September 2013 archive

Overview of Avalanche Airbag Systems

  Airbag packs have become a commodity. Not because they are everywhere, but because so many different pack makers are offering one. Which means that, once you decide you need one of these, there is bound to be one that one will strike your fancy simply as a pack, regardless of the type of airbag …

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Early season dustings spark speculations

  Now that the west has felt the cold sting of snow on the ground, speculations are running rampant on what sort of season Old Man Winter has in store for us. The Council of Squirrels in Truckee is in a no hurries, no worries mood which doesn’t bode well for Tahoe skiers. Here’s some …

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Schaffner advised K2 on Pinnacle boot

  (Editor’s Note: It was just over a year ago that I went to the front lines to sell skis and boots at the retail level. A big part of the lure was the opportunity to learn some boot fitting tricks from Jim Schaffner. A fringe benefit was getting to meet and help so many …

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Review: BD Dawn Patrol Pants

  When Black Diamond announced they were going all in on clothing, I was fairly confident they would do a good job with respect to functionality first without ignoring fashion. Of the few pieces I’ve worn and used so far, they hit the nail squarely on the head. Keep in mind it isn’t like I …

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1st Look: Ambition – Tyrolia’s lightest AT binding

  After touring with Tyrolia’s beefy AT binding, the Adrenaline I was impressed with how simple and easy the mode switch was to operate; on par with the original BAT binding, Fritschi-Diamir’s Freeride. No need to step out of the binding to switch modes, a nice feature between downhill pitches where you don’t need to …

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June Mountain Schedules Reopening

  June Lake, CA – June Mountain officials announced on Wednesday that winter operations will resume on Dec. 14, setting an opening day for the Eastern Sierra ski and snowboard resort, following its one-year closure. New for this year, June will offer free skiing and riding for children 12 and under, every day, all season …

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Review: Energizer Ultimate headlamp

  There is no question that Energizer’s new Ultimate headlamp does an excellent job of illuminating what’s in front of you. Backcountry snobs might turn up their nose at the spot style, circular pattern. Most headlamps have very diffuse edges to their pattern, so Energizer’s circular pattern calls attention to itself, reminding one of classic …

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