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G3 Releases New AT Binding — Yes Virginia, Dynafit Compatible

By Lou

When I mentioned to my Italian friend Paolo how G3 had been keeping their binding secret, and were releasing the new grabber via a global conference call, he said “what do they think this is, a new Ferrari or something? It’s just a ski binding.” Italians, you know, they always have a way with words…We’ll, the new Onyx backcountry skiing AT binding is not equivalent in s*x appeal to a new Italian sports car (at least not to me). But it could be close.

New G3 Onyx is Dynafit compatible and could be one of the most exciting ski touring products in years.

Posted by Lou on January 6, 2009 | Filed Under Binding Reviews | 20 Comments

Euro Day 4 — Run What You Brung

By Lou

We’ll, the light wasn’t all bad. And even though I’d mistakenly brought someone else’s boots I could still ski (more on that below). The day started bluebird but became “inside the egg” toward the afternoon. Fritz had a plan to do three laps/peaks and rack up some fairly big vertical. We ended up doing two and a quarter but still got in about 6,000 vert of truly enjoyable boot top powder.

January 4 Austrian backcountry skiing. Fritz Barthel on the Barentalkopfl, Kitzbuheler Alpen.

Posted by Lou on January 6, 2009 | Filed Under Trip Reports | 3 Comments

And Now - A Word From Our Sponsors

By Lou

Dynafit USA asked me to let all you WildSnowers know that Bob Misuraca of Bristol, New Hampshire won the pair of Dynafit ZZeus TF-X boots just as 2008 came to an end. He follows last years ZZero4C winner from Montana….both of whom were chosen using an online random/blind drawing system. Bob was one of over a thousand entries into the ZZeus Boot contest that Wildsnow.com and other websites promoted for Dynafit. Dynafit USA thanks all who entered, and hopes you’ll all continue to tune in to Dynafit and wildsnow.com for ongoing information and terrific contests.

Posted by Lou on January 5, 2009 | Filed Under Backcountry Skiing | 2 Comments

Gecko Skins Redux

By Lou

It was about this time last winter that Gecko climbing skins were making their debut. Sadly, these unique furs were first constructed with a weak backing and tore easily. Thus, we didn’t have much to blog about except that they seemed fragile. With this exciting new product’s sophomore debut, we can report that fragility (in terms of tearing) is no longer a concern and move on to other parameters.

Installing the Geckos.

Posted by Lou on January 5, 2009 | Filed Under Misc Gear Reviews | 12 Comments

Perfect Ski Tour - EU Days 2-3

By Lou

The Austrians I’m with are fast. But what else do you expect? You start out in the lineup, stop for a whiz, and the next thing you know your Tyrolean berg-friends are over the next rise 500 vert above. But the mountain boys and girls like hanging out at the summit, bundled up in their puffy with a cup of hot from their thermos. So eventually you catch up.

Fritz took this photo of Stephen headed into the undercast that lurked below us all day. Conditions were zilch avy danger due to rain cement under a well bonded pow storm layer. Not exactly hero skiing but close to it, though once we hit the whiteout all bets were off.

Posted by Lou on January 3, 2009 | Filed Under Trip Reports | 18 Comments

Kästle FX84 Sighted in Colorado Mountains

By Dave

Last season I spent a few days on the Kästle MX98 and MX88 skis and absolutely loved them. So I was happy to make some early season turns with Chris Davenport and the Kästle crew at Copper Mountain a few weeks ago. I was even more excited to attack a slender early season base on someone else’s sticks!

While I had a great time, I do have one gripe. Of all the trips Dav goes on every year – I believe Copper was bookended by Antarctica and B.C. – I get the chance to chase him down the White Strip of Death all day. Next time I’m thinking snowcats and pillow lines are in order