Winter should be on its way out, but for skiers this just means it is time for spring skiing and if you’re going to go – go big or go home. The Big Stix 122, which feature a wood core combined with ABS sidewalls to provide balanced flex, are designed to provide big fun in what has been an epic winter.
Tag: Skis
Blades to Cut Through Snow
Rollerblades pretty much revolutionized the concept of roller skates, and now FATblades are looking to take the skating to the snow. These mini-skis, which can be worn with traditional snowboard boots are essentially a combination of skates, skis and snowboards for the feet. The designers, which are now looking to a Kickstarter campaign to bring the FATblades to the masses, say these can be used in all sorts of conditions including ice, soft snow and even heavy powder. Video after the jump
Spinlister Makes Snowboard Renting a Snap
Need to rent a pair of skis or a snowboard? Don’t stand in line or wait on hold, use the smartphone the smart way. Signal Snowboards founder Dave Lee is helping promote the new rental service and mobile app Spinlister, which allows users to rent a board or skis from the handset. This even allows individuals to rent out their gear as well.
This Android and iOS app lets users list snowboards and rent snowboards anywhere in the world, with all listings GPS located to make it easy to find the gear near you. In addition, everything is exchanged through the app and listers are completely covered through the Spinlister insurance policy.
Epic Competition For Billboards
From swords to plowshares used to be the old saying, but in the 21st century it could be from billboards to bags. We reported back in November that Mat Dusting of Kingston St. Mary in the U.K. had started a business turning old truck tarpaulins into ski and snowboard bags, while California based Rareform was turning vinyl from billboards into surfboard cases.
Perhaps Epicstoke liked what it heard – and who can blame them. The start-up is now taking billboards and creating ski bags in Minnesota. They are also making wallets, bags, backpacks and even surfboard bags – so Rareform watch out as you might have some competition. In other words all those eyesores on the highway could soon be seen on the slopes and on backs – but in a much less eyesore kind of way! This is something to get stoked about, dare we say epic stoked?
Weekend Reading List (02.02.2013): Is X the Danger Zone, 2013 Ski Preview, Fixtation Guru, USADA Truth or Consequences
Is X the Danger Zone
From Men’s Fitness: Are the X Games Too Dangerous?
The death of 25-year-old snowmobiler Caeleb Moore has us wondering: Is the extreme sports competition stupidly unsafe? Continue reading Weekend Reading List (02.02.2013): Is X the Danger Zone, 2013 Ski Preview, Fixtation Guru, USADA Truth or Consequences
Outdoor Retail Show Preview: Ski Pack
Skis can be great for getting around but only if the skis are on your feet. For those who mainly hit the slopes with a ski lift that isn’t much of a problem, but having the carry these things in the woods can be a drag.
The Millet Matrix 30 MBS solves this problem for those who go off the beaten ski path. This backpack not only makes carrying skis a little easier, but this ski-touring pack features an asymmetrical design to better balance skis on the back of the wear, while also providing compartments for shovel and probe. There is even room for an axe holder as well so those who like some adventure while skiing can be prepared for almost anything that comes their way.
Time to Split
We’ve seen a variety of hybrid ski/snowshoes and even some skis designed to fold for trekking in the backwoods. But now Austrian manufacturer Splitsticks has created a snowboard that is designed to tackle all terrain. It features a unique binding system that allows for hiking and climbing, along with a fixed heel ski mode for times when the going could get a little too tough. Making the transition from board to ski mode should be… a snap! With these you won’t need to “stick around.”
Ski Furniture
We continue to watch for innovative companies that solve a common problem – namely what to do with old or broken fitness equipment? Green Mountain Ski Furniture is one company that has found a use for old and broken skis by transforming the old skis into chairs, tables, benches and racks.
The Vermont-based company was founded in 2007, and currently collects used skis and snowboards from businesses, resorts, schools and local recycling centers. Not a bad way to keep the snow spirit going year round.
Sunday Q&A: RAMP Sports Talks About Move Back to America
Last month we noted in our Friday Made in America profile that RAMP Sports was looking to ramp up production of its various skis and other products by moving back to America. Now Mike Kilchenstein, CEO and founder of RAMP Sports, a 32 year industry veteran tells us why they made that decision. Continue reading Sunday Q&A: RAMP Sports Talks About Move Back to America
Made in America: RAMP Looks to Ramp Up USA Operations
RAMP Sports is a boutique ski manufacturer that is based in Park City, Utah and it is looking to change the way the skis are made. The company recently opened its 10,000square foot facility and bringing their ski production back to the United States from Taiwan. To do so they have looked to utilize new technology that includes the vacuum form molding process that is commonly used in the aeronautics industry to develop composite helicopter rotor blades.
This will reportedly replace the need for expensive traditional presses that are currently the industry standard. This is a big shift in the industry, which hasn’t really seen much in the way of forward thinking innovation in nearly 40 years. More importantly it will allow the company to bring its operations close to where the skis can easily be used. Continue reading Made in America: RAMP Looks to Ramp Up USA Operations
Ski Retriever Helps Find Lost Skis
While probably not much of a problem this season, in years with deep snow or when regions get lots of natural snow, some skiers might find themselves trying to find lost skis. This no doubt cuts down on the fun. It seems like a small problem, but enough that Ski Retriever has come to the rescue with a homing system.
This is simple enough, where a homing tag attaches to each ski (or snowboard) and a radio-based receiver unit picks up the signal. LED and audio prompts will let a user know when they’re getting close – sort of a treasure hunt on the slopes. The system reportedly works up to 400 feet, while conditions including depth under the white stuff and weather can affect the distance.
The company has reported positive response since the product was introduced in January at the SIA Snow Show in Denver. This could be a case where a problem was solved that people didn’t they had – until they tried to dig out their skis!
Ski Retriever Official Website
[Via Gizmag: Ski Retriever tracks down lost skis better than a St. Bernard]
Hok – A Hybrid of Ski and Snowshoe
This season it seems that hybrid skis/snowboards are all the rage. We’ve seen some folding skis designed for snowboarders, as well as skis that work over snowless patches. But now Altai Skis is truly going back to the roots of skiing with the Hok.
Whilst skis may easily evoke the Nordic regions, skiing actually first developed in the Altai Mountains of Central Asia as well for herdsmen to cross the rugged land. When skis headed west they developed into specialized designs for cross country, downhill and even ski jumping. But the Hok model from Altai Skis goes back to the original design, which is wider shorter ski that offers the advantages of snowshoes. The wood ski features steel edges and a climbing skin in the base, allowing wearers to go places that most skis couldn’t take them.
The Hok is available with either three-pin binding for ski boots, or a universal binding for basic winter boots. Either way it is recommended that Hok’ers use the single pole to control direction just as it was in the Central Asiatic highlands. Videos and size comparison after the jump
Marquette Skis Tackle Mild Winter
Normally winter in the backcountry means deep snow – but this year it can mean patches of dirt, grass and rocks. That not only can ruin a day on the skis, but in many cases it can also ruin the skis. Fortunately Marquette Backcountry Skis, which is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, has created a hybrid pair of skis that are a little bit cross-country, a little bit downhill and even a bit of snowshoe.
The Backcountry Skis are not meant to replace either cross-country or downhill skis, but as a hybrid they offer benefits from each. Video after the jump