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10 Last-Minute Skimo Christmas Gift Ideas

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skimo-gift-ideas
Christmas is quickly approaching and skimo athletes can be notoriously difficult to shop for. To help you out, we’ve got a gift list that you can send to your significant other and let them surprise you from there on 🙂
Below are our choices for the best stuff to get this Christmas in order from cheap to “you must really love them” more expensive items:

SWIX CH8 Ski Wax – $14 CAD

» product page
Everyone needs ski wax. It’s cheap and you can always use more. CH8 is a solid bet for the majority of conditions out there. A small package will only set you back a few bucks. If you really want to get fancy, look around for the new Marathon High-Flouro wax from Swix.

CAMP G Comp Wind Gloves – $49 USD

» product page
While CAMP is known for their hard goods, they actually make a surprising number of really nice apparel items. Gloves can be a difficult decision for racing – too thin and you get cold fingers, too thick and you lose dexterity and fumble with equipment. The CAMP G glove is on the thin end of the spectrum and best used in warmer races or for spring skiing.

SWIX Wax Iron – $54 USD

» product page
If you are waxing, you’ll need an iron. Stop using your mom’s old iron and get a decent Swix unit. The extra-thick baseplate makes for uniform heat output and reduces your chances of melting your bases.

Dynafit Mercury Gloves – $64 USD

» product page
When temps drop and the wind kicks up, having a good pair of insulated gloves is critical. The Mercury retains dexterity while adding Primaloft insulation. These are what you will pull out of your pack at 14,000 ft when the wind kicks up on a cold day.

CAMP Speed Comp Helmet 2.0 – $119 USD

» product page
Nothing says “I love you” like head injury prevention. Racers looking to compete internationally now need dual-certified helmets and the CAMP Speed Comp 2.0 is the least mushroom-shaped of the current options.

Pomoca Race Pro 2.0 Skins – $144 USD

» product page
No one can have too many skins. If you race a lot, you wear out skins. Buy the kit and you don’t have to bother trying to create your own tip system. Pomoca is the best you can get and they keep improving with each version.

Plum Race 170 Binding – $467 USD

» product page
Adjustable race bindings are awesome. When your race boot and training boot have different sole lengths, an adjustable heel piece makes it so you can swap boots and skis as needed. The Plum unit is simple and easy to use but isn’t much heavier than a regular race binding.

Movement Vertex-X Skis – $549 USD (on sale)

» product page
There is nothing like having a pair of true ski mountaineering skis – those that fit between your race and powder setups. Movement Vertex-X, at 84mm width, is superbly light for its size yet a very reliable downhill machine.

Movement Race Pro 66 Skis – $1,099 CAD

» product page
If you really want to blow someone away, a new pair of race skis is the ticket. Movement is famous for light touring skis and they are applying their successful know-how to their skimo racing platform as well. Check these out.

Fischer AlpAttack Skis – $849 USD

» product page
The new AlpAttack is as light as they come and has a redesigned tail to make them easier to slot into a backpack, making for faster transitions. Highly recommended item!

Profiling Three Specialized Skimo Stores in North America

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Not long ago, all of North America was struggling to buy light ski mountaineering and ski touring gear. We were ordering online from Europe, dealing with language barriers, and hoping nothing breaks because the warranty process would be lengthy.
Another big issue was, getting our light weight bindings properly mounted once the gear arrived.
That has changed completely as today, there are three specialized light-weight ski mountaineering and touring shops in North America with both an online and brick-and-mortar presence:

Over the last couple of months, we visited all three and found that while they have lots of similarities they also have subtle differences that make them unique. All three stores are full of similar gear and have people that share a passion for moving fast in the mountains and having fun, the differences become apparent as soon as you walk inside.
We like all three and we encourage you to visit them in person when you get a chance.

Inside the Stores

Skimo.co

» Online store at http://skimo.co
Skimo.co founder, Jason Borro, comes from IT background which translates into his store’s look and vibe as being very organized and orderly. His obsession with technical and engineering detail means that the binding mounting bench is basically the centre of the store.
skimo-co-ski-wall
Skis on the ski wall are alphabetically ordered by brand and then width, in general kept under 100mm wide. The variety and abundance of choice of very light gear comes from his passion for efficiency, whether that be writing code or skiing in the mountains.

Eric Bunce, second in command, setting me up with Aski demo skis.
Eric Bunce, second in command, setting me up with Aski demo skis.
People that work in the store are as equally passionate about the same things as Jason. This is perhaps no coincidence. The overall vibe is calm yet enthusiasm for light & fast is high. The store’s technical expertise is phenomenal.

Cripple Creek Backcountry

» Online store at https://www.cripplecreekbc.com
When you visit Randy Young and Doug Stenclik’s store in Carbondale, CO you quickly realize that while passion for light gear is definitely there these guys took a more “cowboy” approach – coffee machine and beer on tab reflects their social and high energy personalities.
ccbc-store-2
Each product in their store has a little more room than at Skimo.co and the whole floor is more loosely organized. The mounting bench is at the back of the store yet still very present and busy – it’s integrated into the bar! If you are into fatter skis, specifically DPS, then this is your candy store.
ccbc-store-1
Last winter, Randy and Doug opened another store in Vail but we haven’t had a chance to visit yet so make sure you do.

SkiUphill.ca

» Online store at https://skiuphill.ca
This new kid on the block was founded only this year and is a child of Joel Desgreniers (avid racer) and Gavin Harmacy (ski mountaineering practitioner). As rumor has it, Skimo.co is an investor in this venture so expect close collaboration between the two as they will try to fulfill every customer’s expectation.
skiuphill-store-2
Their brick-and-mortar store is located in Canmore, Alberta. This town is more known for alpinism and ice climbing but is a home to plenty of fit and fast people searching for lighter gear to accomplish bigger and faster days in the mountains.
The vibe and overall feel of the store actually feels like a blend of their two older siblings in US – very organized but also relaxed with an espresso machine handily available.
skiuphill-store-1
The selection of gear is performance and light weight focused, and just like Skimo.co they offer plenty of choice from boutique European brands like Movement and Ski Trab for skis. They also carry a sizable stock of trail running gear including shoes, running vests and clothing.

Service Quality and Community Involvement

As the article title suggests, we are talking about these three stores because they understand the gear they sell as well as striving to provide the best service possible. People in each store have a unique touch in different areas but in the end they share passion for the outdoors and skiing.
Furthermore, all three stores are heavily involved in their communities and committed to provide entertainment and learning opportunities for local enthusiasts and passing by travelers.
Visit them whenever you can and support the community, together it will grow faster.

Review of Pierre Gignoux Black Ski Mountaineering Boots: Light, Comfortable and Performance Driven

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pierre-gignoux-black-review

Quick overview:

  • Usual Retail Price:  €1330 Euro ($1600 USD) + VAT if buying within Europe
  • Weight: 600 grams with liner (size 26)
  • Sizes available: 23-30 with 26.5 and 27.5
  • Pros: Comfortable, Light even with full liner, Snow guard, Price compared to competition
  • Cons: Can’t buy in a store, Long shell length
  • Suitability: skimo racing, light & fast ski touring and mountaineering

Bottom Line:

While you have to wait a couple of weeks to get your pair of PG boots manufactured it’s worth it. The Black boots are only a little bit heavier than Pierre Gignoux’ full-on racing machines yet the fit and comfort make up for a couple of extra grams. Plus, they are the most affordable and one of the most comfortable full carbon boots on the market.

Product description and How we tested it:

After a couple of emails to determine the right size with Pierre Gignoux, I have ordered my pair in late October 2016. Since I made a decision to try to get to my best for one more World Champs I knew I had to get a better fitting boot than my old Scarpa Alien 1.0. I had Gignoux boots before and really liked them so I made a leap in that direction.

During the teams race at 2017 Skimo Worlds.
During the teams race at 2017 Skimo Worlds. Most descents were very technical due to little snow and a long ridge walk with crampons tested everyone’s crampon-boot compatibility – mine worked great.
My pair arrived early January and my fourth time using the boots (along with new Hagan Race skis) was for a 2h race in Colorado. Race is never the best time to test new equipment, nevertheless, I had good feelings about the boots and skis while my body struggled in the high altitude. After a few tough weeks I regained my training schedule and started to ski the Black boots on regular basis.
In my experience, downhill performance of any ski mountaineering (racing) boot will hugely depend on how well the boot fits you. I suspected that the proper full liner and low profile shell of the Blacks should be way better for my low volume feet (but regular width) than the roomy Aliens with a thin sock liner. This turned out to be true but it did take a couple of training sessions to adjust the fit. I also added the green Superfeet insoles that improved the snug fit even more – for this, I got help from Skimo.co guys when I stopped in their store in Salt Lake City.
The snug fit allows me to have good control on the descents. The lower shell is stiff but the fully padded liner cushions my feet so it’s not painful. I find the forward lean very neutral and the back of the cuff provides great support if you end up in the back seat. Leaning forward, you are doing so against a plastic “plate” and not carbon so there is some give or feel of softness but it feels just right.
This is how the inside tightening system looks like. Works well.
This is how the inside tightening system looks like. Works well.
On my third day in Blacks, I had the pleasure to demo a pair of ASKI Verglas skis (176cm, 111-78-92) in Wasatch with the Skimo.co crew. I was equally blown away how the skis performed and how my Pierre Gignoux boots were able to keep up.
Boot sizes are in the left column and shell lengths in the right.
Boot sizes are in the left column and shell lengths in the right.
In terms of overall durability of these boots, in my opinion, are as good as any other full carbon boots on the market right now. As long as you are not hitting too many rocks when boot-packing you will be fine for long time. One thing I would recommend though is to use blue Loctite on the ankle joints and pretty much all other screws as well. Some screws on my boots were getting loose every 10 sessions or so.
Finally, here are my thoughts on the uphill performance of the Pierre Gignoux Black skimo boots. I have a size 29 and they weigh only 740g including the insoles which is quite light for a “race” boot with integrated gaiters (snow guards). Pair this with great ankle articulation and they feel very light when going up. The only “down side” is that due to its design PG boots have a fairly long last (bottom shell length), mine are 297mm long for size 29. This means that the front pin holes are positioned quite in front of your fingers which makes for a different feel when skinning during the first couple of sessions.
Boot weights in grams for different sizes.
Boot weights in grams for different sizes.
Overall, the combo of Pierre Gignoux Black boots and Hagan Race skis, paired with ATK bindings, was turned out to be a well oiled downhill machine while I kept working on improving my own engine to hit the Worlds in a good shape.

Pros:

  • Still light weight despite full liner and integrated gaiter
  • Comfortable
  • Ability to fit many types of feet (thanks to wide front-foot)
  • Gaiters protect very well from snow getting into the boots

What can be improved:

Just like with all new full carbon racing boots, crampon compatibility is somewhat of an issue but CAMP Race 290 and Tour 350 fit the PG Blacks quite well.
While I haven’t had any major issues the durability could be improved and will likely happen over time.

My way of protecting my boots is using black Gorilla tape on the bottom parts of the shell and other high wear places. The scratch you see in the photo was substantial but thanks to the tape the carbon was totally protected.
My way of protecting my boots is using black Gorilla tape on the bottom parts of the shell and other high wear places. The scratch you see in the photo was substantial but thanks to the tape the carbon was totally protected.

Buying Pierre Gignoux Black ski boots

  • €1330 Euro ($1600 USD) directly from Pierre Gignoux (+ VAT if buying within Europe)

Review of Salomon MTN Lab Helmet: Certified for Skiing and Mountaineering

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Quick overview:

salomon-mtn-lab-helmet-matte-white-grey

  • Usual Retail Price:  $200 USD
  • Weight: 330 grams without liner (size medium)
  • Sizes available: Small (53-56cm), Medium (56-59cm), Large (59-62cm)
  • Pros: dual certifications (climbing & skiing), lightweight, comfortable, easy to find in North America
  • Cons: heavier than ultralight climbing helmets, fewer vents, discoloration
  • Suitability: skimo racing, ski alpinism, ski touring

Bottom Line:

A comfortable helmet that will be a good option for skimo racers who need dual certification.

Product description and How we tested it:

I’ve been using this Salomon helmet for early season skiing in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia and the first round of racing in North America, overall about 20 days.
With new ISMF regulations mandating dual certifications (UIAA 106 and EN 1077) for World Cup competitions, some North American athletes will be scrambling to find new helmets for the season, especially with the World Championships imminent. The Salomon MTN Lab is one of the few helmets currently available in North America that is a reasonable option for skimo racers.
At first glance, the MTN Lab Helmet is still quite light. Its claimed weight is 300g (for reference, the CAMP Speed 2.0 is 268g). A liner with ear flaps is included with the helmet but easily removed with Velcro attachments. EN certification stickers are visible inside the helmet shell even after removing the liner. A small amount of padding at the top and back of the helmet keep it comfortable without the liner. Inside the helmet, noticeable channels in the material reduce weight.

Racing in the Salomon MTN Lab Helmet at Castle Mountain.
Racing in the Salomon MTN Lab Helmet at Castle Mountain, Canada. Glenda Zamzow Photo.
The retention system is a simple fabric chin strap with a buckle and a Boa type dial at the rear of the helmet. The chin strap is easy to adjust but does not always keep the helmet from tipping sideways on my head. I’d like to see a lighter and more secure strap system like that on the Petzl Sirocco. I worry a bit about how well the helmet will stay positioned in case of a hard crash.
Wearing the helmet, it seems to sit a bit higher on my head than some others (the Petzl one for example) which does allow some airflow to circulate around my head but feels a bit like a mushroom cap. Vents are positioned on the top, side and rear of the helmet. This resembles more of a traditional downhill ski helmet (to keep you warm) rather than those designed purely for skimo racing with vents on the front as well (to keep you cool) like the Dynafit DNA. That being said, it is generally quite cool and comfortable with a lightweight headband underneath.
The included goggle attachment works well and is a feature I’d like to see on more skimo helmets. It is just a bungee cord that clips over the goggle (or headlamp) strap.
Early season training at Whistler Blackcomb. Nick Elson Photo
Early season training at Whistler Blackcomb. Nick Elson photo.

Pros:

  • Reasonably light weight helmet with double certification
  • Compliant with ISMF regulations
  • Comfortable
  • Good breath-ability

What can be improved:

Our test helmet is the white version and immediately began to dis-colour in my ski pack on ascents, despite being kept in the included felt carrying bag. If you worry that your gear looks shiny and new, maybe choose a darker colour version.
I also find that to keep my goggles on my face where they need to be, the strap needs to be quite tight over my helmet, constricting my entire head and becoming uncomfortable after a long touring day. This is a function of both the large frame of the goggles and the fit with the helmet (as well as my head) so I can’t truly list it as a fault of the helmet.

Online stores that carry The Salomon MTN Lab Helmet:

Gear Guide To Your First Skimo Racing Setup: Skis, Boots, Bindings, and more

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When it comes to shopping for your first-ever skimo racing setup there is no “fit-for-all” advice as each person’s goals, budget and athletic background are different. Some are new to skimo racing or even ski touring altogether while others have already achieved some athletic success in other endurance sports and want to give skimo a serious try from the start.
With all that in mind, I will do my best to provide the most useful and honest advice for everyone new to skimo, and point them to the right gear that is currently on the market.
Majority of the below mentioned gear can be purchased online or in person from our two favourite skimo specialized stores – Skimo.co in Salt Lake City and Cripple Creek Backcountry in Vail or Carbondale.

Boots

Don’t make the mistake focusing only on weight and price. Fit is very important when it comes to boots as it will determine how well you will be able to control the tiny race skis on descents as well as for how comfortable you will be training in them.

La Sportiva Syborg, Dynafit PDG, Scarpa Alien
La Sportiva Syborg, Dynafit PDG, Scarpa Alien
The most suitable entry level racing boots are the La Sportiva Syborg, Dynafit PDG and Scarpa Alien. All three are similar weight (800-850g/boot in size 27MP) and are priced around $750 USD (700 Euro, $1000 CAD) depending on the deal you find. Therefore, your decision should come down mostly to already mentioned fit and availability.
Only slightly heavier but more suitable for regular touring with bigger skis are the new Dynafit TLT7 Performance and Atomic Backland Carbon Light, both weighing just over 1kg/boot in size 27MP. Both are priced around $900 USD (850 Euro, $1200 CAD).
For those that are ambitious right from the start or can spend more money, you can try jumping straight into the Dynafit DyNA (basically a lighter PDG) or Scarpa Alien 1.0. Then the very top level boots, even more expensive, are the Pierre Gignoux Race 400, Dynafit DNA, La Sportiva Stratos (Cube and Hi-Cube), and Scarpa Alien 3.0.
Pierre Gignoux Race 400 (virtually the same as Dynafit DNA), La Sportiva Stratos Hi-Cube, Scarpa Alien 3.0
Pierre Gignoux Race 400 (Dynafit DNA is vitually the same), La Sportiva Stratos Hi-Cube, Scarpa Alien 3.0

Skis

There are many skimo race skis on the market so I won’t list them all but I will give you a couple of pointers and will mention only those with the best price-to-weight ratio.
The good news is that the “entry level” skimo skis are generally only about 100-150g heavier that the top line yet costing about 20-30% less.
For racing, there is a rule that men’s skis have to be at least 160cm long while women’s can be 10cm shorter. You should be looking for skis weighing less then 900-1000g/ski and not wider than about 68mm (ideally 64-66mm) since all racing skins are manufactured for those widths.
To get you on race skis without paying the top price you should check out Hagan Ascent, Dynafit PDG, Atomic Backland UL 65, Voile WSP, Movement Gold Fish-X, or older models of race skis from these brands that can be still found on sale. You will pay around $600-700 USD ($800-950 CAD, 570-670 Euro)  for all of the above new models.

From the top: Hagan Ascent, Dynafit PDG, Atomic Backland UL 65, Movement Gold Fish-X
From the top: Hagan Ascent, Dynafit PDG, Atomic Backland UL 65, Movement Gold Fish-X
Overall, it’s difficult to recommend specific skis for a specific skier because it depends on your weight, height and style of skiing – aggressive, careful, expert skier, intermediate skier, etc. But in general all of them will ski somewhat similarly – the first couple of times, it will feel like you need to learn to ski again 😉

Bindings

There are three important things when shopping for race bindings (even “entry level”):

  • With few exceptions, all models can be mounted only for one boot size as the heels have no adjust-ability!
  • Don’t mix-and-match toe and heel pieces from two different brands on your race skis. First, it’s race illegal, and second it could pose a safety issue.
  • Buy a model without the auto-lock feature – it’s forbidden by the sport’s rules. This means that when you step into the toe piece it won’t lock itself right into the touring (or locked-out) mode automatically but rather you have to nudge it to that position.

The good news is that all bindings listed will likely last you for many seasons. The only maintenance you will need to perform is changing the heel pins every 2-3 seasons (they are cheap).
Here are the models we recommend: Hagan ZR (optional mounting plates allow heel to move), Plum Race 150, Plum Race 170 (possible to adjust heel for 2-3 different boot sizes!), Dynafit Superlight 2.0, Kreuzspitze SCTT, ATK Race SLR World Cup.

Plum Race 150, Hagan ZR, Dynafit Superlite 2.0
Plum Race 170, Hagan ZR, Dynafit Superlite 2.0
Once shopping, expect to pay around $500-600 USD (470-570 Euro, $650-800 CAD) for the models mentioned above.

Skins

Thankfully, there is not much to contemplate about “entry level” skins. You can just buy any skins that fit your race skis and are preferably made of mohair (or similar fast gliding fiber). The width should be about 3-6mm narrower than the middle of your skis – in general, race skins are pre-cut to 58-62mm and are the same width in their full length.
With that, we recommend buying the skimo race skins: Pomoca Race and Race Pro 2.0 models, Colltext PDG, Dynafit Speedskin, Ski Trab World Cup, Hagan Mohair.
Some race skins can be bought in a roll or as an ready-to-go package with bungee cord tip attachments already in place. The cost for a pair of skins will be around $100-160 USD (90-150 Euro, $130-220 CAD).

Pack

There are many skimo race packs on the market and more-or-less all of them perform quite well but like with boots the fit is important, and that is the crux with almost all packs if you are either smaller or taller than an average male (175-185cm / 5′ 7″ to 6′). The best idea is to try some on first or buy the one that lets you adjust the sizing.
All of last season, we worked with Ultimate Direction to design two race packs that allow for size adjustments and even come in two different sizes – the first skimo packs to ever do this! Both of them borrow some features from their famous running vests that we seamlessly merged with the necessary skimo functionality. Check them out: UD Skimo 8 vest and UD Skimo 18 vest.
For a new skimo racing pack/vest, expect to pay about $100-160 USD (90-150 Euro, $130-220 CAD).

Ultimate Direction vests: Skimo 8 front, Skimo 8 back, Skimo 18 back
Ultimate Direction vests: Skimo 8 front, Skimo 8 back, Skimo 18 back

Helmet

With new regulations coming into effect this season, we recommend buying only helmets that are fully compatible with these new rules – we wrote a whole article about this a couple of weeks ago so there you can find all the right models.
Beyond that, even more than with boots and packs, the fit is very important! And if there is some space for a bandanna/buff to slide inside for those cold days then even better.
skimo-helmets-matchup

Skimo Race Suit & Clothing

novice-skimo-racing-clothingWhile skimo race suits are fine pieces of gear designed for the most efficient skins management and ventilation I don’t think a novice to the sport needs one for their first couple of races. As long as your clothing is well/slim fitting and your jacket has some nice pockets for skins then you will be just fine.
The middle ground between a full-on one piece race suit and just slim fitting touring clothing are some double-piece “suit” options. Perhaps buying just a jacket will give you most of what a one-piece suit can offer.
One-piece skimo racing suits cost around $250-350 USD (240-340 Euro, $340-470 CAD) while the two-piece solutions would come to about the same if you buy both the bottom and the top.

Ski Poles

Just like with the race suit, you don’t need specific skimo race poles for your first couple of events and most of your training. Light ski touring poles will do. In fact, even top racers use pretty much just shorter xc skiing poles as they work quite well.
To figure out the correct length for your ski poles see this article on how to do it – How to choose the right length (and kind) of skimo racing poles for you.
Prices will range from $80 to $180 USD.

Avalanche Gear & Training

Last but not least, let’s take a brief look at the avalanche gear you will need for racing and your training. On top of that, you should also take at least some basic avalanche courses to educate yourself how to use this gear the most effectively as well as to how to avoid avalanches altogether.
Avalanche beacon – choose a 3-antenna beacon from reputable brands like Pieps, Mammut, Backcountry Access, Ortovox. Prices will range from $300 to $500 USD.
Avalanche probe – for racing you only need a 240cm probe but if you are going to buy only one then we recommend 280cm or 320cm length. The extra length is beneficial should you find yourself in a real rescue. Carbon probes are lighter than aluminum but are also more expensive – we leave it up to you to choose. Prices will range from $50 to $150 USD.
Snow shovel – just like with a probe, to meet skimo racing regulations you only need a “kid’s toy” shovel like CAMP Crest but we recommend buying a more robust shovel that is actually usable in a rescue scenario. If you opt for something with a short handle but strong blade of decent size then you will be way more equiped. Prices will range from $50 to $100 USD.

Final thoughts

After reading the whole article it may seem that skimo racing is a super expensive sport but it is possible to be strategic with your spending. You can buy a lot of used gear (don’t do this with avalanche beacon) or using online sales and package deals from specialized shops like Skimo.co or Cripple Creek BC. Also, remember, that lots of this gear will last you for many years and will take you to place no expensive carbon bike can ever do.
If you would like to know more about race gear and even skimo training then check out our Manual For Ski Mountaineering Racing where we discuss specific how-to tricks.

Innovative Ski Mountaineering and Skimo Racing Gear for 2016/2017

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innovative-skimo-gear
Every year, manufacturers release fancy new gear to tantalize us. This is a selection of gear we think is innovative and probably worth having a look at for this season (as well as being actually available).
We’ve got a mix of things for skimo racing, and true ski mountaineering. Have a look as the holidays are getting closer and let us know if we missed anything groundbreaking!
» Besides the below, also check out our new skis introductions from the Outdoor Retailer show last January.

Petzl Leopard LLF Crampon – 330g / pair

» Product link
T01A-LLF-LEOPARD-LLF_LowResThe Petzl Leopard line of crampons shows promise as a new ultra-light option (CAMP RACE 290 is 376g) that still functions well.
Aluminum crampons are a great for skimo races and winter ski mountaineering where one does not expect to encounter ice. CAMP innovated several years before with a dyneema strap linking the front and rear crampon parts but the design had significant play, especially in the toe, making the crampon inadequate on technical terrain and prone to failure.
The Leopard’s cable linking system eliminates play and allows for quick and simple micro-adjustment. The LLF crampon is a traditional step-in for use on boots with a welt while the FL crampon can be used on footwear without welts. We’re excited about the possibilities of using these both for racing, as well as ski mountaineering.

Grivel Skimatic Race Crampon – 408g / pair

» Product link
The Grivel Race Crampon mixes things up with a new step-in system. While it still has a metal linking bar, making it a bit heavier and not fold-able, it uses a rear bail wire with a spring system at the boot toe for retention. This is especially promising for use on boots with a vertical heel throw lever like the Scarpa Alien or Gignoux Race 400.
Probably not as secure for alpine climbing and ski mountaineering adventures but time will tell.

Ultimate Direction Skimo 8 vest – 200g

» Product link
skimo-8-packUltimate Direction is well known for their running hydration vests. In 2015, they decided to try out building a skimo pack that would not only do everything required but also fit well. The 8 Litre World Cup pack is the smallest and designed for individual, vertical and sprint races.
Our SkinTrack team worked extensively with the R&D team at UD on the Skimo 8 and Skimo 18 packs. Having participated in the design process, we can safely say the Skimo 8 is extremely effective, comfortable, and very light! Watch for a more thorough review coming soon.

La Sportiva Stratos Hi-Cube – 900g / pair (size 27)

» Product link
la-sportiva-hi-cube-skimo-bootsIntroduced last year and available for purchase this season. A big of departure from their previous carbon boot line and appearing more similar to the Gignoux models, they are as light as they come and have already accumulated extensive palmares on the feet of Michelle Boscacci and Damiano Lenzi in multiple World Cups and Championships.
You can read more about them in our article from January.

Pomoca Race Pro 2.0 Skins

» Product link at Skimo.co or CrippleCreekBC.com
Although looking almost identical, the 2.0 model has similar traction while climbing but significantly faster gliding. We will definitely try these out as the reports coming from the World Cup are that it’s not just hype.

Fischer Verticalp Ski – 1230g / pair

» Product link
verticalp-skiComing from a nordic ski background where skis are selected and fitted specifically to the athlete based on weight and flex pattern, I’ve always wondered when more specialized flexed skis will come to skimo.
The Fischer Verticalp is a step in this direction with a ski designed specifically for vertical races. It features a straight side-cut, a higher camber for better kick and glide, and is incredibly light.
An adjustable weight system allows you to decide where the balance of the ski is located. Paired with a lightweight binding like the Gignoux, you will be guaranteed to need to tape a few weights to the top sheet in order to meet the ISMF minimum race ski weight requirements! (That is 750g/ski for men and 700g for women, including the binding.)

Aski Race Ski – 1470g / pair

» Product link
A relatively new race ski from Europe, now available in North America, the Aski Stealth is a lightweight option and less stiff than more traditional options.
Maybe not the best option for hard packed on-piste events but we’re looking forward to giving these a try this season to see how they perform in the variable conditions often found in races. They get the nod from Skimo.co owner Jason Borro who has tried out more race skis than anyone in North America!

Black Diamond Ultralight Camalot

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262164_to_262174_Camalot_Ultralight_Fan_webMaybe not hugely innovative but certainly impactful. It’s rare that a piece of gear sees such a dramatic drop in weight but the new Ultralight Camalot from BD weighs 25% lighter than the last generation Camalot, mainly by using a dyneema core in place of metal. We would expect a hit in durability that accompanies any dramatic loss of weight but these are holding up well alongside the rest of my rack so far.

Pieps Micro – 110g

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This is an interesting one but worth putting on the list for the absolutely weight obsessed.
Prior to 2016, the majority of athletes raced with the Pieps Freeride beacon – weighing in at 110g and about the size of a flip-cellphone, it featured a single antenna and very simple operation. It served more as a transmitting safety device than being designed for great search functionality.
For the 2016/17 season, new ISMF rules require a 3-antenna beacon (which most of us have for everyday backcountry use). Pieps has responded to this rule change with a 150g beacon called the Micro.
We suspect that most racers won’t pay the $400 price for the Micro and they will stick with their normal beacon (the full function DSP Pro weighs in at 200g) but for the truly weight obsessed, this is the lightest option.

Petzl Altitude Harness – 160g

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C19A-ALTITUDE_LowResIt’s not the absolute lightest harness in the world but it is close. It is also the most featured race style harness available and only slightly heavier than the CAMP ALP. This looks to be the best option for ski mountaineering where a harness must be worn for glacier travel and even a bit of easy climbing but where weight is top priority. We like the easy access (without having to remove boots/crampons) and the flat webbing design that prevents rubbing under a pack. Put it on and forget about it while you wear it all day.

Video and Thoughts on Risks of Locked Binding Toes

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Our thoughts are based on the talk by a biomechanical engineer Jeff Campbell. You can watch the 25min video further below.
Bio-mechanical engineer Jeff Campbell presents findings from his study. You can watch his 25min talk below.
We are all guilty of locking out our tech toe pieces while skiing downhill. If you are thinking “not me” right now then you are probably lying or you landed on this website by a mistake.
My assumptions are that most skimo racers lock out their toes close to 100% of the time when skiing on race skis (in races and training), and over half of the time when skiing on their bigger/backcountry skis.
Personally, I usually unlock my toes on my bigger skis when conditions are “breakable” (crust, wind slabs…) and when skiing where coverage is thin or trees are tight because the risk of twisting a knee or simply falling are higher. I do the same on my race skis but less often.
One rationale for locking the toes is to prevent losing a ski that is without brakes. Occasionally, I use ski leashes to prevent loosing a ski but not often enough which then gives me a “bad” reason to have my toes locked. My main fall prevention method is skiing at speeds at which I feel in full control – my perception is that I am in control 80-90% of the time.
Some seasons I used ski brakes and after watching the talk below I think that is the best option to prevent loosing a ski while skiing with an unlocked toe.

Locking vs Unlocking while Skinning and Steep Skiing

By now, you have probably noticed I have been only talking about locking/unlocking the toe pieces while skiing downhill and that I haven’t mentioned skinning (tour mode) at all. This is because I don’t know anyone who skins with their toes unlocked even occasionally. However, the video below will point out situations when it would be advisable to do so.
Skiing steep terrain or when conditions are hard/icy are probably the only two situations when I believe locking out the toe is preferable. The risk of premature or unwanted release in such situations outweighs the other risks, in my opinion. Also, when you are skiing something steep or icy then you are skiing carefully anyways, therefore, already minimizing the chance of injuring yourself due to skiing and crashing at high speed.

Lower Leg Injury and Deep Avalanche Burial

Now, that I have pointed fingers (at all of us) and put my thoughts out there, go ahead and watch this highly recommended research talk.
Jeff Campbell – Retention and Release in the Backcountry:

What Are Your Habits and Thoughts ?

Scroll down to the comments section and share your habits and thoughts on this topic. It’s always interesting to learn what other people are doing.

Taking Science to Skimo: Skin Glide Testing

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Photo: TAS-POMOCO
Photo: TAS-POMOCA
Montagnes magazine recently published an article detailing a scientific study sponsored by POMOCA and carried out by the Technologie Zentrum Ski und AlpineSport (TSA) laboratory in Austria. I’ll leave it to you to Google-translate the entire article but here are a couple of the most important points.
The TSA lab used a special device ‘Das Lineare Tribometer’ to measure the friction of the skin gliding on snow. The DLT is a 23 meter long machine with a snow surface that can be temperature controlled and a ski with friction gauges that glide along the surface. The TSA evaluated six race skins on glide, weight, and water absorption. They also measured the friction created by each skin on the snow surface in three temperature conditions (-2 C, -5 C, -20 C).
The CollTex and Pomoca skins scored the best on overall weight and water absorption.

Glide

  • CollTex appears to maintain the best glide in very cold conditions (-20 C).
  • Pomoca Race 2.0 glides best in moderate and warm conditions (-5 C and -2 C).
  • Pomoca Race Pro Climb has high grip with moderate glide and light weight.

 Montages magazine selected the Pomoca Race 2.0 as the ideal compromise.

Friction created by each skin. Photo: TAS-POMOCA
Friction created by each skin.
Photo: TAS-POMOCO

Where to buy your skins

Pick up a pair of Pomoca Race 2.0 at one of our two preffered stores: SKIMO.CO and CrippleCreekBC.com

Helmets Don't Prevent Concussions but Still Useful

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With the news of ISMF rule changes regarding skimo racing helmets (see my article here) I have been looking for more information about how well the helmets work against concussion.
Probably like most of you, I just assumed that they help to prevent concussions on top of preventing scalp fractures, which obviously could be very life threatening. But it turns out I was wrong and helmets don’t really prevent concussions. The truth is that current helmets (skimo, bike, climbing, etc) are not designed or tested for such ability or feature.
By no means, this is not to say wearing a helmet is useless but it is definitely useful to know that if you had concussions before then  the best  for you is to adjust your behaviour (be careful) rather than only rely on a ski or climbing helmet to protect you.

Why helmets don’t prevent concussions

Here, researcher and athlete David Camarillo explains the issues in detail.

Is Your Skimo Helmet Legal for Racing? New ISMF Rule and the EN 12492, EN 1077 and UIAA 106 certifications

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skimo-helmets-matchup
Several weeks ago, we hinted that some new ISMF rule changes will affect the gear skimo athletes will need to use at ISMF sanctioned races starting in the 2016/17 season. Since then one of the most debated topics among athletes revolves around helmets.
Here, we are taking a deeper look at:

  • the new ISMF helmet rule and how it will affect the use of your (and our) current helmets,
  • what the certifications/standards mean,
  • what you should pay attention to in a store,
  • which helmets currently on the market have both of these certifications.

* ISMF stands for International Ski Mountaineering Federation and is the world governing body for skimo racing.

The new ISMF rule and required helmet certifications

For years, ISMF required our skimo racing helmets to meet only the UIAA 106 or EN 12492 standards. Both are basically the same and saying a helmet has been certified for mountaineering.
However, with the beginning of the new racing season our helmets will also require the EN 1077 classB standard – effectively meaning, a helmet has been certified for alpine skiing.
This is the helmet rule to the letter as of last update in early October 2016:

A helmet conforming to:
– UIAA 106 (For season 2016-2017 : UIAA 106 and EN 1077 classB standards)
– or EN 12492 (For season 2016-2017 : or EN 12492 and EN 1077 classB standards).
Helmets must be used (chin-strap has to be fastened) during the whole race (from the start to the finish line). CE/UIAA: Yes.

What do these certifications and standards mean?

In a nutshell, this is the difference between the two certifications/standards:

  • UIAA 106 and EN 12492 standards test and approve helmets mainly for impact from above such as rockfall, hence, the standard was designed for climbing and mountaineering helmets.
  • EN 1077 standard tests and approves helmets for alpine skiing where a lot of impact is happening on collision or when a skier falls. Statistically, in such situations the impact is coming from the sides or the back of the head.
    This standard further divides into class A and class B, which essentially only differentiates the amount of head’s side and back areas covered up by the helmet. Class A helmets cover the head more while class B helmets less, however, both meet the same minimal impact force requirement protection from directions defined in the standard.

Do you really need a new helmet?

The answer is not black and white. First check your old helmet for certification tags to see whether or not it is compliant with both standards. Beyond this:

  • You will need a new helmet if you are planning on racing in World Cups, World Championships or any races that fully comply with ISMF rules.
  • You may not need a new helmet right away for racing in smaller events in the US, Canada and other countries depending whether their federations and organizers follow ISMF rules to the letter or are a bit more “accommodating” for the sake of growing the local skimo scene.

As for US and Canadian races, we received confirmation from both federations that they won’t be enforcing this rule in the current season, and will only start to do so from 2017/18. This is because many of the new helmets won’t even make it to North American market this year.

Buying your new certified skimo racing helmet

When buying your new lid you want to make absolutely sure that it has the above specified double-certification. Check for those little “EN” stickers or tags inside the helmet or on manufacturer’s website as not all store employees will know the correct answer.

Ventilation

We are curious to see how the new helmets will ventilate. While safety is a priority, in skimo we spend majority of time climbing, with the surface of our heads being one of the most important areas through which the body cools. On most ski-rated helmets, vents are conspicuously absent – likely because they are primarily designed for descending, and therefore warmth.
Road cycling also went through this “ventilation” debate but the speeds reached on a bicycle while climbing are much higher than while skinning and the helmets don’t need to meet the mountaineering standard; therefore, cooling is much easier. It will probably take a few years before a happy medium is found and a manufacturer can develop a new skim0-specific design.

Currently compliant helmets on the market under 500g

skimo-helmets-comply-ismfAccording to our own research (mainly based on manufacturers’ websites) here is a list of helmets that comply with the new ISMF rule and are currently on the market.
However,many of these won’t be available in North American stores just yet.
Alpina Snow Tour – 330g
Camp Pulse – around 360g (must be used with winter kit for double certification)
Cebe Trilogy – around 360g
Dynafit Daymaker – 320g
Dynafit DNA – 290g
Dynafit ST – 320g
Kong Kosmos – 390g (also certified for cycling)
Mammut Alpine Rider – 430g
Salewa Vert FSM – 400g
Salomon MTN Lab – 300g – Read our review!
Ski Trab Casco Gara/Race – 280g
Ski Trab Casco Maximo – 280g
Uvex P.8000 Tour – 310g

Non-compliant but popular “ski mountaineering” helmets

Note that some of these helmets might meet the EN 1077 standard for skiing in the future but they first need to be tested for it, thus, as of now they don’t comply:
Black Diamond Vapor
Black Diamond Vector
Camp Speed 2.0
Dynafit Radical
Edelrid Shield Lite
Kong Leef
La Sportiva Mulaz (same as Crazy Idea Crazy NRG)
La Sportiva RSR (same as Crazy Idea Crazy Carbon)
Petzl Scirocco
Petzl Meteor
Ski Trab Attivo (same helmet as Kong Leef)