Dude as an east coast guy who's been coming to Whistler religiously for the last few years your videos taught me so much about goodies there. Not just that, your trip to Fernie, Revelstoke, and Kicking Horse made me wanna go even deeper and got myself an epic pass this year to explore all these fantastic Canadian treasures this season. Just wanted to give you a shoutout and if ever back on the west coast to be lucky to meet you in person somewhere in the snow. I wish nothing but pure powder for all my fellow Canadian skiers this season !
Thanks Jimmy. Makes my day hearing that my videos have helped you have a sick time at all our amazing resorts. I'm always buzzing all over so there's always a chance we run into each other for some laps!
I really enjoy your videos. In fact, you helped inspire this old dude (63) to get back out there and hit the slopes again. I almost forgot the pure joy it brings me. Best of luck in your quest and dream.
@SParisi-w5u You're only 63? I'm 66 and average 30-40 days in an average season. I don't count the 18 days at Whistler last year because of the crowds and terrible conditions low on the mountain. I've been skiing since I was 10 and even skied Whistler the second year it was open. My only setback was when I crashed 2 years ago and broke my neck. It did slow me down a bit, but I was back on the hill the next year. A couple of years ago, I was riding the chair with an old guy who was 87 years old and still skiing the black diamond trees (he'd been skiing for 65 years). That's my idol!
@HawgRiderBC So what I'm hearing here is that I'm kind of a youngster! 😄. It is great to hear that you are out there skiing that much and loving it. That is seriously inspiring to hear. I'm looking forward to getting the Mountain Pass next season and I've already mapped out my "Endless Winter" plan. This year, due to some "health work" that I'm having done, I won't be able to hit the slopes until late Spring -- but I'll be out there! Best wishes to you and your continued passion and love of skiing.
Way to go James! Congrats on becoming a full time RU-vidr. You seem to love what you do and we are stoked to have you as an ambassador for Zeal Optics. Let it snow already!
@@riseandalpine Just drove past Beaver Mines en route to Pincher Creek for some groceries this aft, and had a clear view of the peaks around Castle & Waterton, and they all have a nice little dusting up top-skers... 🤠
Gonna be experiencing Whistler for my first time in March and I find your vids the most entertaining by far for getting hyped to go, genuinely hope I randomly run into you while I'm out there!
Skip Whistler. Do the powder highway.. Whistler is too commercialized. I know the channel loves it. But Red and white water are amazing. Revelstoke STEEP and deep. The best burger ever @Whitewater.
@@rennick1ca You know the WH2O cuisine, I see... Pro tip - Whole damned menu. Can't steer you wrong. Options for everyone. Nelson Brewing Co when they have that Face Plant on spout. Had mad sick days, and mad good meals there. 100%
Skip Whistler, the crowds are ridiculous, and the accommodations were out of this world. I had a seasons pass there last year, and I was anything but impressed. And I've skied Whistler since the second year it was open.
Taking my first trip to Whistler in January, can’t wait it will be the first time skiing west coast. Probably watched every single one of your videos trying to memorize the mountain before I get there 😂
Sick dude! CLASS IS IN SESSION. Hope you have a wicked time. The more you know, the better the time you'll have so good on you and thank you for diving deep into my videos.
This will be my third season skiing and my first with all my own gear. You inspire me to get out there and my goal is always to have as much fun as you do. We picked up some hot sauce for this season so I am expecting to see a massive improvement this year.
Love this! Nothing makes me happy than getting others addicted to my favourite sport in the world. Also I love your goal of just having fun, that's what it's all about at the end of it all. Excited to hear about your progression this season (especially after your first sip of sauce)!!!!
Bring those unlimited’s by the shop anytime i’ll get ‘em dialed!! also you should talk to Nordica about getting a alpine boot for when the Stryder inevitably claps out it’s getting close 😬 getting stoked for La Niña!!!
I got unleashed 108s with CAST pivots last year, so sick! Couldnt believe how well they handled GS turns, and they motor through crud If you head over to Red this year, take a day to head south and check out Schweitzer. It definitely punches above its weight class
I 1000% second the thin socks. Used to get foot pain all the time while snowboarding. A combo of switching to thin socks and ditching boa conpletely removed my foot pain. Unfortunately my calves are my new weak link.
Can't say i watched this video as i'm fairly good with my gear as is, but want to say congrats on taking the jump into content creating. i wish the best to you, your mountain reviews are great for a little preview and helps me plan my trips.
Always love your videos. Going to whistler this year in December for the second time. Good to already see snow at the alpine! Maybe I will even meat you there! Hope for great powder! So stoked! Hope more people subscribe to your channel.
Your recommendation of the Enforcer a couple of years ago (I ended up buying the Enforcer 94 as I have a wide 118 off-piste ski) was amazing. Unreal ski. Thanks for your advice and wisdom. Love these skis!!
Been watching you since a little bit before last season and you my favourite channel, you bring so much energy to your videos and a fellow BC boy it so cool watching the videos, keep it up and I hope you get big but 30k is a big achievement. Much love from Chilliwack
Great vid as always. Really appreciate that you show the peeps what you actually use and even when it’s beat up/ old. Only missed opportunity was to show your ski playlist for the year. One track, repeated 10,000 times… Lords of the Land WE WAVY 😎
It's always a pleasure watching your videos. I was sick today and sad that I couldn't go out. But thank goodness you posted and saved my day. Could you also tell us about which ski passes you use? This might be a big help for some when choosing passes for the season.
So glad my videos help make you feel a little better! I have the EPIC pass and the IKON pass for this season. I use the epic because I ski mainly Whistler and have the Ikon so I can ski the Big 3 more and experiment with US resorts.
I know I'm a bit late, but congrats on 30k dude! Super stoked, even on the east things are sort of looking up. Some fresh stuff in NE but it's going away soon...
im no expert, but was recommend flylow bibes and shells by a stocker in lake tahoe, I currently have two pairs of their bibes and 3 jackets, love them to death. Very nice build and high quality, long lasting.
Fly Low is a sweet brand for sure! I have some buddies who love theirs. I messaged them a few times last year to test some out but they declined. The only problems my friends had were zippers busting. But that seems common among every ski pant on earth!
I love Patagonia!!! I know that their profits are going to non-profit organizations and they are great to work with for returning any product that is problematic no matter how long you have had them.
Skis -Bought the wife Nordica Santa Ana last year. She loves them. I was still riding my old Head Rev 85 twigs, but this year I got a set of Faction 3.0's and some 16 din bindings, and I'm juiced asf for Castle mountain this season. Was looking at the Unleashed last year, but I couldn't find my size on sale again, otherwise I'd be in those. Think the Factions will be a good compromise, plus that gives me some tail rocker Faction wise..Got a good deal so, I'm pleased. New boots in the offing. Technica HVL 120's are a bich...My right foot is 106 last. 😳 Layers - Look into Orage for Canadian made coats, pants, layers etc. Comfiest, warmest ski pants & coat I've ever worn, and they have a lifetime warranty, already had a zip repaired. Lenses - I prefer clear. I want full light availability. Especially in low light. Kinda a compromise between flat light lenses, and glare. Trade offs. No one lens is good for all conditions, but I despise any tint in low light, and most conditions, really. Rather just ski sans goggle. Maybe the newer optics are better, I just never met a set of lenses that agreed with me. Wife has the Smith and she loves them. Says the lenses are way better than any of the goggles she'd rocked until those. Tint doesn't bother her, no fogging etc...
Bought the Santa Ana's for Laura too! The 98 with the pink topsheet. Sexiest top sheet in ski existence. Factions will be fun as hell! I'm in the same boat for a boot break in... Going to have to have a couple extra sips on the mountain
@@riseandalpine Awesome. Yeah Wifeskers got the 104's with the teal...Kinda eyeing up the Rossi Track 130's. Got that big square toe box I believe they are 105 last. I don't think a ski boot actually exists above 105, so yeeeah... Few extra sips, rips, & dips...Also check on the new skull basket. Mines been rattled a time too many in the last 2 annum.
Ooh, finally getting some proper backcountry skis eh? Can't wait to see you with some proper pins on those planks! Join the dark side 😁 I finally treated myself to some touring skis wider than 100mm so hopefully i can enjoy the down as much as i enjoy getting to the summits this winter (not that i didnt before, but longer, wider, and heavier skis should make the way down a bit more rewarding) For the next few weeks tho im just hoping the freezing level stays low enough i can bust out the rock skis instead of the trail runners 😅
Glad you're going wider! Even just running a 104 is a blast in pow and still a happy medium for tours. FL is pretty high following this storm so Friday night might have just been a major tease.
It is really cool that you are sponsored by Nordica.. I know I commented on your videos when I got my Enforcer 104 Free.. I know how you love the ski and so do I.. Now that they no longer make that ski I am rethinking everything.. I thought about getting another pair.. I also use them for late season because I do not want to hit a rock with my Stockli.. Now it makes me not want to hit a rock with my 104 Free..
If you love a ski it never hurts to find one on sale and store it for when you break your daily drivers. They made the unleashed line to kind of replace the Enforcer Free's. You should try and demo the unleashed and see how they stack up. The 108 Unleashed reminds me a lot of the 104 free, but doesn't require quite as much intentionality when shredding which is nice.
Such a solid gear run down. Spot x. We're looking at one of those. Just need something basic, for hikes, etc. We've been fairly deep into the back country, and plan to more, so it makes urgent sense. The walkies = Awesome. 🧠💡 Looking into those for wifekin & I. Good to have when we take a different line, or get separated.
The rocky talkies will be the best pickup! Ideal way for everyone to stay in touch when you're skiing those big KH lines and wife needs to make sure you're not dead! Spot is a great option, actually wrote a review on it a few years back riseandalpine.com/2022/02/02/spot-x-satellite-communicator-2022-review-my-thoughts-after-2-years/ If you want to pay a a little more of a premium the garmin inreach has some pretty sick GPS capabilities
I was looking for a hybrid binding for my new skis and I was thinking of getting the Salomon shift but I remembered your gear vid from last year and seen that you use the Marker Duke PT so I did a little research and decided to go with Duke PT 12 which I manage to get for 230.00 CAD and yes its a new binding but seeing where and how you use them played a big part in my purchased looking forward to using them this year
Don’t you want non polarized as polarized blocks angled light. Angled light on a ski slope is an ice patch. I like zeal. Oakley makes my favorite right now with their prizm technology. For touring, I love julbo photo chromatics or a pair of glacier glasses for the blue sky only and day starts.
Aloha Erik, great question! I am the rep in BC for Zeal. The polarized film in our goggles is different than the film used in our sunglasses. It is specifically designed for snow sports and actually highlights ice and hardpack.
Yo Erik! That's absolutely true with sunglasses depending on the lens tech. When I played baseball in college I would never wear polarized glasses. With the Zeal goggles I've had no issues whatsoever! Makes sense that you like the photo chromatic for touring. One less thing to carry. I still prefer the way you can massively change the VLT by lens flipping on the resort. Maybe I'll take my Photo Chromatics with my touring this year, that's a great tip.
@@ktextreme thanks for the clarification! I didn’t know that, I worked at a sunglass hut back in college and love learning about the tec behind things. Always enjoyed zeal glasses and goggles but have always stayed away from polarized.
Thanks for the 2025 season update on your setup. You coming East this year to ski Quebec or the NE states? Whiteface mountain is already getting snowed on this week
Sick that Whiteface is getting a dusting. It would be fun to get some Quebec laps in. The reality is, if I'm spending money to travel I'll likely focus on some of the heavier hitters in the Rockies and Utah
I feel like you gonna make a lot of these videos. I've been thinking about making videos like this myself. like a travel vlog style video. (i made a mistake of buying a cheap $50+ lighting LED lighting gear. hence this is why I'm telling you) Please look into a keylight (with zero/little fan noise!!) Amaran stuff, i heard is good. (or something. (i heard 100watt are not enough. and you don't need more than 300watt). honeycomb grid (more focused, professional looking but might be bright in your eye while recording) vs Lantern (more dispersed light but easier and pleasant to eyes probably). also, look into Daylight vs Bi-color. Great great story-telling and explaining things. 1st tier. A+. (really liked the chapters you divided too)
Thanks for the intel on lighting! Usually at the start of the season I make a lot of videos in the office then I'm out in the field for the year. Still 100% worth improving how my studio looks. Let me know if you end up trying any of these options out and what works best, super interested in improving my lighting.
Your lighting looks fine. (I’m an audio guy. I don’t know much about lighting). Everything looks fine/sounds fine. I was just thinking. It’s great to see your video everyday. I didn’t even know you launched a new a website (skisauce). Looks great!!! Congrats!! If you have extra budget, lighting and recording gears are not the priority for your channel. They look/sound all good. I would spend it on hiring a excellent video-editor. (I don’t want you to burn out. And, you can alleviate the editing time/effort/brain/planning video editing. And, that will give you more energy/time to focus on being in front of camera more, script writing, trip-planning, creating just more footage for your editor to figure out. You can be on the go-go-go mode. Personally, I don’t know anyone on RU-vid that’s currently working harder than you (in terms of 1-man operation. Plan.record,action. Edit,upload,merch) I’m your number 1 fan.
Great tip! I always use to throw my cleats in the freezer to kill the bacteria and scent. Never tried it with boot liners. Boots are way to sacred to mess with if they are feeling comfy.
I'm not sure you want to see my instep and pinky toes in 4k hahahaha, I had to cut the tongues right out of the liners on my right foot to ski pain free and I still don't even sinch my bottom two buckles most of the time
Hey bro when you sleep in your truck during ski season the night before a rip do you keep a power bank and heater in the car? Or do you just rock warm layers and winter sleeping bag? Any advice where to park in whis to not get ticketed for sleeping in vehicle? I just got a car bed platform and looking for a few pointers homie 🙌🏻
To be honest I don't car sleep to often in Whistler during the super chilly days, I have a few other spots I can crash indoors. March onwards is kickass for truck camping. I just use a sleeping bag and charge my gear overnight in all of the 12V inside the truck. I keep on power bank to charge my phone where I sleep so I don't miss the alarm. Parking can be tricky because of plow schedules and everyone has their secrets, so can't really blow up the sleeping spots or people would be pissed.
Thank you for the goggles review especially! I bought into the smith squad ecosystem of lenses and they've treated me well, but two of my ski buddies have had consistent quality problems with their lenses (they bought them a year or two later so maybe the quality went down?) and have been doing the rounds trying to find good lenses. They all got into glades at the start of last season and all were terribly let down (they spent their money on insta ads instead of making good lenses). I think they're going to try out Zeal for next season.
Zeal is super solid - let them know to hit me up in the DM's for discount codes. Also, I always prefer 2 or 3 lenses over the photo-chromatic system. Nothing beats a specific lens for a specific job and I don't find it painful tossing an extra lens in my jacket pocket or pack for the day.
Cheers mate, hey since it seems you've tried every flavour of Nordica Enforcer, I was wondering which one you think is the best allrounder for en piste, plus a bit of powder and trees, for an intermediate moving to advanced? Previous Enforcers had a reputation from what I've read for being quite rigid and more demanding to drive because of the metal layers in them, but I've heard they've tweaked them a fair bit for the 2025 iteration. So with that in mind, which of Enforcer family do you think is the most versatile one - is it the 99?
They opened up the tail a little bit which makes them a tad more approachable. The 99 is absolutely the best all rounder if you aren't sinking neck deep in powder all the time. The Enforcer still isn't the most beginner friendly ski, but the newer iteration is more approachable. If I were you I'd maybe attempt to demo the Unleashed 98. It's got a bit of a rocker which might make it less demanding and be a bit more fun for your ski style and level!
You mentioned flying a lot this season. Does that mean Japan might be in store?? If so let me know if you are in Niseko and we can shred some Japow! I'm there for the entire season.
Give me a few months and I'll get back to you ;). Here's what I know. Most of the Nordica pro's I've met (like Essex Prescott) run the 114 unleashed with pins vs the Unlimited 104. Believe it or not, the 114 Unleashed is lighter than the 108 Unleashed however the pair of 186 114's weigh in at 4.18kg. A pair of 186 104 Unlimited weigh in at 3.52kg. That's a weight savings of 1.41lbs which is somewhat substantial for long tours, but if you want mega beefy and flotation could be a worthy trade. I'm Excited to see how I end up liking the Unlimited vs the Unleashed.
Are you ignoring Arteryx on purpose. Their friends and family deal, or pro deals are pretty worth it. Or is it too trendy in your mind? I own lots, but funny enough, I ride in a AK shell…quality so good!! I had the Hestra's..wanted to love them!! They were too cold! I'm again, now with the AK ovens! She's colder out here in Alberta though.
In my opinion Arc's quality went down massively when they became a fashion brand. You are totally right... too trendy/overpriced for me. Also another big reason is the fit is slightly European and not as baggy on a big boy like me. None of their pants or jackets would really fit me how I like. Burton AK is super sick, always wanted to rep that but always shy away from spending $$$. Everyone in Vancouver has a pro deal for Arc which makes the price super reasonable. I had a 70% off deal for Arc when I worked in marketing for a Vancouver firm and all I got was a pair of socks.... So I think it's a great call on pro deal for anyone, great bang for your buck. But ya, I purposefully avoid them. I think you get pretty sick and tired of the brand when living in Vancouver.
Where are the binding mounts on the skis? Curious as I'm getting a new pair this year and planning on having them further forward than my current dailys.
I mount everything standard. I don't ride or land switch often anymore and I enjoy the feel of the factory mount point. Would be fun to try some alternate mounts though!
I daily drive an Unleashed 108. The most versatile ski I have ever skied. Rips groomers with Super G arcs but can also, with minimal effort, force it to be playful off piste. Adjustable poles are great. I shorten them down for the groomers and then extend them for off piste steep jump turns.
It's a sick ski, kind of reminds me of a the better older brother to the 104 free. The 114 Unleashed is more forgiving and playful which makes it my favourite, but doesn't shine as well on the harder packed terrain.
@@riseandalpine I tried on that Unlimited 130 boot a few weeks ago. Super lightweight for a hydrid boot. But it crushed my left foot... too painful and I am too cheap to spend $300-$500 for custom bootfitting. I will probably go with the K2 Mindbender 130. Best out of the box fit I can find for my feet.
Absolutely! The 99 is a sick do it all ski for the rockies (especially if you play on-piste a little bit as well). If you're mainly off piste in the rockies I'd look into the Unleashed lineup, super fun skis all round.
I'm seeing a lot of Marker bindings. Personal choice, but the best bindings are the Tyrolia Attack or the Atomic STH line (or related). If you've never clicked into some Tyrolia Attacks try it some time.
I just noticed the same thing...LoL When I was choosing bindings, I was looking at which ones were on discount, max bang for bucks. Settled on Salomon Strive 16 on Faction Prodigy 3. Wife scored Marker Griffons, last year. Same kinda deal...
Good eye and fair shout. I used to ride Tyrolia attacks on my head I rally's for a while. Great bindings. Nordica is affiliated with Marker so I'm always going to go with free LOL. Love the PT's, no issues with the Jesters. Not really that fussed with bindings as long as they are holding me in. If I was still skiing more park and landing switch I might want to be on pivots though!
@@riseandalpine Do they warm up the shells, too? I envision hell, as eternally cold, stiff ski boots, for ever and ever more, amen. Rather lop off my legs than endure eternity like that...
hy, i ski in the alps and we get 10 deep days a year.I currently own a UNLEASHED 108 and love it , is it worth getting the 114'? I THINK THE 108 IS ENOUGH but is it that much better?
If you only get 10 pow days a year, the 108 is perfect. The 114 is a touch lighter, more playful and can be ridden a little more relaxed. It's my favourite off piste, but the 108 charges harder as an all mountain ski!
@@riseandalpine alpine is like short boarding your feet locked in place with big wave potential. Tele is more like long boarding, walk the nose, smooth and rounded turns on smaller waves. I want to see the video of your attempts at tele.
hey can you tell me what sized Enforcer 89 Skis - 2024/2025 you have? im 6'2" and looking at buying these.......do you have the 185cm? or what size should i get.......i also see these skies come with the Tyrolia Attack 14 GW Bindings.....are those good bindings?
I'm 6'2 and run the 185. I find it fun for snappier shorter radius turns and still works great for wider GS turns. It would be no problem either going up to 191 if you wanted even more stability. Tyrolia Attack are great bindings. Used to use Tyrolia on my head I rally skis!
@@riseandalpine thanks bro I appreciate you getting back to me...yeah ill probably go with the 185.......i now need to find new boots.....all my shit is like 15 years old now ha ha upgrade time!
@@riseandalpine I was thinking of getting the Nordica Speedmachine 3 BOA 120 Ski Boots - 2024/2025......I already bought the Enforcer 89 Skis yesterday with bindings included......saved a little money on ebay.
Absolutely! I respect the hell out of the sport and can appreciate those surfy pow turns boarders get. I always preferred the feeling of skiing though.
@@riseandalpine Yeah snowboarding is one hell of a sport and I personally prefer it in good conditions (which we don't get much of in Australia). But when the conditions get a bit variable and icy I find myself wishing I brought a pair of ski's.
Only the OG's know! When I was younger detuning meant rubbing our edges dull on rails after my dad got them sharpened pre season so we would destroy ourselves sliding rails in the park
This kind of blatant objectification of my beautifully hairy chest is the exact reason why the closed stayed on this season....... Check the Rise & OF for exclusive ski content
@@BeetsByHometownBrew Yes! The Deathwish is a triple-camber ski, and it got its name because when they first showed it off, someone said that to ride it you have to have a Death Wish. But the actual riding experience doesn't live up to the name - it's not scary, most people who have them swear by them. Moment is small enough that their "marketing department" is probably one guy who drinks beers every friday with the shop workers. Or its just the CEO himself. They have such a reputation that they have no problems selling every ski they make without doing any direct advertising. And no, I'm not on their payroll (though I'm open to it 😆)
@@riseandalpine Nah, I went for the Wildcat 108's. I have a pair of Armada Declivities for hardpack conditions, and I don't have dedicated wide bois for powder, so they seemed like the best choice to give me playfulness and float. Plus the astronaut graphic is so great. From what I understand, the Deathwish is like a wildcat that carves better. For an advanced skier like you, I'd guess that the Countach is more up your alley. Apparently, its ridiculous how damp and stable they made that ski without loading it up with any metal. They do demos out of their factory in Reno. (btw, I'm the woo skier, this is my personal acct. shh 😄)
@@thirdpedalnirvana That's hilarious. And I did look into it shortly after reading your comment. Very interesting looking outfit. The shape - Triple camber?!?!? WHAT?!?!? The profile on those looks insane, like some alien tech. If I hadn't just got a set of Prodigy 3.0's shipped in, I'd seriously consider Moment. I'd love to try 'em. I was also teetering on the lip about Icelantic, too. I imagine they come with a premium price tag?
@@riseandalpine im still waiting for you to pee on that electric fence my bro! we all know those ski blades are going to make a come back, you wont be able to stay away - admit it.
