Dispatches

Top Ski and Snowboard Holiday Gifts

Amy Kemp — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 03:50:00 GMT

FOR HIM: Here are a few ideas that will delight him this holiday season and for many ski and snowboard seasons to come.

Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Jacket

How much: $600

Why: A jacket can be functional and still look good and feel good. This shell jacket is not only waterproof, it´s breathable and stretchable as well with a zip-out snowskirt, 3D welded shoulder reinforcements, a helmet-sized hood and a Recco® reflector.

Where to shop: www.hellyhansen.com

GoPro: Hero3 Black Edition

How much: $399.99

Why: This is the must-have gift this season for any adventurer on your list. It’s smaller, lighter, more powerful. Plus, it’s waterproof (to 197’), has Wi-Fi and even has its own remote.

Where to shop: www.O2Gearshop.com or Colorado Ski & Golf shops in Colorado Front Range locations

2013 Salomon Rocker2 108 Flat Skis

How much: MSRP: $810 O2GearShop Price: $649.99

Why: The Rocker2 108 Skis feature Twin Rocker shape and super light honeycomb tip and tail for new levels of maneuverability and low swing weight in the air and in the pow. Developed by Salomon’s best riders to ensure reduced weigh and zero vibration, the Rocker2 108’s are ready to come to life through the powder and onto the hardpack for you.

Where to shop: www.O2GearShop.com

* As a bonus, get 10% off last year's products, discontinued styles when you use the promo code: EPIC10 on O2GearShop.com. Restrictions apply.

Smartwool PHD Ski Racer

How much: $22.95

Why: The PhD sock is a more advanced, intelligent way to keep toes toasty with superior fit and durability.

Where to shop: The new Smartwool Store in Beaver Creek, Colo.

2013 Burton Men's Custom Flying V Snowboard

How Much: O2GearShop.com price: $529.95

Why: The one-board answer for all terrain, its proven design improves power, pop, and handling with evolutions like Squeezebox and Lightning Bolts to energize the ride.

Where to shop: www.O2GearShop.com

* As a bonus, get 10% off last year's products, discontinued styles when you use the promo code: EPIC10 on O2GearShop.com. Restrictions apply

FOR HER: If you're still looking for the perfect gift for her, here are a few holiday gift ideas.

Maui Jim Mavericks

How much: $299

Why: Combines the stylish look of classic aviator sunglasses of the past with new beta-titanium frames plus MauiGradient™ lenses that are lightweight, scratch- and impact- resistant, perfect for the active woman on your list

Where to shop: www.mauijim.com

Helly Hansen W Verglas Jacket

How much: $425

Why: It’s one of Helly’s most popular jackets. For a reason. There’s also a zip-out powder skirt.

Where to shop: www.shop.hellyhansen.com

Women’s PHD Ski Medium

How much: $25.95

Why: Give the best gift – warm, comfy feet – to your favorite skier or snowboarder. These socks are engineered to provide the best fit with impact zones and something really cool called Reliawool Technology.

Where to shop: The new SmartWool store in Beaver Creek, Colo. or www.O2GearShop.com

2013 Salomon Women's Rockette 115 Flat Skis

How much: MSRP: $810 O2GearShop Price: $649.99

Why: Salomon's powder ski for women is a full wood-core, twin-rockered ski with a fluff-hungry waist of 115. It's a structural cap construction, which means Salomon drapes a layer of fiberglass over its core to keep it lightweight and responsive.

Where to shop: www.O2GearShop.com

* As a bonus, get 10% off last year's products, discontinued styles when you use the promo code: EPIC10 on O2GearShop.com. Restrictions apply.

2013 Burton Women's Feelgood Flying V Snowboard

How much: O2GearShop's Price: $529.95

Why: Its premium blend sets the benchmark for reliable ripping in any terrain or condition. Compared to its camber equivalent, the Flying V™ version is more of a free spirit with a spring-loaded blend of rocker and camber for a more relaxed and forgiving ride that's far looser and laid back.

Where to shop: www.O2GearShop.com

* As a bonus, get 10% off last year's products, discontinued styles when you use the promo code: EPIC10 on O2GearShop.com. Restrictions apply

Prep your gear for summer fun

Kelly Bastone — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:15:00 GMT

I hadn’t reached for my water filter since last fall, when I’d backpacked into the Flat Tops Wilderness north of Vail and stashed it in the garage after the trip. But a few weeks ago, I shoved it into my pack for a hut trip.

After skinning to the hut, I yanked out the filter for the first time since the Flat Tops, and started pumping. Nothing happened. The pump wasn’t generating any pressure and refused to draw water through the filter, so for three days I drank snowmelt spiced with pine needles and assorted particulates, including insects.

What I should’ve done was examine my pump before the trip to make sure it was in working order. And I should’ve had this new book to steer me: Backpacker Magazine’s Complete Guide to Outdoor Gear Maintenance and Repair ($20), written by my pal and colleague, Kristin Hostetter. As the magazine’s Gear Editor since 1994, Kristin has tested a mountain of gear. She’s also become an expert at reviving gear when it expires.

Kristin’s the person you hope to have with you when your backpacking stove refuses to fire, or your sleeping pad deflates into a measly nylon sheet revealing every sharp rock and stick you’re lying on. And her book imparts her savvy strategies to readers so they can keep their gear humming (and their trips enjoyable).

Her book explains how to troubleshoot common gear malfunctions and provides step-by-step repair instructions—with photos, so you can match your work to the pro’s. It also offers advice on how to maintain your gear and extend its life.

Fixing the zipper on your tent is way cheaper than buying a new tent. Even if you have the budget to replace every piece of faltering gear with a new version, you may prefer to keep your trusted model in service. Broken-in boots that let you hike for days without blisters are a blessed sure bet--whereas a new pair off the shelf runs a gamble that could result in feet felted with moleskin.

Would the book’s advice have helped me up at the hut, when my pump failed me? Turns out, yes. Its O-ring was dry and shrunken, but a little bit of lube tightened up the seal and restored the system to working order, awaiting summer adventures.

Chances are, you’ve got some warm-weather trips coming up, or maybe you’re already hitting the trails and the whitewater. Get this book, spruce up your stuff, and make those trips as fun and comfortable as they can be.

--Kelly Bastone

Bright Days Call for Bolle

Kelly Bastone — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:37:00 GMT

It’s springtime on the slopes, when the UV rays are intense. This time of year, stepping outside is torture without the season’s must-have piece of gear: sunglasses.

To protect your eyes in all conditions—from blazing bluebird skies to storm-dimmed days—get the Bolle Rainier ($160). Part of Bolle’s new Alpine series, these sunglasses use photochromic lenses that adapt to changing light levels. I wore them for hours, touring above Colorado’s Froelicher hut at 12,000 feet with midday sun hammering down and beaming off the snow, and found the eye protection to be top shelf. I never had to squint, and at day’s end, my eyes felt fresh, not fatigued.

The lenses do an impressive job of handling low-light situations as well. When clouds rolled in, the Rainier still offered ideal filtration. Contrast was good enough to let me pick out icy patches from slushy stuff. Never did I have to take these sunglasses off because they became too dark for the conditions. That’s impressive adaptability from one lens, and has made the Rainier my go-to shades for every backcountry day this spring.

The frames have vents cut into the temples to promote airflow, and an anti-fog coating on the lenses also helps keep them mist-free. Even hiking uphill in 50-degree temperatures, I couldn’t steam them up.

The lens clarity is super-sharp. Instead of polycarbonate (which is used in most sport sunglasses), Bolle makes these lenses out of something called Trivex, which supposedly delivers superior optical clarity. I have to admit, these seem on par with the glass lenses I wear while fishing.

Many full-coverage sunglasses are too big and clunky for my small face, but the Rainier’s bendy nosepads keep them stuck in place. And the mirror finish not only reduces glare in bright, snowy conditions, but it also looks slick. People seem to love staring at their own reflection. And I certainly dig peering out from the other side.

--Kelly Bastone

Make your feet happy with FITS

Kelly Bastone — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:22:00 GMT

Here’s the best possible way you can spend 20 dollars: Buy a pair of FITS ski socks.

Think I’m exaggerating? Okay, a full-body massage might actually feel better, but that costs more than $20. And these socks feel amazingly, incredibly good.

I didn’t expect to swoon over FITS—they are just socks, after all. But FITS raises the bar on foot comfort, and taught me just how great socks can be.

What sets them apart is the heel design. It’s something you notice before you even put them on: The heel is round and bulbous, like a tennis ball. They look silly, but make total sense once they’re on your feet, because that large heel pocket stays in place better than other socks I’ve worn. It doesn’t bunch up or slide around abrasively.

Plus, the Merino/nylon blend is warm and comfy, and does a great job of keeping my feet feeling dry, all day long. All the seams are perfectly smooth—I’ve yet to feel any ouchy lumps while wearing FITS socks. And they’re American-made, in Tennessee. How’s that for rare and cool?

They come in a variety of weights—I prefer the Light and Ultra-Light ski models, but there’s also Pro (crazy thin) and Medium cushioning. All of them have FITS stamped in huge letters down the calf, which always starts my husband teasing. “Are you having fits?” Whatever.

Because once they’re in my boots, I love FITS as I’m booting or sidestepping through sidecountry terrain. That’s when the smooth, silky, skin-hugging fit prevents hot spots and makes me rejoice that $20 can keep my feet so happy.

How to connect EpicMix to your social accounts online

Devin Reams — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:43:00 GMT

On its own, EpicMix is great: professional photos, vertical feet statistics, pins, and points. But with friends, things can get even more interesting. By connecting my Facebook and Twitter accounts I'm able to do what I do best: talk smack (only half kidding).

Yes, simply by knowing I had more pins or more vertical feet today I may get a silly sense of pride. My number of days on the mountain may even come up once or twice when catching up with friends. But, what's really useful is the "passive" connectedness I can maintain with my friends. In other words, even though we didn't go up on the slopes together this weekend, I'm still aware that you earned a much more impressive pin than I did.

So, how do you connect your Facebook and Twitter accounts to EpicMix? It's simple: visit EpicMix.com and log in and browse to "My Dashboard" (you may need your pass number if you've never logged in before). From there click the "EpicMix Settings" link on the side of the page. This brings you to a screen that allows you to connect/disconnect your EpicMix profile to your Facebook and Twitter profiles.

Tech nerd note: the connection that EpicMix creates is through a special authentication process that keeps your social media accounts secure: if something happens you can always go back to Twitter or Facebook to 'disconnect' an application yourself and, more importantly, EpicMix will never know your Facebook or Twitter passwords.

If you connect your Facebook account you have to have a "Public Social" profile. What does that mean? Well, there are three levels found in the "Privacy Settings": Public Social, Public Basic, and Private. In short:

"Public Social" means you can compare yourself against your friends on the leaderboard, your profile is open to the EpicMix community, and you have the option to automatically broadcast your achievements directly to your accounts ("I just earned 3 pins today at Keystone!").
If you'd rather not connect to Facebook and would prefer to go "Public Basic" you'll simply have a public profile on the EpicMix site that other people can browse.
If you go "Private" only you can see your profile.

Worth noting, you can also connect directly with your family members (kids, spouse) from the EpicMix site if you have their pass number handy. Also, if you connect your Facebook account, you can use your Facebook profile photo as your avatar as opposed to your season pass photo (does anyone have a good looking pass photo? yikes).

Now, if you are going "Public Social" on the world, you need to decide how much you want to automatically share with your friends, family and followers. Under "Share Settings" you can decide which actions, if any, should automatically broadcast to your Facebook and Twitter accounts. Personally, I've found it serendipitous to see my friends automatically share on Facebook that they're already skiing at Breckenridge this morning. Once or twice I've decided "Hmm, if that's where he is, perhaps I'll drive over there, too." It's made my skiing experience a little more social and connected. Be careful though: if you have an epic day on the slopes some friends may not appreciate dozens of posts from you in a day (photo posted, pin earned, level up, etc.).

Connecting EpicMix with your Facebook and Twitter friends allows a more social experience both on the slopes and off.

The best women's skis

Krista Crabtree — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:06:00 GMT

Long gone are the days of "shrinking and pinking" women's skis. Ski manufacturers are teaming up with the best minds in the industry (including top women skiers and universities) to revolutionize the way women ski.

Here are the top 10 women's skis for the 2011-2012 season.

*Skis in all categories include bindings unless designated as "flat."

See the best skis in the Wide and Versatile category, Narrow and Nimble category, and Plump and Powdery skis.

ATOMIC Century
126-100-118, $629 (flat)
Over the past two seasons, Atomic has focused on estrogen and completely upgraded its entire women's collection.

The Century -- named for its 100 mm waist -- is one of the new creations. With Atomic's generous tip and tail Power Rocker profile and ample waist, the Century surfs powder and cruises over crud.

All-mountain skiers will appreciate the light wood core construction combined with dual-layer sidewall under the sweet spot for an easy-to-handle, do-everything powder ski that's quick enough to handle trees.

BLIZZARD Viva 8.1
121-81-106, $1,100
Blizzard appeals to a broad array of women with the Viva line, but none so succinctly as the versatile 8.1. Traditional camber and an 81 mm waist lend a responsive, snappy feel to frontside turns, though the sidecut is ample enough to handle variable snow conditions.

A lightweight beech and poplar core works in concert with the IQ binding system to create a soft flexing yet powerful ski. The beefier 88 mm-waisted Black Pearl adds tip and tail rocker for even more versatility.

DYNASTAR Legend Eden
126-85-110, $700 (flat)
If Eve wanted a ski that's powerful enough to carve up the garden's groomers, yet manageable in powder, then she'd choose the Legend Eden.

The Eden features Dynstar's Exclusive Balance System -- a combination of a slightly raised heel ramp angle, forward mounting position and lightweight wood core milled in the center to reduce weight. Vertical sidewalls, customized for women, provide better edge grip and a subtle but progressive tip rocker in the Eden -- and in the wider Paradise -- keep you out of trouble in variable conditions.

ELAN Insomnia Amphibio
125-74-104, $1,050
Elan's new take on rocker comes from the ancient Greek word "amphibious," meaning both kinds of life. Amphibio technology creates a right and left ski by designating a cambered inside edge and a rockered outside edge.

Translation: To make turning easier and increase edge grip, the inside edge stays in contact with the snow throughout the turn while the outside edge is slightly lifted. Lightweight construction and a soft flex from Elan's WaveFlex Technology create a unique user-friendly, frontside carver.

FISCHER KOA 88

128-88-115, $845
If the KOA 88 had a yearbook picture, "predictability" would be printed underneath its name. The KOA 88 (like the unisex Watea 88) is a versatile midfat ski, aimed at delivering stability on and off the groomers.

With Fischer's Freeski Rocker, the long rockered tip provides both flotation and easy turn initiation while the slightly rockered tail eases the ski out of the turn. A soft poplar core embedded with carbon "I-Beams" and a sandwich sidewall create a confidence-inspiring ski for all conditions.

K2 Superstitious
128-84-112, $1,185
It marks the end of an era to see the T:Nine series retired, but fans of the versatile Lotta Luv will not be disappointed with its replacement. The Superstitious, one of the six new SuperModels in K2's line, targets advanced to expert all-mountain skiers and has All-Terrain rocker, or slightly elevated tips.

All SuperModels focus on weight reduction without losing performance -- using leaner strips of titanal, lighter binding components and a mixture of lightweight wood with dense aspen underfoot for better edge hold.

NORDICA Nemesis
135-98-125, $899 (flat)
Nordica's company-wide colorful graphics call attention to their blend of new-school and traditional technology, exemplified by Camrock, their mélange of camber and rocker.

The Nemisis benefits from the best of both worlds: The slow rise of the tip and nearly 100 mm waist provides flotation. But thanks to the lightweight I-Core, a sandwich construction of wood and synthetic layers, the Nemisis has a softer flex than last year's model. The upshot: a powder ski so responsive you could run gates with it.

ROSSIGNOL Temptation 88
135-88-124, $700 (flat)
The Temptation series fills a gap previously missing in many women's lines: all-mountain, high-performance skis with the ability to carve on hardpack and the versatility to handle variable conditions.

The 88 leads the pack of five other models (down to a 74 mm waist) and all feature Rossi's Autoturn Rocker, a combination of camber underfoot and subtle tip and tail rocker. In the 88, a plump Cascade tip consists of layered shapes of metal and fiberglass to reduce weight for better turn initiation and flotation in powder.

SALOMON Origins Bamboo
125-78-106, $875
The wood core in the Origins Bamboo benefits from a layer of its namesake; known for its durability, lightness and sustainability (it's one of the fastest growing plants).

Other components, such as the Lightrak plate and binding, work on reducing weight as well. Lightweight construction doesn't equal wimpy performance: The single layer cap design increases edge grip while Salomon's All Terrain Rocker adds quick turn initiation and terrain absorption to this lively, confidence-building ski.

VÖLKL Kenja
129-86-105, $775 flat
Called a "one-ski quiver," the Kenja returns this season as a pitch-perfect midfat ski accessible to intermediates through expert skiers because of its versatility and ability to handle a variety of turn shapes and snow conditions.

Two sheets of titanium, vertical sidewalls and full camber add a gas pedal for aggressive skiers. But Bio-Logic -- Völkl's geometry, stance and flex features that reduce stress on the knees -- adds a large sweet spot. The slightly wider Aura (at 96 mm) has a similar construction, plus tip rocker for better flotation.

-- Krista Crabtree

Republished from PEAKS Magazine Winter 2011-12 issue.

Ski goggle technology, demystified

Kelly Bastone — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:15:00 GMT

Goggles cost anywhere from 50 bucks to several hundred dollars --and the spendy models' advantages aren't always obvious at a glance. Here's what you'll get for the extra dough and how goggle technology has changed in the last few years.

Spherical lenses
So-called flat lenses do curve from left to right, so they wrap around your face, but they're flat vertically, which can create distortion around the edges. Spherical lenses eliminate that distortion by curving vertically as well as horizontally: so they bend outward from the nose to the hairline, imitating the eye's own roundness and providing superior optics.

Interchangeable lenses
Few lens tints are ideal for all light conditions: Ambers and pinks improve contrast on low-light days, while browns and greys tame intense sunlight on bluebird ski days. Interchangeable lenses give you the option of matching your tint to the conditions. Some sets even come with clear lenses for night skiing.

The best interchangeables make it easy to switch out one for another: To pop out the lens on the Gordini Virve, for example, you just twist the frame while pressing on two side tabs, then snap in a new lens.

Photochromic lenses
Other goggles deal with variable light conditions with photochromic lenses, which darken or fade depending on the light's intensity. The tint doesn't change -- a grey lens won't transform into pink or amber -- but instead, the lens adapts to let in more or less visible light.

Most lenses get darker faster than they get lighter: Julbo's photochromic Zebra lens goes from 41 percent to 7 percent light transmission in just 28 seconds.

Glare reduction
To reduce glare and the eyestrain it causes, some goggles use a mirrored coating -- which can deliver excellent performance at a modest cost (mirror techology tends to be cheaper than polarization, which virtually eliminates glare by filtering out light that bounces off horizontal surfaces).

Some manufacturers insert a polarizing film between two thin lens layers; others infuse it into the lens material. Polarization makes shiny surfaces appear matte, which isn't always a good thing: Polarized goggles can make it harder to distinguish icy patches on the slope.

Double lenses
Ever notice how your icy beverage grows a coating of condensation on a hot day? That's because the single-walled glass or can lets cold and warm collide (the cold beverage chills the surrounding air, and since cold air can't hold as much moisture as warm air, the water condenses on the surface).

To keep this from happening on your goggles, many companies use two lenses separated by an air chamber that insulates the warm, moist air near your face from the cold outside.

Anti-fog coatings
Better lenses also have an anti-fog treatment that's applied to the inner lens to combat condensation: The hydrophilic chemical absorbs water vapor and keeps it from forming droplets on the lens surface. Smith Optics actually etches a chemical treatment into the inner lens, so it can't be wiped off.

Of course, all these technologies require kid-glove care -- scour them with your gloves or grind snow crystals into the lenses, and you'll damage the expensive coatings and filters. Let snow melt before wiping down your goggles. And on powder days, when heavy snow and your own exertion causes steam-ups, run your goggles under a hand-dryer to safely drive moisture from the lenses and foam.

--Kelly Bastone

The best plump and powdery skis

Krista Crabtree — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:21:00 GMT

If you long for double digits in the snow report, look no further than the Plump and Powdery collection. Formerly a one-dimensional category, powder skis have new versatility via construction techniques that reduce weight without loosing oomph and add rocker in various increments to increase flotation.

"Experimentation with radical shapes and camber profiles is creating more versatile big skis," says Gino Penasa, manager of Mountain Sports Outlet in Silverthorne, Colo. "Some of the new designs accommodate almost any type of terrain or snow conditions as well as floating the deep stuff. And next year's graphics are wild and complex."

*Skis in all categories include bindings unless designated as "flat."

See the best skis in the Wide and Versatile category, Narrow and Nimble category, and women's skis.

BLIZZARD Cochise
135-108-123, $900 flat
The Cochise won the coveted "Ski of the Year" award at ISPO, the biggest European ski show, because of its versatility, maneuverability and use of Blizzard's Flip Core technology -- where the ski is made upside down in the mold so it forms a natural rocker shape without having to bend it.

The result is a smooth and stable feel as the ski bends into the turn. Bamboo in the core, a double layer of titanal and a sandwich compound sidewall add to its award-winning personality.

DYNASTAR Legend Pro Rider 105
132-105-122, $850 (flat)
Chalk it up to Dynastar's Chamonix heritage, but the Legend series hits the mark for Alps-inspired, all-mountain performance.

The Legend Pro Rider 105 (named for its 105 mm waist) has tip rocker, traditional camber underfoot plus two sheets of metal around the wood core to help it blast through variable snow conditions like a torpedo.

Hard-charging, adventurous skiers will appreciate the solid race department sandwich construction and flat tail, which contributes to stability and rebound out of the turn.

KÄSTLE BMX 108
132-108-122, $1,099 (flat)
Kästle skis are designed to handle all that the mountain throws at you -- exemplified by Kästle athlete Chris Davenport's ski descent of Everest's Lhotse's Face this year.

The versatile BMX 108 belongs to the new Big Mountain Cross line. The line's features include cores constructed from poplar and beech, early rise tip, low but positive camber underfoot, and Kästle's dual Holowtech feature, the colorful tip and tail section designed to reduce weight. The BMX 108, and slightly narrower 98, offer strong, all-mountain skiers a smooth and stable ride.

ROSSIGNOL Super 7
145-115-123, $900 (flat)
Last season, the S7 garnered attention as a broad-based, user-friendly powder ski, popular among both big mountain skiers and aspiring powder hounds.

The Super 7, available in two lengths (188 cm and 195 cm), is a longer, stiffer version of last year's model. The stiffness comes from a burly layer of metal added for stability and control. Otherwise, the Super 7 and S7 share a full wood core, vertical sidewalls and Rossi's PowderTurn Rocker, or high rocker in the tip and pin-shaped tail.

SALOMON Rocker 2
139-115-129, $935 (flat)
With a name like Rocker 2, you know it'll have plenty of flotation. And freeskiers looking for a versatile powder ski will not be disappointed:

The twin-tipped Rocker 2 has Salomon's Edgy Monocoque construction and full wood core, with Nomex (a heat-resistant synthetic fiber) added for its strength-to-weight ratio. The tip and tail have a honeycomb design inserted to reduce swing weight.

The end result: a lightweight powder ski that's easy to maneuver in the air or on the snow.

VÖLKL Shiro
151-119-135, $825 flat
Like a linebacker who took ballet lessons, the wide-girthed Shiro has the ability to act more agile than its shape belies. This fully-rockered ski has a big sweet spot and is stable at high speeds, but quick edge-to-edge thanks to a poplar and beech wood core, no metal, vertical sidewalls and an effective edge that increases as the ski is flexed.

Fans of the Gotama (107 mm underfoot) will be happy to note that the fully-rockered ski returns with a softer flex.

-- Krista Crabtree

Republished from PEAKS Magazine Winter 2011-12 issue.

The best wide and versatile skis

Krista Crabtree — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:42:00 GMT

Like to ski powder in the morning, hit the trees before lunch and rip the frontside in the afternoon? Then Wide and Versatile skis will suit your style. Manufacturers have focused on this category, enhancing the hard snow performance while providing better flotation in soft snow by adjusting constructions and adding tip and tail rocker for versatility. The result: No trade offs in this one-ski quiver.

"This category has made skiing so much fun by allowing skiers to carve up a storm, use them in moguls or ski crud and powder," says Chris Thorne, store manager for Heavenly Sports. "They can do it all."

*Skis in all categories include bindings unless designated as "flat."

See the best skis in the Narrow and Nimble category, Plump and Powdery category, and women's skis.

ATOMIC Crimson Ti
129-88-115, $1,199
Atomic's progressive, all-mountain Nomad family contains the Crimson Ti, the Savage and the top-selling system ski, the Smoke. As the middle sibling, the Crimson offers versatility with an 88 mm waist and Atomic's Adaptive Rocker profile, which blends the benefits of a slight tip rise for flotation with traditional camber.

Titanium, Step Down Sidewalls and a wood core create a predictable, all-mountain ski that can handle mixed snow while providing racer-like edge grip from its Austrian ski racing heritage.

BLIZZARD Bonafide
135-98-118, $850 flat
Blizzard introduces five taurus-inspired skis (named after famous bulls) to its Free Mountain line, ranging from 88 to 118 mm underfoot.

The stout Bonafide has sandwich compound sidewall construction, a light wood core, titanium and Blizzard's Flipcore technology, which adds rocker by producing the ski upside down in the ski mold instead of bending reverse camber into it.

The medium-stiff and stable Bonafide plows through crud and variable snow like a bull, but its smooth flex profile makes it quick and nimble.

GOODE Impact 88
130-88-116, $995 (flat)
Goode revamped its entire collection by adding 11 new alpine models and turned plenty of heads in the process. Custom-made in Utah, the company uses technology from its award-winning water skis and carbon fiber pencil ski poles to produce skis that are noticeably lighter than others.

Lightweight, yes, but Superman-strong because of the mix of carbon, wood and carbon steel in a torsion box construction. Legs of steel aren't a requirement: The slightly rockered Impact and the wider Fire (98 mm) have a forgiving flex to go with their strong persona. Goode is suddenly...great.

NORDICA Hell & Back
135-98-125, $899 (flat)
The Hell & Back, and the 90 mm-waisted Steadfast, are members of Nordica's new Sidecountry line -- designed to help uphill travel without sacrificing downhill performance.

Both skis feature Nordica's weight-reducing I-Core construction made of lightweight wood and a strip of polymer visible underneath the topsheet.

The Hell & Back has Early Rise CamRock profile, a combination of rocker and camber that moves the traditional contact point back for increased flotation and easier steering. All in all, a transcendent ski for both resort and backcountry use.

ROSSIGNOL Experience 98
139-98-128, $800 (flat)
It's all about the experience with Rossignol's new series of all-mountain performance skis. A potential one-ski quiver, the versatile 98 borrows race ski technology and blends tip rocker with extended sidecuts, which engages the edges for full-length edge grip, particularly at speed.

The wide tip, at 139 mm, deflects cut-up snow, floats through powder and aids with maneuverability. Overall, the Experience 98 and the narrower 88 are powerful all-mountain tools suitable for a variety of turn shapes, terrain and snow conditions.

VÖLKL Mantra
132-98-118, $825 flat
Völkl says "old name, new ski" with the 2011-12 version of the Mantra. Once a full-cambered ski, Völkl adds tip rocker for better flotation and maneuverability. The waist fattens to 98 mm but the ski doesn't loose edge grip as it gains soft snow performance: Völkl's combination of vertical sidewalls and torsion box construction used in racing skis provides edge grip and stability.

Overall, the venerable freeski model conquers the same varied terrain but with improved float and forgiveness.

-- Krista Crabtree

Republished from PEAKS Magazine Winter 2011-12 issue.

The best narrow and nimble skis

Krista Crabtree — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 22:12:00 GMT

If thoughts of arcing ski turns on the frontside quicken your pulse, you'll find a friend in the Narrow and Nimble category. Bringing power to the people, these ski models often mirror race skis with their construction and turn-on-a-dime ability. Lightweight yet strong core materials, features that enhance the ski's performance and subtle tip rise offer thought-to-foot response in these models.

"Narrow and Nimble equals quick and lively," says Kenny Friedman, product tester for Vail and Beaver Creek Sports. "Skis in this category have personalities all of their own, whether carving high speed turns on firm snow or quickly descending the bumps, you can feel sensations like the ski gripping as you 'tip and rip.'"

*Skis in all categories include bindings unless designated as "flat."

See the best skis in the Wide and Versatile category, Plump and Powdery category, and women's skis.

HEAD i.Peak 84 Pro
128-84-112, $1,219
What happens when the company that makes skis for the best ski racers in the world like Lindsey Vonn (and Bode, Maria, Ted, Didier and Aksel) designs them for all-mountain enthusiasts? You get the Peak series-freeride skis with a racy attitude.

The i.Peak 84 Pro's new metal sandwich construction features a bigger footprint this season and two added layers of titanal. Both the i.Peak 84 and the wider i.Peak 90 share Head's Flow Ride Technology, a blend of subtle tip and tail rocker with traditional camber underfoot for edge hold as well as flotation.

K2 Impact
127-80-109, $950
Fans of the metal-reinforced Rictor in the A.M.P. family (All Mountain Performance) will feel a familiarity here, but the Impact trades the metal laminate for a more forgiving triaxially-braided wood core of fir and aspen.

K2's new Carbon Web, made of naturally light carbon, adds torsional rigidity without extra weight. Built with K2's All-Terrain Rocker, with elevated tip and traditional camber underfoot, the Impact carves powerfully on groomers while being able to handle variable snow conditions.

NORDICA Fire Arrow 74 EDT
124-74-107, $1,399
EDT, or Efficient Dynamic Technology, was initially designed for race boots to add more power with less energy output. Nordica engineers found it works in skis as well.

A carbon alloy insert attached at four points, EDT increases flexibility and torsional rigidity resulting in precise turns and stability. With a turning radius hovering around 13 cm, the Fire Arrow and the slalom-oriented Dobermann Spitfire are aggressive, frontside carving skis. The slightly wider Fire Arrow 80 Pro offers more terrain versatility.

ROSSIGNOL Avenger 82
126-82-112, $1,000
Dubbed as a "technical on-trail ski," the Avenger 82 is built like a World Cup ski for everyday skiers. The edge grip and precision come from sandwich laminate construction and vertical sidewalls. The dynamic turning ability comes from a wood core, titanal, a shapely wide-tipped sidecut design and Rossignol's Power Turn Camber profile-high camber placed high underfoot.

The slightly less aggressive and lower-priced Avenger 82 Basalt features basalt fibers to absorb vibrations for a smooth, stable ride.

SALOMON Enduro XT 850
127-85-112, $1,125
The X Wing series flies away this season, replaced by six new Enduro all-mountain models, ranging between 84 mm and 72 mm underfoot and nearly all with slight tip rocker. The series' name comes from the Enduro XT 850, last year's meaty, all-mountain powerhouse.

A layer of bamboo in the wood core softens the ski this season, but the focus is on vibration control with Salomon's dampening Powerline technology in the ski's top edges as well as rubber placed under the Wide Sensitive Plate.

VÖLKL RTM 84
129-84-111, $1,235
Völkl's new RTM series, or Ride the Mountain, features the flagship 84, followed by four models in descending waists down to 73 mm. Fans of the AC50 will find an updated and improved version in the RTM 84 with Völkl's addition of full rocker.

A fully-rockered frontside ski may sound like a conundrum, but compared with a banana-shaped powder ski, the RTM 84 has a slight curve. This provides complete edge contact from tip to tail in the turn for better performance on the groomers and soft snow.

-- Krista Crabtree

Republished from PEAKS Magazine Winter 2011-12 issue.

Chacos for winter

Kelly Bastone — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 23:05:00 GMT

Most people know Chacos as those ubiquitous strappy sandals with a Vibram sole so tough, people have hiked the entire Appalachian Trail in them.

For many, Chacos are regulation summertime equipment, and the resulting tan lines are almost as iconic as the shoes themselves. In fact, the company does an annual photo contest and awards prizes to the best sandal-created chiaroscuro.

The ToeCoop
Recently, though, Chaco moved into the boot business. Last fall, Chaco rolled out a big new line of closed-toe options designed to give sandal-addicts a way to avoid frostbite. That season's ToeCoop ($110) paired a closed toe with an open heel -- and used the same odor-resistant, arch-supporting footbed that makes these shoes so popular.

I see the ToeCoop everywhere; it seems like every mountain-dweller owns a pair. I wore them without socks in September, and with socks from October onward. Yeah, my heels occasionally got soaked when I tromped through snow piles, but most days they worked great. And the slip-on convenience made them my go-to shoe for days when I felt too lazy to operate shoelaces (I admit, that's pretty lazy).

For men
This fall, Chaco expands the cool-weather line even further by introducing new boots. Boys get the Credence Baa ($250), a shearling-lined leather boot that -- again -- uses Chaco's signature arch-supporting footbed (except in the Credence, it's covered in pigskin).

A lugged Vibram sole makes them grippy on slick, snowy parking lots, and the pull-on style lets you yank them on easily, even when wearing gloves. My husband has already been walking his around on recent snowy mornings, and says they hit a great balance between comfort, practicality, and good looks.

For women
The Belyn Baa ($220) (pictured above) is one of the ladies' sweet new boots. Like the Credence, it's lined with plush sheepskin, but it uses laces and turns them into a snazzy design detail. The footbed feels really stable and provides a secure platform when treading over slick or uneven surfaces. They hit at high calf, so knee socks peek out over the top (and don't get yanked down by the boots' cuffs).

Another ladies' option is the Zaagh Baa ($130), a low-cut slip-on that's also lined with shearlings, so these shoes feel like slippers --except for the lugged Vibram outsole that gives them boot-like stomping power.

Obviously, shearling is the dominant theme in Chaco's new lineup. By pairing this cozy new feature with classic, tried-and-true Chaco trademarks like the supportive footbed, the sandal company now offers bomber footwear for cold and sloppy mountain winters.

-- Kelly Bastone

Game-changing skis

Krista Crabtree — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:59:00 GMT

First came dramatic sidecuts, then a pronounced widening of the entire ski, and now we welcome the rocker revolution, essentially an upward curve in the forebody (and even tail) of the ski designed to help you ease into and out of a turn. If you don't have all three of these technologies working together underfoot, you're probably missing out.

Rocker ski technology is now grabbing the headlines as the latest game-changing trend. The discovery of its wide-reaching use was a happy accident: It began as a way to add flotation to powder skis and then it spread -- even to race models-helping them turn easily and more efficiently. Rocker is part of a recipe that also depends on sidecut, width, flex, space-age materials and pioneering construction techniques.

"Ski makers have done more than just create rockered skis; it's a whole system working together," says Geoff Curtis, marketing manager for Völkl and Marker. Skis of all waist widths now behave more like all-mountain models with increased versatility and ease of use.

Searching for the right ski is a challenge-particularly in an era of rapidly evolving technology. The Gear Guide in PEAKS Magazine helps you navigate the decision-making process by presenting 18 top unisex skis in three categories organized by waist width, as well as 10 women-specific models of all shapes.

Click on the links for the best narrow and nimble skis, the best wide and versatile skis, the best plump and powdery skis, and the best women's skis. Consider which category makes the most sense for your skiing preferences.

Skis in the Narrow and Nimble category favor the frontside, with occasional forays into soft snow, and have waists that are 85 mm and under.

The Wide and Versatile category features models with waists between 85 and 99 mm; solid on the groomers but able to handle soft or variable snow.

Skis in the Plump and Powdery category have wide waists above 100 mm and are designed to float through fluff and explore the whole mountain.

Women's skis include a variety of waist widths, from a narrow 74 mm waist to an abundant 100 mm.

Tip, waist and tail measurements, as well as the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), are also listed within each category. MSRP is only a guide: ski shops typically sell gear at prices 10 to 25 percent lower, depending on their location and time of season, and may discount even further.

-- Krista Crabtree

Republished from PEAKS Magazine Winter 2011-12 issue.

A preview of next season's fashion show on the snow

Erin Lizzo — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:55:00 GMT

In the early 90's, growing up in St. Louis, skiing meant driving 45 minutes to the landfill that had snow blowers pumping out ice crystals onto it for three months out of the year. "Layering," meant wearing jeans under your warmest pair of sweatpants, and tucking in your cotton turtleneck.

Everything I knew about ski "fashion" was derived from the one episode of "Melrose Place" where Rhonda's rich boyfriend books them a trip to Colorado for Christmas. Rhonda, living in LA, has nothing to wear, and almost cancels the trip. Cut to the next scene with stylish Rhonda, decked out in exactly what you are expecting -- a fancy neon one piece cinched tightly across the waist with a matching nylon belt, accompanied by a faux fur headband that kept her hair perfectly in place.

Imagine my surprise in moving to Colorado and finding out that people wore one pieces and jeans during spring skiing to be ironic!

Over the years we have seen some unique trends surface on the snow. From skin tight lycra, to the snowboarder "sag," helmets that are ipod and blue-tooth compatible, battery-operated electric jackets, and enormous fur boots, big neon pants, and argyle prints; there is no doubt that every time we head out there, we're experiencing a fashion show on the snow. Styles change so quickly that we wonder who is leading this parade. So what might you expect to see people be wearing this year? And what trends are being retired from the hill?

Expect to see:

Floral or print jackets
Solid pants
Bright colored helmets -- great for visibility! As long as you don't put all sorts of flowery stickers on your new pink helmet, no one will mistake you for a nine year old.
Knit hats/beanies -- very much the economic "I made it myself" look (even if you didn't).
Norwegian looking sweaters - these look great on both men and women.
More of those awesome faux fur boots that your boyfriend hates, but that you will never get rid of. At least you can buy a new pair this year! I'm talking about the next step up from Uggs - boots with the fur visible on the outside.

We were at the Snowsports Industries America tradeshow scoping out new gear trends for this year in January. Check out the top ski trends in photos here.

You'll know it's last year if it's:

Plain old Uggs
Camouflage
Skull and cross bones print
Bright orange
One piece (before March 15)
A really radical dude in a hoodie pretending not to be cold. Dude, next time listen to your mom and wear something warmer.

Universal classic combo that never goes out of style, but leaves you hiding in the crowd:

Blue jacket/black pants/grey or black helmet.

This is the universal outfit that renders you impossible to distinguish from every other person out there. Please diversify with a bright helmet or at least a bold nylon belt cinched "just so" at your waist.

One thing that we can always count on is that fashion fads will come and go on and off the snow. The key to building a lasting look that will survive long after the day-glo goggles do is to always remember that comfort is the most stylish element of all.

Any child who has experienced the trauma of skiing down a landfill in cotton gloves will tell you that there is nothing fun about being cold. So this year remember that while it is totally worth taking a fashion risk, do so with the knowledge that your risk will still be a warm one.

--Erin Lizzo

Helly Hansen has fall dialed

Kelly Bastone — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 20:17:00 GMT

More than any other season, fall brings a mix of conditions that require savvy layering skills. Otherwise, you find yourself under-insulated (we're scraping frost off our windshields most mornings!) or overdressed (long sleeves and pants feel suffocatingly hot come Happy Hour).

To handle fall's radical temperature swings, I reach for three key pieces -- all of them, coincidentally, made by Helly Hansen.

Bottom layer
All summer I've been wearing the Pace SS ($45), a lightweight synthetic tee that's perfect for go-hard activities in warm temperatures. It uses Helly's proprietary HH Cool technology, which claims to make you feel cooler with superfast evaporation and lots of venting.

I've tried several shirts over the past year that promised "on-body air-conditioning," as Helly puts it, but not too many of them have produced a discernable difference. The Pace actually does -- no, it's not like a real air conditioner, but I do feel a little less hot in this shirt, especially while wearing a hydration pack or during steamy indoor workouts (like spin classes, which can feel like exercising in a greenhouse).

There's a lot of technology that goes into the cooling effect. The fabric's structure helps pull moisture from your body by using thicker fibers next to skin and thinner ones on the outside. Also, the weave is very open to facilitate the movement of air.

But be forewarned: The fit is clingy, in true superhero style, so you'd better be willing to show off your sculpted abs (or other assets) if you want to wear this shirt.

Mid layer
Over that, I pull on the Odin Isolator Jacket ($280), an incredibly thin and light puffy that delivers amazing warmth despite the lack of bulk. The nylon shell fabric is silky and supple, almost tissue-thin, but with a tough ripstop weave and Primaloft synthetic insulation inside.

Features include a high, snuggly (but not constrictive) collar and two hand pockets lined with soft jersey knit. And instead of a cinch cord along the hem, the elastic is placed several inches above (like a powder skirt, but much thinner and lighter). That elasticized draft tube seals out chilly breezes without restricting my legs' range of motion. I think the whole package weighs less than my iPhone.

Outer shell
I've topped those two with the Ekolab Recycler Jacket ($325), a three-layer shell made from 100 percent recycled polyester. Helly's proprietary Helly Tech® Performance membrane makes it both waterproof and breathable (deep pit zips dissipate moisture when the fabric alone can't keep up with the sweat output) and features are few, but effective: I can adjust the brimmed hood with one hand, and two chest pockets are placed high enough to clear my pack's hip belt. The fit is pretty trim, but the slightly stretchy fabric keeps it from feeling tight or restrictive.

It's not the lightest shell I've ever worn (women's medium weighs 15 ounces), but it's tough. It still looks new after a season of skiing and toting equipment, since reinforced shoulder patches keep ski edges from slicing into the fabric. On cool fall days, it fends off wintry breezes and bone-chilling downpours -- but it won't be long before it's shielding me against snow and graupel.

--Kelly Bastone

Must-have fall mountain gear

Kelly Bastone — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:53:00 GMT

When cooler temps settle into the mountains, it's time to bring out the warm clothes. It's too early for tons of fleece and down, and too late for sundresses. Here's the top seven items to gear up with for fall.

The vest
I know fall has officially arrived when I find myself reaching for my puffy vest.

When I moved to the mountains in autumn 2002, I saw so many vest-wearing locals that I joked vests must be the mountain uniform. But I've since joined the team. In fall, pulling on a puffy jacket feels premature, like you're suiting up for January when that's still months away. Vests (puffy or otherwise) deliver just-right warmth on crisp days.

Plus, companies keep putting an interesting spin on this staple: Patagonia goes retro with its men's Slingshot Down Vest ($129), and women's models are showing up with hoods. My pick is the Sierra Designs Flex Hoody Vest ($199), which pairs Flex baffle construction with 650-fill down: The Flex quilting produces a stretchy, body-hugging fabric that looks trim despite the high-loft down chambers that generate instant warmth on 30-degree mornings.

The tent
Camping is fabulous in fall with amber aspen leaves and no mosquitoes but you'll stay comfier in dropping temperatures if you can swap out your full-mesh summer tent (which can ventilate too well for sub-freezing fall nights) for a less-meshy model that traps more heat, like the REI Cirque ASL 2 ($309). Its zippered panels of fabric can cover over the mesh doors and vents so sleepers stay warmer. Read my complete Backpacker Magazine review here.

The mountain biking arm-warmers
Fall also brings the year's best mountain biking. Stash a pair of arm-warmers in your jersey (I like these from Ibex, $45).

Most days, the effort of climbing keeps you warm enough in short sleeves, but pulling on some woolies for the downhill prevents the cool autumn air from chilling you at faster speeds. Bonus: Arm-warmers are also great for backpacking, since they let you pack just one short-sleeved tee (instead of several shirts for various conditions).

The jacket
For morning rides or after-work outings that push the limits of available daylight, I love the Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Prima Jacket ($150). Its super-thin layer of Primaloft insulation is warm but not bulky, and stretch panels under the arms do a great job of dissipating heat in those zones.

The gloves
Fall fishing is stellar too, and making a few tweaks to your summer getup will keep you on the water longer. I always wear a pair of Simms Windstopper Foldover Mitts ($50), even when I start off assuming I won't need them. After I've spent a few minutes with my hands in the water reviving a fish, I'm always glad to sink my icy fingers into these fleecy warmers.

The hat
I'm also a big fan of the brimmed knit cap for fishing, because it eliminates the need to double up: Instead of an ear-warming beanie worn under a ball cap to shield my eyes from glare, I can grab one hat that does it all. My go-to model has been a Chaos number that the company has long since retired, but Smartwool's new Owl Creek Cap ($40) has replaced my old favorite with super-soft Merino.

What fall must-haves would you add to this list?

--Kelly Bastone