Salomon has been dabbling in the backcountry ski world for a while now with boots and bindings, but it all seemed more appropriate for sidecountry skiing rather than long tours far from the ski resort. Well, I’m happy to report that after visiting the Salomon booth at the Outdoor Retailer 2014 Winter Market, that’s all about to change.
There were several new skis and boots on display, but what really caught my eye was the Salomon Q BC Lab skis. Picking them up, it was clear they were bred for the backcountry – they were so light! They feature a full sandwich sidewall, full wood core, utility rocker, a skin compatible tail and a honeycomb tip for less swing weight. There’s also cool stuff like a CFX superfiber woven in for reinforcement that makes the skis super damp without adding weight. Also, there is what they call a “G-spot” (snicker) for climbing ease, and a tech transfer pad for maximum edge grip when paired with tech bindings.
Funny, I thought, because Salomon doesn’t make tech bindings… well, that was a big hint for the future. I’m very pleased that Salomon has made a true backcountry ski, and I’m very much looking forward to trying them out when they become available next season.
They’ve also got another new pair of skis for front country called the Salomon Q-Lab. It’s part of a new line that has the guts of their race skis transplanted into rockered, freeride skis. They’re calling it the new one-ski quiver that pulls double duty on the groomer and in deep powder. It features full sandwich sidewalls, full wood core, utility rocker, a double Ti laminate for reinforcement, hook-free taper and a honeycomb tip. Early word is that these skis rip.
Back on the backcountry front, they’ve got the Salomon Quest Pro TR 110. It’s a ski boot that is touring specific with tech inserts, a 24mm oversize pivot, walk soles,. backbone release, full thermoformable liners, and hike & ride technology. Plus they has an impressive 47 degree range of motion in walk mode. I picked up a pair and was surprised at how light they were – a far cry from any other touring-compatible boots Salomon has ever made before.
As for bindings, check out the new Salomon Warden MNC 13. They have Multi Norm Certification which means they are adaptable to all boot sole types, whether they be DIN, WTR or touring. To adapt the bindings to the boots you are using that day, it’s as easy as turning a screw.
Keep an eye out for these and other new ski products from Salomon this fall.