Salomon Desert Dealer Trip Mammoth 2020
Tuesday 7/1/20, Mammoth: Close encounter
They were weary eyes that drew the curtain this morning but what a view with sunlight kissing the summit ridges of Mammoth Mountain. A gruelling 10.5 hour flight, 1.5 hours at border control and a 4.5 hour transfer, chuck in an 8 hour time difference and it all adds up to one tired head and body.
Thankfully there is something say about skiing in the way it clears the head and enlivens the soul with cobwebs well and truly blown away.
After a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs and a quick sorting out of groups and skis it was time to hit the mountain that looked so enticing from my bed. Mammoth Mountain unfolds like a sharp, stark and spectacular flower. One lift up and the terrain spreads out revealing terrain for everyone. From steeps, groomers, tree runs and beautifully made park all within easy reach of the main gondola.
In the morning we tested Salomon’s new for next season all conquering, all mountain chargers. Super stable, easy to turn, great dampening and a construction that just loves speed. At widths of 90, 96, and 102mm there’ll be a ski for anyone who wants an all terrain M5 for the mountains. Alas, I’m not allowed to namedrop at present.
The afternoon saw a breaking out of Salomons piste performance weapons an arsenal of envious proportions. A new and improved Force ranges and an updated S/Max range. The Force skis are almost a true quiver killer. Phenomenol edge hold that allows for turns at a wicked speed. Enough waist for the majority of snow conditions with a beautiful stable ride. The S/Max line are super ‘turny’, effortless carving like you’re on rails and as chuckable as a Golf Gti.
The mountain was well and truly carved up this day.
Wednesday 8/1/20, Mammoth: On Tour
Despite jet lag still causing sleeping problems it was an early start this morning. With a more comprehensive gear setup it was going to be a day of skiing uphill and downhill, such is the ski tourers lot. I was looking forward to finally getting to grips with the Salomon Shift binding.
Although having mounted a few pairs this was going to be my first experience using them. Brought out last season this revolutionary alpine/touring binding has set the industry alight. It allows touring boots to pivot on their tech inserts but with a few clicks you get a full alpine binding that doesn’t interfere with the natural flex of the skis. A complete package that in reality does do exactly what it says on the tin. A smooth pivot for ascent along with an extra bar for climbing steep slopes allowed me to skin up through the trees on a harsh gradient. With calves burning on a zig zag course through the pines the binding was smooth but I wasn’t being a novice tourer. A couple of turns were reminiscent of new born foal on ice
I did get to the top eventually and the fun part was about to start. Three clicks and the binding and I was primed for the descent. Sweeping through the trees and carving the trail it was over in an exhilarating but short order
Overall a great experience of touring in great scenery with fantastic kit.
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