Salomon has been making backcountry ski gear for a few years now, but it’s always been in the heavier sidecountry/freeride arena. Well, this year at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, they’ve unveiled a whole new line of touring gear including skis, poles, skins, and most attention-getting, MTN LAB backcountry boots.
MTN LAB Boots
Salomon athlete and world-record holder of most backcountry-vertical climbed in one season, Greg Hill, helped design the Salomon MTN LAB boot. This boot is the burly version in their new lineup, with a 120 flex rating. It somehow it remains light at 1550 grams in a size 26.5. They feature embedded tech fittings and ISO 9523 soles. They also have an impressive 47-degree range of motion. What’s really cool is their redesign of the walk/ski mode switch. Instead of a vertical flip, the MTN LAB has a horizontal one so you can close the top buckle and go into ski mode with one hand swipe. MSRP: $950.
There will be a lighter version for the weight-conscious, long-distance crowd called the MTN Explore which has an even greater 60-degree ROM. MSRP $850.
MTN LAB Helmet
This new helmet is being called a ski mountaineering helmet, which means it can withstand both a heinous ski crash as well as rock fall. It features EPS 4D construction which they say absorbs 30% more shock then required by industry standards. Plus the thing is super light, weighing in at under 300 grams.
The liner inside is made from Salomon’s AdvancedSkin ActiveDry with Merino Wool. You can remove it for climbing missions, and easily replace it when temps drop or you’re skiing. It also features headlamp holders, custom dial for perfect noggin fit, and comes with a helmet bag. MSRP: $200.
MTN Explore Skis
New skis are on the way from Salomon next fall, like the MTN Explore line. On the left is the Q BC LAB, which came out this year. They say it will return with no changes for the ’15/’16 season, only it will be rebranded as the MTN LAB. The blue and red skis are new, however. The MTN Explore 95 and MTN Explore 88 are narrower, lighter skis for the core backcountry skier. They feature Spaceframe 2.0 design, a 3D core, CFX Superfiber, MTN Rocker, and G-Spot Technology. They say it all works in concert to create a ski that is light, stable, damp, and powerful. The 95 will have an MSRP of $850 and the 88 will come in at $800.
MTN Carbon S3 Poles
Finally, Salomon has made backcountry-specific poles called the Carbon S3. They have a special backcountry grip for side-hilling, an articulated basket for more efficient uphill poling, and carbon upper and lower shafts. The lower shaft is reinforced with Kevlar.
What is really cool is the new auto-release strap system. Basically, the strap comes out of the handle with a simple tug. This way, you can use your straps in the backcountry and not worry about leaving a pole behind when it sticks in that mushy, spring snow, but it will release when needed, like in an avalanche. The tension can be adjusted to your preference. MSRP: $150.
Excited yet? You can see all this and more when it comes out for the 2015/16 ski season.