Early-Season Skiing. Exciting Times!!!

The folks at PlanetSKI have got us chomping at the bit to get our skis on and hit the slopes with shots of snow on the hills around Europe and North America. Some places have already attracted their first skiers while others have fired up their snow cannons and will be ready to welcome skiers and snowboarders very soon.

As temperatures drop and resorts begin to open it’s the perfect time for an early getaway to try out some fresh tracks before the winter season gets into high gear. Here’s a brief rundown of what’s going on in Europe…

  • Stubai, Austria already opened on September 16th
  • Pitztal, Kaunertal, Solden and Moltal are also now open in Austria
  • Saas-Fee and Zermatt in Switzerland have already opened
  • Tignes opens the Grande Motte glacier this weekend
  • The Kitzteinhorn glacier above Kaprun in Austria opens this weekend
  • The snowpark at Hintertux, Austria also opens this weekend
  • Les 2 Alpes in France opens for 10 days across the school-holidays on October 24th  

And in the USA and Canada…

  • Banff in Alberta, Canada had its first people out skiing in the middle of September
  • Loveland, Colorado has started making snow and hopes to open in mid-October
  • Copper Mountain in Colorado is due to open on October 30th
Featured
Pure Face Shot Heaven - a few days of waist deep powder at Madarao
Pure Face Shot Heaven - a few days of waist deep powder at Madarao

Lyndell from Powderhounds.com relives a few days of waist deep powder at Madarao: absolutely ideal conditions to wear the Eiger bib and brace pants to keep the snow out!

Antarctica - It doesn't get any more Pure
Antarctica - It doesn't get any more Pure
"Toastypress was conceived from the number of  toasted sandwiches consumed that season!"
"Toastypress was conceived from the number of  toasted sandwiches consumed that season!"

Who is Toastypress? Where are they from?? And what is their aim as freestyle skiers??? Read on to find out more...

NANSENS CROSS. IT’S TIME.
NANSENS CROSS. IT’S TIME.

Father and son-in-law pair, Geoff Wilson and Simon Goodburn are currently flying out to take on the expedition of a lifetime. Destination: Greenland. 

The duo are looking to become the first Australians to cross Greenland (South to North) unsupported, and are looking to break a few records along the way. 

Northern Escape Heli Skiing
Northern Escape Heli Skiing

There’s nothing a powder hound hates more than getting to the top of a slope only to find that others have put their dirty paw marks all over their powder! At Northern Escape Heli Skiing powder hounds can be rest assured that this will never happen. With a whopping 5,500 square kilometres (about 1.4 million acres) of terrain and 20 to 30 metres of snowfall each season, there are infinite lines of virgin snow that are yours for the taking. 

The harshest environment has little impact on this born leader!
The harshest environment has little impact on this born leader!

Simon is an accomplished IKO-qualified, kite-boarding instructor with a crossing of the infamous Torres Strait under his belt. He’s led countless expeditions to the furthest corners of the world. His endurance skills and ability to retain a good sense of humour (even under pressure), make him an ideal expedition leader.

Survival Against The Odds with Geoff Wilson
Survival Against The Odds with Geoff Wilson

In January last year, Australian adventurer Geoff Wilson became the third – and fastest –person in history to complete a solo and unsupported coast-to-coast crossing of Antarctica. He finished the 3428km journey in 53 days, smashing the previous world mark by 11 days and more than 600kms. Geoff also achieved another world first – becoming the only man in history to drag a pink ‘boobsled’ across the ice continent!

Issue 22 of theSKImag arrived at our office and not only is it a smashing issue we also spotted some skiers in our gear...
Issue 22 of theSKImag arrived at our office and not only is it a smashing issue we also spotted some skiers in our gear...

Issue 22 of theSKImag arrived at our office and not only is it a smashing issue we also spotted some skiers in our gear... :) Make sure to pick up a copy of theSKImag at your local newsagent or in the App Store!

Hokkaido Heli Skiing
Hokkaido Heli Skiing

The Powderhounds headed out heli skiing on Shiribetsu (near Niseko Japan) with Hokkaido Backcountry Club. The fun factor wasn't a 5/5 - it was off the Richter Scale!! This Japan heli skiing isn't like a few other Japanese helicopter outfits that are rather lame - it's awesome!

THE GREAT CONTAMINATED OUTDOORS
THE GREAT CONTAMINATED OUTDOORS

Eight Greenpeace teams traveled to well-known remote areas across three continents to collect water and snow samples, and test them for PFCs, the hazardous chemicals used to make outdoor gear waterproof.

"Instructors are our harshest critics, since they must wear what is provided..."
"Instructors are our harshest critics, since they must wear what is provided..."

Not many people are aware that we, PUREBRANDZ design Thredbo's Snowsports Uniform.... How did this come about we hear you ask???

Go Well... Go Shell
Go Well... Go Shell

We recently asked Lyndell to outlines why she loves her Pure shell jacket and pants.

On our recent research trip to Japan, I realised that I had a lot of decisions to make each day before going out out skiing. Depending on where we were going, the level of activity we might be doing, and the weather, I had to decide on important things. Which goggles to wear? Which jacket to wear? Which pants to wear? Do I need the backpack with full avi gear? Skins for hiking? Tough job making all these decisions I know!

"...and if you’re into moguls then you’ll be in heaven."
"...and if you’re into moguls then you’ll be in heaven."

Hakkaisan Rocks!

Hakkaisan is so much more than just an award winning sake. The mountain itself is home to the Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort, which is primarily serviced by the Hakkaisan Ropeway. Muikamachi Hakkaisan is just a small little ski area, but it’s reasonably steep and if you’re into moguls then you’ll be in heaven. Moguls aside, there is also some other fun terrain for powder hounds to explore….. so long as you can be invisible.

"We have never received that type of instruction with their (Bad ASS) Fast Track system!"
"We have never received that type of instruction with their (Bad ASS) Fast Track system!"

As we drove into Myoko (Honshu) we were shocked to see that the village actually grew grass? Normally we would see at least 2 meter walls of snow creating a maze like roadways but with our clinics beginning the following day, we were excited to get out there and ski whatever snow there was. The next day it started snowing and within days we had 50 cm of new snow, WooHoo!!! The clinics ran over the next two weeks were fantastic with many LBM's and very happy clients. 

Powderhounds in Japan - Part 2
Powderhounds in Japan - Part 2

We managed to sneak a few off-piste runs in the trees. This is a great little ski area with some steep pitches and some nice tree skiing! 

3 weeks in Japan with The PowderHounds - Part 1
3 weeks in Japan with The PowderHounds - Part 1

Greg from Powderhounds finds the perils of when the snow cover is rather thin in the trees. One leg went one way and the other went the other way...

Backcountry Heli Snowboarding in the Alaskan Mountains
Backcountry Heli Snowboarding in the Alaskan Mountains

Lured by its breathtaking mountain ranges, endless bounty of untouched powder and the chance to ride some of the planet’s most isolated and challenging terrains, Alexa Hohenberg strapped on her snowboard to go off-trail and experience heli-boarding in the spectacular Alaskan wilderness.

Amber Wyatt's Bucket List – NZ, Part II
Amber Wyatt's Bucket List – NZ, Part II

Amber discovered the picturesque town of Te Anau - the gateway to Fiordland National Park. During her stay, she takes an eye-opening trip through stunning 'Doubtful Sound' National Park with Real Journeys. Check out her diary of the trip.

Must-Eat Mountain Recipes For The Ski Chalet
Must-Eat Mountain Recipes For The Ski Chalet

A long day out on the slopes builds up a mountainous appetite like nothing else. That's why we've picked nine hunger-busting recipes  that are ideal for a stay at a ski chalet and will keep you going on a full day's skiing.

Top 10 Most Amazing, Unique Places To Stay In The Snow
Top 10 Most Amazing, Unique Places To Stay In The Snow

For many snow lovers, a night spent in unique accommodation is simply a childhood dream... but some inventive architects are turning these fantasies into ski-holiday reality. All around the world, from luxury ice hotels and mountain chalets to cosy cabins and awesome treehouses, we’ve uncovered 10 of the most amazing, unique snow lodgings in the world.

Amber Wyatt's Bucket List - NZ
Amber Wyatt's Bucket List - NZ

They say Queenstown is the 'adventure capital of New Zealand'. No matter what time of year you go, there's always some sort of exciting extreme sport to appeal to the adrenaline junkie. Well, Amber headed on over to NZ and researched all the best places and activities to explore while over there. Check out her wonderful footage from Paragliding, eating luxurious seafood to driving along rugged coastlines.

2015 Guide to Ski Australia and Ski NZ Season Passes
2015 Guide to Ski Australia and Ski NZ Season Passes

Season passes are the most convenient way to experience the ski season down under and usually offer the best value if you intend to hit the slopes regularly. To help you make this your most epic season ever, we’ve compiled the best snow deals for season passes at the biggest ski resorts around Australia and New Zealand.

Jen’s Hakuba Heli-Skiing Experience
Jen’s Hakuba Heli-Skiing Experience

Jen made her first foray into the exciting world of heli-skiing with Tsugiake Kogen in the Hakuba Valley and shared the best moments of her trip with us. Check out her cool pics and find out what it's really like to go heli-skiing in Japan.

10 Reasons For Wearing Bright Outdoor Clothing
10 Reasons For Wearing Bright Outdoor Clothing

The mountain is one of the few places you can wear intense contrasting colours and hear praise instead of sniggers. From changing moods to making new friends, here are ten reasons why your day in the snow can be more enjoyable and Instagram-worthy with fresh, vibrant outdoor clothing.

sympatex pure brandz eco-friendly jacket
The Next Wave in Outdoor Eco Fashion

Pure Brandz eco-friendly winter clothing allows you to explore the world with a pure conscience, knowing you're wearing the best apparel from its inception to its ultimate recycling.

Ski Clothing for Comfort & Flexibility
Ski Clothing for Comfort & Flexibility

As skiers and snowboarders, we are constantly shifting stance and body angles, applying pressure to different areas of our winter clothing; especially around the joints. Regular winter jackets are usually too heavy, too bulky, and don’t offer the range of motion or robustness required to fully enjoy winter activities. Without the proper flexibility...

THE ULTIMATE WINDPROOF, BREATHABLE JACKET
THE ULTIMATE WINDPROOF, BREATHABLE JACKET

Skiing, snowboarding, climbing, snowshoeing, and all the other snow sports you love are all about having the right winter clothing. The solution is a lightweight, breathable, and 100% windproof garment from Pure Brandz that combats the effects of wind chill and lets moisture evaporate from the inside out; a welcome, refreshing feeling when your only focus should be enjoying yourself on the hill.

SKI HARDER. RIDE FASTER. STAY DRY
SKI HARDER. RIDE FASTER. STAY DRY

Is an outdoor jacket’s waterproof rating really that important? Strong winds add more pressure, heavy falls into the snow add more pressure, body size and weight add more pressure. Suddenly that 20K gear doesn’t feel so dry. That’s when you’ll wish you had a higher level of waterproof protection...

Be Avalanche Aware! | Pure Brandz & RECCO®
Be Avalanche Aware! | Pure Brandz & RECCO®

RECCO® technology makes you searchable to professional rescuers in the event of an avalanche accident. The technology is utilized by 700+ rescue organizations worldwide to assist in the efficient location of burials. That’s why we added RECCO® reflectors to our entire range of Pure Snow and Pure Mountain jackets and pants.

The Little Things. Part Three: The Other Guys
The Little Things. Part Three: The Other Guys

This is the third and final post in our series reviewing The Little Things – a non-profit snowboard movie/documentary project by professional snowboarder Marie-France Roy and directed by filmmaker Darcy Turenne. So far we’ve covered inspirational stories from Marie-France Roy, Jeremy Jones and POW, and the David Suzuki Foundation. We’ll wrap up our review by shining the spotlight on some of the other riders in the movie and their commendable efforts.

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