Lukas Zögernitz

The ION 12 pin binding from Genuine Guide Gear (G3) follows the trend of freeride-oriented tech bindings: Puristic in its approach, but equipped with some clever details, the successor to the Onyx offers ascent-oriented freeriders another option when choosing a binding. We tested the strengths and weaknesses of the ION 12 in a long-term gear review.

The likeable ski makers from the USA are expanding their powder ski range with the Mordecai. With a center width of 114 mm and tip and tail rocker, many doors are open on the mountain. If you then jump over your own shadow and make your powder day a little more playful than usual, the Mordecai can turn a powder-turning freerider into a "neo backcountry freestyler".

The Norwegian company, whose roots go back to the development of a backpack with an external frame in 1908, offers the Osatind trousers from the Slingsby collection, outdoor trousers specially developed for ski tourers. According to Bergans, the trousers are characterized by "outstanding functionality, low weight and high durability". We have tested for you whether this is the case in practice and whether these properties can convince a "classic freerider" of stretch touring pants.

After a 2-year break at the legendary Compface Wildseeloder, day wins, the tickets for the fourth stop of the FWT in Alaska and the starting places for the FWT 2017 were awarded in bright sunshine. In difficult conditions on the face, many riders showed great performances. The event in the Tyrolean Alps was well attended despite being postponed to Wednesday.

At the third stop of the Freeride World Tour in Fieberbrunn, Austria, the tickets for the stop in Alaska will be awarded from 08:15 on 09.03.2016. After a snowy phase in the last few days, the weather forecast now predicts the best conditions for the planned contest day. After the contest could not be held on the Wildseeloder in the last two years, it now looks like the FWT will return to this legendary face in Tyrol. You can follow the Lievstream live on PowderGuide.com!

With the Helix LS Zip Hood, New Zealand-based merino wool specialist Icebreaker is expanding its collection with a sporty thermal layer that is also available without a hood (Helix LS Zip) or as a vest (Helix LS Vest). The properties of merino wool that athletes appreciate have been packaged in a new concept: recycled merino wool serves as an insulating lining between water-repellent nylon and skin-friendly, odor-inhibiting merino wool. We tested how this concept performs in practice on snow, sand and asphalt.

The Tracker series from the US company Backcountry Access, part of the K2 Group, has been a firm fixture on the avalanche transceiver market for years. Although the trackers are not as widespread in Europe as they are in the USA, their owners in the old world still appreciate them for their ease of use and speed. With the Tracker 3, BCA has had a current 3 antenna avalanche transceiver on the market since last season, which should once again shine with the proven features and some enhancements. We got an impression of the Tracker 3 in an extensive practical test and learned to appreciate its strengths, but also found some weak points.

There were also no major revolutions in the area of ski boots and bindings at ISPO 2016. When it comes to boots, however, many manufacturers have at least followed suit in the freetouring boot segment with a focus on downhill performance and a weight of between 1500 g and 2000 g. For many manufacturers, however, only product maintenance was on the agenda. Tech inserts were often integrated directly into the shells instead of in removable soles. The biggest news in the ski boot sector is probably the withdrawal of Black Diamond. Following the end of telemark boot production this season, there will also be no more touring and freeride boots from Black Diamond from next season. There will be virtually no innovations in bindings. If anything, the manufacturers have limited themselves to product maintenance.

Winter has only just begun in the Alps, and ISPO in Munich and the presentation of new products for the coming season are already just around the corner. Traditionally, shortly before the actual show at the trade fair, some companies invite journalists to test the new products in practice. This year, beautiful Kals at the foot of the Grossglockner was the venue for presentations, daring test tours, friendly shop talk and, due to the conditions in the terrain, fun on the slopes.

Until now, Planks has been known for baggy streetwear with snappy slogans and outerwear with a focus on the park. With the Yeti Hunter Series, the company from Val d'Isere with British roots delivers a technical outerwear combo with the usual casual cut and city style for the first time. We tested how the combo performs away from the park and pub in New Zealand in summer 2015.

The conditions are not exactly Christmassy at the moment. No snow means that it's also time for contemplative activities such as baking cookies and fitting ski boots. In both cases, the essential utensil is the oven and that's why it's our Gear of the Week!

Like many freeride boots, the Pinnacle 130 from K2 offers walking function combined with a stiff flex. The top model in the K2 freeride series also has tech inserts built directly into the shell and can be fitted with alpine and touring soles. With different last widths and the high-quality INTUITION liner, it is also possible to adapt the boot to individual foot shapes.