Reviewers’ Rides, Part 1
When BLISTER reviewers aren't out testing some frame or fork or wheelset, how have they built up their own rides, and why? First up, Marshal Olson.
Features
GALLERY: Winter’s Coming
It's getting cold, so get in shape and get ready. Here's a gallery of some highlights from Alta, Taos, and Niseko this past ski season to help motivate.
Las Leñas 2012 – Week 2
You don’t have to ski or board to be taken aback by the sheer magnitude and beauty of Las Leñas Ski Resort. But if you are a skier or boarder, this is a pilgrimage you simply have to make.
Video: BLISTER, Las Leñas
Some lines from our first week at Las Leñas, set to 'Signal the Captain,' by Of Porcelain.
Las Leñas 2012 – Week 1
Our first week at Las Leñas Ski Resort included some fresh snow, some big lines, and a whole lot of amazing scenery.
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 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: Dynastar Cham 107
With the camber profile of an all-mountain carver and the 5-dimension shape of a more dedicated powder ski, the Dynastar Cham 107 is a unique hybrid design that aspires to offer the best of both worlds.
South American Ski Selections: Fischer Watea 106
Hate tail rocker? The 190cm Watea 106 looks like a serious ski for experts who want a flat, traditional tail and versatile 106mm waist-width.
Whistler Crankworx 2012
Eight days of sick riding are set to to go down at Whistler Crankworx 2012, and we're there to capture the highlights.
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.
South American Ski Selections: Atomic Ritual
Promising good edge grip on hard snow, strong rebound through carved turns, and an impressive speed limit, the Atomic Ritual has the potential to be a big-mountain gun that might still be suitable for any given day of riding. We can't wait to find out.
South American Ski Selections: Salomon Rocker 2, 108
A narrower version of the original Rocker 2,122, the Rocker 2 108 looks like a great backcountry jib tool and a versatile all-mountain ski (especially for the West).
South American Ski Selections: Nordica Soul Rider
The Soul Rider looks like a promising ski for those hunting for a do-it-all twin-tip. It's been around for a season, but we think it's got a shot to end up among our one-ski quiver selections.
Our Selections: Salomon Guardian / Atomic Tracker AT binding
Over the past three years, Salomon and Atomic have collaborated with their athletes to develop a new 16 DIN AT freeride binding that looks to set a new standard for uphill functionality and downhill performance.
South American Ski Selections: DPS Wailer 112 RPC
DPS has made a “charger edition” of their Wailer 112RP. The new 112RPC is supposed to be a damper, burlier 112, made to rip bigger, more agressive lines. Their “S.S.” technology has also been tweaked, purportedly resulting in an “entirely new feel.” We’re all sorts of curious on all sorts of levels.
Our South American Ski Selections
DPS has made a “charger edition” of their Wailer 112RP. The new 112RPC is supposed to be a damper, burlier 112, made to rip bigger, more agressive lines. Their “S.S.” technology has also been tweaked, purportedly resulting in an “entirely new feel.” We’re all sorts of curious on all sorts of levels. You can see it and our other selections here.
South American Ski Selections: Down Skis Countdown 3
So far, we've listed two skis from two of the biggest ski manufacturers in the world. Now we'd like to introduce you to one of the smallest: Down Skis and their Countdown 3.
South American Ski Selections: Kästle XX110 West
Next up: the Kästle West XX110. Kästle goes new school with the West, and so far, they appear to be doing it proper. Very proper.