Gift ideas for skiers
Ski Canada’s buyer’s guide is now online. It’s a great source for holiday gift giving inspiration. And an even better place for creating your own list of wants. To help contain the coveting, we’ve broken it up into sections, including some of the hottest new ski trends of the year. If gear gets you fired up, consider joining us for our annual ski test. This year we’re heading to Revelstoke March 16 to 21 and you’re invited. We’re recruiting testers now.
Inside pre-season preparation
One of the most common social posts from the ski resorts over the last couple weeks have been reminders to stay off the slopes as they prepare the mountain for opening day. When the snow’s piling up, like it is across the west, it’s oh so tempting to hike for turns before the lifts start spinning. But that’s a dangerous past time, say ski hills, and to show why Mount Washington Alpine Resort took its social followers for a ride.
Stetson’s and spring turns
Banff’s Tatum Monod stars in The Way Back, a ski film that follows three pro female skiers as they undertake a unique cowboy-themed ski adventure. Set in Wyoming, the three women approach spring ski objectives via horseback chain into the Wyoming Range. The 30-minute film is available now on Youtube.
G3 is back
In August a court ordered the sale of the assets of Genuine Guide Gear (G3), the Vancouver-based backcountry ski equipment maker. This week a Canadian sporting goods distributor announced they bought the company and plan to revive its operations. In a press release announcing the acquisition Canadawide Sports says they will bring a “expanded resources and a renewed emphasis on product innovation, customer service, and community engagement—all while maintaining its commitment to the backcountry community.” Running a ski company is an interesting turn for Canadawide; most of their business is in the distribution of team sport and fitness equipment.
Pipestone is on the map
At what point does a new ski lift become a reality? Is it when it starts spinning, carries its first passengers or maybe when it appears on the map? If it’s the latter Lake Louise’s new Pipestone Express is alive and kicking. It has not opened yet this season, but the new frontside lift is on the resort’s online trail map.
Mikaela Schiffrin goes for 100
The American alpine ski racer could stand atop the World Cup podium for a record 100th time this weekend. On home snow, no less. This weekend’s slalom race at Killington, Vermont is her first chance at 100 victories after winning the first two World Cup slalom’s of the season. With a giant slalom and slalom races this weekend, this will also likely be the weekend she surpasses Ingemar Stenmark’s record of 155 World Cup podiums. Right now Shiffrin has 154 podiums. The races will be broadcast on CBC.
