Category Archives: Gear

To Rent Or Not To Rent …That is the Ski Question

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Skiers and boarders often make excuses why NOT to rent skis when they go on vacation. You trust yours. The rental shop won’t have the quality or length you expect. You hate standing in line on your first day out. You paid good money for your skis and you want your money’s worth back. But if you plan ahead those reasons are moot.

Call around and you can find your perfect pair at a price that might outweigh the cost of shipping or checking your old sticks. Let’s face it. If you’re hauling around a 10+-year-old pair of skis, go ahead and let the airline lose them. Even this year’s low-end rentals outperform those clunkers.

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Yeah, $50 a day for demo skis may sound steep – it is! But you can get by with “sport skis” for $30 right? What about $40 a day if it meant your kids’ rentals were free and you got a free lunch? With Rentskis.com you can do just that. At first I thought I wouldn’t write about this. After all, it sounds like I’m advertising for them. But as a ski instructor, I see hundreds of rentals go out every day. Wouldn’t you want to know if you could get some extras thrown in? I would.

Most rental shops let you swap out and try a variety of skis while you rent from them; you can leave them for free overnight storage during your stay; keep them waxed and tuned every day. Rentskis.com sweetens the pot by offering free delivery (no standing in line at 8 a.m.), free kids rentals and $15 lunch vouchers at Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, and Breckenridge in Colorado; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Tahoe region; Canyons here in Utah.

The next time you plan that ski vacation make sure you do a bit a of research to see what you’ll save by renting your gear.

SIA 2014: The Hardgoods Story

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(Photos by Ryan Freitas)

If only we had ski hills in Baton Rouge. The weather has turned on its ear. Droughts in California, 50-inch base depths in Utah, rain in the East and snow in the south. Dogs and cats, living together. And while business is booming at this year’s SIA 2014 show it’s because of the unprecedented demand for cold-weather gear in places like North Carolina, not because more folks are skiing.

The hardgoods side of the industry has taken a hit. According to SIA’s RetailTRAK findings, snowboarding participation is down three percent and alpine 19 percent. The bright news is the freeskiing category is up a whopping 47 percent, bolstered by the sidecountry/backcountry hunt for decent snow, fewer crowds and desire for cheaper ways to ride.

As we noted from our time at the Outdoor Retailer Show last week in Salt Lake City, skis and boots are getting lighter without sacrificing performance. This is the year of the “all-mountain” ski given the sentiment that we’re likely to have less powder and more on-piste skiing in the future.

Boots come with ski/hike modes and injection molded shells using a variety of materials that will not only add on-hill performance and comfort but also insulation like in Nordica’s cork liners.

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Skis are losing the metal in most cases. However, new technology and materials will keep them from feeling like noodles even on hardpack.

Blizzard’s “Free Mountain” category uses their Flip Core technology along with titanal construction for stability and edge grip. The wood core in models like the Brahma (SIDECUT: 125-88-110 mm), Bonafide (SIDECUT: 133-98-118 mm) and the women’s Sheeva (SIDECUT: 134-104-124 mm) is inserted upside-down, so that the downward-facing, convex side of the core creates a natural bend. This natural rocker-shape then is already built into the construction of the ski. The result is supposedly an easy turning, floaty ski that maintains balance at speed and holds on harder snow.

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Nordica expects to rock the women’s market with the All Mountain Collection (Wildfire, Nemesis, Wild Belle). The men’s line uses titanium and carbon instead of two sheets of metal.

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Volkl doesn’t skimp on their ladies. The all-new Aura has two sheets of titanium, 100mm width and full rocker to glide effortlessly from powder to hard snow.

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Volkl’s new V-Werks line is designed to be a backcountry cross-over series with a carbon fiber construction, lightweight multi-wood core, full rocker and early taper sidecut so they’re ultra light yet stable. It comes in 94, 109, and 122 mm under foot.sia 2014

But despite the nudge to seek powder out of bounds, manufacturers have accepted that the weather may not cooperate and the majority of skiers will be forced to deal with packed powder. Next year, you’ll still be able to find skis with 130 mm under foot but now there are more mid-range widths and decreased rocker than we’ve seen since Shane McConkey introduced the world to the Volant Chubb in 1996. Rossignol has expanded their air tip design beyond the 7 series into the all-mountain Experience and Temptation collections.

The technology decreases the swingweight of the tip to make for easy turn initiation even though it has a lower rocker profile so that you can charge hard in soft and firm conditions.

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Loyalists will be psyched to know that the 7-Series itself remains unchanged for next year so if you have a pair of 2014s you’re good to go. There’s something to be said for “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

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The bottomline with skis will always be the same. Try them out first. There are an overwhelming array of sidecuts and widths coming at you but what you’ll like depends on the type of skier you are, where you ski and, now, how much weight you feel like carrying.

SIA 2015. Yes, We’re Still in Denver

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I may have been the only one praying for the snow to stay away but when you’re driving a car the size of a shoebox, who knows how well it’ll handle the Interstate to the Convention Center. I landed Wednesday night and drove this little LeCar-sized Chevy to my friend’s house in Arvada. Of course, it’s dumping in Utah. Good for them. The mountains of Colorado are also getting hammered. Yay. But bring that snow to downtown Denver? Back off! Well, I made it. I walked into the lobby for the first day of the 2014 SIA Snow Show and felt the weight lifting. I was in the home stretch. Two weeks of Sundance and Outdoor Retailer take their toll. The atmosphere is decidedly different this year. The energy is up, the vibe fun and the products enticing. Perhaps the Show has finally found its groove since leaving Las Vegas in 2010. When you spend 37 years in Vegas any change is bound to cause groans. Retailers and manufacturers of snowsports gear must finally accept Denver as a reality. I haven’t; I miss Vegas. I don’t have to worry about traction there. But the scene is beginning to grow on me too. And at least I no longer have to walk miles through the Mandalay Bay to get my first day’s latte from the Obermeyer booth. The acceptance is spreading internally as well. The discord between the snowboarding end and the alpine end has tamed. Before, you could cross an imaginary boundary and enter a world of chaos and noise; where trash littered the disposable carpet and beats droned so loudly you had to shout your introductions. Dare I say, snowboarding companies themselves have aged and become more civilized? Snowboard clothing continues to skew towards youthful tastes but even the new US Olympic Freeride Team outfits by Burton reflect more maturity, soul and groundedness. It’s as if they’re not afraid to be subtle. Where you’ll see boldness in both disciplines is in color choice. “POP” is the buzzword for 2015. A color-wheel of greens, oranges, pinks, yellows and blues return us to the playfulness of the 90s. If you own a black, red or navy jacket, put it away for a couple of seasons. The stretch pant, too, is making a comeback. You can’t deny the flattering silhouette on a shapely chica. It’s always been there. But the pant itself wasn’t functional. It’s taken this long to create a stretchy pant that is also warm, waterproof and windproof. Even teens are begging to go retro. Using a mix of fabrics and textures have replaced prints as the next fashion trend in outerwear. Down and wool; poly and wool, poly and down. Hats have morphed from chunky earthtone knits to zany, brilliant statements of vibrant attitude. But just in case you’re not ready to walk on your wild side, Chaos‘ Luxe line (designed and made in America) is retro in a classic urban way, where city folk can appreciate thin, no-nonsense beanies for a chilly walk to the office. We’ve had three weak ski seasons in a row now but if there’s a takeaway from this Snow Show it’s that there’s always room for optimism and for turning that frown upside down. Tomorrow, we’ll check out what’s coming in hardgoods for 2015.

Favorite Finds At Winter OR

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You would think that a trade show promoting backcountry gear and human-powered athleticism would be long on fashion sense and footwear. But at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, it was all about the head-to-toe style for 2015.


Thousands of exhibitors displayed everything from underwear to purses as the show has become a catchall for slope to street steeze- more so than at SIA. Just because you never pass through those avalanche gates doesn’t mean you won’t look awesome in that Arc’teryx coat. Get my drift?

FOOTWEAR

Speaking of drifts, no element will penetrate to these boots from Timberland. Fully waterproof, insulated and lugged on the sole for functional style.


Even Timberland’s junior boots come with that ‘wow’ factor.


KEEN‘s new winter hikers were getting attention for their use of PU in the sole for greater durability. Check out the display showing the difference in support over time between EVA and PU constructions. EVA gets mashed down quite a bit.


Lowa‘s big announcement at the Show was their entry into the rock climbing world. Climbers head indoors when the weather turns nasty so Lowa has designed shoes for both comfort and performance while you wait out the storms. They are made with Bio-Active anti-microbial lining for stink-free play and a roomier toe box. The Falco comes in a lace and Velcro edition.


Another shoe destined to go the distance is from Kamik. The is a three-season, injection molded neoprene boot that’s out to give Bogs a run for their money in middle schools across the nation. The American made boots have a cinch collar to keep warmth in and cold snow out and outsoles that grip in snow, slush, ice and mud.



Who says you ever have to learn to tie shoelaces? Between Kamiks and Boa lacing system you’re all set.


They can run around in these fun slippers from Acorn when they get home. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Acorn Moc, we all got to take home a pair of the fleece feet marshmallows. The rubber sole on the Moc makes it great for stepping outside to check on the dog but if you plan to do more walking on vacation take a look at the new Pakems. The lightweight slipper shoe has a stiffer sole for support and pack easily for the plane.


SOCKS

Make sure you pair whatever’s on your feet with a technical. Lorpen, Smartwool, DarnTough, Point6, Fits, ThorLo, and FoxRiver all represented with varying contructions and designs.


PETS

Dog lovers never forget Rover so outdoor companies don’t either. Grab this Ruffwear cover for your pooch’s pack the next time you take him out in the rain and snow. After all, you have covers for your own backpack, why not his?


This hot little number from Kurgo is a rain jacket in the winter and floatation vest in the summer depending on the removeable padding.


Who has room for kibble with all this gear you’re hauling around? Stuff a few Turbopup bars in your glove box instead. These complete meal replacement bars are a bit spendy so you wouldn’t want to use them all the time but they’re great in a pinch. And all dogs but Chihuahuas love them. (But are those really dogs anyway?)


CLOTHES

Backcountry clothes are looking more and more resorty as frontcountry skiers are heading out the gates.

This is Mountain Hardwear‘s new Barnsie Jacket.


Flylow says they use the same factories as The Northface and Arc’teryx so the construction is just as bomber without the sticker shock. I just like how they hang.

My favorite part of the OR show is discovering new companies that are like the Davey to the Salomon Goliaths. These Flipside hats for youth and adults are not only adorable but eco-conscious. They’re made from upcycled and sustainably sourced materials with a portion of sales going to local schools and non-profits. Because they use ‘waste’ from bigger clothing companies no two hats are the same.



Carhartt has long been in the outdoor game but next year it won’t be all work dudes. The women’s jeans get a makeover and they’ll add all sorts of cute midlayers like this reversible plaid vest. Can’t you just picture me on the ranch in this?


GIFTS & GADGETS

Sage is dying for one of the neoprene lunch boxes from Natural Life. Every little tough girl should carry one.


I just loved this little USB rechargeable lantern from Goal Zero. The Lighthouse immediately reappeared in my daughter’s bedroom to aid in her late night reading. When the battery dies she can crank the light.


Now that you’re all styled out, pack it up in Thule’s new ski bag. We usually shove as much as we can into those bags so Thule developed inner bags that slip over the tips of skis and boards to keep your clothes and gear from slipping around and getting sliced on sharp edges.


Of course, no outdoors seeker is ever fully styled without a sheepskin wheel cover to keep your mitts warm in the winter and cool in the summer. RJ’s fuzzies‘ will keep my hands on the wheel all year long. It’s like a cat that needs constant petting.


Chaining Up For Winter With Thule K-Summit

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I requested a jack. I was sure roadside assistance would laugh if I told them I needed help putting chains on my tires so I figured “fixing a flat” was close enough. I hate feeling like a total chick but there were six inches of snow on my driveway, I hadn’t mounted my Blizzak snow tires yet and I needed to get Sage to school.

It wasn’t supposed to snow this much in one day- the first week of November. I was excited. Not about the new snow (ok, kinda that too) but about finally getting to test my Thule K-Summit XL chains. They’ve been in my garage jonesing for just this occasion but I’m usually ahead of the game with the snow tires so I don’t need chains.

You use snow tires or studded tires from November to April around Park City. You use chains if you live in a valley or basin like Salt Lake City or Los Angeles. Rarely do the twain meet unless you experience an in-between moment like this one. I’m spoiled by my Blizzaks. I swear by them. You can do 70 mph on snowy highways with confidence and you can get up my ridiculously steep driveway even if it’s covered with snow. And now I’m spoiled by these ridiculously expensive Thule chains. I have to admit, however, that I was intimidated by its visage which was like something out of Transformers. How the hell did these things actually work? I only needed to watch the mechanic install one side to get it.

The first thing the ‘rescue’ mechanic said? “These are slick. I’ve never seen anything like them before.” No more laying under your car on your back and sliming up your clothes. No more backing over the chains hoping you’ve lined them up correctly. No more last minute surprises where you realize you need a few extra links to make them fit. No more tinkering for so long you can’t feel your fingers. No more wrapping them around your axle by accident. Simply slide the two brackets on the K-Summit over the outside of the tire, crank the center ratchet, roll forward, place the last two brackets on, crank some more and voile.


Repeat on the other tire. The chain will automatically self-adjust and tighten as you drive away. The geometric design keeps the chain from slipping off the tire while at the same time avoids touching (and scratching) your alloy wheels or ABS brakes. To remove, you loosen the ratchet, wiggle the plates and the chain practically falls off by itself. It all folds up neatly into a carry bag.

So let’s talk about the price. Are you sitting down? The K-Summit runs around $600. Yes, for chains. But remember: you spend way more than that on a pair of skis you might use for 25 days. These chains should last a lifetime (they come with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty) so long as you drive cars with approximately the same tire size and keep your speed under 30 mph. Plus, if you’re at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, with the sheriff moving chainless, non-4wd cars to the side of the road, you’re not going to want to waste time tinkering as all those ‘equipped’ vehicles get to the hill before you and chew up the powder.

Like any tire chain, the K-Summit is meant only to get you from Point A to Point B on snow-covered streets. You’re not going to leave them on for weeks unless you plan to drive slowly every day during the winter and never on clear freeways. In Park City that’s not practical. But I sure wish I had them in high school for those weekend roadtrips to Mammoth. And I was damn glad I had them today.

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