Blister Podcast

We talk to Pete Wagner about why the "indie" ski scene is so confusing; the Wagner factory and the unique connection with Telluride; what about their ski-building process that Pete is most proud of, and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Why the “indie” ski scene is so confusing (2:43)Of the potential customers coming to check out Wagner Custom, what is it that they care about the most? (4:55)Pete’s new shop, and the unique connection between Telluride and Wagner Skis (6:54)Ski Construction 101: Wood Cores - Do they really matter? How do they differ? (11:38)Re: downhill performance, are you impressed by the new lighter-weight materials you’re seeing and working with? (18:15)Is Wagner Custom getting more orders for backcountry skis these days? (24:27)What are your particular challenges as a small, custom ski builder? (28:14)Is it easier or harder today to be a small ski builder? (31:17)What are you most proud of in terms of your specific ski-building process? (34:34) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out informat

We are live on location in Las Vegas for the Interbike tradeshow, and we talk to Blister bike editor, Noah Bodman, about the current state of Interbike; the most intriguing bikes we rode; the most interesting products we’ve seen; and the most bizarre stuff to grace the trade show floor.TOPICS & TIMES:The current state of Interbike (1:00)Interbike location: Vegas vs. Reno (2:40)Who are the biggest non-motor-having bike manufacturers here? (10:27)Most interesting bikes we rode: Zerode Taniwha & Marin Wolf Ridge (12:35)e-camouflage-hunting-fatbikes! (17:35)New coil forks (20:08)Should Interbike happen at a different time of year? (22:00) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We talk to Peter Bauer (4-time world champ, freeriding pioneer, and co-founder of Amplid) about the history and culture of snowboarding, its inextricable ties to skiing, and the current health of the sport.TOPICS & TIMES:Growing up in Bavaria, skiing at the age of two, and getting on his first snowboard (4:25)Being asked by Jake Burton to ride for Burton (14:27)The early days of snowboard design (19:30)The early culture — and crusade — of snowboarding (24:57)Snowboarding, self-identification, and the need early on to be "against skiing" (31:37)How the industry and snowboard media hurt the growth of snowboarding (38:19)Which industry currently has the healthiest culture — snowboarding, skiing, surfing, or skateboarding? (46:33)What is the status of park riding today, and what is the status of backcountry riding today? (54:27)As a rider, which of your achievements or titles are you most proud of? (1:01:40)What led you to start Amplid, and what makes Amplid unique? (1:03:19) See acast.com/privacy for privacy

Today on the podcast, we’re talking about Adam Ondra’s ceiling-shattering ascent of the 150-foot route in Flatanger, Norway that Ondra named, “Project Hard,” his proposed new rating of 9c / 5.15d, and whether we'll see Ondra - or anyone else - now set their sights on the next grade, 5.SIXTEEN. We then discuss the World Championships Downhill races that are happening this weekend in Cairns, Australia, and talk about two of the greatest DH riders of all-time squaring off this weekend — Greg Minnaar vs. Aaron Gwinn — then we start placing bets on who we think will win the men’s and women’s races.TOPICS AND TIMES:Adam Ondra's, "Project Hard" and the new grade of 9C / 5.15d (2:44)Whether we'll see Ondra — or anyone — attempt (and establish?) 5.16 (12:40)This weekend's World Championships DH races in Cairns, Australia — Aaron Gwin vs. Greg Minnaar (20:39)Our picks for Cairns (25:45) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We talk to Flylow co-founder, Dan Abrams, about the early days of Flylow; how the outerwear industry has changed; and Dan breaks news about a new technology that Flylow is developing and rolling out soon.TOPICS & TIMES:Kids names, kids, and being a ski bum with kids (2:30)How & when did Flylow get started? (8:28)At what point did it finally feel like you were past the startup phase? (13:48)How different are things now in the outerwear industry than they were back in 2004/05? (14:51)How similar or different are your biggest challenges now vs those in the early days of Flylow? (19:19)What current trends do you like, and which do you dislike? (26:30)What current tech are you excited about? (29:11)Breaking News: Dan talks about the new tech Flylow has been developing (30:52)Dan’s personal favorite Flylow piece (34:14) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This episode is part 2 of our conversation with Eric Hjorleifson, we discuss the state of the ski industry; the AT boot he's been working on for years and why he thinks it could represent the next chapter in ski boot design, and more...TOPICS & TIMES:Hoji on the state of skiing today + a quick history of his trajectory in the industry (2:30)Eric’s take on weight / lightweight gear (9:03)The state of the ski industry, part 2 (15:38)Getting gnar & midlife crises (18:45)Matt Sterbenz, Jason Levinthal, and the future of 4FRNT Skis (22:13)What do you think your future looks like in the next 5-10 years? (27:47)On mountain biking, climbing, and the fun of being a novice (31:20)Hoji's boot project, and why it could represent the next chapter in ski boot design (34:58) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eric Hjorleifson is one of the best big-mountain skiers of all-time, and he's also known for being one of the master tinkerers in the ski industry, and someone who absolutely obsesses over ski, boot, and bindings design. So we talked to Hoji about skiing pillows, ski design, and the evolution of his Renegade, Hoji, and Raven.TOPICS & TIMES:How and When did you first get involved with 4FRNT Skis? (4:35)The 4FRNT EHP (9:00)The 4FRNT Renegade and its evolution (14:45)The 4FRNT Raven (25:46)The 4FRNT Hoji — is the Hoji just a wider version of the Raven? (31:08)Hoji vs Raven vs. Renegade (45:27)Eric’s take on mount points, and where he personally mounts the Hoji, Renegade, and Raven (49:57)Skiing pillows vs skiing spines (1:02:25) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

To mark the occasion of our 50th episode, we bring back our very first guest on the podcast, Jed Yeiser, to talk about what's going on at K2, Rossignol's move into mountain biking, and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Backcountry Safety - Jed talks about two impactful experiences of his own (4:31)What's up with K2? (15:05)Jed goes in-depth over a few skis in K2's 17/18 lineup (24:30)All-Mountain skis — What does "All-Mountain" mean? (39:30)Where is K2 headed? (53:15)Line's new Sick Day series (58:31)Rossignol's move into mountain biking (1:11:00) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We talk to Blister's outerwear editor, Sam Shaheen, about the most important new tech & trends in apparel; how & why he first got involved with Blister; starting his own outwear company at the age of 15, and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Sam’s background (2:00)Starting your own outerwear company at the age of 15 (5:55)The significant challenges of building an outerwear company (11:00)How — and why — Sam first got involved with Blister (18:58)New Tech #1: “breathable” insulation (25:20)New Tech #2: “the coolest technology ever”- new manufacturing processes (31:43)New Tech #3: "the death of down" (35:26) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On our last podcast, we told you about a serious ski accident that Blister founder, Jonathan Ellsworth, was fortunate to survive. But the crash itself was only a part of the story, and the weeks after the crash were full of a number of very consequential events, decisions, and lessons, and we discuss them here.TOPICS & TIMES:My primary pre-accident mistake (7:10)The decision not to go to the hospital (12:00)A very David-Lynchian birthday dinner (23:38)The drive home, continued self-assessment, and health care (27:27)Emergency spinal surgery? Other options? (My injury + Nate’s popsicle analogy) (43:00)Important Rant: Know your “Out-of-Pocket Maximum” (54:35)The surgery & post-surgery (57:39)Conclusions & Takeaways (1:00:00) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On July 9, Blister founder, Jonathan Ellsworth, was involved in a near-fatal fall while ski touring on Independence Pass. This is the account of what happened; what can be learned from the incident and our decision-making; and what's next for him.TOPICS & TIMES:Jonathan's friends describe the accident (0:00)Our group — who was there (5:00)The objective that day (10:00)The line (17:30)The crash (27:57)The response (39:20)The decision to walk out (55:36)The bear incident (1:17:17)What’s next (1:24:12) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jason Levinthal just acquired 4FRNT Skis, so we talk to Levinthal and 4FRNT founder, Matt Sterbenz, about the deal; what brought it about; what we can expect going forward; and the state of the ski industry in general.TOPICS & TIMES:So what exactly just happened here? (2:52)Will this affect where 4FRNT skis are produced? What else will change? (11:41)What does it mean to be an "indie" ski brand in today's arena? (15:20)When did you guys first start talking about the possibility of teaming up? (21:17)What’s going to change and what’s going to stay the same in the next season or two? (25:18)Matt: what’s your favorite LINE ski or J Ski that you’ve seen or been on? (29:15)Do you think we’ll see more acquisitions like this in the coming years — specifically, of indies teaming up? (35:27)Closing Thoughts (43:45) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Tommy Caldwell is one of the most accomplished big-wall climbers of all time. And while his freeing of the Dawn Wall on Yosemite’s El Capitan might be the feat that he’s best known for, his catalog of accomplishments in the climbing world is ridiculous. But Tommy is more than just an all-time great climber, he’s also just published a truly excellent book called, The Push, that John Krakauer calls “the most insightful book about climbing I’ve ever read, and quite possibly the most enjoyable.” We sat down with Tommy at his home in Estes Park, Colorado, to talk about a number of things in his book and a whole bunch of other stuff, including the discipline of writing; Alex Honnold’s recent free solo of Freerider and the contemplation of risk that the feat inexorably raises. Tommy and I also discuss the desire for balance with the reality that great achievements always seem to require an obsessive focus (and a complete lack of balance). And finally, we talk about the future of climbing which then leads us into som

Jim Harris is as passionate about and as involved in the outdoors industry as anyone, but a serious accident threatened to change that. But the real story here is Jim's "crazy" recovery, and the lessons he has learned (and that we would do well to learn from him) about dealing with obstacles, understanding self-identity, and defining self worth.TOPICS & TIMES:Jim's entrance — and rise — in the outdoors industry (0:00)Advice on starting any creative pursuit, and why you shouldn't pander to your audience (9:05)The details of Jim's accident (22:55)What now? Life after the accident (33:20)Would you go back to your life prior to the injury? (38:15)Jim's crazy recovery (43:35)What are you currently most passionate about? (53:10)Important Stuff: Self Development, Self-Identity, & Self Worth (58:30) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Blister's climbing editor joins us in the attempt to wrap our heads around Honnold’s successful free solo of El Cap, and to debate whether this is the greatest athletic achievement ever.TOPICS & TIMES:What exactly did Alex Honnold just do? (2:40)Difference between free solo climbing vs. free climbing vs. aid climbing vs. rope soloing (5:45)Talk about the specifics of the Freerider route / Honnold’s route (11:20)The *speed* of Alex’s ascent (22:25)Locating Honnold’s free solo among other climbing feats (32:17)Climbing and Mainstream Culture (41:30)Biggest Achievement in Sport Climbing? (45:22)Biggest Achievement in Bouldering? (52:55)Is Honnold’s free solo the greatest athletic achievement ever? What are the contenders? (59:12)Dean Potter’s take on Alex Honnold (1:11:30)Zen and the Art of (Honnold’s) Free Soloing (1:12:38) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We talk to ridiculously-well-rounded-skier Michelle Parker about joining the Arc'teryx team, her work with S.A.F.E.A.S Clinics, her upcoming trips, gear, mountain lions, and a whole lot more.TOPICS & TIMES:Michelle's recent and upcoming trips (2:05)Joining the Arc'teryx team, and why it's a good fit (4:34)Where are you on the gear-head spectrum between "Don't care" and "Eric Hjorleifson" (8:35)Michelle's current one-ski quiver (12:28)The age-old topic of women's-specific skis and boots, and why it matters so much (17:12)Michelle’s background: racing, soccer, slopestyle, halfpipe, big mountain skiing (24:12)Climbing (31:05)S.A.F.E.A.S. Clinics (34:03)Outside of skiing & climbing, what else are you up to? (37:50)Michelle’s “pretend band” (46:43)Upcoming Trips & who she's going with (49:00)Biking (and Swimming) (51:15)Ski touring with Greg Hill ... and Mountain Lions??? (56:30) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We just got back from week-long review trip in Bend, Oregon, and while we were in Bend, we went to pay a visit to one of the best big-mountain skiers of all time, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa. We talk about a whole bunch of topics, but it is particularly fascinating to hear Sage talk about his preparation — how cautious he claims to be in the mountains — which isn’t exactly obvious given that Sage has thrown down some of the heaviest lines anyone has skied in Alaska. For Sage, skiing is simply fun. But big-mountain skiing — the stuff you see him doing in his film segments — is all about Problem Solving. So if you think he’s out there just hucking his meat with abandon, you’ll need to think again.TOPICS & TIMES:Sage’s “Ranch” — the dream spot (1:50)How / Why Bend? (3:03)Sage’s injury & rehab (5:10)Some keys to being injury-free for so long (8:15)Approaching Alaska — taking it “ridiculously mellow”? (11:15)Sage on Intuition (and the Double Front Flip) (17:00)Sage on Preparation — Skiing as Problem Solving (19:

We brought a bunch of next year’s skis to Mt Bachelor for a week of testing, so on this podcast, we discuss what we've been skiing, what was the most surprising, and what else stood out. Then we talk about what our 1-ski quiver and 2-ski quiver selections would be for Mt Bachelor. So here are our very fresh thoughts on a number of very high-profile skis.TOPICS & TIMES:DPS Wailer A 112 (2:30)ON3P Billy Goat (5:20)Black Crows Anima (7:00)Nordica Enforcer 110 & Enforcer Pro (8:30)Atomic Backland 109 (11:29)Question: One-Ski Quiver for Mt Bachelor? (12:50)Question: Two-Ski Quiver for Mt Bachelor? (18:30) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We’re talking again to Blister's bike editor, Noah Bodman, about what’s interesting in the world of bikes this season, including where the most innovations are taking place, whether Noah thinks that 26” wheels will eventually make a comeback, and whether e-bikes are gaining public acceptance. Noah and I also discuss several particular bikes, including the YT Jeffsy, the Canyon Spectral, and a couple of “plus” bikes — the Scott Spark Plus and the Scott Genius LT Plus. Then Noah and I wrap up the conversation with some predictions about the World Cup downhill season that starts this week.TOPICS & TIMES:What’s interesting this season? (2:10)Are e-bikes gaining public acceptance? (4:50)Death-O-Meter: How dead are 26” wheels? (9:28)Where are we seeing the most innovations in bike stuff? (14:05)Specific Bikes: YT Jeffsy 29 (21:10) Canyon Spectral (23:10)Scott Spark Plus & Scott Genius LT Plus (24:45)The upcoming Word Cup DH Season -- who are you betting on? (29:09)29ers on the WC DH circuit (32:33) See acas

We talk to DPS Skis founder, Stephan Drake, about the early days of DPS, ski design, and the new DPS ski boot that aims to change skiing as we know it.TOPICS & TIMES:Where did you grow up, and when did you get into skiing? (2:25)Being a “gringo ski bum” down in Las Lenas, Argentina (7:40)Were you interested in product design in general? / Early days of DPS? (13:35)Carbon fiber & the history of DPS (18:50)The first rockered ski -- the 2002 Tabula Rasa (23:40)Low weight and the “race to zero” in ski design (26:37)DPS’s new Alchemist construction vs. their Pure3 construction (29:30)Tip Taper (where I was expecting to get into a fight with Stephan) (40:39)The new paradigm-shifting DPS ski boot (54:15) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.