Crankworx: Day 7, Ultimate Pump Track Challenge
The Ultimate Pump Track Challenge at Cranworx Thursday night saw a field of 32 finalists race back-to-back down a 20-second course of berms, doubles, and gaps—without making a single pedal stroke.
Jonathan Ellsworth
Crankworx: Day 6, Air DH
The Air Downhill is at the heart of Crankworx. Four hundred racers individually take to A-Line, one of Whistler Bike Park's most iconic runs, for 1,200 vertical feet of speed, berms, and jumps. Each rider gets one timed run, winner take all.
Crankworx: Day 5, Whip-Off World Championships
The Whip-Off World Championships at Crankworx seeks to answer one question: Who's got the best style?
South American Ski Selections: Praxis MVP
There are pro models and then there are Pro Models. The Praxis MVP is Kevin O'Meara's, and we are taking to Las Leñas the pair that Kevin literally built for himself to compete on this season. Not many skis out there appear to offer the MVP's level of playfulness, stability, and versatility.
Crankworx: Day 3, Garbanzo DH
Rounding out the events this weekend at Crankworx was Sunday's Garbanzo DH, a 7-kilometer, 3400-foot descent through some of the gnarliest terrain of the Whistler Bike Park. Masochists, right this way.
Crankworx: Day 2, Dual Speed & Style
The Dual Speed and Style event debuted Saturday at Crankworx, pitting an invitational field of Dual Slalom riders and slopestyle superstars against each other head-to-head and side-by-side down tricked-out Dual Tracks.
Crankworx: Day 2, Canadian Open Enduro
Day two of Crankworx featured the Canadian Open Enduro, a rally-style mash-up of DH and XC riding.
Crankworx: Day 1, Fat Tire Crit
Crankworx 2012 got off to a fast start, with big crowds, the Fat Tire Criterium, and an Arkells concert.
South American Ski Selections: Fischer Big Stix 110
If you're surprised to see that we're taking Fischer to Las Leñas, then you need to read this. (And if you're not surprised, then you probably already know what we are just beginning to figure out.)
South American Ski Selections: K2 Pettitor
So why are we taking the K2 Pettitor to Las Leñas? Because it's Sean Pettit's first pro model, that's why. Plus, six months ago in Japan, Sean very politely asked us to review the Pettitor, and we've kept him waiting. Read on for the full story.
BLISTER. Las Leñas. Again. This time, we're taking down more flagship skis, more brand new gear, and more reviewers to the most spectacular terrain in South America.
BLISTER Survey Winner Announcement (and a pretty great story)
Sometimes, random results are also beautiful results.
Japanese Convenience Store Sake
Alright, you asked for it. Here are the remnants of our Sake Review-Gone-Wrong. We promise: so long as you've never, EVER read a sake review, this will be the smartest one you'll ever have read.
1-Ski Quiver: Reviewers’ Choices (13/14)
One ski, for every day on the mountain, any and all conditions. This is the Holy Grail of the ski industry, and we're going to let you know which skis in our view come closest to the ideal of the one-ski quiver.
Eider Niseko Jacket
If you're going to test the Niseko jacket from Eider, you might as well test it in the place it was named after. And throughout a huge storm cycle in Japan, the Niseko Jacket proved to be an incredibly well-thought out and well-constructed jacket, ideal for cold temps and seriously deep days.
El Sabroso Salsitas Spicy Salsa Chips
In our 1st BLISTER Random Review, El Sabroso Salsitas Spicy Salsa Chips proved to be incredibly good, alarmingly addictive, and absolutely terrible with coffee.
2015-2016 Nordica Helldorado
The Nordica Helldorado—like the Nordica Patron—is an excellent ski in consistent conditions. Issues arose for us, however, the more variable things got. Find out if these skis sound like a good fit for you.
Alta – Parting Shots
As Alta's season came to a close, it was difficult to say which was better: the parties, or the skiing. Take a look if you like skiing muppets, kangaroos in capes, and good snow under incredible bluebird skies.
2013-2014 MOMENT Belafonte, 187cm
For those of you who worried that a 182cm Belafonte sounded too short, but a 192cm Belafonte sounded like too much, well, we've got some very good news for you.
2nd Look: 2012-2013 Rossignol Squad 7
Here's another look at the excellent Rossignol Squad 7 with comparisons to the Rossi S7, Super 7, Moment Bibby Pro, and the ON3P Billy Goat.