Jonathan Ellsworth
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.
Arc’teryx Micon pant
The Arc'teryx Micon pant has a perfect freeride cut, offers complete waterproof protection, and is at home in a ridiculously broad range of temperatures.
2nd Look: 2011-2012 Rossignol Scimitar
Here's another look at the Rossignol Scimitar, with direct comparisons to the Rossignol S3 and Rossignol Experience 98. The Upshot? We're more convinced than ever that the Scimitar is one of the best values in the entire ski industry.
Taos: Best Day of the Year?
This season at Taos, it seems like we've been asking every couple of weeks, "Is THIS the best day of the year?" Earlier this week, we were asking it again.
Trip Report: Alta + 35″
Three feet in two days, and the skiing at Alta is unreal right now. Spring may have officially begun, but winter doesn't want to let go.
2021-2022 Praxis Protest
Question: What ski is among the absolute best in its class, yet far too few skiers know about it?
Answer: The Praxis Protest. It's a big ski that deserves to have a much, MUCH bigger following.
Blister: Niseko, Japan
Niseko is a gigantic, beautiful playground of trees, pillows, and deep, light snow.
2012-2013 Black Diamond Gigawatt
Since it STILL hasn't stopped snowing here in Niseko, we're glad we've had the Gigawatt with us. It's exceptional in deep, open spaces; very good in deep, tight trees; outstanding in soft chop; and excellent (for its size) on groomers. But the biggest question might be: Gigawatt, or Megawatt?
Trip Report: Niseko – The Arrival
Literally, from the very first run, Niseko has lived up to its reputation.