The temperature drops. The daylight hours decrease. And the white stuff falls from the clouds
Yep, winter approaches here in the northern hemisphere. For many people, the season of winter suggests a time to stay indoors and dream of warmer days. However, there’s adventure to be had. You ready?
“The mountains are calling, and I must go” is a famous quote from outdoor enthusiast/advocate John Muir, but it’s also a call to have some fun this winter. Granted, there are many ways to play in and on the snow that reduces “cabin fever.” I suggest you grab some skis and head to the slopes. Whether at the resort or in the backcountry, skiing provides an excellent way to spend the day outside savoring the outdoors.
A “bluebird” day in the Wasatch Mountains
Skiing for over 40 years, I picked up a few tricks along the way. Equipment and gear are worthy expenditures and make your experience more enjoyable. The good news: after the initial cost, ski gear and equipment can last a very long time. So, what to purchase? Below, I provide a list of solid, robust equipment and gear that can handle the elements and allow you to enjoy each day on the mountains. Dream of summer? Nah, embrace and enjoy the winter months!
Skis, Equipment, and Gear
Romp Skis ($799)-Founded by two east coast brothers, Caleb and Morgan decided to head west and search for powder in the mountains of Colorado. Once settled in the mountain town of Crested Butte, they began designing and fabricating their own skis. Today, Romp Skis offers 10 unique ski options for all skiers and snow conditions. The skis cover resort and backcountry applications. What sets Romp apart from other manufactures? They offer the skier many different buying options. You can purchase the skis from the factory or have them customized in graphics, shape, camber, and stiffness.
ROMP skis can be customized to your liking, including unique top sheets
I chose the Shepherd 110 at 184 cm length with a 110 mm waist; it floats through the powder of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains and Wyoming’s Teton Range. The skis proved to be quick turning—perfect for “catching face shots” in trees. With my weight directly centered over the skis, they were playful and lively. The rocker tip allowed them to bust through the packed powder at Park City Mountain Resort with ease. The short radius turns of the skis created a pleasurable experience for skiing tight lines and packed powder. If you think about turning, they will turn! If you might not be skiing western powder, consider the Shepard 99, which is slightly narrower in the waist. Mine are not customized, but I appreciate the standard graphics and overall shape of the skis. The skis are playful and stable at the same time. Take a “romp” in the mountains!
Fischer Skis ($949)-Light is right. It’s a motto by which most backcountry skiers live and Fischer’s new Transalp 105 skis answer perfect fulfill that motto. The Transalp 105 weights roughly seven pounds, which was notable as I skinned uphill in the Wasatch Mountains to earn my turns. The ski’s wood core and carbon fibers create a ski that offers supple turns, simultaneously, torsional stiffness (preventing the ski from twisting). The ski measures 105 mm in the waist and provides plenty of float in powder snow; it’s not too wide to inhibit an excellent edge grip. The ski wants to make longer arching turns which makes tree skiing somewhat difficult. With the right boot (see below), the skis respond to the skier and terrain. These skis make an excellent side country choice. Side country terrain is generally located adjacent to a resort’s boundary and is accessed through a gate at that boundary. Sneak out for a quick lap in the side country. This ski might be the last choice for you!
The unique notch in the Transalp skis allow for an ingenious attachment of the Fischer’s climbing skins
Ready to earn your turns? You will need a solid set of climbing skins. The climbing “skins” allow me to ascend the mountains outside Park City, Utah, with ease. The mohair/nylon skins glide easily as I move efficiently uphill. They provide plenty of stopping power when I rest; I want to avoid stopping sliding backwards. The skins ingeniously attach to the skis themselves and easily rip off at the summit. Now, the good stuff—the down!
Poles–One Way Sport’s TR Carbon Vario ($180) poles are an excellent all-around ski pole. They are perfect for resort and backcountry skiing adventures. The combination of an aluminum and carbon shaft make these poles incredibly light— noticeable while skinning uphill. The shaft can easily be lengthened or shortened by a quick lock mechanism. This feature works ideally because I shorten the poles on the uphill and lengthen them on the downhill. The soft grips and breakaway wrist straps enable these poles to “shine” in backcountry skiing pursuits. At the resort, I kept the poles at one length, and the swing weight was unnoticeable.
The One Way Carbon Vario pole’s height can be adjusted easily as well as the foam handles make the grip comfortable
Boots–Fischer Transalp Carbon Pro ($1049) are the do everything, no compromise boots. Ski boots have dramatically changed over the years. The heavy plastic boots of yesteryear have been replaced with carbon shells and soft, rubber soles. Dare I say that boots today are comfortable? Fischer’s Transalp Carbon Pro boots are simply the best, most comfortable boots I have owned to date. A few features standard. The rubber soles make them super comfortable and provide excellent grip while walking on hard surfaces or booting up steps in snow. I appreciate how the boots close and the micro adjustments I can make to tweak the comfort to my liking. The large cuff strap provides excellent support as my shins make contact with the carbon shell. In the backcountry, the opening and closing of the buckles can be done while wearing gloves on and enable quick transitions from uphill to downhill mode. Honestly, with a stated flex of 130, the boots work to enable the skis to carve and hold an edge at the resort. At day’s end, I placed the boots in walk mode and comfortably walked to my vehicle.
The Fischer Transalp Carbon Pros with heat-molded liners are not only comfortable but also super light
When you decide to venture off the ski resort slopes, you must realize that there are many things to pack. Avalanche probe, shovel, food, water, an extra layer, and emergency supplies are essential. I chose to throw my essentials in the Backcountry Access (BCA) Stash Pro 32L ($219). The bag is made from bomb proof ripstop nylon and heavy duty YKK zippers. The bag is offered in two sizes 22 liters and 32 liters. The small pack is ideal for carrying some goodies while skiing at the resort. I found the Stash Pro 32L an ideal size for backcountry use and stowing my water bottles, snacks, down jacket, and avalanche equipment. The fit was comfortable and secure. The pack does come in two lengths depending on torso length.
The BCA Stash 32L is an excellent choice for the backcountry skier
https://backcountryaccess.com/
Skiing down the mountainside you must protect your noggin. I recommend the Smith Nexus Mips helmet ($325). Smith has been a consistent leader in ski helmets. The Nexus Mips wraps your head in plush and comfortable odor-fighting fabric. The helmet is micro adjustable by a turn or two of the BOA system. The BOA system is a steel cable weaved through the fabric. A turn of the dial, the fit can be customized and tailored to your individual fit and preference. Smith helmets came equipped with unique brain protecting attributes (KOROYD and Mips), that secure and protect my brain as I shoot through the trees of the Wasatch Mountains. Not only are natural hazards part of skiing, but other skiers as well. Unfortunately, skiers get hit by other skiers. Therefore, protect your brain! The Nexus helmet has two vents to allow for temperature regulation on warmer days. The detachable ear muffs provide plenty of warmth and protection. The helmet is an essential and worthy investment!
Smith’s Nexus Helmet protects your most valuable asset—your brain!
Yep, the mountains are calling. You ready? Snow is falling. Don’t let the white stuff keep you from adventuring outside. Remember, there is never bad weather, just bad gear. Get equipped and get outside!
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