Folding Skis Let Snowboarders Ascend the Slopes

Over the years the concept of “folding” has been applied to numerous outdoor activity products – notably folding bicycles. So why not folding skis? This is the idea behind MTN Approach, which has developed the first (that we know of anyway) folding skis.

And here is the twist, these skis aren’t really meant for skiers but for snowboarders and as such aren’t really for the downhill aspect of the sport. It would be easy to see the company create a product that was meant to be used for hikers and others to climb up on foot and descend on the folding skis. But MTN Approach is taking another approach entirely. These skis, equipped with special skins, are designed to meant to help skiers climb a mountain and glide over short downhill sections. We first previewed the skis last summer, and now its seems these are finally making their winter debut. More images and video after the jump

SIA Preview: MTN Approach – Backcountry Riders Rejoice!

‘Fresh tracks’… the endless pursuit of most boarders to be the first to descend a mountain full of freshly fallen snow. At most resorts it is tough to be to first on the slopes so this drives the truly hardcore into the backcountry. These people hike up slopes for hours in waist-deep snow just to get one or two runs a day in the virgin snow – a ‘high‘ that is tough to duplicate.

The pursuit of freshies just got a little easier! MTN Approach has announced the first three-part, light weight, folding approach ski. Designed by snowboarders and weighing just 3.5 pounds per foot, each ski has two hinges that allows this 150cm ski to fold down to 53cm (approximately 21”). This might not sound like a big deal, but as someone who has snowshoed all-day to ride on some fresh powder, the use of skis make the ascent much quicker and easier as they do not sink into the snow as deep. Sure, snowshoes work fine to hike up a slope, but they often do not fit snowboard boots very well. This means that more equipment is required to be carried if a second set of boots is needed.

The MTN Approach skis do not utilize traditional ski bindings requiring specific, ridged boots. The MTN Approach skis has bindings that a straps similar to snowboards which allows the use of just about any snowboard boot. These skis also feature metal edges, side cuts and full camber. This permits the rider to perform a more confident ascent of the mountain, especially when traversing a slope. Continue reading SIA Preview: MTN Approach – Backcountry Riders Rejoice!