Totti Lingott

Black Diamond is known for its wide range of climbing skins. A number of innovations were introduced in the Ascension Skin series for winter 2012/2013. The main focus was on the adhesive properties and weight. We tested the GlideLite Mohair Mix STS climbing skin throughout the season in a wide range of conditions.

The second generation of Salomon Rocker skis is now familiar to almost every freerider - wide, soft, fun! In order to be prepared not only for the really fat days, Salomon has produced a complete series of Rocker2 freeride skis for winter 2012/2013 (90, 92, 108, 115, 122 mm under the binding). We have extensively tested the Salomon Rocker2 115.

Last week, after a freeride descent in the Disentis freeride area, we climbed over the Oberalpstock to the Cavardiras hut. This time we have the highlight of the tour: the Steintalrinne from the Fruttstock down into the Maderanertal.

PowderGuide, as a long-standing partner of Black Diamond, had the opportunity to test some of next year's ski models on various occasions.

This week we present a two-day tour that can be undertaken without much effort from the Disentis ski area.

Construction worker gloves for tough guys? In the Gear of the Week you can win your own pair...

Slowly, all those involved have recovered from the after-effects of Ispo 2013. Some suffered from the well-known post-Ispo flu (mostly caused by an overload of the "I want to have" center in the freerider brain) and others had thick thighs because there was so much Canadian-light powder snow to track after the majority of potential trackers preferred to stay in the post-Ispo flu-infected exhibition halls in Munich. We take advantage of the calmed waters and present the new products from the PG partner forges.

As every year, we present the PG Partner news from Ispo 2013. Slowly, everyone involved has recovered from the after-effects of Ispo 2013. Some suffered from the well-known post-Ispo flu (mostly caused by an overload of the "I want to have" center in the freerider brain) and others had thick thighs because there was so much Canadian-light powder snow to track after the majority of potential trackers preferred to stay in the post-Ispo flu-infected exhibition halls in Munich. We take advantage of the calmed waters and present the new products from the PG partner forges.

Christine Hargin and Drew Tabke underline their role as favorites among the skiers on this year's Freeride World Tour. Jonathan Charlet wins on his home mountain, as does Laura Dewey among the snowboarders.

At the moment, the Freeride World Tour is going full steam ahead: the third tour stop in Chamonix is expected to take place on Saturday (26.1.2013). The second stop of the Freeride World Tour 2013 in Courmayeur on the Italian side of Mont Blanc was also a complete success. Now it's off to the shady side of the highest mountain in the Alps - to Chamonix. However, the competition will most likely be held again in the Brevent/Flegere ski resort at the Pentes de l'Hotel.

South Tyrolean Markus Eder and La Grave local Aurelién Routens win the second stop of the Freeride World in Courmayeur. The other skiers on the podium were Revelstoke winner Jérémie Heitz (Switzerland) and Swede Reine Barkered. Among the snowboarders, John Rodosky (USA) and Emilien Badoux (Switzerland) won the places.

Avalanche airbags are now regarded as useful additional safety equipment. The 2012/13 market overview will help you decide.