Jonathan Ellsworth, Author at BLISTER

On our latest GEAR:30 podcast, Folsom Custom Skis co-founder and principal design engineer, Mike McCabe talks with Jonathan about skis built for the deepest of days, the ones we all dream about — and the kind that Mike and Jonathan were fortunate enough to ski recently in Alaska. And if you’ve ever heard someone say, “All skis are great in pow,” well, they’re here to blow up that notion. So what design elements work best in deep snow? What about low-angle terrain vs. steeper terrain? How wide is too wide? Is a softer flex pattern better? They discuss all of this and more.

Powder Ski Design w/ Folsom’s Mike McCabe (Ep.243)

May 1, 2023April 28, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Today Mike McCabe and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about the design elements of skis built for the deepest of days, and their recent trip to Alaska.

How are we advancing the state of ski testing? At Blister Summit 2023, we brought together Jeni Blacklock, Sean Humbert, Leo Beuken, and Travis Hainsworth to discuss what we’ve been working on and why it matters, and we announce our latest initiative that we’ll be rolling out soon: Blister Community Reviews.

Blister Labs: the Evolution of Outdoor Gear Testing | Blister Summit 2023 Video

April 26, 2023April 26, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

How are we advancing the state of ski testing? At Blister Summit 2023, we brought together Jeni Blacklock, Sean Humbert, Leo Beuken, and Travis Hainsworth to discuss what we’ve been working on and why it matters, and we announce our latest initiative that we’ll be rolling out soon: Blister Community Reviews.

Story Time with Hoji, Rory Bushfield, McKenna Peterson, & Forrest Shearer (Ep.257)

April 24, 2023April 24, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

In this hilarious conversation, Jonathan asks Hoji, Rory, McKenna, and Forrest about their favorite lines, closest calls, and craziest stories from their years of professional skiing & snowboarding.

At Blister Summit 2023, we brought together Eric ‘Hoji’ Hjorleifson (Dynafit), Lars Chickering-Ayers (CAST Touring), and Giray Dadali (Daymaker Touring) for an extremely interesting and wide-ranging discussion on the past, present, and future of ski bindings. We get their thoughts on “acceptable use” for certain bindings & how that varies between individuals; the “Age of Confusion” surrounding different binding designs; being “handcuffed by standards” and thinking about the binding / boot / ski interface as a whole; what we should (or hope to) expect from bindings in the future, and much, much more.

Ski Binding Design: Past, Present, & Future | Blister Summit 2023 Video

April 25, 2023April 19, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

At Blister Summit 2023, we brought together Eric ‘Hoji’ Hjorleifson (Dynafit), Lars Chickering-Ayers (CAST Touring), and Giray Dadali (Daymaker Touring) for an extremely interesting and wide-ranging discussion on the past, present, and future of ski bindings.

This past Saturday, Jonathan had a phenomenal day in the mountains with Chugach Powder Guides, and our helicopter pilot, Tori Palmer. So in our latest Blister Podcast, he talks with Tori to get her pilot’s perspective on the day; her path to becoming a heli pilot and the training that’s involved; mentoring women who want to become a pilot; what you should - and should not - do as a passenger in a heli; and more.

Tori Palmer, Helicopter Pilot (Ep.256)

April 17, 2023April 17, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Jonathan talks with Chugach Powder Guides helicopter pilot, Tori Palmer, to get her pilot’s perspective on their day in the mountains; her path to becoming a heli pilot and the training that’s involved; what you should - and should not - do as a passenger in a heli; and more.

On Blister's GEAR:30 podcast, Jonathan Ellsworth & Paul Forward discuss some of the skis (from Folsom, DPS, Heritage Labs, & K2) they've been skiing at Chugach Powder Guides in Girdwood, Alaska

Powder Skis in AK with Paul & Jonathan (Ep.241)

April 14, 2023April 14, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Jonathan is currently in AK with Paul Forward, Chugach Powder Guides, and a great crew. So he & Paul talk about the skis they’ve been getting time on (from Heritage Lab, Folsom, DPS, K2); some new skis we’d like to see; crème brûlée crust; and the new Lange Shadow boot.

Blister Summit 2024 | Mt. Crested Butte Ski Demo Event Dates, Details, & Registration

Blister Summit 2024: What, When, & How to Join

January 22, 2024April 12, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

We're very excited to be bringing back the Blister Summit bigger and better for its fourth year — register now to reserve your spot at one of the best events of the winter!

Tea: Origins, Trends, & State of the Union (Ep.23)

April 12, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Jonathan talks to Jing Tea founder, Ed Eisler, about the origins, production, and culture of tea; “Duckshit” tea; what goes into making an exceptional cup of tea; the pros and cons of coffee vs tea; and more.

Pete Willauer: The One with the Knife

April 12, 2023April 12, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

In our latest Open Mic, Pete Willauer talks about his Uncle John, mentorship, and responsibility to the people we love.

At Blister Summit 2023, we brought together Nina Waters (Blizzard-Tecnica), Dr. Len Necefer (Natives Outdoors & Sonoran Avalanche Center), Dan Abrams (Flylow), & Hanna Whirty (Icelantic) to cover a broad range of topics regarding the future of the snowsports industry. They discuss how they think about expanding the snowsports community and the resulting benefits; the role of crowding and potential solutions; how DE&I, Advocacy, & Climate Change are all linked, and more.

The Future of Snowsports(?) | Blister Summit 2023 Panel Video

April 10, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

At Blister Summit 2023, we brought together Nina Waters (Blizzard-Tecnica), Dr. Len Necefer (Natives Outdoors & Sonoran Avalanche Center), Dan Abrams (Flylow), & Hanna Whirty (Icelantic) to cover a broad range of topics regarding the future of the snowsports industry. They discuss how they think about expanding the snowsports community and the resulting benefits; the role of crowding and potential solutions; how DE&I, Advocacy, & Climate Change are all linked, and more.

Angel Collinson, who shares some of her thoughts on purpose, mindfulness, and leaning into 100% of life, not just the peak experiences.

Deep Dives with Angel (April 2023) (Ep.255)

April 10, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Angel Collinson and Jonathan discuss her life since retiring from professional skiing, our Blister Open Mic series, and her recent piece, “How to Not Burn Out.” Then Angel answers your questions about finding peace; marriage & kids; and whether she thinks she’ll ever ski again.

The Good Old Days

September 5, 2023April 9, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

In our latest Open Mic piece, our editor-in-chief reflects on closing days, the good old days, and more.

The Past, Present, & Future of Ski Manufacturing | Blister Summit 2023 Video

April 7, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

We brought together ski designers and manufacturers from DPS, Folsom, Majesty, and Meier to get their take on the current state of ski design; why wood has remained the go-to choice for ski cores; what we should expect from ski cores in the future; how to identify a properly constructed and “finished” ski, and more.

Jonathan’s Gear for AK, Luke’s Latest Crash, & More (Ep.240)

April 7, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Jonathan and Luke talk about closing day at CBMR; the gear JE is bringing to AK; liners; the Rossi Sender Free 110, Armada Declivity 102 Ti, Volkl Revolt 114, Luke’s new stitches, & more.

Beer Collabs: A Love Story (Ep.22)

April 5, 2023April 5, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Why are there so many collabs in the craft beer world? We talk to Offset Bier co-founder, Conor Brown, and New Image Brewing founder, Brandon Capps, for answers, and also about the new collabs they’ve just released; “New World” or “West Coast” pilsners; snooty bike shops; skiing pow; barley wine; & more.

Dynafit’s Brand-New Freeride Collection | Blister Summit 2023 Brand Lineup

April 5, 2023April 3, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

We sat down with Ross Herr from Dynafit to discuss their new Tigard 130 and Tigard 110 boots; how they compare to Dynafit’s Radical & Hoji Free boots; the origins and design of the Tigard 114 ski; how it slots into the rest of Dynafit’s ski lineup, and more

Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (March 2023) (Ep.254)

April 3, 2023April 3, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Cody and Jonathan discuss the Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial; Yakama Nation & hydro-electric energy development; the proposal to ban fixed bolts in wilderness areas; wieners in the wild; the most Canadian news; mountain town advice; and more.

On Blister's GEAR:30 podcast, We talk with Blizzard’s Christian Avery about the overhauled Rustler & Sheeva skis; where their Hustle line of skis slots into the mix; and why nobody should be sleeping on the Cochise.

Diving into Blizzard’s 23/24 Ski Lineup (Ep.239)

March 31, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

We talk with Blizzard’s Christian Avery about the overhauled Rustler & Sheeva skis; where their Hustle line of skis slots into the mix; and why nobody should be sleeping on the Cochise.

We talk with Hoji (Eric Hjorleifson), McKenna Peterson, Forrest Shearer, and Rory Bushfield about some of the highlights, lowlights, and craziest stories from their careers as pro skiers and snowboarders. This is a hilarious and not-to-be-missed conversation, so kick back and enjoy!

Pro Skiers & Snowboarders: Stories from the Field | Blister Summit 2023 Panel Session

March 31, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

We talk with Hoji (Eric Hjorleifson), McKenna Peterson, Forrest Shearer, and Rory Bushfield about some of the highlights, lowlights, and craziest stories from their careers as pro skiers and snowboarders. This is a hilarious and *not-to-be-missed* conversation, so kick back and enjoy!