Meet Brendan Madigan

4FRNT Hoji

I spent around 10 days on the Hoji last winter and thoroughly enjoyed it. I mostly chose it on moderate storm days, but also grabbed it for some outings that saw breakable crust/mank, as well as on a few spring tours. For me, it has been the only ski, besides the DPS Pagoda 112, that I have found to be a completely laugh-out-loud, super fun set of boards that excel at almost anything. I'm a pretty stalwart DPS loyalist, but this was the first ski in a bunch of years that I would consider purchasing. While we love these skis, we don't love the fact that 4FRNT doesn't allow us to sell them online. You'll have to come in the shop and check these out, and remember, you can demo them with us too.

Overview: In soft snow, the Hoji-inspired rocker profile was completely effortless and super fun. It has a jibby, new school feel of ultimate ease and playfulness, but at the same time can really charge when you turn up the speed and turn radius. It is one of those rare skis where the more you put in, the more you get out. In spring snow, it was equally as playful and performed better than I would have thought on firm surfaces. This would be a great daily driver for a bigger person, or someone who just enjoyed a fatter board, and would be perfectly at home with a beginner or expert. The ultimate "pro" is how fun it is.

• Pro: I really like the 4-Lock skin design, as well as the fact that you can purchase a pre-cut Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 (the sick pink ones) for these skis. The heavily rockered tip makes for convenient trail breaking as it surfs up out of the snow.
• Cons: It skis short for its given length, and in variable conditions can get pushed around a little bit. This year, 4FRNT has reduced the rocker profile underfoot, giving the boards a longer effective edge and a better balance between performance characteristics in both soft and firm conditions. At 1990g in a 184cm this isn't a light ski, but if you're looking to maximize the fun factor, there's no better tool.

4FRNT Raven

I spent around 10 days on the Raven last winter and also really enjoyed it. At 104mm underfoot and 1827g for a 184cm, this is effectively the little sibling of the Hoji. A skinnier waist makes it very quick edge to edge and the combination of soft-snow fun and firm-snow performance make this ski a fantastic daily driver for skiers of any ability level. You'll have to come in the shop and check these out, and remember, you can demo them with us too.

• Pro: As a bigger human, this is a fantastic touring ski for those who might want a bit more mass out of their backcountry tool. A little extra mass allows any skier to rip on these with a high degree of fun-factor and not have to reign in the speed. I found the ski to be an excellent all-around backcountry tool. I also really like the 4-Lock skin design, as well as the fact that you can purchase a pre-cut Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 (the sick pink ones) for these skis.
• Cons: Like the Hoji, I found the rocker design lent the Raven to getting pushed around a tad in variable conditions, but all in all it is a very strong ski that I would consider purchasing myself.

Julbo Peak LT and Launcher Goggles

At a mere 360g, the Peak LT is a no brainer for backcountry safety. Additionally, it is a hybrid-certified helmet, meaning it can be safely used for mountaineering in the spring (think rockfall from above) AND everyday touring throughout the winter. While we wish it had MIPS technology, we think this is a great option for versatility for both mid-winter and spring missions. The fact that it comes with multiple straps and padding makes the custom fit offerings very solid. 

When it comes to optics, Julbo sits at the top of all the competition. We've been using their best-in-class sunglasses and goggles for years, primarily due to their untouchable transition technology that allows you to see well in virtually every condition. While other companies claim to match Julbo's REACTIV lens technology, the reality is that now one comes close. The new Launcher goggle is an amazing addition to their lineup. Julbo’s first cylindrical-lens goggle to feature their proprietary SuperFlow Pro anti-fog technology. Paired with an XL lens and frameless design, this cutting-edge ventilation system optimizes airflow, ensuring fog-free vision thanks to its glove-friendly, hinged design with dual-sized magnetic closure.

Intuition Booties

Whether inside the cabin, or outside stacking wood in the fall, the Intuition Bootie is a cult classic that is a fantastic edition to your winter footwear quiver. While Intuition is known for custom liners enhance ski boot fit and performance, they have also quietly produced on of the best booties on the market. With faux fur lining, decent trad, easy toggle-closure system and an Intuition liner type heel and footbed, you won't be disappointed with these.

Fubuki Niseko 3.0

We're pumped to be one of only a few shops in the entire country to stock this chic new brand and it is hard not to get behind something that means snowstorm/blizzard in Japanese. First and foremost, the esthetic on these boots is fire. And of course with a name like Niskeo they are bound to be warm - a 50% wool/50% polyester liner take care of that. However, versus something like a Sorel, they are shockingly light and come with a pretty decent footbed for support. 

The outer shell is durable EVA, taking the comfort factor to another level, and there is a protective composite toe cap. While nothing prevents slipping on ice, the outsole is surprisingly grippy and robust. Inspired by northern Japanese fishing/road worker boots, these boots are a welcome addition to any skier's quiver. They also come in a low version and both heights are available in a bunch of fun colors. 

Alpine Softshell Gloves

For many years, one of our best selling gloves has been the BD Midweight Softshell Glove. This is a fantastic do anything glove but at $50, only lasts so long, especially if you're using it for repeated tours on the West Shore. As such, we're very excited for a new BD glove offering, the Alpine Softshell glove. While it has the same amount and type of insulation as the MW Softshell (Primaloft Gold 60-Gram), it has nicer overall materials that we think will be more breathable and durable. It also has touchscreen technology and seamless construction, making it a nice addition to the glove wall. 

Petzl IKO Core 500

Having a reliable headlamp is key for dawn patrols throughout the winter. Invariably, if you use your torch frequently, there is always the question of: 1) where the heck is it and 2) how much battery power do I have left? The Petzl IKO Core solves both problems. Not only is it super bright (500 lumens), but it has a rechargeable micro USB-powered battery pack that you can literally leave plugged into your car once your done with a tour - and leave the plug in the truck all season so you never forget to charge it up. It is also super comfy, weighs only 79-grams, has two beam types with dimming options for both, and can take 3x AAA batteries if needed. There are lots of other cool features as well. 

DPS Lotus 138

The DPS Lotus 138 literally changes the sport of powder surfing into a spiritual, out-of-body experience. Don’t be fooled by the girth, as this is my go to touring ski of choice if there is 10 inches or more of fresh. In good winters, I ski this board over 40 days a season. The reverse camber design gives a nice kick-pattern directly underfoot, where only about 14 inches of the ski touches snow, making skinning an extremely efficient and low-resistance experience. This increase in skin track turn-over (cadence), allows for quick and easy touring, despite the size of the ski. I’ve skied every iteration of the Lotus since 2013 and I highly encourage my powder thirsty friends to drink from this chalice of goodness.  

Zipfit Tour Liners

I’m particularly excited about a new product for us this winter, Zipfit’s Touring liner. I have narrow feet and particularly problematic heel volume, which leads to frustrating, omnipresent blisters in my touring boots. I’m hopeful that the customizability of the Zipfit liners, specifically the ability to pump more cork into needed areas, will solve this decades old problem. This also gives our boot fitters a great tool for problematic fits or someone who just wants the best in class when it comes to comfort. 

MountainFLOW Skin Wax

Skin wax is an item that should always be both in your pack and your truck, so you never get caught unprepared with our maritime snow. I like the concept of using a technical product that enhances my backcountry experience (efficient glide saves energy = more turns), while knowing that there aren't harmful chemicals hurting the environment.

inReach Messenger

Garmin inReach Messenger is the little brother of the popular inReach Mini, but at $100 cheaper and I think more practical for everyday adventures here in Tahoe or the eastern Sierra. I had a bad mountain bike crash in the fall of 2022 and had zero cell phone service. Having broken my ankle, leg and clavicle, I wasn’t able to get out on my own but had I been carrying this device, I could have used the satellite connectivity to call for help. While this requires a subscription plan, I think it is a vital tool for ultimate safety in the mountains and should be part of everyone’s plan. 

The inReach app has been drastically improved in the last few years and is very handy. Perhaps the coolest feature is the tracking function, which allows your loved ones to follow your location throughout the tour. If you've planned a route and conveyed it to your safety resource, this sets you up for ultimate connectivity and a safe return to the trailhead. Whether you are buying this for yourself or for your loved one, it gives everyone involved solid peace of mind.

Scott Patrol E2 38

I’m excited for the E2 version of Scott’s Patrol 38 airbag pack. Smaller, lighter and with a digital screen that makes things easier to read, I see this as a big upgrade to the first (E1) version. That, and it is now available in a larger volume pack for those of us bigger humans and/or those who carry a full avy and/or safety kit. I’m a proponent of having every safety resource possible at my fingertips, and while airbags aren’t silver bullets (particularly in our sub treeline terrain), I like the bigger capacity pack with improved airbag technology.