February 2013 archive

March 2013 Races & Festivals

Bunch o’ stuff comin’ up in the next two weekends for the free heel faithful (including those w/training heels 😉 ). 3rd Annual Tahoe Backcountry Festival Third annual? This is the first I’ve ever heard of this one. After looking at the write up in the Tahoe Daily Tribune it all becomes clear. It used …

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How much snow is enough?

How much is enough? Does it have to be blower deep to marshal the motivation to get out? If it does, then there are a lot of great days that I’d be missing. Without a doubt, pow is the best, but it doesn’t last, even when you know how to farm it like a good …

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Review: TNF’s Patrol 24 ABS pack

  Without a doubt the addition of The North Face as a maker of airbag packs will prove beneficial to the entire mountain community just by virtue of them establishing a distribution network of ABS canisters. Thankfully, they go further than that by tacking on their idea of what makes an ideal ski pack. Patrol …

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Yup, another Nachtspektakel

What’s with all these Nachtspektakels? I can’t speak for everyone else but having been to the first two in the Tahoe area I can testify they have the same vibe as a tele-fest with a sense of accomplishment and hunger that follows a rando race, without the longevity or commitment of either. You can do …

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1st Look: Exped’s Downmat Lite 5 – budget luxury

  Some of you may have read my review of the Exped Downmat UL7 with some interest, then dismissed it because it is simply too expensive. While it may be more expensive than many competitive products, the old adage that “you get what you pay for” comes to mind. Quality is rarely cheap, but usually …

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AT Boot Review: Tecnica’s Cochise

  Tecnica’s Cochise, not just a model but a complete line of AT boots, has built a solid following among skiers looking for the ultimate go anywhere boot. It is powerful enough to deliver control while hammering through mogul fields, but has enough cuff mobility to keep you smiling while earning your turns. With the …

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ATK’s Newmark – lightest tele tech binding

Europeans have not been sitting on their laurels lately. The latest evidence comes from ATK, an Italian manufacturer of race caliber tech binding. In spite of the apparent lack of interest in telemark skiing by retailers, interest continues by the practicing faithful as well as manufacturers dreaming of a better way. The latest variation comes …

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