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Archive for September, 2016

Great Canadian heli-skiing training guide

Publicerad: 25 September, 2016 av Jaan Oldin |

Ski News, 25 September 2016

Great Canadian’s heliskiing training guide will help you get in shape for the amazing powder and unlimited vertical heli-skiing your dreaming of this winter!

Ever wonder how the Heliskiing guides get in top shape for the heli-skiing season?

Their workout routines are designed to get those ski muscles primed for unlimited vertical.  So Great Canadian Heli-skiing asked the guide Stan “The Power Tool” Metcalfe to give us a demo of what he recommends for a great heli-ski workout.  As a physiotherapist, this guy knows his stuff and has broken down an awesome circuit to follow before your trip,  so the only shaky legs will be from the thrill and excitment of skiing the best powder on the planet.

This Great Canadian heli-skiing training guide workout can be done 2-3 times per week, and to raise the bar you can add a half hour of cardio (jogging, biking etc).   This circuit has 3 parts, do each exercise for 30 seconds then take 10 seconds rest.  Repeat each part 3 times before moving onto the next one.

 

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Northern Escape Heliski prime seats left 2017

Publicerad: 11 September, 2016 av Charlotta Lyon |

Ski News, 11 September 2016

60d55235-f0f0-4ee1-9fec-149f1c6501cf
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Northern Escape Heliski prime seats left 2017
 —
f62dbd94-b213-410b-a4be-c4c9f7512ed3The season at Northern Escape Heli-skiing is almost fully booked so if you are  thinking of doing some of the world’s best heliskiing this season, don’t delay!
Maybe you want the Classic program at the Yellow Cedar Lodge, where you are taken to the top of the mountains in the mighty Koala helicopter with you and 5 other friends or possibly the Elite program, at the intimate Pioneer lodge that is serviced with the nimble Bell 407 with you and 4 of your friends.
Either way they both get you to the powder with ease!
— 
Some of the prime dates remaining are:
 —
Classic 
7 day Classic – January 6 to 13
7 day Classic – January 13 to 2
4 day Classic – February 27 to March 3
5 day Classic – March 21 to 26
5 day Classic – March 26 to 31
Elite
5 day Elite – January 22-27
4 day Elite – February 20 to 24
5 day Elite – March 10 to 15
4 day Elite – March 15 to 19
5 day Elite – March 19 to 24
These dates have limited seats in them so inquire  now so you don’t miss out!
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Best Powder Skis of 2017

Publicerad: 9 September, 2016 av Jaan Oldin |

Ski News 9 September, 2016

Here we continue the reporting on this seasons best skis with the segment that we most love the Best Powder Skis of 2017! So if you are lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time and have any of these sticks on your feet you probably going to have the best damn powder day of your life.

The category is divided into Freeride and Freestyle skis with the big difference being that the Freeride boards are a little softer to nail those big mountain pillow runs sending it big from pillow to pillow. And the stiffer flex in the Freeride  you can go fast and holds you steady on that big Alaskan wall.

Top 5 +115mm Freeride skis of 2017:

#1. Black Crows Anima

“Nimble,” “reactive,” “snappy,” “agile,” and “maneuverable” are all words our testers used to describe the Anima, descriptors you don’t often see associated with a ski of this size. Black Crows uses midweight, responsive poplar wood in its core to bring a bit of play to this behemoth but evens out the ride with carbon-Kevlar strips. The combination of tip and tail rocker with traditional camber underfoot also aids in its well-roundedness. The result is a fatty that is competent shredding steep, unforgiving terrain; floating in deep snow; going airborne; or just arcing big turns on open groomers.

Rating: 8.95/10

Dimensions: 142/115/126

Turn Radius: 21 m @ 182

2017-black-crows-anima-skis-review-kopia

 

#2. Atomic Backland FR 117

Inspired by the now-defunct Automatic 117 and taking cues from the Bent Chetler, the Backland FR 117 is a hard-charging, big-mountain soldier that isn’t afraid to have some fun. Midweight, responsive poplar wood serves as the foundation while a carbon insert running the length of the ski helps to stabilize the ride, promoting power, steadiness and confidence in steep, variable terrain. Atomic implemented HRZN Tech (a blend of ABS sidewall with horizontal rocker in the tip and tail) for better float and playfulness without any added weight. Testers raved about the ski, noting, “It’s got plenty of stability and charges hard yet is really surfy,” and “This ski is sturdy, whippy and has lots of pop.”

Rating: 8.67/10

Dimensions: 149,5/117/129,5

Turn Radius: 19 m @ 186

2017-atomic-backland-fr-117-skis-review-kopia

 

#3. Rossignol Super 7 RD

The cheetah is the fastest land animal on earth; the Super 7 RD is the cheetah of the ski world. In fact, “RD” stands for race department, and these skis are a super limited run, so get ’em while they’re hot. Rossignol’s updated 7 Series “HD” integrates its Carbon Alloy Matrix to complement the paulownia wood core. The Matrix is carbon and basalt integrated into an open weave that mimics the stability and dampness of metal without loss of energy. The Super 7 “RD” is built with an even beefier core than the HD, using thicker glass found in Rossi’s World Cup race skis and providing a stiffer construction of the Carbon Alloy Matrix. This translates to a barnburner of a ski. Only comes in one size:190 cm

Rating: 8.58/10

Dimensions: 145/120/126

Turn Radius: 30 m

2017-rossignol-super7-skis-review-kopia

 

#4. Faction Eleven5

For a ski of its size, the Eleven5 can do it all, whether it’s trenching during a storm or blasting the chunder three days later. A combination of dense ash, lighter weight poplar and a layer of Titanal helps this ski straddle the line between power and grace. It’s built with tip and slight tail rocker and traditional camber underfoot, making it plenty floaty for pow days and maneuverable in tight situations. Additionally, a dual radius produces varying effective edge lengths. This results in quick turn initiation and stability throughout the turn. One tester described the Eleven5 as, “A big boy ski with a shape ready for anything.”

Rating: 8.51/10

Dimensions: 138/115/124

Turn Radius: 24-29 m @ 186

2017-faction-eleven5-skis-review-kopia

 

#5. Salomon QST 118

Unlike some skinnier members of the new QST line (QST 99, 92 and 85) the QST 118 (and 106) utilize rocker in both the tips and tails. This translates to a ski with significant soft snow capabilities that’s ultra-nimble to boot. To balance out the ride, Salomon utilizes Koroyd in the tips and tails, which is a pattern of copolymer tubes welded together to provide energy absorption. Then, a lightweight, torsionally rigid flax prepreg linen weave adds strength without weight. Testers noted it was “light but sturdy” and “a beautiful blend of agility and strength.”

Rating: 8.45/10

Dimensions: 142/118/129

Turn Radius: 25.5 m @ 185

2017-salomon-qst-118-skis-review-kopia

 

Top 5 +115 mm Freestyle Powder Skis of 2017:

#1. Armada JJ 2.0

When a tester says, “Put a ring on it,” regarding a pair of skis—you put a damn ring on it. And that’s exactly what we did with the JJ 2.0, awarding it the top spot in our 115-plus-mm freestyle category. This is the second year in a row the JJ has earned top honors. Between its rocker-camber-rocker profile and versatile five-point sidecut, this thing is a floatin’, pillow-stompin’, crud bustin’, highly maneuverable machine that can still hold its own on the hard stuff when needed.

Rating: 9.22/10

Dimensions: 131/117/127

Turn Radius: 17 m @ 185

2017-armada-jj-skis-review-kopia

 

#2. Faction Candid 4.0

Anytime the words “Candide Thovex” appear on our website, traffic ramps up like rush hour in downtown LA. Why? Because he slays pow in a Rambo-like fashion. And he does so with the Candide 4.0. Built with a lightweight balsa core and stiff Titanal mounting plates underfoot it’s soft enough for those who crave some trickery in their skiing but sturdy enough to go all in, Candide style. Multi-radius sidecut also allows for maneuverability when it’s time to navigate the trees, or rock the hardpack. “Really strong edge hold for a chubby stick,” said one enthused tester. “A fat ski that can eat up all the powder but still have a rockin’ time in between storms.”

Rating: 9.07/10

Dimensions: 140/118/134

Turn Radius: 23 m @ 182

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#3. Head Cyclic 115

This tester comment is on-damn-point for the Cyclic 115: “A super versatile fatty: stable through the turn on hard snow, ultra-playful, low swing weight, the full package.” The ski’s massive 148-mm-wide shovel initiates turns flawlessly, lessening the effort needed to knife around like Head pros JT Holmes and James Heim. Tips and tails are rockered out for surfin’ pow and hovering over the rough stuff, while 60 percent of the ski remains cambered for those not-so-soft days. Last but not least, tip and tail stabilizers dampen vibrations and guarantee full-on stability, no matter the conditions.

Rating: 9.00/10

Dimensions: 148/113/131

Turn Radius: 19 m @ 181

2017-head-cyclic-115-skis-review-kopia

 

#4. Atomic Backland Bent Chetler

Chris Benchetler’s pro model ski has been a FREESKIER favorite seven years running. The Bent Chetler impressed our testers (once again) with its smeary maneuverability, a trait achieved through hefty tip and tail rocker. Additionally, horizontal rocker combined with lateral ABS sidewalls that resemble the underbelly of a boat are placed in the tip and tail. HRZN tech, as it’s known, increases surface area and float. A lightweight poplar core and stabilizing carbon backbone couple with camber underfoot to provide a “silky, smooth, psychedelic and strafing” ride, praised one tester, “Awesome buttering, ollie and nollie capabilities.”

Rating: 8.98/10

Dimensions: 142/120/134

Turn Radius: 19 m @ 185

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#5. Black Crows Nocta

Whether you’re a pro or a Joe, bending a ski in soft powder isn’t an easy thing to do. That’s why Black Crows came out with the all-new Nocta. Its beautifully pre-bent with full-reverse camber to make you look and feel better than ever whilst shredding the gnar. Throw in a forgiving and lightweight paulownia-poplar core, along with semicap construction to protect those smooth sidewalls, and you’ve got one hell of a powder board straight out of skiing’s hallowed mountaineering grounds, Chamonix. Despite its primarily powder-aimed design, the Nocta rips all conditions. “Held a turn like a champ everywhere,” confirmed one tester. “Super playful, responsive and trustworthy—nothing squirrely about them.”

Rating: 8.75/10

Dimensions: 140/122/134

Turn Radius: 26 m @ 185.5

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If you want to read out the rest of the All mountain skis that came further down the raking go to freeskier.com Enjoy:)

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The Best Big-Mountain Skis of 2017

Publicerad: 4 September, 2016 av Jaan Oldin |

Ski News 4 September, 2016

It’s that time of the year folks, ski manufactures have let the industry test their attempts to the perfect ski. Our friends at Freeskier have done a massive undertaking of testing most of all the new stuff that is out there and we start by giving you their review of the best big-mountain skis of 2017.

The definition of a big-mountain skis goes as follows: a set of planks that can handle everything from the fluffy stuff, the not so fluffy stuff and every other kind of stuff in-between, all while remaining firm and steady at high speeds. Whether you’re dropping a gnarly cliff or sending it on a pow day, these are the skis that can get you there. Usually in widths of 100.114mm. They can be divided in two categories: Freeride and Freestyle, basically dividing it up in stiffer and not so stiff skis to land those park stile tricks in the backcountry.

Top 5 100-114 mm Freeride skis of 2017:

# 1. Nordica Enforcer 100 

Testers experienced pure elation whilst ripping this ski, from firm morning groomers, to midday off-roading through the chop, to late afternoon slush bumps. “It’s unreal,” said one tester plainly. “So smooth and stable. Corners like it’s on rails.” Two sheets of metal over the edges complement its beech and poplar core, yielding outstanding power transmission and torsional stability. Considerable camber underfoot guarantees strong edge hold, and blunted, rockered tips and tails make crud busting a cake walk. “Super snappy and responsive. Rips like a World Cup slalom ski. It’s also amazing in bumps and crud,” gushed another.

Rating 9.52/10

Dimensions:133/121/100

Turn Radius: 18.5 m @ 185

 

Nordica Enforcer 100 kopia

 

#2. Armada Invictus Ti

As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The Invictus 108 Ti is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed.” Really, though, this charger’s stability is absolutely incredible, and it’s the perfect tool for those who want go fast, Ricky Bobby style (recognize Eleanor’s “quote” yet?). That reputation is owed to rock-solid construction that includes carbon, Kevlar and two layers of Titanal. Nose rocker plows through the best and worst conditions, and durable edges and topsheets hold up against seasons of beatings. “An absolute missile going down the mountain,” declared one tester. “Definitely an all-mountain ski that you can use anywhere.”

Rating: 9.35/10

Dimensions: 136/126/100

Turn Radius: 23 m @ 178

 

Armada Invictus Ti kopia

 

 

# 3. K2 Pinnacle 105

The Pinnacle 105 is back for its second year, and our testers are still impressed. “These skis are money,” one noted. “Great edge grip and control, light swing weight, burly enough to handle crud at speed, great everyday ski.” K2 combines midweight aspen wood with Nanolite—a lightweight, low-density composite—running down the center and in the tips and tails of the core for a reduction in swing weight. Denser materials are placed closer to the edges to distribute the weight to the perimeter, allowing for consistent power and pressure to the edges. Last but not least, moderate rocker is added into the mix, resulting in an aggressive frontside ski that’s powerful enough to charge and light enough to toss around

Rating: 9.33/10

Dimensions: 137/105/121

Turn Radius: 19 m @ 184

K2 Pinnacle 105 kopia

 

# 4. Völkl 100Eight

You want to have control and confidence when ripping, yeah? The 100Eight has you covered, just take it from one satisfied tester: “Unbelievably responsive ski. Tell it to do anything, and it will answer with grace.” Woods of different densities in the ski—denser underfoot and light along the perimeter and tip and tail—strike a balance between playfulness and stability. Its full sidewalls provide edge grip. Pair those qualities with weight-reducing, Hulk-strong carbon strips and you’ve got one incredible set of all-mountain boards

Rating: 9.09/10

Dimensions: 141/108/124

Turn Radius: 24.5 m @ 189

Völkl 100E kopia

 

# 5. Kästle BMX 105 HP

Some skis just make you want to go fast, and the BMX105 HP is absolutely one of those skis. Between the burly silver fir wood and two layers of supportive Titanal, Kästle really struck a chord power-wise. Traditional camber underfoot had our squad arcing turns effortlessly, rockered tips helped them float over the all snow conditions like they were all the same. Both the tip and tail feature a bit of taper for hook-free skiing, so you’ll be worry-free whilst hauling ass. “Initiates and holds the turn all the way until the transition” one tester affirmed. “I really do not want to give them back.”

Rating: 9.03/10

Dimensions: 134/105/123

Turn Radius: 21 m @ 181

Kästle BMX kopia

 

Top 5 100-114 mm Freestyle skis of 2017:

#1. Blizzard Gunsmoke

Time and time again, the Gunsmoke tops the charts. This marks the ski’s fifth appearance among the Editor’s Picks, and its second time in the number 1 spot. With perfect scores for versatility and float you can rest assured this heavy hitter can handle everything from the deepest of powder days to chunder-filled steeps to frontside hardpack and everything in between. Our testers confirmed, “could ski them everyday, anywhere” and “the ski rips groomers like a champ yet is crazy fun in the crud.” Blizzard combines rigid ISO composite material with mid-density poplar and bamboo in the care. This pairs with the rocker-camber-rocker profile for a knockout combination of power and playfulness. The numbers never lie—this ski is one of the best out there.

Rating: 9.74/10

Dimensions: 140/114/130

Turn Radius: 22 m @ 186

Blizzard Gunsmoke kopia

 

#2. Faction Candide 3.0

It should come as no surprise that the Frenchman Candide Thovex’s pro model ski received a perfect score in the playfulness category. Low-density, hybrid balsa wood keeps weight down and the fun factor up. Rocker in the tip and tail produces maneuverability and float. Titanal mounting plates and camber underfoot help you max out your speed comfortably, too. “Absolutely f#cking loved it,” gushed one tester, while another noted it was a “fun maneuverable ski.” A third stated, “Really lively and poppy, stable and quick. It does everything, period.”

Rating: 9.71/10

Dimensions: 136/108/132

Turn Radius: 22 m @ 186

Factin skis kopia

 

#3. 4FRNT Devistator

As its name implies, the Devastator was designed to ravage, ruin, wreck, pillage, plunder and lay waste to every mogul, glade, groomer, chute or cliff in its wake. With overwhelmingly positive remarks, our testers confirmed 4FRNT hit the nail on the head. “Navigates really nicely in bumps and handles itself well at high speeds,” said one, while another detailed, “This is the ski for everything … devours chalk and pow and crushes the groomers.” VibeVeil—a composite, elastic membrane incorporated into the tip of the ski—stabilizes the ride, while a poplar and ash wood core yields an ideal blend of power and pop. A full reverse camber profile increases playfulness, maneuverability and float when the freshies await.

Rating: 9.60/10

Dimensions: 136/101/131

Turn Radius: 25 m

 

 

 

 

4FRNT kopia

#4. K2 Marksman

The all-new Marksman is Pep Fujas’ own Frankenstein’s monster. It incorporates the outer tip shape of the K2 Pinnacle 105 and the inner profile of the K2 Pettitor, resulting in an asymmetrical profile that testers say increases maneuverability. “Holy crap, I love these skis,” exclaimed one. “This is a super fun, surfy and jibby all-mountain ski.” Mid-density aspen in the core’s center keeps weight down and adds considerable liveliness and pop. High-density fir wood over the edges translates to solid power and response for when you’re layin’ ’em over. So, set the monster loose and let it ravage all the snowy lands—no trails, bumps, tree runs, cliffs nor pow fields are safe.

Rating: 9.52/10

Dimensions: 130/106/125

Turn Radius: 20 m @ 184

K2 Marksman kopia

 

#5. Blizzard Peacemaker

Paradoxically, the Peacemaker wages war on all aspects of the mountain. It’s a certified hard-charger—as in, it handles like Jeff Gordon—with a hefty dose of press, pop and play in its DNA. “It’s poppy and loves to go backwards yet has that classic Blizzard stability,” said one tester, while another loved it so much they dubbed it “the one ski quiver—suitable in every condition.” Rocker in the tip and tail makes for a nimble ride through trees, bumps and variable terrain, while camber underfoot provides that absurd handling. The 104-mm waist is suitable for almost any conditions you might encounter.

Rating: 9.47/10

Dimensions: 134/104/124

Turn Radius: 21 m @ 186

Blizzard Peacemaker kopia

 

If you want to read out the rest of the All mountain skis that came further down the raking go to freeskier.com Enjoy:)