Ski Canada Buyer's Guide 2019

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published week of August 27, 2018

Vol 47 #1 Contents — photo: REUBEN KRABBE * skier: Cody Townsend * snow: Tordrillo Mountains, Alaska

Buyer’s Guide 2019 issue

Vol. 47 No. 1

IS IT YOUR YEAR FOR NEW GEAR? by RYAN STUART, technical editor

SHOP TALK

RISE OF THE CRAFT SKI-ERIES

WHAT’S IN STORE

HYDRATION ON THE HILL

PIN FOR THE ALPINE – boots for walking

THE ANORAK IS BACK

BOOTS AND BINDINGS

ALL-MOUNTAIN

When most of us head to the ski hill, we don’t limit ourselves to one kind of run. That’s why the All-Mountain category is so important. These products are designed to range across the hill, from groomed to powder, moguls to mellow. But they’re not all created equal; rather they exist on a spectrum. Some are more at home on the hardpack, while others definitely prefer softer snow—and the rest fall in between. Many in the ski industry have come to realize that, no matter where your skiing interests lie, the All-Mountain rack is where you should start shopping.

FREERIDE

Freeride used to be marketed to powder snobs and cliff-hucking adrenaline junkies. But these days, it’s more the middle ground between all-mountain and backcountry – a state of mind that sees the ski hill as a playground to explore. Ideally, you would only ski untouched and the terrain would look like an approachable version of what’s in the movies. Reality dictates that’s not always the case, and the gear is ready for it all. Skis are wider for soft snow, yet can still carve a groomer back to the lift. Boots are capable of touring short distances, but pack plenty of power and precision. And the bindings? They might be the most interesting gear of all.

FRONTSIDE

The frontside category of skis may just be the great equalizer. No matter where you live or where you ski, at some point, you’re going to find yourself turning on groomed runs. Laying trenches at high speed on perfectly packed snow is different from powder, but to many, no less thrilling. If you embrace the corduroy with the appropriate tools, any of us can have a whole lot of fun. While any ski or boot works on groomed runs, the ones designed for carving take it to the next level, whether that’s going faster, turning more easily or a combination of the two. This year’s crop of frontside-focused toys promises new heights of joy on the groomers.

WOMEN

It’s no secret the ski industry is dominated by men. Look around ski shops, lift lines, and ski and outdoor shows – seemingly all dudes. (We’re no different at Ski Canada: just look at the masthead at the front of the magazine). Female rippers are showing that women can compete with men. We all have a part to play, and dedicating real estate to women in skiing is important. That’s part of the reason we include a women-focused section in the country’s only annual Buyer’s Guide for skiers. The fun reason is because women-specific gear can make skiing more vibrant. And that’s good for everybody.

LAYER UP FOR WARMTH AND STYLE

Features

HOOKING UP With collective passes partnering multiple ski resorts, is one right for you? by LOUISE HUDSON

SAYING GOODBYE TO LISA KORTHALS by RON BETTS

THE AFTERMATH Because of the courage of some strong ski racers, government and sporting organizations have stepped up to protect young athletes. by LORI KNOWLES

GREAT EXPECTATIONS RYAN STUART‘S BC road trip to three day cat- and heli-ski ops proved to be an emotional roller coaster.

CIAO, TONALE! One of Italy’s best-kept secrets is not just for freeriders. by IAIN MACMILLAN