Rumor has it that Old Man Winter is beginning to rouse from his slumber, meaning ski season is just around the corner! Once again, we're here to help navigate the turn with our annual season preview. No one knows what the weather will bring, but judging by well-attended avalanche fundraisers happening throughout the mountain west, the backcountry community's collective stoke seems to be stronger than ever. One particular novelty we're excited about: skimo racing is making its Olympic debut in Milano-Cortina, shining a spotlight on the sport and the exceptional participants. Fingers-crossed that includes athletes from the USA, who will be trying to qualify at Solitude Mountain this December in the first World Cup race on American soil in multiple decades. Hopes are high that 2025/26 will be a flagship season, and with that, we present our season preview:

Tariffying Pricing - The scariest thing this October might not be Halloween, but rather tariffs being applied to the new ski gear arriving daily. With rates of duty changing frequently and somewhat haphazardly, we're seeing all manner of responses from brands. Some companies from the hardest hit countries have decided not to import their products into the US market altogether, opting instead to take a wait-and-see approach. Others have opted to raise prices proportionally, fully passing the tax onto consumers and retailers. The biggest cohort is eating some of the cost while gently raising prices, hoping the situation will improve by next season before needing to raise prices again. On the flip side, local backcountry stalwarts like Voile are now relatively better positioned to compete against the large European ski brands, which in some cases own their own forests from which they harvest core material. That economy of scale, coupled with EU import duties and VAT tax, has long made it difficult for American ski makers to compete in the other direction. Time will tell whether the playing field has been leveled enough for an American manufacturing renaissance.

Year of the Chicken - Readers of previous previews may note we've used the term "beef" and various beef substitutes over the years when referring to the latest boots that deliver exceptional ski performance. However, pressure from the industry-funded American Heart Association is forcing brands to phase out red meat in favor of leaner options. Compared to the "impossible beef" boots of last year, manufacturers focused their efforts this season on ski mountaineers and acolytes of the light is right movement. From Fischer, the Traverse Carbon Pro is being given a second life, utilizing a burlier BOA, ribbed shell, and Carbonfused cuff for added support at a svelte weight. Following last season's release of the lightweight Kilo, La Sportiva has introduced a tongued version called Kilo XTR in the never-ending quest to find the perfect balance of up and down. Last but not least, Dynafit proves it's still the boot brand to beat by releasing a slimmed-down version of the successful Ridge series. This latest boot, dubbed the Blacklight 2.0, features the Hoji Lock System known for its amazing combination of skiing and walking. As always, the best boot is the one that fits your foot, so please reach out for an individualized recommendation.

Tagged Products: Dynafit Blacklight 2.0, Dynafit Blacklight 2.0 - Women, Fischer Travers Carbon Pro, La Sportiva Kilo XTR

Shorter Approaches - A continuing theme from designers has been to make backcountry skis more approachable. New skiers, old skiers, and tired skiers all benefit from skis that don't take a huge effort to drive. Blizzard continues its Carbon Drive progression with this in mind, releasing a whole new Zero G series. The historically stout flex has been iteratively replaced with one that requires less effort in challenging conditions. The sidecuts have also been tweaked to match the friendlier disposition, though rest assured, the skis are still capable of tackling steep objectives. Similarly, Dynafit is revamping the premium Blacklight line for a broader audience; naturally, they selected the 88 to take the reins. Sporting two different color and flex profiles, you can select the color and characteristics to match your ambition. Having tested them all, we can give this latest crop of skis two opposable thumbs up.

Tagged Products: Dynafit Blacklight 88, Blizzard Zero G 96, Blizzard Zero G 96 - Women, Blizzard Zero G 88, Blizzard Zero G 88 - Women

Thin Skin - Those who can't take a joke and ski-touring weight-weenies have thin skins in common. Motivated by the popularity of Pomoca's Free Pro and perhaps BD's Ultralight skins of yore, Contour has jumped on the packability bandwagon, officially making ultra-thin skins a trend. In redesigning the backing material, Contour is making its Guide skins lighter and easier to stuff in a jacket, while also increasing resilience to water penetration. Not changing what wasn't broken, the time-tested hotmelt glue continues to provide reliable adhesion with friendly handling characteristics in the field. For splitboarders with silly-wide skins to fold, Contour also offers a split version incorporating all the same benefits. Please note that if you get sadistic pleasure skinning aggressively over rocks and stumps, these were not made for you!

Tagged Products: Contour Guide Mix 2.0 Skins, Contour Guide Pure 2.0 Skins, Contour Guide Pure 2.0 Splitboard Skins, Pomoca Free Pro Skins

Resurrection - When the Ski Trab Titan Vario disappeared at the tail end of 2022, backcountry ski nerds everywhere wept tears of sorrow, attended candlelight vigils, and wondered why it was taken off the market before its time. It's even rumored the pope held a mass commemorating the "tiny little binding that could." Once the five stages of grief ran their course, a grassroots lobbying campaign ensued to pressure Ski Trab to raise this little titan back from its premature grave. Well, it worked. Re-released as the Titan Vario Light, this binding will make those looking to ski big sticks on little bindings rejoice.

Tagged Products: Ski Trab Titan Vario Light, Ski Trab Titan Vario Light Adjustable

Products You Can't Refuse - Like The Godfather Part II, this season is full of niche products poised to inherit the critical acclaim of trailblazing predecessors. From the French Ski Family of Pierre Gignoux, the Black Splitboard Boot will be gracing our shores for splitboarders who want to shave off every last gram on their quest for vertical freedom. While not technically a sequel since it was released in a limited batch last season, the Krister Kopala Pro Model Boot has earned a permanent spot in the Disruptive lineup. Finally, hailing from the land that made this mafia theme possible, the reinvigorating SCARPA TX Pro 2.0 paved the way for the TX Comp, which sports similar weight and range of motion, but with a stiffer profile. Whether you slide straight, sideways, or knee down, you can be initiated into the light & fast backcountry family.

Tagged products: Pierre Gignoux Black Splitboard Boot, Disruptive Krister Kopala Pro Model Boot, SCARPA TX Comp 2.0

Cleared for Takeoff - Hmm, what to do when that high-pressure system won't go away and the snow is rough? Skin & fly, of course! While officially located on the SkyRun side of our store, hike & fly wings inevitably see some winter action. From Ozone's efficient Ultralite 5 to Niviuk's dynamic Kode P, we have versatile options for cruising down safely and pleasurably. For those who ascend in skin suits, the insanely light Run & Fly series or the certified Skywalk Pace fit in many skimo packs while offering an enticing descent when the wind cooperates. Let us know if you're local and looking for an instructor; we are blessed with many great ones in the Salt Lake area. Flymo!

Tagged Products: Dudek Run & Fly 2, Skywalk PACE, Ozone Ultralite 5, Niviuk Kode P

If you made it this far, we appreciate your time and attention. Whether you need help preparing for the upcoming season or just want to say hello and swap beta, we hope you'll pay us a visit in person or online. Either way, we will see you in the mountains!