By the look of Salomon’s booth at the 2016 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, you would think there’s not much new to look forward to next season. That’s because the company is riding a big, successful wave comprised of the excellent MTN LAB skis and boots. But there were a few new nuggets on the show floor, including a women’s flex backcountry boot, and a backcountry/rando-racing ski.
MTN EXPLORE W BOOT
Salomon’s MTN LAB backcountry boot is regarded as among the best new backcountry boots on the market right now. The line also includes the MTN Explore, which has a lower flex. Well next winter women will get to enjoy their own model with the MTN Explore W. It offers the same performance as the men’s version with a 98mm last, Thermo-3D custom liner, 63-degree range-of-motion in walk mode, 90 flex, Pebax upper cuff, and Sensifit Technology.
S-LAB MINIM
Designed by world-class athlete and god of mountain running, Killian Jornet, the Salomon S-LAB Minim is a randonee/backcountry hybrid ski designed to let you run up mountains really fast, but still give you enough power and stability to ski back down in any snow conditions. The ski only comes in one length: 160. It is constructed with a light weight, full length Karuba wood core, but is reinforced with a layer of carbon fiber and flax. Plus, the binding zone is reinforced with a Ti insert and Monocoque. A quick clip skin notch at the tip allows for quick transitions.
MTN CHARGE HELMET
The Salomon MTN Charge helmet is evolved from the award-winning MTN LAB helmet. It will be available in mens and women’s versions in the fall of 2016.