How to Think about Ski Length
One of the most common questions we get is, “Which length of this ski should I get?” So in this updated GEAR 101 article, we outline the factors that go into answering that question.
Skiing 101
Climbing Skins: A Guide & Comparisons
Climbing skins often receive less attention than skis, boots, & bindings, but the skins you stick to your skis can make or break your days in the backcountry. So in this guide, we go through the qualities to look for in a pair of skins, then directly compare 13 different skins from 5 different brands.
Glossary – Snowsports
Death Cookies? Coral Reef? Chalk? Directional vs. Dynamic Style? There are a whole lot of ways to talk about snow and the different ways to slide down it. Check out our updated Glossary, and let us know what other terms we should include.
Saving Weight in Your Backcountry Ski Setup
Next up in our ‘Saving Weight in Your Backcountry Ski Setup’ series, reviewer Paul Forward discusses where he chooses to cut weight in his backcountry gear, and where he opts to keep a bit of weight for better downhill performance.
A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 2: Flex Patterns (Ep.55)
We’re talking again with Atomic Ski Boots product manager, Matt Manser, about the messy world of ski boot flex ratings; the actual differences between some brands’ 120 and 130 rated boot; how Atomic arrives at their own flex ratings; the next areas of innovation that Atomic is focused on, and more.
A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots — Part 1: Plastics (Ep.54)
Ski boots are made of plastic, and different plastics feel and perform very differently from one another. So we get deep into the details with Atomic Ski Boots product manager, Matt Manser, to help you figure out which plastics are used in your ski boots, and the pros & cons & general performance characteristics of different plastics — which will help you understand why you might like or dislike your current boots, and what you ought to be looking for in your next pair.
Best Skis for Beginners: A Guide
If you are new to skiing — or just haven’t gone in a while — here is our guide to what you ought to look for in a ski, whether you are looking to rent or buy.
Blister Alpine Ski Binding Guide
What’s the best ski binding? Which ones are compatible with your ski boots? There’s a lot of misinformation and confusion about the actual differences between bindings, so we’ve updated this guide to help clarify which ones will work best for you.
Ski Terms (What We Talk about When We Talk about Skiing)
Talking about skiing and snowboarding can sometimes feel like a foreign language. So in this new piece, we’ve clarified a few terms, and we want to know what terms, concepts, or expressions you might be wondering about?
Backcountry Travel & Wilderness Medicine (Ep.62)
What items should you be carrying with you, and what do you need to know before venturing out into the backcountry in the first place? We discuss backcountry travel and wilderness medicine with Blister reviewer, AWLS instructor, and physician Paul Forward.
What does it mean to talk about the “top end” of a ski?
What do we mean when we talk about the “top end” of a ski? Let’s clarify…
Big vs. Small Ski Companies — Who’s Building Better Skis?
When it comes to building the best skis, do the big brands have the edge, or is there an advantage to being the little guy?
Construction Changes in Longer (and Shorter) Skis?
We put this question to a number of ski designers and asked them to weigh in. See what the designers from ON3P, Renoun, K2, and Moment had to say.
How to Handle Backcountry Emergencies (Ep.30)
Accidents happen when you’re far away from help. Do you know how to respond? Too many of us don’t, and that is irresponsible and dangerous. This conversation will drive that point home, and clue you in on some steps we all should take.
Skiing 101: AT Boots & Bindings
Ski touring is increasingly popular, but the expanding range of “AT” boots and bindings and new standards is increasingly confusing. This 101 piece will help you navigate the backcountry landscape.
Base Repair 101
You may have encountered a rock or two by this point in the season, and base repairs are part of the game. Here’s our step-by-step guide to simple base repairs. (We also threw in a short primer on polymer chemistry, you know, just for good measure.)
Skiing 201: How Ski Bindings Work
What’s Elastic Travel? What’s Forward Pressure? What’s a DIN setting? This guide covers these key terms and some differences between traditional tech and alpine bindings.
Outerwear 101: Which Socks & Why?
Time to talk socks. Our reviewers weigh in on what they actually wear on the mountain—and why. Plus, two bits of conventional wisdom when it comes to socks and snowsports.
GEAR 101: What Is Flipcore?
There’s been a lot of hype around Blizzard’s Flipcore technology. Problem is, the ski industry’s been so busy throwing awards at it that nobody’s bothered to explain it. Here’s our crack at it.
Telemark Skiing 101
Free your heel, and your mind will follow. At least, that’s what they tell us. Assuming they’re right, then BLISTER’s Telemark 101 piece will help guide you down the path to enlightenment.