Now - Off

Transcription

Now - Off

Priceless
Ask the PT
Custom Skis
Waiting Room
0708 Ski Review
Movie Reviews and more
Issue XXXIV
October 2007
2 Off-Piste October 2007
Mentor.
M’s Mentor Jacket™
Rugged, waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex®
Pro Shell fabric; strategically reinforced
shoulders, arms, and sides.
|
Seattle, WA | outdoorresearch.com/mentor
Issue XXXIV Off-Piste 3
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4 Off-Piste October KTT028
2007 November OffPiste magazine full page ad • 10” x 16” pdf x-1a • Hammerquist & Nebeker 425.869.0191 [email protected]
Off-Piste
Volume IX Issue XXXIV
Publisher/Editor
David Waag
Assistant Editor
Omar Sankari
Design Consultant
Brenden Thwing
Contributing Writers
Bruce Aschenback, Michael Becker, Brooke Edwards,
Jimmy Petterson, Andy Roof, Jeremy Rooper,
David Waag, Lance Waring
Contributing Photographers/Artists
Chad Coleman, Brett Schreckengost, Jason Leslie,
Chris Miller. Chad Coleman, Grant Gunderson, Ian Coble,
Jonathon Griffith, David Waag
Web Geek
Karen Holt
Printing & Distribution
Oregon Litho, McMinnville, OR
Off-Piste PO Box 1626 Hood River, OR 97031
509-999-2208 [email protected]
www.offpistemag.com
All Content Copyright 2007 Freeheel Press
Contents
features
10
0708 Ski Review
19
Dream Skis
20
Kingdom Corner
21
Waiting Room
24
A Winter’s Day
In search of the perfect ski for . . .
Wagner Custom Skis - Lance Waring
Uncommon Skiers - Teleman
Waiting for Winter - Brooke Edwards
Printed in the USA on recycled paper
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Off-Piste. Call us and get on board.
Contribute: Be creative! Send artwork, photos, news,
stories, and events. FOMO offpistemag.com
Advertise: Call or e-mail for our media kit.
Subscriptions: 4 issues = $15 / 8 issues= $25
The opinions expressed in Off-Piste do not necessarily represent those
of the publisher or editorial staff. Closed minds are dangerous. No part
of Off-Piste may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent
from Freeheel Press.
Warning: Backcountry skiing is inherently dangerous. It may well cause
disruption in your otherwise normal life. Off-Piste is no substitute for
honest field experience. Be careful out there.
Cover Photo: Chad Coleman
Skier: Alex Schenkar gets the goods, Alpental Backcountry, WA
Low Angle Memories - Jimmy Petterson
departments
7 What’s Up
9 Letters
14 Gallery
22 Backcountry Beta - Ask the PT
26 Words and Images - Book and Movie Reviews
Illustration this page: Chris Miller
First Tracks
T
he sun has been up for several hours yet the snow
remains frozen as I approach the upper reaches
of the climb. Trusting the sun would soften the snow, I
packed light and have no crampons with me. Knowing
this is likely one of the last days of skiing I will have for
a while, I decide to wait for the snow to soften so I can
savor the corn. The sun is warm on my face as I admire the
view to the east and south. It does not take much longer for
the sun to transform the snow and before long I am back on my
feet kicking steps toward the summit.
The descent serves me well and the turns are just what I needed.
Skiing has a way of getting drawn out here in the Northwest. It is
not unusual to talk to friends well into July about skiing on one of the
volcanoes. Even though I know I will be back on my skis a few more
times over the course of the summer, I like to have a day that feels like
the last day of the season, a day when I can say I have had enough; it helps
me transition into the summer life.
Similarly, I enjoy getting out for a hike or two in the fall to get above treeline
before the snow flies and transforms the landscape into winter. Well, I may have
missed the window this year. Funny, it seems like just yesterday I was wearing
shorts and daydreaming about getting on the bike. Today’s high temp hardly broke
out of the 40’s and snow levels are down to 3,000 feet tonight; summer shut the door
so quickly I almost lost a finger.
According to the calendar, there looks to be plenty of time for a dose of Indian summer
but nothing sets the mood for winter like a week of cold wet weather in these parts. Hood
is forecast to get snow for the next several days. Although I am relatively confident we will
get a reprieve in the weather before winter settles in for good, the turn in the weather has me
yearning to ski once again.
Here’s to winter!
Cheers,
Dave
Dean Collins enjoys the paybacks of the hike, Mt Baker Backcountry, WA Photo: Grant Gunderson
What’s Up
ski news, access issues, industry development & more
NWAC Observers Network Update
Last winter the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center
(NWAC), in cooperation with local avalanche educators, mountain
guides and ski patrollers, adopted the use of an avalanche
observers network. The intent of the network is
to provide timely and professional backcountry
snowpack and avalanche observations that
complement other sources of NWAC data
collection.
This summer, acting on proposals dating back more than twenty
years, the US Forest Service approved plans for White Pass to
add two chairlifts, a mid-mountain lodge, expand trail networks,
and improve paved parking to address congestion and safety
concerns.
A variety of individuals throughout the Cascades
and Olympics are now involved in the program
and the increased number of observations has
been met with open arms by NWAC forecasters.
The Friends of the Avalanche Center (FOAC)
Snowpack Info Exchange (www.avalanchenw.
org) has also seen a marked increase in web site
hits and has proven to be a valuable tool for both
recreational and professional users. Additionally,
the NWAC has added a photo page and snow
profile page to their website, further expanding
the flow of information to the public.
SnowPilot, a free software program, is required
for collecting and sharing formal snow profiles
with the NWAC. Informal field observation can be
shared via the FOAC’s Snowpack Info Exchange.
In order to solidify the impact of the Observers
Network, more volunteers are needed. For
further details, or if you wish be become
involved, contact: Jeremy Allyn - (206) 595-6471
[email protected]
Hogback Basin, the area of the proposed expansion of White Pass Ski Area
White Pass Expansion Controversy
Located about 60 miles west of Yakima in Washington’s southern
Cascades, White Pass is a small and relatively undeveloped ski
area. It is a local’s hill, a place with some great stashes and given
its fair distance from Pugetopolis, minimal lift lines. The area
is a gem in the rough with access to some quality backcountry
terrain, at least for now.
White pass currently serves 805 acres. Given the expansion
plans, the size would nearly double to over 1,500 acres. The
primary area of expansion, called Hogback Basin, is the root of
the controversy over the plans. Currently a designated roadless
area, Hogback basin is an easy ski from the top of the existing
upper lift and thus popular with folks looking for a backcountry
experience. The controversy arises from the two primary issues.
First, given the roadless area status, lawyers for the Sierra Club’s
Cascade Chapter contend that clearing of 22 acres of trees does
not fit Forest Service management criteria for the basin. Second,
What’s Up
ski news, access issues, industry development & more
the Yakima Nation has stepped forward contending that ski area
use of the Hogback Basin violates a treaty signed in 1855 by
encroaching on land with cultural and spiritual significance to the
tribe.
The Sierra Club’s appeal also suggests that the Forest Service
did not fully consider the importance of the area for backcountry
skiers. In an era when ski area expansion seems to be de rigueur,
it is hard to say how this one will proceed. Expect the next round
of decisions to happen in mid to late October.
Wolf Creek Update
On September 20th, the Colorado Court of
Appeals upheld a decision by a lower district
court judge that overturned the plat approval
by the Mineral County Commissioners for the
proposed Village at Wolf Creek. Colorado Wild
and the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council,
along with the privately owned Wolf Creek Ski
Area, had originally brought the lawsuit over
the development approval in late 2004.
In rejecting the developer’s appeal of the
lower-court decision, the Court stated that
the Mineral County Board of Commissioners
“abused its discretion in granting final approval, because the
record contains no evidence of year-around access to the state
highway system at the time of final approval.”
The Court is requiring the developer to demonstrate access to the
property being developed. The developers, however, contend that
they need not demonstrate vehicle access to the land.
It gets more complicated because, the Forest Service, based
on the now overturned Mineral County approval, did grant the
developers access to the land in question in April 2006. However,
given that the County approval has been legally overturned, the
developer now needs to demonstrate access and go back through
the County process before anything can proceed. Apparantly,
demonstrating access is no simple matter or the developer would
have done so by now.
A separate lawsuit filed by Colorado Wild and the San Luis Valley
Ecosystem Council challenging the Forest Service’s April 2006
access approval remains in front of US District Court in Denver.
Involved parties do not expect resolution of that case until some
time this winter at the earliest.
Illegal Backcountry Run Cutting
Big Jay Peak in NE Vermont rises to 3,786 feet. The area is well
known for the Jay Peak Ski area and is widely recognized in
the eastern US for its backcountry ski terrain. Now, the area
is also the scene of perhaps the
first public prosecution for illegal
backcountry ski trail cutting.
Although the phrase itself seems
a contradiction of terms, the idea
of a little pruning or thinning is
not a completely foreign concept
to backcountry skiers, especially
back east where the forest is well
known for its density. A few low
hung branches here and there or
even a few random small snags
would never have been noticed but
media reports estimate the trail
created on Big Jay is nearly 60 feet wide and three quarters of a
mile long. The east is infamous for sporty tree skiing but cutting
at this scale is ridiculous. What the folks involved were thinking is
up for debate.
The damage was discovered this summer by Jay Peak Ski
Area employees during routine summer operations. A quick
investigation followed, yielding a chainsaw and other tools left at
the site. Not long after, two North East Kingdom residents were
arraigned on charges of destroying state property on Big Jay for
allegedly cutting the swath down the slope for a backcountry ski
trail. The charge carries a maximum penalty of $5,000 and five
years in jail.
The two men, both released without bail, have pleaded not guilty
and have chosen to act as their own legal council. Stay tuned to
offpistemag.com for the latest on this strange one.
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Letters
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Doing Something Right . . .
- Thanks for offering a realistic voice in the world
of skiing. Why is it that the media spends 90% of its time
representing what 1% of ski world does? I am a lifelong
skier and ski hard, that does not mean that I enjoy seeing
image after image of hucking and park trickery. I live for
untracked snow and Off-Piste represents the backcountry
experience better than any other outlet.
-Nick Boothe, Tahoe
- I want more, more pages, more content, more
issues! Off-Piste is a first rate mag. Very impressive for
a free publication. Sign me up.
-Kris Cowen, BC
- Dear Dave, Thanks for the LaChapelle article...
worth more than a year’s supply of Couloirs!
- Gary Hollenbaugh
- Dear Mr. Waag, As my partner and I were hiking
up a new peak last week, your name came up and we thought
how backcountry skiers think alike. Your Intro in the last
issue (Issue 33) addressed exploring new terrain and it
rang true for us that day.
We had eyed this peak from the chair lift for years but
the right window had to happen to make it work. That
window opened last week; 16 inches of new snow on an
already great base, no sun to bake it, and the right days
off work. It all came together. We knew what line we
wanted to ski, now, how to get there without too much bush
whacking.
Long story short, sitting on top, looking at the valley
from a whole different aspect, we scouted even more lines
to be had.
Life is good. Nothing is better then a fresh look on life,
but enjoying the old sport of hiking and skiing.
Cheers, here’s to new adventures!
the good
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if we print your letter, you’ll get a one year subscription - free
off-piste letters - po box 1626 hood river, or 97031
Article Appreciation . . .
- Thanks for the espresso brownie and whitewater
granola bar recipes! You guys rule. Those brownies are my
secret weapon at the end of the day. Can’t wait for winter
so I can whip another batch of granola bars too. Any more
recipes this season?
-Ellen, Colorado
Old School East . . .
- Just to let you boys and girls out west know, I
represent a small group of freeheel pinners from the old
school. We look for articles on tele’ers that have humor
and don’t just promote the new downhill junk and really
get into the BC. With Couloir and Backcountry joining
we are worried that their mag will become a backcountry
Powder Mag, catering to pimply faced kids jumping off
cliffs and eventually destroying their bodies (but they
got the pic). Also, we would like to see some articles on
arcing in the eastern forests. We have some great goods!
Problem is, everybody thinks Tucks and the Slides (New
York and New Hampshire) are the essence of backcountry
skiing in the east; it ain’t!
-Teleman, East Coast
-Thanks for the Dickie Hall interview in the 06-07
season issues. I took my first tele lessons with him in
the 80’s and have been freeheelin’ ever since. He’s the
man and deserves loads of credit for promoting the sport!
- Jon Erikson, WA
-L&T, Washington
H
ere we go again, another year of drooling over new boards. In case you live in a cave, the word is fatter is better. There
is some truth to the fat ski propaganda and yes they are loads of fun to ski. The big skis offer their widest appeal in soft
snow but can be fun just about anywhere. We are a group of backcountry skiers and we approach the reviews from this
perspective. All of the skis are capable at the resort too but the biggest ones require confidence and bigger boots for full
appreciation at a ski area.
Remember, just a few years ago the 80-90mm waist skis made just fine powder skis. The experience is all relative. The bigger skis
truely extend the range of snow we can call skiable and the deep wet days of the Cascades once reserved for snowboards are now
fun for the whole family. Nonetheless, fat skis are not the endall; skis closer to 80 underfoot have their place in the quiver too. The
rewards of 90+mm underfoot are debatable but like any addict, there is always a rational.
Less is more when touring and, although the review is heavy on 90+ waisted skis, several models are remarkably light. For us, this is
the true innovation that is occurring; skis are getting fatter and lighter at the same time. Higher tech materials and construction are
making for some excellent fat skis that remain reasonable for touring. But remember, just ‘cause everyone in the movies is skiing big
boards does not mean you have to also; we still see a strong place for the 75-85mm waist ski too.
We introduce the review with short paragraphs on each company’s offerings. Each company has a certain feel to their line and we
thougth it helpful to attempt a summary of these personalities. Finally, we do not include every ski that is on the market. Many skis
are missing - some of those are the same as last year’s offerings and you can read about them on our website in last year’s review.
Others, we simply did not have the time and resources to test - read on.
Atomic skis all utilize synthetic Densolite cores and technology adapted from their Alpine line-up. The result is light responsive skis
that are respected for their edge hold and neutral personalities. For 2007-08, Atomic introduces the RT86 and the RT80. The RT skis
add a new lively dimension to the Atomic tele/AT line-up while several old favorites cap off the offering.
Black Diamond jumps into the ski world with both feet this year offering ten different models, seven of which are all new. All skis
move to wood core construction this year and BD is not bashful about their skis catering to the mixed boundary crowd. Generally
speaking these are stiffer skis that respond well to big boots, active tele bindings, or AT gear.
Dynafit, best known in North America for their AT binders, has a full ski line as well. Although we included only one ski here, Dynafit
has a full run of touring minded skis with wood cores and alpine environs in mind.
G3 skis all use wood cores and modified cap construction. In general, the G3 boards are moderate in weight, offer firm but round flex,
and have broad appeal. G3 expands the line with El Hombre, a true fat ski that measures in at 105 mm in the waist. Although G3 is
well known for their tele bindings, their skis can go free or fixed.
K2 skis feature wood core construction and their time tested progressive sidecut. The tele line-up is a responsive group of skis,
Photo: Chad Coleman
relatively light in weight that ski mixed and soft conditions well. K2 tele skis are the only skis with binding inserts. The AT line-up
grows this year with the addition of women’s AT boards. On the men’s side, the Mt Baker has been redesigned and they now offer a
Baker Superlight for the gram counters.
Karhu skis can be characterized by their relatively lightweight and responsive ride. All skis have wood cores and the women’s line adds
the Bertha, a 100mm waisted ski. Showing their dedication to the backcountry market, Karhu offers their two widest men’s skis in a
lightweight touring friendly construction, featuring their new Greenlight Core technology.
Movement is new to the North American ski market. Created in Switzerland in 1999, they make a wood core ski with modified cap
construction and bring a decidedly freeride flavor to their skis. We skied only a small sample of their line-up but overall they appeal to
aggressive skiers. Big dimensions and healthy weights paired with twin-tips and firm flex gives the skis new school appeal.
Ski Trab, although lesser known in North America, has been making wood core skis in Europe since 1949. The Italian ski company is
best known on this side of the Atlantic for mountaineering and randonee racing skis such as the Free Rando. We also review the Stelvio
Freeride, which proves their ability to make an all mountain ski that appeals to the American market.
Voile pioneered soft snow skis with the Mountain Surf. The Surf has seen many years of service but this season marks the launch
of a new ski from Voile, the Insane. The ski, made in house by Voile in Utah, features a wood core, cap design, and light-weight
construction.
Fattest - 99mm+ waist
Atomic Janak Dimensions: 124-99-115 (173) Length:
153/163/173/183cm Weight:3.91kg/8.6lbs (183cm) $651 The Janak
returns unchanged from last year (save for graphics). This is a soft
snow tool. Sure, it is a fun board for high speed resort ripping in any
snow but it really shines in deep snow. Although responsive enough
to make a variety of turn shapes the Janak’s minimal sidecut finds
its groove riding out big radius turns. A favorite among fixed heelers
for hedonistic powder consumption, the Janak also responds well to a
big tele boot. If you are looking to go long as well as big and landing
switch is part of your repertoire, take a look at the Janak Bro, a twin
tip variation on the Janak that ads a mm or two to the tip and tail
and is available in a 193cm.
Black Diamond Zealot Dimensions: 138-110-126 (182), Lengths:
182/192cm Weight: 4.2kg/9.24lbs (182cm) $610 The name says it
all; the Zealot is a big ski with a powerful personality. Given its mass
and dimensions the Zealot, like any true fanatic, is capable of taking
you for a ride. Interestingly, for the bigger skier, the Zealot was
more forgiving than the Verdict. Given the lengths available it is well
matched to big boots and mechanized access or a true zealot. The
ski comes to life at speed but still dictates big deliberate turns and
is most at home in soft snow or going fast on any snow. It’s a quiver
ski for big skiers and big personalities.
Black Diamond Verdict Dimensions: 134-102-120 (180cm)
Lengths: 170/180/190cm Weight: 4kg/8.8lbs (180cm) $570 Although
the name remains the same, the Verdict is more ski than it has
ever been. While we voted last year’s Verdict a relatively versatile
touring ski given its dimensions, the new Verdict is bigger and more
demanding. To use Matrix speak, we’ve seen the future and we need
bigger guns. BD promotes their new line-up as skis that match the
performance of alpine skis and the Verdict is not shy in living up to
this. The result is a ski that responds when driven hard. We skied
this one with fixed heels and were glad we did. Sure, it will appeal to
aggressive freeheelers too but you will need the boots, bindings, and
quads to match the Verdicts personality. Given its mass, it is a good
choice for folks who do not count grams.
0708
Ski Review
continued
has developed a following of skiers looking for an agile big board
for aggressive skiing. We said it last year and we will say it again,
these skis are more responsive than their paper specs might lead
you to believe. Although we would recommend the BC 100 (same
dimensions but lighter weight) for true touring use, the Team100
is a niche ski for powder; be it lift, cat or heli, or hiking, the Team
100 gives you all the performance you could hope for in a big board.
Remarkably maneuverable for its healthy specs, the Team gets new
graphics this year and loses a few grams. True to Karhu’s personality,
these skis maintain a reasonable flex.
Karhu BC100 Dimensions: 134-100-125 Lengths: 172/179/186cm
Weight: 3.4kg 7.5lb (179cm) $625 The BC100 takes Karhu’s BC
construction to the Team100 dimensions. The healthy 100mm waist
is obviously designed with soft snows in mind. Less versatile than the
BC90, the BC100 is one of the lightest skis in its class. Like the BC90,
the round flex and damp ride give it a great predictable and capable
personality. Do you need a touring ski with 100mm underfoot?
Here in the NW it can be very handy for the “white rain” and rapidly
changing inversion conditions. The BC 100 is a hoot in the pow, likes
to charge around the resort in soft snow, yet its light weight keeps it
responsive to last minute decisions, tight trees, and touring friendly
boots.
K2 Anti Piste Dimensions: 135-102-121 Lengths:
167/174/181/188cm Weight: 3.75kg/8.2lb (174cm) $579 The Anti
Piste takes on subtle shape and dimension changes this season and
we felt it to be a little stiffer also. Although the changes are subtle
on paper, the differences from the original Anti Piste are significant.
The ski still gives a nice full ski carve but its tip profile and running
surface are changed creating a more versatile fat ski. K2 drew on
design features that have evolved out of the Pontoon. The Anti-Piste,
like so many skis pushing 100 underfoot, is most versatile when
skied with bigger boots and at speed. We skied it with Targas but
suspect it would respond well to more active binders too.
Movement Goliath Dimensions: 134 - 99 - 118 (184cm) Lengths:
184/191cm 4.36kg/9.6lb (184cm) $795 The Goliath is, as its name
implies, a powerful ski. These are alpine skis, as comfortable with
the fully locked and loaded package as with an AT set up. Big boots
improve performance as does speed. Don’t be shy, you need to
get some momentum to feel this ski’s personality. Would we take it
touring, unlikely. Is it fun to ski, you bet. Interestingly, despite the
aggressive graphics and burly names, Movement is dedicated to
using wood that is certified to be from a sustainable harvest source.
G3 El Hombre Dimensions: 136-105-124 Lengths:
170/177/185/192cm Weight: 3.9kg 8.6lbs (177cm) $775 This ski
is for someone who understands that deep snow is not boot top
and is looking for a board that will push them and can be pushed.
The Hombre is a point and go ski; it has two speeds fast and faster.
It performs well fixed or free heel and comes to life at speed,
encouraging big arcs. It transitions well between snow conditions as
it seems to ride over and through just about anything that comes
its way. Consistent input yields consistent results with the Hombre.
Although it is available in a 185 and 192, the177cm length fits a wide
range of skiers. You could tour on the Hombre, but your quads better
be ready. If your 90+mm waisted ski has you wishing for more, the
Hombre should be able to meet your needs and offer you room to
grow.
Karhu Team 130 Dimensions: 155-130-148 Length: 186cm Weight:
5.14kg/11.3lb $775 The 130 was created as per Karhu athlete
request. As a “backcountry” publication, we debated the merits of
including this ski in our review as, given its size, it is obviously a
unique beast. Running surface is shortened through the use of tip
profile and sidecut that gives the ski a relatively responsive ride given
the dimensions, but the bottom line is it’s not for the average ski
tourer. The Team 130 is a big ski designed for big lines, big boots,
and for most folks, mechanized access. Is it fun to ski, yes; is it
practical, not really. If you fancy a trip to Valdez and are keen to alter
your skiing experience, check ‘em out.
Karhu Team 100 Dimensions: 134-100-125 Lengths:
172/179/186cm Weight: 3.97kg 8.7lb (179cm) $625 The Team 100
Voile Insane 138-103-128 (172cm), Length: 161/172/183cm,
3.1kg/6.75lbs (172cm) $525 Voile steps in this year with an all new
ski. The Insane is the lightest ski in its class. At 103 underfoot in a
172, the Insane is a touring tool. Carbon construction gives it good
torsional stiffness and gives the ski confidence when the snow is
less than ideal. Skiing the volcanoes in our ‘hood often means a
wide range of snow conditions in one day and the Insane was just
as confident holding onto the firm upper snows as it was planing
through the mank at lower elevations. Granted, carving a ski with
103mm underfoot takes a some getting used to but it stands up to
the task. Most skis in this weight class are at least a full cm narrower
if not more and its light swing-weight gives it the responsiveness of a
narrower board. Skiing a fat board in the backcountry no longer has
to mean dragging an anchor up the hill.
Fatter – 90-98mm waist
Black Diamond Kilowatt Dimensions: 126-95-114 (175cm)
Lengths: 155/165/175/185cm Weight: 3.5kg/7.7lbs (175cm) $540
Although BD touts this as a user friendly cruiser, we see it as a
confident mixed condition ski that handles soft snow with ease but
prefers big boots and active binders or a fixed heel to harness its full
potential. Its overall stiffness speaks to strong skiers and provides
solid edge control when needed. It is not as burly as the Verdict but
offers more ski than the Havoc and caters to a longer radius ride.
Although we found it less responsive than other skis in its width
class, its solid platform underfoot is stable and solid through varied
snows. We see it as a mixed snow and mixed boundary ski for
experienced skiers.
G3 Reverend Dimensions: 126-93-114 Lengths: 170/177/185cm
Weight: 4.1kg/8.2lbs (177cm) $685 Once G3’s flagship fatty, the
Reverend now plays second to the new Hombre on paper. On snow,
the Reverend continues to keep pace with other skis in its class.
The Reverend prefers a strong driver and some testers found it on
the less forgiving end of the spectrum. That said, the ski has an
auto pilot mode and will cruise groomers in rest position if that is
important to you. More importantly to us, the Reverend skis soft
snow with ease, will bust out short radius turns when asked, and
is always happy to be let off the leash and run. The round flex
keeps the Reverend manageable while relatively generous side-cut
keeps it lively. We skied it both free and fixed heel with the best
feedback coming from the fixed heel testers. It is by no means the
lightest ski in its class, but mounted with light teles or Dynafits, it
makes a reasonable touring package. If you have been skiing 80-90
underfoot and are looking for a bigger ski that could become your
mainstay board, the Reverend should make the short list.
G3 Rapid Transit Dimensions: 128-91-116, Lengths:
177/178/185/192cm Weight: 3.6kg/8lb (178cm) $725 The Rapid
Transit was somewhat of a sleeper in last years testing. We chalk this
up to the fact that we skied with fixed heel binders. This year, we
skied it freeheel and found the skis personality. This is a high energy,
responsive tele rig. Given the skis dimensions, this energy requires
some skill to harness, but given a few runs to dial it in, it carves and
rides through varied snow conditions with enthusiasm. It is not a ski
for everyone; we see it as a tele specific rig for folks who like to turn
and carve. Given its asymmetrical shape, the ski initiates quickly
and although its dimensions look like it would require a big boot, it
performed well even in a pair of T3’s and Targa bindings
Karhu Jak Dimensions: Dimensions: 124-90-113 Lengths:
165/172/179/186cm Weight: 3.86kg 8.5lb (179cm) $575 One tester
summed it up well – this is a desert island ski, if you were stranded
and could only have one ski, the Jak can do it all; it is a jack-of-alltrades. Once pushing the limits of what backcountry skiers (at least
us) would consider reasonable for ski dimensions, the Jak’s 90mm
waist is now commonplace. Sure, you can find a more responsive
ski, you can also find a bigger ski but the Jak does embody much
of what makes a ski a quiver of one. It is solid enough to take to
the resort without a second thought and reasonable enough to take
touring. It is very responsive and versatile for its class. We have
always liked the Jak as a freeheel ski and have come to enjoy it
with a fixed heel too. Our personal bias, however, says why buy the
Jak if you can have the BC90? Well, the answer likely lies in your
own bias. Ski more in the front country, go Jak, prefer to avoid
mechanized access, go BC.
Karhu BC90 Dimensions: 124-90-113 Lengths:
165/172/179/186cm Weight: 3.23kg 7.1lb (179cm) $575
Dimensionally, the BC90 is unchanged. Internally, the it gets Karhu’s
new Greenlight wood core, drops a few grams, and adds new
graphics. The result is a light damp ski. In fact, skiing it run to run
with the Jak evoked some thoughts that it was, despite its softer
flex and lighter weight, more damp than the Jak and handled the
varied snow of a powder day at the hill every bit as well as the Jak.
If the resort is your primary focus (go get Skiing Magazine), most
skiers should still stick with the Jak, but anyone who spends most of
their days searching for and skiing soft snows needs to try this ski.
Karhu has done a great job keeping the Jak platform a responsive
versatile board. The BC90 is more than a Jak on a diet; it is its own
ski and a favorite of ours for sure. It skis well tele and makes for a
nice light AT touring package with Dynafit binders.
Fat – 81-89mm waist
Atomic Kailas Dimensions: 125-88-111 Length: 163/174/185cm.
Weight: 3.36kg/7.4lbs (174cm) $562 The Kailas is in its second
season and continues to hold its own. Although it is similar under
foot to the new RT86, the Kailas has a different personality from
the RT. The Kailas is still responsive and likes to turn but it is less
carvy and more round in its personality. Its straighter profile gives
it a more traditional feel although its even flex gives it wide appeal.
Although heavier than the RT86, the Kailas is still relatively light
and a good choice for an all around touring ski. A solid board for the
western based skier with medium to big boots looking to solve the
continued on page 16
F07_snowsafety_OP.indd 1
Issue XXXIV8/21/07
Off-Piste
13
3:51:16 PM
Gallery
Business as usual, Ian McIntosh enjoys a day in the backcountry around Mt. Baker, Photo Grant Gunderson
tastes great, less fillin
Adam Roberts finds his line, North Cascades, WA, Photo: Grant Gunderson
Gallery
Mark Parminter takes in the view on Mt Hubbard, St. Elias Range, Yukon/AK Border, Photo: Steve Ogle
There are only three sports - bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering;
all the rest are merely games
- Ernest Hemingway
ng, Eduardo Blancho gets his fill in the Alps, Photo: Jonathan Griffith
Will eyes his line, Japan, Photo: Ian Coble
0708
Ski Review
continued
quiver dilemma. If forced to answer the fixed or free heel bias, we
would say fixed.
Atomic RT86 Dimensions: 127-86-113 Lengths:
162/169/176/183cm. Weight: 2.95kg/6.5lbs (176cm) $635 New
from Atomic this season, the RT 86 is full of side-cut and damp feel.
The side-cut gives the ski a responsive, easy turning personality and
Atomic’s Torsion Flex Control (TFC) technology from their alpine ski
line gives it the smooth, damp ride. The combination makes for a
ski that likes to turn and can handle just about any snow conditions.
This is a light ski at six-and-a-half pounds (176cm) and this scores it
high marks as a backcountry tool (although the plastic tip detail will
be problematic for some skins). Given the weight, the RT86 skied
well in a range of boots. We skied it free and fixed heel; it is tough to
pick a bias. We see this as an all around quiver of one ski with a bias
for folks who prefer quick short to medium radius turns over fewer
big radius turns – skiers looking for a big radius tool from Atomic
should look to the Kailas or Janak.
Atomic Free Dream Dimensions: 117-82-106, Length:
150/157/164/171/178cm Weight: 2.56kg/5.64lbs (171cm) The
Free Dream is a ski mountaineering tool. Its short lengths and lightweight make it a good choice for mountaineering exploits. The 82mm
waist gives you plenty of ski if the snow gets funky while the ski’s
carbon construction gives it a solid edge in variable high alpine snow
conditions. This a good choice if you are looking for a light ski to bag
peaks, ski spring chutes, or take on an extended expedition. It is
well matched to light boots/binders and is available in short lengths.
Black Diamond Havoc Dimensions: 123-88-112 (175cm) Lengths:
165/175/185cm Weight: 3.6kg/7.92lbs (175cm) $500 The Havoc is
a ski on many peoples quiver of one list. Dimensionally, the 88mm
waist allows a good skier performance in a wide variety of snow.
The Havoc is a powerful ski for its dimensions. Its solid platform and
overall stiffness accommodate the needs of aggressive skiers when
pushed hard while its reliable edge keeps skiers of all levels happy
in consistent snow. Testers found it settles into its own medium to
big radius turn unless asked otherwise. We have come to prefer this
ski with a fixed heel but it has a freeheel following as well. Although
dimensionally the ski is the same as last year, this year’s model
moves to wood construction. It has remarkable torsional strength
and carves firm snow that rattles many other skis. We see the Havoc
as an alpine tool, not our pick for powder runs or resort cruising,
but a solid choice for the varied snow found above treeline and in
true alpine terrain. The Havoc is best enjoyed with medium to bigger
boots and solid ski skills.
Black Diamond Voodoo Dimensions: 123-88-112 (175cm)
Lengths: 165/175/185cm Weight: 3.3kg/7.25lbs (175cm) $490
Built on the success of the Havocs dimensions, the Voodoo drops
almost a half pound (6.5oz) off the Havocs weight. Its flex maintains
the confidence found in the Havoc but its lighter weight creates a
responsive personality. It maintains a solid platform underfoot and
although we skied it both free and fixed heel, we thought it served
skiers with a parallel bias. This is a Rocky Mountain touring ski that
will run varied snow and terrain without complaint.
G3 Ace Dimensions: 116-81-104 Lengths: 163/170/177/184cm
Weight: 2.95kg/6.4lb (177cm) $699 The Ace is a no frills touring
rig. Given its weight and size, it skis well with any modern boot.
The Ace is a finesse ski, not a power rig. Its dimensions allow for
performance in soft and hard snows; heck, three years ago, its
waste dimension was relatively big. This classically dimensioned ski
is being dwarfed by the need for speed and girth that is fueling the
fat ski movement. If you prefer rhythmic medium radius turns, enjoy
a good alpine tour, and do not need to push the speed envelope or
charge the resort to have fun, the Ace fits your profile. Although we
have skied it free and fixed, we say go fixed on this one.
K2 Work Stinx Dimensions: 124-88-111 Lengths: 167/174/181cm
Weight 3.6kg/7.9lb (174cm) $549 The new Work Stinx is a soft snow
and mixed condition animal. The ski rides through variable snow
with ease. If you are looking for a tele ski to chase snow around the
resort or ski the backcountry, the Work fills the bill. Its round flex and
unwavering tip ensure the ski keeps you in the fall line with minimal
effort on the driver’s part. That said, bigger boots help drive the tips
through mixed snow. This is a tele skier’s ski, fun to turn in all but
the firmest snow at all speeds and all but the shortest turn shapes.
The Work is our new pick for a quiver of one from K2 Telemark.
K2 Mt. Baker Dimensions: 121-88-108, Lengths: 167/174/181cm
Weight: 3.9kg 8.5lbs (174cm) $529 The Baker has evolved a little
each season toward its current design. The latest Baker retains
its predictable, reliable nature. Like so many skis in its class,
the Baker is competing with some powerful skis so K2 refined
its performance level with a new tip and sidecut profile. Still a
soft snow ski, the new tip design adds a new level of stability in
junky snow. Skiers agreed it was lively at speed and settled into
it medium radius arcs without complaint. The Mt Baker is a good
match for the aggressive AT skier who doesn’t count grams and is
looking for an all mountain ride.
K2 Mt. Baker Superlight Dimensions: 121-88-108, Lengths:
167/174/181cm Weight: 2.95kg/6.5lbs (174cm) $549 The Baker
Superlight is a welcome addition to K2’s AT line-up. It is nice to
get the nod that not everyone wants damper burlier ski. Damp
heavy boards are fun at the resort but typically overkill on a tour.
The Superlight offers touring friendly construction that remains
reasonable on firm snows. Soft snow and up hill performance are
the its forte but it can handle whatever snow comes its way. This
ski was actually favored over the Mt Baker by testers for overall
performance when considering a touring ski. Its wood core yields
a relatively damp ride and makes for easy full ski carving in all but
the hardest snow. Although medium and larger radius turns are
easy by design, the ski’s light swing weight yields a ski that turns
when you need it to turn. This is a practical all conditions touring
ski and is one of the lightest skis in its size class; anyone with
a soft snow bias looking for a single ski to meet all their touring
needs should check it out.
Movement Thunder Dimensions: 122-89-111 Lengths:
177/187cm Weight: 3.72kg/8.2lb (177cm) $665 Like its big
brother the Goliath, the Thunder prefers big boots and lock down
mode. Flex is stout and the platform underfoot serves aggressive
skiers. The Thunder’s weight is more in line with other boards
marketed for backcountry use. Still, it likes to play hard and
responds best to a big radius mindset. Like many of the newer
freeride and cross boundary ski options, the Thunder is at home at
the resort.
Ski Trab Stelvio Freeride Dimensions: 117-84-105, Lengths:
164/171/178/185cm 3.02kg/6.6lbs (171cm) $619 Ski Trab has
built its reputation around high performance rando racer skis. The
company is less well known (especially in North America) for their
all mountain offerings but the Stelvio Freeride could build this
reputation. Its relatively moderate dimensions ski bigger than they
look on paper. This ski kept a wide variety of testers happy, carved
the groom and handled soft snows with style. It offers round full
ski engagement and turn versatility. It’s not a huckster on par with
skis pushing the 100mm waist category but it stands out in the
mid 80’s waist category as a solid versatile ski. Its medium radius
bias and moderate side-cut create a balanced all mountain board.
We skied it fixed heel but would not hesitate to try it with tele
binders. Topping off its balanced ride is a wood veneer finish and
classic Euro crest that give the ski a classic look.
Not so Fat - 70-80mm waist
Atomic RT80 Dimensions: 121-80-107 Lengths:
157/164/171/178cm Weight: 2.84kg/6.25lbs (171cm) Light,
stable, and carvy like its big brother the 86, the 80 turns fast and
mixes up the tele parallel ride with ease. This ski likes to carve and
we see it as a resort tele board that does great with any modern
boot. Like the 86, it takes advantage of Atomic’s alpine line Torsion
Flex Technology (TFC) and, although we are not big on technology
acronyms, it does a great job of keeping these skis damp and light.
It makes a fine touring rig but its waist limits its deep snow appeal
when you have skis like the Kailas and the RT86 available.
Dynafit Seven Summits Dimensions: 113/78/100 (170cm)
Lengths: 156/163/170/178 Weight 2.64kg/5.8lb 170cm $540
Given the name, it is no surprise that we found this ski to be a
mountaineering tool. The Seven Summits is light, modestly stiff,
and responsive with its 78mm waist. Although the ski handled
a day at the resort, its personality did not shine until we took it
up Mt Hood for a spring summit ski. Frozen corn on the ascent
yielded to classic varied volcano conditions on the descent. It
takes a few turns to dial in the skis light swing-weight if you are
used to a bigger board, but once you understand how much input
is enough, the ski is responsive and confident. Going light makes
so much sense on alpine tours and for mountaineering. The
Seven Summits fits in the quiver very nicely.
K2 World Piste Dimensions: 122-80-107 Lengths:
167/174/181cm Weight 3.2kg/7lb (174cm) $519 The World Piste,
once our choice for a quiver of one, continues to hold its own in
a variety of snow. However, given the plethora of versatile skis
in the 88 and larger waist category, the World has some serious
competition these days, including from its own big brother the
Work Stinx. For those who prefer a smaller boot, World is still
a solid choice for all around use but after a few season on skis
closer to 90mm underfoot, testers are favoring bigger skis for all
mountain use. The World Piste remains true to its tele roots and
it offers round predictable turns. We still feel this ski has a soft
snow bias as it is not as stiff as some skis in its class. It responds
well to a neutral tele binding. Experienced skiers enjoyed it and
newbies said it gave them confidence. Need a ski that does it all
and you prefer to ride through the snow versus on top? The World
Piste fits the bill.
Karhu Kodiak Dimensions: 117-80-105 Lengths:
166/176/186cm Weight 3.4kg/7.5lb (176cm) $525 The Kodiak
is a tele skiers ski. It falls into the tele position with ease and
holds a variety of turn shapes. Although lively and predictable,
the Kodiak’s flex keeps it powerful when you need to step on it in
firmer snow or steep terrain. This is a ski for the tele purist who
understands the benefits of an 80mm waist.
Karhu Guide Dimensions: 109-78-95 Lengths: 165/175/185cm
Weight 2.5kg/5.5lb (176cm) $325 The Guide is unique in this
review as it is the only ski included with a waxless patterned
base. Officially part of the XCD (cross-country downhill) category,
these skis take the XCD category to a new level of performance.
Using Karhu’s tried and true Omnitrak base, the Guide is a true
backcountry tele ski. It is light, climbs a low angle skin track
with ease, and descends like a modern tele ski, not to mention,
you could throw a skin on it too. These skis are wide enough
for general backcountry touring/turning missions and are light
enough for any off track touring. It skis well with the lightest of
boots and begs for a basic three-pin binding. A ski like the Guide
opens up a whole new window on terrain and touring. Tempted?
Try ‘em.
Ski Trab Duo Freerando Dimensions: 112/110-79-96, Length:
157/164/171/178cm, 2.58kg/5.6lbs (171cm) $649 The Freerando
offers a good balance between light and capable. Like its
European roots would lead you to believe, this is a ski made for
mountaineering. It has a short radius bias and is a good tool for
technical skiing. It is by no means a big radius ripper, it is the
ski to grab when grams count or for your local rando race series.
When the snow conditions get tough and your legs are tired, the
Freerando will get you down the hill. It features the distinctive
double profile Ski Trab tip that interfaces with their proprietary
skin mount system.
continued on page 18
0708
Ski Review
continued
Women’s Skis
Fattest - 90-100mm waist
Black Diamond Joule Dimensions: 126-95-114 (175cm) Lengths:
155/165/175cm Weight: 3.4kg/7.5lbs (175cm) $540 The Joule follows the
Kilowatt’s dimensions to create a lighter board designed with women skiers
in mind. We had limited testing with the Joule but what we had proved it
offers a damp stable platform that appealed to both genders. The Joule
responds to your needs but prefers a medium radius turns and soft or
carvable snow. Even given its softer flex, big boots and active binders or a
fixed heel will help you get the most out of this ski.
Karhu Bertha Dimensions: 134-100-125 Lengths: 165/172cm Weight:
3.28kg 7.2lb (172cm) $625 Karhu’s women specific line benefits from their
Greenlight wood core and the Bertha is the latest addition to the line-up,
not to mention the biggest women’s specific tele ski on the market. The skis
are remarkably damp and relatively light for their size. We found the Bertha
to be a freeheel turner at its core and surprisingly agile for its dimensions.
Sure it is a powder ski, but anyone looking for 100mm underfoot should
know that.
G3 Siren Dimensions: 121-88-109, Lengths: 157/166cm Weight:3.3kg/7.2lb
(166cm) $616 The Siren has ranked well with women testers for a couple
seasons now. It fits our new quiver of one dimension with its 88mm waist.
More and more we feel the 85-95 waist is where it’s at. The Siren was
favored as an AT ski for skiers with a short and medium radius turn bias. It
offers stability in bigger radius turns too as it is stable and damp but is most
at home somewhere in the middle. Its weight is modest but stout enough to
feel at home at the resort.
K2 Miss Baker Dimensions: 121-88-108, Length: 160/167cm Weight:
3.6kg/7.92lbs (167cm) K2 steps into new territory with women’s AT specific
skis. Expanding on the already well-known dimensions of the Baker/Work/
Dawn Patrol series, the Miss Baker is a lively turner but requires a degree of
attention to keep it turning quickly. The ski is reminiscent of the Dawn Patrol,
good through varied and soft snows while inspiring medium to big radius
arcs. She keeps her head at speed as long as you keep her out of the hard
stuff and once you find the soft snow she responds with flair. The Miss Baker
is a good call for solid female skiers looking for a predictable and capable
board to ski in and out of bounds or to take hut tripping.
K2 Dawn Patrol Dimensions: 124-88-111, Lengths: 160/167cm Weight:
3.7kg/8.1lb 167cm $539 Several seasons in the making, the current Dawn
Patrol is now a staple in the tele world. Although you can find a lighter ski,
the Dawn offers a damp stable ride good for variable and soft snow skiing. If
you find the 167cm a little sluggish, try the 160cm. K2 advocates stepping
down in size and the Dawn is a good ski to test this theory. The Dawn is at
home on a hut trip and at the hill. K2’s home is in the Northwest and the
Dawn Patrol makes short work of classic Cascade snow.
Not so Fat - 70-80mm waist
Karhu Jil Dimensions: 124-90-113 Lengths: 158/165/172cm Weight
3kg/6.6lb (165cm) $525 The Jil is revamped this year with the new wood
core and graphics to match. Testers familiar with earlier generation Jils
found it offered improved handling and was easier to ski. Like the Jak, the Jil
skied more agile than its dimension would lead you to anticipate. This could
serve as an all mountain board for experienced skiers or a horizon expander
for less advanced women.
Fatter - 81-89mm waist
G3 Aviatrix Dimensions: 116-81-104, Lengths:156/163/170cm
Weight:3kg/6.6lb (163cm) $600 With dimensions that mirror the Ace and
Baron, the Aviatrix is a utilitarian ski. We skied it tele and felt it was well
suited to a free heel. Testers agreed that it was very capable, not full of
personality but never leaving you wondering whether it could make a turn
either. If powder is your passion, you can find a more dedicated soft snow
ski but if you are less able to pick your days, the Aviatrix will ski it all and
does not require a big boot to stay in control. Predictable turn initiation and
reliable edges round out its personality.
K2 Shuks Anne Dimensions: 122-80-108 Lengths: 153/160/167/174cm
Weight: 2.95kg /6.5lb (167cm) $489 Given the popularity of the Shuksan
in the men’s line, the Shuks Anne has some big shoes to fill. Overall, the ski
met expectations. It is an easy handling ski with a short to medium radius
bias. Like the Shuksan, it has a backcountry bias. Its light swing-weight and
modest flex are not designed for charging at the resort. The ski transitions
through varied snow with confidence and is dreamy in boot top powder.
When the going gets deep, it rallies but not with the same flair as a bigger
ski.
Karhu Betty Dimensions: 117-80-105 Lengths: 156/166/176cm Weight
2.82kg/6.2lb (166cm) $525 At 80 underfoot, the Betty is a responsive ski
that is not afraid of firm snow. Like many Karhu skis, it shines in tele
turns. Its flex did not speak to all skiers. Lighter weight skiers found it
required focused input and skied best with fresh legs. Bigger skiers found
it more forgiving and versatile. The Betty is a good choice for all but soft
snow snobs and could be a fun mountaineering tool for women.
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words - lance waring
photos - brett schreckengost
f nothing else, 25 winters in the San Juans (a sub-range of the aptlynamed Rocky Mountains) have taught me that skis are disposable. Sure,
I appreciate new boards, and I confess to visiting the ski shop every
fall to fondle them on the rack. However, I never purchase, because
I can’t justify paying retail for p-tex I’ll trash in a few months. Frankly,
I’m a ski-buying bottom feeder, haunting the summer sales in search of
deeply-discounted demos or sifting through the stacks of used boards at the
ski swap. With my cheapskate attitude, I can’t be too fussy about design
features, such as flex, turning radius, or shovel dimension. Give me some
comfortable boots, and I’ll have fun on a pair of beveled two-by-fours.
Nevertheless, I was eager to meet ski manufacturer Pete Wagner at his
factory in Placerville, a few miles downstream from Telluride, Colorado. For
the last two years, Wagner has been building custom skis and snowboards,
and his products are quickly gathering a following that ranges from young
bump fiends to veteran powder hounds. I was curious why these people—
many of them hardcore ski bums living close to the bone— are willing to pay
$1,595 for a pair of boards.
I pulled up to the factory on a hot August afternoon. The exterior was
unassuming— vintage early 1900s rough stone and ramshackle wood
framing. The only hint of advanced technology was a large cluster of solar
panels on the roof. Inside, though, the production room looked like a science
lab with spotless white walls and an immaculate concrete floor. A tidy
plastic tubing system routed compressed air along the ceiling to a gleaming
pneumatic press; nearby sat a large computer-controlled milling machine and
top-of-the-line edge- and base-grinding equipment.
In the center of the room was a long plexi-glass layout table where technician
Scott Hargreave was carefully holding the pieces of a pair of skis while his
colleague Marty Bonnaci ran a trickle of surprisingly benign-smelling glue on
top. “Scotty, where’s the centerline?” asked Bonnaci. Without losing his grip,
Hargreave pulled a pen out of his pocket, squinted down the length of the ski,
and ticked the spot. Smoothly, the two lifted the skis off the table and slipped
them into the press. Hargreave’s impromptu pen stroke proved to be spot-on.
With the skis safely in the press, the slender, long-haired fellow who had
been quietly watching stepped forward and greeted me. “Welcome to Wagner
Custom Skis, where computer technology meets craftsmanship.” “Hey
Pete,” joked Bonnaci, “I thought our motto was ‘where brute force meets
ignorance.’”
Pete Wagner led me to the adjacent room, where a host of skis from various
manufacturers lined the walls. “We’re creating a database of flex and shape
specifications for all skis made in the last four years,” he explained. “When
clients tell us their favorite current skis, we’ll incorporate that information into
the fitting process.”
I asked about the fitting process, and Wagner flipped open his laptop. “Let’s
run through it,” he offered. “I call this ‘getting a skier’s DNA.’” An hour later,
I was still answering Wagner’s questions regarding my skiing preferences. He
wanted to know where I skied, how fast, my favorite conditions, my optimal
powder depth. He inquired about my previous injuries, bindings, and boots.
He asked if I skied with a pack, and then requested the approximate weight.
We even talked about other sports I pursued beyond skiing. Every answer I
gave was carefully entered into his computer.
In the midst of talking about skiing, I forgot about the price tag. When
Wagner asked if I wanted anything special, I requested holes in the tips to
facilitate rigging an emergency sled, and slight notches in the tails to retain
skin clips. He thought for a moment before replying, “We’d have to seal the
holes so the core stays dry. That’s not impossible. But we wrap the edges all
the way around the tails for durability. I’m not sure how we’d create a notch
without sacrificing some integrity.”
The words “durability” and “integrity” brought me back to my senses. I told
Wagner I’d be afraid to ever use these custom boards for fear I’d damage
them. “For San Juan skiers, we often use a bomb-proof maple core, opt for
thicker bases and beefier edges, and add Kevlar to the sidewalls. You sacrifice
some weight, but they’ll hold up,” he answered. Wagner backed up this claim
by telling me that Chris Drew—a 225-pound local kid with a serious downhill
racing background, who now combines his need for speed with a penchant for
pounding bumps and hucking cliffs— had skied a pair of Wagner skis all last
season and didn’t break them.
Durability concerns assuaged, Wagner ushered me to a rack of finished skis.
“You’ll have to decide on a top sheet,” he said. “We can do anything from
a simple solid color to custom graphics based on artwork you provide.” My
hands caressed a pair with a gorgeous wood veneer; their simple, old-world
elegance captured my soul. “That’s Brazilian rosewood,” said Wagner. “We
have a buyer who sends us scraps of sustainably harvested exotic wood.
We’re trying hard to be green—heating exclusively with solar power, buying
wind-generated electricity, minimizing our waste stream. Did you know this
factory is carbon neutral?”
I did not, but the news made me even more inclined to write Wagner a check
to start making my rosewood skis. I asked if I could demo a pair before
I committed. Wagner shook his head. “Every pair we make is customized
for one person. We don’t have demo skis, because every pair is different.”
Instead, he offered the following guarantee: If I didn’t love my new skis in the
first 30 days, he’d make it right—even if it meant building me another pair.
I momentarily set aside my ski lust to ask about Wagner’s background. I
learned that he grew up skiing on a 200-foot-high landfill in Dayton, Ohio. At
age 18, he “escaped” to San Diego, where he studied mechanical engineering
at UCSD. He applied for his first patent his sophomore year. Before he
graduated, he was already working in the golf industry, where he created
software to analyze and design custom clubs.
Nine years later, Wagner moved to Telluride to ski. He continued working as a
design consultant, writing software and using computer-assisted design and
predictive engineering to provide his clients with rapid prototyping abilities.
After a couple of seasons, he enrolled in an MBA program at the Leeds School
of Business in Boulder, Colorado, where one of his academic assignments was
to project the future of a hypothetical business. He drew up a plan for Wagner
Custom Skis, and he knew what he wanted to do next. “It’s a low-volume
business model,” he concluded. “We’ll make between 500 and 1,000 skis and
snowboards this year. I like the intellectual challenge of shaping the finest
materials for passionate skiers.”
Wagner’s genius-level bona fides gave me confidence. His environmental
consciousness swayed me. Top-of-the line materials built to my own
specifications made me drool. And the thought of that glowing Brazilian
rosewood nearly pushed me over the edge. Desperate to avoid an impulse
purchase, I told Wagner I’d sleep on it. He handed me a business card. “Get
in touch when you want us to make your skis.”
I called Wagner the next morning.
left to right: Teleman, Telesven, Teleking, Snowshow Donny, front Telerock, Telekid
U
sed to be, eons ago, Gurus of the tele world advocated little toe, big toe
technique for turn initiation. The turn didn’t develop instantly but rather
it came around in a graceful arc, as in Telemark. Is the graceful arc gone?
More and more the graceful arcs have evolved into power turns.
‘Course it’s difficult to have a graceful arc when encased in a shroud of
hulking plastic; you simply lose the loving feeling! English historian, Lord
Acton, wrote in the 19th century, “power tends to corrupt, and absolute
power corrupts absolutely.”
Last season, I was heading down on what pass as short, shaped, wide,
cambered skis (88-60-78) in our corner and hit a natural dip in the woods
- instant face plant! Wham, eating cold snow, below zero snow, shut my
mouth snow. While only Yellow Birches, Sugar Maples, and Beech trees
witnessed this humiliation, a lesson was learned. Later, others did the same,
as the shorter skis couldn’t cope with the conditions. The next day a longer,
skinnier, seriously cambered, high tipped ski shot me up and into airborne
bliss. I didn’t eat snow that day!
When skiing forests many surprises await, the most obvious of which is
trees. All skiing in the NE Kingdom relates to trees. Out West, there is
steepness, avalanche danger, and even crevasses, but rarely are trees
as intimidating as in the East. Everything relates to hardwoods here. All
conditions are subservient to the environment of trees. Naturally, one
wants to flow down so trees define the way. The “way” can be and often
is, the most exquisite series of arcs on the planet. Nature can smarten you
up at any time but spraying rooster tailing arcs through endless forests is
the nirvana of the correct path chosen. Frost wrote, “I took the road less
traveled by and it made all the difference.” His words ring true for Eastern
hardwood skiing!
Face shots and exploding powder in the trees are ours if we go with the flow
regardless of the gear we use . . . arc on.
- Teleman
Teleking earns his name
NAME: Teleman of the Kingdom Teleboys
AGE: 62
LOCATION: Northeast Kingdom, Vermont. Three counties tucked into the northeast corner of Vermont is what we call the Northeast Kingdom, 2000 sq. miles
of the coldest, snowiest, and least inhabited part of the state. In Northwest Passage, author Kenneth Rogers describes the area as a place full of swamps,
rivers, and lakes, where rivers flow the wrong way, and moss grows on the south side of trees. Two ski mountains rear their summits up here, Jay Peak in the
western part of the Kingdom (3,861 feet) and Burke Mountain in the middle of the Kingdom. (3,267 feet).
BACKGROUND: As a child, I skied in the hills of Connecticut on my mother’s 6 1/2 foot maple skis and bear trap bindings. Later, at a ski area, I hit something
so hard that I found myself in the snow with only my wool socks on, skis and boots heading downhill! I have a wife Debby, two children, Ericka and Kurt
(Telekid, one of the best tele skiers you will see), and two grand children.
WHAT: We are backcountry skiers, we still ski in the snow not on top and most of all love being out in nature where we can do nothing but learn from her and
laugh at our antics. I will not waste my money on ski areas unless the conditions are fantastic. Most of the “TeleBoys” ski on minimal equipment, Fischer E99s
or Rebounds (65-55-60, 88-60-78). A couple of boys have heavier equipment for the ski hill but only one has plastic boots of which we are not fond. Three
pins are the norm, some with cables. I prefer a true freeheel with nothing on the heel, jeezum! Teleking and I were at the New England Telemark Festival and
cleaned up with the prizes, heh, heh, but when Biff, the man in charge, caught wind of our pledge to burn the first place prize of plastic boots we got avalanche
probes instead.
TYPICAL SKI DAY: Up early, 5am put on Merino wool socks, long johns, leather knickers, wool sweaters, wool hunting coat and head to Teleking’s house.
Off we go to the temple (forest) to practice our religion (telemark). We park at 2200 feet and slide a couple miles into the gonzo forest bound for Telecamp.
Telecamp is a wood structure on a ledge with tarps. Inside is one of the seven wonders of the Tele world, a fireplace built into the ledge with a 10-foot chimney.
Here we drop our packs loaded with moose, venison, beacon, and eggs. Well, to be honest we bring lots of beer too, Labatts Blue beer! Then it’s up and down,
short shots in our training ground, small ledge jumps, flying off huge downed Sugar Maples, soft swishing rooster tailing powder shots. We tour to unnamed
places and knobs, always finding openings, quacking on the way up, laughing on the way down. Signs of wildlife abound, moose, cat tracks, fisher, mink, etc.
The Waiting Room
The waiting room
Autumn falls leaf by leaf
The mountains begin to
clothe their naked shoulders…
in scarves of white linen.
They are no longer sleeping.
The time for awakening
rides thundering in the distance.
I am a lady in waiting…
waitlisted by temperatures
not dropping fast enough for me.
I want curtains to fall…
for darkness to engulf me…
for winter to arrive on her harrowing steed
bringing with her crystalline ecstasy,
the shiver of release…
a quivering of thighs.
I want the plunge into immersion.
a million breaths at once are not enough
to take away the quickened pulse
of the season’s first arc and flex
Bent on turning…
I pace the golden floor of Fall
Crying: “Waitress! Bring me a powder day!”
~ Brooke Edwards
Professionally guided ski touring in British Columbia’s Howson Range
BearMountaineering.ca | 250.847.3351
Backcountry Beta
tips, techniques, recipes, etiquette, and more
Photo: Ian Coble
Question: I injured my right shoulder
in two separate falls last season while
tele skiing. I don’t feel like I dislocated
the joint, but my shoulder has felt
slightly weak and unstable ever since
and I’m concerned about re-injury in the
future. I’m also having trouble punching
forward with my right hand while skiing,
especially while wearing a pack.
- Mark Coopers, Colorado
Answer: For the ease of response, I am
going to assume you did not sustain any
serious damage. However, the only way
to know for certain is to get a hands-on
evaluation by a physical therapist in order
to get the most accurate diagnosis and
exercise prescription. In the meantime,
work on strengthening the muscles
that hold the arm “ball” in the shoulder
“socket” as well as the muscles that
stabilize the shoulder blade against your
upper back and rib cage.
One great static exercise is “The Plank,” a
common yoga move. (Position 1A) Position
yourself in a push-up position with your
shoulders directly over your hands and
your hands shoulder width apart. Tighten
your lower abs by gently drawing them
inward. Clench your buttocks and pretend
like you are squeezing a pillow between
your inner thighs. Slide your shoulder
blades slightly down your back. Keep your
head and neck in line with the rest of your
spine, eyes focused directly below you.
Hold this position for 15 seconds. Repeat
5 times. Work up to one minute holds.
Remember to breathe! A second version
of this is performed on your side while
Backcountry Beta
tips, techniques, recipes, etiquette, and more
raising your hips up in line with your body, stabilizing through your forearm
and elbow. (Position. 1B)
Next, work on dynamic shock-absorbing strength for that next ski tumble.
Stand four feet from your kitchen counter, arms at chest level, hands facing
forward (Position 2A) Keeping your entire body straight, rock forward
over your toes and begin to fall towards the counter. Arrest your fall with
your hands, decelerating the motion and ending up in a push-up position
(Position 2B) Quickly extend your arms, springing yourself back into an
upright position. Work 2 sets of 10. If you have any significant pain with
this exercise you need to start closer to the counter. If you still have pain,
your injury may be more serious than you thought, so get into a therapist.
Finally, dial in your ski form. As you initiate a turn, the downhill hand
and pole initiate the turn but the uphill pole/hand help drive your center
through the turn. This follow through keeps your uphill arm from hanging
up behind you and keeps your center moving down the fall-line. Try this
exercise (fig. 3A/3B) with a theraband secured to a doorknob behind you,
practice springing back and forth from Position 3A to 3B. You are essentially
punching forward with alternate arms as you are hopping telemark turns.
Work on 3 sets of 25 to work on building explosive upper and lower body
strength. This is a great all-around preseason exercise that refines your
form.
Andy Roof is a liscensed MPT. Do you have a recurring issue or are you
interested in an exercise or two that will will improve your ski experience?
Send Andy your questions via e-mail [email protected]
www.offpistemag.com
Blog - News - Gear - & More
A Winter’s Day
S
ometimes the landscape just speaks to you. Sometimes the most
ordinary terrain provides all the energy and inspiration that we, as
skiers, so often seek in the hills far and wide.
Last February, I was traveling with friends among various ski resorts of
the former Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia, held together for 35 years by Tito’s
iron leadership, sadly disintegrated and imploded shortly after his death.
Regional quibbling and religious differences have seen this beautiful
country destroyed by wars during much of the 1990s and divided into a
handful of separate lands.
As you might hope, however, out of the dust comes a process of
rebuilding and renaissance, and we had come to discover what was
evolving not what had been destroyed.
It was a classic road trip, made all the better by the fact that we were
motoring around in a modified 1986 Volkswagon van. The van provided a
level of inspiration reminiscent of many a ski bum years.
Our three-week tour included little known ski resorts in Croatia,
Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and
Macedonia. Great snow, great terrain, and mountain life made for many
a memorable day but nothing beat a morning in the most unlikely of
locations.
Having skied the previous day in one of Montenegro’s best resorts,
Durmitor, we left Zabljak village early in the morning en route to
Bjelasica, our next resort destination. Not more than a few kilometers
out of Zabljak, the road began winding down the mountains. A few
isolated hillside farmhouses complimented the winter landscape. Snowcovered haystacks dotted the fields and the snow called to us as it
sparkled in the morning sunlight. Together, we saw the potential for a
few “road runs”.
I have done some great “road runs” in my life—sustained steep descents
from an opportune spot along a road down to a parked car. The road
runs beckoning our tracks today were not like that at all.
These runs were no steeper than 15 degrees, and my altimeter watch
indicated that they were no more than about 120 vertical meters. The
fences breaking up the runs just compounded the atmosphere that made
Jimmy Petterson
the hillside so attractive.
The snow was fresh, the early morning mercury had not yet risen above
–15 degrees centigrade, and the scene was too good to pass up.
Everyone agreed we could not leave the fields without skiing. We took
turns, with two of us skiing each run past the surprised but friendly
farmer, while the third man drove the car.
On my last run, Jean Michel was the designated driver, and he opened
the doors to Rafael’s van on the road below to allow us to hear the
stereo playing Simon and Garfunkel’s “I Am a Rock”, as Rafi and I began
to bounce mirthfully through the meadows.
A thick layer of hoarfrost topped the snowpack. Each turn through the
frost gave off a “shhhh” sound, like a percussionist gently running his
brushes over the cymbals; The sound kept time with the harmonious
voices of Simon and Garfunkel.
“A winter’s da-a-ay,
In a deep and dark December;
I am alo-o-o-one,
Gazing from my window to the streets below,
On a freshly fallen coat of powder snow.”
It was actually February—not December—and I was not entirely alone.
But it certainly was not crowded that morning, and Paul Simon’s text
was pretty apropos.
One hundred twenty vertical meters was enough for me to bounce 60
turns into the powder. These were not big freeride turns, mind you. That
would not have been possible on such a gentle slope. They were old
school, get-the-most-turns-for-your-money turns.
We each skied two runs, and an hour later, we were back on our way.
It was not yet ten in the morning and our day was already made. The
morning was a reminder that adventure doesn’t always have to be exotic
and steep to leave a lasting memory.
3IMON&RYER!LPINE#REATIVE
7HENSPEEDAND
SIMPLICITYMATTERMOST
2EALTIMEDISPLAYSIMPLICITYANDDURABILITY
)TSNOWONDER4RACKER$43»ISTHEBESTSELLING
AVALANCHETRANSCEIVERINTHEWORLD
4RACKER$43»
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!FTERALLWHONEEDSBELLSANDWHISTLESATA
TIMELIKETHIS
"ACKCOUNTRY!CCESS)NC
WWWBACKCOUNTRYACCESSCOM
&RESH4RACKS&RESH)DEAS
&ORINFORMATIONONTRANSCEIVERUSEANDSNOWSAFETY
SEEWWWBACKCOUNTRYACCESSCOMEDUCATION
Avalanche and Weather Resources
CANADA - www.avalanche.ca
www.avalanchefoundation.ca
EUROPE - www.lawine.org
USA - www.avalanche.org
www.fsavalanche.org
www.americanavalancheassociation.org
Alaska
Chugach - 907-754-2369
www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/glacier/snow.html
SE - www.avalanche.org/~seaac/
California
Tahoe - www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/
Shasta - www.shastaavalanche.org
East Side - www.esavalanche.org/
Shasta 530-926-9613
Tahoe 530-587-2158
Mammoth/Bishop 760-924-5500
Canada
www.avalanche.ca
Banff 403-762-1460
Rockies 403-243-7253
Vancouver 604-290-9333
Western Canada 800-667-1105
Colorado
www.geosurvey.state.co.us/avalanche
Crested Butte - www.cbavalanchecenter.org/
Denver/Boulder 303-275-5360
CO Springs 719-520-0020
Fort Collins - 970-482-0457
Summit Cnty 970-668-0600
Durango/Southern - 970-247-8187
Aspen - 970-920-1664
Idaho
www.avalanche.org/~svavctr/
Sun Valley 208-622-8027
Panhandle National Forest
208-765-7323 208-752-1221
Payette - 208-634-0409
Montana
www.mtavalanche.com
www.missoulaavalanche.org
www.glacieravalanche.org
NW Montana 406-257-8402 - 800-526-5329
South Central (Bozeman) 406-587-6981
Southern (Cook City) 406-838-2259
Lolo and Bitterroot National Forest
800-281-1030 or 406-549-4488
New Hampshire
www.tuckerman.org
Oregon
www.nwac..us
503-808-2400
Utah
Statewide - www.avalanche.org/~uac
Mant-LaSal - www.avalanche.org/~lsafc/
Logan - www.avalanche.org/~uac/BRAIC/
Tri-Canyon Area 801-364-1581
Alta - 801-742-0830
Park City - 435-658-5512
Provo - 801-378-4333
Ogden - 801-626-8600
Logan - 435-797-4146
LaSal - 800-648-7433
Washington
www.nwac.us
206-526-6677
Wyoming
www.jhavalanche.org
Bridger-Teton - 307-733-2664
Words and Images
opinions on books and film
Skiing in the Shadow of Genghis Khan
Sublimation Experiment
Nils Larsen’s Skiing in the Shadow
of Genghis Khan is anything but
your typical ski movie. Full of
unique ski images and set to a
soundtrack of captivating local
music, Larsen explores the origins
of skiing and the local ski culture
in the Altai Mountains of Central
Asia. Located at the convergence
of Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan,
and China, the Altai Mountains are
a remote and seldom visited area
of the world. Skiing here is done
on long stiff planks hand carved by
ax from spruce trees and assisted
by the use of a single wooden pole.
The film includes footage of skis
being made and skiing with the
local people. Skis in the Altai have provided a tool for hunting and
travel for thousands of years, however, it’s clear that the locals
enjoy the thrill of gliding downhill as much as skiers anywhere in
the world. The movie succeeds at providing insight into a remote
mountain culture and the people who live there. Ultimately, it is
the combination of the human stories and the ski history that leave
you enjoying this excellent film. $29.95 www.freeheels.com
Sublimation Experiment is the
second ski film for the Teton based
KGB crew. Billed as a “progressive
alternative to the traditional ski
film” it is a nice follow up to last
year’s Sanctified. The new film, as
the propaganda suggests, takes a
different approach to the basic ski
film recipe and offers an informal
window into the lives of passionate
skiers. This window includes quality
ski footage as well as the questions
and debates that surround skiers
as they grow and work to integrate
skiing into their lives and adapt to
the changing towns in which they
live. The big question is how we can
continue the backcountry ski lifestyle
when we can’t afford to sleep in the places that attract us. The
“ski-bum lifestyle” is becoming increasingly difficult given the cost
of mountain living in North America. Although there are a number
of contemplative moments in the movie, the decision seems to have
been made by the skiers in the film to point ‘em down and worry
about their retirement portfolios later. Although no ski film would
be complete without a back flip or two, Sublimation Experiment
offers terrain, locations, and skiing that is within reach. It is fun to
watch the big name boys and girls ripping improbable lines serviced
by helicopter but it is a stretch for most of us to relate to the gungho, hard charging, pro skier life. That said, the skiers in Sublimation
Experiment rip and they still get some heli time into the mix, but
the film still maintains an interesting perspective on the skiing life.
It is a nice alternative to the big name films and does its job of
feeding the anticipation for winter. To sweeten the package, the dvd
comes bundled with two extra discs; a soundtrack cd and a bonus
shorts dvd. Normally, I could care less about the music from a ski
film but these guys put together a great soundtrack that caps off a
great movie. $22.95 www.kgbproductions.com
PW07
The Powderwhore boys are back,
and as the saying goes, “boys will
be boys”. Once again, they must be
congratulated for “skinning before
skiing” footage, as there is no
shortage of up-tracks. Round three
with the Utah based Powderwhore
crew begins with the reality of
last season’s mixed bag of snow
conditions in the Wasatch. Slide
prone slopes and a definitively low
snowpack drive the crew out of Utah
in search of snow and adventure.
Their travels take them to Canada,
Alaska, and Baffin Island. The
result is widely varied footage all
of which highlight the frontier of
freeheel skiing. These guys ski big
boards and big lines with free heels and some serious finesse. If
you want to know where the edge of our fine sport is, you will find
it here. Add to the impressive freeheel performances some classic
Powderwhore middle school humor, a varied bumping soundtrack,
a variety of travel snips, and you get an archetypal ski season
primer. We lament the lack of deep powder footage, there are
never enough white room Aspen grove shots to placate our tastes,
but the short clips they did get are impressive. It is also nice to
see these guys share the reality that conditions are not always
suitable for big lines. PW07 is perfect fodder for a little pre-season
socializing. $22 www.powderwhore.com
Return to Shralptown
Thrillhead Creations steps up
this season with the Return
to Shralptown. The Colorado
based crew offers footage from
Pemberton, BC, South America,
and you’d never guess it but North
Dakota. The North Dakota footage
is actually kite ski related. The
Pemberton footage is impressively
steep and will satisfy your need for
big sketchy lines. Although there
is definitely some snowmobile use
here, these guys are questioning
the impact and, for the most part,
hiking for turns. They feature
freeheel skiers, fixed heel skiers,
and splitboarders. They mix it
up well and definitely highlight
the splitboard as a backcountry tool. As is popular these days,
they discuss the sustainability message and the kite ski footage
compliments a campaign to raise awareness about wind power and
the realities of global warming. They cap off the film with some big
spring lines following a record snowpack in their home Colorado
turf. The film offers quality footage combined with a grassroots
feel. $15.95 www.thrillheadcreations.com
Weather we Change
Tahoe’s grim snowpack last season
makes for a poignant backdrop to
Weather We Change from Adventure
Filmworks. The film, sort of An
Inconvenient Truth for skiers, aims
to raise awareness of the reality
behind the impact of global warming
on the ski industry. The film
features skiers who have taken a
pledge to follow in the footsteps of
pro skier Alison Gannett in search
of a greener ski bum lifestyle.
Global wierding as one skier refers
to it, translates to an altered and
unpredictable precipitation schedule
and inconsistent winter cycles.
Last season Tahoe saw over half
of their snowfall in a very short
and late storm window. They may
have finished the season with relatively average snowpack totals
but the snow came in very abnormal cycles and late in the season.
The film moves between disparaging footage of skiing in Tahoe and
better conditions elsewhere in the country and later in the season
in Tahoe. The focus is not on backcountry skiing but more simply
the impact of climate change on skiing in general, so there is plenty
of lift-accessed as well as backcountry footage. The crew hooks up
with Alison Gannett on her Chasing Glaciers tour and shares here
global warming presentation with younger generations of skiers at
schools in Tahoe. Bottom line, one skier and one person at a time,
regardless of whether current generations see the measurable
impact of our actions, we need to alter our lifestyles in an attempt
to limit our negative impact on the global environment in an effort
to offer future generations a winter mountain world in which to live
and play. The CO2 footprint formed in the making of this film was
offset through Bonneville Environmental Foundation’s Ski Green
program. $20 www.adventurefilmworks.com
Got a movie? Get in touch. We are always on the lookout
for independent films, short and long, that pertain to skiing
and mountain culture. [email protected]

Now - Off

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