While we wait for the mountains to build up a base of snow, we in the meantime continue to do our snow dances in support, as well as check our gear and make our Christmas lists in earnest.
Every fall I start to get looped in to texts about the local ski swap mentoring, craigslist finds, potential group snowmobile purchases, and local ski shop deals. (My wife who edits this disagrees this only happens “every fall” and would say it’s an “all the time” scenario)
The search to get the gear for making you safer, faster, lighter, warmer, or more rad is serious business and can be overwhelming at times for those enamored by the newest and coolest, or those just starting out… if you are in the midst of “the gear check” I have some items for you to chew on below.
BC SKI LINKS ROUND UP!
BC SKIING… SNOW PONIES TO ADVENTURE!
Before we dive right into the usual BC gear beta explore, check out this trailer of these young bucks. Not many of their turns are earned but there is so much energy and stoke from this young ripping, rowdy, and independent ski crew Strictly. Maybe clips like this make you wonder if a sled is a piece of gear you need?
EMERGENCY COMM DEVICES
What happens when you hit the button on your PLB, In-reach mini, or SPOT? This video gives you a behind the scenes look at how Townsend and Bjarne chose to do neither in their specific situation and instead opted to get cell phone service ASAP. I actually read this article first and have my wheels turning about what is best for different scenarios. Good stuff.
TO DRONE OR NOT TO DRONE?
TGR made an interesting post about bringing drones on your next adventure, which seems to build on the rescue scenario from the video above. If you’ve wondered about drone skiing check out this youtube about drones for beginners? Have you ever brought a drone skiing?
EENIE, MEENIE, MINY MOE – TECH BINDINGS CONNECT FROM YOUR TOE
The godfather BC ski websites has dropped a great review on tech bindings that is incredibly informational. Give it a read here. The question I still have is about the release/din factor. Here the godfather again tries to address it from 2014, but I still would like more on the subject.
WHAT DO YOU STRAP TO YOUR BACK WHEN TOURING?
Airbags get a lot of press, and I pulled the trigger on one two seasons back, but then you come across folks thinking outside the box and blending light weight ski-mo pack designs with some functional all day touring models which leaves one questioning. This number would sure fit the bill… http://www.skintrack.com/gear-tech/skimo-20-pack-ultimate-direction/
WILL WE BUY GEAR IN THE FUTURE, OR JUST RENT?
What does the future hold for you? https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/13/travel/camping-gear-rentals.html
Well gear is gear. Make sure it serves you and don’t serve your gear. Make sure it gets good and used this season. Repair it when you can, use it to keep you safe, keep it in good working order, and remember their are “tools, not jewels”.
Much love BC Ski Friends!
-Landon
UPDATE: Regluing the skins was a success, and the rare September snow from my last post delivered legit pow turns! Big thanks to the BC Ski Friends (Tanner, Mike, and Brandon) who answered the call and rendezvoused for a dawn patrol ski tour, and for the local paper (Eli) for writing up this awesome kick off to the season! Article here.
**Don’t forget those in the INW that we have the IPAC fundraiser this Thursday at the Garland!**