Snow sports: Winter gear featured at Outdoor Retailer | The Salt Lake Tribune
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Snow sports: Winter gear featured at Outdoor Retailer
Among the vast array of skis with artsy themes at the Outdoor Retailer were those from H20 Outdoor Gear. The skis stood out for their bright colors and wildlife and mountain themes. It turns out the company is being run out of Cottonwood Heights by Dean Cummings, a world extreme skiing champion who guides backcountry skiers in Alaska. The skis, and other gear created by the company, are said to be a culmination of Cummings’  years of experience as a skier and guide. The ski line is dubbed ATG (Access the Goods) and includes the Tazlina, Kodiak and Karen’cito models. All are available in a choice of three lengths each with a unique and corresponding radius that works to optimize performance. The custom handmade wood core skis are made in the United States. www.h2og.com
The worst thing about ski gear is the boots. They either fit or they don’t and it takes years to figure out how to gracefully walk in the things. Garmont is about comfort and function. The companies Cosmos four-buckle ski boot is the lightest on the all-terrain market. Cosmos is part of the PowerLite AT line which features EZFit PowerLite Liners. The Adjustable Forward Lean system allows skiers to set positions and then make a simple lever switch from walk to ski modes. A full-length Vibram ski mountaineering sole covers the instep and provides for maximum grip in all conditions. Cosmos will be available Fall 2012 for $699. www.garmontusa.com
The touring ski crowd will get a kick out of the Revert from Black Diamond. The Revert is crafted for easy and precise turns on hard snow and stable controlled cruising in soft snow. A tip and tail rocker design makes for center-stance steering. Reverts have a Paulownia wood core, tapered sidewalls and Skinlock tail tabs. They are designed for optimal use in 60 percent soft snow ad 40 percent hard snow. Available Fall 2012 for $749. www.blackdiamondequipment.com
Billed as the next generation of freeride performance, the Guardian drew a lot of deserved attention at the Outdoor Retailer show. The Guardian 16 includes a handy Hike & Ride Switch that can be activated by the tip of a ski pole with minimal effort from the user. When you have decided you have climbed enough flip the switch with your pole tip, push your heel down to lock it and turn the skis downhill. A low profile chassis allows greater stability and the oversized platform allows for efficient power transmission to the skis. The Salomon Guardian 16 will be available Fall 2012 for $550. www.salomonfreeski.com
Cold feet suck. Footbalance recognized this and created the Race Heat Footbed for ski or snowboard boots. The footbed is compatible wit the Therm-IC heating system and is attached via a flat cable coming from the footbed. In addition to providing warmth, the footbeds can be molded specifically for each user’s foot. The Race Heat Footbed comes in sizes 38-46 for $79.99 and will be available Fall 2012. www.footbalance.com
Looking for a Nordic package? Rossingnol has the goods. The new EVO Off-Trail (OV) package includes the EVO OT ski ($260), the X5 OT boot ($145), T3 Auto binding ($55) and XT 700 poles ($30). Of course, the items can be purchased individually, but Rossingnol worked so hard to make this gear work together. The EVO OT is based on the best-selling Evo Tour, but with wide dimensions and some partial metal edges for off-trail turns. The skis have a Wood Air Core, so they are light, but they are sturdy. The X5 boot includes a velcro powerstrap for stablility and control without impacting mobility. The boots also include a built-in gaiter and a Thinsulate lining. The binding provides an audible click when stepping in and a quick release button with a ski pole. www.rossignol.com
Among the vast array of skis with artsy themes at the Outdoor Retailer were those from H20 Outdoor Gear. The skis stood out for their bright colors and wildlife and mountain themes. It turns out the company is being run out of Cottonwood Heights by Dean Cummings, a world extreme skiing champion who guides backcountry skiers in Alaska. The skis, and other gear created by the company, are said to be a culmination of Cummings’  years of experience as a skier and guide. The ski line is dubbed ATG (Access the Goods) and includes the Tazlina, Kodiak and Karen’cito models. All are available in a choice of three lengths each with a unique and corresponding radius that works to optimize performance. The custom handmade wood core skis are made in the United States. www.h2og.com

With so much to offer from the recent Winter Market Outdoor Retailer held Jan. 18-22 in Salt Lake City, we decided to dedicate the bulk of our space on the Snow Page to more gear. Here’s a look at more items we found at the semi-annual Outdoor Retailer convention. The Summer Market will be held Aug. 1-5.

Revert ski from Black Diamond

The touring ski crowd will get a kick out of the Revert from Black Diamond. The Revert is crafted for easy and precise turns on hard snow and stable controlled cruising in soft snow. A tip and tail rocker design makes for center-stance steering. Reverts have a Paulownia wood core, tapered sidewalls and Skinlock tail tabs. They are designed for optimal use in 60 percent soft snow and 40 percent hard snow.

Price » Available fall 2012 for $749.

Information » blackdiamondequipment.com

Story continues below

Guardian 16 backcountry bindings from Salomon

Billed as the next generation of freeride performance, the Guardian drew a lot of deserved attention at the Outdoor Retailer show. The Guardian 16 includes a handy Hike & Ride Switch that can be activated by the tip of a ski pole with minimal effort from the user. When you have decided you have climbed enough, flip the switch with your pole tip, push your heel down to lock it and turn the skis downhill. A low-profile chassis allows greater stability, and the oversized platform allows for efficient power transmission to the skis.

Price » Available fall 2012 for $550.

Information » salomonfreeski.com

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Black Diamond, Salomon, Rossingnol among companies showcasing new products.

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