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Mmmm…Gear…
By John Ouellette
Winter is almost here, the snow’s flying and the shoulder season will soon be a distant, painful memory. We’ve all spent the last couple months waiting for the white stuff to be deep enough to be useful. Admit it, you’re on the couch envisioning how rad you’ll look dipping into a sweet tele turn or shoving off on brand new skate skis at the Nordic Centre. The time is at hand my friends. And here’s a selection of gear to help you make the most of the next few frosty months.
Movement Source Ski
Imagine, a quiver of skis consisting of a single pair—the ski for all snow conditions—the Movement Source is that ski. I was lucky enough to test the new Movement Source at Fernie, Revelstoke, and here in the Rockies last season. I know, life is hard. This is a new concept, a ski with a fat, early-rise shovel for high float in powder and crud, yet enough side-cut and edge-to-edge quickness for the groomers and hard pack. I can’t believe how versatile and fun these skis are—they love speed and big turns on the corduroy, yet respond super quick in the deep stuff caught between Kootenay trees. Crazy-smooth flex from tip to tail, the Sources have a huge sweet spot and the all-wood core is certified sustainable and provides tons of energy and life. I haven’t been this excited about a new ski in years. I’m counting down the days till the ski hills open.
Dimensions: 135-94-121 millimetres. Ski is available in 169, 177, 185, and 193 centimetres. Weight: 1,760 grams per 177 centimetre ski.
www.movementskis.com
Fritschi Diamir Eagle
New for 2009/10, Diamir’s latest touring binding is built on their original Titanal design. The Eagle design is all about safety as it releases to DIN standards in all modes of skiing and touring. As with all Diamirs, the Eagle works with regular downhill and backcountry ski boots. So mount ‘em up on your favourite mid-fat or fat ski and rip on them at the hill and in the backcountry. What makes the Eagle so special is the new Diamir Gliding Technology and natural roll-off that’s moved the pivot point back 23 millimetres. This means touring is much more ergonomic and less exertion is required to pick your foot up for the next step. The Eagles are the lightest, easiest-climbing, fully-releasable touring bindings going. You’ve got to try them and feel the difference in effort, because on the up-track we need all the help we can get.
Weight: 1,720 grams per pair with ski brakes.
www.diamir.com
IO Bio Merino LS Contact Zip
Everybody is talking about merino wool clothing. Gone are the days when synthetic was king for winter sports—and the stink that went with it. I wore the same Long Sleeve Contact Zip for eight days straight on a spring ski traverse and didn’t get one stench complaint from my partner in our two-man single-wall tent. I/O Bio’s Merino is the softest merino I’ve ever used; I loved the tall neck and longer cut of this piece as well as the thumb loops. The LS Contact Zip is warm, stretchy and super breathable, yet I wasn’t cold when I stopped moving. The I/O plaid print is fun too—much better than plain old black base layers. And through Ride Wool: Ride Free, every piece of I/O Bio comes with a Red Mountain lift ticket this year—it’s like your merino is telling you to head for the hills.
Men’s: available in black, slate, shag green, midnight, and I/O plaid. Women’s: available in black, dark chocolate, true blue, and I/O grid.
www.io-bio.com
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