OUTDOOR RETAILER 2007: The latest and greatest from Utah
Voile
Voile debuted its new Switchback ($259) telemark touring binding, a free-pivoting, alpine touring-style telemark binding letting skiers ascend with zero heel resistance (conserving energy) and easier trail breaking (except for you slackers always taking up the rear). A stab of your pole tip changes it from uphill touring to telemark skiing mode. It comes with dual-height heel elevators for climbing, a full wrap-around stainless steel toe plate and Voile’s Hardwire heel assembly instead of braided cables. The company claims it’s the lightest telemark binding available, weighing 3 lbs., 48 oz. per pair, and is available in three 3 models (two men’s sizes and one women’s). voile-usa.com
Roces
The days of buying or renting your kids three different pairs of ski boots per year to accommodate their rampant growing pains are over forever with Roces new Adjustable Kids Ski Boot ($99.99-$109.99). The new offering from the distributor of Roces in-line skates and ice skates (called the IDEA) grows with your kids, coming in three models that adjust from 9-12jr; 13jr-3; and 4-7. Each boot also has two cuff-height adjustments. While we couldn’t fit in them for testing, they looked like they’re cornering the bling for this year’s boots. rocesusa.com
Marker
The K-2 booth had one pair of skis mounted with Marker’s new AT binding, the Duke ($495.99). Unfortunately, it was always out in circulation whenever we swapped out gear. Nevertheless, its one of the burliest alpine touring bindings out there, complete with a din setting up to a whopping 16 so even Bode cab access the backcountry (or climb back up to a missed gate). Also look for the new less-burly, free-riding Jester ($395.99). markerusa.com