"shift"

Confusion about which Scarpa boots will work in Salomon Shift binding, due to Dynafit Quick Step tech fittings for ski touring.

Atomic Salomon SHIFT ski touring binding review, alpine equipment that converts to uphill mode, clever.

Salomon SHIFT ski touring and alpine binding from Salomon is a real downhill binding, as well as a tech binding, review and first look.

Rotating beltpack on rotation180° Professional backpack makes it an excellent camera bag for backcountry skiers.

Rotating pack belt on rotation180° Panorama backpack by MindShift makes it an exceptional camera bag for backcountry skiers.

The trash bag-like material strips the face fabric off 3-layer GORE-TEX for maximum waterproof breathability and ultra-low weight, but there’s a catch. I’m not sure how many more times I can flip flop on where I stand in the hardshell/softshell…

Dylan Craaybeek is a backcountry skier and avalanche forecaster for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center based in the Crystal Valley near Carbondale.  He generates the avalanche forecast for the Central Mountains, which include the Grand Mesa, the West Elk and…

For me, the Scarpa Alien 1.0 is nearly the perfect race/light touring boot. While it certainly isn’t right for everyone, this boot really does perform shockingly well in all light and fast scenarios.  Scarpa has three different Alien boots, the…

Big and floaty and so so … so fine in ideal powder. This can be said about many skis, but, in particular, it is true of the DPS Pagoda Tour RP 112. And it turns out, this ski just flat out makes less-than-ideal powder more fun too.

Scarpa’s 4-Quattro boots feature a Grip Walk sole, making this an option for those riding lifts or in the backcountry. The off-piste reality may convince you this is your power touring boot. The Scarpa 4-Quattro SL can tour and most certainly ski.

Julbo has introduced a photochromatic lens in the Reactiv 0-4 High Contrast that offers a single-lens option for changing light conditions. We tested the new lens in Julbo’s Aerospace, a goggle designed to mitigate fogging with a built-in vent system.

Make the most of the time and resources you invest in avalanche education. Hone your basic backcountry skiing skills and fitness level, and prep your brain for the information download before taking that introductory avalanche class.

A race boot can be many things, but first and foremost, they’re light and minimalist. Dynafit’s DNA is ready to play in the race and uphill fitness scene. But this svelte, beautifully designed boot might have a comfort range when speed objectives in the mountains are in play. Here’s a first look.

Proof of concept is laid bare in the mountains. Slovakia’s Grizzly ski bindings has made inroads with the skimo set and have their eyes set on bringing a rethink to how a tech binding should look and operate. We’re checking…

The 4-Quattro SL promises and delivers legit stiffness. The sole is GripWalk compatible for the 50/50 skiers out there. Don’t be fooled by the 50/50 … it could go 100/0. Here’s a first look.

Moonlight skis Cruiser 120 offers plenty of width underfoot, and throughout the ski, for that matter, to make the most of powder skiing. And if you are going the distance, the ~1600g won’t tax you too much on the skintrack.

Will McKay brings us along on his AMGA Ski Guide Course, the first in a series of three required courses to become a certified AMGA Ski Guide in the United States. Along the way, we’ll learn about highlight reels, and making a rescue shelter slightly warmer.

The earnest transition into fall has been a ski bounty for some in Alaska, and something other in the PNW’s latitudes; despite the sun streaking lower and lower in the sky, bluebird days and higher than normal temps have reigned. That should be shifting, so we’ve heard, in a week or so. But, backcountry related news still happens. Here’s a brief rundown

The Black Crows Corvus Freebird comes in as a big mountain ready ski locked in for big turns on firmer snow. With 107mm underfoot, a straight tail, and modest tip rocker, the ski that is all pink feels more like an all-arounder than loose and free powder board.

Welcome to the world of tech bindings. The emerging backcountry skier should be informed; it makes the conversation between you and the salesperson two-way rather than one-way. And, you’ll know what questions to ask to secure a product suited for you.