XCD GEar Rundown

XCD Gear Rundown

Today we’re going to take a look at a few XCD binding and boot options paired with Voile Endeavor BC skis to find out which setup is going to be right for you. We have the classic Voile 201 Tele 3-Pin binding, Rottefella Xplore Backcountry binding, and Voile 3-Pin Cable Telemark Binding paired with Alpina Alaska 75, Alaska XP, and …

NTN vs 75mm: Which is better?

Greetings to the telemark skiers and the telemark-curious. Today we are diving into a debate that echoes through ski shops, chairlifts, and internet forums everywhere: Should you opt for an NTN (New Telemark Norm) or 75mm setup? The discussion of NTN vs 75mm is not just a matter of preference, but a significant decision that will impact your experience on …

Ski construction Shootout Header

Voile Ski Construction Shootout

With the introduction of the Charger ACE to the Voile lineup, there are now three distinct ski construction options that we offer: Standard, Hyper, and ACE. Each of these options features unique characteristics that cater to different backcountry skier preferences. When it comes to determining which ski is right for you, it’s important to take a look at what skis …

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The Art of Setting a Skin Track

During a day of backcountry skiing or riding, the vast majority of our day is spent walking uphill, usually quite slowly, to access our intended objective. It stands to reason then, that we should think about the up track as just as much a part of the day as the ski back down. As backcountry skiing continues to grow in …

Hut Trip

Hut Trips: How to, Heuristics, and Having Fun

Hut trips… This simple term evokes mental images of endless deep powder runs, quality time spent with friends, eating excellent home-cooked food, and living a life of backcountry simplicity solely centered around what skiing dreams are made of.   Of course, this is likely the general idea of what all of us are hoping for when we drop $1,000-5,000 on …

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Be Curious, Not Judgemental: A Mindset for Approaching Avalanche Incident Reports

All Photos in “Be Curious, Not Judgemental” Courtesy of Aidan Goldie-Ahumada The backcountry is a harsh and unforgiving learning environment. While Backcountry skiing is a uniquely thrilling and multi-faceted activity that can give access to stunning and untouched natural landscapes, interacting with avalanche terrain comes with inherent risks. Over the years, avalanches have indiscriminately claimed the lives of many people, …

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Avalanches and Tour Planning

Tour planning, coupled with my own avalanche forecast, is my biggest risk mitigation tool. This process allows me the time to think without being encumbered by the distractions of backcountry travel: i.e. skiing is way too fun, 50mph winds, etc. With that said, tour planning takes time to learn how to do well, so make yourself comfortable. Let’s dive into …

Taking Your Dog Ski Touring

Taking Your Dog Backcountry Skiing

All photos courtesy of Brooke Jackson Watching 60 lbs of pure fluffy joy barrel down a snowy slope is an unforgettable skiing experience.  Since she was a puppy, my Field Retriever, Eva, has loved snow as much as any Powder Hound out there. As we drive up the mountain pass and hit the snow line, she begins whimpering in excitement …

Spartan vs Spartan Ascent

Voile Spartan vs. Spartan Ascent Splitboard

We’re often asked about the differences between the Spartan and Spartan Ascent splitboard. While the quick answer is that the Spartan is a heavier, softer, more budget-friendly version of the Spartan Ascent, there’s obviously much more that goes into it. So hopefully today we’ll help give you a better idea of which Spartan option is right for you. What’s The …