Ultimate Ski Gear Guide - My Resort & Backcountry Ski Essentials

[@annegillies1056]

I like the fact that you just keep using the same good gear year after year. This is a great ski gear ethic - love it and reuse until it falls apart. Saves lots of money and resources.

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Anne! Why change a good thing :). Buying quality and using it forever is always the goal.

[@Alastair_]

I did that for about 8 years with my snowboard boots, went through 3 pairs of Northwave legends until they literally collapsed on me, then they stopped making them and the other options were too expensive :(

[@PNWAluminumBoats]

Refreshing. Lots of other channels: "My gear for the year. Yes it cost $13k, 6 magic beans, 3 organs, the hand of my eldest in marriage, and a partridge in a pear tree. I can't live without this stuff"

[@riseandalpine]

I'm laughing so loud my girlfriend just asked if I'm okay from another room!

[@johnklaus9111]

Might be your best video to date that didn't involve skiing! All hiker joking aside, you are the reason I bought a pair of Enforcer 104 free's this past spring. Best skis ever. OMG! you are underselling their carving abilities. They aren't slalom skis, they are long turn GS skis and those turns are so amazing. Let's call these ski the KING of Damp riding. Just set your edge and rip! Please note, if you don't feel confident in "setting your edge" these aren't the skis for you, but for the real skiers out here. You should be salivating!!!!! 😊

[@johnklaus9111]

Don't get me wrong, everything else he said is accurate. Great in powder, cuts through chafe and crushes everything from bumps to trees to groomers! crushes is the operating word here, since they scarcely vibrate my feet! wow. I have severe foot issues and these are smooth and soft. amazing!

[@riseandalpine]

I agree. The carving performance is shockingly good... So good I didn't even get out on the I-rally's much. The enforcers absolutely crave someone who goes deep on the edge. If you don't ski them they'll ski you!

[@АндрейИванов-ь7х5б]

I have a very similar approach to equipment, I have been using my jacket for 12 years. I was inspired by your riding style and recently purchased an enforcer 110, I'm looking forward to the start of the season. Thanks for the great content. From Russia with love.

[@riseandalpine]

The 110 is such a sick ski, stoked that you're loving it. Also super glad to hear you like to run your gear to the ground. That's what it's all about!

[@eastcoastskiingofficial]

Almost the exact same as my setup, just different brands, James gotta hook you up with a legit filming pole, it's magic if you have a GoPro max 😎 or just a sweet pole for regular go pros

[@riseandalpine]

What brands are you running? Always looking to upgrade my filming gear! What's the pole that you're using?

[@eastcoastskiingofficial]

@@riseandalpine we have our own ECS carbon fiber magic pole - works for the GoPro MAX and insta360 as a magic pole and also works with a regular GoPro mount to do better follow cams and stuff like that : ) I am riding Faction Candide 3.0's in 182 and 178, the 182's are somehow way faster, also atomic redster S9 for my slalom carvers on the east coast glaciers, very similar to what you've got, the s9's are FIS race skis though so anything off piste I ride the factions

[@will3057]

Ski season is around the corner out west can't wait to watch all the videos.

[@riseandalpine]

Every sleep were getting closer!

[@scottb6047]

Very good reviews. Honesty and common sense go a long way. I started doing mild backcountry skiing a few years ago and you should try some Shift bindings on some lightweight skis (like enforcer unleashed I think around 1800 g). Or even a lighter set up, pin bindings on a touring ski. It really makes the uphill a lot less tiring. The heavy stuff will keep you in better shape, though.

[@riseandalpine]

Believe it or not the shifts are actually similar weight to the PT's. If I start taking touring more seriously I'll for sure will look into true boots and tech bindings. They make a world of a difference on the uphill!

[@riseandalpine]

The unleashed looks awesome! What's your touring setup scott? Any other reccos?

[@redjetsen1002]

Classic Downhill fixed heel skiing is similar to short board surfing. Free the heel to experience the noserider characteristics of longboarding. a varied telemark approach at slower speeds can be stylish. Every tele guy I ever knew started on downhill stuff.

[@riseandalpine]

It would be fun to get on some tele this season!

[@bigthunderfarms2731]

I have instep problems too. Most boots have boot boards which can be modified by around 4mm.Grinding mine down by about 3mm works well for me. That way I can ski with all my buckles closed. You are great skier. I enjoy your videos!

[@riseandalpine]

Nice to hear that's worked for you. I've been in the Strider all year. I cut out a bunch of material in the tongue of my boot liner and that has worked well for me. Here's to our weird insteps hahaha!!

[@tarfeef101]

Nice stuff. I admire your dedication to the heavy skis/bindings. My first tour was on salomon qst 105s with frame bindings and it was exhausting. I've gone to full tech and am never going back :D Great to see you getting some traction with sponsors, you earned it. And it's good to see a realistic setup from someone who actually uses gear til it's dead. Duct tape was like half of my ski pants for many years 😅

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks dude! Glad to hear I'm not the only one holding my stuff together with handy dandy duct tape hahaha. What kind of pin binding setup do you run now?

[@tarfeef101]

@@riseandalpine used to use tectons til I kinda sorta fell down wedge mountain and those became a sacrifice to ullr. They also had a few issues with durability, so not a recommendation for me. For my rock skis I got used g3 zeds which have done great, so I decided my main touring skis should also be full tech and are now atk raiders. Haven't got a chance to use those yet, waiting til there's enough snow to not scratch them 😂

[@lassivaatamoinen5468]

RIdge shell, nice one! I have the v1 version, and surprisingly with proper layering it's warmer than my insulated jacket. Though it seems to be closing in on getting it's full mileage. For the zipper: you can try a dab of silicone grease to get it lubricated. I've healed some seemingly broken zippers by just doing that. H/H has also this Pro-accounts thing, I think you might be able to pull one off.

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks for the tips! I love this jacket to bits. I think it's finally getting close to retiring it. All the seams ripping after about 5 years. But that's pretty damn good all things considered and how hard I am on gear. Nothing but love for that jacket. Pro Accounts is a good call!

[@andrewkling2931]

Check the Zipfit Gara HV if you’re looking for a new liner. Amazing liners that will last hundreds of days not being an exaggeration

[@riseandalpine]

Woah that looks sick! Thanks for the tip off.

[@Fadesign100]

I bought a Skyline Outerwear Fuse jacket last year and it was the best jacket I have even ridden with in 25 years, Canadian company too which I thought was cool.

[@riseandalpine]

Amazing. I've never heard of them. I'll have to check it out. Love supporting Canadian companies.

[@SilverBoltLuke]

Great guide/review of your skiing gear, the only thing i really have to disagree on are the Black Diamond Poles. I only use mine for hiking, but i really put their carbide tips through the paces (rock scrambling, multi day hikes, backpacking trips with heavy loads, rough terrain and so on) those tips really hold up well. So idk if its just pure luck but, from my experience I can only recommend Black Diamond Poles :D

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks!! I'm honestly jealous... The poles themselves have been rock solid for years but those tips are my worst enemy. Glad you're putting them through hell and they are treating you well. Maybe I just got a bunch of lemons...

[@RascalDJ]

You didn't even mention which hot sauce for what type of day your are going for in the mountains, im assuming we're gonna have a part 2

[@riseandalpine]

What have I done!!! We will absolutely have to have a hot sauce review part 2 hahahaha

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Based Ski Sock Opinion! Those are some of my faves! Cheers from a fellow ski content creator!

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Elliott - can't beat lightweight socks!

[@ran981248]

I'm sure you'll find a clothing brand out there that will sponsor you, you deserve it!!!! Renewt is pretty good at patching up holes in your bibs properly as another option.

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks for the tip - I've actually met VInce before! Maybe I'll hit them up :)

[@darinsmith2458]

I have a couple pairs of ski pants but I want to get some bibs.. I almost got some but they were really long.. It is nice to see that you like really long ski pants.. Maybe I will get them..

[@darinsmith2458]

i have been a mitten fan for a long time.. both pairs of mittens that i bought my fingers get cold.. it was a cold winter last year..

[@darinsmith2458]

I ride the 104 Free.. Mine are 179 long and I am 5.9 210.. I don't want them any longer.. They have no speed limit and they have a 17.5m turn radius which is small enough..

[@darinsmith2458]

Do you have other videos on your cameras?

[@riseandalpine]

Bibs are the best and long pants are my fave!

[@riseandalpine]

Also - nice to hear that you love the enforcer free. I sometimes wish I got it one size lower to bring down the turning radius! I have 2 videos on how I mount my insta 360's here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJS1gYifppqGb8U X3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqnJdKJ8lq5ofpo

[@digvt]

for fixing those damn holes in pants, use 3m weather stripping, way better than duct tape in my experience. throw some duct tape on top so they don't look super goofy and get maximum durability.

[@riseandalpine]

Amazing tip! Going to give that a try. Re applying the Duct Tape every few days is a hassle.

[@ryan39584]

I just ski on Nordica Enforcer skis now too. They're so good.

[@riseandalpine]

They are the absolute best if you're a skier who likes charging! They crush whatever you throw at them!

[@jeremyrobinson7311]

They sound similar to my Dynastar mpro 99s, which I love. Stable, heavy carvers that like speed and are also great for deeper snow

[@chrisbizcoach]

Hi James can you ever do a review on ski equipment retailers in Vancouver?

[@riseandalpine]

Hey Chris! That's a cool idea! I have a few go-to's that I really like but don't know much about the others. Is there something specific you're looking for help buying? Happy to point you in the right direction.

[@Juno_12345]

Any plans on coming to Louise or sunny this year??? would love to meet up as those are my home mountains! ps would love to shoot some liquid courage with you lol

[@riseandalpine]

I'm really hoping to make it to your neck of the woods! Any recommendations for the best spots/runs?

[@davesalvisburg9569]

Sending your hot sauce to Lucas Catania !!! You rock!!!

[@riseandalpine]

Gotta share the love!

[@puregsr]

I pretty much have the same quiver: Enforcer 104 Free and E-Rally. Haven't tried the Enforcer yet, but the new E-Rally are so sweet and dampened. Oh, and mismatched poles because I'm cheap and not wasteful.

[@riseandalpine]

Mismatched poles are the GOAT!! That's hilarious you have the same quiver. I find myself getting out on the rally's less and less after getting on the 104's. They enforcers just carve great on everything. Not as short and snappy but I like big turns and being able to shoot on and off the groomers.

[@brookscurran]

Nordica enforcer 104 is the goat

[@riseandalpine]

You know how to ride em' better than anyone. Love the videos you do with Nordica dude! Stoked you stumbled across my channel. Let me know if you're ever coming out west and need a ski buddy!

[@jean-francoiscloutier7361]

Super great view of your equipment. Well done. I learn something. What about a bear spray ?🐻🐻🐻

[@riseandalpine]

Glad you enjoyed the run down of my gear! I always carry bear spray hiking but honestly should include it for pre and late season ski touring! On the resort I just rely on skiing fast if I see a bear :)

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

I had favorite ski pants with rips from skis took them to a girl in a fashion district that did clothing alterations she placed a new heavy nylon inner piece looked factory both legs

[@riseandalpine]

That's a killer idea. Where did you get the heavy nylon piece? Did she just have it in the shop?

[@MrSoysoysoy]

My pole broken too 😢 same brand as yours

[@riseandalpine]

I'm running Deorum poles now. Super bombproof so far!

[@Liponb2]

lmao wasnt expecting this but my dads a rep for bizzard/technica

[@riseandalpine]

No way!

[@bensblues]

If i came to Whistler for a season and could only bring one pair of skis, would i get away with using ~104mm waist size for all conditions? Will that cope with the powder? Thanks for the advice

[@riseandalpine]

104 in my opinion is the perfect do-everything waist width. You're not giving up too much float and you'll still be able to rip around on the harder days.

[@bensblues]

@@riseandalpine Thanks! big fan of your vids 🤘

[@Alaraum]

My man, what about snowboard 🥺

[@riseandalpine]

You don't want to see me on a snowboard hahahaa... Actually you probably do LOL

[@TP-vu3tc]

What's the problem with wearing a nice ski sweater and ski stretch pants

[@riseandalpine]

What are ski stretch pants?

[@scottpratico1315]

Nice review. Lots of affordable, durable gear that actually works in real world use. BCA is awesome. I love that you do serious tours on the 115s. No compromise downhill performance with maximum uphill suffering lol. Boots: adore my 130 HVs. A real game changer. Too bad Technica doesn't make a touring version of the HV last. My Salomon MTNs have had a dozen rebakes, punches and grinds and theyre still too small over the instep.

[@riseandalpine]

Dude... I've been thinking about putting pins into my Mach 1's for a long time..... I've heard people can do it. For the comfort and feel I wouldn't care to not have a walk mode.

[@dillonnewton9580]

They do make a Cochise in a 103mm so even more generous than the Mach 1 it just came out this season. we can put your foot in it tomorrow @riseandalpine

[@scottpratico1315]

@dillonnewton9580 Tecnica website says last is 99.

[@scottpratico1315]

@riseandalpine touring boots all suck. It's a matter of degree. My brother got some Dalbello Lupos. Cabrio style. Lots of advantages for touring and beefy as. Not sure ive ever seen a pin toe transplanted into an alpine boot. That would work with your Duke PTs. No heel fixture required. Would be an awkward walk to Video Peak though.

[@dillonnewton9580]

I made a mistake the Cochise hv is a 102 where as the Mach hv is a 103. But the Cochise hv feels just as if not more roomy. And for downhill performance a fixed cuff, heavy race boot is clearly going to perform better on firm variable snow with heavy skis. But there is a balancing act between getting to the top of the line with fresh legs and downhill power/ stability especially if there’s fresh soft snow you don’t need as much boot. Just my 2 cents

[@bluetang2013]

what drone are you using this year?

[@riseandalpine]

I actually don't have a drone. Would love to invest in one at some point.

[@__Nate__]

How do you know about destination that’s my place for skis

[@riseandalpine]

Absolutely!

[@TP-vu3tc]

Lange Lange Lange boots always

[@riseandalpine]

I really dig my Technica & Nordica boots and got em' working for my feet. Whatever works for your feet and feels good. Run it forever!

[@TP-vu3tc]

@@riseandalpine Can't do better than a pair of Lange boots

[@hazercollins4656]

Your quiver has a ton of holes... even the heads are wide... must be hitting the pow alot

[@riseandalpine]

Holes? You mean core shots hahahha. It works great for my style. You're totally right, I ride powder 99.9% of the time. I don't even think I rode the head skis once last season.

[@hazercollins4656]

@@riseandalpine I really like your gear and I'm thinking I made the wrong choice with the Solomon shift... But I am going to use it mostly in an Alpine situation so it probably is the right binding I like to tour but I don't get to do it that much I just like to have the option... Hey I'm going to be in Winter Park with my RV in February first day President's Day if you are around that area come say hi we are also going to travel up to Steamboat for a few days hopefully it's a big snow week

[@Aboard_and_Abroad]

[@riseandalpine]

Unreal dude! You are going to have an absolute blast. After a year I'm still shocked with how well these things carve. Ski em' hard my friend and let me know what you think once you've tried them!

[@stephen-he4iw]

Eddie Bauer jackets are made to be thrown out in 5 years or at the first tear whichever comes sooner.

[@riseandalpine]

Totally. Functions well and keeps me warm but they don't have a repair program. I really appreciate Patagonia for that.

[@markotjan1150]

Bro is rich

[@riseandalpine]

Rich in Duct Tape

[@markotjan1150]

I have a question have you ever injured yourself maybe you can make a video about it?@@riseandalpine

[@skillful_cow5127]

cagasuge

[@eduardoespinoza4824]

Locaso

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

Time to get a hair cut, don't you thinK?

[@riseandalpine]

When it's wet it's almost down to my crack. Maybe we should host a contest and a subscriber can cut it? If this comment gets 1000 likes I'll make it happen!