Gear Guide
What’s New? Why Buy?
by Taylor Hall and Alex Kellogg
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| Skier Allison Smith enjoys stormy days, lots of deep powder, and occasionally a little reality TV. |
Helmets
Snowboarders and skiers no longer need to look like Darth Vader. The new helmets are lighter, better ventilated, and have a lower profile. “Immolding” technology fuses the outer polycarbonate shell directly to the internal, energy-absorbing liner, resulting in a comfortable helmet in all temperatures. On the horizon—multiple-impact internal liners.
Eyewear
Goggles are the weapon of choice for riding in Jackson Hole’s inclement weather and altitude-enhanced sunlight. Lenses come in an impressive array of tints that enhance visual perception while soothing the harsh visual environment. Check out the photochromatic lenses that alter the degree of light transmission as the intensity of available light changes.
Outerwear
Many companies have added the “soft shell” concept to their clothing lines, but it was a locally owned clothier who fostered the revolution. During their forays into the Teton backcountry, Brian Cousins and Steve Sullivan became dissatisfied with traditional, modern fabrics. The hard-shell, barrier jackets weren’t comfortable for active pursuits, while garments made from woven, stretch fabrics exhibited an amazing range of comfort. Product developers for other popular brands soon came to the same conclusion, so now the consumer can choose from numerous lightweight, soft shells that repel wind and water but also breathe well enough to wear on a backcountry hike. A complete apparel system should still include a Gore-style hard shell—or perhaps one of the new WindStopper soft shells—for those really nasty days.
Bindings
The integrated binding system removes the dead spot that occurs in a ski once the binding is attached. The result is a more rounded, overall flex, which helps skiers carve a more perfect turn.
Skis
The big news in skis this year is that fat skis have lost their shape. A few years ago the shaped-ski concept fused with the fat-ski revolution, and fat skis became more versatile. But for the advanced skier who made longer-radius, higher-speed turns—and sometimes made no turns at all—they lacked something. These new monsters are still big and fat, but have less sidecut. They ski like your favorite old GS skis, only better.
Underwear
Wool is the chic, new choice for next-to-skin performance. It has a dynamic temperature range that insulates against cold, yet remains comfortable as internal and external heat builds. It’s a moisture-wicking natural fiber, and a renewable resource. The odor-control factor can’t be beat. Manufacturers have removed the barb from the wool fibers, so the garments no longer itch. Superfine Merino wool has the feel of cotton and the performance of the best synthetic underwear. But after all that, if wool still isn’t your thing, synthetics provide an excellent alternative as they continue to be improved in feel and performance. Remember, though—no cotton.
Boots
Gone are the days of super-stiff, race boots that crush your shins and squash your toes. Because the new skis are designed to turn by rolling your ankles, it’s not necessary for the boot to have a stiff, forward flex. The new boots are stiffer laterally, so as you roll your ankle and knee, the power is transferred from the boot directly to the ski. Boot manufacturers can now make high-performance boots that are also comfortable. For the consumer, that means happy feet.
Skier Alyson Smith enjoys stormy days, lots of deep powder, and occasionally a little reality TV.
Powder-hounds Taylor Hall and Alex Kellogg have seen trends come and go during their combined 20 years in ski shop management.
The Jackson Hole Skier is a free visitors’ guide published annually and distributed at hundreds of locations throughout Jackson Hole, Cody, and other regional communities. To receive a copy in the mail, send $5 to Jackson Hole SKier, P.O. Box 1930, Jackson, Wyoming 83001.
Copyright 2004 by FPI (Focus Productions, Inc)., P.O. Box 1930, Jackson, Wyoming 83001. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publishers.
Publishers: Bob Woodall & Wade McKoy, dba Focus Productions, Inc. (FPI)
Editors: Mike Calabrese, Wade McKoy, Bob Woodall
Art Direction & Ad Design: Janet Melvin
Advertising Sales:
JACKSON: Ike Faust, 307-690-5908, 307-733-6995 email: mail.focus@wyom.net
DUBOIS & PINEDALE: Janet Melvin 307-733-6995
CODY: Guy & Barb Hull 307-527-7808