News Alert! - Just wanted to mention, my first newspaper publication for the 2016-17 ski season was in Canada's Globe and Mail today! You can read my article on the Euro bonuses of Vail Resorts' Epic Pass here: http://www. theglobeandmail.com/life/ travel/vails-epic-pass-offers- several-grand-european-ski- adventures/article32885130/. Deadline to buy is Nov 20!!
Lake Louise - Photo by Dan Evans, courtesy of SkiBig3 |
Today's article explains why many of us will delight in the latest lighter weight skis! But I also have to mention that the lovely, legendary Lake Louise opens tomorrow! Although I'll miss the actual opening, I'll be skiing there in a few weeks time, during a whole month traveling around the Alberta and BC resorts. And my son, Fergus Hudson will be there on Saturday and Sunday, notching up his first few days on his student season pass!
Deer Valley's Rossignol Demo Yurt - Photo by Blake Jorgensen |
The invention of
the wider ski helped open up the backcountry to more skiers but with extra
width and more materials, skis naturally got heavier. According to Nick
Castagnoli, Brand and Communications Manager for Rossignol North America,
the goal has been to produce light weight skis on wider platforms while avoiding any detriment to performance. “A World Cup race ski is
built as precisely as possible, stable, downhill driven with heavier wood cores
and thick core density,” says Nick. The challenge is to maintain this kind of precision
in a light weight construction.
Years of research
and experimentation with a variety of materials have come to fruition this
season with skis that can pivot and manoeuvre more easily in snow. “There is a feeling of instinctive agility and ease of use,” Nick describes. “Our newest proprietary technology: Carbon Alloy
Matrix, utilizes a unique carbon and basalt open weave that results in metal laminate-like stability while remaining incredibly lightweight. We ultimately integrate these
materials in a way that elevates the best attributes of each, while removing
some of the other more negative attributes. Carbon has an incredible strength-to-weight
ratio but can often generate reverb, and create a 'tingy' on-snow sensation
underfoot. Meanwhile basalt can often overpower a ski when used alone. Merging
these materials together in the way we have brings out the best benefits of
both.”
The reduction in weight can be between 10-25%, depending on model. Coupled with extra
lightweight integrated bindings, such as the LOOK Xpress, this makes a big
difference. “Weight is just as important
for a beginner skier as those diving off into the backcountry,” explains Nick.
“The easier and less fatiguing we can make learning to ski, the better. Newer
models enable you to more easily pivot
and manoeuvre, building up confidence and
allowing you to have more fun, and this is ultimately what promotes faster progression.”
Maintaining the
advantages of wider waist, side-cuts and rocker profiles, these are not just
boy-racer skis, but suitable for every demographic - especially those who crave
the softer, deeper snow of the West. And the good news is you don’t have to
change up your boots so long as the bindings fit. Nick’s advice for the perfect
boot: “The most important thing is working with a good boot-fitter to find the
best balance of comfort and performance. Your boot is your steering wheel on the
mountain and the link between your body and your skis.” He says it is essential
that ski boots are comfortable, snug, and warm so you can stay out all day long
and keep skiing.
- Rent them on your next ski
holiday with door-to-door delivery service, Ski Butlers.
Unique Rossi Skis:
And if you want to get one step further and get limited edition Rossis, check out the deal for guests at the Waldorf Astoria Park City. Only they can buy the Rossignol Strato which features a Wood/Titanium Duracap construction, power turn rocker, and an improved prop-tip — a perfect blend of lightweight construction with racing features. Retailing for $1200, this offer has been created via a partnership between the Waldorf and Ski Butlers.
To transport them:
Transpack's Padded Rolling Convertible Double Ski Bag
To protect your new skis and transport them by plane, train or automobile, you definitely need this rolling Rolls Royce of ski bags. Made from super tough, water resistant ballistic nylon, the Transpack SKI VAULT™ DOUBLE PRO is padded with thick memory foam inside nylon lining. The bottom of the bag - the area typically most susceptible to damage - has a reinforced water resistant tarpaulin section with runners for extra protection. The length is adjustable - max size 12" x 8" x 65"-77". Padded handles on the top and front make it convenient - and pain free! - to roll on all-terrain, quiet wheels. The compression straps are industrial strength. Inside there are web straps to secure both skis and poles as well as a zippered pocket for personal items.
To get to and from the resort, there's Rhino-Rack - an Australian-owned roof racks and accessories brand that has just recently launched in the US. Holding up to 6 pairs of skis (4 if they are big fat powder planks), or up to 4 snowboards, it has an easy-release locking system to reduce fumbling and frustrations of operating locking mechanism with gloves on. Together with a secure lock, water and rust-proofing and a five-year warranty, its universal mount is another wow factor.
Waldorf Astoria Park City |
And if you want to get one step further and get limited edition Rossis, check out the deal for guests at the Waldorf Astoria Park City. Only they can buy the Rossignol Strato which features a Wood/Titanium Duracap construction, power turn rocker, and an improved prop-tip — a perfect blend of lightweight construction with racing features. Retailing for $1200, this offer has been created via a partnership between the Waldorf and Ski Butlers.
To transport them:
Transpack's Padded Rolling Convertible Double Ski Bag
To protect your new skis and transport them by plane, train or automobile, you definitely need this rolling Rolls Royce of ski bags. Made from super tough, water resistant ballistic nylon, the Transpack SKI VAULT™ DOUBLE PRO is padded with thick memory foam inside nylon lining. The bottom of the bag - the area typically most susceptible to damage - has a reinforced water resistant tarpaulin section with runners for extra protection. The length is adjustable - max size 12" x 8" x 65"-77". Padded handles on the top and front make it convenient - and pain free! - to roll on all-terrain, quiet wheels. The compression straps are industrial strength. Inside there are web straps to secure both skis and poles as well as a zippered pocket for personal items.
To get to and from the resort, there's Rhino-Rack - an Australian-owned roof racks and accessories brand that has just recently launched in the US. Holding up to 6 pairs of skis (4 if they are big fat powder planks), or up to 4 snowboards, it has an easy-release locking system to reduce fumbling and frustrations of operating locking mechanism with gloves on. Together with a secure lock, water and rust-proofing and a five-year warranty, its universal mount is another wow factor.
Rhino-Rack Ski and Snowboard Carrier retails at $159 US |