Just got back from OR. Although I missed some quality snow conditions here on the coast, I had a great time down in Salt Lake. Zac (of sweetgrass) and his girlfriend Kara, took great care of me. Saw lots of amazing gear, and met some cool people.
Had quick chats with legends like Jeremy Jones (badass snowboarding pioneer and shredder, owner of Jones Snowboards) and Mike Hattrup (style-master, Blizzard of ahhhs star, and leading the charge of K2′s awesome backcountry program).
Discussed the possibility of high altitude golf in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru, with the one and only Glen Plake (check out his article in the latest Backcountry mag). Had a great lunch with Andrew Mclean, North America’s most prolific steep skier.
Meeting Reinhold Messner (ie greatest climber of all time) was the highlight. Kept on calling him sir, and I got all emotional afterwards. His solos and adventures have provided a lot of inspiration over the years.
Very impressed with all the ski gear I saw. We are truly at the dawn of a backcountry renaissance. So many amazing options from Dynafit, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Salomon, DPS, K2, Technica, Crispi, Black Diamond, Voile, G3 and Garmont. All the tech binding options is staggering. Things will certainly get a little confusing with so many quality offerings.
Also won a pair of La Sportiva Hi5 skis in a raffle (who needs sponsorship when you’ve got blind luck?!?). Super-stoked . . . they look awesome. Winning them eased the regret of not being able to ski the fresh pow up here. They’re 105mm under foot with a massive 45cm tip rocker. Buying the pre-cut skins as well which I believe are Pomoca brand mohairs, with K2′s innovative attachment system. I’ll probably throw my rando Plum Race 185 bindings on there to keep them light.
Should be quick on the up and fun on the down!
Nice blog!
Any comments on the Hi5 (assuming you’ve put a bunch of days on them now)? I keep hearing good things, but have yet to see a real review of them.
Thanks man,
I’ve been meaning do to a review of the Hi5′s, but I’ve recently been skiing on Dynafit’s latest Huascaran ski. I have skied enough of the Hi5 to give a review . . . hopefully sooner or later. In short, I’m very impressed with it. I’ve pulled some of the most aggressive and dynamic carves of my life on the Hi5. The dimensions are great (not too fat) for either deep pow or corn snow carves. Stiffness is fine. Lightness is great! I love the massive tip! I almost wish their fatter Hang10 ski for next year has the same tip. It is so huge, that you can lean forward and be super aggressive in the deepest pow. Makes the ski very easy to dump speed in tight spaces. Some more new ‘schoolish’ people might not like the squared-off tail (not as easy to wash-out turns) but I like them since they seem to lock the ski into the carve. Haven’t skied anything super steep with them nor groomers on the hill, but ideal touring ski for long days and all types of snow from deep pow to crud. Very competitive price-wise as well.
cheers
trev