Ever since backcountry skiing has exploded in popularity, ski companies have struggled with finding the most efficient way to build a binding that switches between tour and ski mode in a simple, effective way without compromising downhill performance. Salomon and Atomic have partnered to create the Guardian 16 and Tracker 16 backcountry bindings that will…
Tag: backcountry skiing
Backcountry skiing Rocky Point
Backcountry skiing at Rocky Point should really be called “slackcountry skiing” due to its proximity to Alta. A short traverse north from the top of the Supreme Lift takes you to Catherine’s Area and Rocky Point, where in-bounds skiing can be had when ski patrol drops the rope, and backcountry lines spread out in all…
Look at new ROTAUF MRK5 avalanche marking device
You’ll soon be able to add another avalanche safety device to your arsenal, as new and innovative gear is being invented. Along with the basics like shovel, probe and beacons, we’ve seen innovations like Black Diamond’s Avalung, then air bag packs, and now the ROTAUF MRK5 avalanche marking device. Looking at the ROTAUF MRK5, it’s…
Snowbird hosts 3rd Annual Freeride Avalanche Summit
Due to northern Utah’s pathetic, low snowpack this fall, avalanches aren’t a major concern right now. But the snow will come, and when it does, all that rotten, old snow will be a prime weak layer that will rip out deadly slides. To stay safe in the backcountry, education is key. Before you head out,…
Brooks-Range Isto Soft Shell Jacket review
Simplicity. That’s a key word for a lot of outdoor gear, especially stuff that you want to be light weight. There’s a fine line between gear that is functional, yet simple. Brooks-Range, a company specializing in technical backcountry gear, has recently starting to produce outerwear, and have definitely found the sweet spot with their Isto…
Winter hike to Twin Lakes Pass
Skiing is, for most people, the primary winter sport to do in Utah. But when snowfall is downright bleak, and conditions are less-than-stellar, what is a skier or snowboarder to do? We can’t all sit in our homes, bored, waiting for snow to fall. We still need our outdoor exercise. Well, hiking is still a…
Salomon and Atomic team to create new backcountry ski binding
The big news out of Amer Sports in Ogden is that Salomon and Atomic teamed up to create a new backcountry ski binding. The new bindings, called the Salomon Guardian 16 and Atomic Tracker 16, will be available next year in fall 2012. From the looks of things these bindings will compete directly with Fritschi…
Video: “The Deepest Season”
We here at UtahOutside.com are not professional ski movie makers like Powderwhore Productions, or flat out artistic geniuses like the folks at Sweetgrass. But we do like to whip out the video camera from time to time while traveling and skiing the mountains in Utah’s backcountry. During the record snowfall of the 2010/2011 ski season, we shot a lot…
Powderwhore Productions “Breaking Trail” review
“Breaking Trail” is the new ski flick from Utah’s own Powderwhore Productions. Their modus operandi is to make ski movies featuring backcountry skiing, with a focus on the Wasatch Mountains. This is the reason I like Powderwhore’s work, because they shuck the ski porn stereotypes of heli accessed luxury and urban jibbing tomfoolery, and instead…
Powderwhore Productions to screen “Breaking Trail” at Brewvies
Utah’s own ski movie company, Powderwhore Productions, is going to start the ski stoke of the home crowd with screenings of their new film, “Breaking Trail” at Brewvies. Best of all, the screenings will benefit the Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center. “Breaking Trail” is a diversion for Powderwhore of sorts. Telemarking has always been…