Some of you might remember the Click-Clack aftermarket heel lifter for Dynafit. While for most of us somewhat of a solution without a problem, with his Click-Clack product Stefano Maruelli did show he’s got his innovation and manufacturing chops (for proof, browse to maurelli.com and see all the stuff they make), as well as influencing Dynafit to change their heel lifters to the new flip-up 2012 version. Now, Maruelli continues to amaze us with his crazy looking “Natural Walking Binding” plate for tech bindings. Video below and Stafano’s website here. I’ll let you guys do the talking, though I have to say this brings me to thoughts of the Ministry of Silly Walks (just google it, if you don’t recall that famous little bureaucracy).
I’ve sure been cheering for Lindsey Vonn. It was amazing to watch her catch up her Worldcup points after bashing her head and getting a concussion (proof that ski helmets are cosmetic add-ons?). It looked like she might even win overall again until the final and deciding race was canceled due to weather — and Maria Riesch got the crystal globe. That would have been one of the coolest World Cup races ever as who doesn’t love a comeback? Bummer. At least hard working Lindsey gets paid, in win prizes alone she reaped $510,000 this season and I’d hope much more in sponsorships. I wonder how that stacks up to the X Games kids?
One of the nightmare scenarios for those of us who solo backcountry recreate is to be disabled with a relatively minor injury, and lie there and die of hypothermia because we have no means of summoning help. Aaron Ralston became a celebrity by not succumbing to such, but many others have. Recent in the news is tragic death of Carole Hague who broke her leg while XC skiing by herself in Michigan. Forget all the noble and selfish blather about “being on my own in the wilderness, knowing help is weeks away,” as that is selfish sophomoric idiocy for most of us. Instead, carry some form of comm that works. A cell phone if functional, if not, a Spot Messenger, PLB, or satphone.
It’s time for Colorado Ski/Snowboard Hall of Fame voting again, when inductees such as yours truly get to vote for 4 folks off a short list prepared through a year long nomination process. This year’s menu is here, not much in the way of backcountry pioneers but I’ll admit I voted for John Denver. I mean, he’s not already in there? Whatever you think about Denver’s music and associated gemütlich, you have to admit he was a huge influence on Colorado skiing in terms of simply promoting it as a fun thing to do. Also, he did write some of his songs at a backcountry cabin that’s used during winters for ski trips, so real mountain muse in in his writing. Forthwith: Whatever you think about the following Denver vid, you have to admit the primary color onesies are probably the next big thing, right? Enjoy. Shoot, I might even have to learn that song on guitar for my next Europe trip.
News of the Weird: Reports say fully six skiers/riders had to be rescued near a Nevada resort — at the same time. One has to wonder….
Have a great weekend folks, and be safe!
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
