Peak Ski Company, established in 2022 by the legendary skier Bode Miller and his partner Andy Wirth, is making waves in the ski industry from its base in Bozeman, Montana. As a direct-to-consumer brand, Peak Ski Company specializes in high-performance skis, offering a diverse range of seven all-mountain and side-country skis designed to cater to various skiing preferences and styles.

In a move to attract more ski enthusiasts, the company has launched a special promotion valid until the end of December 2023. Customers who purchase a pair of Peak Skis along with bindings can save up to $500. For those who only need skis, there’s still a great deal: an automatic discount of $250 on the purchase of skis without bindings, provided the purchase is made before December 31, 2023.

Peak Ski Company stands out not just for its quality products but also for its innovative approach to ski manufacturing. Co-founders Miller and Wirth are committed to revolutionizing the industry by integrating advanced technology into their ski designs. Their focus is not only on enhancing performance and durability but also on sustainability. The company is pioneering the use of materials in ski construction that can be repurposed or recycled at the end of their lifecycle, thereby reducing environmental impact.

This forward-thinking approach extends to the design of their ski line as well. Each model in their range is crafted to provide an exceptional skiing experience, whether carving on groomed runs, tackling deep powder, or exploring the side-country. The versatility of their skis ensures that both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned pros can find a pair that suits their skiing style and preferences.

Peak Ski Company’s promotion offers a fantastic opportunity for ski enthusiasts to experience cutting-edge technology and sustainable design in their skiing gear. With significant savings available until the end of December 2023, it’s an opportune moment to invest in a pair of high-quality skis that promise both performance and environmental responsibility.

Check Out Peak Skis Here: Peak Ski Company

Came across this intriguing piece of ski luggage on YouTube shorts and had to know more….

Here’s the skinny, lots of seasoned ski travelers fly with their boots as carry-ons for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, if all else fails and the airline loses you checked ski bag you still have your boots and can rent skis and have a good time. If you have to rent boots you may not end up enjoying your time on the hill for obvious reasons.

I’ve seen all types of boot bags in overhead compartment but nothing quite like what Diamant has to offer. Their flagship bag, The Weekend Warrior ($249.99) is specifically designed for air travel and includes a padded laptop sleeve which is a clever addition for sure and something I can appreciate.

Anyways, its startup company with a sweet little product and we love supporting small businesses. Check out the video and find more details below:

The Smartest Boot Bag Ever Built

• All-in-One = Everyday Bag + Boot Bag 
• TSA Personal Item Sized
• Padded Laptop Sleeve
• Waterproof and Ventilated Boot Compartment
• 100% Weather Proof
• Built-in Toiletry Kit 

Features

• Padded and scratch resistant laptop sleeve
• Helmet Canopy
• Water resistant and ventilated boot compartment
• Protective goggle pocket
• Specialized pockets for on-mountain gear
• Massive front pocket for any travel and work essentials
• Multipurpose zippable side pockets

Diamant Skiing is committed to transforming the way skiers and snowboarders experience travel to and from the mountains. We are focused on pioneering innovative gear that streamlines and enhances the entire travel process, making it frictionless and efficient for athletes of all levels. This starts with our first product, The Weekend Warrior, the smartest boot bag ever built. This bag is an all-in-one boot bag and everyday bag with enough room for your ski boots, laptop, and anything else your weekend getaway requires.

Wouldn’t it be cool if you could just build your own skis? Rip a nice big hole in the bottom of your all-mountain skis? Just build new ones! Need a super wide powder ski for an unexpected powder day coming up? Make that 120mm ski, you can do that!

Honestly, if you’re a skier who grew up doing any sort of woodworking or general workshop work, you’ve probably thought of building your own pair. I grew up with extremely little workshop experience, but I still dream of slapping together my own set. Unfortunately, the equipment needed to build an actually useful pair of skis is extremely expensive and not very easy to get your hands on, basically making it impossible unless you have access to an existing ski shop with the necessary tools.

Getting access to something like that usually means working in a place like that, or at least being really close to someone who works in a place like that, which most of us probably aren’t. If you’re spending a bit of time in the Chamonix Valley, though, and have a few days to spare, you can head over to Ronin Skis, where Build Your Own Skis experiences are available.

YouTuber and IFMGA guide Dave Searle went to Ronin Skis to build his own skis, and he filmed it all and shared it with the world. So far this is just a part one, so he doesn’t actually finish the skis in the video, but it is pretty darn interesting to see the early stages of the process.

“In this video we meet Jonno, the owner and creator of Ronin Skis Chamonix (https://www.roninskis.com/) and we begin the process of making my Custom 108 LTE skis. The process was fun and rewarding and I learnt loads about ski building and sustainability in the ski building industry. I would strongly recommend checking out their ski range and remember you can also build your own ski’s in Chamonix.“

Related: Skiing on a Budget: 15 Ways to Save Money While Skiing This Winter

Image Credit: Dave Searle via YouTube

Arc’teryx Equipment recently announced a three-year partnership with the Natural Selection Tour, the backcountry freeride snowboard competition co-founded by Travis Rice. According to a press release from the company, as a part of the partnership, Arc’teryx will act as the Official Outwear Sponsor of the competition beginning in 2024.

“I am super excited to see Arc’teryx partner with Natural Selection for the next three years. This event is all about highlighting progression, style, and pushing the boundaries. This aligns so well with Arc’teryx brand values around product design. I believe this partnership is the ultimate opportunity to continue to elevate snowboarding.” – Natural Selection Rider and Arc’teryx Athlete Elena Hight

Throughout the first season of partnership, Arc’teryx is set to outfit the entire Natural Selection crew. Riders and behind-the-scenes crew will be given gear to help the safely and comfortably organize, prepare, host, and compete in this year’s competitions.

“The crew that produces Natural Selection Tour events are some of the burliest in snowboarding. Often located deep in the backcountry, our venues are chosen for the terrain, snow conditions and what will be best for snowboarding, never for comfort or ease of access.

With that we rely on gear that will keep the crew warm and dry for intense 12+ hour days; setting up the venue, building features and running all the production gear. Arc’teryx is built for the conditions we work (and play) in and we’re thrilled to work together in the years to come.” – Natural Selection Tour COO Liam Griffin

The 2024 Natural Selection Tour will take place in three stages, the Natural Selection DUELS, the YETI Natural Selection Selkirk Tangiers, and the YETI Natural Selection Revelstoke. The DUELS are set to begin in late February, with locations in Colorado, Switzerland, British Columbia, and Japan.

Related: Opening Scene To This Japanese Snowboard Film Is Brilliant

Image Credit: Natural Selection Tour via YouTube

Boot fitting is… complicated. There are a ton of different factors that might make a boot right for one person and entirely wrong for another. Instep volume, width, shell shape, size (obviously), and features can all play a role in finding the right boot. Ski boot stiffness, however, seems to be the most misunderstood factor in boot fitting.

I’ll let this video from The Ski Monster do most of the explanation, since it covers most of the topic pretty well. One of the more important things to focus on is that boot stiffness is not standardized by any means. A boot rated at 130 from one company could easily be equal to a boot rated at 100 by another company. The important thing to note is where the boot sits among the same line. If it’s the stiffest of its kind, then it’s probably a pretty stiff boot. If it’s the softest of its kind, than it’s probably fairly soft.

Also, as a disclaimer before getting into the video, his description makes it sounds like you should be in the stiffest boot option you can afford. Yes, you probably want to be in the stiffest boot you can handle, you need to make sure you can actually flex the boot. If you’re unable to flex a wicked stiff boot, but you still gravitate towards that option, you’re not going to have a very fun time. He seems to kind of imply that stiffness is all marketing, but I don’t think that’s really true.

Your main takeaway through this will hopefully be that you need to find a proper boot fitter to actually assess your feet, ski setup, and ski ability to determine the right boot for you. Shopping online for the best deal can be a blast, but with something as important as ski boots, it’s almost always best to talk to someone who knows more than you.

Related: Obermeyer’s Mer De Glace Sunglasses: A Skiers Choice

Image Credit: The Ski Monster via YouTube

Don’t you just love the fact that our bindings can release in crashes and falls? Sure, it can be a bit of a pain to search for your skis in the snow, especially if they’re white, and it’s never fun when your binding releases too early while cruising, but if I had to decide between those and a broken ankle or other major leg injury, I’m pretty darn certain I’d pick searching for the skis and pre-releases.

85 years ago, though, the self-release binding didn’t exist. Instead, skiers clipped into “bear traps” (you know those horrifying metal ones that kind of look like 75mm telemark bindings? You’ve probably seen them on the wall of your favorite après-ski bar). A fall in those could easily lead to a broken leg or another major injury, with your skis stuck to you the whole way down (unless you rip the binding out…). One man’s broken leg, in those exact bindings, is what lead to the creation of the self release in 1937.

According to KGW8, Hjalmar Hvam was a beast of a skier, winning race after race throughout the mountains of Oregon (mainly Mount Baker and Mount Bachelor). He won 12 consecutive races in one season, taking on cross-country skiing, slalom, and ski jumping. In 1937, Hvam broke his leg for the second time. While he was in the hospital, his idea for a self-releasing binding came forward, and a hospital-bed sketch led to the creation of the Saf-Ski binding.

The binding first became available to the public in 1940, sold mainly in small batches out of his Oregon ski shops. While his design was eventually replaced and overshadowed by others, Hvam was inducted into the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame in 1967 and the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.

Related: ‘Stop Use’ Recall Of Backcountry Ski Binding From Atomic, Salomon, Armada

Image Credit: KGW News via YouTube

Deb Armstrong is a former alpine skier who achieved remarkable success in her career. She rose to fame after winning a gold medal in the giant slalom at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, becoming one of America’s most celebrated skiers. Armstrong, known for her exceptional skills and determination, competed in World Cup events, consistently demonstrating her prowess on the slopes. Her Olympic victory remains a highlight of her sporting career, inspiring many aspiring skiers.

But Deb has “beef” with the wide ski phenomenon. It’s not that she is against it, its just that she feel, correctly we might add, that a lot of skiers have been let astray by the wide ski trend and would be better off on narrower planks.

Seeing a lot of kids walking around the streets dressed in Doc Martins and baggy overalls like they just walked off the set of Boy Meets World and I get the strong sense the next generation is endorsing a comeback of late 1990s/early 2000s fashion. If you’re looking to echo this expression for this under appreciated retro styling on the mountain, I got the kit for you. There’s something about the silhouette of the shell/bib combo I can’t quite put my finger that conjures deep nostalgia .

Picture a bib and jacket that look like they are straight outta Nintendo 64’s 1080 Snowboarding but with all the bells and whistles we have come to expect in outwear in 2023, that we have with the Mountain Hardware First Tracks line. Simple profile, comfortable fit, and quality that we have come to expect from an industry leader. There’s something about the silhouette of the shell/bib combo I can’t quite put my finger that conjures deep nostalgia and I love it.

Mountain Hardware has long been an industry leader in no nonsense, high performance outerwear. They don’t just slap a logo on shoddy garments and try to push them to the masses as fast fashion for the winter enthousiasts. There’s a reason why people whose lives depend on their gear in alpine setting are loyal lifelong customers.

Here’s the long and short of it…this kit a subtle head-turner at the ski resort at a reasonable price by a company that makes quality reliable gear you can depend on. Definitely recommend checking it out if its time to refresh your kit.

MEN’S FIRST TRACKS BIB

When hot laps and groomers are calling your name, this all-mountain First Tracks Bib is ready to rock wherever you ride. All the technical bells and whistles—seals out snow and wind, jacket-to-bib connector, and so forth—with a nod to the sportiness that keeps you pitching headlong into moguls then bombing down some breezy blues. Perfect for those who run cold and bold, not shying from kick turns and tricks, with the functionality to keep them out there from freshies to last lift.

• Uses: Skiing/Snowboarding, Snowsports
• 2-layer waterproof Dry.Q® fabric provides breathable weather protection
• Body-mapped warmth provides 60 g of insulation at the seat and knees
• Adjustable low-profile suspenders
• Zippered chest pocket with internal stretch band is compatible with most phone sizes
• Integrated webbing belt with a ladder lock buckle
• Zippered front fly
• Side zips for easy on and off and venting
• Two secure zippered thigh pockets
• Inner thigh vents with mesh backing
• Zippered rear pocket
• Jacket-to-pant attachment loop
• Reinforced 600D CORDURA® kickpatches that extend around bottom hem
• Cinches at cuffs to accommodate a variety boots
• Internal snow gaiter with boot hook
• Integrated RECCO® reflector for searchability in emergency situations
• Imported

MEN’S FIRST TRACKS JACKET

When hot laps and groomers are calling your name, this all-mountain First Tracks Jacket is ready to rock wherever you ride. All the technical bells and whistles—seals out snow and wind, jacket-to-bib connector, helmet-compatible hood and so forth—with a nod to the sportiness that keeps you pitching headlong into moguls then bombing down some breezy blues. Perfect for those not shying away from kick turns and tricks, giving you all the functionality to keep you out there from freshies to last lift.

• Uses: Skiing/Snowboarding, Snowsports
• 2-layer waterproof Dry.Q® fabric provides breathable weather protection
• Helmet-compatible hood with three-way drawcord adjustment
• Underarm zip vents with mesh backing to expel heat while keeping snow out
• Two secure zippered chest pockets
• Two hand pockets with flap closure and secure side zipper opening
• Pass pocket on the sleeve
• Snap front placket covering a two way center front zipper
• Internal secure zippered pocket
• Internal drop pocket
• Internal powder skirt with jacket to pant integration
• Internal stretch cuffs with thumb loops
• Hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs
• Dual lower hem adjusters to seal in warmth
• Integrated RECCO® reflector for searchability in emergency situations
• Imported

When it comes to children’s ski wear, both style and functionality are key. Obermeyer, a brand renowned for its dedication to quality ski gear, hits the mark with the Quinn One-Piece for kids. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this ski outfit a standout choice for young skiers.

Brand Background: Obermeyer Founded by Klaus Obermeyer, a true pioneer in the ski apparel industry, Obermeyer has been synonymous with quality ski wear since 1947. The brand is known for its innovative designs, focusing on warmth, comfort, and durability. Obermeyer’s commitment to sustainable practices and using high-quality, long-lasting materials has made it a trusted name among ski enthusiasts.

Design and Style The Quinn One-Piece is as stylish as it is practical. Available in a variety of vibrant colors and patterns, it appeals to kids’ sense of style and makes them easily noticeable on the slopes – a big plus for safety-conscious parents. The design incorporates fun elements that kids love while maintaining a professional ski outfit look.

Comfort and Fit Obermeyer understands that kids need to move freely to enjoy their time on the slopes. The Quinn One-Piece is designed with a comfortable fit that doesn’t restrict movement. The ‘I-Grow’ Extended Wear System is a standout feature; adjustable cuffs and hems extend the garment life by accommodating growth spurts, ensuring the suit lasts more than just one season.

Warmth and Protection The suit is insulated and features HydroBlock® technology, making it both waterproof and breathable. This ensures that kids stay warm and dry, regardless of the weather. The fleece-lined collar and chin guard add extra comfort, ensuring no chafing or discomfort, even after hours of wear.

Durability and Ease of Use Obermeyer has a reputation for durability, and the Quinn One-Piece is no exception. The reinforced seat, knees, and inseams are ready for rough and tumble play. Additionally, the suit is machine washable, a huge plus for parents dealing with inevitable ski-day spills.

Overall Impression The Quinn One-Piece from Obermeyer is an excellent choice for kids’ ski wear. It’s a thoughtfully designed, durable, and stylish outfit that offers great value, especially with features like the ‘I-Grow’ system. This suit makes no compromise between fun and function, ensuring that kids can enjoy their ski adventures in comfort and style. Highly recommended for young skiers!

Amer Sports Winter & Outdoor has issued a recall for 4,250 ski touring bindings from Armada, Atomic Ski, and Salomon, due to a defect in the toe component that presents a risk of falling and injury. This recall, announced on November 9, involves bindings that may have an unexpected breakage in the spring guiding axis, potentially causing the ski boot to detach from the ski. This defect can lead to injuries or difficult situations in backcountry skiing.

The recall affects specific models from these brands, with bindings manufactured between May 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023. Owners can check if their bindings are affected by visiting the respective recall pages of Salomon, Atomic, and Armada. Affected bindings should be taken to an authorized dealer for a free replacement, especially with the ski season already underway. The issue specifically relates to bindings with gray springs in the toe component and includes certain serial numbers listed in the recall notice.

Official Description:

This recall involves Armada, Atomic, and Salomon brand ski touring bindings. The ski bindings hold a consumer’s ski boot in place on the ski. The brand name is printed on the heel of the ski binding. The recall includes the following brands and model names having the following serial numbers: serial numbers ranging from 22P00000 to 22P10531; 22P92954 to 22P99999, 23P10531 to 23P10886 and 230600000 to 230769999 are included in this recall. The serial number is only visible when the bindings are disassembled. Consumers should visit authorized dealers who will disassemble and verify if a binding is included in this recall. The only ski bindings included in this recall have gray springs in the toe component.