

The exterior is a combination of impregnated goat leather on the palm and Gore Windstopper Action fabric and cowhide leather on the back.

Like all Hestras, the fit is unparalleled.

$90

PRICE

Oakley absolutely nailed what a pipe glove should be with this year’s Heritage Pipe. It has ample grip in the palm, a lightweight ribbed spandex and neoprene chassis, and a liner that is cushy and comfortable while remaining thin. Top it off with extra material in key wear areas, and this glove is worth every penny.

$42

PRICE

THE PROS:

Packs down for easy storage in your backcountry kit.

THE PROS:

Great fit, practical features.

THE PROS:

Most comfortable pipe glove on the market.

THE CONS:

Too warm for daily on-piste shredding.

THE CONS:

Design won’t turn any heads.

THE CONS:

Aggressive motocross look.

PG. 100

[ GLOVES |

| FREESKIER ]

The freesking phenomenon just got bigger.

The New Marker Duke.

Now 28% wider. 100% dominant.

markerusa.com Dylan Hood, Ian McIntosh, Eric Pollard, Ingrid Backstrom & Dash Longe.

Who’s riding on the big new Duke? Left to right: Jess McMillan,

Use your smart phone to scan the code and learn more about the wider, stonger Marker Duke.

GLOVES

BLACKPOWDER

STEALTH GTX

OUTDOOR RESEARCH

POW

The Blackpowder is a well-executed throwback to the ’70s all-leather glove. The shell utilizes a combination of waxed goat leather and split suede, giving the glove a soft, quality feel. The leather combines with ample insulation on the inside to keep you warm, while a bottle opener on one finger will make you a popular après novelty.

$75

PRICE

JETTER SWANY

The Stealth GTX uses every trick in the book to offer a top-quality glove for a reasonable price tag. It has a Gore-Tex membrane for a dry experience, while full-leather on the exterior not only looks good, it repels water and wears well. The palm consists of goatskin-leather for a plush feel, and Primaloft insulation adds warmth.

$100

PRICE

At first look, the Jetter doesn’t seem like the sexiest glove out there. On second, it’s absolutely awesome. It’s super warm, feels really comfortable, has a cushy leather palm, and includes a stitched-in light glove with an iPhone-ready fingertip and thumb. A taped zipper also allows you to free your hand from the mitt at will.

$64

PRICE

THE PROS:

All-leather and -suede design is bomber.

THE PROS:

Waterproof and has a great fit.

THE PROS:

Warm, comfortable and highly functional for a mitt.

THE CONS:

Bottle opener feels awkward when holding a ski pole.

THE CONS:

Cuff adjustment leaves something to be desired.

THE CONS:

Looks dated at first glance.

your www.gowinteratwestminster.com classroom looks like?

Is this what

A

B

OFFICIAL WINTER AT WESTMINSTER RESORT

C D

E

In the 3-color logo Left wing is PMS Process Blue; Right wing is PMS 369 Green.

All other elements are Black.

Logo can be reproduced where white is substituted for black on any color field.

Logo can be reproduced in any one colo long as all 3 elements are the same colo

F

Next semester, come to Utah and shred the powder. Winter at Westminster lets you ski or ride 70+ days and earn 12-16 transferable credits from one of the West’s top-ranked colleges.

G H

HELMETS Helmets are no longer heavy and unsightly, like the helmets we grew up with. Nowadays helmets can be low profile, lightweight and stylish—all the while protecting your dome piece. Nothing is more important than your head, so check out this year’s crop of helmets and go pick one up.

SKIER: OSKARI RAITANEN PHOTO: TEEMU HELJO_NIPWITZ LOCATION: TAMPERE, FINLAND

SHIV

WATTS

GIRO

BERN Featuring the original brim design from Bern, the new Watts advances an already proven helmet. The ABS outer shell is combined with lightweight foam for a helmet that is 20-percent lighter than its predecessor.

The knit liner can be removed and replaced via four snaps and Velcro tabs for year round use, while 11 vents keep you from overheating.

PRICE

$ $100

The Shiv brings skate-inspired styling to your onmountain game and does so in seven different color options. With an extremely lightweight shell and three different Fit Kits, you’re sure to get just the right feel.

It boasts eight vents and is compatible with all aftermarket TuneUps systems for your musical pleasure.

PRICE

$100 $

THE PROS:

Affordable, year-round usability.

THE PROS:

Lightweight, reasonably priced.

THE CONS:

Always-open vents don’t help much on freezing days.

THE CONS:

The vents are always open.

PG. 104

[ HELMETS |

| FREESKIER ]

HELMETS

CYNIC X

FORNIX

PRET

POC The Fornix is a new addition that borrows technology from the Trabec mountain-bike helmet. Using hightensile strength Aramid Bridge technology in the shell, it’s lightweight and absorbs energy by effectively dispersing it throughout the structure. A half-dozen vents on top open and close via a sliding plate, and dual vents in the front and in the back round out the system.

PRICE

$160

Not sure if you want to compete in the Summer or Winter X Games? Pick up a Cynic X and do both.

Based off the original Cynic, the X can be worn year-round and comes sans earpads with an easyto-remove X-Static liner. Pret’s RFS fit system gets you dialed in to just the right fit, and twelve vents alleviate any worries about overheating.

$100

PRICE

THE PROS:

Lightweight.

THE PROS:

Has a low profile design that’s super lightweight to boot.

THE CONS:

Earpads aren’t audio friendly.

THE CONS:

Vents don’t close.

ORA

RIOT BOA

ROXY

PRO-TEC

Add some style to your safety with the Roxy Ora. Three color options—black, burgundy and white— add a little female flair without going over the top, and eight vents make up a flow-through system that keeps your temperature right where you want it. A comfortable, removable inner lining and earpads allow you to rock it with or without a beanie.

And you thought Boa was only for snowboard boots.

Not anymore. The Boa system wraps the plush interior of the Riot around your head to provide one of the best fits available. The sleek polycarbonate shell has a clean look with seven passive vents on top and earpads that are ready to accept most drop-in audio systems.

$130

PRICE

PRICE

THE PROS:

Boa system, audio compatible.

THE PROS:

Adjustable venting.

THE CONS:

Minimal venting.

THE CONS:

No fit adjustment, goggle strap covers rear vents.

ANTI

GAGE

SCOTT

SMITH

A polycarbonate outer shell fused with an impactabsorbent foam liner creates a comfortable, lightweight helmet. Scott’s G-vent system works to pull stagnant air out of your goggles, while inside, the foam Cool Plug system allows you to adjust airflow to your liking. Dial in Scott’s Micro Rotary Adjustment System for a head-huggin’ hardhat.

PRICE

$120

$110

New from Smith is the Gage, featuring injectionmolded Bombshell construction, a thin, high-impact shell with inner foam lining. Light padding inside and removable earpads make it beanie friendly, while the AirEvac2 ventilation keeps your goggles dry.

The Lifestyle Fit system self-adjusts around the back of your head, allowing you to focus on shredding.

PRICE

$80

THE PROS:

Comfortable and adjustable.

THE PROS:

Inexpensive, good goggle integration.

THE CONS:

Vent adjustment located inside helmet.

THE CONS:

Fit system doesn’t allow for much adjustment.

[ HELMETS |

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 105

BACKPACKS As skiers living life on the go, we use backpacks every day. From holding our avalanche gear in the backcountry to our laptops in the city, backpacks are a must have. So we’ve gathered a collection of packs that accommodate a wide range of activities from ridge lines to subway lines.

AGENT AVALUNG

ALIAS AVALUNG

BLACK DIAMOND x ARMADA

BLACK DIAMOND

In collaboration with Black Diamond, the folks at Armada have cobranded the wildly popular Agent AvaLung pack for backcountry enthusiasts. Lean and durable, the Agent has dedicated space for a shovel, probe and other essential equipment. And as the name implies, it comes with an AvaLung to better prepare you for what’s out there.

$210

PRICE

This top loader comes with a light aluminum stabilizer, A-frame and diagonal ski-carry, and a 30-liter capacity. The hip belt pivots via ball joint behind the lower back for an ergonomic fit, the insulated hydration compartment is roomy, and the front pocket provides quick access to avy tools.

$260

PRICE

THE PROS:

AvaLungs can increase survival rates in an avalanche.

THE PROS:

Great fit, AvaLung included.

THE CONS:

Not super large; limited to shorter treks.

THE CONS:

Extra features mean extra cash.

PIT BOSS

WOMEN’S PRO II

DESCENTOR 22 EXP

CAMELBAK

DAKINE

DEUTER

Engineered for a full day outside, the Pit Boss is an almost-30-liter beast.

Tri-zip design offers full access to the main part of the pack, while the front pocket is ideal for a shovel or Camel’s three-liter hydration bladder.

Ski-carry straps and glove-friendly buckles are icing on the cake.

PRICE

$100

On this 26-liter bag, you’ll find a roomy front pocket for a shovel or probe and a main compartment is accessible from the top or back. A padded shoulder strap doubles as an insulated hydration sleeve, and the pack is designed specifically for a woman’s frame. A goggle pocket and ice axe sleeve also adorn the outside.

$130

PRICE

The expandable main pocket has sleeves for both a probe and a hydration bladder, from which the tube runs down the insulated shoulder strap. Under the diagonal ski-carry system is a flap to hold your shovel, and the back panel doubles as a spine protector with great padding and airflow.

$189

PRICE

THE PROS:

Plenty of storage, easy access and hydration capable.

THE PROS:

Retractable ski and helmet carry systems.

THE PROS:

Built-in spine protector.

THE CONS:

Pack is pretty heavy for a full day on the hill.

THE CONS:

Carrying systems aren’t great for simultaneous use.

THE CONS:

Heavy for a smaller pack.

PG. 106

[ BACKPACKS |

| FREESKIER ]

BACKPACKS

CHUTER 28

SNOWMAD DAY PACK

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR

OAKLEY

This 28-liter backpack has three main compartments and an A-frame ski-carry system. Under the front flap is a great place for a shovel, probe and any wet gear you may have. At the top is a goggle pocket, and a polyurethane back panel provides torsional rigidity as well as access to the main compartment and hydration sleeve.

$150

PRICE

Oakley has hit a high note with its Snowmad Day Pack, which is great for a day on the hill or short treks into the backcountry. Lightweight, the Snowmad features a diagonal ski-carry, hydration pouch, internal straps for shovel and probe, and a 15-liter capacity, making it a sweet day pack.

$70

PRICE

THE PROS:

Compact and lightweight.

THE PROS:

Lightweight and holds what you need for a short trip.

THE CONS:

Lower ski-carry loops don’t cinch when not in use.

THE CONS:

Not great on long trips where you need a lot of storage.

IMPACT

CREVASSE

QUIKSILVER

THE NORTH FACE

Sporting a tri-zip entry, the Impact by Quiksilver is a generously sized, everyday pack. The tri-zip allows access to the entire pack’s contents without any digging, while four external pockets are available for oftused items. Quik also tossed in features like a padded laptop sleeve and quick-release shoulder straps.

PRICE

$80

Known for its high-quality packs, The North Face has struck a chord with its unique-looking 27-liter Crevasse pack. The main compartment has room for a laptop or tablet, and large outside pockets are great for oft-accessed items like rain coats. The 1,680 denier nylon makes this pack bombproof.

$160

PRICE

THE PROS:

More internal zipper pockets than you’ll ever need.

THE PROS:

The E-VAP back panel allows for airflow and venting.

THE CONS:

Tri-zips don’t seal off the main cargo hold completely.

THE CONS:

Exterior pockets lack variety for smaller sized items.

[ BACKPACKS |

| FREESKIER ]

WORDS: DAMIAN QUIGLEY

DESIGN, TRIGGER & PROPELLANT Airbag systems essentially consist of three pieces: a trigger handle on the shoulder strap, a container of compressed air or nitrogen and the airbag or airbags tucked inside your backpack underneath a Velcro opening or breakaway zipper.

They are available in two prevalent designs—a single chamber bag that inflates behind or around the head and two separate airbags that flank the backside, making you look like an extremely safe hot dog. Most airbags have a 150-170 liter capacity. The airbag around the head is good for trauma protection while the redundancy of twin bags means that if one fails, you still have the other. Some critics argue that one, halfsize airbag wouldn’t be enough but it’s certainly better than nothing. The positioning of the dual bag system is also more centered on your back, giving you a horizontal swimming position on the surface of the avalanche.

When it comes to propellant, compressed air systems, such as BCA’s, score points in the cost and convenience category as the cylinder uses a valve that can be filled at most SCUBA PG. 108

AIRBAG SYSTEMS ARE BASED ON THE SIMPLE PRINCIPLE OF INVERSE SEGREGATION: A FLOW OF PARTICLES UNDER GRAVITY (AN AVALANCHE) WILL DEPOSIT LARGER PARTICLES ON TOP AND SMALLER PARTICLES ON THE BOTTOM. GOING THROUGH AN AVALANCHE IS LIKE SHAKING A CAN OF NUTS IN THAT THE BIG ONES ALWAYS END UP ON TOP. IF YOU’RE CAUGHT IN AN AVALANCHE, YOU WANT TO BE THE BIGGEST NUT YOU CAN BE. IT’S SCIENCE. or paintball shops for a minimal price. Nitrogen cartridges, such as the ones used by ABS, employ a small pyrotechnic charge to pierce the canister and must be returned to ABS along with the spent handle for refilling. In the US, turnaround time is three days at the minimum and $40 plus shipping. The upside to a nitrogen system is that it can be used under very high pressure (4500 PSI vs. 3000 PSI) for quicker inflation.

TRAVEL Air travel with an airbag is a bit of a hassle but can be done with proper planning. Outside the US, the IATA (International Air Travel Association) states that you can travel with an airbag system as long as it is dismantled and can’t be accidentally activated. Within the US, all cylinders and cartridges must be emptied, with the head unscrewed for inspection purposes. In addition, only spent pyrotechnic trigger handles, such as the ones used in ABS packs, are allowed through security. This means you’ll want to plan out where you can either fill, rent or exchange cylinders at your destination. Always contact your airline at least two weeks prior to travel to make arrangements and remember to download pertinent documents from the manufacturer’s website to be included with your hardware. [ HOW TO BUY - AIRBAG PACKS |

| FREESKIER ]

It’s exciting to see airbags gain traction among skiers, and while the price tags are a little high, they are declining as additional companies get in the game. If you haven’t yet done it, go out and try a few packs on to see how they feel.

They will add a few pounds to your setup, but most people find them to be lighter than expected, and the added weight is well worth the extra safety. Just be careful not to develop a false sense of security. Airbags are not a license to be reckless in the backcountry and are certainly no replacement for the beacon, shovel, probe trifecta. In the end, education and smart decision-making is what will keep you safe.

Photo: Tim Lloyd Location: Switzerland

WILEY MILLER - 4FRNT YLE 187cm

4FRNT.COM/DANG Facebook.com/4FRNTskis

AIRBAG PACKS

AIRBAG

PACKS

With the recent swell in airbag offerings, we thought you might like to take a look at some of the best options out there. We checked around, pulled some triggers and got to the bottom of the packs that will keep you on top.

VARIO 25 ABS The Vario is a base unit that accepts one of six zip-on packs, ranging from 5-40 liters. The base holds a cartridge of nitrogen horizontally against the upper back with airbags on either side, keeping the weight symmetrical and the system away from the cargo area. The 25-liter zipon is ideal for a day in the backcountry with a small pocket on top, two large compartments, and a helmet strap system. Both compartments are roomy, with a hydration sleeve in the front and tool organization in the rear. The whole system is just shy of seven pounds and the trigger handle points slightly inward from the left shoulder strap for easy activation.

$1,099

PRICE

THE PROS:

ABS designs draw on more experience than other companies.

THE CONS:

Slightly heavier than other systems.

FLOAT 22

RIDE R.A.S. 30

PATROL 24 ABS

BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS

MAMMUT

THE NORTH FACE

This 22-liter pack weighs in at 5.5 pounds, with one external pocket for snow safety tools. The single-chamber airbag is in the main compartment, hidden beneath its own breakaway zipper and connected to a cylinder of compressed air. The mechanical trigger is attached to a cable that runs out and down the left shoulder strap where it can be zipped away to avoid accidental deployment. The pack, airbag system and cylinder can be purchased separately and the system is interchangeable between both the Float 22 and Float 32 packs.

$675

PRICE

The single-chamber R.A.S. (Removable Airbag System) is compatible with six different Mammut packs and can be transferred in minutes. The pack and system together weigh about 5.3 pounds and include all the features you’ve come to appreciate in a backcountry pack, including gear loops, straps, and an A-frame and diagonal ski carry. A fleece-lined goggle pocket sits in front of a larger pocket with safety tool organization, and inside the main compartment you’ll find the folded up airbag, a zip-up sleeve for your air cylinder and a hydration sleeve. All this and plenty of room for the rest of your gear.

$874

PRICE

The North Face joins the airbag game this year, utilizing ABS technology. The Patrol 24 has both diagonal and A-frame ski-carry systems as well as a top pocket for goggles or valuables. Inside the front pocket, you’ll find sleeves for your probe and shovel handle, while the main compartment houses the twin airbag system, leaving plenty of room to spare. The trigger comes down the left shoulder strap, and there are two hip-belt pockets—one for your handle when not in use.

Unfortunately, the pack is not hydration compatible so you’ll need to work that out on your own.

$1,179

PRICE

THE PROS:

Lightweight; more affordable than some other systems.

THE PROS:

Roomy, hydration compatible.

THE PROS:

Front straps stow for clean exterior.

THE CONS:

Not hydration compatible.

THE CONS:

Diagonal ski carry doesn’t have dedicated top loop.

THE CONS:

More expensive than other packs.

PG. 110

[ AIRBAG PACKS |

| FREESKIER ]

PHOTO: GARRETT GROVE_SWEETGRASS LOCATION: ICEFALL LODGE, BC

SIDE COUNTRY

With the popularity of sidecountry touring on a rapid rise, manufacturers are stepping up, offering stronger and lighter gear so you can worry about the hiking and skiing, not about whether your gear will get you where you want to go. Here are four setups, each catered to a different style of sidecountry experience to help you get out of the gate this season.

SETUPS

ALL-DAY SETUP SKI:

K2 SIDESETH

BOOT:

DYNAFIT VULCAN

BINDING: SKIN:

DYNAFIT TLT RADICAL FT

K2 PRECUT SIDESETH

$1,000 $1,000 $600 $200

Everyone is making decent touring gear these days, but when you’re on an all-day backcountry mission where efficiency is priority, trust German engineering. Dynafit is synonymous with light, but the company has recently beefed up their products to meet the needs of today’s big-mountain skiers. The company brought aboard Eric Hjorleifson who, after years of making his own Frankenboots, developed his dream boot, the Vulcan. Its gamechanging design allows unparalleled range of motion and features a removable tongue for comfort on the ascent and stiffness on the ride down.

Click into the TLT Radical FT, Dynafit’s burliest binding (DIN 12) to find similar downhill performance to alpine setups in a lighter package (599 grams). Annoyed by rotating your heel riser? You’ll appreciate the new design, which raises and lowers with the simple flick of a pole tip. Mount ’em on a pair of K2 SideSeths, which run similar dimensions to the ObSethed but with less rocker, a change Seth Morrison says improves the ski’s versatility as a daily driver. “The ski has better hard-snow performance without taking away from its powder skiing heritage,” says Morrison, who tested the ski in Chamonix. Part of K2’s BackSide Series, the ski is the only one in the line up with an artistic graphic and a slight twin tip. K2’s precut climbing skins are precision cut and ready to tour right out the box. The SideSeth Precut skins feature an updated Z-Clip minimalist design that reduces weight and allows for quick transitions.

PG. 114

THE PROS:

You’re ready for anything.

THE CONS:

Pricey setup.

[ SIDECOUNTRY SETUPS |

| FREESKIER ]

SIDECOUNTRY SETUPS WOMEN’S SETUP SKI:

K2 SIDEKICK

BOOT:

SALOMON QUEST 100W

BINDING:

SALOMON GUARDIAN 16

G3 ALPINIST ELLE

SKIN:

$880 $625 $550 $160

Whether it’s downhill performance, uphill functionality or easy transitions, the Salomon Guardian 16 touring binding delivers. A lower stack height ensures stability, while an oversized platform maximizes power transmission and responsiveness. On the descent, they perform like alpine bindings. A Hike & Ride Switch provides seamless interchanges between climb and ski modes.

The K2 SideKick offers 108 mm of love at the waist so she’s your best friend on a powder day, but with All-Terrain Rocker where you need it, she’s equally agile. Cruise uphill on G3’s Alpinist Elle Climbing skin—yes, there are women’s-specific skins. They pack small and are equipped with RipStrip, a nontoxic glue that reduces skin-to-skin adhesion, making them easy to pull apart and quickening your transition times. Plus, the versatile tip connector works on almost any ski shape or size.

Slip your feet into Salomon’s Quest 100W boots, which, thanks to a magnesium Backbone system, allow you to walk comfortably uphill. But with a 100 flex and removable heel- and toe-DIN pads, still perform like an alpine boot on the descent. In addition to the women’s-specific fit, the liner is extra warm for the inevitable cold toes.

THE PROS:

After skinning, ski the resort comfortably.

THE CONS:

A tad heavy for all-day backcountry missions.

QUICK-HIKE SETUP SKI:

VÖLKL SHIRO

BOOT:

TECNICA COCHISE 120

BINDING: SKIN:

MARKER TOUR F12

GECKO GLUELESS

$825 $735 $429 $110-180

If you’re looking for an AT setup intended for 80-percent in-resort skiing and relatively quick uphill walks, the Marker Tour F12 binding is the place to start. Almost two pounds lighter than the Duke, the F12 still locks your foot in with a distinctive “clunk” and is almost undistinguishable from standard bindings when set for downhill.

Mount these on the Völkl Shiro because you’re most likely hiking for powder turns, right? The Shiro’s full rocker allows you to float and slash your way through the tightest of pow lines, while the bomber construction provides the kind of stability you expect from a Völkl. Drive this burly combo with the Tecnica Cochise 120. The ultrasmooth metal-to-metal contact between the cuff and lower shell allows you to keep your top buckle and strap tight while hiking nearly chafe-free.

Slap on Gecko’s Glueless skin to the base when going uphill and quickly shove them in your pack—as glueless skins don’t stick to one another like traditional skins—when you’re about to snake your buddies for first tracks.

THE PROS:

Sacrifice almost zero downhill performance with this uphill-ready kit.

THE CONS:

Must step out of binding to change modes; a heavy setup for longer, more involved hikes.

HALF-DAY HIKES SKI:

BLACK DIAMOND ZEALOT

BOOT:

GARMONT DELIRIUM

BINDING: SKIN:

TYROLIA ADRENALIN 16

BLACK DIAMOND ASCENSION NYLON STD

$879 $775 $575 $150

Own the slackcountry with this kit that’s light enough to survive half-day hikes while dominating the descents. At our AllMountain Ski Test the Black Diamond’s Zealot ski performed well in just about all categories, with 110 mm underfoot, a hybrid-rocker profile and Black Diamond’s 3D Metal Sandwich (Titanal, paulowina-wood core and ABS tapered sidewalls).

According to one tester, the Zealot “has no speed limit,” so we mounted them up with the Tyrolia Adrenalin 16 to guarantee they stayed attached to our feet. The Adrenalin 16 lets you switch from walk to ski mode without stepping out of the binding, offers three climb angles and has an 80-mm mounting plate that provides excellent stability on wider skis.

Connect it all to your feet with Garmont’s new freeride boot, the Delirium, which has a 130 flex, three different angles of forward lean and a wide forefront for bone spur relief. For skins, pick the simple-to-use and durable Ascension Nylon STD from Black Diamond.

[ SIDECOUNTRY SETUPS |

THE PROS:

Go downhill as fast as you want.

THE CONS:

The binding track can ice up while climbing making it difficult to lock down.

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 115

SAFETY GEAR ORTOVOX

MAMMUT

BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS

S1+ BEACON

ELEMENT BARRYVOX BEACON

TRACKER2 BEACON

The S1+ is one of the most advanced beacons on the market. With a design reminiscent of a flip phone (remember those?), opening it automatically puts you in search mode and the relative positions of up to four victims appear on the large digital display with a 4+ symbol if there are more. It has a range of 50 meters and a ton of features, including an inclinometer and Smart Antenna Technology that analyzes your burial position to optimize signal transmission.

Mass- and deep-burial modes are available and useful for professionals.

$449

PRICE

The three-antennae ELEMENT Barryvox utilizes a slider on top to enter search mode. Once a signal is picked up within the 60-meter range, a digital, five-point arrow aims you in the right direction while displaying a corresponding distance. If you stray off course, the beacon changes tones to alert you, and if you go in the opposite direction, it displays a graphic urging you to turn around. Once you locate the victim, you can mark off that signal by pushing the side button and begin searching for other burials.

$350

PRICE

A simple interface and triple antenna make the Tracker2 intuitive and effective. To switch to search, pull the tab at the bottom and use the distance reading and five directional lights to scan the 50-meter search radius.

Though the Tracker2’s specialty isn’t multiple burials, if multiple signals are being received, a light alerts you. Special Mode can be used in multipleburial scenarios and alternates display information between the multiple signals, with a reduced search pattern of 75 degrees, front and back.

$335

PRICE

THE PROS:

Great for professionals.

THE PROS:

Easy to use multiple-burial mode.

THE PROS:

Intuitive and easy to use.

THE CONS:

Too many features could confuse inexperienced users.

THE CONS:

Close-range search is over-simplified.

THE CONS:

Fewer features for advanced users.

KODIAK SHOVEL

ALUGATOR LIGHT SHOVEL

Take your pick from two shoveling modes with this big bear of a shovel.

The telescopic shaft attaches to the blade in a traditional manner as well as perpendicularly, to easily hoe snow on steep slopes or to use chip away at whatever you might need to with the twelve by nine inch serrated shovel blade.

$89

PRICE

THE PROS:

Hoe mode.

THE CONS:

Serration not optimal for precision snow pit maintenance.

240 LIGHT PROBE

Made of anodized aluminum, the blade of this shovel has two ribs for rigidity and six small cutouts that contribute to its low weight of just under a pound and a half. The two-piece, telescoping shaft is also aluminum and culminates in a simple T-shaped handle.

$50

PRICE

$54

Encapsulating more than your average shovel, the shaft of the Arsenal holds a 28-centimeter saw that you can employ to study snow or cut branches away from your buried sled. The sturdy shovel measures 10-by11 inches and is still fully functional when the saw blade is removed so you can put your buddy to work.

$90

PRICE

THE PROS:

Simple, affordable.

THE PROS:

Shovel handle still functional when saw is deployed.

THE CONS:

Shovel blade is on the small side.

THE CONS:

On the heavy side.

PROBE PLUS

This aluminum probe weighs 9.5 ounces, measures 240 centimeters when extended and packs down to a mere 40 centimeters. It measures 11 millimeters in diameter and utilizes Dyneema cord for a quick and strong draw line. Bonus points are earned for an EVA foam grip at the end.

PRICE

ARSENAL A-2 EXT W/ 28-CM SAW

STEALTH 260 CARBON PROBE

Dyneema cord—eight times lighter and 15 times stronger than steel wire— is attached to a tab that deploys this seven-piece aluminum probe quickly and efficiently. The 280-centimeter probe measures 44 centimeters when packed up and weighs just 7.4 ounces.

$50

PRICE

Weighing in at just 7.5 ounces, the Stealth 260 Carbon probe is 10 millimeters in diameter and packs down to 42 centimeters long. Dangling cables are eliminated by replacing the traditional cable-pull with the Stealth Quick-Lock—a shaft that telescopes from the end and swiftly locks everything into place when time is of the essence.

$80

PRICE

THE PROS:

Foam grip.

THE PROS:

Lightweight.

THE PROS:

No dangling cable.

THE CONS:

Length is a little short for deep, coastal snow packs.

THE CONS:

Deployment mechanism could use a better grip.

THE CONS:

Shaft doesn’t alternate colors for quick depth analysis.

PG. 116

[ SAFETY GEAR |

| FREESKIER ]

CONSTRUCTION - 3PNO[ ^LPNO[ SV^ WYVÄSL T\S[P ZOLSS 0U 4VSK KLZPNU JYLH[LZ [OL WLYMLJ[ OLSTL[ VTT3 - 7YL[»Z OPNOLZ[ WLYMVYTPUN HKQ\Z[HISL ]LU[PSH[PVU Z`Z[LT ^P[O L_[LYUHS ]LU[Z PU[LYUHS ]LU[Z HUK PU[LYUHS JOHUULSZ MVY VW[PTHS [LTWLYH[\YL JVU[YVS RADIAL FIT SYSTEM - ;OL WLYMLJ[ TPJYV HKQ\Z[HISL JVTWHJ[ LYNVUVTPJ Ä[ Z`Z[LT AUDIO - ;OL ZV\UK J\Y[HPU LHY JV]LY PZ KLZPNULK [V ^VYR ^P[O [OL TVZ[ WVW\SHY KYVW PU H\KPV RP[Z VU [OL THYRL[ 9LTV]HISL [V HKHW[ [V ^HYT JVUKP[PVUZ

Alta, Utah Photo: Adam Barker

prethelmet.com

POLES

[02]

[01]

[04]

[03]

[06]

[05]

[08]

[07]

[01] SLACK 4FRNT $85 | [02] BOUNDARY BLACK DIAMOND $80 | [03] PEP FUJAS SIGNATURE JOYSTICK $95 [04] PARTY POLE K2 $80 | [05] SPITFIRE LEKI $140 | [06] POLLARD’S PAINT BRUSH LINE $85 [07] TEAM ISSUE SCOTT $120 | [08] VIBRANT SOUL SOUL POLES $175 | [09] MEDIEVAL SWIX $80 PG. 118

[ POLES |

| FREESKIER ]

[09]

Photography: Gabe Rogel

I

Location: The Teton Backcountry, Wyoming

I

Athlete: Eric Bryant

Marmot Ski Collection Just one way Marmot helps you bond with nature.

Flirting with danger requires a good opening line.

marmot.com s facebook.com/marmotpro

GADGETS

BOOMBOT2 (BB2)

ROAM

HD HERO2 OUTDOOR EDITION

BOOMBOTIX

CONTOUR

GOPRO

With Japanese-inspired styling, the Boombot2 portable speaker fits in your palm yet is powerful enough to fuel an impromptu dance party.

The sound is great, and its 50 mm driver delivers surprising bass. It’s ultra water resistant, has a dual retractable cable that you can lock at four intervals, and it can be paired with your smartphone via Bluetooth.

$70-75

PRICE

The ROAM POV cam is so damn easy to use. Flip on to record; flip off to power down. No complicated buttons. It shoots 1080p HD, boasts a 170-degree field of view and is waterproof up to 1 meter (60 meters in its waterproof case, sold separately). The aluminum body is durable enough to withstand beatings, so don’t be afraid to send it.

$200

PRICE

The Hero2 boasts up to 170-degree field of view at 1080p, is waterproof to 60 meters, shoots 11MP photos at 10 fps, includes mounts, and can be used with external accessories like a Wi-Fi remote kit. Plus it’s faster and sharper than the original Hero, has a mic input and will soon be able to live stream via the GoPro app.

$300

PRICE

THE PROS:

Clip attaches it to your gear. Battery life is great, too.

THE PROS:

Ease of use is unmatched.

THE PROS:

Exciting new features. Great battery life in the cold.

THE CONS:

Limited volume compared to larger systems.

THE CONS:

The audio is muffled.

THE CONS:

Scrolling through the settings can be tedious.

JUICE PACK PRO IPHONE CASE

SNAPSEED

OLLOCLIP

MOPHIE

NIK SOFTWARE INC.

OLLOCLIP

This powerhouse of a protective case shields your iPhone 4 or 4S from the elements. It’s engineered to exceed military standards for performance under extreme conditions. Best part? It stores power, providing your iPhone with 100 to 150 percent more battery life. This case is built for adventure yet is functional enough for everyday use.

$130

PRICE

Turn mediocre cell images into Instagram gold with Snapseed. Use Details/Structure to up clarity, Selective Adjust for delicate tweaks or Vintage for a retro feel. The possibilities are myriad. It’s the best photo editing app in the game. (iPhone 3GS, 4 & 4S, iPod touch 3 & 4G and iPad. Coming soon for Android.)

$5

PRICE

This bite-sized gadget is a three-in-one lens system that clips onto the corner of your iPhone. You’ll find a fisheye, a wide-angle and even a macro for your #artsy close-ups. The three lenses are optimal in camera mode but can also be used to shoot video. For the avid iPhone photographer, it’s a must have.

$70

PRICE

THE PROS:

Excellent durability, prolonged battery life.

THE PROS:

People will ask, “How do you take such nice pics?”

THE PROS:

Comes in a microfiber bag that doubles as a lens cloth.

THE CONS:

Bulky, heavy.

THE CONS:

It’s a bit tricky to figure at first. Just experiment.

THE CONS:

You have to remove your case to attach.

PG. 120

[ GADGETS |

| FREESKIER ]

powder!

photo: Tim Zimmerman

nd turn ice into

sier, more fun,a a ld,make skiing e increase edgeho

-Traction

Serrated edges

fe NAS with Magne

Fully Functional Fi

N: MAGNE-TRACTIO

Tim Dutton

GADGETS

BAG OF RHYTHM

PAINT SPLATTER

IKICK 100 IPHONE/IPOD DOCK

HOUSE OF MARLEY

JAMMYPACK

KICKER

House of Marley’s portable music player employs sleek design, and its quality sound makes heads bob to its thumping beats. Beach, pool, party, wherever, its twin 4.5-inch HD woofers, one-inch tweeters and 40W amp bump clear highs, mids and thunderous lows. It can run on D-cell batteries and charges your iOS device too.

$350

PRICE

JammyPack—the speaker-laden fanny pack—has new retroliscious designs for the partyers. Two three-watt mini speakers bump your beats, powered by a connected AA-battery box. It’s compatible with audio playing devices that have a headphone jack, and sits snugly on your booty. It’s also water resistant—great for pool parties. The Fresh Prince would be proud.

$65

PRICE

It’s small yet preserves Kicker’s trademark “Livin’ Loud” sound. Dual 2.5-inch speakers project clear sound, while a flared side port enhances low tones. Features include a USB port to charge your devices, a nifty remote control, auxiliary input, minijack output and an AC power adapter.

$150

PRICE

THE PROS:

Ultra-loud. Ultra-stylish design.

THE PROS:

Lightweight and holds what you need for a short trip.

THE PROS:

Ultra-small size still offers great sound.

THE CONS:

Weighs 15 pounds, so it’s not the most portable.

THE CONS:

Unequipped to carry bigger loads for longer treks.

THE CONS:

Not as loud as its older brothers, the iK150 and iK350.

DJ SLIMS

CASSETTE

ION

OUTDOOR TECHNOLOGY

SKULLCANDY

ZEAL

Via Bluetooth, the DJ Slims wireless headphones deliver ample sound while allowing you to go about your business, happily untethered. It features clean styling, retractable earpieces, and four buttons on the side to adjust volume or skip forward and back between tracks. Plus, you can pair them with a smartphone and use the built-in mic for calls.

$80

PRICE

This on-ear offering boasts versatility and decent sound at low cost.

Pop the removable speakers out and stick ‘em in your audio hoodie or beanie. You get two interchangeable ear cushions, one comfy for hangin’, one rubbery for activity. Bass is ample. Highs and mids come through well. Mic1 tech means you can talk on the phone, too.

$50

PRICE

Don’t like POV cameras on your helmet? The iON goggle has a built-in 1080p HD camera with a 170-degree field of view. The audio pickup is great, and it shoots 8MP photos. Buttons alongside the mask serve as controls, and you can capture about 120 minutes of footage on an 8GB microSD card. Battery life is approximately 2.5 hours in the cold.

$399

PRICE

THE PROS:

Bluetooth with a phone works up to half a block.

THE PROS:

Clean, refined look.

THE PROS:

Watch the recording live in the goggle, via viewfinder.

THE CONS:

Sound quality could be better.

THE CONS:

Need compatible gear to use the removable speakers.

THE CONS:

The goggle could be more comfortable.

PG. 122

[ GADGETS |

| FREESKIER ]

20

12

FREESKIER MAGAZINE SKI TEST

Every ski is essentially made like this: You take a core— maybe it’s wood, maybe it’s foam, maybe it’s wrapped, maybe it’s not. You add some sidewalls—capped, sandwich or hybrid. Plop in some edges of a particular width.

Add a base and a topsheet with a killer graphic. Stick it all in a press, take it out some time later. Shave off the glue sticking out the sides, give it a good sand and, voilà, you’ve got a ski.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s easy to construct a ski. (Before all you ski manufacturers drive to Boulder to cut my head off, keep reading.) Because every ski is basically made the same way, every ski looks damn near identical, especially since most skis now have some form of early rise in the tip and tail.

Although it’s very easy to make a ski and to make it look good (this is the part where you put down the knife, ski makers), it’s exceptionally hard to make a ski that performs to the standards skiers expect in 2012. It requires experience and intuition. It takes hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of testing, collaborating, engineering, more testing, and so on, to create a ski that demanding skiers should buy.

We can try to convince ourselves that we know a good ski when we see one, but the reality is, we can’t. Until you get on a ski, try it in different conditions and push it, you don’t know if you’ve got a ripper or one of the many skis that look great but can’t hold an edge past five mph.

PHOTO: GARRETT GROVE

Our annual ski tests—two weeks in Aspen and one week in Breckenridge—provide crucial information on all the skis that a Freeskier reader may be interested in. From entry-level park skis to the fattest, meanest powder slayers, our 40-plus ski testers rode them all and rode them hard.

After we compiled the results, we identified the skis that you should spend your hard-earned money on. We won’t claim there are no other good skis out there—guaranteed, there are many hidden gems—but we know these will do right by you all season long and thus, these are the skis that we have stamped Editor’s Picks.

To match up your body type and skiing style with one of our testers, turn to pages 132 and 138 and see each tester’s top picks. For the best deals and the best performers in each category, check out page 144. To learn more than you already have about ski construction and technologies, read up on page 142.

—MATT HARVEY

PG. 124

[ LET’S TALK SKI TESTS |

| FREESKIER ]

WORDS: MATT HARVEY PHOTOS: MATT POWER & HENRIK LAMPERT

Highway 82 into Aspen offers a series of teases that build as the miles tick by. First, the sign for Snowmass off to the right. Several fast miles later, Buttermilk comes into view, obscured by a long row of jets parked at the Aspen airport.

Moments later, Highlands becomes visible between hills in the foreground. But you know Highland Bowl is back there somewhere.

And you know you want to shred it.

Before you’ve stopped thinking of how hard you’re going to ski the three mountains you just passed, you enter the town of Aspen itself, with quaint old houses lining the street, presenting a façade of normalcy for this town of 6,000. The stories you’ve heard about the monstrous houses, celebrities and cars seem a grand lie. As you drive down Main Street, a gondola comes into view on the right, its cable heading over a ridge and vanishing, presenting an equally modest view of Ajax Mountain. When you first arrive in one of the most famous ski towns in the world, you’d think you were just entering any other Colorado mountain town. But you’d be wrong.

Teeming below the surface of first impressions is another world. For one, those quaint houses cost about the same as some small islands. Not a minute’s drive out of town lie some of the biggest villas you may have ever seen. Behind the unassuming bar fronts lie some of the rowdiest party scenes in the country. And the Silver Queen Gondola you saw that fades out over a ridge just above town? That actually provides access to 673 acres of terrain (that ski more like 1,200) and climbs 3,267 vertical in just 18 minutes.

PG. 126

[ THE ASPEN TEST |

Unlike this home of our All-Mountain Ski Test, Freeskier has never presented a subtle front. Juxtaposed against the pictureperfect Aspen backdrop, you could say our rowdy band of ski testers sticks out. Whether it’s the baggy clothing, the fluorescents, the majorly fat skis or the general “drive fast, take chances” attitude, logic says we should not jive with the Furs.

But perhaps underneath those expensive clothes lie a little ski tester in each of them, because jive somehow we do.

Once our ski testers take to the hill, they get to work doing what they are paid to do: ski hard. And they do so for two weeks straight, testing all of next year’s best skis.

We set up camp on the summit of Ajax Mountain, tucked just out of view so as not to scare off the locals. With a mini tent village, picnic tables to chill on, blaring music, racks on racks of perfectly tuned skis and tech reps at the ready with screwdrivers in hand, our home is somewhat of a dream. Like we said, we’re not ones for subtlety.

| FREESKIER ]

SKIER: PAT SEWELL

Clockwise from top left: GRANT SAVIDGE & JOSH BISHOP

[ THE ASPEN TEST |

| FREESKIER ]

| JESSE HOFFMAN | STEPHEN SMITH | GORDON BRONSON

PG. 127

SKIER: GRANT SAVIDGE

PG. 128

Each ski to be tested starts with a clean slate as a tester slides out of camp on a fresh pair. In mind are the four categories to be scored: playfulness, carving, stability and float. To test each of these categories, a tester will generally do a top-to-bottom lap: over 3,200 feet of vertical on wildly varied terrain.

into a mogul dream as you prepare to drop into Jackpot or Bingo Glades, both steep, totally bumped-out tree runs. From there, it’s a short and deceptively fast groomer back to the gondola where you can sneak in some epic people watching before loading back up to the top.

Many routes start at the top of Ajax, but over the last couple of years, we’ve found some favorites. One option is to head off skier’s right and dip into Walsh’s for tight trees and small powder fields. Exit out onto Northstar’s groomers and stay right up Gentleman’s Ridge. The seemingly mellow ridge trail quickly turns

Another favorite for its huge, highly visible senders, starts with Dipsy Doodle and cuts under the Ajax Express. Let ’er rip under the lift and catch some serious rad time off the booters beside the lift towers. After crossing over the Silver Dip groomer, slow it down before sending it off the mini cliff line directly under the

[ THE ASPEN TEST |

| FREESKIER ]

H O U S E O F M A R L E Y. C O M

PEOPLE GET READY NOISE ISOLATING, EARTH FRIENDLY IN-EAR HEADPHONES BOB MARLEY BELIEVED IN A BETTER WORLD. TODAY HIS FAMILY IS CREATING IT THROUGH A NEW LINE OF INSPIRED PERSONAL AUDIO THAT GIVES JOY AND GIVES BACK.

BOB MARLEY™ MARLEY™ © Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Ltd., 2012.

Right of Publicity and Persona Rights - Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Ltd.

BOBMARLEY.COM

SKIER: JESSE HOFFMAN

lift. Or, like our testers, go as fast as possible and land switch in the mogul field. No matter the outcome, you will make many lift riders’ day.

Last but not least, just take off down a skier’s right groomer and don’t stop until you get to the bottom.

Copper Bowl is one of the best sustained-steep groomers in the country for high-speed carving. Just be careful of the mogul fields on either side. Some of the most spectacular ski tester crashes in FreeskierFest history went down on that terrain this season.

After trying out one of these stellar options, each tester fills out one of our tester cards on the smooth gondola ride back to summit camp, not only awarding a score of 1-5 for each category but also writing a couple of sentences about how the ski felt.

A ski doesn’t have to earn top marks in each category to be deemed a winner. For instance, a 90 mm carving ski can’t be expected to earn a five out of five for float, and a 140 mm powder ski shouldn’t be expected to earn a perfect carving score. However, a 140 mm powder ski that does carve well earns bonus points and is awarded accordingly. With some exceptions, our Editor’s Picks are one-ski quiver choices. Look for a ski in the category that mostly matches your skiing

style, but rest assured you won’t be pigeon holing yourself with any of our picks.

At the end of each day of hard testing, we put down a couple more hours of work at the Sky Hotel, where the hot tub overflows with beer and whiskey nightly. After the mandatory après, we host huge family dinners at the condo, where Chef Nate, a pro cook whose résumé includes tours with Tool and the Black Eyed Peas, dishes up a spectacular meal each night. Testers reflect on the best skis of the day and who sent it furthest off each natural jump under the chair.

And while our testers may be able to send 60-foot 180s in the middle of a run, (flip to page 134 to meet them), the level of talent on Ajax Mountain on any given day is unique to this town. And we’re not talking about 20-year-old pros. We’re talking about 70-year-old retirees. It’s not out of the question that you could cruise a top-to-bottom lap, turn around and see an old man right on your tails. He is the us of his generation, now blending in quietly with the Aspen community, while we take over the town with visible enthusiasm. All in the name of finding the best new skis in the world.

To watch video of our testers putting these skis through the ringer, visit freeskier.com/freeskierfest. Follow the hashtag #FreeskierFest on Twitter and Instagram for more.

PG. 130

[ THE ASPEN TEST |

| FREESKIER ]

ZACH BERMAN Age: 27 Ht: 5’11” Wt: 175 lbs Home Resort: Breckenridge Type of Skier: Powder chaser.

NICOLE BIRKHOLD Age: 30 Ht: 5’2” Wt: 120 lbs Home Resort: Cannonsburg Type of Skier: Fast and fun.

Favorite Skis:

Favorite Skis:

Nordica_Helldorado Armada_AK JJ Blizzard_Cochise

Rossignol_S7W K2_MissBehaved Völkl_Kiku

GORDON BRONSON Age: 23 Ht: 5’8” Wt: 170 lbs Home Resort: Aspen/Snowmass Type of Skier: Carving, powder and big turns.

BRADFORD FAYFIELD Age: 40 Ht: 5’10” Wt: 160 lbs Home Resort: Vail Type of Skier: Once a freedogger, always a freedogger!

Favorite Skis:

Favorite Skis:

Blizzard_Bodacious Blizzard_Cochise Scott_Dozer

Nordica_Patron Völkl_Mantra Völkl_Katana

LEAH FIELDING Age: 26 Ht: 5’2” Wt: 110 lbs Home Resort: Aspen/Snowmass Type of Skier: Aggressive carver and powder charger, it just depends on the day.

Favorite Skis:

Armada_TSTw Rossignol_S7W K2_Sidekick

the

ASPEN TESTERS

HENRIK LAMPERT Age: 25 Ht: 5’10” Wt: 180 lbs Home Resort: Aspen/Snowmass Type of Skier: Party all over the hill. Powder hound, park slayer, après aficionado.

Favorite Skis:

Blizzard_Gunsmoke Armada_JJ Nordica_Helldorado

*SKI TESTERS’ TOP PICKS DO NOT INCLUDE SKIS FROM THEIR SPONSORS

MEREDITH McKEE Age: 29 Ht: 5’4” Wt: 125 lbs Home Resort: Aspen/Snowmass Type of Skier: I like to ski it all. Powder, bumps, steeps, backcountry... I like going fast on groomers too.

KYLE PALMER Age: 24 Ht: 6’4” Wt: 230 lbs Home Resort: Breckenridge Type of Skier: Aggressive backcountry skier, trees, powder, and everything else.

Favorite Skis:

Scott_Dozer Elan_Domino Armada_TST

Rossignol_S3W 4FRNT_Aretha Blizzard_Samba

PG. 132

Favorite Skis:

RYAN PRENTICE Age: 26 Ht: 6’1” Wt: 180 lbs Home Resort: Whistler Type of Skier: Test pilot.

Favorite Skis:

Blizzard_Bonafide Rossignol_Squad 7 Kästle_FX 104

[ THE ASPEN TEST |

| FREESKIER ]

GRANT SAVIDGE Age: 22 Ht: 6’0” Wt: 180 lbs Home Resort: Breckenridge Type of Skier: A park skier w/ a passion for the whole hill.

PAT SEWELL Age: 28 Ht: 5’11” Wt: 180 lbs Home Resort: Aspen/Snowmass Type of Skier: Awesome.

Favorite Skis:

Atomic_Automatic Rossignol_Squad 7 Line_Mr. Pollard’s Opus

Armada_JJ Blizzard_Gunsmoke Salomon_Rocker2 115

Favorite Skis:

JENNY HARRIS Age: 28 Ht: 5’8” Wt: 125 lbs Home Resort: Aspen/Snowmass Type of Skier: Pedal to the metal all-mountain/big-mountain gravity dancer.

Favorite Skis:

Blizzard_Samba Kästle_TX 107 Nordica_La Niña

MATT HARVEY Age: 31 Ht: 5’10” Wt: 142 lbs Home Resort: Aspen/Snowmass Type of Skier: Big-mountain and sidecountry enthusiast.

Favorite Skis:

Armada_JJ Rossignol_Sickle K2_Kung Fujas

GREGG HEIL Age: 37 Ht: 5’9” Wt: 165 lbs Home Resort: Alpine Meadows Type of Skier: Fast. Searching for gates to move from the resort to the sidecountry.

Favorite Skis:

Völkl_Shiro Armada_TST Rossignol_Sickle

JESSE JAMES HOFFMAN Age: 21 Ht: 5’8” Wt: 135 lbs Home Resort: Aspen/Snowmass Type of Skier: All-mountain.

Favorite Skis:

Kästle_BMX 108 Völkl_Shiro Salomon_Rocker2 108

JONNY KLEMCHUK Age: 27 Ht: 6’0” Wt: 196 lbs Home Resort: Aspen/Snowmass Type of Skier: Ski ballet, but now a charger, fast GS turns and (trying) to stomp.

Favorite Skis:

Blizzard_Cochise Atomic_Ritual 4FRNT_CRJ

MIKE McCABE Age: 29 Ht: 6’2” Wt: 225 lbs Home Resort: Winter Park Type of Skier: Hot dogger, après hot-tubber, stunt enthusiast.

Favorite Skis:

Blizzard_Bodacious Line_Mr. Pollard’s Opus Kästle_FX 104

STEPHEN SMITH Age: 28 Ht: 5’10” Wt: 150 lbs Home Resort: Aspen/Snowmass Type of Skier: Park.

Favorite Skis:

Scott_Punisher K2_Pettitor Armada_JJ

MIKEY WECHSLER Age: 51 Ht: 5’10” Wt: 150 lbs Home Resort: Aspen/Snowmass Type of Skier: Every day, everywhere, every condition.

BEN WESTFELDT Age: 26 Ht: 5’10” Wt: 150 lbs Home Resort: Aspen/Snowmass Type of Skier: Steep and deep.

Favorite Skis:

Blizzard_Cochise Armada_AK JJ Armada_TST

Kästle_FX 104 Scott_Dozer Nordica_Patron

Favorite Skis:

[ THE ASPEN TEST |

PATRICK WESTFELDT Age: 26 Ht: 6’0” Wt: 165 lbs Home Resort: Aspen/Snowmass Type of Skier: Type III, level 10, Dorito extreme skier, former racer who likes to turn, go straight, and air it out.

Favorite Skis:

Moment_Governor Scott_Pure Kästle_BMX 108

| FREESKIER ]

GREG WRIGHT Age: 35 Ht: 5’11” Wt: 185 lbs Home Resort: Heavenly Type of Skier: Steeps, powder, and sidecountry.

Favorite Skis:

Line_Mr. Pollard’s Opus Völkl_Shiro Nordica_Patron

PG. 133

SKIER: GRANT SAVIDGE

Clockwise from top left: KOLBY WARD

PG. 134

| SKIS!| CODY CIRILLO | STEPHEN SMITH

[ THE BRECK TEST |

| FREESKIER ]

When you’re tasked with testing an abundance of park skis, there’s truly no better place to go than Breckenridge Ski Resort. Home to arguably the best terrain parks in the world, Breckenridge has all of the essential on-hill requirements needed for a thorough Park Ski Test, while offering more than enough off-hill amenities to keep both our staff and our talented team of ski testers happy for a week.

WORDS: HENRIK LAMPERT PHOTOS: HENRIK LAMPERT & SHAY WILLIAMS

The base of chair 5 on peak 8 serves as the official Park Ski Test home base. There, we erect our tents each morning, unload skis onto the many racks that Breck loans us for the week, place the lawn chairs, ready the picnic tables where testers will fill out their ski review forms, engage in a bit of morning stretching and get to work.

Setting up camp at the base of chair 5 allows our testers to grab a pair of skis from the racks, have a rep adjust their bindings, click in and push all of 10 yards to load the lift en route to ski-testing paradise.

Chair 5 services Breck’s two highest-level terrain parks, Freeway and Park Lane. Freeway is world renowned for its massive jumps—most between 65 and 75 feet in length— a pristine 22-foot-tall, 615-foot-long halfpipe and its abundance of large, technical rail features.

Park Lane, on the other hand, is home to smaller and midsized features. While “smaller” and “midsized” may be a turnoff to some, picture this: jump after jump after

[ THE BRECK TEST |

jump, followed by rail after rail after rail, followed by jump after jump after jump, followed by rail after rail after rail, and so on. It’s a jibber’s dream—a smorgasbord of features that can be tackled in countless ways from an array of creative lines. While Freeway is impressive for the size of its features, many of the world’s top pros who call Breckenridge home find themselves dabbling in Park Lane often because it’s just that much fun.

Now that you’re sufficiently jealous of our testing venue, let’s talk about the testing process itself. We hired thirteen skiers to put this year’s lineup of 2012/13 skis to the test. Our team is mostly comprised of local pros and was selected based on a few important criteria: 1) They must be highly skilled park skiers; 2) They must possess strong knowledge of ski construction and the technical aspects of the equipment they’re testing; 3) They must be willing and able to comply with our every demand, even if that means heavy lifting, doing pushups, or delivering coffee from One Ski Hill Place to our staff.

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 135

SKIER: KOLBY WARD

Once you earn your spot on the squad, your task is simply to ski as many darn skis as humanly possible in our five testing days, while ensuring you give each ski an equal and fair amount of attention. Take your pick between Park Lane and Freeway, just be sure you get a feel for how each ski performs on jumps and rails, in the pipe, and everywhere in between.

While it’s important to judge how a ski performs in the park, obviously, it’s also crucial to examine how the ski performs elsewhere on the mountain, specifically on groomers. Can it carve well? Would Joe Schmo be happy ripping this particular ski with Mom and Dad when they demand that Joe joins them for a run outside of the park? This is important as it helps to give us an overall impression of the ski, which in turn leads to a better, more accurate review for you.

On page 138, you’ll find a complete list of those who are proud to call themselves a part of the Freeskier Park Ski Test Team. In addition to vitals (height, weight, age), each tester lists his or her topthree favorite skis from the week. Thus, you’ll be able to compare your own body type with that of the testers to see what might work well for your size and ability, even if the skis they liked didn’t earn an Editor’s Pick like the rest of the skis listed here.

After taking a pair of skis out for a lap or two, each tester then sits down at the base area and fills out one of our official review forms. Testers rate the ski in four categories: Playfulness, stability, swing weight and carving. They are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being absolutely terrible and 5 being absolutely amazing. Testers are also responsible for writing comments in regards to each category.

These notes and the collective scores serve as the basis for the reviews that you will read on the following pages.

As you flip through the subsequent pages, you’ll see the skis that earned the badge of Editor’s Pick.

These skis scored the highest and earned the most collective praise from the testers. These are the skis that our staff will recommend to friends and that we will rock this upcoming season.

Between five fun-filled days of skiing under a bright Colorado sun; BBQs at midmountain for lunch; extravagant family dinners at our hotel, Mountain Thunder Lodge, (taco-tequila Tuesday, for example); pool and hot tub parties; and evenings out on the town, there’s never a dull moment. After all, we don’t call it FreeskierFest for nothing.

To watch video of our testers putting these skis through the ringer, visit freeskier.com/freeskierfest. Follow the hashtag #FreeskierFest on Twitter and Instagram for more.

PG. 136

[ THE BRECK TEST |

| FREESKIER ]

Kolby Ward Age: 22 Ht: 5’11” Wt: 170 lbs Home Resort: Telluride Type of Skier: Park.

Favorite Skis:

Völkl_Wall Atomic_Punx Dynastar_6th Sense Distorter

Lucas Evans

with minors in all-mountain and powder.

Maddie Baker Age: 22 Ht: 5’6” Wt: 125 lbs Home Resort: Breckenridge Type of Skier: Aggressive carver for sure. But also a pipe and park skier.

Favorite Skis:

Favorite Skis:

Line_Chronic Liberty_LTE Armada_THall

Armada_AR7 4FRNT_Click!

K2_Empress

Age: 21 Ht: 6’0” Wt: 165 lbs Home Resort: Beaver Creek Type of Skier: Majoring in park,

Cody Cirillo Age: 19 Ht: 5’9” Wt: 160 lbs Home Resort: Breckenridge Type of Skier: Park.

Favorite Skis:

Drew Van Gorder Age: 26 Ht: 6’1” Wt: 175 lbs Home Resort: Breckenridge Type of Skier: Big mountain and park.

Völkl_Wall Atomic_Punx Armada_Halo

Favorite Skis:

Pat Goodnough Age: 25 Ht: 6’0” Wt: 190 lbs Home Resort: Breckenridge Type of Skier: Park and powder.

Stephen Smith Age: 28 Ht: 5’10” Wt: 150 lbs Home Resort: Aspen/Snowmass Type of Skier: Park.

Favorite Skis:

Favorite Skis:

Grant Savidge Age: 22 Ht: 6’0” Wt: 180 lbs Home Resort: Breckenridge Type of Skier: Park with a passion for the whole hill.

Salomon_Rocker2 92 Fat-ypus_G-Butter Atomic_Punx

Armada_AR7 Fat-ypus_G-Butter Scott_Jib TW

Favorite Skis:

Maggie Stout Age: 20 Ht: 5’0” Wt: 135 lbs Home Resort: Blue Mountain, PA Type of Skier: Pipe and park.

Chris Krance Age: 24 Ht: 6’2” Wt: 155 lbs Home Resort: Breckenridge Type of Skier: All mountain leaning to park depending on the conditions. (cough) Two knee surgeries.

Alicia Domsky Age: 21 Ht: 5’2” Wt: 105 lbs Home Resort: Whitetail, PA Type of Skier: Jibber.

Armada_THall Line_Chronic Atomic_Punx

the

BRECK TESTERS

*SKI TESTERS’ TOP PICKS DO NOT INCLUDE SKIS FROM THEIR SPONSORS

Kirsten Cooley Age: 19 Ht: 5’8” Wt: 135 lbs Home Resort: Breckenridge Type of Skier: Park.

Favorite Skis:

Armada_AR7 Armada_Pipe Cleaner Head_The Show

PG. 138

Travis Perez Age: 27 Ht: 5’10” Wt: 180 lbs Home Resort: Breckenridge Type of Skier: Aggressive powder hound. All-mountain jibber. Jump lover.

Favorite Skis:

Scott_TW Pro Fat-Ypus_G-Butter Line_Afterbang

Favorite Skis:

Armada_ARW K2_Empress Scott_Jib

[ THE BRECK TEST |

Favorite Skis:

Armada_Pipe Cleaner Atomic_Punx Nordica_Ace of Spades Comp

| FREESKIER ]

Salomon_Rocker2 92 Völkl_Ledge Scott_TW Pro

Favorite Skis:

Head_The Show Fischer_Delirium Armada_ARW

STRICTLYthe FACTS

(AND SOME GUESSES)

Between our two on-hill tests, the hundreds of skis and the dozens of people involved along the way, we generate a lot of wild statistics. On this page, we’ve tried to recreate some of those stats by comparing them to things you can relate to, like skiing down Mount Everest. We compiled these numbers by making some assumptions, taking some total guesses, and gleaning data from the new SNOCRU app. Here’s what they amount to.

10

ALL MOUNTAIN TEST DAYS IN ASPEN, COLORADO

TOTAL NUMBER OF TESTERS

ASPEN’S SILVER QUEEN GONDOLA VERTICAL

AVERAGE ALLMOUNTAIN HOURS SKIED PER DAY

3,267 FT

6.5 HOURS

BRECK’S CHAIR 5 VERTICAL

AVERAGE PARK HOURS SKIED PER DAY

711 FT

5 HOURS

40 PARK TEST DAYS IN BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO

5

TOTAL SKI COMPANIES

TOTAL MILES SKIED THAT’S THE EQIVALENT OF SKIING FROM ASPEN, CO, TO NEW YORK, NY.

2,200

AVERAGE NUMBER OF SKI MODELS PER COMPANY (AND ONE MONOSKI!)

AVERAGE RUNS PER SKI

43

9.9

AVERAGE T2B SPEED

TOTAL NUMBER OF SANDWICHES EATEN

271

THAT’S LONGER THAN RUNNING THE NEW YORK HALF MARATHON... OR ANY OTHER HALF MARATHON FOR THAT MATTER. (AT THE ASPEN TEST)

48.2 MPH

WHICH MEANS THAT IF YOU WERE BEING CHASED BY A MONGOLIAN WILD ASS OR A HYENA YOU’D BE SAFE. ALTHOUGH A LION WOULD STILL MAUL YOUR POOR SELF. (AT THE ASPEN TEST)

TOTAL MILES SKIED ON EACH SKI 14.1

9.5

TOTAL VERTICAL SKIED

5,105,000 FT THAT’S THE EQUIVALENT OF SKIING FROM THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT EVEREST TO SEA LEVEL 176 TIMES.

SNOCRU is a free app on iTunes and Google Play (Android) that delivers a ski resort specific social network for its users. In addition to tracking runs, speeds, distance and elevations you can also track your friends’ exact locations on the mountain through the app’s GPS. SNOCRU’s snow report feature combines friend geographic data and snow conditions to show you which of your friends are shredding pow at resorts around the world. The app also has a handy feature for road trips that displays the nearest bars, shops, ATMs or gas stations. Lastly, post photos through the app and send updates through Twitter and Facebook to make your friends jealous.

WORDS: DAMIAN QUIGLEY

WITH THE MANY ADVANCES IN SKI TECHNOLOGY OVER RECENT YEARS, CHOOSING THE RIGHT PAIR OF BOARDS HAS NOT GOTTEN ANY EASIER. TODAY’S COUNTLESS DESIGNS EXCEL IN DIFFERENT AREAS AND CHOOSING THE RIGHT PAIR BOILS DOWN TO HOW AND WHERE YOU LIKE TO SKI. WHILE YOU MAY NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHAT SKIS YOU NEED, YOU PROBABLY HAVE A GOOD IDEA OF WHAT YOU WANT THEM TO DO. Before you start looking at skis, prioritize the areas of performance you’re looking for and compile a list of your desired attributes. Are you looking for something that will carve pipe walls with precision?

Do you need something burly to stomp those cliff hucks or are you more interested in a ski that will be playful in the powder? Maybe you want a ski that will do all of these things. Rank them in order of importance. This quick exercise will help you focus in on what you really need for a more effective skibuying process.

While you can research and shop for days on end, the one true way to know how a ski performs is to ski on it. If possible, pay for a full day demo from your local shop where they will usually let you try out as many pairs as you want in that time, and may apply the cost towards whatever pair you end up buying.

Better yet, look for company demo days and do it for free. Be sure to take at least two runs on each ski, and if your research paid off, one of the skis you try should click. Like love, you’ll know it when you feel it.

PG. 142

[ HOW TO BUY - SKIS |

| FREESKIER ]

HERE IS A BREAKDOWN OF SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS OF A SKI TO KEEP IN MIND. SHAPE Never forget that shape is king and should always be your starting point. Begin by selecting an appropriate waist width for the terrain you will be on most of the time. As a general guideline: 75 to 95 mm for park, pipe and most East Coast skiing, 95 to 115 mm for all-mountain and big-mountain lines, and 115 mm or more for powder hunting. Not to say that you can’t ski a 100 mm ski in the park or that you won’t have a blast crushing powder with a 107 mm waist, but these widths are a good starting point.

Next comes sidecut. A traditional sidecut, resembling an hourglass, is great for carving and lends itself well to the park and pipe. Outside of these types of shredding however, you might benefit from some of the more progressive designs available. Multi-dimensional sidecuts, such as the popular 5-dimensional Rossignol S7s and Armada JJs, provide wide, float-friendly widths near the main contact points and tapered sidecuts in front and behind those points to alleviate tip hooking in deep snow whilte increasing performance.

This kind of shape is great for off-piste skiing but still performs well all over the mountain.

Last but not least in the shape category is the camber vs. rocker decision. Traditional camber is the slight, upward curvature of an unweighted ski as it sits on a flat surface. This design will distribute the weight of a skier evenly along the edges for precision turning and great edge hold on groomed surfaces. A fully rockered ski has the opposite profile and the weight of a skier will cause the tip and tail to rise. This makes for great float in powder and easy maneuverability (turn initiation, schmear turns, and buttering), as the effective edge of the ski is much shorter. Clearly there are benefits to both designs and so many of today’s skis are a hybrid of the two: traditional camber underfoot and rocker in the tip and/ or tail. This is a great formula and makes for a playful ski that will handle all conditions well but you need to decide how much of each design you want to incorporate. As Steve Kopitz of skis.com points out, “Subtle tweaks can make a huge difference in the way a ski performs.” A few millimeters of more or less camber can have a significant effect on the carving prowess of a ski and this is where you have to decide which areas of performance rank higher for you.

CORE CONSTRUCTION

SIDEWALLS

Different layers of materials dictate the vibrancy of a ski and should also be matched to your style of skiing. A variety of ingredients can be used to achieve this but wood should be at the core of a well-constructed pair. Vertically laminated strips of assorted flavors are used in different combinations to achieve varying flex patterns. Beech and poplar can be used for a poppy, lively feel while ash and fir provide a firmer flex. From there, other layers and materials can be added above and below the core to augment performance and dampen vibration. Look for tightly woven fiberglass and metal, such as titanium, to add stability and dampening properties in high-performance skis. Rubber is also used to dampen vibration and carbon fiber can be added for lightweight strengthening with a lively feel.

One thing you’ll notice among ski companies is that they love to make up words. These buzz words exist to make their technology sound exciting, which it usually is, but you need to cut through those terms to figure out what materials and processes lay beneath. If you see or hear a particular term you don’t understand, ask the guy at your local ski shop to break it down for you so you can make a more informed decision.

With so many different cores on the market it may not be possible to try them all out but you should flex all the skis you can get your hands on. Get a feel for the varying degrees of stiffness that come with different materials and narrow it down to what will suit your skiing best.

Sandwich sidewalls are made of various, durable plastics and protect the core of your ski from impacts and moisture, while efficiently transferring energy to your edge. They are vertical, or slanted to save weight, and also help reinforce the edge against impacts brought on by rocks and rails.

Some of the plastics used are higher quality than others, but Mike McCabe of Folsom Custom Skis says, “As a general rule of thumb, go with sandwich construction for a more durable, long lasting ski.”

Cap construction–where the top sheet and composite layer fold over the side and down to the edge–was popularized in the ‘90s due to its economical and forgiving qualities.

While it won’t give you the performance of a sandwich sidewall, the forgiving nature and easy turn initiation make it good for some beginner-to-intermediate skis. It can also be used in hybrid construction, sometimes referred to as “half-cap” or “mini-cap,” where a sandwich sidewall is built and then capped. This is an effective use of both methods as it alleviates the sharp top edge, which is susceptible to gouges from the opposite ski but retains the performance of a sidewall underneath.

Another effective and increasingly popular hybrid is one that utilizes a sidewall underfoot with cap construction in the tip and tail to reduce swing weight.

We could write a book about ski construction but these are the most important pieces of the puzzle. Remember that shop employees live and breathe the newest gear so you don’t necessarily have to. Take the time to talk to them, ask questions and explain what your needs are. With your list of priorities and the knowledge provided by your local gear junkie, you’ll be on the right pair of boards in no time.

[ HOW TO BUY - SKIS |

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 143

*Lists only include Editor’s Picks

MOST STABLE SKIS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

T-7.

K2 BLIZZARD VÖLKL KÄSTLE BLIZZARD VÖLKL ATOMIC ROSSIGNOL 9. SCOTT T-10. VÖLKL ARMADA BLIZZARD

MISSDEMEANOR COCHISE MANTRA FX 104 BONAFIDE KATANA RITUAL S7W PURE WALL PIPE CLEANER BODACIOUS

BEST FLOATING SKIS T-1. FAT-YPUS ROSSIGNOL ROSSIGNOL SALOMON 5. SALOMON 6. LINE 7. ARMADA T-8. K2 SALOMON T-10. NORDICA MOMENT

MOST EXPENSIVE SKIS

A-LOTTA S7W SQUAD 7 ROCKETTE 115 ROCKER2 122 PANDORA AK JJ PETTITOR ROCKER2 115 HELLDORADO GOVERNOR

1.

2.

3.

4.

T-5.

7.

8.

9.

10.

BEST VALUE PARK SKIS 1. HEAD 2. K2 3. VÖLKL 4. ELAN 5. LINE 6. HEAD 7. VÖLKL 8. ELAN

THE SHOW EMPRESS GEM PUZZLE TBT AFTERBANG THE CADDY LEDGE DELIRIUM TBT 9. DYNASTAR 6TH SENSE DISTORTER PUNX 10. ATOMIC

PG. 144

15.66

$350 $370 $400 $450 $500 $475 $500 $450

17.20

$500

17.64

$579

17.33 16.50 15.00 16.67 18.00 16.70 17.42

KÄSTLE VÖLKL NORDICA BLIZZARD NORDICA NORDICA LINE SALOMON ATOMIC ARMADA

FX 104 KATANA HELLDORADO BODACIOUS PATRON LA NINA INFLUENCE 115 ROCKER2 122 AUTOMATIC AK JJ

$1,199 $1,065 $999 $950 $949 $949 $940 $935 $929 $925

PHOTO: OSKAR ENANDER LOCATION: ENGELBERG, SWITZERLAND

BEST CARVING SKIS 1.

2.

3.

4.

T-5.

7.

8.

9.

T-10.

NORDICA KÄSTLE VÖLKL BLIZZARD ARMADA NORDICA BLIZZARD SALOMON SCOTT ROSSIGNOL VÖLKL

BEST BIG-MOUNTAIN SKIS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

BELLE TO BELLE FX 104 MANTRA BONAFIDE PIPE CLEANER ACE OF SPADES COMP COCHISE ROCKETTE 92 CRUSADE SCIMITAR AURA

BLIZZARD ARMADA ARMADA ATOMIC NORDICA MOMENT VÖLKL ROSSIGNOL ROSSIGNOL VÖLKL

COCHISE AK JJ TSTW RITUAL HELLDORADO GOVERNOR GOTAMA SICKLE S3W KATANA

BEST PARK SKIS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

T-9.

BEST POWDER SKIS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

ROSSIGNOL SALOMON BLIZZARD ROSSIGNOL LINE FAT-YPUS BLIZZARD VÖLKL SALOMON LINE

S7W ROCKETTE 115 GUNSMOKE SQUAD 7 MR. POLLARD’S OPUS A-LOTTA BODACIOUS SHIRO ROCKER2 122 PANDORA

ARMADA SCOTT LINE ARMADA ARMADA K2 ATOMIC VÖLKL SALOMON SCOTT

ARW JIB TW AFTERBANG THALL PIPE CLEANER MISSDEMEANOR PUNX WALL ROCKER2 92 JIB

BEST ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

BLIZZARD NORDICA KÄSTLE ARMADA VÖLKL ATOMIC NORDICA SCOTT ATOMIC VÖLKL

BONAFIDE BELLE TO BELLE FX 104 TST MANTRA ELYSIAN EL PACO CRUSADE THEORY AURA

PG. 145

ALL-

MOUNTAIN While it’s true that no ski will perform perfectly in every condition, it doesn’t mean there aren’t multifaceted skis for those who want to shred it all. From icy hardpack to fresh powder to spring corn and everything in between, our following list of all-mountain Editor’s Picks can tear all of it up because these are the most versatile skis on the market.

SKIER: TODD LIGARE PHOTO: MARK FISHER_TGR LOCATION: VALDEZ, AK

MADONNA

TST

ELYSIAN

4FRNT

ARMADA

ATOMIC

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

158, 165, 172

165, 174, 183, 192

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

150, 159, 168 DIMENSIONS

120 - 96 - 115 @165

119 - 132 - 102 - 123 @183

128 - 95 - 117 @168

Completely redesigned for this year, the 4FRNT Madonna boasts a new look and shape that had our women testers enthralled. The Madonna upgraded its tips and tails to include rocker, which allows for just enough float in pow and crud, yet the traditional camber underfoot keeps the sticks “fun, poppy and beautiful edge to edge,” one tester gloated.

Madonna’s combined beech and ash Contour Core makes the ski dense for stability yet damp for playfulness and forgiveness. “It’s light, it’s responsive—a girl’s dream,” one tester said.

Armada’s homage to the late Travis Steeger, the TST chews up the entire mountain, whether it’s fresh corduroy, frontside crud or pow in the trees. It’s got all the trappings of a super versatile ski: lightweight woodcore, durable base, carbon layering in the tail. Armada also imbued the ski with early rise in the tip for flotation and a traditional tail for stability everywhere. “This ski is super intuitive,” commented one tester. “You think it, and it executes.” A portion of every TST sale goes to Travis Steeger’s Memorial Fund.

For ladies seeking a one-ski quiver, Atomic has answered prayers with its all-mountain ripper, the Elysian. Built with versatility in mind, the Elysian features slight tip and tail rocker and normal camber underfoot making it “floaty enough” for pow and “lots of fun for laying down tracks,” exclaimed one. Sidewall construction underfoot allows for vibration absorption, while a full woodcore and carbon backbone maximize power transfer. Translation: More power, less chatter. One tester summed it up best, “This is just a great all-around fun ski. I would recommend it for most women on most days.”

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

PG. 146

4.20 3.50 3.80 4.10

15.60 $560

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

16.81 $850

PRICE

[ ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS |

4.75 3.75 4.06 4.25

| FREESKIER ]

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

3.75 3.75 4.25 4.50

16.25 $629

ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS

THEORY

BONAFIDE

CHAM 97

ATOMIC

BLIZZARD

DYNASTAR

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

168, 177, 186

166, 173, 180, 187

DIMENSIONS

166, 172, 178, 184

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

130 - 95 - 119 @177

133 - 98 - 118

118 - 133 - 97 - 113 - 92 @178

In a category filled with supercharged skis, the Atomic Theory blew testers away with its ability to shred turns. One tester said, “It rails turns like a MF,” while another said it was “quick and nimble in turns, side to side and in the air.” The Theory’s shape remains the same this year, with rocker in the tip and tail and traditional camber underfoot, a trend with a lot of all-mountain skis. The Theory also packs a woodcore for stability, durability and a carbon backbone to increase its responsiveness. If you’re looking for a ski that’s “easy to ski and rips right out of the gate,” then you’ll like the Atomic Theory.

The Bonafide by Blizzard is a woodcore, sandwich-constructed, hardcharging, rip-roaring stallion of an allmountain ski. Blizzard has a reputation for making skis geared towards more aggressive skiers, and the Bonafide is no different. The 98 mm waist gives you ample girth to plow through crud.

The bamboo and titanium guts combine for a ride so stable and smooth that one tester said they’d “go a million MPH,” if you could. Drop in a little tip and tail rocker for added fun and you’ve got yourself a hell of a do-it-all ski.

Dynastar is known for making highquality, high-octane skis, and the Cham 97 is no exception. The all-new ski features Dynastar’s Levitation Profile: a five-point sidecut, tip rocker, traditional underfoot camber and a flat pintail. While directional freeride skis are few and far between, the Cham incorporates the flat tail for the more stable ride it offers. Full sidewall construction and normal camber allow for solid power transfer and further stability, while the rockered tip adds float and maneuverability. Take a look at Dynastar’s Cham 97 for a powerful ride.

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

3.70 3.40 4.25 4.35

15.70 $629

3.93 3.71 4.71 4.86

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING

17.21

OVERALL SCORE

$850

PRICE

L-TORO

FX 104

FAT-YPUS

KÄSTLE

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

172, 182

PRICE

133 - 101 - 123

133 - 104 - 123 Kästle’s FX series was developed with Chris Davenport, so it’s apt that one tester said the FX 104 is “not for wussies!” A powerhouse of a ski, the FX 104 features traditional camber, sandwich construction and a woodcore made up of ash, silver fir and poplar. That means the 104 is stable, powerful and can rail a turn yet suffers slightly in the playfulness department.

Like all Kästle skis, the FX 104 has Hollowtech technology (oval discs of material removed in the tip and tail) that reduces the weight in the shovel while simultaneously decreasing vibration. “This ski rips like a samurai sword,” a tester commented.

STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

$800

DIMENSIONS

As the pro model for the seriously talented and versatile Adam Delorme, the L-Toro has to be great wherever he—or you— may take it. The L-Toro might have a softer flex than other Fat-ypus skis, but it still maintains a snappy, lively feel.

With rocker in the tip and tail, this stick will have you buttering all around the mountain. The minimal camber underfoot allows the L-Toro to hold its edge well while aiding in powder and crud riding.

“It’s a great overall ski,” said one tester.

“It can handle any conditions, from pow to crud, even the park.”

FLOAT

15.00

164, 174, 184

DIMENSIONS

PLAYFULNESS

3.25 4.25 4.00 3.50

4.44 3.44 3.67 3.72

15.27 $790

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

17.05 $1,199

PRICE

[ ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS |

3.64 3.77 4.73 4.91

| FREESKIER ]

Skis Völkl PRL Boots Lange Exclusive RX 100 Bindings Marker Jester Jacket Oakley Grete jacket Pant Oakley Grete pants Goggles Oakley Crowbar Helmet RED HiFi / Red Bull Gloves Oakley Factory Winter Glove Poles Völkl Phantastick Accessory GoPro HD Hero @gretegirl

PG. 147

ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS

BELLE TO BELLE

EL PACO

NORDICA

NORDICA

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

146, 154, 162, 170 DIMENSIONS

169, 177, 185 DIMENSIONS

124 - 78 - 108

124 - 87 - 114

Part of an all-new women’s lineup from Nordica is the Belle to Belle, an ambitious, turny and fun ski for the frontside. With the highest overall carving score of any all-mountain Editor’s Pick, the Belle to Belle is at home slicing up groomers or thrashing through the crud. The early rise gives the ski a playful feel and easier turn initiation for those less-than-perfect days.

The directional nature of the ski, combined with traditional camber through two-thirds of the length, gives the ski stability at high speed. Final tester assessment: “They were bossy little suckers that Euro-style onpiste skiers would love.”

New to the Nordica freeskiing lineup this season is the super lively El Paco, which one tester described as a “really fun jib stick, soft and really playful.” While jib might be a bit of a misnomer, the El Paco certainly can play its way across the mountain. Early rise in the tip and a unique flex pattern allow you to throw these bad boys around with ease. Yet you can be confident of the ski’s stability at high speeds because of the more traditional camber underfoot and in the tail. Testers found they weren’t the best in powder, so keep these guys locked up on deep days. But for anything else, they work like a dream.

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.67 3.33 4.17 5.00

17.17 $699

4.80 2.60 4.10 4.40

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

Skis Kästle FX 104 Skis Kästle TX 97 Bindings Kästle K12CTI Bindings Dynafit TLT Radical FT Boots Scarpa Maestrale RS Jacket Spyder Eiger Pant Spyder Sanction Goggles Smith I/OX Helmet Smith Holt / Red Bull Backpack Black Diamond Speed 40 Accessory Cobra Ice Tools

15.90

@steepskiing

$729

CRUSADE

DOZER

AURA

SCOTT

SCOTT

VÖLKL

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

159, 169, 179, 189 DIMENSIONS

165, 175, 185

156, 163, 170

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

133 - 92 - 122 @179

131 - 98 - 127 @175

131 - 96 - 114

Endorsed by one tester who said, “The Spanish conquistadors would have crusaded this ski to the end of the earth,” the Crusade was built to rail turns on the frontside all damn day. A woodcore, sandwich construction and a generous sidecut will have you gripped from first chair to the last. While carving is its core competency, the ski has built in Venturi-Tip rocker that combines a rockered tip with a hollow-shovel shape to increase float in crud or pow. There are no two ways about it, if you want to go fast and lay it down on any terrain, take a gander at the Crusade.

All-mountain skis are meant to be skied, well, all over the mountain. It’s hard to make skis that can perform under myriad conditions, but Scott has hit the mark with the Dozer. Twin-tip rocker and traditional underfoot camber make this ski both fluid in and out of turns and snappy and responsive in tighter areas. A woodcore and sandwich construction make this beast powerful and stable. The rocker combined with ample waist width allow them to float in crud and pow alike. “I loved it. Scott has really upped the ante for ski making,” said one tester.

The smaller and decidedly more womanly version of the Mantra, the Völkl Aura rips just as hard as its big brother. With all-mountain skis, versatility is the name of the game, which is why the Aura has a rockered tip but a traditional tail.

The tip helps float the ski when needed, and the tail keeps the power and stability intact, whatever the conditions.

Vertically laminated sheets of wood, Völkl’s Sensorwood core, give the Aura a lightweight yet powerful platform on which to perform. “It’s a super stable carver and the wider platform is great for variable conditions,” explained one tester.

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

PG. 148

3.42 3.33 4.33 4.71

15.79 $800

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

15.16 $750

PRICE

[ ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS |

3.61 3.39 3.94 4.22

| FREESKIER ]

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

3.33 3.33 4.33 4.67

15.66 $825

.TV

TOM WALLISCH RIDES PARK CITY.

3 PARKS + NEFF LAND AND 22 FOOT SUPERPIPE.

LOG ON TO IRIDEPARKCITY.TV

TO SEE THE NEW “IRPC” MOVIE LAUNCHING IN OCTOBER.

PHOTO : ROB MATHIS

ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS

SKIER: CHRIS TATSUNO PHOTO: HENRIK LAMPERT LOCATION: ASPEN, CO

BRIDGE

MANTRA

VÖLKL

VÖLKL

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

163, 171, 179, 187 DIMENSIONS

170, 177, 184, 191 DIMENSIONS

128 - 95 - 115

132 - 98 - 118

The Völkl Bridge is back as an Editor’s Pick for another year. Sporting a fully rockered profile this year, the Bridge “is a fun, solid ski that’s easy to turn yet a bit soft for high speeds.” Völkl’s Sensorwood core makes it light and playful, but with a rocker profile, the ski loses a bit at high speed. The torsional rigidity offered by Völkl’s Power and Tough Box construction gives the skis exceptional feel, great edge hold and considerable durability, things every all-mountain ski desires. If you can corral your speed, the Bridge will handle all your business on any terrain.

When one tester commented, “Skis like this are becoming a lost art,” we knew Völkl was doing something right. As a maker of high-quality products, year after year, Völkl gets the one-ski quiver crowd on its feet with the Mantra. The Sensorwood core, vertically milled and laminated sheets of poplar and beech, gives the Mantra a light feel. But the ski is incredibly responsive and generates a ton of power in the turn. Tip rocker give it what it needs to get up out of the crud, and the traditional tail keeps the ski gripping. One tester put it best: “These skis are so damn good.” Enough said.

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

PG. 150

4.40 3.30 3.60 4.30

15.60 $700

3.30 3.30 4.80 4.90

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

Skis Atomic Punx Boots Atomic Burner 130 Jacket The North Face Skull Horn Pant The North Face Incursion Goggles Giro Onset Helmet Giro Shiv / Rockstar Accessory Booster Strap

16.30 $825

[ ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS |

| FREESKIER ]

@mike_riddle

BIGMOUNTAIN

Without a doubt, these skis are not for the faint of heart. Do you like sending big drops? Does your heart ache for the steeps of AK? Like to rip down the backside at mach speed? Then our list of big-mountain Editor’s Picks are for you.

SKIER: RILEY LEBOE PHOTO: BRYAN RALPH_PBP LOCATION: HAINES, AK

TURBO

AK JJ

TSTW

4FRNT

ARMADA

ARMADA

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

168, 175, 182, 189 DIMENSIONS

LENGTHS

195

156, 165, 174

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

129 - 104 - 121 @175

131 - 141 - 120 - 138 - 128

117 - 130 - 100 - 121 @165

The Turbo scored high points as a hardcharging carver and lived up to its fast name. More like a true all-mountain ski— with early rise in the tip only—a tester commented, “It holds a great edge and is super stable.” Another tester added, “It’s a really fast ski and manages to carve like my 92-mm-wide park skis.”

Add surprising playfulness to its carving abilities and strength at high speeds, and you have a great ski for those who opt for the one-ski quiver and don’t spend too much time in deep powder.

The AK JJ is “one of the better all-over, bigmountain skis,” according to one tester, and its scores support the claim. For a ski of this size, its high 4.35 score in the playfulness category spells good news for those whose ideal day of skiing is playing around in powder and crud in the backcountry. Ample rocker in the tip and tail and a hybrid sidewall (cap tip and tail, sandwich underfoot) give the ski its playfulness. “So much fun both forward and backwards and not at all catchy either way,” commented a tester. Another added it even “drops into moguls like a champ,” if that’s your cup of tea.

Armada’s TSTw finds itself in the rare position of scoring over 4 points in every category, amounting to a ski versatile not because it does everything well enough but because it excels in every situation.

“It’s surprisingly stable for how playful it is,” commented one tester, while another added, “It’s really soft and fun and really gets on edge when carving.” Unlike most of the skis in this category, the TSTw employs tip rocker only, leaving the tail traditional. A portion of every sale is donated to Travis Steeger’s Memorial Fund.

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

PG. 152

4.00 3.27 4.23 4.32

15.82 $659

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

17.20 $925

PRICE

[ BIG-MOUNTAIN SKIS |

4.35 4.65 4.35 3.85

| FREESKIER ]

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.60 4.30 4.10 4.10

17.10 $850

BIG-MOUNTAIN SKIS

RITUAL

COCHISE

D-SENDER ROCKER

ATOMIC

BLIZZARD

FAT-YPUS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

174, 182, 190

170, 177, 185, 193

DIMENSIONS

164, 174, 184, 194

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

130 - 103 - 119 @182

135 - 108 - 123

144 - 112 - 130

Atomic’s Ritual had one of the highest overall scores in the big-mountain test, earning props in every category—a truly amazing feat. Where it really shone, though, was at very high speeds. The tester comments were consistent: “This ski wakes up at high speeds,” “This ski should say ‘Point It’ on the topsheet,” “Goes as fast as your car and is super stable,” “Goes rail-to-rail faster than Charlie Sheen.” The accolades continue endlessly, which is impressive considering the ski employs both tip and tail rocker. If going fast, railing turns and sending it off cliffs is your game, get a pair.

Blizzard has carved out a niche for itself in this year’s growing assortment of bigmountain skis. Blizzard’s skis, with the Cochise at the forefront, excel in two related areas: carving and stability. These traits conspire to get you down the hill as fast as possible. Meanwhile, rocker in the tip and tail and zero camber underfoot keep you afloat and help charge through crud. “The Cochise is so strong that you want to keep pushing it further,” said a tester, adding, “You better go fast on this ski; it is not for the weak of heart.”

The D-Sender was a wildly popular ski when it debuted several seasons ago.

In 2009, Fat-ypus added rocker to the tip and tail to keep up with the changing times, and the ski maintains its Editor’s Pick status because of the change. The D-Sender Rocker utilizes a traditional sidewall construction and traditional camber underfoot and employs a fairly stiff flex pattern, adding great stability to this floaty ski. “I was able to control this ski with ease,” commented a tester.

Another added, “It’s stiff, but the early rise gives it added forgiveness.”

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.06 4.22 4.67 4.11

17.06 $879

3.86 4.00 4.86 4.77

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING

17.49

OVERALL SCORE

$900

PRICE

REV 105

KUNG FUJAS

HEAD

K2

PRICE

15.63 $790

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

169, 179, 189

171, 181, 191

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

144 - 105 - 131 @181

133 - 102 - 127

“This thing knifes like Wolfgang Puck,” said one tester of the new Rev 105. “It gives me confidence when it matters,” said another, “It’s a predictable ski.”

We tested the 105 with an AT binding, which isn’t necessarily the ideal testing environment but makes its Editor’s Pick status that much more impressive. “This ski was surprisingly fun considering it was mounted with an AT binding,” said a tester. With a respectable score in playfulness along with its high carving score, the Rev 105 may be the ski of choice for hard-charging touring enthusiasts.

If your idea of the perfect ski is one that is playful before all else, the Kung Fujas has your name on it. “Plays like my park skis,” said one tester. “Hard to say anything negative about these skis,” said another. While the Kung Fujas scored well in carving and decently in stability, it was in the playfulness category that it claimed supreme over all other big-mountain skis.

“I’d be stoked to ride this ski every day,” commented another tester, affirming its high-versatility score and making this one of the best one-ski quiver options for West Coast skiers.

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

3.38 4.25 4.25 3.75

3.86 4.00 3.86 4.14

15.86 $800

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

15.76 $810

PRICE

[ BIG-MOUNTAIN SKIS |

4.63 3.75 3.50 3.88

| FREESKIER ]

Skis Völkl Katana Boots Tecnica Inferno 130 Bindings Marker Jester Pro Jacket The North Face Cymbiant Pant The North Face Cymbiant Goggles Giro Basis Helmet Giro Shiv 2 Gloves The North Face Hooligan Poles Völkl Phantastick Backpack The North Face Chugach 12 w/ ABS Accessory Arcade The Standard belt, Contour+, Ernst the Silver Fox @ingridbackstrom

PG. 153

MISSBEHAVED

WEST

INFLUENCE 115

K2

KÄSTLE

LINE

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

149, 159, 169

170, 180, 190

DIMENSIONS

179, 186, 192

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

133 - 102 - 127

134 - 110 - 134

145 - 115 - 131

Long a favorite among our female testers, the MissBehaved has yet again earned our Editor’s Pick stamp of approval. “This is a one-ski quiver winner,” said a tester, “It’s easy to move edge to edge and totally rips in powder.” It earned high accolades in the stability and carving departments, especially in tough conditions, thanks to its generous tip and tail rocker. Although it’s not as playful as some other women’sspecific skis on the market, it tested well with all levels of skiers who enjoy laying down a good turn. A testament to its versatility not just on varied terrain but at varied speeds and for varied styles.

The West, Kästle’s big-mountain/powder offering in the “Colby James West” line, won huge honors from testers in the playfulness and versatility areas. Though its soft flex pattern docked it in the carving department, that same flex plus early rise in the tip and tail was what ultimately made it an Editor’s Pick. “A little too soft for going fast,” said one tester, “but it was very smooth and exceptionally easy to ski.” For skiers looking for a wider ski that doesn’t demand high speeds and a lot of aggression, the West offers an easy, playful day on the mountains.

The biggest reaction to the redesigned Influence 115 was that of surprise at how well it carved for such a wide ski.

“The Influence surprised me so much.

They literally gripped it while I ripped it,” commented one of our larger, faster skiers. “I’m very impressed with this ski.”

The Influence was docked slightly in the playfulness category due to its stiff flex pattern, but the flex is also responsible for its high carving points. The ski has generous early rise in the tip, camber underfoot and early rise in the tail.

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

3.75 4.13 4.00 4.00

15.88 $750

4.14 4.43 3.14 3.57

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

15.28 $899

PRICE

3.57 4.14 3.57 4.14

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

15.42 $940

PRICE

GOVERNOR MOMENT LENGTHS

186, 196 DIMENSIONS

150 - 116 - 123 The Governor is one of Moment’s best skis to hit the shelves this season. It’s both playful and stable, a great compliment to those who designed it. “The Governor is a fantastic hard-charging ski for all conditions,” commented a tester.

“It belongs in parliament because it governs.” Another tester said it’s “rock solid” and “holds great on groomers.”

When it comes to westside one-ski quiver options, the “handmade in Reno” Governor should be near the top of the list for skiers who like to ski fast, charge big lines and send it.

PLAYFULNESS SKIER: STEPHAN DRAKE PHOTO: OSKAR ENANDER LOCATION: ENGELBERG, SWITZERLAND

PG. 154

[ BIG-MOUNTAIN SKIS |

| FREESKIER ]

FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.17 4.50 4.25 3.92

16.84 $920

BIG-MOUNTAIN SKIS

HELLDORADO

NEMESIS

S3W

NORDICA

NORDICA

ROSSIGNOL

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

153, 161, 169, 177

177, 185, 193

159, 168

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

143 - 113 - 132 @185

133 - 98 - 123 @161

124 - 96 - 114

The Helldorado is a new ski in the Nordica lineup, and it hit the mark perfectly. “I had fun on these in bad conditions. Can’t imagine how good it would be in better snow,” commented one tester. “It kills all over, and it even looks awesome.” This is a big ski with two sheets of metal running from tip to tail and lots of tip and tail rocker, so it is not for the faint of heart. Though our bigger testers scored them higher, one smaller tester said the Helldorado is “surprisingly nimble and sound. It carves amazingly for this size of ski.”

The Nemesis, a new women’s-specific ski from Nordica, elicited polarizing views from testers. Hard-charging backcountry rippers noted it lacked stability at speed, but those who liked it absolutely loved it. “Very, very responsive on groomers,” said one tester, noting its generous sidecut. “Some ladies will love this ski, especially those who want a carving ski,” added another. At just 98 mm underfoot, it’s on the smaller side of the big-mountain offerings, suiting it well for touring. If you don’t fancy yourself the next MSP starlet but still want a big-mountain ski to make jealousy-inducing turns on, give the Nemesis a go.

The S3W blends a nice mix of carving power and playfulness, especially for intermediate female skiers. “Not really burly enough to charge,” said one ripping skier. While another, calmer tester commented, “I’m in love. It would be hard not to have fun on this ski.” Thanks to its prowess on groomers and lively nature, the S3W scored well in the versatility department. Early rise in the tip and tail with positive camber underfoot make it a good option for women looking for an all-round ski, especially if skiing the gnarliest lines in the West is not in your immediate plans.

3.83 4.50 4.42 4.17

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

16.92 $999

PRICE

4.20 3.80 3.60 4.20

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

LOLA SCOTT

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

141 - 111 - 134

129 - 96 - 126

The Sickle did well in both the carving and playfulness categories, making it a sound tool for lighter skiers or those who don’t want to be charging the gnarliest lines. “Love it for carving. It totally rails,” commented a tester. “It’s fun, playful and versatile, especially at lower speeds.” Though some testers complained it didn’t handle high speeds well, it scored well at popping through crud and jibbing both forward and backwards, especially for a ski that comes in at 111 mm underfoot. This ski excels in deep or playful terrain. Just don’t try to straightline Meteorite on them.

Scott’s Lola ski won its highest accolades ever for overall versatility thanks in part to its relatively narrow 96 mm footprint.

“I’m really impressed with how stable yet light they are,” commented one tester. “It goes fast. Really fast.” Another tester commented on how well it skied switch and even “hammered in the bumps.” It’s worth noting that the Lola skis shorter than its length implies, so you may want to buy a size up on this ski, especially if you spend a lot of your time in the backcountry.

OVERALL SCORE PRICE

OVERALL SCORE PRICE

16.00 $700

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

CARVING

CARVING

4.50 3.50 3.75 4.25

165, 175

171, 181

STABILITY

STABILITY

$899

ROSSIGNOL

FLOAT

FLOAT

15.80

PRICE

SICKLE

PLAYFULNESS

PLAYFULNESS

4.33 3.83 3.83 4.17

16.16 $700

3.67 4.00 3.67 3.67

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

15.01 $700

PRICE

[ BIG-MOUNTAIN SKIS |

| FREESKIER ]

Skis Moment Night Train Boots Dalbello Il Moro T Bindings Marker Jester Pro Jacket Moment Bantam Pant Moment Bantam Goggles Scott Off-Grid Helmet Bern Carbon Macon Poles Scott Team Issue Backpack BCA Float 18 Accessory Arcade Standard belt @kcdeane

PG. 155

BIG-MOUNTAIN SKIS

PURE

GOTAMA

SCOTT

VÖLKL

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

170, 178, 186, 194

178, 188, 194

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

SIX ISSUES of FREESKIER

138 - 108 - 124

139 - 107 - 123

The Pure has a very specific purpose: going really fast on big terrain, especially in cruddy and challenging conditions. “It’s very stiff and its design gives it great stability,” said one tester.

“The Pure is the least playful ski of the test,” added another. “It’s crazy stable and holds an edge amazingly well. It would be considered playful on a race course.” If you’re the type of skier who doesn’t know the meaning of skiing slowly and calmly, you may want to put a pair of Pures on your feet this season.

The Gotama has become a ski everyone expects to be perfect, and the 2012/13 model lives up to its reputation. “As always, this ski is sick,” commented a tester. “It holds an edge like a race ski. It’s faster than Jimmie Johnson.” The long, early rise that starts just in front of the binding allows for an exceptionally smooth transition edge to edge while maintaining impressive float, and its relative stiffness adds stability. “I found peace and harmony on this ski,” commented a tester.

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING

for just

$8.99

OVERALL SCORE

FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

3.75 3.75 4.44 4.50

16.44 $825

KIKU

VÖLKL

VÖLKL

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

154, 162, 170, 178 DIMENSIONS

143 - 112 - 132

139 - 107 - 123

Some skis come in with reviews all over the place. They perform differently for various skiing and skier types. The Katana is not in that basket. The reviews for the Katana were consistent enough to demand an investigation; we suspect cheating. Everyone gave the Katana a 3 for playfulness—its one weak point.

Everyone also gave it between 4 and 5 for carving and stability. So you know it charges, especially for a full-rocker ski. It even comes in a 198 cm length for the psychos among us. The conclusion is obvious: If you like going down the hill fast, forward and rail to rail, the Katana has you covered, guaranteed.

Not many skis score well in both the playfulness and stability categories, but the wizards at Völkl have created just that combination in the Kiku. (Most skis that score well in stability are extra stiff, taking away from the playfulness.) “The Kiku has rock-solid stability, but it’s still really easy to move around,” commented a tester.

“It’s light and poppy as hell,” added another. The liveliness of the Kiku makes it a treat to take out on both hardpack and powder days, especially for more advanced women looking to charge on bigger terrain.

3.00 3.77 4.69 4.54

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

PG. 156

PLAYFULNESS

KATANA

DIMENSIONS

N O W O N i T U N E S N E W S S TA N D

15.88 $800

PRICE

177, 184, 191, 198

+ EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL ISSUES

2.69 4.06 4.63 4.50

16.00 $1,065

[ BIG-MOUNTAIN SKIS |

| FREESKIER ]

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.00 3.67 4.33 3.67

15.67 $825

POWDER SKIS

POW DER

Pow pow. Freshies. Blower.

Champagne. Whatever you want to call it, the fact remains that skiing in powder is one of the most gratifying and enjoyable experiences you can have on skis.

Don’t get caught in waist deep snow with the wrong sticks; check out our powder ski Editor’s Picks and find the right boards for you.

SKIER: ROLF BISSIG PHOTO: RUEDI FLÜCK LOCATION: ENGELBERG, SWITZERLAND

JJ

VJJ

AUTOMATIC

ARMADA

ARMADA

ATOMIC

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

165, 175, 185

165, 175

DIMENSIONS

179, 186, 193

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

126 - 136 - 115 - 133 - 123

126 - 136 - 115 - 133 - 123

128 - 117 - 117 @179

The JJ’s patented EST Freeride Rocker (tip and tail rocker with traditional camber profile) and UltraLight core create a harmonious balance, allowing skiers to cruise uninterrupted in deep pow and blast through crud.

AR50 sidewalls increase stability underfoot and cut swing weight on both ends. Armada claims you’ll carve a turn that will leave you speechless. But our testers had plenty to say, from “carves like a GS race ski” to “makes skiing easy” to “couldn’t stop smiling.”

Like its counterpart, this women’sspecific version of the JJ utilizes Armada’s patented EST Freeride Rocker technology to slay deep snow. The VJJ’s 115 mm waist guarantees forgiving float, while traditional camber and sidecut underfoot let you rip hardpack to score one last lap. The AR50 sidewalls help with edge hold while minimizing swing weight (Petite skiers, you’ll enjoy easier turn initiation and better control). A hybrid UltraLight core packs prime strength-to-weight ratio, which testers appreciated. “If you think all rocker is the same, try the VJJs on a deep day—you’ll never go back,” said one tester.

Atomic skiers Sage CattabrigaAlosa and Dana Flahr needed a hard-charging, directional powder ski, and their wish was granted with the Automatic. One tester compared it to “a sports car on autopilot.” Testers commended its minimal tip flop even with its rocker profile. Also, in the rockered area of the tip and tail, small metal stringers stabilize the ride, no matter the speed. And your tails won’t wash out, as the tail rocker is about half that found in the tips. It’s the a great compromise between the freestyle-geared Bent Chetler and the Atlas, now marketed as a backcountry ski.

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

PG. 158

4.38 3.63 4.31 3.25

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING

15.57

OVERALL SCORE

$900

PRICE

[ POWDER SKIS |

| FREESKIER ]

3.88 3.38 4.50 3.50

15.26 $900

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.00 3.91 4.36 3.64

15.91 $929

POWDER SKIS

MILLENNIUM

BODACIOUS

GUNSMOKE

ATOMIC

BLIZZARD

BLIZZARD

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

161, 169, 177

176, 186, 196

DIMENSIONS

179, 186

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

130 - 110 - 122 @169

142 - 118 - 132

140 - 114 - 130

One of Aspen’s most ripping females skied the Millenniums on rock hard top-to-bottom laps and didn’t experience the slightest chatter. If women’s skis tend to be too soft for you, give the Millenniums a try. One tester said, “They were stiff, stable, confident and built to handle anything.”

Until the Millennium, the Century was Atomic’s widest women’s ski at 100 mm underfoot. Now girls can put to use the 110 mm in the waist and rocker in the tip and tail just like Atomic team rider Michelle Parker did in Alaska and BC last spring. These lightweight boards would also make for a great touring setup.

One tester recommended taking this ski to AK and “letting ‘em ride.” Another said it was “one giant gas pedal.” Stiff and stable, the Bodacious, Blizzard’s biggest ski, makes crud tremor in fear.

The Bodacious is a quiver killer for the hard charging skier who doesn’t mind if the powder’s been slashed. The ski features Blizzard’s Flip Core natural-rocker design, a concept conceived by the late Arne Backstrom. The core is pre-shaped to be rockered, so it’s predestined for rocker fun. Sandwich-sidewall titanium construction ensures stiffness and stability at high speeds, but again, thanks to Flip Core, you’ll feel some playfulness.

It’s rare that a ski receives unanimous praise from every tester, but the Blizzard Gunsmoke did just that. Comments ranged from “fast and stable” to “one-ski quiver” to “easy to turn, playful and forgiving.” Maybe it’s the Flip Core 3D technology, which means Blizzard flips the woodcore upside down—everything goes into the press in the same shape it comes out. Consistent downward pressure in the pressing process results in even pressure distribution and natural flex curves. These are Blizzard’s softer skis, but Titanal layers and laminate reinforcement maintain Blizzard’s reputation for stiffness and stability.

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

3.83 4.33 4.00 4.00

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING

16.16

OVERALL SCORE

$749

PRICE

A-LOTTA

BIG STIX 120

FAT-YPUS

FISCHER

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

170, 180 172 - 140 - 158

141 - 120 - 128 Fischer skier Sven Kueenle took the Big Stix 120 into every kind of backcountry terrain this season. “I love the flex and shape,” he says.

“They allow you to ski fast and ski bigger lines without limiting you when it comes to throwing tricks.

The tail is stiff enough to not back slap on bigger cliffs or jumps.” The widest ski in the Fischer arsenal, they are “stiff, but fun,” according to one tester. With all-new shovel geometry, full woodcore and Fischer’s Freeski Rocker, the Big Stix 120 are aggressive powder weapons, but one tester was “surprised at how agile and nimble they were on the hardpack.”

FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

STABILITY FLOAT CARVING

16.75

OVERALL SCORE

$950

17.21

PRICE

$850

DIMENSIONS

The original super fat, the A-Lotta ski was the first model offered by the Breckenridge-based Fat-ypus eight years ago. One tester complained the A-Lottas were “too much fun.” The A-Lotta features mostly traditional camber throughout the ski, yet boasts early rise to get your tips above the snow and provide a shorter turning radius. For a fullrockered experience try the Fat-Ypus A-Lotta Rocker (available in a 190 mm length). For a ski that’s 140 mm underfoot, testers were happy with how well the A-Lottas handled themselves outside of powder fields.

STABILITY

4.33 4.25 4.50 4.13

PLAYFULNESS

179, 189

DIMENSIONS

PLAYFULNESS

3.45 4.60 4.30 4.40

4.00 4.00 5.00 3.75

16.75 $790

3.25 4.50 4.25 4.00

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

Skis Atomic Automatic Boots Atomic Burner 130 Bindings Atomic FFG 16 Jacket The North Face Cymbiant Pants The North Face Spineology Goggles Smith I/O Helmet Smith Vantage Gloves The North Face Patrol Backpack The North Face Patrol 24 ABS Poles Atomic Sage Pro Model

16.00 $895

[ POWDER SKIS |

@SageCA

| FREESKIER ]

PG. 159

KOA 110

PETTITOR

MR. POLLARD’S OPUS

FISCHER

K2

LINE

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

156, 166, 176

LENGTHS

169, 179, 189

DIMENSIONS

178, 185, 192

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

139 - 110 - 124

147 - 120 - 141

144 - 118 - 141

Fischer’s biggest women’s ski features a woodcore with carbon inserts, keeping it light yet responsive and hard-hitting. Some testers found the Koa 110s too stiff, but they might be a wonderful option if you’re ready for the Mack truck of women’s skis. With a 110 mm waist, they’ll float elegantly through the white room. As stable as they are while you plow through the crud or any obstacle in your way, we also appreciate the graphic and its message: to enjoy being in the outdoors (chosen as an homage to nature).

“This ski killed everything I put in front of it,” said one tester. And it’s not surprising that multiple testers used the word “playful” when describing Sean Pettit’s first pro-model ski. A complaint of groomer chatter surfaced, but this ski was made for soft snow, natural takeoffs and stomped landings. While it’s designed to be stiff, the Pettitor’s stability at high speeds isn’t what you’d expect. Pettit shortened the contact points, reducing swing weight and increasing maneuverability (helpful for mini golf in the trees). The 120 mm waist with camber underfoot provides adequate float and necessary versatility.

Opus: an artist’s greatest single work. Eric Pollard’s Opus is the culmination of more than 13 years of skiing and ski designing.

After creating more than 100 prototypes, Pollard says these finetuned skis are the best and most versatile he’s ever skied. Testers agreed. “A genuine multitasker, this ski skis smaller and more playfully than many a powder ski,” said one tester. Another said, “A near perfect ski for every condition.” By lowering the early rise-tip geometry, the ski planes instead of plows through powder.

Pollard trimmed the width, making it a more versatile ski when the pow turns to pack.

3.00 4.50 4.00 3.63

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING

15.13

OVERALL SCORE

$895

PRICE

PRICE

4.29 3.64 4.57 3.50

16.00 $880

4.45 3.82 4.36 4.41

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE

17.04 $880

PRICE

PANDORA

LA NIÑA

LINE

NORDICA

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

152, 162, 172

169, 177, 185

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

142 - 115 - 139

143 - 113 - 132

Testers called it “extremely versatile” and “a killer all-around ski.” Another called it “light and responsive, yet beefy when you need backup.” With an early-rise tip, Line’s female-specific bigmountain powder planks feature the company’s Aspen Macroblock woodcore flex pattern. Greatly reduce hooking or diving when the snow’s deep. Early Taper tips deliver cat-like reflexes. The Pandoras are playful and surfy in the pow but keep the party going on the hardpack. Plus, the topsheet features a peacock, which is, like, totally in right now.

Nordica’s La Niña features a 25-percent lighter woodcore than its male counterpart, the Patron, by utilizing a middle layer of ultralight polyurethane and beech stringers sandwiched by two strips of poplar.

La Niña is soft but proved stiff enough for most female testers.

Even with 113 mm underfoot, La Niña proved nimble in tight spots.

One tester called them “poppy and playful.” Traditional camber underfoot and ample sidecut that runs through the point of edge contact in the tip helps the La Niña hold an edge (and eliminates tip flop). And substantial rocker in the tip and tail provide that ample float.

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

PG. 160

4.00 3.67 4.67 3.83

16.17 $810

Skis Atomic Bent Chetlers Boots Burner 130 Jacket Dakine Clutch Pant Dakine Clutch Goggles Dragon Nimbus D2 Poles Atomic Tracker Helmet Atomic Troop Backpack Dakine Baker Accessories Drink Water Hoodie, Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers, BCA Tracker2, BCA B1, BCA Carbon 340, CEP socks, CTi knee braces, Alex Bottle @chrisbenchetler

[ POWDER SKIS |

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

| FREESKIER ]

4.00 3.75 4.00 4.00

15.75 $949

POWDER SKIS

PATRON NORDICA LENGTHS

177, 193, 196 DIMENSIONS

143 - 113 - 132

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

SKIER: ADAM WIDÉN PHOTO: MATTIAS FREDRIKSSON_FREE RADICALS LOCATION: ENGELBERG, SWITZERLAND

More than one tester deemed the Patron an excellent all-around ski.

Its rocker-camber-rocker profile provides float in the deep and edge hold on the hardpack. Patron’s 113 mm underfoot and wide tip make it as fun as Nordica’s bigger Radict in the powder, but its userfriendly dimensions mean increased maneuverability and versatility. One tester did find them to be too soft, but another “couldn’t find anything unstable about these mid-fat skis.”

A lightweight, yet durable full woodcore makes for an even flex, poppy rebound and playfulness unexpected for a ski this big.

4.00 3.86 4.14 4.07

16.07 $949

S7W

SQUAD 7

ROCKER2 122

ROSSIGNOL

ROSSIGNOL

SALOMON

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

168, 178

190

DIMENSIONS

170, 180, 184, 192

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

140 - 110 - 118

145 - 120 - 126

142 - 122 - 132 @184

The ski that introduced many a gal to the wonderful world of rocker, the S7W is the same as the men’s S7, just in a smaller size run. “One of the best skis out there, the S7W is super nimble in all conditions, stable at high speeds and just plain rips in pow,” said one tester.

And not that it’s their goal, but the S7Ws carve groomers with the best rockered skis out there. The win-win scenario is all thanks to a tapered spoon tip, high-rocker tail, centered sidecut, woodcore, traditional sidewall and an underfoot camber.

Don’t be afraid to try the 178 mm length, they ski like a 165.

A completely new ski from Rossi, the Squad 7 sports a rocker profile that “crushed every snow condition on the mountain,” according to one tester. Another said they were “as solid as Chuck Norris.” A third thought they were a perfect hybrid of the old Squad and the new S7. Rossi attributes the ski’s versatility to Centered Sidecut, traditional underfoot camber and traditional sidewalls. The Squad 7’s tail flares out, increasing surface area and powder-riding pleasure. The ski provides versatility and edging power that’s hard to find in similar setups.

One of our staffer’s everyday skis, the Rocker2 122 excels on deep days, but, more importantly, skis surprisingly well every other day, too. Testers even praised its performance on Aspen’s firm steeps. The third season of Salomon’s popular Rocker2 technology (skis with both tip and tail rocker) brings an entire line of Rocker2s—seven new molds for this season. The 122 is the biggest in the family and most testers found it to perform well in every testing category.

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.00 4.67 5.00 4.17

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING

17.84

OVERALL SCORE

$800

PRICE

[ POWDER SKIS |

| FREESKIER ]

3.79 4.43 5.00 3.86

17.08 $900

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.00 4.00 4.88 3.50

16.38 $935

PG. 161

POWDER SKIS

ROCKER2 115

ROCKETTE 115

MEGA DOZER

SALOMON

SALOMON

SCOTT

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

156, 164, 170

168, 178, 188

175, 185, 195

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

139 - 115 - 131 @188

137 - 115 - 127 @170

141 - 119 - 133 @185

One tester said if they were to buy one ski for next season, this would be it. Another said it was “friendly and easy to handle.”

New this year, the Rocker2 115, a hybrid twin-rocker powder ski has an early rise tip with a flatter tail than the Rocker2 122. It features a full woodcore, twin rocker and edge-free ends with super light honeycomb construction for minimal swing weight, making it an ideal tool for powder landings.

Pair these planks with the Salomon Guardian 16 backcountry binding and Quest Max 120 for a primo backcountry kit.

For the ripping female skier, the Rockette 115 offers full twin rocker and shares the shape of the Rocker2 with women’s-specific dimensions.

“Great ski that carves suprisingly well,” gushed one tester. Salomon rider Elyse Saugstad calls them lively and responsive. She also says the Rockettes are happy buttering high-speed turns on steep AK faces. Despite the rocker, they carry their own on groomers and chop. One tester called these a “great overall women’s powder ski that carve surprisingly well and float like a dream.”

Testers called it “mega fun” and “the quintessential big-mountain charger.” One tester said, “Grab hold of this ski and get ready to plow through anything on the mountain.” Twin Tip Rocker guarantees float, skiing forward or switch, while the 3D sidecut and reinforced sandwich sidewalls ensure the Mega Dozer can also crush the hardpack. The hardwoodcore with laminates offers a forgiving but lively ride, dampening impact and increasing snap when needed.

This lightweight powder ski would make for a great base in anyone’s backcountry setup.

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.00 3.43 4.57 3.36

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING

15.36

OVERALL SCORE

$875

PRICE

PUNISHER

SHIRO

SCOTT

VÖLKL

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

163, 173, 183, 189 DIMENSIONS

151 - 119 - 135 Völkl’s top skiers have called it the ultimate pow ski—enough platform and just the right amount of fully extended low-profile rocker. Völkl skier Ian McIntosh says that with the Shiro, he found three more gears that changed his life. It’s a lot of ski, but you’ll be grateful when you’re floating effortlessly through the deep or powerfully plowing through crud.

Softer than the Kuro and Katana, the Shiro still provides the Völkl dampness you’d expect. The ski’s full-edge contact ensures a smooth ride on firmer conditions. “A super beast ready to slay everything in its way,” said one tester.

FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

PG. 162

STABILITY FLOAT CARVING

17.33

OVERALL SCORE

$810

PRICE

3.56 4.06 4.28 3.78

15.68 $800

173, 183, 193, 203

142 - 108 - 130 @183

STABILITY

PLAYFULNESS

DIMENSIONS

Our testers found the Punisher “versatile, responsive and playful.”

It’s billed as an all-mountain ski, but it skied well in powder and allows the all-around skier to stomp landings and shred any conditions that come calling. The Punisher puts to use Scott’s tried and true 3D sidecut profile. The front radius of the ski initiates the turn, straight line underfoot provides stability at speed, a playful pivot point delivers predictable power and a reliable tail radius completes the turn. The channeled-out woodcore is filled with fiberglass to lighten the load while maintaining the feel of wood.

PLAYFULNESS

4.00 4.33 5.00 4.00

4.17 4.00 4.00 3.67

15.84 $700

3.44 4.56 4.39 4.00

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY FLOAT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

Skis Salomon Rocker 2 108 Boots Salomon Ghost 100 Bindings Salomon STH 16 Hoodie Under Armour Team Charged Cotton Storm Pant Under Armour Flow Field Goggles Smith I/O Helmet Smith Maze / Red Bull Mitts Dakine Tracer

16.39 $825

[ POWDER SKIS |

@bobby_brown1

| FREESKIER ]

ith mic

Available

on

eadset w m in-ear h LK premiu VALID TA line at shop.kicker.com

Photo: Riley Snyder Nick Goepper | KICKER

Photo: David Sischo

PARK SKIS

PARK Nowadays you want your park ski to be a do-it-all, bell-to-bell slayer. Soft and lively enough to butter around, yet stiff enough to handle the big features. Powerful and playful enough to shred anywhere, and durable enough to last you all season. We ran countless skis through the park gauntlet— big features and small—to give you this year’s Editor’s Picks; the best park skis on the market.

SKIER: TOM WALLISCH PHOTO: NATE ABBOTT LOCATION: MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, CA

AR7

ARW

PIPE CLEANER

ARMADA

ARMADA

ARMADA

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

161, 166, 171, 176, 181 DIMENSIONS

LENGTHS

161, 166

166, 171, 176, 181

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

120 - 87 - 110 @181

117 - 84 - 107 @166

119 - 86 - 109 @181

The flagship of Armada’s park and pipe fleet, the AR7 is a great option for everyone, from beginners to pros. To celebrate Armada’s 10th anniversary, the fully cambered AR7 has been wrapped in the company’s original ski graphic.

Far from a relic, the AR7 has all the bells and whistles: hybrid woodcore; heattreated, oversized edges; half-cap and half-sidewall construction; torsionally rigid fiber wrapping; and more. This makes the AR7 stable, light, snappy, responsive and durable all at once. Meant to be the do-itall park ski, one tester gushed , “I’d ride this every day. It’s the best park ski.”

Armada’s got ladies looking for a serious park ski covered with the ARW. Testers noted that with Armada’s AR50 sidewall and cap construction, the ARW is durable and “light and easy to maneuver.” The traditionally cambered park ski has a “perfect flex pattern,” and carbon stringers in the tail give it “great energy.” Heat-treated, oversized edges will have you sliding rails without fear the skis will crack on you. So if you’re ripping around the park and mountain, or you’re the second coming of Devin Logan, the ARW is your “top choice for a woman’s park ski.”

The Pipe Cleaner is the benchmark that other pipe skis have been measured against for years, strapped on pros from Tanner Hall to Torin Yater-Wallace. You can’t argue with its results. The comp-series race base generates a ton of speed, while the positive camber and sidewall construction keep your edges firmly planted. Cap construction at the tip and tails increases durability and reduces swing weight, while carbon/kevlar stringers throughout increase snap and pop. “This is the standard, the most playful pipe ski out,” summed up one tester. And unlike some other top competition skis, the Pipe Cleaners on Gus Kenworthy’s feet are the same skis you pick up at your shop.

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

PG. 164

4.50 4.00 4.38 4.44

17.32 $650

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE

18.33 $650

PRICE

[ PARK SKIS |

4.67 4.33 5.00 4.33

| FREESKIER ]

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.80 4.60 3.60 4.80

17.80 $750

PARK SKIS

THALL

PUNX

6th SENSE DISTORTER

ARMADA

ATOMIC

DYNASTAR

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

166, 171, 176, 181 DIMENSIONS

155, 164, 173, 182

167, 173, 179, 185

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

120 - 87 - 110 @181

112.5 - 82 - 112.5 @182

119 - 87 - 110 @179

With comments like “buttery for jibbin’, stable for jumpin’,” and “super lightweight, quick back and forth,” it’s no wonder that one of the most storied and versatile park skiers in history, Tanner Hall, helped create the THall.

Traditional in camber, the THall is a pretty straightforward park weapon. The full woodcore wrapped in Armada’s laminated matrix creates a uniquely powerful flex pattern. Oversized, heattreated edges resist damage and increase the ski’s durability. If it’s good enough for Tanner, it’s probably good enough for you.

Back again is the Atomic Punx, a nononsense, straightforward park ski.

Featuring normal camber, a full woodcore, a strong flex and slanted sidewall construction, the Punx is “extremely playful yet very stable on big jumps,” said one tester. Generous and symmetrical in sidecut, the Punx can handle anything park or pipe, for beginners or pros. It’s stable enough to handle Andreas Håtveit’s X Games runs, lively enough to rein in Jossi Wells’ pipe runs and nimble enough to allow Elias Ambühl to double a city bigair jump. Whether you’re just learning to how drop a 360 or Mike Riddle winning WSI, this ski will work for you.

Known for its high-quality products, Dynastar brings back its park-slaying 6th Sense Distorter. Slight tip and tail rocker and a little camber underfoot make the Distorter playful enough, but the ski hits its stride on the bigger stuff. As one tester said, “It’s a very solid ski that crushed everything.” Multiaxial fiber wrapped around the core underfoot allows for increased stability while Spring-Blade technology—layered fiberglass in varied thicknesses in the core—generates more pop and helps dampen the impact of big landings. Dynastar might not be the biggest player in park and pipe anymore, but they still produce top-notch products, and the Distorter is the proof.

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.50 4.25 4.50 4.63

17.88 $725

4.50 4.55 4.36 4.23

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE

STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING

17.64

$500

PRICE

PUZZLE TBT

DELIRIUM TBT

G-BUTTER

ELAN

ELAN

FAT-YPUS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

166, 171, 176, 181 DIMENSIONS

17.20

OVERALL SCORE

$579

PRICE

3.80 4.40 4.40 4.60

PLAYFULNESS

LENGTHS

161, 166, 171

166, 178

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

121 - 87 - 113 @176

119 - 85 - 111 @166

118 - 86 - 108

Power and stability are the name of the game for this unique park stick from Elan. Sandwich construction and a full woodcore give it the power and pop needed to mimic team rider Chris Laker on bigger park features. The Puzzle TBT utilizes Elan’s TBT (triple skiing-base technology) for a catch-free experience, making switch takeoffs and buttering onto rails easy as pie. While it’s a “really solid, stiff ski that’s pretty good at speeds,” the Puzzle TBT was found to be a bit on the heavy side. If you can handle the weight, when you get to the big leagues and a need a serious tool to get the job done, check it out.

Elan has created the lady’s version of the Puzzle TBT, the Delirium TBT, for women in need of a bigger, sturdier park ski. Like its brother, the Delirium TBT brings a full woodcore and sandwich construction to the table to instill the ski with power and great edge control. The TBT technology— lifted base around the edges with a flat center—gives the Delirium TBT a smooth ride, whether sliding around slush or on a box. Like they did with the Puzzle TBT, testers were “wishing the ski was a bit lighter.” Despite a heavy feel, the ski scored really well, and is great for bigger features.

Back for its fifth year, the wildly popular G-Butter from Fat-ypus stayed—well, the same. “It’s soooo buttery… a great flex pattern,” extolled one tester, while another said that the skis “felt effortless on jumps.” Built with a snappy flex pattern and durable steel edges, the G-Butter can handle whatever the terrain park throws its way. Drop in some vertical sidewalls and a poplar woodcore, and you’ve got one hell of a park ski. Fat-ypus didn’t need to reinvent the wheel; the G-Butter is pretty damn good.

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

3.83 4.17 4.17 4.50

16.67 $450

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE

15.66 $450

PRICE

[ PARK SKIS |

3.33 4.33 3.67 4.33

| FREESKIER ]

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.17 4.33 4.42 4.00

16.92 $590

PG. 165

THE CADDY

THE SHOW

DOMAIN

HEAD

HEAD

K2

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

171, 176, 181

154, 163, 172, 181

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

159, 164, 169, 174, 179 DIMENSIONS

121 - 84 - 110 @181

112 - 79 - 106 @172

115 - 90 - 115

Head’s The Caddy could be compared to a Cadillac for the joyride it will take you on. Tip and tail rocker (Head’s PNP Rocker) keep the sticks playful, but the Independent Suspension System— elastomer placed in tip, tail and underfoot—provide vibration dampening and ski stabilization. Like all Head park skis, The Caddy has been given ABS Tuffwall sidewalls to take any form of punishment, so you’ll never have to worry about the ski’s durability, even on the big-boy features. Summed up best by one tester, The Caddy “is stable forward and back,… spins like a top and holds an edge well.”

While Head may have suffered a lull in the park and pipe ski game in the past few years, the company’s resurgent products had our testers’ heads turning. The Show was described as “really great,” “almost too playful” and “surprisingly confident.”

The Austrian ski maker imbued The Show with a vertically laminated woodcore wrapped in a fiberglass sock to create a soft feel. Yet the ABS Tuffwall sidewalls can withstand the season-long beating you’ll dish out. Early rise in the tip and tail get the buttery feeling going, while the camber underfoot adds an element of control to the ski.

Want to master the park yet still have a ski that can jib, butter and play on the whole mountain? K2’s Domain does the trick. The symmetrically-built ski has a flex pattern made just for the park, with K2’s softer Jib Rocker in the tip and tail that allow for a “playful and very nimble,” experience. The stiffer flex underfoot— due to a triaxial braid around the aspen woodcore—gives anyone the confidence to stomp on bigger features. Some of the Stept Productions crew likes to take this ski through the blender, so if you’re ready to step up your A-game, go pick yourself up a pair of K2 Domains.

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.38 4.00 4.19 4.13

16.70 $475

4.83 4.00 4.33 4.17

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE

17.33 $350

PRICE

4.13 4.25 4.00 4.50

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE

16.88 $560

PRICE

EMPRESS K2 LENGTHS

149, 159, 169 DIMENSIONS

113 - 85 - 104 K2’s Empress might be meant for beginner and intermediate shredding ladies, but that doesn’t mean it’s without some magic touches. K2’s Jib Rocker technology gives the Empress some early rise in the tip and tail, providing the skis with a playful feel. The narrow waist and Bioflex 2 core make the ski lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for those learning the ropes. The cap construction of the Empress allows for easy turn initiation and reduced weight, all while keeping the ski in an affordable price range. If you’re looking for a serious value ski to foster your budding skills, the Empress might just be the ski for you.

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT SKIER: DALE TALKINGTON PHOTO: ROCKY MALONEY LOCATION: MOUNT HOOD, OR

PG. 166

[ PARK SKIS |

| FREESKIER ]

CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.50 3.75 4.75 3.50

16.50 $370

PARK SKIS

MISSDEMEANOR

LTE

AFTERBANG

K2

LIBERTY

LINE

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

149, 159, 169

157, 164, 171, 178

DIMENSIONS

155, 166, 172, 177, 184

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

121 - 90 - 115

116 - 87 - 105 @178

115 - 88 - 115

Built for the lady who doesn’t spend all day in the park, the K2 MissDemeanor is a threat on the whole mountain. The aspen woodcore is fused with a lighterweight paulownia wood in the tip and tail for reduced swing weight, helpful in spinning or navigating tight trees. K2 also sandwiches a layer of urethane in the ski to dampen impact when sliding rails or plowing through crud. The 90 mm waist is more than ample for big-jump landings yet small enough to retain the ski’s poppy and energetic feel.

The LTE (Liberty Team Edition) has been a rock in Liberty’s park-ski lineup for seasons.

As with all Liberty skis, the LTE starts with a bamboo core, making the ski light as a “feather and snappy and powerful,” as one tester commented. Liberty adds a layer of quadaxial fiberglass underneath the binding to reinforce screw retention and provide the rigidity needed to rail turns. Specially treated wide edges and 78 degree sidewalls are built specifically for park performance and durability. All together, the LTE is an “awesome jib ski that can handle the big shit, too.”

Line has been making park skis for as long as there has been a park scene, so it’s no surprise they’ve churned out one of this year’s highest-rated skis in the Afterbang.

“Super quick and snappy,” said one tester. “Extremely playful,” said another.

“Great for an aspiring jibber,” mentioned a third. The symmetrical sidecut and flex of the Afterbang make it ideal for switch skiing. Its Skate Deck core—seven layers of horizontal maple—grant unbeatable strength and shock resistance. The traditional camber underfoot makes it buttery and playful, yet super responsive to your every touch.

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.00 5.00 4.25 4.50

17.75 $630

4.50 3.75 4.75 4.00

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE

17.00 $579

PRICE

STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE

$500

ACE OF SPADES COMP

LINE

NORDICA LENGTHS

161, 171, 178

184

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

119 - 93 - 119

113 - 86 - 113

Named in homage to Line’s own Traveling Circus crew, the eponymous ski is the second coming of the Anthem. The name may have changed but the gifted ski hasn’t. The list of features goes on and on: symmetrical sidecut and flex for smooth switch riding, a maple and aspen woodcore combo for quickness and light weight, and a 30-percent thicker base and edge than most skis for extreme durability.

It’s no wonder that testers commented, “Easy-as-pie to swing around,” “Really responsive and snappy,” and “Great edge response and solid feel.” The TC is a true everyman’s ski, just like the crew it’s named for.

This year Nordica created the Ace of Spades Competition, a slightly more VIP and aggressive version of its popular Ace of Spades. Maintaining the same dimensions as the traditional AOS, the Comp will only be available in a 184 mm length and is a finely tuned tool.

Both AOS versions have full woodcores complemented by a sheet of titanium to increase strength and durability. But the Comp has carbon inlays in front of and behind the foot to increase pop, as evidenced by Alex Schlopy popping off any X Games jump. Simply put, the Comp “means nothing but business.

Park business.”

4.07 4.00 4.43 4.14

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE

@aschlopy

18.00

PRICE

TRAVELING CIRCUS LENGTHS

Skis Nordica Ace of Spades Comp Boots Nordica Ace of Spades Bindings Look Pivot 18 Jacket Oakley Originate Pant Oakley Motility Poles Soul Poles Original Soul Sunglasses Oakley Polarized Deviation

5.00 4.33 5.00 3.67

PLAYFULNESS

16.64 $560

PRICE

[ PARK SKIS |

| FREESKIER ]

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.40 4.40 3.20 4.80

16.80 $849

PG. 167

PARK SKIS

SCIMITAR

SCRATCH

ROSSIGNOL

ROSSIGNOL

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

167, 174, 181

160, 167, 174, 181

DIMENSIONS

Skis Völkl Wall Boots Dalbello Il Moro T Bindings Marker Jester Pro Jacket Völkl Russ Henshaw Pro Pant Völkl Russ Henshaw Pro Goggles Adidas ID 2 Helmet RED HiFi / Red Bull Poles Leki Spitfire Sunglasses Adidas Toronto Accessory Maddie the dachshund @russhenshaw

DIMENSIONS

129 - 99 - 122

116 - 84 - 109

Back for the 2012/13 season is Rossi’s park plaything, the Scimitar. Featuring what the company calls Spin Turn Rocker, the Scimitar incorporates zero camber underfoot with a rockered tip and tail, making it “very maneuverable” and “able to eat up slush and crud.” The 99 mm underfoot might scare some away, but at least one tester found that the widewaisted ski was “super stable, stiff and poppy.” Want a killer jib ski, but need a little more heft behind you for those days when you’re not lapping the park? The Scimitar might be what you’re looking for.

Unlike some of the newer Rossi park skis, the Scratch keeps things simple by using a traditional camber flex, making the ski “kind of stiff but still pretty quick,” according to one tester. The Scratch holds its edge very well because of a liberal sidecut, while the 30-degree sidewalls decrease overall ski weight, allowing you to swing these bad boys wherever you need to. In essence, the Scratch is what it has always been, your bomber, go-to park ski for everyday use. One tester commented that it was “a really fun ski, one of my top five, for sure.”

3.67 4.00 4.33 4.67

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING

16.67

OVERALL SCORE

$600

PRICE

ROCKER2 92

ROCKETTE 92

JIB

SALOMON

SALOMON

SCOTT

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

158, 163, 171, 179, 186 DIMENSIONS

156, 161, 169

4.20 4.40 4.00 4.20

16.80 $600

158, 168, 178, 184

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

123 - 91 - 117 @171

123 - 91 - 116 @161

114 - 86 - 108 @178

Salomon’s Rocker2 92 is a seriously versatile ski, meant for those who want to explore from the park to the trees.

While its versatility may turn off some serious park rats, the ski scored extremely well, earning such praise as “super fun camber” and “great swing weight.” Like the name suggests, the Rocker2 92 has rockered tips and tails, giving it a playful feel. But sandwich construction and a full woodcore mean this isn’t some flimsy feeling ski. Finally, Salomon’s patented Pulse Pad elastomer along the ski dampens vibration giving you a polished ride.

Almost a carbon copy of the guys’ Rocker2 92, Salomon’s Rockette had the fairer sex’s testers pining over it. Identical in construction, the Rockette brings a rockered tip and tail experience to the park, producing a fun and lively ski. Sandwich construction and a woodcore allow the skis to have “good spring to them.” Camber underfoot and a wide enough waist give the user a stable and “consistent feel,” making the ski “ideal for all mountain” when you need it.

Different mounting specs accommodate the anatomical differences between male and female skiers. The Rockette 92 offers all the performance of its bigger brother in a package for the ladies, without compromising a thing.

The Scott Jib may be the Jib TW’s little brother, but don’t think this is some bushleague park ski. Almost an exact replica of the TW—no race base on the Jib—it’s a ski that testers “didn’t want to put down,” is “easy edge-to-edge,” and “super stable on jumps, big or small.” The same 3D sidecut, the same reinforced edges, and the same woodcore and sandwich construction, all add up to one complete park ski. “These skis are a piece of art,” said one disciple of the Scott Jib.

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

PG. 168

4.00 4.40 4.60 4.40

17.40 $685

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE

16.38 $685

PRICE

[ PARK SKIS |

3.38 4.50 3.75 4.75

| FREESKIER ]

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.50 4.25 4.35 4.30

17.40 $600

MODEL SEARCH Skis.com and Freeskier Magazine are looking for the future model for the skis.com 2013 ad campaigns. If you think you have what it takes, log onto skis.com/modelsearch and one lucky lady (or lucky girlfriend?) will grace the pages of Freeskier Magazine in 2013.

Contest will run from August 20th - October 20th so get to the contest page, enter your photos and tell as many friends as you can to vote for you. *Winners will be selected based on votes and Freeskier and Skis.com employee opinions

PARK SKIS

JIB TW

GEM

SCOTT

VÖLKL

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

158, 168, 178, 184

148, 158

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

114 - 86 - 108 @178

111 - 81 - 104

The top dog of Scott’s park-ski lineup, the Jib TW was built in conjunction with Tom Wallisch. It features a lightweight woodcore and the proprietary 3D sidecut that creates precise edge control and unrivaled feel. Reinforced edges and sandwich construction give this baby the durability that’s needed to survive a season of park beatings. “The sky is the limit for this park weapon.

It shoots to kill. Boom!” exclaimed one tester. You might not ski like the Pretzel Man, but you’ll surely ski better with the Jib TW on your side.

The Völkl Gem is a straightforward ski for ladies looking to up their skills in the park and pipe. Featuring a Sensorwood core and cap construction, the Gem is a feathery-light stick that is durable enough to last all season long. Female testers noted that the Gem was “easy to maneuver,” “had great pop” and “was mad playful.” However, testers lamented that it “was too small to be super stable,” something that can be attributed to its narrow waist and max length of 158.

End result? The Gem is great for learning in the park and mini-shred, but if you’re looking to mimic Grete Eliassen, upgrade to the big sister Pyra.

4.56 4.33 4.56 4.56

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING

18.01

OVERALL SCORE

$650

15.00 $400

PRICE

LEDGE

WALL

VÖLKL

VÖLKL

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

147, 155, 163, 171, 179

161, 169, 177, 185 DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

112 - 85 - 112

115 - 87 - 115

Long considered the little brother to the Wall, Völkl’s Ledge shouldn’t be viewed as a weaker sibling. Though slightly narrower, the symmetrically shaped park tool is “about as good as it gets.”

Featuring the same Sensorwood core that all Völkl park skis have, the Ledge is great at “high speeds” as well as “holding an edge” for those who like to carve off kickers. Sporting some tip and tail rocker, the Ledge is fun and jibby, while camber underfoot gives it the pop and response needed for top-end skiing.

The only thing “littler” about the Ledge is its size—it comes in shorter lengths, so the smaller folks can enjoy it.

A mainstay for years in Völkl’s park lineup, the Wall remains a reliable, hard working park ski for anyone. With Völkl’s storied pedigree backing it, you know the Wall’s construction, a full woodcore and vertical sidewalls, gives you the powerful foundation any good park ski requires. The Wall’s camber gives you the pop needed to throw bigger tricks, while the carbon layers inside not only increase snap but also dampen impact.

In a word, they are “perfect,” one tester mused. Another continued, “Love these skis… maybe the best?”

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE

[ PARK SKIS |

4.17 4.42 4.50 4.33

17.42 $500

PRICE

PG. 170

4.17 3.00 4.67 3.16

PLAYFULNESS

| FREESKIER ]

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.80 4.60 3.80 4.40

17.60 $650

++

MICROBREW SKIS

MICRO BREW

SKIER: ELIEL HINDERT PHOTO: OSKAR ENANDER_SWEETGRASS LOCATION: WHITEWATER, BC

No matter how big a company is today, it started as a micro: a small group of people who share the same passion for ski making.

Today more people than ever are picking up tools, building ski presses in garages, and popping out skis. Most impressive is how many of these companies are putting out quality skis. Here are our favorite indie brand skis of the year, our Editor’s Picks, made by people fueled by the gas fumes in their garage.

NINA 99

WAILER 99

EVO

DPS

DPS

ELLISON

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

168, 176

168, 176, 184, 192

DIMENSIONS

177, 185

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

121 - 99 - 111

126 - 99 - 110

122 - 127 - 100 - 119

For hard-charging ladies, DPS presents the all-new Nina 99. DPS touts this ski as “the women’s daily driver.” Our testers confirm it’s a solid all-mountain tool, saying things like, “It’s a one-ski quiver,” and, “It’s playful when I want it to be and solid underfoot when I’m charging.”

The Nina 99 comes in Pure and Hybrid constructions. The Pure employs carbon and nano while the Hybrid is a combination of fiberglass, carbon and bamboo. Whichever route you go, you can rest assured you’ve got an ultra lightweight ski. Gradual rocker has you covered in variable snow, and testers report it’s a “decent carver.”

The DPS Wailer 112 RP was a big hit at our microbrew test one year ago—the ski earned an Editor’s Pick. The Wailer 99 is based on that award-winning platform, so we guessed we’d enjoy this ski before we even strapped in. Sure enough, we did. One tester wrote, “I dig this ski big time, it’s super fun.” Another noted, “It’s a solid ski… pretty playful and handles all conditions.” Like the Nina 99, this ski comes in a Pure and Hybrid model, both are very lightweight. At 99 mm underfoot, it’s not your ideal powder ski, but its gradual rocker keeps you floating on most anything, including the worst of the chop.

Colorado-based Ellison Skis puts forth an extremely versatile, one-ski quiver option in the Evo. It’s a “playful all around ski,” reports one tester. “Good work, Ellison,” says another. Evo’s playful flex pattern makes this ski a great option for those who like to jump around. Rockered tip and tail keep you happy in the pow while camber underfoot keeps you happily on edge. The ample waist width allows the Evo to ably cruise through the crud, yet it’s still nimble enough to play wherever you want to take it.

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

PG. 172

5.00 4.00 4.00 3.00

16.00 $799

4.14 4.29 3.79 3.93

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

16.15 $799

[ MICROBREW SKIS |

| FREESKIER ]

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.00 3.66 3.66 3.66

14.98 $799

MICROBREW SKIS

3.ZERO

AREA

COMPLETO

FACTION

FACTION

FOLSOM

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

167, 175, 183, 191

143, 153, 163, 168

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

176, 186 DIMENSIONS

142 - 112 - 132

114 - 82 - 106

130 - 105 - 118 @186

“I went everywhere and the ski kept up,” remarked one tester about Faction’s 3.Zero.

This ski’s ability to perform in varied conditions on any type of terrain makes it a repeat Editor’s Pick for 2012/13.

Boasting a fairly stiff flex pattern, this ski is stable. “Very solid, very reliable,” notes one individual. Utilizing tip and tail rocker, the 3.Zero rocks through pow and crud.

According to another tester, the 3.Zero is also “a surprisingly floaty ski. It works really well in pow.” Traditional camber underfoot ensures you’ll be able to carve on the hardpack, too. “Very solid for carving. It’s quick and holds like Gorilla Glue,” reported another.

Following the success of the Kennedy, Swiss-based Faction Skis has developed a smaller—and more playful—version for the ladies with the Area. Developed in conjunction with Kristi Leskinen, the Area makes for a great slopestyle ski for smaller features, but testers found that it wasn’t the most stable. Yet what it lacks in stability, it more than makes up for in durability and energy, something all park skiers are looking for. Testers found the Area to be “poppy” and “lightweight,” while heat-treated steel edges increase its jibbing life.

Boulder, Colorado–based Folsom Custom Skis rocked the microbrew test, inspiring rave reviews and earning four Editor’s Picks. Earning the second highest score of the four was the Completo. With rockered tips and tails and low camber underfoot, this ski excels all over the mountain. It’s fantastic in soft snow and powder conditions, it holds a mean edge throughout a turn, it’s highly “rompable” off any and all drops, and to cap it all off, it’s extremely lightweight. One tester said about the Completo, “These are about as good as skis get.”

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.00 4.00 4.00 4.50

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING

16.50

OVERALL SCORE

$829

4.00 3.33 4.00 3.33

14.66 $549

PRICE

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

GAMBIT

QUARK

RAPTURE

FOLSOM

FOLSOM

FOLSOM

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

177, 185, 187, 195, 205 DIMENSIONS

4.00 4.50 4.50 4.50

17.50 $775

LENGTHS

175, 182

182, 186, 192, 196

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

148 - 116 - 126 @185

112 - 84 - 112 @175

142 - 120 - 134 @186

Receiving the honor of Editor’s Pick for the second season in a row is the Gambit.

Slightly stiffer than last year’s model, this iteration is a favorite among our testers.

While this five-dimensional stick performs best in pow and soft snow, strong skiers will have no trouble cutting through the corduroy. “It excels in varied terrain,” remarked one of our testers. “It’s stable in all conditions and has great float.”

Another tester exclaimed, “Wow! So quick and nimble for so big a ski.” And the makers aren’t Folsom Custom Skis for nothing; these guys can tweak their skis to meet your every need.

Folsom’s foray into park skis has been a successful one, with testers gushing over the Quark with comments like, “Super fun, quick and responsive,” “Great stability,” and “The best ski yet!” What’s the secret? The Quark comes equipped with a symmetrical sidecut and flex pattern, making switch skiing a breeze. Combined with a smidge of early tip and tail rise, the Quark will have you buttering and slip-sliding your way through the park.

Made in Colorado, the Quark—like all Folsoms—is produced by a small crew dedicated to quality and durability in each ski that leaves their shop.

A series of cataclysmic events may or may not bring about the end of the Earth in December 2012. Should our planet survive, so too will its snowy peaks, and you’ll be in need of skis. Cue the Rapture.

A new shape from Folsom this year, the Rapture boasts early tapered tips and tails making for a smeary ride down vast white slopes. Rockered tips and tails and camber underfoot ensure all bases are covered, whether you’re charging pow or shredding hardpack. Testers were impressed by the Rapture’s ability to power through turns. “Speed is not an issue,” remarked one individual. “This is a solid ski.”

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.20 4.60 4.20 3.80

16.80 $820

4.60 4.20 4.60 3.80

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE

17.20 $699

PRICE

[ MICROBREW SKIS |

| FREESKIER ]

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.50 4.50 4.50 4.16

17.66 $820

PG. 173

MANHATTAN G3 LENGTHS

175, 180, 185, 190 DIMENSIONS

139 - 108 - 128 @175 For 16 years, G3 has been designing products for backcountry enthusiasts.

Performance and ease of travel are the name of their game, and the Manhattan—back in the G3 lineup—is no exception. “It’s definitely made for strong skiers,” asserted one tester. “It’s an efficient carver, it’s stable and grips while you rip, and it’s good in the pow, too. I’m impressed.” Lightweight for its size, G3 plugs this ski as the “ultimate hard-charging touring ski.” While some testers craved more play from this stick, others enjoyed its stiffer flex pattern. The skis “cruised through everything like a champ!” said one.

3.12 3.50 4.25 4.12

SKIER: KARL FOSTVEDT PHOTO: ALEX NAWROCKY LOCATION: SUNRIVER, OR

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

14.99 $760

PRICE

KACHINA

TAZLINA

GRIFFIN

GOODE

H20 OUTDOOR GEAR

HART

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

174, 181, 188

174, 184, 191

DIMENSIONS

179, 189

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

156 - 128 - 144

137 - 108 - 124

155 - 125 - 148

A repeat Editor’s Pick, the Kachina is a powder-slaying machine. This ski is 128 mm underfoot and boasts a strong rocker profile. You’ll have no trouble floating atop the deep white. Its carbon-fiber composition translates to energy and response, so should you find yourself in a tight spot or in the glades, you’ll be able to maneuver easily. It’s lightweight for its size, and testers had nothing but positive comments. “A very large, unwavering ski,” said one tester. “It’s a great pow ripper. It powers over crud, it’s forgiving and fun to jump around on, and easy to turn in pow.” Powder hounds, the Kachina is calling.

H2O Outdoor Gear is the brainchild of ski legend Dean Cummings. Through years of experience shredding AK, the Wasatch, the Andes and beyond, Cummings knows well what it takes for a ski to perform at the highest level.

The culmination of a ton of R & D in the field, H2O presents the Tazlina. This lightweight ski is an all-around charger, capable of performing wherever you may roam. One tester noted, “It’s a rad ski. Great in all conditions. Carves well and floats when you’re in deep. A great ski in the H2O quiver.”

At 125 mm underfoot, Hart’s all-new Griffin is a powder-specific shred stick built for true powder addicts. While it’s reasonably capable on groomers and crud, this ski doesn’t truly begin to soar until you’re blasting through the deep stuff. “Stoked on this ski! Ideal for big, wide open pow,” remarked one tester. “It’s got a sturdy tail, is stable under your feet and skis like a pow ski should,” noted another. The Griffin’s stability comes in part from its triaxial fiberglass laminate (with fibers running in three different directions, beefing it up) sandwiching the aluminum and carbon core. Ripping at high speeds? You’ll find the ski to be damp under your feet.

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

PG. 174

3.50 4.60 4.30 4.00

16.40 $1,375

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

14.82 $899

PRICE

[ MICROBREW SKIS |

3.66 4.00 3.66 3.50

| FREESKIER ]

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.12 4.50 4.12 3.87

16.61 $969

MICROBREW SKIS

FR

FR ROCKER

NOMAD RKR

HIGH SOCIETY

HIGH SOCIETY

ICELANTIC

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

179, 186

186

DIMENSIONS

161, 171, 181

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

136 - 104 - 126 @186

150 - 122 - 140

140 - 105 - 130

High Society’s flagship model, the FR, is known for its ability to shred all over the mountain and in varied conditions.

At 104 mm underfoot, it’s wide enough to shred pow when the time calls. By the same standard, it’s also quite capable in the park or anywhere in between.

“It’s lightweight, great in light pow and packed pow, and holds edge well through turns,” reported one tester.

A handful of others commented on its nimbleness and playfulness, noting they enjoyed shredding the FR in gladed areas and popping off jumps and bumps whenever possible.

The FR Rocker is back, earning Editor’s Pick status for the second year straight.

Featuring an early-rise tip and a 122 mm waistline, this ski is designed with deep powder in mind. The FR Rocker “wants to go fast,” said one tester. “It’s a bit hard to get it going at low speeds, but it holds smooth, long turns once you’re underway.” Another tester noted, “I love charging big lines with this ski. It crushes the deep stuff.” Complete with a rubberfoil dampening system, the FR Rocker keeps you laughing in the face of tough crud. The skis are stiff and stable, too, thanks to a poplar woodcore and carbonfiber stringers on the inside.

Icelantic says its all-new Nomad RKR “could quite possibly be the funnest ski we make.” Catalog jargon? Hardly.

One tester reported, “I’ve been on a lot of good Icelantic skis over the years, and this is my favorite of them all.” “Fun” is also an appropriate adjective, as nearly every single ski tester commented on the RKR’s playfulness and light weight.

“I love this ski. Super buttery yet stable at the same time,” said one. How about carving? That same tester exclaimed, “I felt like I was carving through butter even though it was crud. It’s exceptionally solid on groomers.”

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.00 3.00 4.00 4.30

15.30 $700

4.00 4.50 4.50 3.25

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

FLOAT STABILITY CARVING

16.25

OVERALL SCORE

$720

PRICE

ORACLE

KRYPTO

ICELANTIC

KLINT

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

155, 165, 175

PRICE

138 - 100 - 120

145 - 123 - 142 @187 At 123 mm underfoot and featuring a strong rocker profile, Klint’s Krypto is best suited for pow and chop. “This ski gets on top of the snow effortlessly. It’s a powder charging, maching stick for aggressive skiers,” reported one tester.

Another noted, “It’s nice and damp through crud,” thanks to its birch woodcore. The ski is also lightweight and features a playful flex pattern, and as a third tester noted, “It’s super fun. It’s got great pop, romps in the pow and is a decent all-mountain ski.”

Tanner Rainville, Liam Downey, Erik Roner and John Spriggs are just a few of the many Klint team riders who look to the Krypto when they’re sending ‘er deep.

STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

$699

DIMENSIONS

Hard-charging females will dig Icelantic’s Oracle. The ladies at our ski test celebrated this ski for its light weight and forgiveness in choppy snow. The Oracle’s early-rise tip certainly lends to its ability to rock in the chop and in powder conditions—yet this ski features a traditional tail. With a 13 meter turning radius (at 155 mm), this ski boasts a strong sidecut to match your aggressive turns. Whether you’re on the hardpack, shredding burms through the trees or opening it up on a wide, powder-filled trail, you’ll be smiling with the Oracle under your feet.

FLOAT

16.80

173, 180, 187, 194

DIMENSIONS

PLAYFULNESS

4.40 4.40 4.00 4.00

PLAYFULNESS

3.00 5.00 4.00 5.00

17.00 $679

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

15.67 $850

PRICE

[ MICROBREW SKIS |

3.58 4.16 4.33 3.60

| FREESKIER ]

Skis Lib Tech NAS Fully Functional Five Boots Full Tilt Seth Morrison Pro Jacket Mountain Hardwear Kryos Pant Mountain Hardwear Returnia Goggles Bolle Gravity Helmet Lib Tech StormFactory Burtner Gloves Mountain Hardwear Medusa Backpack Lib Tech StormFactory Steep Hill Accessories Arcade The Standard belt, Squaw Valley neck gator @timydutton

PG. 175

MICROBREW SKIS

PRIME

PURE

POW NAS

KLINT

KLINT

LIB TECH

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

170, 179, 188

168, 175, 182, 189

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

171, 181, 191 DIMENSIONS

128 - 91 - 115 @179

123 - 90 - 123 @182

151 - 115 - 141 @181

Sure, Klint Skis hasn’t been manufacturing skis for very long, but they seem to have already figured things out. The Prime is an all-mountain world beater with a terrain park slant. A lively birch woodcore and sandwich construction supply plenty of stability, energy and vibration absorption.

A full-camber profile and slanted sidewalls make sure these bad boys grip on any terrain, while the generous waist makes this ski perform well in the pow and crud.

In short, “It’s a great all-mountain ski that can shred the park just as well as the rest of the hill.”

Part of Klint’s freestyle series, the Pure is a park ski that’s not afraid to charge all over the mountain. “It’s a great park ski that can hold it down at mach 4,” said one of our testers. A true twin, the Pure rocks a symmetrical sidecut and gradual rocker in the tip and tail with traditional camber underfoot. Thus, butter when you wish and hold an edge when you’re outrunning ski patrollers. The Pure is playful, spirited and lightweight. One tester went so far as to say, “I love how fun this thing is. It’s easily my favorite ski from the Microbrew Test.”

The Pow NAS was inspired by the late Jamie Pierre, along with Mike Wilson and Tim Dutton. If you’re familiar with these individuals, you’ll know that they live up to the saying, “Go big or go home.” So it’s no surprise that the Pow NAS is built for hardcharging rippers. “This ski is so much fun. It was great everywhere, and it’s so good for solid stomps,” said one tester. Its reCurve shape (rockered tip and tail with camber underfoot) ensures you’ll float when you need to and hold fast on edge. The serrated Magne-Traction edges work to your advantage. Plus, the bio-plastic topsheets are made from beans. Cool beans!

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

3.75 4.75 4.00 4.75

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING

17.25

OVERALL SCORE

$650

4.00 3.60 4.00 4.00

15.60 $650

PRICE

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

DIRTY BEAR

WRENEGADE

MAJESTY

ON3P

LENGTHS

LENGTHS

181, 191

DIMENSIONS

Skis ON3P Jeronimo Boots )XOO 7LOW .RQñ LFWV Bindings Salomon STH 16 -DFNHW /HWKDO 'HVFHQW 6DPXUDL Pant /HWKDO 'HVFHQW 0RRQ Goggles 6FRWW +XVWOH $FFHVVRU\ 6NXOOFDQG\ ,FRQ ,,

DIMENSIONS

134 - 99 - 124

141 - 113 - 128 @181

Majesty’s Dirty Bear is a freestyle-oriented stick that’s equipped to perform in varied conditions all over the hill. At 99 mm underfoot and featuring a poplar and ash core, the Dirty Bear “is fun to throw around,” reported one tester. “It has a light swing weight and is quick under your feet.” While it’s fully capable of throwing down off the jumps and on rails, the Dirty Bear also handles crud like a champ thanks to slight early rise in the tips.

Camber underfoot ensures “the ski carves at speed well,” noted another tester. As a bonus, Majesty plants a tree seedling for every pair of skis sold. Cheers to that.

In 2011/12, ON3P improved its Wrenegade from the 2010/11 version with a few small tweaks—enough to earn an Editor’s Pick. Additional adjustments were made to the 2012/13 model, and the results are in: The Wrenegade is better than ever. Thanks to its updated rocker profile in the tips, you don’t have to think twice about bombing through crud. You’ll also find this ski floats well— gradual rocker in the tail translates to better handling in powder. As one tester put it, “This is a powerful but easy ski.”

Yes, it’s powerful. This ski boasts a stiff flex pattern that caters best to those who go 110 percent, 100 percent of the time.

4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

#FUD]\BNDUO

PG. 176

17.00 $850

PRICE

175, 182, 189

4.50 4.50 4.50 3.50

PRICE

16.00 $749

[ MICROBREW SKIS |

| FREESKIER ]

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.00 4.50 4.50 4.50

17.50 $749

Location / Valdez AK Photo / SKS

MICROBREW SKIS

PROFESSOR RMU LENGTHS

176, 186, 200 DIMENSIONS

145 - 120 - 136 @186

Skis KLINT KryptoLite Boots Full Tilt Level 1 Limited Edition Bindings Look Pivot 18 Jacket Under Armour Jackal Pant Under Armour Unchained Goggles Electric EG2

Rocky Mountain Underground isn’t exactly “underground” anymore. With a few years of experience under their belts, the RMU crew is producing skis that are generating buzz well beyond the company’s home in the Rockies. One of the most popular models at our microbrew test was the Professor. At 120 mm underfoot, the Professor is “surprisingly nimble,” said one tester. “It’s a big, bad big-mountain ski. No sissies allowed.”

Rockered tips and tails ensure you’ll blow through the chop, and camber underfoot allows you to hold your edge at speed.

Team up with the Professor, and you’ll be doing the schooling all over the hill.

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE

@t_rains

PRICE

3.60 4.60 5.00 4.00

17.20 $825

GUS

DEPTH HOAR

RMU

SKILOGIK LENGTHS

LENGTHS

191

162, 172, 182 DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS

115 - 85 - 108 @172

167 - 143 - 160

If tearing up the frontside with the ability to jump in the park is your thing, then RMU has the ski for you. Built as a traditionallycambered and directional ski that “is really quick edge to edge” and hailed as “an excellent jib ski,” the Gus can hold its own in the park. A lightweight ash woodcore coupled with an 85 mm waist makes the Gus quick and nimble. A strong flex pattern make the Gus responsive to a tee and capable of holding an edge at any speed. So whether you’re gripping East Coast ice, Colorado park and pipe or Tahoe corn, you’ll be right at home with this ski.

With a whopping 143 mm waistline, the Depth Hoar is a fantastic powder offering from SkiLogik. Complete with rockered tip and tail and a 23 meter turning radius, this Bad Larry is built to surf atop endless white waves with ease.

Thanks to its carbon-fiber construction, it’s fairly lightweight for its burly size. “So, so floaty. So sick, and surprisingly keeps up on bumps and groomers,” noted one tester. Another tester, and no it wasn’t T-Pain, exclaimed, “If this ski were a boat, I’d be on it!” It may not be a boat, but in the same way a surfer gets barreled in the green room, you’re sure to get pitted in the white room with the Depth Hoar.

4.00 3.86 4.00 4.14

PLAYFULNESS STABILITY SWING WEIGHT CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

PG. 0178

16.00 $599

[ MICROBREW SKIS |

| FREESKIER ]

PLAYFULNESS FLOAT STABILITY CARVING OVERALL SCORE PRICE

4.00 5.00 4.00 3.25

16.25 $800

Photo: Ross Downard | Athlete: Chris McKeever | Location: Grand Targhee, WY

THE

BRAND GUIDE

SKIER: SAGE CATTABRIGA-ALOSA PHOTO: MARK FISHER_TGR LOCATION: KNIK GLACIER, AK

PG. | 180

You enter into the finishing lair with a view of the skate ramp, full of the noises and smells of production. Leaving the warehouse, you’ll pick up the distinct click of ping-pong games furiously contested, surrounded by collections of original artwork, through a door that leads to our store. A diverse décor of ski industry history is parlayed alongside our line of products with ski movies playing on the big screen. You exit through the glass front doors to a view of the Wasatch, where all the dreams created within these walls become a reality.

4FRNT.COM 4FRNTSKIS 4FRNT 4FRNT_SKIS

HOJI

$

179, 187, 195 130 - 112 - 121 @187

760 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

I woke up before sunrise with a hangover the size of my Whistler Village bar tab. Did we even sleep? It’s hard to tell. Eric’s already in the kitchen drinking coffee; boots on.

Face shots off Spanky’s then hot laps on Peak Chair, Sushi Village for dinner then back to the bar again. I’ll sleep when I’m dead.

MADONNA 158, 165, 172 120 - 96 - 115 @165

$

560 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

When someone says I ski like a girl, I say thank you. I don’t want to look like the chimp-like charger who can’t do anything but straight-line out the bottom. I flow. My skiing is quick and easy that looks effortless edge-to-edge. Who needs an ego when you still beat everyone back to the lift?

CODY

$

172, 179, 186 129 - 102 - 124 @186

610 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Just another day at the mountain. Top to bottom, all-day.

Moto gaps, butters, high-speed airs off the rollers, slash and burn, and taking it switch to the road. Another lap through the trees to steal a quick face-shot, dropping the cliff band under the lift for some hoots and hollers, before hitting the pizza and beers in the lodge.

THUNDERBOLT

$

399

My dawn patrol is spent at the gym getting strong. From there it’s straight to the mountain, where a top to bottom burner awaits before entering the park. Slow carve off the lip to (pause) there’s my landing deep in the tranny. My parallel lines in the landing are the only claim I care about.

YLE

$

177, 187 140 - 119 - 140 @187

710 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The booter has been setting up all night and the sky is peaking blue. I load up the sled and pull the cord. The old horse comes to life and we double up to the in-run. It always looks bigger from the top. The radio crackles to life, “Cameras ready!” It’s now or never.

TOURING KIT

$

300

Three days after the storm, Alta’s been skied to bits. We hit the skin track at dawn and settle into an easy rhythm. Up, up, up. We get to the saddle, ski-skin our way across and then a final push to the summit. Sun’s out now. A tight slip into this couloir, and we’re ready to go.

PG. | 181

Able Planet designs and manufactures innovative audio and communication devices for individuals with All Levels of Hearing. The company’s products include award-winning noise canceling headphones, earphones and wireless devices. All products feature Able Planet’s patented LINX AUDIO, a Hear the Difference technology. The company has won over 30 awards in the past five years, including 26 International Consumer Electronics Show awards for innovation and design.

XNC230 EXTREMES

$

150

NC180 NEONS

$

90

ABLEPLANET.COM ABLEPLANETINC ABLE_PLANET ABLE_PLANET

SI170 METALLICS

$

50

Ideal for traveler, student, athlete, or music lover. These headphones combine great sound in a foldable convenient size.

The XNC series features an adjustable headband, superior sound quality and clarity and an in-line volume control. The plaid ear caps offer a fashionable and colorful alternative.

These colorful headphones fold compactly, offer amazing noise cancelation, and an in-wire volume control. While remaining fun and fashionable they outperform competitors and are perfect for the extreme athlete. At a hard to beat price point they will provide hours of listening pleasure.

Musician’s choice sound isolation earphones come in a variety of vibrant colors. With 3 different sized ComfortFit sound isolation tips that block exterior sound and create a custom fit for maximum comfort, an in-wire volume controller, and a microphone. Perfect for the active lifestyle you live.

FEATURES Red | Black | Pink | Green | White

FEATURES Orange | Purple | Royal | Lt Blue | Pink | Green

FEATURES Pink | Purple | Green | Orange | Red | LtBlue

BT400B WIRELESS HEADSET

$

100

The BT400 is an ultra-light, compact behind the head headset using Bluetooth for its audio connection. The BT400 features SoftTouch ear cushions, multi-function music controls with a microphone so you never miss a call. Fully charged, the BT400 lasts up to 8 hours of continued use.

FEATURES Wireless | Bluetooth | Foldable Headset

PG. | 182

PS400 STEREO HEADPHONE

$

130

NC1050 + IPOD TOUCH (GWP)

$

350

PS400 is a lightweight over-the-ear stereo headphone with plush ear cups that allow you to listen to your music longer.

The premium headphone comes with Able Planet’s patented LINX AUDIO that recreates the live sound experience. Included are an in-wire volume control for easy adjustment and a soft carrying case.

Want the ultimate sound experience? The Clear Harmony NC1050 with LINX AUDIO is a noise-cancelling headphone with strong bass and clear highs. Four out of five people preferred this headphone to the competition at CES 2012.

Purchase this model and receive a gift, an 8G Apple iPod Touch!

FEATURES Black | Glossy Black

FEATURES Black with Carbon Fiber | Noise Canceling

ANONOPTICS.COM ANONOPTICS ANONOPTICS ANON_OPTICS

anon is the industry leader in elevated performance and aesthetics. Our mission is to deliver optimal vision for every winter weather condition, fused with the latest in stylistic finishes and embellishments. From progressive design concepts to technical executions, we ensure every anon goggle meets the demands of the most elite athletes in the world.

M1 CRYSTAL KING

$

220

$

200

FEATURES

Magna-Tech Quick Lens Change Technology Red Solex Spherical Lens Full Perimeter Channel Venting Pivoting Flush Mount Hinge Low Profile, Lightweight Frame Triple Layer Face Foam

M1 ABYSS FEATURES

Magna-Tech Quick Lens Change Technology Blue Solex Spherical Lens Full Perimeter Channel Venting Pivoting Flush Mount Hinge Low Profile, Lightweight Frame Triple Layer Face Foam

$

200

M1 CHOCOLATE FEATURES

Magna-Tech Quick Lens Change Technology Green Solex Spherical Lens Full Perimeter Channel Venting Pivoting Flush Mount Hinge Low Profile, Lightweight Frame Triple Layer Face Foam

PG. | 183

APO-SNOW.COM

APO produces playful snowboards and skis.

The roots of the brand date back to the ‘80s and the ground-breaking Apocalypse movies, which brought snowboarding to Europe via Regis Rolland, who is featured in the films and founded the brand. After 30 years of experience in making boards, the brand is known for its creativity and amazing team, including Sammy Carlson, Kai Mahler and Willie Borm.

SAMMY C PRO

$

166, 172, 178 120 - 86 - 112 @172

700

166, 172, 178 120 - 86 - 112 @172 -

$

630

STARSKY 167, 173, 179, 185

LENGTHS

123 - 92 - 116 @173

JIB 10, JUMPS 10, CARVING 5, POWDER 2, FLEX 5

-

Adapted to any type of skier and terrain Confidence inspiring from the first run on For the new generation of freestylers Limitless Regular camber

JIB 5, JUMPS 9, CARVING 7, POWDER 5, FLEX 7

APOSNOW

$

174, 180, 186 137 - 104 - 129 @180

DIMENSIONS

$

APOSNOW

ROCKO

LENGTHS

- Ready for a freeriding orgy - Float above powder even in fakie - Levitation above deep snow included - Perfect to charge down steeps - Rocker camber (tip & tail) JIB 0, JUMPS 5, CARVING 6, POWDER 10, FLEX 6

DIMENSIONS

Make the park yours Unbelievable pop For ambitious freestylers Perfect balance for slopestyle Jib Rocker (tip & tail)

PG. | 184

137 - 117 - 129 @181

880

$

181, 190

DIMENSIONS

- Designed to shred the park - Ultra responsive and poppy - A high-flying, precision tool - Playful tip, great for nollies and butters - Regular camber JIB 10, JUMPS 10, CARVING 5, POWDER 2, FLEX 7

HUTCH

RON

LENGTHS

search ‘APO SNOW’

760 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

- Express yourself on groomers and in deep snow - Transform the mountain into a giant park - Effortless floatability and control - Master any terrain - Rocker camber (tip & tail) JIB 2, JUMPS 7, CARVING 7, POWDER 9, FLEX 7

690

MARIELLE

$

155, 161, 167

LENGTHS

116 - 84 - 111 @161

DIMENSIONS

-

500 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Fun and performance for female freestylers Smooth in all circumstances Perfect to cruise confidently Improve your skills with Marielle Rocker camber (tip & tail)

JIB 9, JUMPS 9, CARVING 6, POWDER 4, FLEX 4

ATOMIC.COM On the slopes. In powder. At the X Games. At the World Cup. Wherever you find skiers, you will find the highest quality equipment from ATOMIC. Because ATOMIC develops tailor-made skiing equipment for every type and level of skier, making skiing more exciting, simpler and success even easier to achieve.

ATOMICSKIING ATOMICSKI ATOMICSKI

AUTOMATIC

$

179, 186, 193 130 - 117 - 119

929 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

“The Automatic is the ski of choice for big mountain charging, and free flowing fun, with its balance of directional shape and Powder rocker profile.” – Sage Cattabriga-Alosa Ti Sprocket Power Boosters (SPB), Powder Rocker Profile, Step Down Sidewall Construction, Full Woodcore.

PUNX

$

155, 164, 173, 182 110.5 - 82 - 110.5

579 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The Punx is the comp ski of choice for X Games and Dew Tour medal winners. Bomber symmetrical construction with camber allows riders to focus on the business at hand: slaying the park.

BENT CHETLER

$

183, 192 142 - 123 - 134

879 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Benchetler’s dreams came true with the most amazing freestyle powder ski to date. Carbon SPB construction for stability and pop, and you get the most versatile powder weapon on the planet. Carbon Sprocket Power Boosters (SPB), Powder Rocker Profile, Step Down Sidewall Construction, Full Woodcore, Chris Benchetler Artwork.

OVERLOAD 100

$

499

A perfect fit instantly and Shockilla in the heel make this a choice boot for ripping the park. The pros who developed this boot love it and so will you.

FEATURES Blow Out Zones ASY Pro SKOCKILLA T2 Liner Mega Alu Buckles 100 Flex

RITUAL

$

174, 182, 190 130 - 103 - 119

879 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Ti Backbone and Twin Progressive Sidecut ensure that high performance versatility is ingrained into the Ritual’s DNA. Charge anywhere with confidence on this pinnacle in AllMountain performance. Ti Backbone, Step Down Sidewall Construction, Full Woodcore, All Mountain Rocker, Twin Progressive Sidecut.

TRACKER 16

$

559

The new Tracker 16 Binding offers the ultimate in downhill performance and uphill convenience. Wider and lower to the ski, you’ll have the confidence to send it wherever you go, in bounds or out.

FEATURES Hike & Ride Switch 2 Position Climbing Bar Low, Oversized Platform

Slanted Sidewall, Full Woodcore, Resistedge 2.2.

PG. | 185

BOLLE.COM

For nearly 125 years, Bollé has set the standard for innovation in premium materials. Founder Seraphin Bollé and his son pursued their passion in the Alps, utilizing a mix of innovation, self-sufficiency and plain hard work.

To this day, Bollé employs that same alpine attitude in everything the company does, creating eyewear with a mix of cutting-edge technology and pure intuition.

FANSOFBOLLE BOLLE_EYEWEAR

MONARCH WHITE AURORA

$

60

Sized down and low profile, the Aurora is a deluxe package for medium faces. Optimal field of view and industry leading anti-fog technology are the perfect combo for smaller riders.

GRAVITY BLACK MOSAIC

$

100

The Gravity has it all: comfort, performance and style. Plush three-layer face foam, an exceptionally wide field of view, and amazing graphic treatments.

B-STYLE

$

80

Weighing in at only 390 grams, the B-Style combines tech and style like no other helmet in its price range. Featuring an in-mold shell to reduce weight, it combines removable ear pads, a plush hypoallergenic liner and Bollé’s patented Click-to-Fit system for the ultimate in fit and safety. It also features an available audio kit that slides directly into the ear pads.

PG. | 186

SYNERGY

$

110

The Synergy helmet is the pinnacle of Bollé helmet technology. It features a Hybrid shell, integrating materials for more consistent protection. Its Air-Flow Extractor venting ensures cool and safe riding no matter what conditions you’re in.

A padded chin strap, Click-to-Fit adjustment and perfect goggle/helmet integration make it a helmet you’ll feel good wearing all day.

SIMMER

$

100

The Bollé Simmer has every feature you want from a goggle and hides it in a sleek, fog-free shape. Flexing outriggers for helmet fit, plush triple face foam and Bollé’s Equalizer pad in the lens make this one of the most luxurious spherical lens goggles on the market.

B-STAR

$

90

With reduced weight, in-mold shell and Bollé’s Airflow venting, the B-Star is your solid reliable head piece. Back up the protection with a plush liner, padded chin strap and soft removable ear pads, and the B-Star is ready to make tracks, no matter what the conditions are.

BOOMBOTIX.COM

Boombotix was created as a social alternative to headphones. When you’re packing a Boombot, you bring a party everywhere you go. So, when you’re engaged in your favorite activity, whether it be skiing, skating, or just walking around the city, you’re able to listen to music and your surroundings. Aside from this added element of safety, people around you might throw a fist pump or two to salute your taste in music.

BOOMBOTIX BOOMBOTIX BOOMBOTIX

BOOMBOT1

$

45

The Boombox is back! The BoomBot1 (BB1) is an ultra-portable, ultra-loud speaker system that works with any audio device. The BB1 allows audio fanatics to enjoy their tunes on the go in a package that sounds as amazing as it looks. The BB1 is Boombotix’s entry-level model, but don’t let that fool you. Expect some serious BOOM for the buck.

BOOMBOT2

$

70

The BoomBot2 (BB2) wireless speaker fuses Japanese urban design with mobile audio in a truly portable package. The BB2 wirelessly connects via Bluetooth, is rechargeable, loud as &@*%, and durable enough to withstand the abuse of your lifestyle, guaranteed.

REX

$

100

The REX is the ultimate mobile accessory. It packs a boom with dual stereo drivers and massive bass radiator for uncompromising sound. The ruggedized speaker pairs with your handheld device via Bluetooth for volume control, track control, and features a built-in microphone for hands-free calling on the slopes, the beach, or wherever your adventures may bring you.

PG. | 187

Some say the far North of Sweden is Europe’s last wilderness. But it’s also a place where nature and human creativity have come together in unique ways to inspire Cross’ 2012 skiwear collection.

Staying true to its deep Scandinavian heritage, Cross designs its skiwear with contemporary style, vibrant colors and technically superior FTX fabrics allowing for a full range of movement from the park to the backcountry, while providing the optimal body warmth and dryness.

BODEN JACKET SALA PANT

379 $ 339 $

Go big, stay warm. The Cross Boden jacket will turn heads as you spin flips, and with 100 gram insulation you’ll stay comfortable in your element all day.

FEATURES FTX recycled waterproof breathable fabric, fully taped seams, under arm zip ventilation with mesh backing, two micro-fleece lined hand warming, zip pockets, chest snap pocket, internal mesh goggle/stash pocket, internal zip pocket, removable, helmet compatible hood, one hand adjustable drawstrings at waist and hood, removable powder skirt with push buttons attaches to compatible Cross pants, ski pass pocket on left sleeve, internal Lycra sleeve cuffs, Velcro adjustable sleeve straps, interior fleece chin guard.

ANGE JACKET SVEG PANT

PG. | 188

399 $ 324 $

CROSSSKIWEAR.COM CROSSUSA CROSS_USA CROSSUSA

KALIX JACKET ABISKO BIB

499 $ 399 $

The Kalix jacket and Abisko bib pant are your all weather, hike anywhere, 2-layer non-insulated, fully taped, waterproof and breathable technical shells.

Go get some.

FEATURES 2-layer, four way FTX stretch outer fabric, fully taped, non insulated shell, removable, compatible hood, waterproof front zipper, three front button snaps for ventilation control, chest zip pocket with shammy, two micro-fleece lined hand warming, zip pockets, interior goggle/stash pocket, two way zipper, under arm ventilation, removable powder skirt that attaches to compatible Cross pants, ski pass pocket, internal Lycra sleeve cuffs, Velcro adjustable sleeve straps, interior fleece chin guard.

MALA JACKET

$

499

HEDE FTX STRETCH PANT $ 399

Long length coats and skinny pants are on the runway. Cross brings the trend on snow. With technical fabrics and fully featured, the Ange Parka allows you to rip all day, stylin’.

Cross placed its FTX four-way stretch fabric panels on her shoulders, down her arm and along her back to provide her stretch comfort and a style that’s sophisticatedly striking.

FEATURES 2-layer recycled FTX outer fabric, waterproof and breathable, 60 grams of insulation, Velcro and button front placket, 2 micro fleece lined hand warming zip pockets, 2 micro fleeced lined cargo button pockets, internal mesh goggle/ stash pocket, ski pass pocket, removable powder skirt, ventilation with mesh backing, stash zip pocket, headphone compatible, articulated sleeves, Velcro adjustable sleeve straps, internal Lycra sleeve cuffs, interior fleece chin guard.

FEATURES Combo of the 2-layer recycled FTX and stretch FTX, waterproof and breathable, 60gram insulation, chest zip pocket with shammy, internal goggle pocket, ski pass pocket, drawstrings at waist and hood, stash zip pocket, head phone compatible, lycra sleeve cuffs, adjustable sleeves straps, removable powder skirt, zip ventilation under arm with mesh backing, Air Transportation System internally on back for controlled ventilation, interior fleece chin guard.

DAKINE.COM

Trusted by the world’s best action sports athletes since 1979, everything DAKINE creates is engineered down to the smallest of details for maximum performance, quality, comfort and fit. DAKINE is located at the base of Mt. Hood, in Hood River, Oregon, an outdoor sports mecca with a unique access to year-round snow. With a focus on design, the winter 2013 collection delivers accessories and outerwear built to last.

DAKINE DAKINENEWS DAKINENEWS

CHUTE 16L PACK

$

100

Sidecountry-ready, the slim Chute pack carries your on-hill essentials with ease. Conveniences include an insulated hydration hose sleeve to help keep your water from turning to ice, retractable cable diagonal ski carry system, snow tool and shovel pocket, sternum strap with built-in rescue whistle, and a comfortable padded waist belt.

FALL LINE DOUBLE

$

CLUTCH JACKET

$

399

The 3L Clutch shell jacket offers lightweight, ultra performance and comfort for serious conditions. Storm-ready features include: 20,000 mm waterproof breathability, fully taped seams, full inner storm flap, stretch powder skirt and hand gaiters, full inner collar with fold-over chin protector, and YKK water-resistant zippers.

KENSINGTON JACKET

$

299

Designed to chase away chill on the coldest of days, the Kensington jacket features high-fill, premium goose down for maximum warmth. Buttery soft, durable 100-percent recycled polyester outer material is laminated with a 20,000 mm waterproof-breathable membrane and taped seams to keep you warm and dry all day long.

125

The Fall Line Double provides fully padded protection for your skis and gear. Load it up and lock it in with full-length locking zippers. High quality urethane wheels and dual end carry handles make rolling through airports super easy. Available in two sizes: 175 cm and 190 cm.

COMMANDER GLOVE

$

110

The Commander gloves are built of premium materials, designed to battle the harshest conditions and keep your hands warm. Made with Primaloft, fleece and wool insulation, durable drum dyed leather and waterproof, breathable GoreTex with X-TRAFIT product technology, for maximum comfort, dexterity and superior grip.

TEMPEST GLOVE

$

85

Point and shoot with the Tempest glove’s touch screen compatible leather for insta-access to technology on the go. Low profile fit with four-way stretch nylon, Gore-Tex waterproof, breathable insert plus Primaloft and fleece pile insulation.

PG. | 189

Dalbello has been a major player in the freestyle ski boot market since introducing the Krypton Rampage way back in 2002. Since then, Dalbello innovations have become the benchmark technologies in ski boots specifically engineered for the performance needs of the park skier. The RDP (Rider Development Project) is a core group of Dalbello athletes (like Tanner Hall, Sean Pettit and Russ Henshaw), engineers and product managers who work together to constantly evolve the freestyle collection.

IL MORO “T” ID

$

800

Often referred to as “Tanner’s Boot”, the IL Moro T is the Mack Daddy of them all. The IL Moro is based on Dalbello’s Krypton design but features an all-new Double-wide Park Trekker Buckle closure system that allows for quick and precise closure as well as a secure open buckle mode for hiking. Also includes stiff/medium flex tongues, fully moldable ID liners and a dead sexy sublimated graphic.

BOSS

$

575

The BOSS features a wider 103 mm fitting last with highly elastic and shock absorbing polyether lower shell. The BOSS is a high energy, power performer that rips it up all around the mountain, or in the park. 3-Piece Cabrio construction, adjustable flex, Heat moldable Trufit liner, and shock absorption all around, the Boss is the perfect ride.

PG. | 190

RAMPAGE

DALBELLOSPORTS.COM DALBELLOSKIBOOTS DALBELLOSKIBOOT

$

575

In 2002 the first generation of Rampages began to appear in parks and on the feet of folks like Tanner. The competition quickly realized that there was a new sheriff in town and scrambled to copy its unique design. Since then the Rampage has seen many improvements and is still miles ahead of the imitators. Better performance, better fit and better durability.

VOODOO

$

475

Targeted for aspiring jibbers looking to raise their game, the Voodoo features Dalbello’s unique Hyperband closure cuff wrap and Super Comfort innerboot fit system. New lightweight construction and assembly makes Voodoo an extraordinary performer around the park, or for all terrain.

DALEBOOT.COM

search ‘DALEBOOT’

ST

Since 1969, DaleBoot—privately owned and the only remaining US ski boot manufacturer—has been singularly focused on producing high performance, custom-made ski boots. The shell is 100-percent custom and the liner fully molded to each individual’s unique specifications, providing enhanced comfort and rocking performance. DaleBoot has recently exploded onto the international freeride scene with, among others, Wiley Miller and LJ Strenio joining the team and contributing to product development.

$

795

The ST is for those, like guide Aaron Karitis, who require a super stiff set up. The vertical medial cuff enhances edging by positioning the foot closer to the inside edge. It consists of three layers of progressively stiffer plastic that operate independently to allow the boot to move with the rider’s foot and lower leg in a smooth, yet firm fashion. This boot is a beast.

VFF PRO

$

VFF

$

795

Designed for riders who require greater levels of forward flexion, the VFF’s independent flex pattern provides the same degree of lateral stiffness as the Pro, but allows the athlete to further adjust their level of progressive forward flexion from 12 to 27°’s (10 to 18°’s on the Pro). This boot rips in the park.

795

The Pro is Wiley Miller’s preferred boot, offering a hybrid-cabrio design that provides enhanced lateral stiffness, progressive forward flexion, active rebound and last shape integrity through all aspects of the turn. The micro-adjustable bootboard and canted soles provide optimal in-boot & on-ski stance balancing. All DaleBoot models come standard with a fully moldable Intuition/DaleBoot liner.

PG. | 191

DRAGONALLIANCE.COM Established in Southern California in 1993, Dragon is a premium eyewear manufacturer with a deep heritage in the action sports market. Dragon has a world-class team of athletes that helped inspire and design the current range.

ADVANCED PROJECTS X

$

200

ADVANCED PROJECTS XS

DRAGONALLIANCE DRAGONALLIANCE DRAGONALLIANCE

$

200

Advanced Projects X defines Dragon’s line of premium products developed with superior design, technical innovation, and minimalist style. Bonus Yellow Blue Ion lens included.

Advanced Projects XS retains the same features of the “X” with a 10-percent smaller overall size. Bonus Rose and Eclipse lens included.

FEATURES Large Fit Super Anti-Fog, Optically Correct lens Polar micro fleece lining Uni-Directional flow Patented technology Armored venting

FEATURES Medium Fit Super Anti-Fog, Optically Correct lens Polar micro fleece lining Patented technology Armored venting Uni-Directional flow

TJ SCHILLER SIGNATURE ROGUE

$

140

NIMBUS COLLAB SIGNATURE D2

$

110

The Rogue is TJ’s go-to goggle. “For all around great fit and perfect optical clarity, this is my choice.” –TJ Schiller.

Featuring a combined effort from Eric Pollard and Chris Benchetler, this year’s Nimbus Collab is bound for success. Bonus Amber Lens.

FEATURES Medium Fit Super Anti-Fog Lens Polar micro fleece lining Optically correct lens Uni-Directional flow

FEATURES Medium Fit Super Anti-Fog Lens Dual Layer face foam 100% UV protection Helmet Compatible

PG. | 192

Born in the heart of the French Alps in 1962, Eider apparel combines its passion for mountain sports, historical textile know-how and continuous research for innovation in a unique and contemporary style. To be faithful to its founder’s tailor heritage, all the collections are imagined, drawn, designed and patterned in Annecy, France. Thanks to the control Eider has over its R&D department and to a continuous exchange of information with its athletes, technical advisors, customers and providers, Eider is ceaselessly innovating.

EIDER.COM

EIDER

CORBET JACKET

$

369

Slightly relaxed fit and insulated at varying weights, the Corbet will keep you warm without bulk, while its Defender Ripstop protects with a twill-like finish. Removable hood, removable powder skirt with snap-into-pant system, underarm air vents with 2-way zips, waterproof zips, lycra cuffs, and adjustable hem and cuffs.

KIRKWOOD JACKET

$

429

The Kirkwood seems simple, but style details like twill finish, chunky zips, and asymmetrical stitching give it an understated element of cool. Down insulation, full set of ski features, and 10K/15K waterproof/breathability make it a choice option for keeping you warm and dry, so you can focus on shredding the mountain.

DOMBAI JACKET

$

399

A puffy coat with ski features? Yep. With its 700-fill power, Pertex outer, and DWR treatment, the Dombai is your answer to deep pow and frigid temps. Removable powder skirt with stretch insert, loops for connecting to pants, inside pocket with goggle wipe, lycra cuffs with thumb holes, and adjustable hem/cuffs.

ALAGNA JACKET

$

449

The women’s Alagna turns heads both on and off the mountain. Removable powder skirt with snap-into-pant system, underarm air vents with 2-way zips, pass pocket, waterproof zips, inside goggle pocket with lens wipe, and lycra cuffs with thumbholes, preshaped elbows, stretch twill finish, and a relaxed, yet feminine cut.

AZIMUT HOODIE

$

179

The Azimut is technical enough to meet your base layer needs and stylin’ enough wear around town or on the trail all year long. Using a thermostretch fabric, it’s super comfortable, breathable, and moves with you, no matter how you choose to wear it.

CRESTED BUTTE PANT

$

299

The Crested Buttes are a ski chick’s dream. 100-percent super stylish and flattering (say what?), they’re beautifully constructed with stretch twill, preformed knees, roomy cut, and drop waist. Plus they’re equipped with all the desired tech features (waterproof membrane, vents, gators, higher/ padded rise in the back) that a girl who skis hard needs.

PG. | 193

Eira is a ski outerwear company developed in Canada. The company’s mission is to provide freeskiers with a brand to call their own. Eira speaks to their individuality, style, authenticity and passion for the sport. This is accomplished through creative design, innovation and passion for quality driven technical outerwear. Eira’s goal is to be 100% sustainable by using environmentally conscious materials through all aspects of design and development. Eira will continue to push the boundaries of style while meeting the needs of the evolving skier.

CHAMPION 3-PLY JACKET $ 249 The Champion features a recycled 3-Ply Ripstop outershell. A waterproof breathable membrane is sandwiched between a recycled poly outershell and a soft tricot lining to give you incredible protection from the elements. The jacket is 20K/20K, perfect for a long day in the park or in the backcountry.

DELIVERY JACKET

$

229

The Delivery jacket is made from a 10K waterproof UltraTwill material. The classic twill fabric features a soft hand feel and a timeless look. The coat features recycled 3M Thinsulate insulation, weatherproof construction and great color combos making this coat an instant classic.

PG. | 194

VILLAGE PARKA

$

269

The 20K/20K Village Parka is made of recycled, cross-dyed mélange. Recycled polyester yarns are cross-dyed to create the mélange effect. Each jacket uses a recycled 3M Thinsulate insulation and is made from, on average, 30 recycled plastic bottles.

EIRASKI.COM EIRASKI EIRASKI

IMAGE JACKET

$

269

The Image jacket features a new material created exclusively for Eira. The 20K/20K microdot poly-rayon features a very techy look combined with a unique hand feel to create an innovative, all new fabric. The Image jacket also uses a recycled 3M Thinsulate insulation.

PERFORMANCE PANT

$

179

The Performance pant features a 20K/20K rating, perfect for not-so-perfect conditions. The pants feature a cross-dyed mélange fabric made of recycled polyester yarns and each pant is made from, on average, 20 recycled plastic bottles.

ELANSKIS.COM

PASSION. Elan is a global brand with over 65 years of skiing and snowsports passion. The company pushes the limits of innovation and construction because it knows that your passion drives you to go beyond. Elan knows that every snowsport enthusiast is unique. So whether your sights are set on the backcountry, front side groomers, bagging big air, or riding the rails, let Elan’s passion be your inspiration.

ELAN.SKIS ELAN_SKIS

BOOMERANG

$

168, 181, 190 140 - 120 - 130

650 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Features Elan’s BC Rocker profile, which offers full tip and partial tail rocker for deep powder conditions and makes switch and landings smoother. SST sidewalls ensure maximum power transmission and edge control throughout the carve.

DELIRIUM TBT

$

450

161, 166, 171

LENGTHS

119 - 85 - 111

DIMENSIONS

Triple Base Technology (TBT) bases are flat in the middle, but lifted in the inner and outer edges of the skis. This means the ski reduces edge catch and unintentional cut away. SST sidewalls ensure maximum power transmission and edge control throughout the carve.

CHAINSAW

$

171, 182, 188 139 - 112 - 129 @182

600 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Features Elan’s BC Rocker profile, which offers full tip and partial tail rocker for deep powder conditions and makes switch and landings smoother. SST sidewalls ensure maximum power transmission and edge control throughout the carve.

BLISS 155, 165, 175 137 - 110 - 125

$

600 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Features Elan’s BC Rocker profile, which offers full tip and partial tail rocker for deep powder conditions and makes switch and landings smoother. Trulite woodcore helps lighten the boards while SST sidewalls ensure maximum power transmission and edge control throughout the carve.

PUZZLE TBT

$

166, 171, 176, 181 120 - 86 - 112

450 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Triple Base Technology (TBT) bases are flat in the middle, but lifted in the inner and outer edges of the skis. This means the ski reduces edge catch and unintentional cut away. SST sidewalls ensure maximum power transmission and edge control throughout the carve.

SOUL 155, 163, 169, 177 125- 95 - 112

$

500 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Designed for women, the Soul is empowered with lighter wood, thinner and lighter components and a special construction delivering lighter skis (aka, Bridge Technology) which make for a fun and exciting ride anytime, anywhere.

PG. | 195

FAT-YPUS.COM

Fat-ypus has been making progressive-minded designs and winning awards for its skis for eight years. Its growing reputation stems from its dedication to the spirit of skiing found in its athlete-driven designs that let the company stay ahead of the curve and the slow and steady growth mentality keeps focus on performance, versatility and durability in ski design. While the six pairs of skis you see here are some of the finest Fat-ypus around, visit the website to see the full range of models offered.

L-TORO

$

172, 182 133 - 101 - 123

790 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

One of three pro models made for team athlete Adam Delorme, the L-Toro is being hailed as one of the most versatile and fun skis available on the market. You can get after it in the park, rip through the bumps and float through the pow. Now that’s a one-ski quiver.

V-ROCK 166, 176 158 - 126 - 148

$

790 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

One of three different women’s models that Fat-ypus offers, the V-Rock will offer as much fun as you can you have in the powder on a ski of this size. Due to its lightweight design, the V-Rock will amaze you with its versatile nature and make you happy to ski all conditions on all terrain.

PG. | 196

D-SENDER ROCKER

$

164, 174, 184, 194 144 - 112 -130

790 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

One of Fat-ypus’ earliest and most popular designs, the D-Sender has the right size and even flex pattern to take on the whole mountain. Originally made for competitors on the big-mountain freeskiing tour, the D-Sender has since gained respect from a wide range of skiers as their all time favorite for every kind of inbounds and out of bounds skiing they do.

A-LOTTA 170, 180, 190 172 - 140 - 158

$

790 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The very first Fat-ypus ski design, the original super-fat in the industry and with a seven year history of winning awards the A-Lotta continues to impress with its dynamic ski nature and huge float.

search ‘FAT-YPUS’ FATYPUSSKIS

X-SIGHT

$

162, 172 133 - 101 - 123

790 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The X-sight is Fat-ypus’ newest women’s model. Similar in design to the men’s L-Toro, it is being hailed for its versatility as well. This incredibly lightweight ski is a great touring option as well as an unbeatable all-mountain/inbounds and park choice.

The name definetly reflects the way it will make you feel about going out on the hill on any day.

G-BUTTER 166, 178 118 - 86 - 108

$

590 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The G-Butter has a poppy feel and a lightweight, quick turning nature that will allow you to take your park skiing to the next level. It has been skied and tested by pros for four years now and as a result has gained a solid reputation as one of the most durable and high performance park skis available on the market.

FDWEAR.COM

FD Wear creates outerwear and clothing for all of us who spend every possible second playing in the mountains. All of the company’s gear is built from the ground up using the best fabrics and construction available, and FD is the first and only company to offer customizable outerwear. Its mission is to create the most comfortable, warm, technical, and versatile outerwear in the world.

FDWEAR FD_VIRTIKA

LETTER JACKET

VIRTIKA JACKET

$

200

VIRTIKA PANTS

$

150

$

150

REVERSIBLE HOODIE

$

59

Stuntin’ is a habit, and looking fresh is inevitable anytime you button-up this letter jacket. It’s built to last, hand crafted out of the best fabrics on the planet, and features FD’s signature fit. Goes great with the Block and Trap denim.

It’s like getting two heavyweight hoodies for the price of one.

Both sides are identical in construction, and reverse to a different color. They are packed with every conceivable feature you could think of.

FEATURES 100% wool, PU, and satin Sheathed metal zippers Inner wallet / MP3 pocket Thick, gold satin lining Applique embroidery

FEATURES Heavy weight, preshrunk 60% CVC / 40% fleece (combined weight of 640 gsm) Hidden zippers on all 4 pockets Snap hood stay (for riding switch, etc) Thick cuffs, with thumb holes

CLUSTER TEE

$ 25-28

Whether throwing dubs in the park or hucking a double-stager in the backcountry, the Virtika suit is packed with features that will keep you warm and well prepared. If things heat up, just open up a few of the eight mesh vents or zip off the sleeves for some instant AC.

These heavy-duty tees are made with the thickest, highest quality fabric available and are known for being some of the most durable and comfortable tees on the planet. They feature FD’s signature tall fit and now come in all sorts of colors and prints.

FEATURES 20k waterproof / breathable, 100% taped seams Comes with free shipping and one year warranty 17 waterproof pockets Zip-off sleeves and bib

FEATURES Heavy weight, preshrunk 100% CVC (190gsm) Custom artwork and prints

BLOCK / TRAP DENIM

$

57

Ever try on a pair of $200 jeans? Well, these are better.

Custom designed down to the last detail, with nothing overlooked. They feature a loose, but not too baggy fit, and come in a variety of sizes and lengths. Customers say they are the highest quality, most comfortable jeans you’ll ever own. Comes with a full warranty.

FEATURES Heavy weight cotton denim with 2% stretch Coated for stain and water repellence, with a slight shine 100% genuine leather and PU patchwork

PG. | 197

FACTIONSKIS.COM The Faction Collective was formed in 2006 by a group of friends in Verbier with the aim of creating the best-designed and built freeride and freestyle skis. Faction’s world-class manufacturing base in heart of the European Alps, coupled with a strong commitment to social and environmental sustainability, creates award-winning products annually.

FACTION FACTIONSKIS

FACTION x CANDIDE COLLAB The Faction X Candide Thovex Collaboration combines cutting edge technology with Candide’s creativity and knowledge to produce the Superlight Series. Cores made of recycled PET, reinforcement layers of natural flax fibre and a refined flex pattern all combine in the Candide 1.0 and Candide 3.0 to improve performance and feel and save weight.

CANDIDE 3.0 167, 175, 183, 191 142 - 112 - 132

$

849 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Faction and Candide Thovex worked tirelessly to refine the 3.Zero, one of the best high-performance freeride skis on the market. This resulted in a modified flex pattern for better control, feedback and stability. The D120 core and flax fibers reduced the weight by a solid 800 grams.

PG. | 198

CANDIDE 1.0 168, 173, 178, 181 114 - 82 - 110

$

599 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

A perfectly balanced, fully-centered sidecut park and pipe ski that delivers ultimate control and responsiveness in a phenomenally lightweight, durable package. Starting with the Kennedy ski footprint, Candide redesigned the core and flex pattern to ensure optimum feel throughout the entire terrain park.

VIVA LE MONO! 190 200 - 188 - 198

$

699 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Truly one of a kind, this surprise best seller of last year created a category all of its own. It’s the only Mono ski ever to feature tip rocker, flat camber, STP technology and a progressive sidecut. Find your flares and mount one up.

ROYALE

$

175, 183, 190 150 - 122 - 140

869 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The award-winning Royale’s fat 120mm waist coupled with substantial tip/tail rocker (300mm) and flat camber underfoot give instant edge to edge response and phenomenal float in all conditions. The full-length sidecut and stiff flex guarantees unparalleled levels of control and versatility in this backcountry freestyle ski.

PRODIGY

$

168, 174, 178, 184 136 - 98 - 126

739 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The Prodigy fills the gap for those who want the Faction 3.Zero’s width but demand a little more versatility. Faction’s proprietary STP technology allows for a lightweight torsionally strong ski with exceptional edge-hold, while the 98mm waist, deep sidecut and tip and tail rocker respond phenomenally to everything you can throw at it.

AREA 143, 153, 163, 168 114 - 82 - 106

$

549

3.ZERO

$

167, 175, 183, 191 142 - 112 - 132

829 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Freeskier has awarded the 3.Zero, Editor’s Pick two years running, and with four further magazine awards to its name, the 3. Zero helped define our reputation. As one of the first fat twins to combine tip/tail rocker with traditional camber, the 112mm-waisted ski is burley enough to handle steeps and cliffs, yet nimble enough to lay trenches on hardpack.

SOMA

$

168, 174, 178, 184 126 - 92 - 116

699 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Taking the platform of the Wednesday and adding tip and tail rocker, then stiffening up the flex a little has created the ultimate do-it-all machine. Like a Wednesday on steroids. Same full-length woodcore and versatile side-cut.

DILLINGER

$

299

LENGTHS

125, 135, 145

LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

113 - 79 - 105

DIMENSIONS

Another Freeskier Editor’s Pick, the Area is based on the same footprint as the Kennedy and refined by Kristi Leskinen. The Area is a more playful sibling to the Kennedy, perfect for lighter guys and girls. It has a smooth overall flex pattern that makes it ideal for slopestyle.

Rockwell-treated steel edges help handle sustained abuse.

Finally, a kids ski for kids who ski. Using the same bomber construction as our adult skis, the Dillinger has a full-length wood core and sandwich construction, while the generous 79mm waist width, deep sidecut and firm flex will help younger skiers develop over the whole mountain.

PG. | 199

FISCHERSPORTS.COM All of Fischer’s products are characterized by high quality and state-of-theart technologies. High tech, top quality and an eye for detail are its passion. Fischer’s rigid target group focus begins in the development phase, guaranteeing its customers the best product for all requirements. Fischer stands for enjoyment in sport, innovation and high tech.

BIG STIX 120

$

179, 189 141 - 120 - 128

895 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Bring on the white room. The Big Stix 120 is the widest offering in the reinvented Big Stix line. The line features solid sandwich sidewall wood core construction with a layer of carbon fiber, keeping the skis torsionally rigid with a lot of energy. This ski will surf the deepest snow with ease, while still giving you confidence in other snow conditions.

VACUUM RANGER 12

$

799

The revolution of VacuumFit tech expands into 12 models this year and the Vacuum Ranger 12 is at the top. The boot is custom molded to your foot during the simple 25-minute process adapting from 96-106mm last widths. This boot features Fischer’s proprietary Vacu-Plast, Hike/Ride/Lock modes, full Vibram sole, Shock absorber, motion support liner, and comes heat system ready.

PG. | 200

WATEA 106

$

174, 182, 190 138 - 106 - 124

795 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Whether you’re heading out the backcountry gates or skinning to your secret stash, the new sidecountry Watea lineup has what you need. New to the line are 106mm and 96mm offerings. The Watea 106 features a square flat tail with a notch for easy skin fixation, tip rocker, sandwich sidewall construction, air carbon, and a new shovel geometry.

RANGER 12

$

749

This 120 flex, high performance boot is packed with features that will take you wherever you want to go with ease. It will certainly be a top pick for freeskiers, coaches, ski patrollers and all-mountain experts who demand the highest performance and versatility out of a boot.

FISCHERALPINE FISCHERSPORTS

GURU

$

148, 158, 168, 178 120 - 85 - 113

475 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The GURU is the choice of US Freesking Team members Joss Christensen and Ashley Battersby. It’s the perfect ski for slopestyle and halfpipe riders, featuring sandwich sidewall construction and carbon tech for plenty of energy and durability.

ADRENALIN 16

$

525

With the all-new Adrenalin Freeride binding, no terrain is out of reach. The binding combines performance driven freeride features with the ultimate ergonomic walking mechanism for maximum freedom on- and off-piste. The Fischer Adrenalin gives an unrivaled combination of skiing performance and all terrain versatility, providing easy access to all areas.

FEATURES 5-16 DIN, 36mm stand height, 80mm wide, 2620g weight, Ascender Lock, 3 climbing positions (0°, 7°, 13°), Alpine & Touring boot compatible, and 3 different width crampons (not included)

When Flylow was established seven years ago, the company saw a need for highly technical ski gear that balanced durability, simplicity and functionality. So its mission became just that: to construct the highest quality ski apparel with refined designs that focused on function first. Flylow’s gear is designed by skiers, for skiers. It will perform perfectly whether you’re charging laps inbounds, skiing in the backcountry, climbing a mountain or sitting around a campfire.

FLYLOWGEAR.COM FLYLOWGEAR FLYLOWGEAR FLYLOWGEAR

BA PUFFY JACKET

$

290

The BA Puffy has a toasty warm synthetic down interior and a waterproof two-layer ripstop exterior, which deflects tears and scratches from tree skiing. Open the massive underarm vents to release the stink and take this jacket for a hike. It’s good uphill but made for the down.

BAKER BIB

$

330

Flylow’s 3-layer bib pants are made for deep powder days and Mt. Baker style storms. But they’ll still climb uphill: 100% Dobby nylon fabric (10K/10K) and outer thigh vents that extend from the knee to above the hip offer plenty of aeration. The expandable chest pouch has a secret pocket for your valuables.

HIGGINS JACKET

$

280

Most softshell jackets can’t handle all conditions. This one can. A real workhorse of a jacket, the Higgins is a 3-layer blend of hardshell fabric and softshell lining meaning it’s light and breathable like a softshell, but watertight and tough like a hardshell. Turns out, the Rolling Stones were wrong; you can get what you want.

STASH PANT

$

260

Big-mountain rippers and park skiers love our freeride-oriented Stash pant because it has lots of pockets, cross-flow venting, a loose fit and reinforced nylon-twill fabric that can withstand just about anything. Fully seam taped, 10K/10K 3-layer nylon Dobby fabric and Cordura cuffs.

MASALA JACKET

$

370

The redesigned Masala comes with all the burliness of Flylow’s Quantum Jacket, but designed for a woman’s frame. It’s a 3-layer, waterproof and breathable hardshell (20K/20K) that’s fit for mountain town girls who need a winter jacket that won’t disappoint them like their ex-boyfriend.

BELLA DONNA PANT

$

260

Flylow has integrated everything it has learned to push its clothing to the limits and keep it up to date on style. These pants have the ultimate utility: soft shell stretch and breathability for excellent comfort on the way up the mountain but are waterproof and tough for the way down.

PG. | 201

Since Folsom’s inception, the company’s philosophy has been simple: craft skis specifically for you that feel better and last longer. All of Folsom’s skis are hand-built with precision in its private factory allowing the builders to have total control of the finished product. Its materials are hand selected and sourced domestically ensuring superior performance and durability while reducing its carbon footprint. And of course, every ski can be custom tailored to you, from the top sheet to the camber.

BLUE NOTE CARVE

$

170, 175, 180 128 - 88 - 118 @175

775 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

New for this season, the Blue Note Carve was designed to be a front-side carving tool with all-mountain capabilities.

The 88mm footprint allows for versatility while the rigid torsional construction mimics race performance on hardpack.

The suggested camber profile consists of a minimal early rise tip with traditional camber throughout.

GIVER 176, 181, 186, 191, 196 142 - 114 - 128 @186

$

780 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Traditional sidecut with a tapered tip provide a powerful stable ride inducing confidence at all speeds. This ski is the answer to that gnarly straight line or intimidating doublestager you’ve been eyeing up for years. The 114mm width combined with early rise tip and traditional camber is the perfect blend to float, stomp, and charge.

PG. | 202

JOHNNY C

$

160, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 135 - 107 - 125 @180

770 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The Johnny C has been a staple of Folsom’s line since the beginning. It’s the company’s traditional go anywhere, do anything, one ski quiver. A favorite among the touring community, this ski rips everything from groomers, powder and spring corn. As with all of Folsom’s shapes, each ski can be constructed to match any skier type.

GAMBIT 177, 185, 187, 195, 205 148 - 118 - 126 @187

$

820 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Folsom’s most awarded ski to date, the Gambit is a game changer. This multi-radius ski allows for quick and nimble turns, while traditional camber underfoot provides edge grip and stability when you need it most. Rockered tip and tail correlating with early taper let you effortlessly smear and power through all snow conditions.

FOLSOMSKIS.COM FOLSOMSKIS FOLSOMSKIS FOLSOMSKIS

COMPLETO

$

176, 186 130 - 105 - 118 @186

780 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Debuting this season, the Completo makes the whole mountain a playground. A narrower version of Folsom’s awardwinning Gambit, this ski is nimble and exciting in all conditions. Rockered tip and tail correlating with early taper provide for float and predictability, while traditional camber underfoot creates all mountain control.

RAPTURE 182, 186, 192, 196 142 - 120 - 134 @186

$

820 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

With the end of the world upon us, the Rapture is your weapon for surviving the Apocalypse! A hybrid of two of Folsom’s most popular shapes, the Giver and Gambit, blending stability and power with maneuverability, this ski is sure to conquer any impending obstacle. It is designed for aggressive skiers with a low profile rocker pattern and wide footprint.

HEAD.COM

HEAD is proud to call Boulder, CO its home. The Rockies are the perfect backdrop for one of America’s most famous ski brands. Many freeskiing trends start in Colorado, and HEAD is perfectly located to be at the heart of them all. At its all-new headquarters, HEAD athletes Simon Dumont, James Heim, Lindsey Vonn, Julia Mancuso and Ted Ligety work closely with the company to develop the sickest skis, boots, and bindings for you to go bigger than your buddies.

HEADSKI HEAD_WS

HAMMERED 115

$

171, 181, 191 148 - 113 - 131 @181

800 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The best way to describe both team rider James Heim and his ski of choice, the Hammered 115, is hard-charging. With the Tip and Tail Stabilizer system (TTS) to ward off unwanted Rocker rattle and the T ‘n’ T Rocker profile, this ski simply charges.

THE SHOW 154, 163, 172, 181 112 - 79 - 106 @181

$

350 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The lighter, more nimble brother of the Caddy, the Show is everything you’re looking for in a park ski. A wood core cap construction with fiberglass laminates reduces swing weight to make spins easier.

REV 105

$

171, 181, 191 144 - 105 - 131 @181

800 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The game-changing Era 3.0 technology combines AllRide Rocker, Progressive Radius, and Intellirise Rebound to let you smoke past your friends. No matter what the condition, the Rev 105 sticks to the old homestead like flies on a rib roast.

ADRENALIN 16

$

525

Performance is the key word when talking about the all-new Adrenalin AT binding. The perfect combination of features and design allow the Adrenalin to stand above all other AT bindings.

Climb high, then ski down with the highest confidence.

FEATURES FR Pro Toe AFS Wide Stand Height: 36mm In-Control Climbing Aid Weight: 2,650 gram

THE CADDY

$

171, 176, 181 121 - 84 - 110 @181

475 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The Caddy is built with the same construction that takes Simon Dumont higher than you or me. Its Independent Suspension System (ISS) and P ‘n’ P Rocker profiles ensure that you have the right tool to go big both in and out of the park.

RAPTOR OVERKILL

$

750

Two of the greatest park skiers of all time (hint: JO and SD) ski in this boot, which, oddly enough, has four buckles. Maybe it’s time to reconsider what’s on your feet.

FEATURES HeatFit Pro Liner Spine Tech Buckles Double Canting Rubber Inserts Shock Absorption Boot Board

PG. | 203

GIRO.COM Giro remains staunchly focused on developing exceptional goggles and helmets from design to performance again this season. Two fresh helmets inject more sidecountry versatility and raw park progression to the line up, while Zeiss optics and a massive field of view courtesy of Giro’s EXV technology make the Onset goggle the best Giro has ever made.

GIROSNOW

ONSET

$

150

Crisp, clear optics provided by Carl Zeiss Vision and an abundance of peripheral vision served up by a precision full-size frame and Giro’s new EXV technology: on-slope sight doesn’t get any better than this.

FEATURES Large size adult frame True Sight spherical dual lens Helmet compatible design Triple layer face foam with micro fleece facing Optics by Carl Zeiss Vision

MONTANE

$

130

Insanely lightweight and outfitted with a carabineer and Giro’s new Trip Clip for hooking your lid to your pack, the Montane is up to backcountry missions and inbounds operations alike.

FEATURES 3 Rock Loc sizes , S (52 – 55.5cm), M (55.5 – 59cm), L (59 – 62.5cm), Compatible with all after market TuneUps systems, In-mold construction, 12 Super Cool vents with Thermostat control , Stack Ventilation Compliance: ASTM F2040 / CE EN1077

PG. | 204

BASIS

$

120

STATION

$

85

The Basis’s clean, minimal frame sits comfortably on the face and lends a wide-open field of view featuring Optics by Carl Zeiss .

The Station’s ample, injection-molded lens with Optics by Carl Zeiss Vision keeps you on point for a full day of riding.

FEATURES Medium size adult frame True Sight spherical dual lens Helmet compatible design Double layer face foam with micro fleece facing Optics by Carl Zeiss Vision

FEATURES Medium size adult frame Injection molded cylindrical lens Helmet compatible design Double layer face foam with micro fleece facing Optics by Carl Zeiss Vision

SURFACE S

$

85

BATTLE

$

75

Sleek and skate-inspired with a brim to cut the glare, the Surface S delivers style and an unsurpassed fit system for comfort that lasts from first chair to late-night urban assaults.

Ready for anything the park can throw at you, in a stealthy, low-profile package, the Battle features the new Auto Loc 2 fit system for exceptional comfort and fit without the bulk.

FEATURES 3 In Form sizes , S (52 – 55.5cm), M (55.5 – 59cm), L (59 – 62.5cm), Compatible with all after market TuneUps systems, Hard Shell Construction, Interior subliner, 6 Super Cool vents with mesh covers Compliance: ASTM /CE EN1077 / CPSC

FEATURES 3 Auto Loc 2 sizes , S (52 – 55.5cm), M (55.5 – 59cm), L (59 – 62.5cm), Compatible with all after market TuneUps systems, Hardshell construction, 8 Super Cool vents Compliance: ASTM /CE EN1077

PG. | 205

Working together for a better world, The House of Marley was created from the belief in Bob Marley’s vision of “One Love,” offering a range of earth-friendly premium quality products that come directly from Marley family core values: equality, unity, authenticity, sustainability and charity.

The House of Marley donates five percent of its annual profits to 1Love.org to support youth, planet and peace.

SMILE JAMAICA

$

30

Small size, huge sound. FSC-certified wood, aluminum construction and 8mm high output drivers deliver powerful and realistic performances.

EXODUS

$

150

Exodus headphones are uniquely styled from FSC-certified birch wood, real leather and recyclable aluminum. They are engineered to deliver every detail and every bass hit of your favorite music while setting you apart from the crowd.

PG. | 206

PEOPLE GET READY

$

40

Built from aluminum and responsibly harvested wood, the People Get Ready in-ear headphones use high performance 10mm drivers to deliver every detail from the deep base line to crisp, clean highs.

BAG OF RHYTHM

$

350

Powerful. Portable. Eco-friendly. The Bag of Rhythm delivers ground-pounding performance in a truly portable solution.

The Bag of Rhythm delivers enough bass to fill a room, a backyard BBQ or a beach party with powerful and lively sound.

THEHOUSEOFMARLEY.COM THEHOUSEOFMARLEY HOUSEOFMARLEY HOUSEOFMARLEY

POSITIVE VIBRATION

$

60

Marley Positive Vibration on-ear headphones offer amazing performance in a stylish design comprised of recyclable aluminum and durable canvas. Express yourself with a variety of colors whether you’re out on the street with friends, on the slopes, or at home relaxing.

CHANT

$

60

Take your music with you wherever you go with the Chant portable audio system. The built-in rechargeable battery and convenient 3.5mm input and included cable make it simple and ready to connect hundreds of devices and fire up your tunes whenever and wherever you need them.

ICELANTICSKIS.COM

Icelantic is a multi-dimensional ski company whose story can be felt through annual artistic themes and the people behind the brand. Icelantic is a community that represents a lifestyle of art, adventure, creativity, passion and innovation. It employs American craftsmanship, top of the line materials and cutting edge graphic art to provide the best possible, highperformance ski and experience.

ICELANTICSKIS ICELANTIC_SKIS ICELANTIC_SKIS

NOMAD RKR

$

161, 171, 181 140 - 105 - 130

699 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The new Nomad RKR is an ultraversatile twin tip freeride tool.

With an early rise tip and tail, 2 mm of camber underfoot and a poppy flex, the Nomad RKR will adapt to almost any type of skier as well as any terrain or snow conditions in its path.

ORACLE 155, 165, 175 138 - 100 - 120

$

679

LENGTHS DIMENSIONS

The Oracle is designed for women who are tired of women’s skis. Integrating its “Fly-weight” core into its high quality lay-up process makes the Oracle equal in strength, but slightly lighter for a women’s frame. The Oracle has an early rise tip for maximum flotation and charge combined with a traditional, scooped tail and a slight taper, allowing the skier to maintain an aggressive stance in any condition.

GYPSY

$

170, 180, 190 152 - 125 - 148

749 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The Gypsy is a reverse camber ski that will rock your world.

Its nearly symmetrical dimensions enable a skier to surf and bounce playfully through deep pow, while the soft flex encourages buttering and powder ollies, transforming the mountain into your personal playground. On hard pack, the Gypsy engages the entire edge, transforming it to ski like it’s on rails.

SHAMAN 161, 173, 184 160 - 110 - 130

$

719 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

With its unique diamond-shaped shovel and tapered design, the Shaman optimizes the skier’s center of gravity, allowing for an aggressive, powerful powder turn unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. The Shaman’s 160 mm tip rivals the biggest powder skis in flotation and stability, but also rips the groomers thanks to its aggressive sidecut and unrivaled torsional rigidity.

SEEKER

$

739

170, 180, 190 138 - 112 - 123 The Seeker is a big-mountain, charging ski designed to go fast and stomp big air. Its stiff flex combined with 40mm of early rise in the tip, a flat tail and minimum sidecut creates an explosive ski that wants to be opened up.

STORMTROOPER

$

599

First Degree Boots aims to meet the needs of skiers who spend their days both in and out of bounds. The Stormtrooper’s classic three-piece shell, walk mode capability, five forward lean options and premium DFP “NO PACK OUT” liner offers the perfect blend of performance and comfort right out of the box. Visit firstdegreeboots.com for more information.

FEATURES Classic 3 Piece Shell, Walk Mode Capability, 5 Forward Lean Options, 99mm Last, DFP World Cup Zero 3 Liner (Won’t Pack Out), Booster Strap, ST1 Flex: 6; ST2 Flex: 8

PG. | 207

INTUITIONLINERS.COM Intuition is the leader in boot liner technology. Achieving the perfect fit is an art and a science. With over 20 years experience in liner research and development, Intuition has found the optimal balance of performance and comfort. By listening to and learning from skiers around the globe, it can assure the perfect fit at every skill level.

GODIVA

$

176

Tailored specifically to a woman’s leg, these heat moldable liners feature a super soft lining to relieve pressure points and ensure comfort. Shin/rear cuff reinforcement panels increase control and performance.

$

198

Responding directly to body heat, buckle down tension and foot shape, the Dreamliner delivers a custom performance fit straight out of the box. Maximum comfort with minimal effort.

FEATURES Tongue style liner 3 volumes (low/medium/high) No heat molding required Thin sole for footbeds and high instep Extra shims included Aegis anti microbial lining

PG. | 208

$

198

FEATURES Tongue style liner Heat moldable 3 volumes (low/medium/high) Dual density foam construction Internal heel/ankle insert for strong heel hold Aegis anti microbial lining

FEATURES Wrap style liner Medium volume Heat moldable AEPE panels shin and rear cuff Aegis anti microbial lining

DREAMLINER

LUXURY

This popular and versatile liner accommodates all skill levels across the board. Optional laces and secured tongues make it easily customizable to any shell.

DENALI

INTUITIONLINERS

PRO TOUR

$

198

Enjoy incomparable tour ability and comfort in these custom heat moldable backcountry liners (telemark/all terrain). Flex tongue design and strategic rear panel provide maximum range of motion ascending or descending.

FEATURES Tongue style liner Medium volume Heat moldable Flex panel in heel Aegis anti microbial lining

$

176

Summit in comfort. Ultra-light, high-performance mountaineering expedition boot liners to keep you warm and dry in the most extreme conditions and temperatures. (Also work well with hard waterski shells.)

FEATURES Wrap style liner Medium volume Heat moldable Dual density foam construction Non slip silicon tread Aegis anti microbial lining

INTUITIONSPORTS

POWER WRAP

$

187

Power Wrap liners provide maximum stiffness and ultimate performance for superior edge control and responsiveness.

Heat moldable for a truly custom fit. (Boot fitter recommended for stiffer models.)

FEATURES Wrap style liner Heat moldable 3 volumes (low Plug, medium Power Wrap, high Power Wrap Plus) AEPE overlay Aegis, anti microbial lining treatment

KLINTSNOW.COM

KLINT was established in 2011, bringing skiers big company experience combined with a start-up mentality. The company’s ski developers have more than 40 years of development experience, while the manufacturing team boasts over 60. Want proof? KLINT skis have been recognized 12 times, in less than 18 months, by four different magazines for on snow performance

KLINTSNOW KLINTSNOW

KRYPTO

$

175, 180, 187, 194 145 - 123 - 142 @187

850 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The KRYPTO is Tanner Rainville and Erik Roner’s go-to ski.

Featuring KLINT’s Deep Rocker shape, it’s wide under foot with 2mm of traditional camber to give tremendous float in soft snow, yet tons of control when you get into varied conditions. It has a Multiple Radius Sidecut that provides a shorter radius on hard snow and a longer radius in powder and crud.

PRIME 170, 179, 188 135 - 96 - 122 @188

$

650 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

A perfect synthesis between all-mountain and freestyle.

The PRIME is equally at home on groomers, in the park and powder, making it one of the most versatile skis ever. This directional twin-tip ski allows the backcountry skier to rip aggressive big mountain lines and to take off or land buttery smooth switch tricks.

KRYPTOLITE

$

175, 180, 187, 194 137 - 114 - 130 @187

850 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

We took the KRYPTO and narrowed it up by a few millimeters to create the KRYPTOLite and the KryptoLiteTi for ultimate backcountry versatility. These new skis utilize KLINT’s Deep Rocker and Multiple Radius Sidecut for excellent handling in powder while holding its own in crud. The KryptoLiteTi is specifically designed for extra stability at high speeds.

PURE 168, 175, 182, 189 123 - 90 - 123 @182

$

650 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The award winning (four time) PURE represents the next generation of park ski: a true twin tip with a symmetrical sidecut, combined 34% graduated rocker in the tip and tail with 2mm of traditional camber underfoot. The combined effect of the graduated rocker, moderate traditional camber, and full birch wood core give the PURE a very unique buttery feel.

PIPESTAR

$

162, 172, 182 117 - 88 - 117 @ 182

590 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The award-winning PIPE STAR is pure freestyle, the best for the best. A true twin tip with a symmetrical sidecut, the PIPESTAR is rock solid no matter which direction you point it.

Full-slanted sidewalls reduce swing weight and help absorb impact on hard landings.

PURE ST 168, 175, 182, 189 133 - 105 - 133 @189

$

790 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

New for 2012/13 - What happens when you take a critically acclaimed freestyle ski and put it on steroids? The allnew PURE ST, a true freestyle backcountry twin tip. Symmetrical sidecut and PUNK Rocker provide the platform for PURE progression. The added width makes this ski at its best in the backcountry and deep powder, hitting big kickers.

PG. | 209

K2SKIS.COM K2 Skis has been on the cutting edge of industry leading innovations and advancement for fifty years, including fiberglass technology, high performance shaped ski technology, women’s specific ski technology, and twin tip design. Now, K2’s BASELINE profiles, that combine camber with rocker, are carrying the sport into the future.

SIDESETH

$ 1,000

174, 181, 188 147 - 118 - 135

LENGTHS DIMENSIONS

Ever evolving, Seth is currently focused on technical bigmountain skiing. Reflecting this evolution is the SideSeth, a new addition to the BackSide collection. Though soft snow focused, a stiffer tail with slightly less rocker improves hard snow performance. Versatility, hard charging, and forgiveness are utilizing characteristics of this ski.

KUNG FUJAS 169, 179, 189 133 - 102 - 127

$

810 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Poise and confidence are two characteristics Pep Fujas brings to any showcase or terrain. Thus he has created and fine-tuned the most versatile design in the Factory Team Series.

From pillows to parks, trails to trees, firm snow to soft, The Kung Fujas remains an unmatched quiver of one.

PG. | 210

HELLBENT

$ 1,000

169, 179, 189 160 - 132 - 151

LENGTHS DIMENSIONS

The original, undisputed beast continues to reign the powder skiing underworld. There’s no question that the Hellbent is the ultimate ski for floating and tricking through bottomless zones, but it’s no longer content with just ruling the deep. The Hellbent now carries enough camber underfoot to make the whole mountain your playground.

IRON MAIDEN 159, 164, 169, 174, 179 121 - 90 - 115

$

690 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The Iconic 1980s rockers and K2 will slay snow and metal together again this winter with the release of the new “Iron Maiden” ski. The unmatched durability of the Iron Maiden’s ABSorb sidewalls will take all the thrashing you can give, no matter where you shred.

K2SKIS K2SKIS K2_SKIS

PETTITOR

$

169, 179, 189 147 - 120 - 141

880 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

K2 is honored to unveil Sean Pettit’s first pro model, The Pettitor: the next evolution in big-mountain freeskiing. Sean brought the ski’s contact points closer for maneuverability and reduced swing weight. The ski provides excellent flotation with a 120mm waist and also delivers daily versatility thanks to adequate camber underfoot.

SIGHT 149, 159, 169, 179 118 - 85 - 109

$

500 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The Sight’s rock solid construction offers a stiff, stable, snappy yet affordable ski aimed at shredding anywhere on the mountain. From a fierce park and pipe competition scene to eye-opening urban movie segments, the Sight gives an open view of all skiing, with the same successful outcome.

DOMAIN

$

159, 164, 169, 174, 179 115 - 90 - 115

560 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The Domain is built with the true park skier in mind; having the ability to butter, surface swap, ollie or nollie with no effort.

Quick trannies, big tables, and icy hardpack are no problem due to the Jib Rocker and park-specific flex pattern softening the tip and tail.

MISSDEMEANOR

$

630

MISSDIRECTED

$ 880

159, 169, 179 146 - 117 - 134

LENGTHS DIMENSIONS

The perfect blend of playfulness, flotation and stability for bagging big lines in anything to the driest champagne powder or the heaviest mashed potatoes. Skiers will be impressed by the ski’s lightweight and nimble feel, yet surprised how camber underfoot holds an edge on variable and firm snow.

MISSCONDUCT

$

500

MISSBEHAVED

$

149, 159, 169 133 - 102 - 127

750 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

MissBehaved strikes the perfect balance between a charging powder ski and an all-mountain destroyer, thanks to versatile waist width and All–Terrain Rocker. Wherever you find yourself—first chair freshies, cranking through crud, or on spring sidecountry corn—MissBehaved will behave itself properly.

EMPRESS

$

370

149, 159, 169

LENGTHS

149, 159, 169

LENGTHS

149, 159, 169

LENGTHS

121 - 90 - 115

DIMENSIONS

118 - 85 - 109

DIMENSIONS

113 - 85 - 104

DIMENSIONS

A dependably stable women’s park ski, MissDemeanor tears up the entire mountain thanks to the All–Terrain Rocker. It has a 90mm waist that sticks harsh park landings with ease, robust sidewall construction that supplies necessary performance you demand, and durability for ripping trees, groomers and park all in one run.

MissConduct is found on the biggest podiums of the year in both women’s slopestyle and halfpipe events. The women’s specific core makes the swing weight low and the amplitude high. The All–Terrain Rocker and 85mm waist make it lightweight and snappy off lips but stable in the pipe.

New this year to the women’s factory team lineup is the Empress, a high-value women’s park ski that features Jib Rocker.

Built for the budding park skier, the Empress is lightweight, easy to turn and utilizes cap construction for added durability.

PG. | 211

Founded in 2006, Lethal Descent understands the needs of freeskiers and continually pushes its products to new levels year after year. The company strives to create products that are not only functional to the “100-days-ayear” skier, but also have a subtle and unique style. Lethal Descent prides itself on personal service, grassroots approach and utilizing feedback from customers.

ALPINE EAGLE JACKET

$

340

Weighing in at 590g might seem a bit minimalistic for a winter hard shell, but the Alpine Eagle is equipped with all the bells and whistles you could want.

WOLFGANG AMADEUS JACKET

LETHALDESCENT.COM LETHAL.DESCENT LETHALDESCENT LETHALDESCENT

$

290

The Wolfgang jacket offers a new level of style and functionality. Utilizing a raglan sleeve, 3D sleeve articulation and slim cut, this is the most comfortable jacket we have made to date.

Couple that with a 20K/20K waterproof/breathability rating and this jacket just won’t quit.

FEATURES 25K/25K waterproof/breathable Four interior pockets Spacious front pockets YKK Waterproof zippers Adjustable powder skirt

WOLFGANG GOETHE JACKET

$

290

Designed on the same platform as the Wolfgang Amadeus, the Wolfgang Goethe pulls on the same classic lines and color combinations of the entire line. Featuring a true varsity blue and khaki colorway and a 20K/20K waterproof/breathability rating and this jacket is a true standout.

PG. | 212

JOHANN PANTS

$

200

The Johann pant offers a simplified design with a slightly tapered knee that has all of the features you could ever need. The piece was reworked from the ground up to create a stylish pant that isn’t too flashy and includes a 20K/20K waterproof/breathable laminate.

LIBTECHNAS.COM

Skis handcrafted near Canada in the USA at the world’s most environMENTAL board building factory. Lib Tech builds, tests, and refines its award winning NAS designs with its team of world-class skiers. MagneTraction, the company’s patented “Steak Knife Technology” edge serration, provides unparalleled level of hold, control, and power. Re-Curve, Lib Tech’s camber/rocker hybrid allows for easy float in powder and effortless initiation on ice and hardpack while maintaining stability.

LIBTECHNAS LIBTECHNAS/LIBTECHNOLOGIES LIBTECHNAS

POW NAS

$

171, 181, 191 151 - 115 - 141 @181

850 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Rocker entry reCURVE Magne-Traction pow shape that carves the hardpack and rips the POW. Designed and ridden by: Tim Dutton on the World Freeride tour, and our dear late friend Jamie Pierre.

WRECKCREATE NAS 155, 163, 171, 179, 187 139 - 97 - 126 @179

$

600 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Rocker entry reCURVE Magne-Traction all-terrain quiver killer shape that carves the hardpack, tears the ice, enjoys the park, moguls, groomers, pipe and powder. If you were going to buy one ski we recommend you get two of these.

MAGIC HORSEPOWER NAS

$

168, 178, 188 137 - 100 - 123 @178

900 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Volcanic Organic Horsepower construction, all basalt (no fiberglass), Columbian Gold eco woodcore and BEANS biopolymer top. Magic! Designed and ridden by Mt. Baker local & NAS inspirational experiMENTALIST Tory Bland and crew. The ultimate freeride and all terrain reCURVE MagneTraction design that floats the pow and rips the hardpack in both directions.

FULL FUNCTIONAL FIVE NAS 175, 185 144 - 117 - 135 @185

$

750 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Rocker entry reCURVE Magne-Traction good times all the time. All-terrain pow sticks with a long entry pulled in nose that promises you won’t be levitated into the back seat when things get big, deep and loose.

BACKWARDS NAS

$

154, 160, 166, 172, 178 128 - 94 - 121 @178

649 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Twin freestyle shape. Flat entry (Flat/Camber/Flat) reCURVE Magne-Traction allows NASers to manage turn initiation and provides a stable jib platform beyond the short camber fulcrum. A press-friendly jib focus that rips everything. A little wider and a little shorter, for fun.

TRANNY NAS 154, 166, 173, 181 120 - 86 - 113 @181

$

600 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Twin freestyle full tip to tail camber Magne-Traction NAS with a focus on aggressive speed and power freestyle. A little longer and narrower for pipe and power freestyle riding.

PG. | 213

After grabbing the attention of TV shows, music conglomerates, park skiers and powder seekers alike, Majesty Skis made a grand entrance into the North American ski world in 2012. With performance and versatility to match the unique design, Majesty riders skied harder and had more fun.

The artistic style evolves into the 2013 collection with new mind blowing graphics and key upgrades for unrivaled performance.

ROCK’N’ROLLA

$

590

COMIC

$

LENGTHS

169, 175, 181

LENGTHS

105 - 85 - 105

DIMENSIONS

117 - 87 - 117

DIMENSIONS

PG. | 214

MAJESTYSKIS MJSTSKIS

650

159, 168, 177

With 2D hybrid construction, Rock’n’Rolla is a true twin tip ski dedicated to street jibbing and park shredding. They combine the buttery looseness of a rocker with camber’s turn ability. Smooth in trick initiation, they will empower you to make devilish tricks happen before you can say Jack Robinson.

MAJESTYSKISUSA.COM

Here comes your ultimate freestyle weapon to rip everything from park to pipe. Comics are true twin tip skis with fully symmetrical specifications for advanced freestyle riders. Integrated Carbon-Kevlar stringer for increased tip-to-tail pop and response. Majesty pro riders’ choice… Do we need to say more?

PLAYER HOODIE

$

89

ROCKER HOODIE

$

89

Throw on a new Majesty tall ski hoodie. Sporting royal colors, these hoodies will take your steez to the next level while making you look like the king of the mountain. With a XXL – One size fits all – 95cm size and mesh lined zippered pit vents you can’t go wrong.

MOMENTSKIS.COM

Every pair of Moment skis is made by hand in the USA. Moment’s Sparks, Nevada factory uses 95-percent North American materials and only top grade, clear grain hardwood from sustainably managed forests. Moment designs for the future of skiing while remaining dedicated to quality craftsmanship and party time excellence. “We’re all about you—this is your Moment.”

MOMENTSKIS MOMENTSKIS MOMENT_MFG

DEATHWISH

$

164, 174, 184, 190 138 - 112 - 129

880 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

This year’s new ski from Moment, The Deathwish, features Dirty Mustache Rocker which gives you versatility in any condition. The ski features three separate camber sections and a rockered tip and tail. Plenty of float for powder, pop underfoot, and a serrated edge for unprecedented hold.

BELLA 152, 162, 172 134 - 106 - 126

$

830 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Mustache Rocker and early taper make the Bella feel light and nimble even in the tightest trees, and a 106mm waist provides copious float in powder. Vertical sidewalls and a handmade core of aspen and pine keeps you rock solid in crud and carve-happy on groomers.

BIBBY

$

174, 184, 190 143 - 118 - 134

889 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Carbon stringers, core re-profiling, and a constant tweaking of our Mustache Rocker, makes this the lightest and most playful Bibby we’ve ever made. Bombing cliffs or hitting booters, forward or switch, there’s never been a big-mountain ski as versatile as the Bibby.

ANORAK JACKET

$

180

Good in all conditions, this waterproof shell is easy to layer up or wear solo. The fully taped seams keep the elements out on windy days or when you eat slush after a big fall. You will stay nimble and dry in this kangaroo-style pocket shell with a drawstring bottom.

PB&J

$

162, 172, 182, 188 129-101-121

840 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Featured, photographed, gift-guided and hailed as an Editor’s Pick, the PB&J has definitely struck a chord within the industry. Wide waisted for powder float, yet agile enough for the park thanks to Mustache Rocker, its versatile, playful personality makes it the most popular kid in school.

CLASSIC JACKET

$

260

Although a “classic,” this shell is not to be overlooked with its fully taped seams and 15K waterproofing. Light enough to layer up or wear alone, the blizzard snow slides off while cutting up powder, and the slush slicks off while in the park on a spring day.

PG. | 215

Mons Royale is merino underwear and first layer designed for the riders’ lifestyle. Launched in 2009, the brand has quickly grown to 300 retailers across Europe, New Zealand and the States. The brand’s fan base is also rapidly growing, including skiers Jossi Wells, Dane Tudor and AJ Kemppainen. Visit the Mons Royale website to find out more about the brand including how to win a trip worth $10,000 to Mons Royale’s hometown of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand.

MERINO ORIGINAL LS CREW MERINO LEGGINGS

$ $

85 80

Mons Royale’s premium merino Long Sleeve top and Leggings are key staples in any girls’ wardrobe. They are super soft, ultra warm and breathable, come in a selection of rad colors and prints – the perfect combination of tech and style for on and off the mountain.

PG. | 216

MERINO HERO HOODY MERINO TANK MERINO BOYLEG

$

190 65 $ 45 $

The Mons Royale Hoody may look like a regular cotton hood but that’s where it ends. Made from premium merino it will keep you toasty warm and it has a drilled cotton shoulder yoke for added durability. And girls, you will become addicted to the Tank and Boyleg Brief year round.

MONSROYALE.COM MONSROYALE MONSROYALE MONSROYALE

MERINO LONG JOHN

$

80

Mons Royale’s premium merino Long John delivers warmth, comfort, riding hold and style. The three quarter length allows for a bunch-free boot experience plus the natural antiodor properties of merino mean you can wear them day after day, and they won’t stink.

NIKE.COM/SKI

Engineered for world-class athletes, Nike Skiing unites the performance innovation of Nike with a deep commitment to the history, creativity and raw athleticism of skiing. Our outerwear merges advanced materials and design with classic styling, driven by the voice of our athletes. Based at Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike skiing is dedicated to inspiring and supporting our athletes around the world.

NIKESKI

GORE KAMPAI JACKET

$

400

BUDMO CARGO PANT

$

200

Gore-Tex 2L Ripstop fabric, fully taped seems and YKK AquaGuard waterproof zips will keep you dry. Under arm pit zips to keep you cool. Fulltime adjustable hood protects you from the elements. Stretch waist gaiter locks snow out and connects to your pants. Wrist gaiters for comfort and protection. Media pocket with cord management system. Goggle pocket for extra goggle and lens storage.

Stormfit 10 fabric. Standard fit. Fully taped seams. Inseam vents with mesh. Cuff zips. Shoelace belt for waist adjustment. 100-percent recycled taffeta used on the lining.

100-percent recycled grind trims used on this style.

HAZED JACKET

$

280

RUSKIN SE PANT

$

160

BELLEVUE SE JACKET

$

300

WILLOWBROOK PANT

$

180

StormFit 10 – soft twill fabric, adjustable hood, custom ribbing on cuffs and hem, 550 down insulation, music compatible pocket, powder skirt with jacket to pant interface, recycled taffeta lining, wrist gaiters, under arm vents with drifit mesh, 100% recycled taffeta used on the lining, 100% recycled grind trims used on this style.

StormFit 10 – 2 layer fabric (Yarn Dye Plaid Jacket fabric and Taslon Vest). Fully taped seams. Adjustable hood.

Music compatible pocket. Powder skirt with jacket to pant interface. Under arm vents with DriFit mesh. 100-percent recycled taffeta used on the lining. 100-percent recycled grind trims used on this style.

StormFit 10 cotton/poly denim fabric. Slim fit. Fully taped seams. Inseam vents with DriFit mesh. Cuff zips. Shoelace belt for waist adjustment. 100-percent recycled taffeta used on the lining. 100-percent recycled grind trims used on this style.

Stormfit 10 Stretch Twill Softshell fabric. Standard fit. Fully taped seams. Inseam vents with DriFit mesh. Cuff zips. Shoelace belt for waist adjustment. 100-percent recycled taffeta used on the lining. 100-percent recycled grind trims used on this style.

PG. | 217

Design collaborations between the world’s best athletes and the Oakley eyewear and apparel teams. Every season, Oakley pools resources to create a specialized collection of eyewear and snow apparel. Oakley’s design language takes the insights of pro riders and crystallizes their inspirations, crafting the art of performance from the technical expertise of the world’s best. This wide-ranging collection gives pro riders what they need and depend on, day and night.

TANNER HALL SIGNATURE SERIES CANOPY GOGGLE

OAKLEY.COM OAKLEY OAKLEYACTION OAKLEY

$

170

Rasta Mane with Fire Iridium

JP AUCLAIR SIGNATURE SERIES CROWBAR GOGGLE Slide Show with Dark Grey Polarized

PG. | 218

$

200

SNOWMAD

$

70

Ski pack for resort riding or short backcountry hikes. This bag comes equipped with a diagonal carrier for your skis, internal sleeve for your hydration reservoir, internal straps for your shovel/probes and internal pockets for accessories.

ELEVATE GOGGLE

$

150

$

280

Sunset with Fire Iridium

GRETE INSULATED JACKET

This 15K/15K insulated jacket is filled with 80 g Thinsulate to keep you warm when in the backcountry, and back vents to cool off after a long hike.

GRETE PANTS

$

250

The Grete pant is a form fitting 15K/15K laminated detachable bib that keeps the snow out while taking turns in powder or hitting the park.

PG. | 219

SIMON DUMONT SIGNATURE SPLICE GOGGLE

$

210

$

320

Hotlines Grey/Red with Dark Grey Polarized

ASCERTAIN JACKET

The Ascertain jacket is outfitted with a 15K/15K laminate and RECCO system to take advantage of powder days. For park days, slip on the internal backpack sling strap to keep cool while hiking the pipe.

ASCERTAIN PANT

$

290

With a 15K/15K laminated shell, critically placed fleece and RECCO unit, this pant is versatile from the powder to the park.

PG. | 220

SETH MORRISON SIGNATURE AIRBRAKE GOGGLE $ 250 Mountain Reaper with Blue Iridium and HI Persimmon

UNIFICATION PRO JACKET

$

550

$

480

The Unification Pro Jacket is made of Gore-Text Pro laminate with Gore Micro-Grid Backer Insert, Gore-Tex lined pockets and RECCO avalanche safety reflector.

UNIFICATION PRO PANT

The Unification Pro Pant is made of Gore-Tex Pro with Gore Micro-Grid Backer Insert and Superfabric on the cuffs. This pant also comes outfitted with Recco and Gore-Tex lined pockets to keep your wallet and iPod dry.

PG. | 221

ON3PSKIS.COM ON3P is fiercely proud of its skis. The company’s focus on innovative designs, bomber construction and high-quality finishing results in a ski you cannot find anywhere else. ON3P doesn’t make recreational skis; they build skis for themselves and for those like them. Every pair of ON3P skis is handmade in the company’s Portland, OR factory they built from the ground up.

FILTHY RICH

$

161, 171, 176, 181, 186 118 - 88 - 118 @181

599 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

After a successful debut season, ON3P’s true park ski returns with the same elliptical sidecut and rocker profile and an expanded array of sizes. Featuring burly construction and 2.5mm x 2.5mm edges, the Filthy Rich will hold up to any beating you can dish its way.

CAYLOR 171, 181, 191 146 - 120 - 138 @181

$

749 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

With a minor tweak to its mount and tip & tail taper, the Caylor remains as versatile as ever; a playful, rockered powder ski that wants to bomb down pillows, rip groomers, bust crud, and stomp the biggest hits in the backcountry.

PG. | 222

JERONIMO

$

161, 171, 176, 181, 186 131 - 101 - 124 @181

649 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

With enough width to float in powder, stiffness to bust through chop and playfulness to rip though the park, the Jeronimo is a one-ski quiver for those wanting a park-capable ski that can hold its own on the rest of the mountain.

PILLOWFIGHT 186, 196 153 - 135 - 142 @186

$

999 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Featuring 100cm of flat, carveable-sidecut underfoot with ON3P’s new 3-D convex base, the Pillowfight is ON3P’s ultimate powder ski. It provides unmatched maneuverability and float in soft snow while ensuring you have the ability to get back to the lift after your latest whiteroom adventure.

ON3PSKI ON3PSKIS ON3PSKICO

JEFFREY

$

161, 171, 176, 181, 186 136 - 110 - 128 @181

699 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The 12/13 Jeffrey features tip and tail taper, four new sizes, and an elliptical sidecut for those who focus on the unique features located all over the mountain. ON3P’s most versatile jib ski, the Jeffrey is destined to rule all of the mountain.

BILLY GOAT 166, 176, 186, 191 142 - 116 - 126 @186

$

799 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Now with Reverse Elliptical Sidecut (RES) on all sizes, the Billy Goat is the most evolved and perfected ski in the ON3P line. RES provides the playfulness and maneuverability of a reverse sidecut ski in soft snow yet maintains the edge grip and stability of a traditional ski on hardpack.

ORAGE.COM

Orage has been innovating outerwear design for over two decades. The company planted its flag in freeskiing before it was even called “freeskiing,” and chooses to focus on nothing else.

As freeskiing’s original outerwear brand, Orage understands the diverse demands of skiers today and remains dedicated to providing the product skiers need by staying focused on them and the progression of the sport we all live for.

ORAGE ORAGE89 ORAGE89

JP PRO

$

530

Often imitated, never duplicated. As a park skier, style was JP Auclair’s focus. As a ski mountaineer, performance and function have become necessities. Designed for his needs, the JP Pro provides all three.

FEATURES Gore-Tex Pro stretch 3-ply shell, Silicone wear-guards on shoulders, backpack-friendly pockets, double adjustable cuffs.

NELSON VEST

$

140

B-DOG PRO

$

320

There’s a reason the down vest has been a skiing staple since Locked and loaded for urban rail warfare, if you’re looking the 1970’s. With just the right level of warmth and a timeless to drop heavy hammers all season long, look no further than look, the Nelson vest is like a classic reborn. the work wear-inspired 2013 B-Dog pro model.

FEATURES Heavy-duty canvas 2-ply 10,000/10,000 waterproof/breathable, 50/50 duck/synthetic down insulation.

FEATURES Heavy duty canvas 2-ply 10,000/10,000 waterproof/breathable, removable sleeves, tall fit, 50/50 duck/synthetic down insulation.

PG. | 223

Patagonia is a leading designer of core outdoor apparel. The company is noted internationally for its commitment to authentic product quality and environmental activism, contributing over $47.5M in cash and in-kind donations to date. Incorporating environmental responsibility into product development, the company has, since 1996, used only organically grown cotton in its clothing line. Committed to making its products landfill-free, the Patagonia’s entire product line is recyclable thorough its Common Threads Initiative.

POWSLAYER JACKET

$

679

This fall, Patagonia will debut the premium PowSlayer Jacket & Bib. Ambassador-driven and built with 3L 40-denier GoreTex Pro Shell technology, the PowSlayer kit comes equipped with new features and fit articulations specific to backcountry skiing. Includes a helmet-compatible fixed hood, Touch Point System to embed cord-locks inside the garment, Slim Zip installation with watertight coated zippers, pit zips and more.

POWSLAYER BIB

$

599

Full-coverage bibs have a drop-seat configuration and center-front zip, internal pull tabs at back waist to customize the fit, gusseted crotch and articulated knees, external thigh vents to quickly release heat and gaiters keep the snow out, while tough scuff guards protect the inside of the leg.

PG. | 224

RUBICON DOWN JACKET

$

399

PATAGONIA.COM PATAGONIA PATAGONIA PATAGONIA

RUBICON DOWN JACKET

$

399

For warmth in the coldest conditions, the new Rubicon Down Jacket is filled with 700-fill-power European goose down insulation in a durable polyester shell that’s highly waterresistant.

For warmth in the coldest conditions, the new Rubicon Down Jacket is filled with 700-fill-power European goose down insulation in a durable polyester shell that’s highly waterresistant.

This jacket is an ambassador favorite, with a progressive freeride fit. Jacket is equipped with features and fit articulations specific to powder skiing.

This jacket is an ambassador favorite, with a progressive freeride fit. Jacket is equipped with features and fit articulations specific to powder riding.

INSULATED SNOWBELLE PANTS

$

199

The updated Insulated Snowbelle Pants will keep you dry and warm all day with their soft and durable 2-layer polyester fabric, waterproof/breathable H2No barrier and compressible, stay-warm-when-wet Thermogreen insulation.

Pants feature feminine ruching at the knees with a flattering waistband and 50% recycled content.

SNOWSHOT PANTS

$

179

Patagonia’s trusted, all-season, all-condition pant, the Snowshot, has a new enhanced design, progressive fit and a new, durable 2-layer ripstop fabric with a waterproof/breathable H2No barrier to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.

POCSPORTS.COM

POC is a Swedish company, built on a strong mission to do everything it can to possibly save lives and to reduce consequences of accidents, for gravity sports athletes, by developing and renewing what personal protection is all about. POC has in many ways already set a new standard when it comes to technical solutions, construction, material combinations and engineering, with patented solutions, to increase the degree of protection.

POC POCSPORTS

CORNEA

$

150

The Cornea is based on the POC innovation of attaching the lens on the outside of the frame, which increases the field of view. The Cornea has extension bars that gives a much better fit to the face. Lenses are anti-fog and anti-scratch treated.

FORNIX

$

160

The Fornix helmet provides adequate protection in a lightweight and well-ventilated construction. In order to increase the protection, POC innovated the “Aramid Bridge,” which increases the durability and integrity of the EPS foam. The Aramid Bridge allows for superior protection, while being very light.

IRIS 3P

$

190

The IRIS 3P is a one-of-a-kind technology from POC. This goggle is partially polarized, allowing just enough glare to penetrate through so you can tell the difference between snow and ice while skiing. If the goggle were to be fully polarized, it would be near impossible to differentiate snow from ice, which is one of the many reasons this is such a groundbreaking technology and product.

WRIST FREERIDE GLOVE

$

130

A glove made of goatskin leather with reinforcement in the palm area and on the fingers for extra durability. The palms and the fingers are pre-bent for the best fit available. The Wrist Freeride includes the WBM, a water and windproof membrane with excellent breathability.

LOBES

$

160

The Lobes are known for their superior field of vision thanks to its unique spherical lens. To minimize optical distortion the lens is a perfectly shaped surface. The lens is made of polycarbonate, perfectly tapered in thickness and cut to shape using computerized numerical control. Another thinner sheet of cellulose propionate is applied to the inside. Lenses are anti-fog and anti-scratch treated.

EYE WAS

$ 140-230

The EYE WAS fulfills the need for both activities and casual hangout. With the experience gained in goggle optics, POC has now taken it to the next level with high performance eyewear. The lenses come in different tints and functions in their optically superior POC NXT polymer. Check out POC’s full line of eye wear at pocsports.com.

PG. | 225

PRETHELMETS.COM The perfect helmet never gets between you and the perfect run. Transparent Design allows the full experience to come through without interference or degradation. This is what drives Prêt to create the ultimate helmets.

Employing no-compromise design and fanatical attention to detail, every product we create is optimized to deliver “designed transparency.”

EFFECT

$

140

Pret’s highest performance helmet, the Effect provides completely adjustable ventilation for all conditions. With 13 outside vents and 19 internal vents, VTT3 is one of the best temperature control system on the market. Light weight and compact, the Effect features multi shell In-Mold construction and the RFS fit system.

FACET

$

140

Performance with style, the Facet is the perfect all around women’s helmet. Top of the line performance, light weight and low profile, Ultra Fleece plush interior and amazing comfort. No compromise versatility with VTT3 venting that is fully adjustable for every condition. Hand crafted with multi shell In-Mold construction.

PG. | 226

SHAMAN

$

120

One of the lightest, most ventilated helmets on snow, the Shaman is the perfect all mountain helmet. VTT2 handles temperature control in all conditions from extreme to spring, with 23 internal vents 15 external vents and no direct airflow to cause the dreaded “Brain Freeze”. In-Mold construction, a superb fit dialed-in with the RFS and removable Sound Curtain ear covers.

LUXE

$

120

It’s all about materials, details and design. Ultra light weight In-Mold construction, compact design, exceptional temperature control with VTT2 venting and Ultra Fleece interior combine for world class style, performance and comfort. RFS fit system for the perfect fit.

PRETHELMETS PRETHELMETS PRETHELMETS

CYNIC

$

100

The Cynic is simple, clean, skate style. Eco-Fleece recycled polyester. Enough said.

LYRIC

$

100

Turn heads while making turns. The stand out Lyric plays hard and confident. VTT1, ultra light, Eco-Fleece interior and the slimmest profile on the market.

RAMPSPORTS.COM RAMPSPORTS RAMPSPORTS RAMPSPORTS

KAPOW

Handmade in the U.S.A., RAMP is transforming the way skis are manufactured. The Park City-based company uses a revolutionary patent-pending process that makes use of the most advanced, environmentally friendly materials available to produce the most technical products on the market.

In the new RAMP factory in PC, the vacuum molding process lets the layers and materials in the ski seek their natural state versus being compressed into an un-natural shape. This creates skis with higher energy, a more solid feel, and a bigger sweet spot.

$

169, 179, 189 153 - 125 - 142

999 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Bam! Boom! Kapow! Batman would ski these and annihilate the white. The ultimate ride for slashing backcountry, sidecountry, and resortcountry in every direction while throwing down tricks and taking names. This high-speed fat twintip surfs in deep snow or carves turns on windblown $*#&@.

PEACEPIPE 169, 179, 189 146 - 115 - 134

$

999 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

For the out-of-bounds warrior who lives for charging big, open slopes in the deep white, yet has a proclivity for the peacefulness of the White Room. The most versatile wide ski out there—strong and solid on windblown hard sections and fast and furious on groomers.

CORK

$

141, 151, 161, 171, 176, 181 116 - 85 - 112

570 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

With a catch-free tip and tail, the Cork slays the variable snow conditions in the pipe. It’s forward-waisted for tricks with Freestyle Camber that has early-rise and reverse sidecut in the tip and tail. It features Razor Cut sidecut for superior takeoffs and carving all conditions.

BEAVER 159, 169, 179 131 - 100 - 119

$

855 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

For the hard-charging girl who wants a one-quiver ski to do it all. Slaying it through an untracked tree stash, and then ripping the groomers. A girl has a right to change her mind, after all. This Beaver will take her for a ride.

PG. | 227

RMUSKIS.COM Rocky Mountain Underground was born from passion. It was started with one goal in mind: Build a better ski. RMU Skis are made in the United States using the highest quality material on Earth. Its skis are known for their durability, long life and exceptional performance. Each ski is handcrafted with a wood core.

C.R.M.

$

155, 165, 175, 185 138 - 100 - 128 @175

800 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Developed and refined within the Central Rocky Mountains, the C.R.M. is lightweight, nimble and carves up the front.

It’s your perfect everyday ski. However, it is built to the standards of the toughest backcountry ski out there and is 100mm underfoot with a 17m turn radius.

GUS 162, 172, 182 115 - 85 - 108 @172

$

580 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

A pipe ski with the heart of an all-mountain charger, RMU built the Gus to be stiff and loaded with pop. Quick swing weight, stable at speed and smooth in transitions, the Gus leaves little to be desired at 85mm underfoot. The only remaining question is: “Who is Gus and why did he get a ski named after him?”

PG. | 228

BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL

$

165, 175, 185, 195 148 - 110 - 136 @185

800 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Developed with a core group of Montana skiers, the B.L.S. is named after the infamous flashing blue light atop the Baxter Hotel in Bozeman, MT, which signals a powder day at Bridger Bowl. At 110mm underfoot and 20.5m turn radius, this stiff yet easy-to-turn beast is a ski for skiers.

NORTH SHORE 175, 185, 195 128 - 136 - 114 - 130 - 122 @185

$

800 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

Developed and tested in Jackson, the North Shore is named after an out-of-bounds area a morning’s hike from the gate.

The North Shore has a 5-point shape similar to the awardwinning Apostle, but at 114mm underfoot and a 16.5m turn radius, it’s a hard charging rockered ski, not for the faint of heart.

RMUSKIS RMUSKIS

APOSTLE

$

175, 185 126 - 132 - 105 - 120 - 114 @185

850 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The RMU Apostle has a unique 5-point shape. The linear tip and tail profile make the Apostle extremely stable at speed but also allow the ski to turn effortlessly. At 105cm underfoot it is perfect for easy days on the front, but can charge in the back. With rocker in the tip and tail it’s ready for whatever you are.

PROFESSOR 176, 186, 200 145 - 120 - 136 @186

$

825 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The Award-Winning Professor will teach you a thing or two about fat skis. At 120mm underfoot, most view this as a pure powder ski. However, the Professor is nimble in tight trees, carves a 32m turn on hard pack, destroys chop and crud and of course gets a perfect score in POW thanks to its rocker profile.

SCOTT-SPORTS.COM

SCOTT revolutionized the ski industry back in 1958 with the development of the first tapered aluminum ski pole. Since then, SCOTT has been committed to developing products that are both innovative and of the highest quality. Whether it’s skis, outerwear, gloves, goggles, helmets, body protection, or poles, everything is designed to increase the amount of fun you can have outside.

SCOTT.SPORTS SCOTTFREESKI SCOTTFREESKI

ANTIGO

$

185

For those who look to be stylish while layering up, the Antigo is the perfect fit. Bright colors combined with a fresh reversible style add a little life to your winter closet.

FEATURES Full zip reversible jacket Hand warmer pockets Thumbhole cuffs One-hand draw cord adjustable hem Interior chest pocket Adjustable hood.

BOLTON II

$

90

This glove offers up the perfect combination of dexterity and warmth. With a leather / 4-way stretch shell, soft fleece lining, and a Gore-Tex insert, the Bolton II is your everyday go-to glove for staying warm and dry on the hill.

OFF-GRID

$

120

New for this year, the Off-Grid features an oversize frame and lens, delivering a massive field of vision. It’s also equipped with SCOTT’s patent pending Fit system, which allows you to dial in how the goggle fits around your nose and face.

PUNISHER 163, 173, 183, 189 144 - 110 - 132 (@189)

$

700 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The Punisher, a completely redesigned ski, features 500mm of straight-line underfoot. This much straight-line gives the ski improved edge control, greater stability, and allows for a predictable pivot point underfoot. It also has the greatest amount of Twin-Tip Rocker in SCOTT’s line, making the Punisher a super playful ski that performs in all conditions.

PG. | 229

Sick Stickz is dedicated to producing quality, functional ski poles with the world’s most creative designs. The company creates tools that aid in balance and turn initiation, while also giving your hands some extra flare. With unyielding dedication, passion, and valuable athlete feedback, Sick Stickz has created a line of poles for thrashing in the park, navigating bottomless pow fields and even ski touring, for the adventurous crowd. Pole plant with style.

HUNTERT

$

100

Looking for a pole to complement your “technical” outerwear that the self proclaimed “randonee expert” said you needed? The HunterT is your perfect pole for sidecountry and touring. Boasting a bomber 7075 aluminum shaft, this adjustable pole is built to last.

FEATURES Lengths: Adjustable

PG. | 230

FACE MELTER

$

65

SICKSTICKZ.COM

HEAD TRIP

SICKSTICKZ SICKSTICKZ SICKSTICKZ

$

45

The Face Melter is your go-to pole for lapping the park and front side shredding. Constructed with an 18mm 7075 aluminum shaft, this pole is built to take some abuse. Its intricate graphic will huff and puff and melt your house down.

No need to trip. Sick Stickz has your perfect all mountain ski pole. Whether you’re skiing freshies in the back bowls, or giving your girlfriend a lesson on the bunny slope, this pole is built to tackle both—and everything in between.

FEATURES Lengths: 95-130cm

FEATURES Lengths: 95-130cm

Launched in 2010, SKILOGIK quickly gained a following after winning a number of performance awards. SKILOGIK has strong appeal among athletes, hard-core skiers, and enthusiastic customers who choose the skis for their performance, construction and artistic beauty. The captivating art on the skis is handmade with all-natural wood veneer and mother of pearl.

For each pair SKILOGIK makes, a tree is planted in a reclaimed rainforest preserve.

SKILOGIK.COM SKILOGIK SKILOGIK

DEPTH HOAR

$

191 167 - 143 - 160

800 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

This huge ride is optimized for deep snow and is a true powder surfer with a 143mm waist, a rockered tip, and a rockered tail. The Depth Hoar’s flex pattern is designed for long-radius, high-speed powder sailing. Near zero camber underfoot and a 23m sidecut allow you to cut turns when you need them.

YETI 183 138 - 105 - 124

$

850 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

SKILOGIK’s Yeti utilizes Vektor 8 Carbon Fiber Construction in the ideal dimensions for alpine touring where snow is abundant. Super light, yet teeming with performance, the Yeti is great across a variety of snow surfaces from fresh snow to holding an edge on a refrozen couloir.

SPINSTER

$

178 114 - 90 - 110

850 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The Spinster is a revolutionary park concept ski made with Vektor 8 Carbon Fiber. Having an exceptionally low swing weight due to its carbon fiber construction, the Spinster brings jumps, spins, and tricks to new heights. The Spinster introduces the Railroad Edge: extra-wide edges in the middle of the ski that hold up to park abuse.

HOWITZER 176, 186 137 - 110 - 131 @186

$

780 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The Howitzer combines the very best in big ski technology in a 110mm waist shell. Rocker Logik geometry kills crud yet provides a conventional effective edge for turning performance and features proportionately less surface area behind the boot for flotation on deeper pow.

ULLR’S CHARIOT ROCKER LOGIK $ 750 174, 182 145 - 101 - 133 @182

LENGTHS DIMENSIONS

The Ullr’s Chariot RL provides the unusual combination of deep snow performance and on-piste carving. Made with Vektor 8 Carbon Fiber/Fiberglass Construction, Ullr’s Chariot RL holds its edge on challenging snow when other 100+ mm rockered skis are skidding out. Ullr’s Chariot RL provides flotation and stability that underscores this ski’s versatility.

ROCK STAR 178, 188 147 - 117 - 143 @188

$

790 LENGTHS

DIMENSIONS

The Rock Star is designed for big mountain show skiing.

Featuring a giant rockered tip and tail, near-flat camber, and a 14 meter sidecut, the Rock Star carves, butters, spins, and has excellent pop for kickers. The large, stiff nose and tail make awesome landing pads and float silly in pow.

PG. | 231

STRAFE is an independent outerwear company based in Aspen, Colorado, committed to producing the highest quality ski gear available. The company’s function first philosophy and dedicated team of test pilots ensure all products are built to perform in every condition imaginable. Whether you’re taking laps through the park, earning your turns in the backcountry or sending big lines in Chamonix, STRAFE will keep you warm, dry and protected from the elements.

NOMAD JACKET

$

350

SICKBIRD SUIT

$

600

STRAFEOUTERWEAR.COM STRAFEOUTERWEAR STRAFEOUTERWEAR

NOMAD BIB

$

300

3L Gelanots HybridShell jacket designed for backcountry skiing. Lightweight and functional design and a longer, slimmer cut keeps you comfortable and dry in any conditions.

STRAFE’s super durable 140-denier, 4-way stretch fabric will hold up to the roughest abuse, and with a 20K/25K rating, it will keep you dry lap after lap.

Our Sickbird Suit was designed for those looking for the ultimate in storm protection. 3L construction, durable 140-denier, 4-way stretch fabric and functional design make this the perfect weapon for slaying big lines. A 20K/25K rating means you’ll stay dry all day long, no matter what Mother Nature throws in your face. Guaranteed to make you SKI FAST.

With an updated, slimmer fit and redesigned removable bib, the new Nomad pant is right at home logging lap after lap on a skin track or booting up steep couloirs. Zip off the bib back on the resort or when the temps heat up. A new super durable 3L Gelanots HybridShell fabric and Superfabric cuff guards will keep you shredding season after season.

FEATURES Helmet compatible hood with 3-point adjustment 18-inch pit zips Mesh skin pockets Removable powder skirt with snap system integration

FEATURES Helmet compatible hood with 3-point adjustment Internal waistband adjustment for custom fit Huge pit and thigh vents to dump heat Cuff adjustment for hiking and skinning

FEATURES Removable bib with easy on/off Elastic Waist adjustment 16-inch thigh vents with micro mesh Cuff adjustment for hiking and skinning

PG. | 232

TALLTPRODUCTIONS.COM

Tall T’s Mission is to bring unique and artistic flavors together into styles for tomorrow. Not buying into the corporate world, Tall T strives to stay underground supplying the people out there like them. Tall T designs reflect their culture, shredding, art, urban class, nature, music, n chillin. Tall T ideas are created for a positive movement, starting trends for tomorrow with the styles of today. Making Tall T into a successful business that always strives to stay on top. Live and Love life.

TALLTPRODUCTIONS TALLTPRODUCTION TALLTPRODUCTION

ART CRIMES TEE

$

39

Showing Tall T’s love for the graffiti community. Art crimes can be expressed in the inner city and or on trains passing through rural neighborhoods.

RASTA LION TEE

$

39

It denotes peace, respect, and degree of greatness on a scale based on Rastafarian references while using the King of the animal kingdom, the Lion.

MAKE MOVES TEE

$

39

What we always strive for. To participate in measures that will ensure future success or personal achievement.

SAVE THE RHINOS TEE

$

39

This tee is being produced to help stop the poaching of rhinos in Africa. A percentage of profits will be donated to “Stop Rhino Poaching Now”.

ONE LOVE TEE

$

39

The universal love and respect expressed by all people for all people, regardless of race, creed, or social status. Peace be the journey.

BEACH TEE

$

39

Living life to the fullest and enjoying every piece of it. There aren’t too many bad days when you’re on Aloha time.

PG. | 233

Smith Optics has been the leader in goggle technology for nearly 50 years.

Smith was the first to create the thermal lens goggle, the interchangeable goggle, and was the first to seamlessly integrate helmets and goggles. Its innovation and dedication to performance and style has helped its loyal following of hardcore and world-class athletes achieve the unthinkable in the most demanding environments.

SMITHOPTICS.COM SMITHOPTICS SMITH_OPTICS SMITHOPTICS

GAGE

$

80

When different is what you want, the Gage will deliver with style. The slopestyle-worthy helmet brings the superior ventilation and technology you’ve come to expect from Smith, in an unexpectedly smooth package.

FEATURES Bombshell Construction with AirEvac Ventilation Self-Adjusting Lifestyle Fit System Airflow Climate Control with 12 Vents Removable Bombshell Ear Pads and Goggle Lock Over-Beanie Compatible Skullcandy™ Audio Systems Available

I/OX

$

175

The biggest, baddest weapon in Smith’s interchangeable goggle arsenal. The I/OX provides unmatched peripheral vision, interchangeability, fog-free performance and seamless helmet integration in one package.

FEATURES Medium/Large Fit Quick Release Lens System Spherical, Carbonic-X Lens with TLT Optics 5X Anti-Fog Inner Lens Patented Vaporator Lens Technology with Porex Filter Includes Two Performance Mirror Lenses and Microfiber Goggle Bag with Replacement Lens Sleeve PG. | 234

I/O

$

175

The I/O continues to redefine the market. Easily interchanged lenses, amazing field of view, impressive comfort, and fog-free optical technology create an amazing goggle experience.

FEATURES Medium Fit Quick Release Lens System Spherical, Carbonic-X Lens with TLT Optics 5X Anti-Fog Inner Lens Patented Vaporator Lens Technology with Porex Filter Includes Two Performance Mirror Lenses and Microfiber Goggle Bag with Replacement Lens Sleeve

I/OS

$

175

Rimless interchangeability designed specifically for smaller faces. Like its big brothers the I/O and I/OX, the I/OS is equipped with Smith’s revolutionary new 5X Anti-Fog inner lens, providing anti-fog performance never before seen in a compact goggle.

FEATURES Small/Medium Fit Quick Release Lens System Spherical, Carbonic-X Lens with TLT Optics 5X Anti-Fog Inner Lens Patented Vaporator Lens Technology with Porex Filter Includes Two Performance Mirror Lenses and Microfiber Goggle Bag with Replacement Lens Sleeve

MAZE

$

100

Trusted by park and pipe skiers Bobby Brown and Gus Kenworthy, as well as ski mountaineer Chris Davenport, the Maze is the go-to helmet for clean, modern, minimalist design.

Molded into the world’s lightest certified snow helmet. Patents pending.

FEATURES Lightweight In-Mold Construction with AirEvac 2 Ventilation Self-Adjusting Lifestyle Fit System Airflow Climate Control with 9 Vents Removable Snapfit Ear Pads and Goggle Lock Skullcandy™ Audio Systems Available

MASTERMIND

$

119

Fashion meets function with a healthy dose of finesse. The Mastermind features crisp, smart styling with strategically located performance details that make this model action ready.

FEATURES Med Fit / Large Coverage Carbonic Polarized TLT Lenses Evolve Frame Material Hydrophilic Megol Nose & Temple Pads

PG. | 235

THENORTHFACE.COM THENORTHFACE With 40 years in the outdoor industry, The North Face is the premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technologically advanced exploration apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories.

RUGHER JACKET

$

280

Style and performance come together in this waterproof, breathable shell featuring a faux-denim, work-wear aesthetic and an innovative respirator collar for charging the pow.

SOCIALIZER DENIM JACKET $ 299 A novelty denim HyVent jacket with thermal-mapped Heatseeker insulation and a slim-fit shirt style that is trend-right for the park and beyond. Waterproof, breathable.

PG. | 236

FARGO CARGO PANT

$

170

An all-around, waterproof, breathable shell cargo pant that offers dependable warmth and protection all winter long.

SOCIALIZER DENIM PANT

$

199

A novelty denim HyVent pant with Heatseeker insulation and a slim and long-fit streetwear style that is trend-right for the park and beyond. Waterproof, breathable.

THENORTHFACE THENORTHFACE

GONZO JACKET LONG

$

260

Turn heads on the hill in this athlete-inspired HyVent shell with a bold, three-colorblock design and offset entry zip.

Shown here in the extra-long park-and-pipe length.

GIFT IT DOWN JACKET

$

330

Designed for deep pow and steep lines, this athlete-favorite down riding jacket features an engineered quilt pattern, comfortable rib-knit cuffs and waist, and stylish patch-on dual front pockets to hold gloves and keep hands warm.

UNDERARMOUR.COM UAMTN

Under Armour is the brand of this generation...and next. Our mission is simple: to make all athletes better. Under Armour will bring innovation and a competitive edge to the mountain by focusing on our core, performance and next to skin product built for any and all conditions you are faced with.

UAMTN UAMTN

JACKAL JACKET

$

250

FLOW FIELD PANT

$

150

UA BASE 2.0 CREW

$

55

FABRIC TECH Outer Shell 78% Nylon/ 22% Polyester

FABRIC TECH Outer Shell 100% Nylon, Lining 100% Polyester, Embossed Taffeta

FABRIC TECH 4.9oz, 93% Polyester 7% Elastane

FEATURES 10,000MM/10,000G Waterproof breathable, Armourstorm construction, Hood packs into collar, ColdGear cuffs, Powder skirt with stretch panel, Goggle pocket, Audio pocket with access from map pocket, Underarm venting

FEATURES Armourstorm Waterproof/Breathable construction, Rated 10,000MM/10,000G, Fully taped seams, 60G Armourloft速 insulation, Jacket to pant interface, Secure hand and Cargo pockets, External waist Adjustment

FEATURES Flatlock stitching, Ergonomic seam placement, Raglan construction, Armourblock Anti-Odor technology, updated fabric

UA BASE 2.0 LEGGING

$

55

UA BASE AVALANCHE 2.0 CREW

$

65

UA BASE 2.0 LEGGING

$

55

FABRIC TECH 4.9oz, 93% Polyester 7% Elastane

FABRIC TECH 4.9oz, 93% Polyester 7% Elastane

FABRIC TECH 4.9oz, 93% Polyester 7% Elastane

FEATURES Flatlock stitching, Ergonomic seam placement, Raglan construction, Zip offers on demand venting, Armourblock速 Anti-Odor technology, updated fabric

FEATURES Flatlock stitching, Ergonomic seam placement, Thumb holes, Raglan sleeves

FEATURES Flatlock stitching, Ergonomic seam placement, Performance waistband, updated fabric

PG. | 237

ZEAL is known for revolutionary advances in performance eyewear. The 2013 Collection from ZEAL is an entirely new take on goggles. Forged from the ideas of travelers, journeymen, designers, athletes and engineers all with the single goal to craft the world’s most defining goggle collection. Inspiration is something that rarely finds itself in a final product, but at ZEAL, each goggle is truly inspired from the core, carrying with it elements of art, design, function and technology to help you get more out of the mountain.

ION

$

399

Made for documenting your adventures on the slopes, the iON captures 1080p HD quality video while on the move or standing still. The iON can shoot up to 8 megapixel photos for quick, easy HD imagery without having to take your gloves off. All the moments you capture can be easily integrated onto all social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the ZEAL online community.

LEVEL

$

129

A completely new design for 2013, Level will raise the bar. The craftsmanship that has gone into Level allows for maximum visual surface with a matured and textured color palate.

Each goggle in this series features a unique design element like custom patchwork, chunky knit inspired patterns and linear designs. Level was born out of a need to bring to market a stylish, oversized frame for everyone on the mountain.

OUTPOST

$

129

Z3 GPS

ZEALOPTICS.COM ZEALOPTICS ZEALOPTICS ZEALOPTICS

$

549

Back again is the goggle that defined 2012. Z3 GPS comes standard with the Recon MOD GPS system integrated into the goggle. This amazing goggle allows you to track your speed, altitude, jump stats, GPS, temperature and more, all from an integrated 16:9 Widescreen Display.

The Z3 line is a total overhaul in art direction for 2013, creating a collection that not only defines the idea of technology in a goggle, but also seamlessly blends with unparalleled style.

SLATE

$

119

A totally new design for 2013, Slate is coming to the market with a look and style all its own. Sharp lines within the frame and lens define it. The unique shape allows for maximum peripheral clarity while a redesigned nose bridge enhances comfort and fit.

Slate proves that you don’t need neon colors to stand out. Subtle earth tones define this collection, creating a feel that does more with less.

VOYAGEUR

$

149

An entirely new style for 2013, Outpost is an anchor of the collection. Blending together a mid-size frame with a re-engineered inner fit for more visual clarity, Outpost is your go-to goggle for balancing a performance shape with a lifestyle design.

A new design for 2013, Voyageur lives for the journey. Series consists of patterns from around globe. From the mountains of Taos, to the peaks of British Columbia, Voyageur will help you stay hungry for action.

Neutral tones and denim as well as some textured patterning allow Outpost to stand out without calling much attention to yourself.

The rimless design offers Total Vision and the ZEAL Quick Step Lens System allows for maximum versatility while on the mountain. Change a lens, add some color, mix and match, Voyageur is your all around go-to goggle.

PG. | 238

7OV[VNYHWO` I` )SHRL 1VYNLUZVU

SKIER: TOM WALLISCH PHOTO: NATE ABBOTT LOCATION: LIVIGNO, ITALY

4FRNT – 4frnt.com

GECKO – geckoclimbingskins.com

ON3P – on3pskis.com

ABS – abs-airbag.de

GIRO – giro.com

ORAGE – orage.com

ANON – anonoptics.com

GOODE – goode.com

ORTOVOX – ortovox.com

ARC’TERYX – arcteryx.com

GOPRO – gopro.com

ARMADA – armadaskis.com

H2O SKIS – h2ooutdoorgear.com

OUTDOOR TECHNOLOGY – outdoortechnology.com

ATOMIC – atomic.com

HART – hartskis.com

BCA – backcountryaccess.com

HEAD – head.com

BERN – bernunlimited.com

HIGH SOCIETY – highsocietyfreeride.com

BLACK DIAMOND – blackdiamondequipment.com

HOLDEN – holdenouterwear.com

BLIZZARD – blizzardsportusa.com

HOUSE OF MARLEY – thehouseofmarley.com

BOLLE – bolle.com

ICELANTIC – icelanticboards.com

BOOMBOTIX – boombotix.com

JAMMYPACK – jammypack.com

CAMELBAK – camelbak.com

JOYSTICK – joystickskiing.com

CONTOUR – contour.com

K2 – k2skis.com

DAKINE – dakine.com

KÄSTLE – kaestle-ski.com

DALEBOOT – dalebootusa.com

KLINT– klintsnow.com

DEUTER – deuter.com

KICKER – kicker.com

DNA – ridedna.com

LANGE – langeskiboots.com

DPS – dpsskis.com

LEICA – leica-camera.com

DYNAFIT – dynafit.com

LEKI – leki.com

DYNASTAR – dynastar.com

LIB TECH – lib-tech.com

EIRA – eiraski.com

LIBERTY – libertyskis.com

ELAN – elanskis.com

LINE – lineskis.com

ELECTRIC – electricvisual.com

LOOK – look-bindings.com

ELLISON – ellisonskis.com

MAJESTY – majestyskisusa.com

F-STOP – fstopgear.com

MAMMUT – mammut.ch

FACTION – factionskis.com

MARKER – markerusa.com

FAT-YPUS – fat-ypus.com

MARMOT – marmot.com

FIRST DEGREE – firstdegreeboots.com

MOMENT – momentskis.com

FIRST DROP – fdwear.com

MOPHIE – mophie.com

FISCHER – fischersports.com

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR – mountainhardwear.com

FLYLOW – flylowgear.com

NIKE – nike.com

FOLSOM – folsomskis.com

NORDICA – nordicausa.com

FULL TILT – fulltiltboots.com

O’NEILL – oneill.com

G3 – genuineguidegear.com

OAKLEY – oakley.com

GARMONT – garmontusa.com

OLLOCLIP – olloclip.com

PATAGONIA – patagonia.com POC – pocsports.com POWDERHORN – powderhornworld.com PRET – prethelmets.com PRO-TEC – pro-tec.net QUIKSILVER – quiksilver.com REEBOK – reebok.com RMU – rockymountainunderground.com ROSSIGNOL – rossignol.com ROXY – roxy.com SABOTAGE – sabotagesb.com SAGA – sagaouterwear.com SALOMON – salomonfreeski.com SCOTT – scott-sports.com SKILOGIK – skilogik.com SKULLCANDY – skullcandy.com SMITH – smithoptics.com SNOWPULSE – snowpulse.com SOULPOLES – soulpoles.com SPY – spyoptic.com SPYDER – spyder.com STRAFE – strafeouterwear.com SWIX – swixsport.com TECNICA – tecnicausa.com THE NORTH FACE – thenorthface.com TREW – trewgear.com TYROLIA – tyrolia.com UNDER ARMOUR – underarmour.com VÖLKL – volkl.com YNIQ – yniq.se ZEAL – zealoptics.com

Freeskier (ISSN 1522-1527) is published six times a year: Buyer’s Guide, October, November, December, January and February by Storm Mountain Publishing Company, PO Box 789, Niwot, CO 80544-0789. Subscription rates are $9.95 for one year (6 issues).

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PG. 242

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| FREESKIER ]

Photos: Adam Clark

< ERGO GRIP FREERIDE Skier: Cody Townsend

KLINT 2013 Collection

TANNER RAINVILLE

Photo : Ben Grunow - Grindewald, Switzerland

HELLO, I AM A PHENOMENON !

The already legendary KRYPTO is Tanner Rainville’s powderhound phenomenon.

Presented late last year as an early 12/13 release, the KRYPTO is instantly the proud recipient of - FOUR - 2013 AWARDS from the most prestigious magazines in the world.

Sidecuts : 145-123-142

Discover the KRYPTO’s siblings and the 2013 collection in our Facebook photo albums. See why the industry and enthusiasts alike give our skis outstanding reviews and which models have clinched one of KLINT’s 12 editor’s picks awards in just one year!

* Slanted ABS sidewalls - reduce swing weight and increased snow feel. * Multi Radius Design sidecut (43m/24m/48m) increases versatility. * 37% rocker in the tip and tail for deep pow and 63% traditional camber for grip in variable conditions.

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KLINT, the shape of things to come.