Ski Review: Salomon’s XW Enduro

By Admin, June 17, 2010 11:35 pm

The weather in April and May was absolutely amazing this year, setting the stage for a wide variety of conditions on the slopes – everything from bottomless powder to just a few inches of soft spring snow.  And to add to our fortune of clear blue skies and a blanket of white crystals, we were also blessed with the fact that Salomon’s new line-up for 2011 had become available for testing.  One ski that we particularly liked was the all-mountain Enduro.  Read more about it here:

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I once had the opportunity to drive a friend’s Carrera 4s – Porsche’s all-wheel drive 911.  With a 3.8 liter motor rated at 385 hp and four paws clawing the asphalt, I could crack 60 mph in less than 5 seconds and still comfortably handle the twisting road that was rapidly approaching.  It was a great experience and certainly one of the sweetest pieces of equipment that I’ve ever taken from the garage.  Several years later, I find myself in a state of deja-vu as I set off from the top of the Klein Matterhon cable-car in Zermatt, Switzerland on a pair of Enduros – Salomon’s newest addition to their all-mountain quiver.

At 12,500 feet, I begin my descent towards the small village of Valtournenche in Italy’s Aosta Valley.  The run is over 7 miles long with more than 6,000 ft of elevation and groomed with perfectly cambered turns that look as if a team of professional GS racers had personally designed the piste.  Normally, it takes me at least 40 minutes to get to the bottom, of course, my slow time can probably be attributed to resting every few moments in order to appreciate the breath-taking views or the occassional urge to stop for a delicious combination of espresso and teramisu at one of the many mountain restaurants.  But today, it’s non-stop from top to bottom.

Like Porsche’s 4s, Salomon’s Enduros feel incredibly stable at eye-watering speeds.  According to the company, this is largely a result of their Powerline technology, which uses two additional shock-absorbing bars that are integrated into the top edges of the ski.  Of course, Salomon has also returned to a traditional full wood core, which, in my opinion, seems to play a huge role in keeping a ski under control.

In addition to the stable speed advantages, I find that I can easily carve “railroad track” lines – even in the most variable parts of the piste.  With a sidecut of 124/84/111 (at a length of 177cm), the Enduros like to turn in a smooth and consistently long arc.  Even in the bumps and crud, the Enduros shine.  However, it should be noted that these boards *do* require an aggressive stance.  By no means are the Enduros a laid-back comfort cruiser.  They are specifically designed for the advanced skier.

By the time I get to Valtournenche I’m in such a state of euphoria that I immeadiately unclick from the bindings and head straight for the cable-car to have another go.  Of course, I’m so far from the Zermatt station that I actually need to take a series of cable-cars and chair-lifts to return to the summit. So with idle time and absolutely no ability of conversing in Italian, I quietly admire the skis on my long journey upwards.  Unlike the current styles that emphasize bright colors and somewhat violent gangster graphics, the Enduros are more muted with a “stealthy” black topsheet.  One might even say that they are the antithesis of French design.  Maybe it’s the fact that they look so cool or simply a result of their debut to the ski slopes, but after a few moments, I see a few people looking them over and then giving me the unspoken approval of a thumbs-up.  “Bello”.  “Beautiful”, a few others say.  I return the smile and eek out a thankful reply, “Si.  Molto Bello!”  “Yes.  Very good indeed!”

Halfway up, I begin to hesitate in regards to my repeat adventure and I look at my watch only to realize that I had forgotten to time my last run.  With both a sigh and a laugh, I now favor the option of stopping at my favorite mountain hut for a plate of fresh pasta and a sun deck with an invaluable view of the Italian Alps.  Anyways. It’s supposed to snow the next day.  Now I’ll have the chance to ski these things in the powder.

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Salomon XW Enduro + Z12 (All-Mountain Expert Ski)

  • Lengths (cm) 163/170/177/184
  • Sidecut (cm) 127/84/111 (177cm)
  • Radius 14.0/15.6/17.4/19.3
  • Rocker 290 mm

Summary:  The new Salomon Enduro carves great on groomers and, with just 290 mm of rocker, it works excellent in powder, moguls and crud. A great one ski quiver.

We love them!

More pictures soon.

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The Peak of Solar Power

By Admin, March 19, 2010 4:15 am

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At just under 12,800 feet above sea level, the Glacier Paradise Tourist Center in Zermatt, Switzerland is the highest viewpoint in Europe that can be reached by cable car. The location boasts a breathtaking view of the Alps, overlooking numerous peaks reaching over 14,000 feet, and is a magnet for mountain enthusiasts and skiers from all over the world. In fact, more than half a million people visit the summit every year.

In the past, visitors could expect only basic facilities and rudimentary sanitation systems. but now guest are greeted with far more attractive and modern facilities. Today, they can stop for a bite to eat in the new restaurant or even spend the night in the mountaineers’ accommodation. Of course, given its remote location, extremely harsh weather conditions and the sensitivity of the surrounding glacier, the most crucial criteria for redeveloping the site were the project’s energy efficiency standards and its environmental credentials.  And despite their mild-mannered tone, the Swiss are actually quite competitive, so there was also the lofty goal of making this the highest building to achieve a MINERGIE-P® certificate – a gold-standard for green technology much like our own LEED award.

Success was theirs.  The building was completed in 2008 and not only did they win the MINERGIE-P® certificate, but the event ultimately led to the launch of the MINERGIE® CHARTA, which aims to strengthen the most important basic principles of sustainable construction and implement them worldwide.

When you stand outside of the building, the first thing you notice are the solar panels on the south-facing wall – 108 of them actually.  Thanks to the combination of consistent sunlight, clear air and the radiation reflected from the surrounding area, these types of solar installations are up to 80 percent more productive than comparable systems at lower altitudes. As a result, the photovoltaic system provides all the electrical energy needed for heating and ventilation.  At the same time the façade functions as a thermal air collector: Cold air from the outside is heated behind the photovoltaic cells and then used to preheat the air flowing into the restaurant and rooms – this reduces the heating energy requirement. It also produces a cooling effect, which increases the efficiency of the solar cells.

The thought of constructing something like this is truly amazing to me.  Not only has Zermatt fulfilled its needs for a new commercial building, but they have given visitors the opportunity to experience a view of the Alps in a way that is compatible with the future.  Sustainable construction may be spreading slowly in most parts of the world, but here in Switzerland, they seem to moving at the speed of light.

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Euro-Skiing – The Other Side of the Story

By Admin, February 24, 2010 6:43 pm

A fine set of turnsThere’s no doubt that skiing in Europe often involves the pleasures of stopping at a sun-browned chalet for a gourmet lunch, but it also means that one may have the opportunity to ski some really big mountains too.  Last Saturday, the skies cleared exposing several inches of fresh new snow on the mountains of Zermatt and with little hesitation, we decided to make first tracks on the Stockhorn glacier – an hour hike from the top of the Triftji lift station.  Maybe it had to do with the fact that we were three friends who have known each other for over twenty years or simply a result of the incredible conditions, but it was definitely one of the best days I’ve ever had.  A great experience all around!

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“Euro-Skiing”

By Admin, February 24, 2010 6:24 pm

Lunch at Chez VronyThe concept of stopping every few runs for a warm drink or a bite to eat often seems a bit confusing for most Americans who are visiting a European ski resort for the first time.  But as their days pass, they eventually adapt to the lifestyle of the locals.  My clients unanimously termed this “Euro-Skiing” and I must say that it is quite a fun way to spend an afternoon in the mountains.  Here we are at Chez Vrony in Zermatt, Switzerland – an incredible fine dining experience that is rarely matched in the US.

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Ski Programs for Kids in Europe

By Admin, February 24, 2010 6:09 pm

Awards Ceremony for Kids Ski School ProgramI find one of the most fundamental differences between Europe and the US to be with the programs that are available for kids.  For example, in Zermatt, kids under 10 years of age ski for free and the schools offer great classes for a wide range of abilities.  What’s more is that they have quite elaborate award ceremonies at the end of the week.  Here are some clients’ children – all smiles at the podium.  Truly tons of fun to watch them in their moment of glory.

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The Start of the New Season

By Admin, February 24, 2010 5:47 pm

Looking out into Cervina, ItalyIt’s a cold February here in the Alps with temperatures dipping below -20 C.  But the skies have been clear, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.  This week, I’m joined by an American couple who are living in Morges, Switzerland.  We had a fantastic day skiing into Cervina, Italy.

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Backcountry Film Festival

By Admin, January 4, 2010 9:59 pm

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by MATT KETTMANN

When Santa Barbara’s David Court-who owns both the Frameworks gallery on Anacapa Street and a European ski guide outfit called Alpine Exposure-told the creators of the Backcountry Film Festival that he wanted to host a screening in Santa Barbara, they thought he was mad. Why would this tour of sustainably minded ski flicks, whose other stops include mountain hubs from Homer, Alaska, to Red Lodge, Montana, leave the snow to come to the California coast?

“I told them that there are a lot of really good athletes and quality mountain people in Santa Barbara,” said Court, who’s about to spend another winter in Europe leading people on the alpine slopes of France, Switzerland, and Italy. And what they’re showing, explained Court, goes beyond the normal ski movie, as the films feature skiers and snowboarders who hike deep into the woods to find untracked mountains that they have all to themselves. “The human-powered element is the sort of stuff that appeals to people who are really into the environment,” said Court, noting that we’re chockfull of those folks here.

The Winter Wildlands Alliance, which created the series, eventually agreed to come, so on Wednesday, January 13, the Backcountry Film Fest lands in Santa Barbara, bringing a blend of eco-ethics and powdery inspiration to the Victoria Hall Theater. Among the highlights are: Signatures by the Colorado-Japan team of Sweetgrass Productions, which shows the carving characters and wondrous snow of Hokkaido, Japan; Teton Gravity Research’s Generations, which shows how quickly climate change is impacting ski resorts from Europe to the American northeast; and the informative, engaging Red Lady by Snow Lion Productions, which covers the decades-old fight by the town of Crested Butte, Colorado, against a massive mining company that wants to extract molybdenum from a famed peak nearby. Throw in another three films, and it’s hours of fun for all, whether you crave the snow or just want to learn more about saving the wintry wilderness.


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Alpine Exposure Gives 1% For the Planet

By Admin, October 20, 2009 5:51 pm

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As part of our committment to protecting the places we love, Alpine Exposure will be giving 1% of its profits to international organizations that are leading the way in environmental stewardship and sustainability.

To find out more about 1% For the Planet, click here.

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Mountain Khakis Supports Alpine Exposure

By Admin, September 15, 2009 10:48 pm

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If you’ve spent enough time working in the mountains, you’ll know that standard khakis just won’t cut it. Made to be durable, yet comfortable, Mountain Khakis™ were designed by outdoor enthusiasts to handle the day-in-day-out needs of the rugged outdoor lifestyle and still be stylish enough to wear in the office or out with clients.

Whether we’re slogging skis or just hanging out around town, one thing is certain – Mountain Khakis™ are Built for the Mountain Life™.

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Skiing Among the Giants

By Admin, March 7, 2009 11:14 pm

CIMG4045The Schwartztor is typically skied at the conclusion of the Haute Route, the week-long tour between Chamonix and Zermatt, but like many places in the Alps, one can easily access it in a single day for an incredible off-piste experience.

The route starts from the top of Klein Matterhorn and moves along a plateau glacier where the views of neighboring Italy and the Aosta Valley are absolutely amazing.  It then passes between peaks that reach over 4,ooo meters and gives way to a series of north-facing slopes that feed into the Schwarze Glacier.  After another 1,ooo meters of powder turns, we’re at the base of the mountains and ending the day on a roller-coaster ride through a canyon carved from the melt-water of the glacier.

Some call Schwartztor the “Vallée Blanche on steroids” and I must agree that it’s quite a bit steeper than the SDC12788classic French tour.  But if I had to define one distinguishing difference between the two places, it would have to include the unique opportunity to crawl through the ice cave at the toe of the Gorner Glacier.  Over the years, a path has been made where one can slide through a tunnel of ice no taller than three meters high.  You may get your trousers a bit dirty,  but it’s well worth the diversion.

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