Jonathan Ellsworth
For a long time now, Mark Abma has stood right at the center of big-mountain skiing. So we talk to him about living with JP Auclair, Julien Regnier, and Anthony Boronowski; filming with Shane McConkey, Hugo Harrison, and Ingrid Backstrom; serving as a guide for a new generation of skiers; and the specific fitness, dietary, and health regimen that keeps Mark functioning at a high level on and off the mountain.
Deep Dive: Fischer Ranger 94 FR
We compare the Ranger 94 FR to the Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Fischer Ranger 99Ti, Moment Commander 98, J Skis Masterblaster, Nordica Enforcer 100, Renoun Endurance 98, Armada ARV 96Ti, Rossignol Black Ops 98, Dynastar Menace 98, Liberty Origin 96, 4FRNT MSP 99, Blizzard Rustler 9, Atomic Bent Chetler 100, ON3P Wrenegade 96, and Blizzard Brahma.
James Buehler on Riding the Ribbon, Devil’s Castle (Ep.90)
You may have seen last week some pretty mind-blowing (and terrifying) footage of a snowboarder negotiating the Ribbon on Devil’s Castle at Alta. So we talked to James Buehler about his apparent first descent with Alex Gavic of the Ribbon on a snowboard, and James walks us through the technical aspects of the route; his preparation for the line; the mental and physical demands it imposes; encountering multiple cruxes; the “Ronald McDonald Grin”; and what’s next on his list.
Skiing in Iceland + New Ski Reviews (Ep.49)
Jonathan Ellsworth talks about testing the ON3P Woodsman 108 and Black Crows Navis while heli skiing with Eleven Experience in Iceland, and Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa talk about their time on the Volkl Mantra 102 & Revolt 121, Faction Candide 5.0, and more.
Travis Ganong: U.S. Ski Racer + Backcountry & Big-Mtn Skier (Ep.89)
Travis Ganong might be the most well-rounded skier in the world (just listen to this conversation), and he is certainly one of the most passionate. He’s a Team U.S.A. downhiller and Super G racer, and he is also obsessed with backcountry touring and big-mtn skiing. So we talk about all of it: racing & training; catching the attention of Shane McConkey as a kid; backcountry skiing; and more.
Stevie Kremer Does Things Different (Ep.4)
Stevie Kremer is a world-class runner, but her life sure doesn’t include many of the stereotypes that description might conjure up. So we discuss her unusual training routine; sitcoms & life lessons; how she got into trail running and ski mountaineering; and juggling being a runner, mother, and educator.
Deep Dive: Faction Dictator 4.0
We compare the Dictator 4.0 to the Blizzard Bodacious, Moment Wildcat / Blister Pro, Nordica Enforcer Pro, Line Sick Day 114, Icelantic Nomad 115, Dynastar PR-OTO Factory, ON3P Wrenegade 114, and Rossignol Super 7 RD.
Racing, Rossignol, & Rye Whiskey (Ep.88)
We went to Shoreham, Vermont, to talk with Jason Newell about his transition from ski racing, to working with the Rossignol Group for 25 years, to his latest adventure in a whole new category: whiskey. (Plus a story or two involving duct tape, Candide Thovex, and burning couches.)
Patagonia — “Misunderstood | A Brief History of Hemp in the US”
Hemp has a long, complicated, and evolving history — particularly in the U.S. But with the recent passing of the Farm Bill, hemp now has the potential to make a resurgence, and Patagonia’s new film explains why that’s a very big deal. Check it out here.
Claudio Caluori (Ep.1)
We talk to Bikes & Big Ideas co-host, Claudio Caluori, about the origin story of this podcast; his background in XC & DH racing, how Velosolutions got started, experiments with food & diet; the #pumpforpeace project, and more.
Dierdre Wolownick, The Sharp End of Life (Ep.87)
In some circles, Dierdre Wolownick is best known as Alex Honnold’s mom. But she is also the oldest woman to climb El Cap, an author, teacher, linguist, musician, marathon runner, and someone who continues to push her comfort zone. We talk to Dierdre about her new book The Sharp End of Life: A Mother’s Story; what shaped her philosophy of parenting; how she’s become more courageous with age; and the importance of continuing to push past limits.
Win Travel Apparel from 686
Heading on a trip or just need some apparel for the unpredictable spring weather? Check out this week's Gear Giveaway!
19/20 ON3P Lineup with Scott Andrus (Ep.46)
We talk to ON3P founder, Scott Andrus, about the 19/20 ON3P lineup, building skis for Michael Jordan & Tinker Hatfield, and we break quite a bit of news along the way.
Blister Speaker Series 1.4: Ashley Korenblat (Ep.86)
Ashley Korenblat is the former chair of IMBA, currently owns Western Spirit Cycling and Outerbike, is the founder and managing director of Public Land Solutions, is on the advisory board for the Outdoor Industry Association, and she is a member of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. We talked to Ashley about her trajectory, and about the critical issues surrounding public lands policies and debates that we all need to understand and participate in.
2019-2020 Moment Blister Pro / Wildcat
We've had three reviewers spending a lot of time on two lengths of the current Blister Pro / Wildcat, and you can now check out our full review.
Introducing: Bikes & Big Ideas
We’re pleased to announce our newest addition to the BLISTER Podcast Network: BIKES & BIG IDEAS, hosted by Jonathan Ellsworth and co-hosted by Claudio Caluori. Check out our trailer to learn more about what we’re up to and why.
Ultrarunner, Writer, Coach: Sarah Lavender Smith (Ep.3)
Brendan Leonard & Jonathan Ellsworth talk to ultrarunner, Sarah Lavender Smith, about what inspired her to start running; “mommy guilt;” the importance of being process oriented; running marathons with horses; competitiveness; and how she went from smoking and partying to running ultras.
Deep Dive: Moment Blister Pro / Wildcat
We compare the Blister Pro / Wildcat to the Rossignol Black Ops 118, Dynastar PR-OTO Factory, Prior CBC, Icelantic Nomad 115, Folsom Trophy Carbon, Blizzard Spur, Line Outline, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Nordica Enforcer Pro, Line Sick Day 114, Rossignol Super 7 RD, Rossignol Super 7 HD, and Blizzard Rustler 11.