There are three basic ski constructions: sidewall, cap or hybrid. On a ski built using standard sidewall construction—also called sandwich construction—the space between the ski’s metal edge and topsheet is sealed with a near-vertical “wall” of ABS plastic, which equates to torsional stiffness, durability and improved edge grip. The downsides? Weight and cost.
Tech Tip: kid ready bindings and skis
There are endless rockered and lightweight ski options for adults, but what’s on the market for youth rippers? Not much, but a few brands offer small big-mountain skis, and there’s a new youth AT binding available.
Tech Tip: Five-Point Sidecut, Defined
A ski of traditional profile is widest at the tip, narrow underfoot and wide again at the tail. Five-point sidecut re-envisions that shape, moving the ski’s widest points closer to the binding so the shape tapers—or becomes narrower—at the tip and tail.
Tech Tip: Shell Shock
Polyurethane (PU) is a stiff thermoplastic used to make most alpine boots and some AT boots. “The downside to PU is that it’s affected by temperature, and therefore manufacturers use more layers of PU, making the boots heavier,” says Giordano Vichiet, Dynafit’s footwear manager.
Tech Tips: Core Concepts
“What a ski core is made of determines how damp it is, how lively it is and how long it lasts,” says former Backcountry ski tester Oliver Blackman, who makes custom skis near Smugglers’ Notch, Vt. Traditionally, Blackman says, that core material is wood, and while some manufacturers use foam in their cores, wood offers better longevity and character, depending on the type.
Summer Stashes: HINESBURG SANDPIT, HINESBURG, VERMONT
By this point in the summer, photographs of steep South American couloirs and idyllic New Zealand peaks are probably filtering through your Instagram feed. With sweltering summer heat, you’ve probably admitted defeat, tossed your skis into the closet and traded them in for your mountain bike. But rest assured—there’s still plenty of summer skiing to […]
Montana Meanderings: Beau Fredlund has Summer Skiing Dialed
Beau Fredlund is a guide and freelance photographer based out of Cooke City, Montana. And he’s a committed year-round skier who has skied all over the globe, in places like Alaska, Kyrgyzstan and Norway—just to name a few. But Beau remains loyal to summer skiing in Montana, where he’s confident he’ll find skiable terrain, be it winter or summer. “There’s a lot to ski around this area so I find plenty to keep me moving,” says Beau, who continues skiing in the Beartooths well into the summer months, whether he’s guiding clients or on his own exploratory missions.
We caught up with Beau a few weeks back to discuss summer skiing, conditions in the Beartooths and an upcoming fly-fishing/ski linkup.
Summer Stashes: The Ruler, Northern Bridger Range, Montana
By this point in the summer, photographs of steep South American couloirs and idyllic New Zealand peaks are probably filtering through your Instagram feed. With sweltering summer heat and the end of 4th of July festivities, you may have admitted defeat, tossed your skis into the closet and traded them in for your mountain bike. But rest […]
BC BANTER: AMGA Announces New Executive Director, Parks Canada Approves Lake Louise Expansion and Big Snow Hits Chile
AMGA ANNOUNCES ALEX KOSSEFF AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BOULDER, COLO. The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) announced Alex Kosseff as its new Executive Director. Kosseff begins his post this week at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kosseff—an experienced outdoor educator and bestselling author of the AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership—cut his teeth in entrepreneurship when he founded the Outdoor Safety Institute five […]
Summer Stashes: Grizzly Peak, Colorado
“Grizzly is about the most classic summer ski in the Colorado Rockies. This year it’s as good as it has ever been in my life growing up in Aspen,” says ski mountaineer Mike Marolt of Aspen, Colo., who skied Grizzly peak on July 16.
