Episode 1: Gear Essentials for Backcountry Skiing | Salomon How To

[@alphaplex20]

Could hardly take my eyes off the teneighties in the back ground. 👌 My favorite skis.

[@islandaerial3414]

I've still got a pair of Xscreams in perfect condition! Love 'em on the HP

[@stanrey7]

those are a thing of beauty! I was distracted the whole time.

[@kgsobott]

This is great work Salomon TV... Douglas and Rey cut straight to the chase, scant on jargon, and super clear and concise. Can't wait for all of your other videos ✨🏔❄️🎿💖🤘!!

[@srBook]

Stan for president!

[@SalomonTV]

🙌

[@stanrey7]

I might run in 2024.😂

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

Always good to see you Mike! Thanks to you I went back to skiing! Alohas from Maui!

[@conormcclorey6883]

This is a perfect series!

[@Benniee1]

I love the hat that Stan Rey is wearing. If we can get that somewhere, please let us know! Love the tips & tricks, thank you for this series Salomon. YOU ROCK!

[@samsides3816]

Another suggestion for the bindings is getting a daymaker touring setup. They provide you the safety of a normal binding but with the ability to tour. The other good thing is that you don't have to buy a totally new binding if you already have a ski/binding combo you like.

[@russclewley6945]

Nice video. I skied the QST 118 last year in Utah and loved them. Only issue was ice on top of mountain from the wind took a lot of effort. I actually did not mind them on the groomers, just took more ski angle. Hard pack in the woods from hardened crud was no issue very stable. I am short 5’6” so I got away with 174cm however I would get the 186cm for stability front to back weighting and balance.

[@ChristopherLee118]

Time to PLAY!!!!

[@SalomonTV]

You know it. 🙌

[@OnceUponaSaga]

Great update! I see a few things have changed since my instructor days twenty years ago 😂 Looking sharp! POW all the way ❤️ #SagaBingeWatchingSalomonTV

[@PaDutchRunner]

Pretty much all of this advice applies to the downhill 1st skier. The uphill 1st skier (who will never ride a lift at the resort) needs narrower, lighter skis, lighter boots either larger rom, lighter bindings, etc.

[@michaeldennis1021]

Hi are those yellow skis behind you over 20yrs old. Great video keep them coming

[@ChristopherLee118]

I need that 1080 - bring it backkkkk!

[@bugrutch]

Wicked flag placement Mike!

[@mikedouglas_]

Yeaaa mate!

[@progammler]

great video covering the basics! Could you give some more details about the different kinds of skins and when to pick which (synthetic/mohair/mix, glue yes/no). What do you mean by glued are more reliable in moist conditions? Are they all equally durable, how to pack them up after a climb and how to store them for longer periods etc.. In any case thanks for the video!

[@mikedouglas_]

Hopefully someone with more knowhow than me on this topic chimes in, but here is my opinion... I have only used synthetic skins and have not had any problems with them. Some glide faster than others so if you are planning to go out for long days I would suggest looking for a pair with better glide. I have used glueless skins but have had problems with them. As soon as the get wet or icy, they don't stick well and that can be very frustrating. For that reason, I only use skins with glue and I find them to be quite reliable. If they get wet or icy, putting them inside your jacket for 5 minutes will usually do the trick.

[@progammler]

@@mikedouglas_ Thank you very much for taking the time and answering!

[@CodyTownsend]

Having tried tons of different mixes on skin fibers and nearly all the different ratios of nylon vs mohair, the simplest way to explain it is Mohair offers a ton of glide with less grip and Synthetic (nylon) offers a ton of grip with less glide. The same goes for durability, Synthetic is far more durable than Mohair. That being said, I've never had an issue with durability except in the full "Race" category of skins which are not designed for typical backcountry skiing, instead for uphill racing, they really aren't considered often for daily backcountry skiers. My personal favorite blend is about a 70% Mohair / 30% Nylon blend. It offers plenty of grip for every angle of skin track and snow condition while remaining highly efficient in glide ratio to reduce fatigue on the way up.

[@kgsobott]

I'm chiming in, but would certainly not claim to have a more Knowhow than Douglas. Here we go, short and succinct😂 Definitely go glued skins in maritime climates. Which skins to pick ? Basically More Nylon more grip and durability vs More mohair more glide and packability Synthetic - Generally cheaper, more durable, provides greater traction or grip in icy and maritime snow packs, down side is they can tend to be a bit bulky. Think Black Diamond Ascension or G3 Alpinist Grip 100 % Mohair - You'll pay a fair bit more, these are delicate skins due to being an organic material, better in dry cold continental conditions, superior glide and super packable. Think Pomoca Climb mohair. Blended or Mixed - Best of both worlds as you can chose more grip or more glide depending on the mix. A bit more durability that skins with a high super mohair content, but will never be as durable as full nylon. Good glide and grip, good packability Think G3 Alpinist Glide or Pomoca climb pro glide, Free 2.0 & Pomoca free pro 2.0 Hope this helps ✨🏔❄️🎿💖🤘!!

[@johnsales7084]

What about ski mountaineering? When are you going to make proper bindings for mountaineering boots?

[@maksymmaletskyy6803]

Great episodes guys!!! love it. Got a question regarding airbags, what are your thoughts on that type of gear , do you use it? or if not, why you don't, thanks!

[@mikedouglas_]

Thanks! I will only speak for myself on this. I have an airbag but rarely use it. If there is any significant risk of avalanche, I generally don't go into the backcountry. Airbags are good and I think they add a layer of safety, but they are not perfect - people still can get buried while wearing one. They are also expensive, heavy and difficult to travel with. I live in the Coast Mountains of BC where our snowpack is reasonably stable. If I lived in the Alps or the Rockies, I would likely use an airbag more often. I have a lot of things in my pack meant to keep me safe, but the 3 basics that are always there are a transceiver, probe and shovel. We go into more details about this in upcoming episodes.

[@maksymmaletskyy6803]

@@mikedouglas_ Got your point, Thanks!

[@DrewPetersenSki]

I'll double up on what Mike said here. Like him, I can only speak for myself. I don't use an airbag very often. The main reason why not is because it would not be useful in an avalanche with the chance of being strained through trees or rocks-and would do more harm than good. Most of the skiing I do in the Lower 48 will be in that sort of terrain. And when I'm getting up high in the alpine, I need to be confident in the snow and the slopes I'm stepping onto! So my main point is decision making far trumps an airbag in my opinion.

[@maksymmaletskyy6803]

@@DrewPetersenSki Thanks man,yeah, the decisions one make in the BC is the key

[@punkybeerconsumer]

First Aid Kit/Oh Shit Kit! and communication devises for another episode.

[@aleksey_kamchatkalifornia]

Using this Salomon tlt bindings… it’s super but skistops are making me crazy sometimes…)))

[@dave9668]

are avalanche packs considered standard gear now?

[@ericwendt5562]

thoughts on mounting position on the QST 106? any movement to make them a more playful option?

[@hsrenterprises]

Stan's beard tho

[@SalomonTV]

On point. 😉

[@stanrey7]

I work hard on that thing!

[@kgsobott]

@@stanrey7 Lol 😂

[@saureeeegogo]

Is there any major differences between the shift boot and salomon QST boot with touring sole on? Which one is better for all around skiing? I'm only doing quite small tours, probably 2-5 hrs average and I also ski groomers. Which one would fit better? My ski setup is qst99+shift bindings

[@DrewPetersenSki]

Hey! Yes, very different boots in design and construction. The new Shift Pro has a more traditional design with a top and lower cuff, whereas the QST Pro was designed with the flex coming from the tongue. Personally, I'd opt for the Shift Pro over the QST in any scenario. The Shift Pro has a really nice consistent flex and is similar in design to Salomon's resort boots-just with a walk mode and pins!

[@patrikrohner2641]

Hey, i love your videos and have now e question😊. Im s good skier and i wanne go into touring im 1m90tall am 125kgi wanna have a ski that works in the resort aswell as in deeper snow (living in switzerland) maybe 106 and the shift binding ???? what do you think i wanna have an salomon ski again i have the salomon xdr 84 and im loving it in the resort … Thanks for the good work and sorry for my bad english love your skis big love from switzerland❤️❤️❤️

[@MrDouglascarr]

Did you Guys dial in the Salomon Shift 13 bindings? I know 3 of us who have had lots of Pre-Release problems where they shouldn't of Released and did out of no where. Making for very scary experiences! I even got them tested at the shop. They tested within the RANGES ALLOWED but still having pre leasing problems. Bought new souls thinking that could have been it, but it wasn't the issue. I have personally had mine pre-release traversing with my din at 13. Where as din of 11 I do not pop out or have any of these issues in the Wardens or STH's. Boot is A Dabello Lupo 130 and 120 Curious on your thoughts? Also another friend is in the Salomon Mtn boot with similar issues?

[@mikedouglas_]

Strange. I've been skiing this binding for the past 3 years without any problems. The only thing I can think of is toe-height. You have to get it right with the Shift. My guess is you are running your toe-height too high which I've heard can lead to pre-release issues.

[@marcvilleneuve8022]

are all beacons from differents cies compatibles?

[@mikedouglas_]

yes, they are compatible.

[@stanrey7]

Yes they are indeed.

[@keeganepp7793]

Couple questions: Stan mentions that an alpine boot won't work if you chose the Shift binding... is this correct? Or it won't work specifically for backcountry? I thought one of the advantages of the Shift binding was alpine compatibility. Also, Stan says he skis the Shift Pro 130 every day but on the S LAB MTN video he says it is the only boot he skis... what is he really skiing!? But on a more serious note... could you compare the two boots, Stan?

[@marcvilleneuve8022]

you can use the shift with alpine boot to ski but not to go up. Going down it works like a regular binding but going up it is a pin binding

[@DrewPetersenSki]

Hey Keegan! Stan is just referencing using the binding to go uphill with that comment. To walk uphill with the Shift toe piece functioning as a tech binding, one needs tech pin inserts on the toes. However, for the way down, when the Shift is in ski mode, it is multi norm compatible. That means it's good with any normed boot sole, which is most boots! So an alpine boot works. And it's one of the reasons why the Shift is a great choice so you can ski it in the backcountry and at the resort. I can't always speak for Stan, but I will in this case haha! He was skiing the Shift Pro 130 last year when we were skiing together. Before the Shift Pro 130 though (which we on the team first got our hands on last winter), just about all of us were skiing the MTN all the time. That ended up being a long comment, but I hope that helps clarify!

[@keeganepp7793]

@@DrewPetersenSki Thanks Drew!

[@stanrey7]

Hey Keegan, You can ski an alpine boot with the shift binding no problem but you wont be able to use it to go up because the alpine boot doesn't have a pin insert on the toe. I use to ski the MTN Lab but when they came out with the Shift Pro I switched to it. If I had to compare them I'd say the MTN lLb walks well and skis well but I find I can get little more performance out of the shift pro and it also has a little wider last which fits my foot better and makes the boot comfier. Hope that helps.

[@keeganepp7793]

@@stanrey7 thanks Stan!!

[@nicholasrandell2310]

Does the shift fit any pin-style boot or does it require a flat sole like a front country binding?

[@mikedouglas_]

The Shift is Multi-Norm Compatible which means it works with most boots including most touring boots without flat soles. The best thing to do if you are unsure is check with your local shop.

[@stanrey7]

The Shift works with most touring boots as it is Multi-norm Compatible. Heck with your local retailer if you are unsure if yours will work. Have an awesome winter!

[@nicholasrandell2310]

Thanks Guys! I Probably should have watched to the end before asking. I'm rocking MTN boots that you literally show with shifts after. *facepalm* Thanks for doing this series, looking forward to more videos!

[@riskyfortune4159]

Would a Nordica enforcer 100 be a good touring ski.

[@patrickisherwood573]

I lm pretty sure that ski is fairly heavy for a touring setup

[@patnoel7461]

First, under a SalomonTV video isn’t the beat place to get advice for Nordicas. Personally, if you’re ok with a bit more weight, you’ll love the downhill on this ski, it rips.

[@SalomonTV]

😉

[@riskyfortune4159]

@@SalomonTV i really want the shift bindings once I can afford them. I just don’t know what ski to put them on.

[@SalomonTV]

@@riskyfortune4159 Good question, we recommend putting it on a ski you can tour with and ski the resort on! Then you have a one-ski quiver ready to rock!

[@matt360able]

Any particular reason for the NZ flag in the background? 👀😁

[@mikedouglas_]

My wife is a proud Kiwi

[@rufusmatthews6244]

When’s the next video out :)

[@SalomonTV]

Next Thursday! But you can watch them all here: kzbin.info/aero/PLpskfzTlpo4itdUxHQvh_pr5EJtlBCbqj

[@rufusmatthews6244]

Ty

[@thbr1400]

isn't an airbag (almost) as important as the three safety gears you mentioned ?

[@mikedouglas_]

I will only speak for myself on this. I have an airbag but rarely use it. If there is any significant risk of avalanche, I generally don't go into the backcountry. Airbags are good and I think they add a layer of safety, but they are not perfect - people still can get buried while wearing one. They are also expensive, heavy and difficult to travel with. I live in the Coast Mountains of BC where our snowpack is reasonably stable. If I lived in the Alps or the Rockies, I would likely use an airbag more often. I have a lot of things in my pack meant to keep me safe, but the 3 basics that are always there are a transceiver, probe and shovel. We go into more details about this in upcoming episodes.

[@stanrey7]

No. Air bags are an extra layer of safety but they do not replace a probe, shovel and transceiver as those are the key 3 safety pieces of equipment you can never leave behind when venturing into the backcountry. The purpose of an airbag is to keep you a float the avalanche or closer to the surface when it come to a stop. Hope that helps.

[@samsonian]

If I send you an address and promise to send you my firstborn child can you send me a pair of those Shifts?

[@SalomonTV]

Name them Salomon and you've got yourself a deal. 😉

[@samsonian]

@@SalomonTV ...well, okay but if I even hear a whisper about flying carpets being involved I keep the kid. Someone’s gotta get daddy to the pow!

[@trevorkatz136]

shift trash. thx

[@atishamahant9729]

Send me some gear! :)

[@actrak]

Blah blah blah a 10 minute salomon ad... You started off so well throwing props at blister and wild snow and then Bam! Buy Salomon Salomon Salomon..... Salomon is backcountry 🤮. Honestly number one rule of Backcounrty find someone who knows what they are doing and ask them to teach you. Next get a beacon and take a basic Avy course, then you can begin to go out in the BC but don't forget your first aide kit, fire starter, water and food. It is a lot more than buying some Salomon gear a huffing up a hill.