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Scarpa F1 LT: New Specialized Ski Mountaineering Boot Replaces Popular Alien RS

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Scarpa made a radical choice going into the winter season 2020/21. It will be replacing the popular Alien RS boot with the new F1 LT.

Basically, the new F1 LT is a blend of features and functionality from the Alien RS and the F1 boots that will further enhance the already great downhill performance of the Alien RS while promising to keep the same comfort for walking and skinning.

However, the discontinuation of the Alien RS is already causing a debate among its fans as it was in many ways a very innovative ski mountaineering boot.

I had an opportunity to talk to Scarpa’s boot designer about the differences and similarities of the F1 LT and Alien RS at the recent 2020 ISPO gear show in Munich. He also hinted, or I understood it that way, the reason behind their intriguing choice to discontinue the Alien RS was a feeling that the new Alien 1.0 revealed last year was perhaps too similar in terms of a customer type (or intended use), and so orienting the F1 LT even more for technical skiing made sense.

In a press release Scarpa described the F1 LT as:

“Your new friend for ambitious traverses and technical ski mountaineering descents. Combining ultra technical elements with a backcountry-oriented design, the all-new F1 LT is our most versatile and lightweight alpine touring boot.”

Comparing Scarpa F1 LT and Scarpa Alien RS

The new F1 LT will be only a little heavier, at 990g in size 27 versus 920g for the Alien RS, and perhaps targeting a slightly different type of skier, but the

The most obvious change comes with the cuff closing mechanism as Scarpa have decided to drop the cord tightening system that was connected to the back locking lever and allowed for one-motion cuff locking and closing as it’s usual on skimo racing boots. Now, these systems will be independent on the F1 LT.

Also, the new cuff features reinforcements in critical areas where the Alien RS had some weaknesses.

The F1 LT – cuff with reinforcement ribs, 2 power straps, and a new cuff locking lever.

At first glance, the bottom shell and cuff appear the same as the Alien RS but there are some differences. More people should fit into the F1 LT than the Alien RS. The boot will accommodate slightly wider feet as the foot will sit a bit lower in the new shell, offering a 99-100mm last.

The boot sizing will continue as before and so the F1 LT will be available in full sizes only, which might prevent some of us again to enjoy such a fine true ski mountaineering oriented boot. (I couldn’t fit into Aliens RS size 28 and the 29 felt quite big.)

The liner should stay the same, Cross Fit Tour LT made by Intuition and specifically designed for the last and volume of this specialized boot.

Another obvious change comes in the form of two cuff power straps which are staple features on the F1 boots. The top strap is easily removable and I suspect most Alien RS fans will get rid off quickly to safe few grams. The boots overall height, which is quite high for such a light boot, will be the same as on Alien RS and provide plenty of support so that top power strap won’t be needed by many.

Height comparison of Scarpa’s Alien 3.0, Alien, and the new F1 LT.

Review of Julbo Montebianco Sunglasses: Ultimate Eye Protection on Snow

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julbo-montebianco-chameleon

Quick Overview:

Usual Retail Price: $100-200 depending on the lens
Weight: 33g
Lens we tested: Cameleon lens – category 2-4 photochromic polarized lens
Pros: the lens versatility, side panels, great contrast, anti-fogging, stylish
Cons: tighter fit for bigger faces

Bottom Line:

Julbo Montbianco sunglasses deliver great eye protection from sun and UV rays on snow and glaciers with the rare category 4 lens. Also, the lens’ ability to transition between category 2 and 4 make them very versatile for various mountain adventures in different weather conditions.

Product Description and How We Tested It:

I have been using the Montebianco sunnies for over a year – about 80 days in total – mainly for skiing, but also for hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and little bit of cycling and running.

Julbo is the “original” mountain sunglasses brand and one of the most recognized names in the outdoor industry. For a couple of decades now, Julbo has been manufacturing eye protection for mountaineering on snow and high altitudes – environments where the sun rays reflection compounds the damaging effects on our eyes.

julbo-montebianco-chameleon-1
Julbo has been specializing in transition lenses for long time and most of their other sunglasses go from category 1 (almost clear) to category 3 (comfortably dark) – these are mostly suitable for off-snow activities such as running, hiking or cycling. In total, there are 5 categories/filters to which sunglasses are categorized into, number five providing the most protection and being very dark.

The Montebianco model has been design for versatility, utility, style and most importantly to protect our eyes. This Julbo model transitions from category 2 (their default state) to category 4 in a matter of seconds when the UV rays are strong enough.

Once the lens is in category 4 mode it is very dark and allows you to comfortably stare into glaring snow whole day. In fact, the lenses has been the darkest I have ever worn.

The lenses also offer a superb contrast vision that is very appreciated during overcast days or in flat light while skiing unknown or through quickly changing terrain.

Some special coating on the insides of my lenses prevents them from fogging up. There were few moments when I needed to remove the glasses and went them out a little, but this happens often with many full-frame sport sunglasses, especially when it’s very hot and humid and you are not moving very fast (breaking trail on skis).

julbo-montebianco-chameleon-2
The “downside” of these category 4 transition lenses is that they don’t clear fast enough when I ski into the forest, or a very shaded area (under a cliff on a north slope for example). On few occasions, I had to remove them for short period, otherwise, everything was too dark.

Another cool feature are the removable side panels that protect eyes from UV rays coming from side angles which happens a lot in the mountains. They are great for winter and spring months. I don’t feel that the panels are needed in the summer unless I spend lots of time on a glacier.

Regarding the fit, like with any sunglasses, this is highly individual. These Montebianco glasses seem to fit well medium male faces. They fit great even when used with a helmet – mountaineering or a climbing one. For me, they feel slightly tight after few hours but I have a larger head.

The Montebianco frames are very durable but you want to be somewhat protective of the lenses to avoid scratches. This is not a sign of “less quality” but a small price to pay if you want to have lenses with so many different coatings that improve and protect your vision.

What We Think Could Be Improved:

There are many features that make the Montebianco model a great choice for your outdoor activities but of course, there are a couple of things that could be improved:

  • Adding some rubberized areas on the legs/stems would help holding the glasses on a ski toque while not in use.
  • It would be great if the transition from category 4 filter back to 3 or 2 if faster, however, I don’t know if this is technologically possible at the moment.

Hagan Ultra 82 Skis Review: For True Ski Mountaineering And Challenging Conditions

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Overview

Suitability: ski mountaineering, steep skiing, spring ski touring
Usual price: around $750 USD at Hagan US
Weight: 1080g per ski in 164cm (117-82-102)
Tested length: 176cm (19m radius)
Pros: light for its ski performance, stability, edge hold
Cons: too much black colour?

Bottom Line

The Ultra 82 skis are fun to ski and an overall great performer. They are designed for true ski mountaineering with an intermediate to expert skier in mind. While some of its competitors might float better in 30cm+ of dry powder, these skis shine in challenging conditions – on hard packed or wind affected snow, in crust…

Review

We mounted our Hagan Ultra 82 with Plum Oazo bindings.

As the ski season in the Canadian Coast Mountains doesn’t want to take off this winter, I was not able to ski the Hagan Ultras in dry deep snow yet.

On the other hand, I spent enough days on them last spring in a variety of snow conditions. The biggest test was a 4-day Haute Route Imperiale ski traverse in Switzerland with a reasonably heavy pack and travelling through some big terrain.

The Hagan Ultra 82 skis have a 250mm front rocker which definitely helps in deeper snow but that’s not were they excel.

Being fairly stiff torsionally and with a more traditional camber than is perhaps usual for today’s touring skis, the Ultra 82s deliver when conditions are challenging and variable.

They are stable as they absorb most of the vibrations easily. They have a progressive stiff flex and provide really good edge grip. All this makes them nicely predictable.

Because they are on the stiffer side, I think it’s best to pair them with a stronger boot than Dynafit PDG or similar. Of course this also depends on your skill level.

I skied them with Dynafit TLT6 Perfomance boots (with boot tongues in) and it felt just right, but I can imagine skiing these with 3-4 buckle boots to really get the most out of the experience.

They are very responsive and fun to ski if you provide enough power. They handle higher speed, long radius turns very well if you can keep up with them.

The skis also feature a small tail rocker that seems to help with turns on hard packed an spring snow.

The core material is ultra light Paulownia wood with an overall construction consisting of carbon top and bottom layers. Diamond Edge Cap and Micro ABS Sidewalls provide the support for excellent edge hold.

Unless you are always skiing at least boot deep powder then the Ultra 82 skis might be all you need. Also, such width is great for any touring in the early season and spring.

What We Think Could Be Improved

Perhaps keeping the same stiffness but decreasing the camber height could improve the float while not compromising the Ultra 82 skis strengths? It might be a worthwhile experiment.

Best Terrain for Skimo Intensity Interval Training: Groomed Ski Runs or Skin Tracks?

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Regularly including various technical aspects of skimo racing in your workouts is crucial to your improvement. ISMF photo.

In any competitive sport, once you want to improve your speed beyond a certain plateau, you will have to incorporate regular high intensity sessions into your training (Zone 3 to Zone 5).

Skimo is no different and its various technical aspects introduce even more complexity compared to running or cycling. Skimo race courses travel across a variety of terrain, with most including technical climbing than just going straight up groomed runs.

With that, you might be wondering whether you should do your intensity interval workouts on nicely groomed runs or in a skin track?

Comparing Terrain: Groomed Ski Runs vs Skin Tracks

Comparing the two, by looking only at the terrain, the difference is obvious. Groomed ski runs are easy to climb up even for a skimo novice while skinning in a skin track requires more skill, especially, if your are trying to go fast.

Here are a couple of less obvious points how skinning between these two “terrain types” differs:

  • It’s easy to set into a steady rhythm for long periods of time on a groomed run. Skin tracks with switchbacks break your rhythm often, whether that be your breathing or your stride.
  • Having a consistent skin traction and grip on a groomed run is much easier than in a skin track because keeping good balance is less challenging.
  • Skin tracks usually have switchbacks, thus, your proficiency in kick-turns is crucial to maintaining your speed throughout the climb or high intensity interval.

We can point out more differences but the bottom line is that skin tracks require you to be a much more proficient and technically skilled athlete than groomed ski runs.

Click above to check out our Skimo Manual for proven skimo training tips and advice.

How To Choose The Best Terrain For Your Interval Training?

Now that we are clear on the difference of the terrain types, let’s take a look at how you should decide which workouts to do on groomed ski runs and which ones in skin tracks with kick-turns.

Consider Your Goals and Upcoming Races

The two most important factors when “designing” your intensity workout should be:

  • The goals you have for that workout as part of your overall training goals.
  • What type of terrain you expect in your upcoming important races?

It should be obvious that if you are training for vertical races primarily then performing intervals in skin tracks is not critical to your improvement. In fact, in this case, it might be even be detrimental.

The opposite is true if you are training for technical race or a classic European skimo race like the Pierra Menta. PM’s courses take place almost exclusively in skin tracks and the race includes many technical aspects overall.

Interval Workouts Suitable for Groomed Ski Runs

Early season interval workouts, at least the first few of the season, are best done on less technical terrain, otherwise, you might simply not be able to hold the required intensity for long enough (which is crucial for further progress).

VO2max, or Zone 4 high intensity intervals (5x 5min), are also better performed on ski runs because holding the high intensity for the entire length of the interval is very important in developing your VO2max.

Another example would be maximum speed sprint-style intervals (30x 30sec full-out efforts), it would be counter productive to perform them in a skin track. After all, the goal with these is to generate as much power as possible so it’s best when the snow surface is very supportive and consistent.

Interval Workouts Suitable for Skin Tracks

As already discussed above, depending on your goals and upcoming races, there are times when you can enhance your improvement by performing certain interval intensity sessions inside skin tracks with kick-turns.

If your goal race is a couple of weeks away and you know it will have plenty of skin track skinning, then completing your long intervals (3x 10min of Zone 3) and your high intensity intervals (5x 5min of Zone 4) using the same terrain as the race course, will make you feel strong and confident when the race day comes.

Once you achieve a certain level of technical proficiency, occasionally moving your interval workouts into technical terrain will continue to enhance your skimo progress. As long as you are able to hold the prescribed intensity, in any terrain, you will greatly benefit by matching the race environment as close as possible.

Click above to learn more about our various skimo training resources and training plans. From interval workouts to technique, they provide you with proven tips and advice to help you improve your skimo racing quickly.

Early Season vs Race Season

Early in the season, the priority of your interval workouts should be on building your engine. Work on your technique during the long, easy Zone 1 sessions. Create the best possible conditions (including terrain choice) for a given workout to gain the maximum benefits for the time you spend. Just like you wouldn’t do Zone 4 intervals using your powder ski gear, you don’t want to choose terrain that prevents you from keeping the required intensity or speed.

As your season progresses and your goal races are approaching, design your workouts around the demands of those races. Unless you want to be a pure vertical race specialist, you will need to develop your technical skills while you are breathing heavily and your balance is compromised. Besides, the technical aspects are what makes skimo so appealing and interesting.

Sprint Race Training

Skimo sprints are a special kind of races that require great technique at high speed in quickly changing terrain.

They seem simple at the first glance because they take only 3-5min, however, even without considering the many transitions, a sprint race is arguably the most challenging event to perform successfully on consistent basis.

With that, performing high intensity intervals on sprint-like courses is one of the best ways to improve your skimo skills quickly. Anything done well at high speed will be much easier to repeat when your heart rate is lower. So even if you don’t participate in sprint races, you can greatly benefit by incorporating aspects of sprint races into your training, it is a very efficient use of time.

In few days, we will be releasing a unique sprint and speed development training plan that will give your interval workouts an extra boost and maximize your time. Stay tuned!

Review of PLUM Oazo Ski Mountaineering Bindings: Versatile, Light and Durable

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Overview

Suitability: ski mountaineering, light & fast ski touring
Usual price: around $480 USD (Skimo.co, SkiUphill.ca)
Weight: 200g per ski
Pros: functionality, safety, low weight, 3-year warranty
Cons: no ski brakes (if you care for them)

Bottom Line

Without adding much weight, the Oazo is a well designed ski mountaineering binding if you want more safety, durability and comfort than with race bindings.

Review

We have used the Plum Oazo bindings for about 15 days of skiing in various snow conditions and terrain. So far it has performed very well and without any mechanical issues. We paired the Oazo with Hagan Ultra 82 skis which feels like a great combo for overall ski touring and ski mountaineering missions.

Plum is a French company based in the Chamonix Valley and the whole Oazo is manufactured right there. The binding has a 3-year manufacturers warranty.

To keep the weight down, Plum engineers decided to use a time proven toe piece from Plum’s lighter bindings (R150 and R170) and pair it with a new light heel but with more safety.

With three possible heel heights you can adjust the angle to your liking. While you do have to spin the heel to be in the flat position, once you are climbing you can use your ski pole to flip a riser to fine tune the angle.

One of the nicest features of the Oazo heel is that you can spin it both ways. This feels smooth but you will have to do it with your hand instead of a ski pole.

The heel has a fixed front (vertical) release at 8 but offers an adjustable side (lateral) release between DIN 4 and DIN 10, which is not usual at this weight category.

The women’s version, Oazo 6, is dedicated to women and a lightweight person. It offers a lower forward release of 6 but keeping the lateral adjustable release from DIN 4 to DIN 10.

For such a light weight binding, it can be adjusted for up to 20 mm in boot size difference, equivalent of 1.5-2 boot sizes depending on the manufacturer.

To round out the Oazo perks, the toe piece features an integrated ski crampons slot which worked well enough with our Dynafit crampons. However, you will get a smoother performance with Plum’s own ski crampons.

The materials used on this binding are the Plum’s specialty 7075 aluminum, and then steel and high strength plastic to house the heel.

What We Think Could Be Improved

For those that want even more comfort, the heel could be perhaps refined into the future to allow for spinning it with a ski pole.

Pierre Gignoux U 77: New Standard in Ultralight Bindings

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When the brand of Pierre Gignoux comes to mind, most ski mountaineers immediately think of the company’s famous carbon fiber boots.

However, the company continues its innovative approach to product design with a new binding, the U 77. With this binding, Pierre Gignoux (PG) is now making the lightest traditional low tech binding available on the market.

In recent years, Ski Trab has been developing category leading race style bindings. To reduce weight, Ski Trab did a complete redesign of the traditionally spring equipped toe piece. Instead of using springs to achieve the tension in the toe, Ski Trab used a single piece of Titanium that folded underneath the toe lever.

Now, Pierre Gignoux has taken that a step further in weight reduction, and used the same Titanium bar style, but placed it under the wings of the toe piece and reduced its size. This refinement of the titanium bar style toe piece has now brought traditional low tech bindings within 15 grams of PG’s one piece toe, the Ultimate 3.

The heel piece is expectedly diminutive in size, using the now common base plate and rotating heel plate built of plastic. The heel piece is identical to PG’s other binding, the Ultimate 3. Pierre Gignoux states that the design is built to release around DIN 6, same as most other skimo racing specific bindings.

For racing at the highest levels, PG has always brought innovative products to market, and the U 77 is no different in this respect. However, Mr. Gignoux has also shown advantages of using his products also for adventures such as big ski traverses of as shown below.

How To Effectively Train Boot-packing and Running Technique for Skimo Racing

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Kilian Jornet on a way to winning his fourth Pierra Menta. Photo by Jocelyn Chavy.

Technique for boot-packing and running seems fairly straightforward since walking and running are the most natural movements to humans. However, several critical details do make a difference in efficiency.

The weight of the ski boots, loss of ankle agility, snow and handling of the ski poles all add to the complexity of simple movements we are born to easily master.

Training for effective and efficient boot-packing for longer (slower) races should be somewhat different from training for fast sprint races and running so we are discussing each on its own.

This article is an excerpt from our Manual For Ski Mountaineering Racing ebook.

Boot-packing for longer races

Usually, in longer races, boot-packing is up a steep slope with skis attached to your backpack. The important thing is that you use double-poling technique for this – planting both of your ski poles at the same time.

How to train:

Find a safe, steep slope (30+ degree) where you can set up 30-100 m (100-330 ft) vertical boot-pack. The right snow density for setting up a boot-pack track should allow for at least half of your boot’s sole to form a step.

Perform 3-6 climbs during which you double-pole on every third or fourth step.

Throughout the first half of the arms motion, you are using your arms for pulling, while in the second half (once ski poles’ handles are below your shoulders) you are using them for pushing, finishing with a full extension.

Intensity will be dictated by terrain but you can easily incorporate such a boot-pack section into your tempo intervals (zone 3).

It’s less suitable to incorporate these into your VO2 max intervals (zone 4) because of the time required to transition unless you are planning on performing the whole interval by boot-packing.

What elite racers do:

All elite racers use the double-poling technique during a boot-pack. They plant their poles, hunch themselves with their heads tilted down, then pull and push with force while their feet are doing three to five steps in one cycle. Their cadence (step frequency) varies greatly depending on the slope angle and depth of the track.

Boot-packing for sprint races

During boot-pack sections in sprint races or short (or lower angle) boot-pack sections in longer ones, the technique is the same as described above but since it’s performed on much shorter climbs, the cadence is higher as well as the force that is used for double-poling.

ISMF photo.

How to train:

Find a safe, 30-40 degree slope that will accommodate a 15-30 m (50-90 ft) vertical boot-pack. The snow should be fairly hard as the ideal foot penetration depth for good steps shouldn’t be more than just above your boot soles.

Perform 6-10 climbs with the double-poling technique described in the “boot-packing for longer races” above, but with your arms maximum force pulling and pushing on your poles while running (not walking) up the track.

These should be maximal speed efforts, so heart-rate intensity is not important, with about 1-2 minutes of recovery between the climbs.

What elite racers do:

All top sprint racers are very fast going up short boot-packs, covering four to six strides per every powerful double-poling cycle with a cadence of around 90-100 steps per leg per minute.

In the video below, around 30sec and 1min 30sec, you can watch elite racers running up during a sprint race at the 2019 World Championships.

Running in skimo races

Some races have flat or almost flat sections that are covered on foot (with skis on the pack) that could be on snow or on dry ground (gravel, pavement, grass). These sections are covered by running.

How to train:

To train for running on the snow, complete 6-10 maximal efforts of 10-15 seconds with 1-2 minutes of active rest between.

Use double-poling technique and lean into the stride, just like you would running in shoes, planting your poles far ahead of you and doing about 6-8 strides per double-poling cycle.

Best is to practice on groomed or hard-packed snow with minimal or no foot-penetration.

To train for running on dry land, complete 5-8 efforts at speed of zone 2-3 intensity and 10-20 seconds in length with minimal or no recovery. For these, you can carry poles in your hands without using them for half of the efforts while double-poling during the rest. Avoid doing these at your maximal speed as running on dry, hard ground in ski boots is quite taxing on all your leg joints. The ideal surface is grass or soft-packed dirt.

What elite racers do:

On-snow running sections are regularly featured at the top of boot-packs at various levels of competition, while dry-land sections are almost exclusive to long races that are in the spring months such as Pierra Menta, Patrouille des Glaciers, etc.

Top racers perform double-poling during the on-snow sections and usually carry their poles on dry land to prevent from breaking their pole tips.

Giveaway: Hagan Skimo Race Skins + SkinTrack Skimo Training Plans

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We have partnered with Hagan Ski Mountaineering for a giveaway to equip 2 lucky winners: one with a pair of new skins, and one with one of our skimo specific training plans. For full prize details see further below. Giveaway ended Nov 10, 2019.

Winners:

Brendan Armstrong wins a pair of Hagan Ultra 65 Hybrid skins

Kailey Allan wins her choice of one of our SkinTrack skimo training plans + our Skimo Manual ebook

How to Participate:

This giveaway runs from Nov 5, 2019 to Nov 10, 2019.
Winners will be announced on Nov 11, 2019 via email, on Instagram and on this page.

To participate complete the following 3 steps:

1) Follow SkinTrack on Instagram – click here for profile page.

2) Follow Hagan Skis US on Instagram – profile page.

3) Send us the right answer to this question:

Sign up for the giveaway is now closed.

2 Winners, 2 Prizes:

Two winners will be drawn with one winning the Hagan skins and one winning SkinTrack’s skimo training package.

Hagan Ultra 65 Hybrid Skins

These are 100% mohair, like most racing skins, but instead of using traditional glue for adhesion these Hagan skins use new Hybrid Adhesion technology. This allows these skins to stick as well at low temperatures as at warmer ones, without leaving residue on the ski base.

Another advantage are faster transitions thanks to easier handling – separating the skins when putting them on and ripping them off your skis requires much less force even at low temperatures. These Hagan skins are made in Austria.

» To learn more, visit Hagan Ultra 65 Hybrid Skins

SkinTrack Skimo Training Plan + Skimo Manual ebook

In addition to the popular Manual For Ski Mountaineering Racing ebook, we created a selection of skimo specific training plans that provide you with exact daily workouts and provide you with instructions how to modify the plan if you need to restructure it to fit your personal schedule.

The winner will be able to choose one of the following training plans, on top of the Manual:

Terms and Conditions:

1. Eligibility. No purchase necessary to enter or win.

2. The Giveaway period is from November 5, 2019 – November 10, 2019 (the “Deadline.”) All entries must be received by the Deadline to be eligible to win a prize.

3. How to Enter. Via the web: http://www.skintrack.com/contests-giveaways/giveaway-hagan-skintrack/

4. Limit one entry per person per prize. Multiple entries by the same person using one or more e-mail accounts will not be accepted. No mechanically or electronically reproduced entries will be accepted. All entries must be submitted from a valid e-mail account which may be identified by reverse domain name search. In the event of any dispute, entries will be deemed to have been submitted by the owner of the e-mail address from which the e-mail was sent.

5. Selection and Notification. Winner will be determined by a random drawing from all eligible entries on November 11, 2019. Winners will be notified by e-mail by November 25, 2019. To claim a prize, winner should follow the instructions contained in the notification email.

6. Prizes. One (1) winner will receive Hagan Ultra 65 Hybrid Skins. One (1) winner will receive Manual For Ski Mountaineering Racing ebook and a SkinTrack skimo training plan of their choice. All prizes are awarded “AS IS”.

7. General Release. By entering the, you release SkinTrack.com, participating sponsors and any of their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agencies (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any liability whatsoever, and waive any and all causes of action, for any claims, costs, injuries, losses, or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the Sweepstakes or acceptance, possession, or use of any prize (including, without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation or portrayal in a false light, whether intentional or unintentional), whether under a theory of contract, tort (including negligence), warranty or other theory.

8. Email Opt-In. By entering this sweepstakes, you agree to receive email updates from SkinTrack.com and participating partners, sponsors. You may opt out at any time.

9. The sponsor of the Giveaway is SkinTrack.com, Canada.

Sisters of Skimo: Interview With Sierra Anderson, US Skimo Team member, About Life And Her New Movie

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Growing up on a fishing boat in Alaska, Sierra Anderson’s road to World Cup level ski mountaineering racing is an adventurous one, and she still operates her own fishing business in the summers.

Her love for mountains and skiing was always there but falling in love with skimo only a few years ago helped her to find a true passion. Today, she is a strong member of the USA Ski Mountaineering Team and has become involved in the sport beyond what most athletes do.

Her movie “Sisters of Skimo” premiers on November 6 in Frisco, Colorado and dives deep into her personality and value she stands for. You can RSVP for this event on this Facebook page.

Q: Where exactly were you born in Alaska? How was growing up there?

I was born in Anchorage, Alaska but originated from Seward, Alaska. Most people know it for the famous Mt. Marathon running race.

I grew up commercial fishing in a little village called Chignik, population less than 100. We can only get there by a 42 hour boat journey out of Seward, or a little 3.5h bush plane ride.

From the age of diapers, most of my summers were spent on the boat for 3 months at a time. I began working at around the ripe age of 8, and when I was 14 I started running the skiff for my dad, a little 22 foot boat that tows the net in the opposite direction of the big boat.

This business is what some people might call family bonding on steroids! It wasn’t always easy, but fishing was always an adventure, and being immersed in wildlife was invigorating at a young age. Everything from octopuses to sea lions, birds, whales, porpoises, sharks…you name it. I called these “my pets”.

On the rare occasion I did get land time, I would typically find myself running in circles on the quarter mile dirt airstrip in the middle of the village. It wasn’t just the bears I’d have to watch out for. Every now and again I would have to dodge into the trees to avoid a landing plane running over me. I couldn’t always hear them from behind and have had some near misses.

In 1996, my family moved to Breckenridge Colorado and so began my 8 year journey into alpine ski racing.

Q: How did you discover skimo racing? What hooked you and keeps you in?

Sierra with her Team US sisters at 2019 World Championships.

The first skimo race I ever witnessed was at Copper Mountain in Colorado when I was babysitting for my supermom friend, Kate Zander, so that she could race.

I was impressed by her discipline and dedication to still pursue what she loved while nursing a child on the side of the race course.

She introduced me to some new things in the sport… like ski crampons for example. I am proud to call her my friend and teammate now because she never wavered and was always patient.

She could have kept me at a distance knowing I would one day be her competitor, but she didn’t. I think we had “sisterhood” dialed early on.

Skimo is honestly the coolest sport I have ever known. It is an adventure, and it is extremely rewarding to look back on the peaks you scaled and say “Wow I really did that!”. I never really knew what I was capable of until I started skimo racing.

I see mountains in an entirely different way now, I see possibilities.

Q: How is skimo different for you from other sports you have been competing in?

Skimo is so different, but with a lot of parallels to my sport history.

The first time I tried the lightweight equipment though, I was terrified, as if I forgot how to ski! Now it’s literally all I know.

Racing in China during an international training camp.

I downhill ski raced in high school, then ran cross country. Running helped me afford college, and I was fortunate to be offered a full ride to run at a D1 University.

Neither sports held much longevity for me as I quit racing right out of college to go back in the family business. Both sports were far too one dimensional for me, and I got bored. I think I was made to do something more dynamic.

Skimo was the perfect blend of endurance, mental stamina, downhill skiing (aka speed), technical skills, risk, reward, and real adventure.

Q: Why do you think more women are not taking up skimo? How could this change and what do you want to do about it?

This sport is fairly new in America and less common for women. Naturally, there is an element of the unknown, and an inherent insecurity that comes with it. We are testing ourselves and are not sure of the possibilities or success.

I love seeing more women joining this sport. We are social creatures and find acceptance more easily when there is a group.

The women’s North American team at 2019 Mezzalama Trophy in Italy. Sierra on the left, Jessie Young top-right, and Canadian Kylee Toth.

I believe sisterhood is a real thing that transcends fear, and supersedes the limitations we might naturally feel when entering a new sport like skimo. When I was running in college, it felt like a sisterhood, and because of that it was easier and more desirable for women to walk on or get into the sport.

I also think that as women we naturally have a little more of a “delicate” spirit than men and self preservation is higher on the priority list. Yes, skimo is more intense than most sports…but it doesn’t have to be seen as just that. I have gal friend I know in skimo who shows up to races in tutus. The beauty of skimo is you make it what it is… but it is always an adventure…

Ultimately, I just believe that women need women.

We need to be in community with each other in order to thrive. This starts by eliminating the “cliques.” We can support each other to do our very best and encourage other women to join us as this strong group of driven, inspiring intense athletes.

I am excited for the growth that is happening in skimo. I wish I had the opportunity to start skimo younger, but I am learning to embrace the chapter I am in, and help foster relationships with women and young girls in the sport. This is how I believe we grow the sport.

If we as skimo women in the community can develop a more inclusive culture in the sport that is inviting and attractive to outsiders, we can grow it. There’s more to this sport than the podium.

Also of course, we need better uphill access in North America. I hope more resorts get on board with opening their mountains for people to travel uphill.

Q: Would you want skimo to be in the Olympics? Whether yes or no, why?

Oh absolutely! It needs to be in the Olympics. If curling is in the Olympics, skimo should have been in it yesterday.

Skimo is exciting, daring, adventurous, risky…all the ingredients for creating intrigue among spectators. This sport is the ultimate test of endurance, speed, technical skill, uphill, downhill, and everything in between.

Q: What are your future skimo goals and plans? Do you have plans away from racing – such as expeditions, traverses, trips?

My short term plans include going to Europe to live and race the entire World Cup Circuit for 2020, as well as some Grand Courses. I want to completely immerse myself into the mother-ship of ski mountaineering so that I can grow and bring back what I learn.

One of our juniors, Grace Staberg will be joining me for those 5 months. We leave the first week of December!

Long term goals are evolving but hard to say because opportunities are trickling in now that I never would have foreseen a year ago. I want to be open.

I have been fortunate to see a lot of the world. But racing in these other countries is very new and exciting to me. Traveling by skis is an awesome thing.

Meeting new sisters during a training camp in China.

I met some folks from India at the race in China, and it was really cool talking to them and hearing them share about wanting to start a skimo club in their country. They came to China to get acquainted with the sport and learn.

China rallied people from all parts of the world for the Mt. Gangshika masters race and that was truly awesome.

I would love to help facilitate growing the sport not only in the USA but around the world.

Q: If you were to die in 10 years, how would you want to live them? What would you like to do, “complete”, or “accomplish”?

I think in whatever I do, I want to somehow serve people in it and impact hearts in a positive way.

So many people have helped me in my life to get to where I am. I would love to give back. I don’t know what that is supposed to look like. I don’t have a particular bucket list item that I have to conquer.

As I continue to grow in skimo I begin to realize new ambitions and goals, but they aren’t the end-all-be-all for me. I love exploring exotic foreign places on skis and meeting new people along the way.

But if 10 years is all I get, I think I would want to try and focus on what I was leaving behind, since after all I can’t take anything with me when my time is up. I think that to have a family and leave a legacy that serves to impact culture in a positive way would be a pretty great accomplishment.

Visiting PLUM in France: Emerging Ski Touring Bindings Manufacturer From Chamonix Valley

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We have been testing Plum’s Oazo binding since last spring. At only 200g, the Oazo is a full-featured ski touring binding.

Not surprisingly, Chamonix Valley in France, on the foothills of the majestic Mont Blanc, is home to a variety of outdoor brands. The area is a paradise for outdoor gear testing and development.

After visiting CAMP and La Sportiva factories, we were excited to also honor an invitation from Plum. While not very well-known outside of France and Switzerland yet, this ski touring and split-boarding bindings manufacturer have been steadily carving its name on the market since 2005.

With 2-5 years warranties on their products and very little outsourcing, Plum takes raw materials and step-by-step crafts some of the finest and lightest bindings in the world. They are 100% made in France.

So why “PLUM” if we are talking about bindings and not fruit? The brand name comes from the French word “plume” which means “feather”, not a prune.

Plum’s first ultra-light heel was born in 2005, showing on the left. By 2007, Plum significantly improved the original design, on the right.

The history of Plum and their manufacturing expertise and know-how (precision mechanics) dates back to 1968. To learn more about Plum’s history visit their About page.

Plum Ski Touring Bindings Manufacturing and Testing

From super light skimo racing bindings to more freeride oriented models, PLUM offers a wide selection of ski touring bindings. They also offer a range of split-board bindings which are becoming increasingly popular as well.

Pika is one of Plum’s most popular ski touring bindings.

PLUM designs their bindings based on their expertise and feedback from their athletes and mountain guides, including Alexis Sevennec (former Pierra Menta Champion), Vivian Bruchez (steep skier), Glen Plake (legendary ski movie star) and others.

The philosophy of the brand is to manufacture minimalist, light and durable ski touring bindings to be skied all over the world.

Vivian Bruchez carefully skiing one of many steep lines in the Alps.

PLUM’s manufacturing process combines modern CNC machines as well as more traditional machines. This allows them to fine-tune the process while keeping prices at reasonable levels.

To lessen environmental impact, PLUM shreds metal and plastic parts into small pieces (shavings) and sorts them. Then they are collected by a local recycling company which sends these wastes to a foundry where they are recycled.

Fundamentally, the company is committed to produce locally in France, mostly dealing with local subcontractors, to reduce the manufacturing environmental footprint.

Plum uses Aluminum 7075 as their main material. This aluminum alloy is extensively used in aircraft aerospace applications.

 

Brand new Guide binding toe and heel pieces.

Wide Selection of Plum Bindings

Plum offers a wide variety of ski touring bindings divided into four categories based on their intended use.

The Race & Oazo families interest us the most as they feature minimalist ultra-light bindings, the Race family, and full-featured yet light ski mountaineering bindings, the Oazo.

The Oazo binding is specifically designed for demanding ski mountaineering while weighing only 200g per foot. Whether it is steep skiing or long mountain days with a heavier pack we like the Oazo’s functionality and durability. Full review is coming soon.

The above “men” version of the Oazo has a forward release of 8, while the “women” version has it fixed at 6. Both versions feature adjustable lateral release from DIN 4 to DIN 10.

For pure skimo racing and fast & light ski mountaineering, Plum offers 4 competition oriented bindings with the lightest being the R99 model shown below. One of their most versatile light bindings is the R170 model which offers 20mm of heel adjustment, increased durability, at only 170g, and without breaking your savings account.

Plum’s R99 binding weighs 99g. Its toe piece consists of 21 parts and the heel piece of 12, not including mounting screws.

Other families of Plum bindings focus more on freeride style of skiing and users that prefer their ski touring bindings with brake system. Visit Plum website for all details and pricing.