The FIFTY - Bonus Ep. - How to Mod Your Ski Boots (sort of)

The legend of professional skiers customizing and modifying their ski boots is finally exposed. Their secrets are divulged to show you that they do in fact modify their ski boots, quite extensively in fact. In this episode, some of the thoughts behind the mods, the successes and failures, and concepts are shown behind this boot mod process as a full process of testing new concepts in a Salmon X/Alp ski boot is shown.
Disclaimer: Do not modify your boots yourself! It is dangerous, expensive and can often fail leading to injury or death. This episode is for entertainment purposes only. Again, do not try this at home.
Music licensed from Artlist.io

[@Irish2086]

Couple of suggestions: - How to shop for used ski ? A lot of us are living with limited budget. What should we be looking for ? Be caution off ? - How you organize your garage/outdoor gear ? Like any outdoor people, my GF and I have so much gear and skis are always difficult to store. - How and what are you cooking/eating while traveling or pow hunting ? - How would you rescue an injured skiier ? Maybe demo with your wife or something ? Given you aren't an paramedic maybe some guidelines ? - Story time with Cody... Certainly have hundreds of cool ski story to tell. Keep up the good works !

[@Waff3lMan1]

I second the first and third points. The rescue one is good too, watch the Joffre rescue if you haven't. I am making the transition or backcountry touring over the summer, and that is going eat away at my bank account. Knowing more about what you look for in a ski, binding, and boot would be helpful!

[@toddmulligan2609]

This series is so good! My suggestion is just to stay focused and stay safe (and do whatever) well that, and say “anyway” instead of “anyways”. You CAN go any way.... but going anyways is oblivion... There will be another (different) series!!!🤞

[@aqhinds.53]

Yes! I would second all of the suggestions that Simon made!

[@fromthelake5158]

Ya, I am sure that Cody has a done of stories to tell that most of us would love to hear.

[@jollygiant3450]

Oh this so much! Just got back into skiing after a few years grinding in "the big city"... Used skiis, or equipment tutorial, pointers etc!!!! Thanks for getting me back into skiing, for real, you and Nikolai Schirmer did that! Saved me!

[@georgefuller6760]

Tour off your garage. Your film equipment. Climbing equipment. I’d enjoy watching all off these!!!

[@samtanny1178]

Yea garage tour!!!!

[@mikepatton8032]

Garage non-ski gear; climbing, surf, mtb, etc.

[@skimpy126]

This might be for later on in the Summer, but an episode talking about your physical preparation during the off-season would be really interesting.

[@popia6080]

Bonus EPISOPE: Maintenance of all your ski gear.

[@roywiedemeyer5346]

Including what's on your work bench, ski clamps, tools, etc

[@brockconnor8277]

What about what you're eating before, during, and after your big treks?

[@coreyhill9920]

Really enjoy following The Fifty Project, keep these bonus episodes coming! Would be very interested in seeing a Route Planning episode. Maybe take one of the 50 lines that can be summited in multiple ways and talk about the route that you would take based on different conditions, why certain routes would be riskier than others, etc.

[@tobinkoehn1542]

Might be cool to do some snow science Avy stuff as a bonus.

[@Room641B]

+1

[@ekjourneys8385]

+1

[@jennings69]

Top ten line’s skied, mechanically aided or human power no matter 🤘🏻

[@trevorcorey4733]

I like this idea, all the movie lines included.

[@matthewstromecki5748]

A bonus episode about how you layer for specific conditions would be sickkkk! P.S. You're a beast!

[@xabimurciano2444]

I don't know if you already did it in other episodes before, but it would be interesting if you could talk a bit about crampons, ice axes and the alpinism gear you use in general. Greetings from the Pyrenees

[@matthewhull46]

Do an interview with your wife. Talk about her background and trips she's taken. Also, what lines have you guys skied together. Get her on the FIFTY too.

[@GeoffFalk]

I second this!!! I've been wondering why she hasn't been on the fifty. Let's see love rip some big lines.

[@alancrawford7407]

See Episode 3 Terminal Cancer

[@jasonwooden]

@@alancrawford7407 Yeah, she was hilarious! Bring her back for more!

[@alancrawford7407]

@@jasonwooden See Episode 26 just released today!

[@cadenwells6414]

Some more in depth of the mountaineering gear/climbing gear.

[@scottirvine1529]

Thanks for continuing to make content Cody! I would love it it you did a kind of 'how we did this' (like how you did ep. 25) for some of the more challenging episodes/lines you've done so far. Just to get even more insight into the logistics and decisions. I'm guessing you still have lots of footage on the cutting room floor, or even just as a voice-over commentary. Each line and episode is so unique in it's own ways, and I always like to hear more about what you look for in the backcountry and how you make decisions. Thanks!

[@jamesbosco3391]

Hey Cody, I think an interesting discussion topic could be about uphill performance and the equipment associated with it in a more expanded way. If you took your Salomon MTN/Salomon MTN Explore 95 and you climbed a hill, and then did the same thing with a different setup (one of the heavier combos) what would the difference in time be? Just how much time do you save on the up by altering the weight by a lb or two or more? It might be interesting to discuss a topic like how to make a call between two touring setups that are closer in their overall outputs like the skinnier QSTs and the MTN Explore 95s if the conditions are just on the fringe for one or the other. Also, you could include an update on how you are feeling about using all these different setups now that you are halfway through the book! Has anything changed? Anything worth noting about the setups since you have had more time to use them? As a newer bc skier, hearing you expand on some of these ideas would be super awesome.

[@christopherorman5769]

I agree with someone else, a bonus episode detailing what makes Mira Face and University Peak such tough lines from the book and why they keep you up at night.

[@susannewilliams]

I absolutely love your stuff. Keep em coming! Bonus episodes. Waxing skis in the field. Your repair kit and typical repairs in the field.

[@Chris-ih4ih]

Garage tour: surfboards, skis, climbing gear, filming gear, most useful hardware store supplies for ski moutaineering?

[@benjaminalsford5603]

Hi Cody - these videos are great. Watching them from lock down in Lofoten and getting inspired for next winter - keep them coming!

[@greengraycolor]

Great episode! Idea for the next bonus episodes: 1. Tuning skis/dealing with stone/rock damage. 2. Your views and choices on bindings, safety, power transfer of shift vs traditional pin

[@bennyummer]

yeah, exactly "1. Tuning skis/dealing with stone/rock damage" i just assume you get the shop to grind em for ya. how else can you get the case hardened spots out?

[@paulherrmann4923]

bonus episode about clothing would be super intresting!

[@PhilippKlein]

I've been waiting for this episode for years! Thanks! Also, a few years back I posted a tutorial to show how to mod Touring Poles, such as Cody's :)

[@CodyTownsend]

Yeah I saw that. Nice work.

[@marti1923]

Thank you! I love your episodes and the bonus are always interesting! How do you prepare yourself physically for the season?

[@susanappleby2414]

marti1923 I had the same question

[@ritid69]

I prepared for the Haute route using “uphill athletes “ training schedule on there website. Paired with the book “new alpinism” and training peaks. I used ski mo training plan

[@badengrishSi]

Dude, love the honesty!

[@danieledmiston1489]

Thanks for making these vids! Always good to have new content!

[@dougelliott8106]

Hi Cody, Love the series. Couple of content suggestions: Surely having filmed 25, plus bonuses you should have enough footage for a bloopers reel.... Which european lines would you add to the fifty?

[@antonioguzmancalatayud196]

Thanks for the video, and thank you for cheering up this lockdown!

[@jakobaubell2449]

Do one where you go through the remaining runs and rank them.

[@seamus.dolan98]

Perhaps an episode recommending where to buy a ski touring/backcountry set-up for intermediate skiers who want to eventually get into ski mountaineering but should start with lesser-technical touring and climbing.

[@noahschwartz6747]

That storm chaser in the background though... I wanna see you hit a line with that!

[@deerloversheridan3038]

Cody I would love to see a bonus episode on binding placement.

[@skierjack]

Cody is the man! haha remember meeting him at freshtival back when I was like 11 and getting so fired up. Possible video idea is discussing all the training /courses you have taken in the background to get your skill set for the self reliant skiing you have transitioned to. Also discussing your process for risk evaluation on fresh snow days in the backcountry.

[@donfrance3]

Love tricked out boots for fit and performance. Thank you for showing your secret ways.

[@CodyTownsend]

You're so welcome!

[@StacySalmans]

I know this is off-topic, but I love the Binder hat!! A good boot fitter is priceless.

[@EricChernushenko]

Suggestion for an episode: Skills and gear you should learn to use in order to attempt some of this style of ski mountaineering. There seems to be quite a gap between just doing backcountry, and chasing lines like these, it would be cool to learn how to bridge that gap safely by learning the right skills and acquiring the right gear.

[@BB139RQ]

A bonus episode on servicing your skis and bindings would be useful. Thank you for your inspirational videos.

[@NickDangerThirdGuy]

Funny seeing this video now! I was fixing broken broken Dynafit Tourlites all through the 80's, wish I had access to all the parts that you do when I was having to make my own.

[@chriscowan6630]

Great vid Cody.....took your advice and bought two pairs of skis online from our local shop for next season...they were more than appreciative......thanks for the vids.....really need this at this time. Stay safe.

[@CodyTownsend]

Great to hear! Probably at a smoking deal to eh?

[@chriscowan6630]

Cody Townsend yah for sure.....2019 QST 106’s and 2020 Bent Chetler 100’s for my daughter.....super deal and great to support the locals....looking forward to next season!

[@jatisurface]

Cody. One thing I'd love to see is how you go about packing for different levels/difficulty of tours. Where things go in your pack, what to keep on top of your pack and what to stash in the bottom.

[@imnothavingfununlessimnoth9102]

Would love to see a bonus episode on what you do for training!

[@andreicosma4309]

great stuff Cody! :) Love it man keep on doing it!

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

I had the same boots for only one week and I felt exactly the need for the same modification!!!!! I returned it!

[@aatlantidee9210]

Yep Cody, one of my favorite question about you: - Your career path and the way you crossed the steps to pro-skiing (sorry for my bad english, hope to be understood)

[@ricewychrij]

Your English is excellent, my friend :-)

[@aatlantidee9210]

@@ricewychrij thx ! :-)

[@devilaces]

Very through disclaimer. I actually respect your disclaimer ability, its that good.

[@mmau]

Hi Cody, love your videos, especially the new and epic Mountain Why bike trip. So great! Ideas for bonus episodes: watching your videos makes me wonder about all the things around the skiing/riding: What do you eat at 1:30 in the morning before you go on a tour? How much and what stuff (gear, food) do you take with you, especially the bike trip? What do wear throughout the day at different temperatures (layering, materials, etc) and why? How do you manage body hygiene when camping on a trip, especially when cold or super hot? And how do you manage to be always so cheerful even in bad situations (mind set, planning, experience, personal background)? Or just ignore all this and just keep doing what you do, it's perfect! Thanks, Marcus (Munich)

[@elainenilsson5472]

OMG...middle strap. The whole reason I like the Dynafit. Heel pocket problems solved!!

[@edsecretan4605]

Same here exactly for my Maestrale RS. Can't understand why other manufacturers don't copy it.

[@elainenilsson5472]

@@edsecretan4605 Heal pocket is such a big deal for women. I can't seem to convey this to my women friends.

[@toby1103]

It's been some time since this video came out, I'm really curious to know how the mods went and the processes with equipment development and your involvement. Would make a good bonus episode. Love the channel btw.

[@michaelppdirector]

A bonus episode about all the gear you take on these trips would be great! You seem to have a pretty full pack!

[@felixboeing9918]

Do a bonus episode on what happened with the landslides at Joffre and how much you knew about the likelihood of that happening because you mentioned the possibility of last descents in the video so I’m curious if that was already forecasted

[@catalungafilms]

Facts

[@bjaminbjamin]

How to mod your ski boots in two easy steps: 1) Go to whistler reuse it centre and hand over your boots. 2) Walk to showcase and buy yourself snowboard boots.... lol. Just teasing, if only snowboard boots had hard points for crampon attachment. Episode ideas: I'd like to see your gear decision making mindset and 'on site' route decision techniques to conserve your ski line (from boot pack tracks etc) while being safe (obviously). - Knuckle dragger out. PS I modified snowboard boots, bindings and boards for YEARS at showcase (typically for a case of beer) and those were some of the best years of my life bar none. I miss drilling into brand new binding clips to lighten them, adding heel lift pads, moding splitboard setups, making collapsible poles before there were any... I even made mini skiis with skins lol before splitboards (which were abandoned under diseased ridge and later collected and tossed in the garbage... dang the memories.

[@thekescobar]

Just discovered Sufferfest beer. The added bee pollen sold me. Thank you!

[@Seahodg]

A bonus episode about the physical and mental preparation you (and your wife) do for your jobs/adventures would be great. It could be particularly cool to contextualize it towards certain projects, and then contrast how your preparation differed based on the projects’ demands.

[@peterwatson8295]

A tour of Bjorne's van and camera gear would be awesome, even if it's just him shooting solo! I really enjoy the bonus videos

[@jeremywhite6421]

It would be awsome to see a bonus episode about re-gluing skins, and genral skin care and maintenance along with any tips and tricks you have about trimming skins and repairs.

[@NCM1RIFLE82]

A video on getting started in the back country... that would be awesome. Especially with how you go into detail with everything.

[@calebsaleeby9988]

bonus ep - your history in the ski business, seems like you are close in product and development and would love to learn more!

[@Renegade498]

Bonus episode idea - (another gear one) sharp pointy things, axe, crampons, maybe even harness and ropes, any gear you may bring for anchors, crevasse rescue etc, and what goes into the decision of what to bring for which objectives.

[@scottfederoff353]

Yes - This would be great Cody.

[@CodyTownsend]

The sharp pointy things episode is definitely on the list. I actually already filmed one but had to scrap the release of it because of a sponsor issue.

[@morenonesense]

Perhaps more for Bjarne to put together, but it would be cool to have a bonus episode on how you guys shoot these series, what cameras/lenses you carry (and how you carry them on route), what settings you use, filters, etc. Since there's so much to cover you can even break this into multiple episodes, for us photo/video enthusiasts ;) Cheers!

[@midi510]

Four buckle overlap boots rule for skiing, but I can see the usefulness of other designs for skimo and touring. One of the reasons I like your videos, is that you're intelligent, which I don't find to be too common these days. You have a good balance between conscientiousness and creativity.

[@ElDuderino987654321]

Episode idea: "10 new classics for the everyday backcountry skier" I want to hear your list of the best ski tours attainable by us average skiers that lack sponsors, skills, fitness, experience, or risk tolerance to hit the pro-grade lines. Requirements for a classic for an average skier: aesthetic, accessible (no heli or horrible approach), single day outing, not overly dangerous, no unique skills required like glacier rescue or ice climbing, low cost, great views/snow, and not necessarily in the 50 classics book. Since I'm from Utah, Mt Superior and Cold Fusion on Timp are good examples of what I'm talking about. Thanks Cody and Bjarne! Love the show

[@martinlenglart473]

Hi Cody, Thanks for your videos, it's cool to see you accomplish your goal ! Can you make a video about the basics rapell skills and important things to know to start big mountain ? All my support from French Alpes !

[@EdovandenBerg]

Bonus episode.. wax- etc etc your ski gear- making them ‘ summer- ready- and how to ‘store them ‘... Keep it going...as ever great vid..gr From Rotterdam, the netherlands

[@me.1475]

Fiending...I need more shredding last few VLOGS were quite short, really wish you guys would capture more of your experiences or make the vids longer if possible....I realize its a lot of work but I really love this series, its super unique and way more appealing to me than a lot of other videos. Maybe its your cinematographer? But long story short, would love to see more shredding! I bet you have enough footage from all previous trips to put together some best of..or highlight reel videos that capture all the trips in one long shot or something. love THE FIFTY, recommend it to everyone, makes me want to get back into BoarderX and shredding back country in Whis!!!! PEACE N LOVE

[@lukesanantonio3173]

Ha! who woulda thunk about loosing power that way! here i am just lifting things up and putting them down to add more power! the blowout also kinda explains that feeling i get when things are warm and things get a little loosey goosey. maybe time to work smarter and look at sizing down next pair as i have always liked a tad more wiggle room. Maybe a science episode talking about snow and snow packs? probably could even be its own series! Stay safe!

[@honehobbes2897]

Hi Cody, I am always struggling with the fact that a line appears sooo different looking up the line than when you are actually skiing from top down. And I am so not the guy backflipping a 100 feet cliff that „appeared“. Advice on how you do this translation from looking at a line and actually ride it would be great, unless you say it comes with routine.....( and I hope that’s not your answer?)

[@jacobm8427]

Leaving this for the alg

[@garrithonselmann1214]

Your channel is lotion for the soul in these stay-at-home-times! Thank you so much! As for ideas, any kind of beta on anything is valid. E.g. a) There's this boot which I think I can make better because of y and then I have y. b) Technique for all of us not so great skiiers c) What the hell is an icescrew and and this is why I prefer model x because of y. (Or any kind of other gear). c) There's gear type x which I think the best type is y because of reasons z . You got the knowledge! Share it. Very few people could test all of it - you probably have a solid foundation

[@silverchannel8582]

Thank you Cody !

[@Travis3500]

Binge watching all of these too good man not enough bc skiers open em and just lend advice to us wannabes

[@dannysul7an]

What is something you look for in your skis and a description of why u have the skis u have as well as how to pick ur best kit and a second kit video would be amazing just an adaptation of everything you have and use for your journeys and pre journey. Just wanted to say I love skiing and am a big fan of yours mate and love your series.

[@maxwellcross2473]

I would love to see how you tackle small repairs to your skis, (You might just grab a fresh pair) but things like chips to the sidewall or topcoat. I have purchased some good condition high end demos at the end of seasons and like to stretch the life of them, I have used epoxy for some minor repairs to keep any moisture out. Also, tips for getting into ski-mountaineering. I am an avid climber with mountaineering experience, and a resort skier. Looking forward to bringing those together.

[@alexropka5960]

A bonus episode explaining the Crux lines would be cool! Maybe talk about some of the mental and physical preparations you need to do to succeed on those lines.

[@lennartvolkaerts1873]

Maybe it us a good idea to make an episode about your whole carreer so far, how you started etc. I really enjoy the series, keep on doing what you are so great at!

[@ElDuderino987654321]

Another episode idea: Cody and Bjarne's 10 favorite beers

[@__AMM__]

I can just confirm on what you are saying about getting spare parts for boots... and Salomon (as well as Arcteryx) sucks completely in this regard for this boot!

[@jtcollins2112]

Thanks for the video. Awesome

[@MichaelFairhurst]

A bonus episode on your videography would be awesome! I know you mentioned for instance your gopro attachment on your ski pole, but seems like you typically do chest mounts? And potentially more boring but tips on editing would be cool, I think a lot of us have go pros and get some cool shots but the way you edit these climbs into episodes is really awesome, they're compelling from beginning to end, and I'm sure that involves a LOT of good moments being left on the cutting room floor. My skiing/climbing vids are a lot less compelling and I could use a tip or three! :)

[@see75see]

Awesome videos. Bonus episode suggestion: there is always a element of fear, at least with me, part of why I do it, it’s what makes me feel alive. Question for you is where is your line regarding that element of fear? When do you call it and turn back?

[@CBonesey]

Great info and disclaimer! The best mods are definitely done by an experienced boot fitter at your local shops. And supporting local folks is critical. Many of us only buy a handful of boots in our ski lives.. I would argue it’s the most important of all the equipment you will buy! Spend the extra coin! What broke when you were on Pyramid that episode - did a rivet pop out? Thanks Cody!

[@CodyTownsend]

Much appreciated! Yeah, your boots are the single most important part of your quiver by far. Oh and the entire pivot mechanism that connects the upper cuff to the lower cuff popped out. So I was skiing with an upper cuff not connected to a lower cuff...it was sketchy.

[@bhansen52]

@@CodyTownsend Brent Hansen here from ski tek in Ketchum ID. Just reaching out to tell you what an amazing series you are creating. Best I have ever seen (from an ancient skier) Keep it going. We will survive this crazy ness. And keep building boots!

[@CBonesey]

Cody Townsend wow what a time for that to happen to your boot! Can’t believe how hard you stomped that line still - huge props for that. That took some serious commitment! I would have been mega shook!

[@kevwatski3351]

I’ve been getting into ski waxing. It would be great to see how you keep your skis tuned.

[@RideAbility]

You've just invited a Dalbello boot! Just teasing, really like your channel!

[@shifty19422]

Saw that video today the first time. Had to laugh when i saw the failed boot, had the same this season, with the same solution for going down, pretty good design, even with that failure it works properly. I also modded that boot, a tongue helps a lot to get that boot even more downhill performance. With that it's possible to ski even heavy skis, without any problems. for normal conditions, it's not necessary to use it, so its removable :)

[@susanappleby2414]

Great to see you while I’m inside in NYC :) Suggested episode: how you train indoors during lockdown.

[@SoftyWalterGames]

Good suggestion

[@CodyTownsend]

Noted!

[@AcioFX]

Hi Cody! Talk about you fly-fishing and what do you think about new Salomon fishing gears!

[@jbmason000]

Love the series Cody

[@seangibson2612]

Bonus episode idea: On slope repairs. Go over the equipment brakes you've experienced, and the field repairs. Ask your mates for similiar stories. Be good if you include video of How to do the repairs as well.

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

Cody and B. thank you for showing with your positive and obedient attitude to the Covid-19. There's a lot of unresponsible people out there spraying the virus!!!! Thank you for putting your action where your word is at. A lot of hypocrites ate out there.

[@stevenhare318]

Bonus episode on comparing a 'permanent wax' like Phantom versus normal wax would be interesting. Keen to hear your thoughts

[@jordantodd3994]

Bonus episode: Would love if you did a beginners guide to backcountry skiing! I’m a life time resort skier here and after watching your videos I’m dying to get out next year in the back country, but have no idea where to start. What do I need to be aware of, and what’s like the minimum you need/need to know before you should even consider actually going into the back country?? Thanks!

[@Tsapalipricky]

Make a video about Bjarne camper van and filming equipment

[@Outofthelimits]

awesome!!! Do a video on fueling for ski tours. What you eat

[@Waff3lMan1]

A video on what you look for in a backcountry touring ski, binding, and boot would help me get my set up together! I want to be able to tour, but also huck some cliffs on the way down with confidence in my gear.

[@andygustafson1]

More bonus, tips and gear episodes please :)

[@CodyTownsend]

More to come for sure.

[@gregorymanning4772]

would love to see and episode of the remaining lines, ranking them and why you have them ranked like that. or how to make the transition into more of a back country skier...what you need to do beyond the gear the knowledge of the terrain.

[@elephantbraindesign]

Garage tour and ski locker tour!

[@christopherjohnston5683]

would love to see a 3 part series, Ski Touring, Freeriding and Ski Mountaineering starter packs. What do you need for each kind of trip? What crosses over, what does not?

[@mikhailsmirnov929]

My idea for bonus ep is your ideas about general and special ski fitness and your favorite exercises for balance in confined spaces (such as city apartments in Moscow, Russia) because of lockdown) Cheers, Cody!

[@matthewcheshire148]

Thanks Cody

[@Majordoubleyou]

I'd really like to know about the StormChaser in the background of this video. Scratching an itch every now and then????

[@nieks18]

best video on this channel

[@aaronbeattie3966]

Im avid ski mountaineer This fifty classics channel is super cool bro I enjoy every episode. Maybe you can do bonus episode on cutting climbing skins