Jonathan Ellsworth
On our last podcast, we told you about a serious ski accident that Blister founder, Jonathan Ellsworth, was fortunate to survive. But the crash itself was only part of the story, and the weeks after the crash have been full of a number of very consequential events, decisions, and lessons, and we discuss them here.
A Nearly Fatal Birthday in the Backcountry (Ep.47)
On July 9, Blister founder, Jonathan Ellsworth, was involved in a near-fatal fall while ski touring on Independence Pass. This is the account of what happened; what can be learned from the incident and our decision-making; and what's next for him.
17/18 Blizzard Spur
The Blizzard Spur has been one of our absolute favorite fat skis. And the new Spur could hardly be more different. So is that a good or a bad thing?
Deep Dive: ON3P Wrenegade 108
We compare the Wrenegade 108 to the Nordica Enforcer 110, Blizzard Cochise, Black Crows Atris, Moment Belafonte, Line Supernatural 108, J Skis The Metal, Head Monster 108, and more...
17/18 Black Crows Daemon
Here are some thoughts on the new Daemon, specifically on how it stacks up to the Volkl Mantra, as well as sizing recommendations.
4FRNT Skis – Matt Sterbenz & Jason Levinthal (Ep.46)
Jason Levinthal just acquired 4FRNT Skis, so we talk to Levinthal and 4FRNT founder, Matt Sterbenz, about the deal; what brought it about; what we can expect going forward; and the state of the ski industry in general.
Tommy Caldwell, Big-Wall Climber (Ep.45)
We talk to one of the most accomplished big-wall climbers of all time about his excellent new book; risk; Alex Honnold's latest free solo; obsessive focus vs. a desire for balance; the future of climbing, and more.
Jim Harris, Perpetual Weekend (Ep.44)
Jim Harris is as passionate about and as involved in the outdoors industry as anyone, but a serious accident threatened to change that. But the real story here is Jim's "crazy" recovery, and the lessons he has learned (and that we would do well to learn from him) about dealing with obstacles, understanding self-identity, and defining self worth.
2017-2018 Faction Prodigy 2.0
New for 17/18, Faction is introducing the "Prodigy" series. We take a look at the series in general, and in particular, the Prodigy 2.0.
17/18 LINE Sick Day 104
The Sick Day 104 feels like a blend of two other LINE skis that we're big fans of...
Alex Honnold’s Free Solo of El Cap (Ep.43)
In this episode, Blister's climbing editor joins us in the attempt to wrap our heads around Honnold’s successful free solo of El Cap, and to debate whether this is the greatest athletic achievement ever.
17/18 Faction Dictator 3.0
I skied the Dictator 3.0 today, all day. It was my first day on the ski, and it was a bit surprising. So figured I'd post my initial impressions.
2018-2019 4FRNT Devastator
Here's our full review of the 184 cm 4FRNT Devastator, with thoughts on length, mount point, stability vs maneuverability, and its suitability as a 1-ski quiver.
Flash Review: Nordica Enforcer Pro (vs Enforcer 110)
We'll be getting a bit more time on the Enforcer Pro for our full review, but here are a bunch of notes and comparisons.
Michelle Parker — Skier, Climber, Biker, “Pretend Band Member” … (Ep.42)
We talk to ridiculously-well-rounded-skier Michelle Parker about joining the Arc'teryx team, her work with S.A.F.E.A.S Clinics, her upcoming trips, gear, mountain lions, and a whole lot more.
Deep Dive: HEAD Kore 117
We compare the Head Kore 117 to the Rossignol Super 7 RD and HD, Salomon QST 118, Nordica Enforcer Pro, Volkl Confession, and more.
18/19 ON3P Billy Goat
We got time on both the 184 and 189 cm Billy Goat at Mt Bachelor, and here are our preliminary thoughts on the latest iteration of this ski.
Sage Cattabriga-Alosa (Ep.41)
We sat down with one of the best big-mountain skiers of all time to talk about kids, intuition, preparing for big lines, and a whole lot more.
Trip Report: Mt Bachelor
While we’re finishing up our reviews from Mt Bachelor, check out our photo gallery of where we were skiing and what we were up to
New Ski Reviews from Mt Bachelor (Ep.40)
Blister reviewers talk about some of the most surprising skis we reviewed at Mt Bachelor, then discuss what our 1-ski and 2-ski quiver picks would be for Mt Bachelor.
So here are our very fresh thoughts on a number of very high-profile skis.