Yeti Tracks in the Snow

YetiThe Yeti – also known as the Abominable Snowman – is a mythical creature who lives in snow covered mountains. The Delazify Yeti is a wrist monitor that will make it easier to find your way on the slopes. It offers a GPS receiver, which tracks current/max/average speed, plus distance, number of runs you’ve made and even altitude.

The only complaint is that it is rather large – sort of like the Yeti of myth – but maybe that just makes it easier to see. And while there are plenty of apps for mobile phones that can do much of what the Yeti can do, this one is IP65 rated to be waterproof, freeze-proof and shock-resistant, so it can stand up to the mountains much more than say a typical smartphone.

Delazify Yeti Official Website

Making Tracks

First-TracksIf hitting the slopes early means a lot to you then the First Tracks app for Android and iOS devices is something that should be on the phone. This isn’t just an alarm, it actually will wake you early if snow has fallen and there is fresh powder to enjoy. On the other hand if conditions remain unchanged then the alarm will go off at the normal time so you can get your beauty sleep.

First Tracks Official Website

Mariachi Skier

Hubertus-von-HohenloheWhile the U.S. Olympic Opening Ceremony uniform may not be scoring points with everyone – despite the fact that it was actually made in America – the choice of attire for Mexican skier Hubertus von Hohenlohe is another story. He unveiled his “Mariachi” motif this week and it is as remarkable as his story.

As his name suggests he is actually a descendant of German royalty but was born in Mexico. “The Prince” – as he’s known – been a staple on the slopes since he raced World Cup at age 22 in 1981, and he made his Olympic debut at Sarajevo in 1984. He’ll turn 55 on Sunday but he’s heading to Sochi next month where he’ll once again represent Mexico.

We applaud that he’s back for more, but we seriously question whether he’ll actually don that uniform on the slopes.

[Via The New York Daily News: Mexican ski racer Hubertus von Hohenlohe ready to wow at Winter Olympics in Sochi]

Less People Hitting the Powder?

snowboardcrashLess people are taking part in winter sports. According to a recent national report from the SnowSports Industries America (SIA), participation in alpine skiing actually dropped 19 percent last winter and overall snow sports participation was down by three percent. While some states, such as Utah, are seeing growth the national picture far different.

This report further suggests that the lessons for skiers has been flat, while season pass and even multi-day ticket sales have been down. This isn’t good news for the snow sport industry at all, but could be attributed to the recent mild winters.

[Via The Salt Lake Tribune: Ski, snowboard participation dropping nationally]

It Just CL!CKS

CL!CKWhen out on the slopes the last thing you are likely to have is a tool to adjust your bindings. The CL!CK CARABINER is something that will likely be within reach and is thus there when you really need it most.

This tool provides a large slot screwdriver, a pair of Phillips heads and even bottle opener for those times when you reach the end of the run. While designed with skiers and snowboarders in mind, this could be a tool for anyone looking to clip one on. Designer Mark Schmid of San Diego is now looking to Kickstarter to get the CL!CK to click with investors. Video after the jump

POC Opens the Lid

POCPOC Sports will have you looking like the Poc-man this winter, as the company has introduced is new Lid super-wide vision frameless goggle for the slopes. These feature a double lens that is made of optical grade PC/CP and offers the best anti-fog and anti-scratch treatment out there. These goggles provide unobstructed view, which lets wearers react faster to hazards in the peripheral vision.

POC Lid Official Website

CHIPS it On

CHIPSThere are helmets with built in speakers, but the Outdoor Tech audio CHIPS make bringing some tunes with existing helmets a little easier. This wireless drop-in audio system works universally in all helmets with audio ready liners. Users can listen to music or take a quick call free of cords.

The speakers are compatible with Bluetooth-enabled devices with one-touch pairing, while two button control system allows users to adjust volume, change tracks, play/pause music and answer calls from outside your helmet knit without the need remove the gloves. This one features a rugged, minimal design fits into virtually any helmet designed to take audio drop-ins, and is IPX4 sweat and water resistant. It runs via a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that offers 10 hours of playtime and has a range of up to 30 feet.

Outdoor Tech CHIPS

The Real MC

MC-XThis MC doesn’t need a DJ. The MC-X ski boot from Apex will let skiers move to their own beat, and these are designed to let you head anywhere on the mountain you want to go. These 2014 books feature high performance nano fiber modular open chassis designed for the most aggressive freeride and all mountain skier and a support boot for natural foot positioning and walkability.

The boots offer a heat moldable inner liner, tunable A-Flex suspension, Boa Focus speed lacing closure system, cuff alignment and micro adjustable buckles for optimal customization With the addition of a Vibram sole these will let you hit the slopes and even head to the back country. Continue reading The Real MC

Triple Protection

Trilogy-HelmetThose who partake in multiple sports know that the same equipment doesn’t always cross over, but the new Cébé Trilogy helmet might just live up to its name. This helmet doesn’t actually offer triple the protection, but it can provide protection for three sports. It was designed to meet European standards for mountain biking (CEN 1078), skiing (CEN 1077) and mountaineering (CEN 12492).

Since a winter helmet isn’t the same as a summer helmet, the Trilogy’s modular design allows it to adjust as the season’s chance. A visor can be added for summertime mountain cycling, while ear pads and vent plugs can be used when skiing or snowboarding, and with a few change outs be ready for anything in between.

Cébé Official Website

Weekend Reading List (03.30.2013): Dam Crowded, Book Run, Winter End, Cycle-Friendly Lorry

Dam Crowded

From BikeRadar: Too many bikes in Amsterdam?
Are there too many bikes in Amsterdam? Not enough spaces to park them, narrow lanes clogged with swelling ranks of cyclists and a growing tension with moped drivers have raised an interesting problem for the city famed for its love of the bike. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.30.2013): Dam Crowded, Book Run, Winter End, Cycle-Friendly Lorry

Ski Bag

Carrying skis and snowboards isn’t exactly something people enjoy doing, but unfortunately these items have to go where the snow is and often times there is still a hike from the cabin or car. The Function Ultralight Ski & Snowboard Carry System weighs in at just 84 grams but provides Mil-spec Nylon webbing, with Hypalon edge protection to make carrying the winter gear a whole lot easier.

It can be used in backpack configuration for a snowboard or set up as a bandolier for skis. And when you’re actually on the slopes on the skis/board this pack is small enough that you won’t regret having it along for the run.

Function Ultralight Ski & Snowboard Carry Systems Official Website

Weekend Reading List (03.16.2013): Climbing Tower, Back Country Dangers, Mad Snacks, Charlie Don’t Surf

Climbing Tower

From GearJunkie: Industrial Wasteland Transformed into Climbing Paradise (in Buffalo, NY)
Buffalo, New York, isn’t a climbing hot spot, but it appears that could be about to change. A project dubbed Silo City Rocks is renovating a 100-year-old grain elevator on the Buffalo River into one of the largest and most unique climbing facilities in North America. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.16.2013): Climbing Tower, Back Country Dangers, Mad Snacks, Charlie Don’t Surf

Weekend Reading List (03.09.2013): Bobsled Run Cycling, Bike Summit, Snow Numbers, Slow Damage

Bobsled Run Cycling

From Vimeo: The new Radon Slide 130 29″ is chasing James Bond 007 in the bob run!
If life gets boring…. German downhill star Andreas Sieber and his team mate Julian Gerhardt had the ultimate adrenaline kick at the bob run in Winterberg (GER). The channel was an extraordinary location for riding the new Radon Slide 130 29″ and the Radon Swoop 175! Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.09.2013): Bobsled Run Cycling, Bike Summit, Snow Numbers, Slow Damage