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    Backcountry Skiing

    New Backcountry Skis and Bindings from Black Diamond, Dynafit

    Jason MitchellBy 2 Comments2 Mins Read

    Just a few more items to cover from this year’s Outdoor Retailer, so lets round out the hardgoods coverage with a little from Black Diamond, Fritschi and Dynafit.

    Black Diamond Drift Skis

    As part of the new Black Diamond Efficient Series of skis and boots, the Drift looks to be the money ski in the line–at least for us living in the Wasatch. The entire series consists of 4 boots and 6 skis with the Drift being the fattest of the quiver. Aimed at lightweight backcountry slashing, the Drift is 100mm underfoot and available in either a 176cm or 186cm length. The full curve profile is 136/100/123.

    So, you get a good sidecut for carving turns (yes, some of us still like to carve turns) and a nice rockered tip for extra flotation and crud-busting. The entire package tips the scales at a respectable 7 lbs. 4 oz. per pair. Retail price will be $699 with availability in the Fall. Visit www.SkiBD.com.

    Fritschi Freeride Pro

    Taking the lessons learned from the Fritschi Eagle and applying them to the more powerful Freeride platform, the new Fritschi Freeride Pro bindings are for hard-charging skiers who still want efficiency in the skintrack. With a wide new mounting platform (narrow skis need not apply), new toepiece and a more natural pivot point, the Freeride Pro is hitting the market just in time to combat the new Marker Tour. I’ve yet to hear a price on this new binder, but I’d guess in the $450 range… stay tuned.

    Dynafit Stoke Skis

    Revelstoke, super-stoked, stoking the fire… whatever you say, this ski is getting a ton of attention. The new Dynafit Stoke is a lightweight backcountry ski with ample girth to get you through the rough stuff. Tipping the scales right around 7 lbs. 4 oz. in the 182cm length, this ski has a great profile for all-around backcountry use at 130/106/120. As expected, the Stoke is equipped with an early-rise tip for breaking trail and floating in all conditions as well as metal tip/tail reinforcements for skins attachment. The Stoke is ready for backcountry adventure–so long as you’re a Dynafit disciple since it comes pre-mounted for Dynafit bindings. Coming in at $799, these skis are available now at Backcountry.com.

    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. With extreme attention to detail, he has been a technical product manager for top 10 web properties, eCommerce businesses and SaaS companies for 20+ years. The combination of outdoor experience and technical savvy gives him a unique perspective that is channeled into every gear review. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground. He rigorously tests every product and usually uses them beyond their intended purpose -- just for the sake of testing. (Note: Jason receives sample products in exchange for authentic reviews. He is not paid, nor influenced to share anything other than his honest opinions.)

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    2 Comments

    1. brig on

      When you say the new Fritschi Freeride Pro is for a wider platform, how wide do you reckon is appropriate for the binding? Just wondering, since I have some 139mm underfoot rockered skis that I would love to mount up with a touring binding.

      Reply
    2. Jason Mitchell on

      I think the minimum width of ski is in the 80-ish waist on these, so it’s all relative when you’re dealing with European touring bindings. A 130mm waist in a touring ski? Bosh! Euros would scoff.

      The Freeride Pro’s are built for just such skis. You may want to consider the Marker Tour or even go with the BaronDuke on that fat of a ski though.

      Reply
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