thesnowway.com

This post is dedicated to what may be the most important piece of gear any storm chasing powder hound should have in their quiver: good snow tires. Floating may be great in the powder, but not so much on the road. Your fat skis will keep you smiling on the hill but good snow tires will get you there and back.

Many a powder hound has extensively researched the best ski vehicle to suit their lifestyle. And while four wheel drive is great, four wheel drive without snow tires is inferior to two wheel drive with good snow tires. Of course, the ultimate in winter travel convenience is four wheel drive combined with snow tires. But four wheel drive is not a necessity for a New England powder hound.  Even an uber light weight two wheel drive vehicle like my 1999 Saturn SC2 coupe becomes a snow machine with the right set of tires. Ever since I began chasing storms, I have never had an accident nor gotten stuck nor missed first chair due to road conditions.

That being said, not all snow tires are created equally. In the past, I have used Copper Weathermasters and Michelin X-Ice2s and my significant other has had a set of Dunlops whose name escapes me. This season, due to my Michelin X-Ice2s wearing out faster than I had expected, I needed a new set of snow tires. And of course, everyone raves about the Blizzak WS-60.

(more…)

My Garmont Radiums saw their first major day of touring this past Saturday at Cannon. Snow conditions during the tour included 12-18″ of very dense snow with occasionally significant wind buff. Suffice to say, conditions were challenging. Especially on a ski with only a 79mm waist. I know how my G-Rides would have performed on such conditions. Not very well.

Uphill touring performance was similar to the G-Ride. Others have suggested that the uphill has a better hinge and a better walk mode than the G-Ride/Mega Ride series. However, I am not so certain the difference is that substantial. I will say that I could not tell the difference in weight between the Garmont Radium and the Garmont G-Ride despite the Radium gaining a little more heft. Uphill performance was simply as expected. Though I did like the addition of the upper buckle teeth locks which ensure loose buckles do not fall out of the teeth.

But enough up the up hill. This boot was not purchased for its benefits on the uphill (Dynafit compatibility aside) but rather for better downhill performance. And boy does the Garmont Radium truly shine on the down hill. With its overlap construction instead of the plastic tongue of the G-Ride/Mega Ride series, the Radium has a much more progressive flex. Additionally, responsiveness is more readily apparent than my older G-Rides. I never felt I “hit the wall” with the Garmont Radium in terms of flex (which I always did with the G-Rides).

So it toured nice, fit well, and had an improved flex. But how were the turns? Superb to say the least. Despite the difficult conditions and my skinny skis, per the report posted above, I opened things up on my last run down Paulie’s Folly and really got after it. As close to charging as I could possibly go given the limits of my skis and the conditions. The turns were sublime.

Garmont Radiums are not an alpine boot replacement. The performance will never be quite as good as an alpine boot. But there will always be at least a slight down hill sacrifice in order to substantially reduce the uphill weight penalty of the beef boots. That said, the Radium is a breakthrough in AT boot design that is an amazing combination of uphill tourability with downhill performance. The Radium is as close as you will find to an alpine styled AT boot without giving up the weight penalty. TheSnowWay.com test and approved. It was worth paying nearly full price without a doubt in my mind.

Here is my boot fitting experience with Jeff Bokum (C-PED) at Profile Orthotic Center in Concord, NH.

After exchanging a few emails, Jeff Bokum was able to setup an appointment for me on extremely short notice (two hours). When I entered the Profile Orthotic Center, I had no doubt that despite handling orthotics for a variety of athletes and sports, skiing is definitely Jeff’s specialty. From the ski boot holster for a heat gun to a signed posted of Glen Plake along with plenty of random ski boots kicking around, his shop oozes ski culture.

Jeff affectionately refers to his work space as a theater for skiers. Customers take their seats on one of two giant steps facing each other that lift the skier high up over the stage that Jeff plies his trade upon. The benches place the skier’s foot at working level. Skiers in this theater are not meant to be spectators but rather Jeff draws heavily upon audience participation.

Having been fitted once before at a different shop, I knew the drill and expected the expert to run the show. But Jeff was not having any of that and ensured this was a team effort. Jeff guided me through the process with his detailed knowledge and provided ample physiological descriptions regarding the what, why, and how of the fitting process.

(more…)

When it comes to ski gear, most experts and even many lay skiers agree that boots are the most important equipment selection. While the wrong ski for the job will prevent you from having maximum enjoyment, normally it will not necessarily hurt you in the quite literal way that an ill-fit boot can. While I believe that every piece of the gear jigsaw puzzle needs equal attention and consideration, I can attest to the fact that a poorly fit boot can effect your enjoyment while skiing and perhaps even your number of ski days.

Boot fit issues plagued my days spent earning turns these past few years. My first Alpine Touring boot was a Garmont G-Ride that always felt too tight and had three major pressure points. My flat foot rebelled without a supported heel. But I got the boots on the cheap and damned if I was going to spend more than half of what I paid for the boots on a custom fitting. Wrong decision. While touring, I suffered through poor fit and opted for lift serviced in my alpine boots more often than I had planned. One look at my G-Rides sitting next to my alpine boots was usually all it took. The AT boots got left behind more often than not.

(more…)

Every once and a while, either a retailer or a manufacturer does something so amazing that you become a loyalist. A life long customer that not only becomes brand loyal but screams about said loyalty from the highest proverbial mountain tops of the internet. I am this way with very few retailers or manufacturers. Backcountry.com has earned my dedication and loyalty for their great prices, quick shipping, and stunningly exceptional service. Giro is being added to my very short list of companies to which I am a loyal customer for life.

(more…)

It must be getting close to the start of the season. I have released the inner gear whore within me to unleash sixteen digit numbers upon very willing online retailers that deal in snow sport gear. Amongst my most recent acquisitions include a replacement pair of Salomon X-Wave 10s which replace my existing pair of the same boots with 200 days on them. And more importantly, a pair of Garmont Radiums (pictured) to replace my sloppy Garmont G-Rides.

The existing G-Rides needed a new liner any ways and I have never been satisfied with their downhill performance. These past two years, I have toured less than I might have due to not enjoying touring in my existing boots. Perhaps more importantly, the Garmont Radiums have “tech binding inserts” (a.k.a. Dynafit compatibility) which suggests that next year’s gear whoring will likely involve a new backcountry powder board and bindings. Oh what a happy day that will be! For this season, the excitement of new better fitting and better performing boots should be enough to see me touring much more frequently than in recent seasons past.

The Fischer Atua was part of Fischer’s Maori lineup of twin tipped freeride skis prior to the 2007-2008 season when the lineup was revamped. The Maori lineup featured various sized freeride skis with a Maori tribal naming scheme and top sheet theme. All of the various skis including the Riu, Rangi, Kehua, Atua, and Watea were each available in only one length. A telemark version of these skis was marketed in the T-Stix name with the numerical width added as a suffix to differentiate the various skis.

The T-Stix numbering scheme was brought over to the full Maori linup as Fischer took major strides to better promote and market this lineup of skis in the 2007-2008 season. Fischer combined the Kehua, Atua, and Watea skis into the Watea Series which features various numerically width distinguished versions including the 84, 94, and 101. The new Watea series (not to be confused with the previous “Watea” ski which was exclusively the 101 size point) eliminated the twin tips in favor of turned up tails and better distinguished each ski within the current realm of designations: all mountain mid-fat, all mountain fat, and fat powder. Additionally, the 84 and 94 are available in more than a one size fits all.

In obtaining the Atua, I concluded a search for a powder ski to round out an ideal quiver which includes a carver (64) mid-fat (79) and a fat (96). My requirements for the fat ski included a healthy side cut, a wood core, a light and lively feel, quick turning despite the width, great float, and ideal for tight New England tree skiing. A minimum of mediocre bump and groomer performance needed to be within tolerance ranges as these conditions are skied in between untracked powder shots at most New England mountains. The short list included the likes of the Volkl Mantra, Salomon Sandstorm, Karhu Jak and Jak BC, Black Diamond Kilowatt, Scott Mission, Voile Insane, and the Fischer Watea 94.

(more…)

Spyder has been a ski clothing gear provider for almost thirty years specializing in racing gear such as GS suits. My first Spyder clothing item was purchased about ten years ago in the form of a ski jacket as part of a pro form deal on a racing team. I was quite taken by the design, especially practical aspects such as pockets in practical areas and appropriate give in the sleeves for elbow and shoulder motion. When my first Spyder jacket wore out through regular usage with only very minor defective issues, I decided to stay with the brand.

Purchases to replace my ski jacket, pants, and gloves were all covered under the Spyder brand. I was distraught to find my new jacket had a rip on the inside under arm after only a few days on the slopes. Other such poor quality and defect issues soon appeared such as Velcro becoming unstitched, fraying, stitching coming undone, and general garment stress. The ski pants experienced a few product failures on functional but not essential aspects. And I found my gloves to be rather lacking in the wicking aspect which resulted in soaked gloves from excessive sweating. I have since replaced my gloves after only two seasons of use but am keeping the jacket and pants as still functionally sound despite serious quality issues.

(more…)

Ah, the wonders of the Fall. Cooling temperatures, refreshing crisp breezes, new ski movie releases, and huge gear tent sales. Skiing equipment does not get any cheaper than the pre-season Fall Tent Sales. Excellent deals were spotted in the Lincoln, NH area this afternoon including Rogers’ and Sport Thoma’s annual tent sales in Lincoln and North Lincoln. Rogers’ tent sale is located across the street from their well designed new building. No longer a claustrophobic old building, Rogers is now a three floor spacious warehouse full of the latest in winter sports gear.

Prices for last season’s skis were particularly low under the tent next to the new building but cheap skis from last season were also located upstairs. Examples include used Dynastar Legend 8000s for $400 mounted with demo bindings, Legend 8800 unmounted for $400, and last season’s Legend 8000s for $400. All fantastic prices for one of my favorite ski lines. If I did not already have 2.5 pairs of the 8000, I would have taken a pair of their hands!

Get out there and buy some cheap gear from last season while you can!

On March 21st, I visited Stowe, VT and experienced a long desired demo with the Volkl Mantra (177cm). Sporting a Radius of 20.3 and a sidecut of 130/94/113, the Mantra is billed as ideal one ski quiver for those that enjoy front side and back side skiing. My opinion is that the Mantra compromises too much to be an East Coast quiver of one. Ironically, I found the ski was more akin to a wider Supersport in having excellent carving ability while lacking in the powder and tight turns required of East Coast tree skiers.

Prefacing my full review are my personal preferences, physical specifications, current quiver, and testing conditions. I stand tall at 6′1″ and tip the scales at 210 pounds. My build is athletic but not bulky and despite my size I prefer finesse to power although I am an ex-college racer that at one time preferred brute force. My favorite terrain includes all natural snow terrain but most specifically New England tree and glade skiing with a preference towards powder. I have the ability to carve serious arcs when powder is scarce and I can bash bumps with the best of them. My current ski quiver includes the Dynastar Legend 8000, Dynastar Intuitiv Big, and Volkl P50 Motion. Testing conditions included a bit of everything including groomers, wind blown hard pack, bumps, soft natural snow, powder, trees, etc.

I really wanted to like this ski. It is one helluva ski. It really is. And even though it was not the right ski for me, I recognized instantly the skis’ power and prowess. It is an interesting feeling being both amazed yet disinterested in a ski at the same time.

(more…)

I have a confession to make: I am a gear junkie. During the past three years, I have acquired six pairs of skis, two pairs of boots, two pairs of poles, and numerous other skiing related items. Something happened that altered my perceptions about ski gear from maximizing gear lifespan and utilizing a one ski quiver to requiring differing gear for changing conditions and demands. I decided that money no longer mattered in regards to experiencing awesome turns produced by the right equipment in varying conditions.

New technologies and changing sidecuts originally got me started down the road of the gear junkie. The late 1990s into the early 2000’s saw some incredible improvements in skiing equipment. Within six years, I had upgraded skis three times with each new ski producing dramatically increased performance. By the third ski, I knew I was on the road to a new ski purchase every other year.

Increasing ability and skill level further drove my gear needs. As I began diving into glades, trees, natural snow, and thin cover situations, my skis began taking a beating. A ski I purchased for the 2003-2004 ski season lasted only two years before having a blown out sideway, chipped edges, a bent tip, and numerous core shots. The need for a dedicated rock ski became painfully apparent recently when I brought the pair of skis into a shop. The tech said he would not put the ski through the machine for fear of destroying the stone grinder.

(more…)

Taking over where the much raved about Intuitiv Series left off, Dynastar’s Legend Series was introduced during the 2004-2005 ski season to much fan fare. The Legend 8000 filled in the gap between the previous year’s Intuitiv 74 (equated to the Legend 4800) and the Nobis Inspired/Inspired Big (unchanged except the top sheet in the Legend 8800). The Super Nobis continues on as the Legend Pro Rider topping out the line.

The specs for the Dynastar 8000 include a 116/79/102 sidecut and a 20m radius on the 178mm length weighing in at a respectable 3530g. The wood core ski retains a decent weight due to the Autodrive SD cap structure which gives the ski some great action while retaining a solid feel under foot, but reduces the durability compared to a full sidewall such as in the Legend Pro Rider. The Legend 8000 returns for the 2005-2006 ski season with no major changes with the exception of moving the boot center mark 1.5cm’s (I recommend mounting in the 2004-2005 position as the new mountain point does not serve the ski well).

Before detailing my review further beyond the specs of the ski, it is important to preface my experiences with details regarding how I ski, where I ski, and what I enjoy in a ski. Too often people have a bad experience on a ski and simply say the ski is not good, when what they mean to say is that the ski is not a good fit for them. That said, any review detailing ski performance without details and background information on the person writing the review is not worth the keyboard it was typed on.

Weighing in at 220 pounds and standing six feet and one inch tall, I am a heavier than average skier that can bully lighter construction skis. My previous skis include a Rossi 9x 9.9,Volkl P40 Platinum, and Volkl P50 Motion with the P50 Motion with my preferences being towards the Volkls and especially the P50. I have a racing background but have since gotten off the groomers and look towards the woods and narrow lines of New England woods for my turns. I can always bust out the P50 for some groomer action, but I live for natural snow, tight turns, and lots of them.

(more…)

December 10 was demo day at Cannon Mountain. I pushed about a dozen skis as far as early season conditions in the east would allow on limited terrain. Testing conditions involved a single route down the mountain mostly groomed with patches of small bumps and loose snow on the sides of the trails. Preference the evaluations with appropriate background information is vital for the readers proper understanding of the reviews in the correct context. I am a 6′1″ male weighing in at around 220 pounds and come from a racing background but continue to push myself in the off piste direction and favor natural snow conditions on steep trails. My skiing style is rather aggressive though developing towards more finesse and grace combined with power. I love to turn, speed is not something I look for at all but rather seek control and quickness of turn. At the time of the demo, my primary ski is a Volkl P50 Motion 183cm.

(more…)