Photo - La Grand Casse, Tignes, France.
Vanessa Fry is a freelance photographer and DVD producer/ director now working out Val d'Isere, France.
Her photographic work will be available to download soon on Digital Railroad whilst a showreel of Vanessa's film work will be available to view in the New Year.
For any further info please contact Vanessa at - info@dissent-ski.com
Dynastar skis are one of the few remaining French brands to continue making skis within their own French boarders. As they are made a stones throw from Chamonix and in the Mt. Blanc valley itself they reap much inspiration from their surrounding environment, perhaps the most famed Freeride ski and snowboard area in the world.
As part of a project to invest in the area Dynastar are contributing 50€ per pair of skis sold to the Mt. Blanc and Chamonix valley.
Other news at Dynastar is available from thier website and includes the stunning second podium in a row for Canadian star Britt Janyk.
An aggressive and sporty advanced to expert all-mountain boot, the S13 is a good looking and powerful performer.
Perfect for the regular snow-goer, the Superheat 3 liner is firm but has good levels of comfort as it forms itself to all areas of your feet.
S13’s are high-performance boots with a strong and adjustable 120 or 110 flex. The S13 has a 100mm last that accepts most foot shapes – they are especially good for aggressive skiers with large volume feet. The FCS is a skeletal plastic inner that slips in-between your liner and shell. The FCS is easily modified by your ‘fitter for a snugger fit and tuned performance.
For women the Head Dream Thang is an excellent comfort performance offer with a lavish liner.
A wide fitting 100mm last which can be slimmed down when fitted with Head’s unique Full Custom System (FCS).
PU Cuff is firmer and improves transmission from the lower leg to your edges – better carves.
With “Rawhide Design” the Mojo XP’s look stunning. If you imagine a very cool Clint Eastwood clipping a pair of boots on in his Spaghetti Western days the Mojo XP would be his choice.
Head have developed the leather-look plastic for the Mojo and even though it may sound a little dubious the boot itself is based around the equally stunning and new for 2007 Raptor. The Raptors are very cleanly designed, there are no unnecessary add-ons, so they are light, precise and have a variable 110 or 100 flex.
Almost identical to the Mojo XP save for the rubberised boot board the Supershape RS are the perfect partners for the advanced to expert looking for a precise medium-lasted boot to carve some gorgeous arcs on-piste.
Aggressive expert skiers may wish for more power so go for the Raptor RS 120, they share the same last but offer a more performance and an innovative Double-Power strap and lace-up liner.
Heads RS fit is a medium-narrow last with around 98mm over the forefoot.
Newly developed liners with floating tongues and lace systems on the higher models give the snuggest of fits and as with the majority of liners these days, superlative comfort.
Mojo XP
Raptor Supershape RS
110/ 100
Raptor 120 RS
130/ 120/ 110
An aggressive and sporty advanced to expert all-mountain boot, the S13 is a good looking and powerful performer.
Perfect for the regular snow-goer, the Superheat 3 liner is firm but has good levels of comfort as it forms itself to all areas of your feet.
S13’s are high-performance boots with a strong and adjustable 120 or 110 flex. The S13 has a 100mm last that accepts most foot shapes – they are especially good for aggressive skiers with large volume feet. The FCS is a skeletal plastic inner that slips in-between your liner and shell. The FCS is easily modified by your ‘fitter for a snugger fit and tuned performance.
For women the Head Dream Thang is an excellent comfort performance offer with a lavish liner.
A wide fitting 100mm last which can be slimmed down when fitted with Head’s unique Full Custom System (FCS).
PU Cuff is firmer and improves transmission from the lower leg to your edges – better carves.
This boot looks great for £200 and the rapport of performance to comfort for the sporty intermediate to advanced skier is impressive at this critical price point.
The large volume shell is ideal for large volume feet and skiers looking for optimum levels of comfort.
Extended leaver buckles allow for easy closure and the cuff-ratchets also slide across to accommodate larger calves.
Heat moulded liners and a supportive and adjustable 80-70 flex complete the package.
Womens models feature extra comfort features such as fur-style liners and female specific heel support.
High volume 104mm last.
High-performance Heatfit liners.
Flex adjustment
Stabilizer frame for lightness and control.
Unique to the UK at this price point.
Flex 70-80
For keen Ski & Board skiers the Impact is a quintessential model. Derived from the successful Falcon the Impact range is the lightest in its class. They have great ease of use with the “Over-sized Sensifit” – a softer and thinner plastic used over sensitive areas of the foot. All Impacts glide effortlessly on to your feet and even in the stiffer 10 or Pro models they seem conveniently docile until pushed.
Salomon have carved 5mm away from the outer shell at the rear and replaced the Carbonflex system with an “Energizer”. This gives the Impact boots a smoother more progressive flex that is offset toward your inner-ski edge. Directing your power away from the outer edge to the inside enhances your control and grip to where they need to be.
Liners in both Impact and the parallel women’s Idol range feature custom fit liners for an accuracy and comfort in the “Sport” to the very precise, sublimely comfortable and slightly sexy leatherette CF Pro or Race liner that graces the Impact 10 and Pro.
All models feature –
A medium fit with extended room around the toe area.
Custom fit liners.
Advanced Shell technology – graduated outer shell improves comfort and directs your power to where it is needed.
All models have a neoprene toe-bow for warmth and comfort.
3D Clip – articulated on the Impact 10 reducing pressure over the forefoot. On all models the position is adjustable to three separate positions.
Impact 8 - 90 flex
Impact 10 - 110 flex
Idol 8 - 70 flex
Idol 9 - Flex 80
For keen Ski & Board skiers the Impact is a quintessential model. Derived from the successful Falcon the Impact range is the lightest in its class. They have great ease of use with the “Over-sized Sensifit” – a softer and thinner plastic used over sensitive areas of the foot. All Impacts glide effortlessly on to your feet and even in the stiffer 10 or Pro models they seem conveniently docile until pushed.
Salomon have carved 5mm away from the outer shell at the rear and replaced the Carbonflex system with an “Energizer”. This gives the Impact boots a smoother more progressive flex that is offset toward your inner-ski edge. Directing your power away from the outer edge to the inside enhances your control and grip to where they need to be.
Liners in both Impact and the parallel women’s Idol range feature custom fit liners for an accuracy and comfort in the “Sport” to the very precise, sublimely comfortable and slightly sexy leatherette CF Pro or Race liner that graces the Impact 10 and Pro.
All models feature –
A medium fit with extended room around the toe area.
Custom fit liners.
Advanced Shell technology – graduated outer shell improves comfort and directs your power to where it is needed.
All models have a neoprene toe-bow for warmth and comfort.
3D Clip – articulated on the Impact 10 reducing pressure over the forefoot. On all models the position is adjustable to three separate positions.
Impact 8 - 90 flex
Impact 10 - 110 flex
Idol 8 - 70 flex
Idol 9 - Flex 80
Salomon’s sporty new intermediate boot replaces the Performa in most ski stores. The Mission shares some of the best features of the upper-tier Impact and Falcon ranges. Spaceframe construction – a grading of the plastics for a soft feel on the outside edges, lighter overall weight, enhanced comfort and ease of use over traditional shells is carried over into a large 103mm last for ultimate comfort for the widest of feet.
The Mission is a much more accurate boot than the out-going Performa – which remain available for sizes up to around a UK 16!
The Mission CF possesses an excellent rapport of comfort, performance and price, ideal for the progressive, intermediate skier.
The CF stands for “Custom Fit” – this is a fully heat mouldable liner that takes into account the majority of your lumps and bumps and gives an accurate impression of your feet for improved comfort.
Medium to large 103mm last.
Most comfort orientated with some sporty intentions.
Neoprene toe-box for warmth and comfort.
Aluminium clips.
Single side canting.
Replaceable heel & toe plates.
Custom Fit Liner
Flex 70
The SPK is the result of some thorough testing and a good deal of time spent designing a boot that will separate you from the crowd.
A 95 flex for SPK Pro and Kaos came about due to riders demanding increased levels of support in all types of skiing.
The Pro has exclusivity – they are a limited run of 1000 pairs worldwide.
Their funky good looks don’t detract from the Pro’s performance; they are highly practical and amazingly comfortable. Either the Pro’s or Kaos are THE boots for serious Freestyle skiers and one of the most dedicated freestyle-Freeski boots available.
For freestyle of Freeride skiers looking for a more conventional and firmer ride then the Gun and Scarlet are updated and available.
The generous high volume last allows slimmer footed skiers to “down-size.” Try one size smaller than your normal boot measurement for an improved fit.
The furry liner is unbelievably comfortable.
3D shock absorber under the heel and under the forefoot absorbs shocks when landing.
Speedfit liners, a rapid lace fit system, evenly cosset your feet to give good control for all mountain skiing and great convenience.
Padded spoiler and shin pad offers support and improved comfort for landings in the Park.
SPK Pro
SPK Kaos
Flex 95
“Aggressors” are leading the way for Nordica’s offset-clog technology.
The lower clog of the boot is offset to the outside from the traditional angles of a ski boot; this increases your edging and also initiates the turn more rapidly. Fischer also produces an exceptional race boot with similar technology.
With several flex options and two lasts - the World Cup for the slimmest of feet, Profit for broader foot shapes - one can select the ideal Dobermann for your skiing.
As always the Dobermanns are a pure race boot packing a mean bite if your technique isn’t up to their demanding levels.
World Cup models also come with the laced leather liner.
Superb leather liner with laces for the ultimate fit for the most demanding skiers.
World Cup shell is extremely narrow and will normally require the work to squeeze your feet in.
Performance Fit an excellent combo of a medium-narrow fit with great performance and all-day comfort.
World Cup last- Very narrow, 96 mm across the forefoot.
Flex - 100 - 150
Fischer’s entry-level model with the innovative Somatic construction.
Somatic or V-stance boots offer an offset shell with your toes-pointing outwards. This allows the skier to flex in a more natural way, reducing strain on joints plus improving edge grip and ski response.
A relatively soft 75 flex is good for lighter sporty intermediate skiers or novices looking for their first ski boot purchase.
A comfortable medium fitting last is mated to Fischer’s’ own Custom-moulded FFS liner that offers adequate performance and comfort at a good price point of £175 – but it is the Somatic construction that you are gunning for here.
Higher performance skiers may wish to try the ’95 model and there is the attractive Vision range for women.
Medium volume last.
A comfortable and sporty fit for the recreational-intermediate skier.
V-stance.
Tolerant flex.
Flex 75
Flex 95
Fischer’s entry-level model with the innovative Somatic construction.
Somatic or V-stance boots offer an offset shell with your toes-pointing outwards. This allows the skier to flex in a more natural way, reducing strain on joints plus improving edge grip and ski response.
A relatively soft 75 flex is good for lighter sporty intermediate skiers or novices looking for their first ski boot purchase.
A comfortable medium fitting last is mated to Fischer’s’ own Custom-moulded FFS liner that offers adequate performance and comfort at a good price point of £175 – but it is the Somatic construction that you are gunning for here.
Higher performance skiers may wish to try the ’95 model and there is the attractive Vision range for women.
Medium volume last.
A comfortable and sporty fit for the recreational-intermediate skier.
V-stance.
Tolerant flex.
Flex 75
Flex 95
Skiing is seeing some stunning innovations and the Hawx is probably the most talked about boot development this season.
All Hawx models feature iFlex technology. This allows the zone around your forefoot to flex as your foot would naturally when flexing through the “range” of the boot. There have been some very positive reports of enhanced control and the boot does attempt to take a “biomechanical” to harness your body and the mechanics of skiing. Atomic claim that iFlex achieves the aim of allowing you to remain better balanced and targeted over the “sweet spot” off your skis – this is around the ball of your feet.
Available in four flexes with boots for both sexes. Certainly worth a try for something a touch different.
Medium fitting lasts.
iFlex - Revolutionary forefoot flexing of the shell itself.
Magnesium buckles.
Custom moulded liner.
Flexes from 80 to 110 available.
Rossignol have certainly made lots of improvements to their boot range over this last couple of years. For many regular skiers the key models are the Bandits and Electra’s.
In response to the popularity of the skis Rossignol have created a range of all-terrain boots with the Bandits. The 12 are the most popular model offering good support for the advanced all-mountain skier.
Rossignol’s Active Cockpit technology uses stiffer materials where required to heighten feel and power whilst the forgiving flex and hearty rebound are most tolerant when skiing off the beaten track.
The Electra 12 is a great all-mountain boot for the experienced female skier. A specific women’s liner adds to your comfort and improved control.
Rossgnol’s Zenith range also provides good on-piste ski boots for medium volume feet.
Medium-narrow lasts – around 98mm
Active Cockpit – stiffer materials closer to the foot for more accurate transmission.
Rubber boot boards – improved absorption and warmth.
Heat mouldable liners.
A real back-county specialists boot and worn by some of the world’s best Freeriders such as 4 times world champion Manu Gaidet.
A narrow last gives great hold over your foot for excellent transmission and control over your skis in all conditions. For fast back-country skiing in Europe you aren’t always going to be blessed with powder so a boot with lots of support will keep you in balance and give you the confidence to hit the crud at speed.
For confirmed experts.
98mm last.
Soft PU bootboard for shock absorption.
Easy-closure buckles
Canting
Adjustable flex.
Flex - 120
Rossignol have certainly made lots of improvements to their boot range over this last couple of years. For many regular skiers the key models are the Bandits and Electra’s.
In response to the popularity of the skis Rossignol have created a range of all-terrain boots with the Bandits. The 12 are the most popular model offering good support for the advanced all-mountain skier.
Rossignol’s Active Cockpit technology uses stiffer materials where required to heighten feel and power whilst the forgiving flex and hearty rebound are most tolerant when skiing off the beaten track.
The Electra 12 is a great all-mountain boot for the experienced female skier. A specific women’s liner adds to your comfort and improved control.
Rossgnol’s Zenith range also provides good on-piste ski boots for medium volume feet.
Medium-narrow lasts – around 98mm
Active Cockpit – stiffer materials closer to the foot for more accurate transmission.
Rubber boot boards – improved absorption and warmth.
Heat mouldable liners.
Nordica’s popular Speedmachine and Olympia ranges feature medium width shells and an overt sportiness for skiers looking to ski everywhere with good dollops of performance and comfort.
Straightforward four-clips boot made livelier with extremely accommodating heat mouldable liners, plenty of room around the toe-box and the innovative use of varied Power straps. Constructed to match differing levels and weights of skier Power straps alter the characteristics of their shells to better match the target skiers’ performance.
Both Speedmachine and Olympia models feature modern convenience features, especially the HP Slide-in that allows skiers to glide their feet into the boot with ease.
Medium last.
Comfort fit liner – heat mouldable.
HP Slide-in – easy entry/exit to the boot.
Power strap.
Speedmachine 8
Flex 100
Speedmachine 10
Flex 110 - 100
I love the Attiva Pro. It is a boot for expert women, and there are many women in the Ski Club who are capable of skiing a boot such as the Pro. Based on race boot design with a toned down flex the Attiva Pro is simple in construction, has a narrow-ish last that just cossets the foot and enables you to feel exactly what is going on with the snow.
Many professional level skiers use boots such as the Pro as the support they offer enables you to power, feather and direct your skis with the authority of senior management rather than a college-grad trainee.
The men’s model which is a lovely fit but generally aimed at racers is the Race Pro 110 – a great boot for those who are already strong off or on-piste performers.
100mm last is medium – narrow.
Hinged in-step catch.
Flex adjustment.
F.I.T. tongue – floating integrated tongue for superior comfort.
Attiva Pro fleece lining.
Lycra lining insert – snug, smooth fit.
Tecnica are famed for the comfort they offer to skiers with a deep instep. The higher performing Diablo and Attiva both offer this benefit and a medium volume last.
The Diablo’s are available in various flexes and with more precise and customisable liners depending on how much you wish to spend.
Crammed with features and adjustable both ranges are great for advanced to upper-expert skiers. Attiva’s have the Vento range as siblings but good male skiers should opt for the Diablo range if they are aiming to ski regularly.
Diablo – mid volume and triple density shell for tuned performance and comfort.
Ultrafit liner –custom moulded and precise.
Attiva – medium – high volume last.
AVS – under-heel shock absorption.
Rapid access – hinged cuff for ease of access.
Flex adjustment.
I love the Attiva Pro. It is a boot for expert women, and there are many women in the Ski Club who are capable of skiing a boot such as the Pro. Based on race boot design with a toned down flex the Attiva Pro is simple in construction, has a narrow-ish last that just cossets the foot and enables you to feel exactly what is going on with the snow.
Many professional level skiers use boots such as the Pro as the support they offer enables you to power, feather and direct your skis with the authority of senior management rather than a college-grad trainee.
The men’s model which is a lovely fit but generally aimed at racers is the Race Pro 110 – a great boot for those who are already strong off or on-piste performers.
100mm last is medium – narrow.
Hinged in-step catch.
Flex adjustment.
F.I.T. tongue – floating integrated tongue for superior comfort.
Attiva Pro fleece lining.
Lycra lining insert – snug, smooth fit.
Nordica’s popular Speedmachine and Olympia ranges feature medium width shells and an overt sportiness for skiers looking to ski everywhere with good dollops of performance and comfort.
Straightforward four-clips boot made livelier with extremely accommodating heat mouldable liners, plenty of room around the toe-box and the innovative use of varied Power straps. Constructed to match differing levels and weights of skier Power straps alter the characteristics of their shells to better match the target skiers’ performance.
Both Speedmachine and Olympia models feature modern convenience features, especially the HP Slide-in that allows skiers to glide their feet into the boot with ease.
Medium last.
Comfort fit liner – heat mouldable.
HP Slide-in – easy entry/exit to the boot.
Power strap.
M-tech boots are aimed at the front and backcountry skier. Capable on-piste, tolerant off. The flexes range from 80 – 110. The M100 is perhaps the choice model for advanced skiers, owning broad feet, starting to “get into” some powder and hiking.
Standard features include Recco reflectors for avalanche rescue, a rubberized “Multi-condition” chassis that’s great fro rambling over rocks or just pottering to the piste.
The M100 has the looks, features and performance to satisfy most backcountry skiers.
Experts and racers will love the ultra-high performing RT CS range – beauty and performance in simplicity.
Medium – high volume 102mm last.
Multi-condition chassis.
Canting.
Power control flex adjustment – race developed flex/ power control.
Custom sport mouldable liners.
Flex - 100
A jazzed-up, softened down race boot from Lange’s excellent World Cup based new Freeride model. The 110 flex is perfect for all-mountain advanced to expert skiing.
The last is narrow and the liner firm yet comfortable for excellent touch on the snow. The Lange Freeride 110 is a precise boot both on and off the piste.
Hermann Maier has recently returned to Lange boots, his chosen footwear in his vintage years and this boot, the Freeride 110 is an almost identical shape –just a touch softer!
Narrow last derived from the excellent World Cup race boot in the distinctive blue Lange livery.
Very snug around the whole foot but the toe-box is improved over previous years and feels much roomier.
Flex - 110
Skiing is seeing some stunning innovations and the Hawx is probably the most talked about boot development this season.
All Hawx models feature iFlex technology. This allows the zone around your forefoot to flex as your foot would naturally when flexing through the “range” of the boot. There have been some very positive reports of enhanced control and the boot does attempt to take a “biomechanical” to harness your body and the mechanics of skiing. Atomic claim that iFlex achieves the aim of allowing you to remain better balanced and targeted over the “sweet spot” off your skis – this is around the ball of your feet.
Available in four flexes with boots for both sexes. Certainly worth a try for something a touch different.
Medium fitting lasts.
iFlex - Revolutionary forefoot flexing of the shell itself.
Magnesium buckles.
Custom moulded liner.
Flexes from 80 to 110 available.
Full Tilt’s Bumble Bee replaces Raichle’s legendary Flexon Comp ski boot. Renowned for their progressive flex the BB’s give you a great range of ankle movement and will really help many skiers conquer bumps and off-piste skiing. A women’s model, the FT Lady, is also available. Both replicate the original 3-piece Swiss design and tolerance of a wide-variety of foot shapes.
New features include FT’s own full heat-mouldable liner with a wrap-around design and shock absorbing rubber boot-boards (the layer supporting your feet underneath your liner) for improved comfort on landings and warmth.
Definitely worth a try!
A medium-narrow fit.
Intuition liner - heat-moulds for a fully customised fit.
Rubber boot-boards.
Cable buckles – adjustability and progressive flex.
Full Tilt tongue – perhaps the most progressive flex in skiing.
Adventurous all-mountain intermediate and advanced skiers will enjoy the Fluid range. With a medium volume fit and progressive flex the Fluid’s are good all-terrain performers and more tolerant than Lange’s race boot-derived “Freeride” range.
Originally designed by Pininfarina the Fluids 80 FR looks great and is a perfect proposition for non-aggressive advanced skiers or good intermediates looking for some adventurous skiing.
Fluid 90 - Flex 90
Fluid 80 - Flex 80
Like a sporty GTI car the B-tech range from Atomic is sporty, a little aggressive and gets you in the mood for driving. So good intermediate skiers who manage a couple of weeks a year on-snow will be fans – especially if you have a larger volume foot.
B-techs are roomy, they have 104mm across your forefoot along with innovative features such as an offset shell, flex adjustment and Thermic pre-wiring on most models – batteries not supplied!
Recreational or fist time buyers head for the B70 or 80, move advanced skiers looking for lots of volume try the 90 or 110.
B80 – Flex 80
B80W – Flex 70
B90 – Flex 90
B90W – Flex 80
104mm shell.
Offset shell
Grip pads – rubber soles for comfortable and secure walking.
Thermic wiring on most models.
Recco avalanche sensor.
The manufacturer says this about the Atomic B90 ski boots:
Like a sporty GTI car the B-tech range from Atomic is sporty, a little aggressive and gets you in the mood for driving. So good intermediate skiers who manage a couple of weeks a year on-snow will be fans – especially if you have a larger volume foot.
B-techs are roomy, they have 104mm across your forefoot along with innovative features such as an offset shell, flex adjustment and Thermic pre-wiring on most models – batteries not supplied!
Recreational or fist time buyers head for the B70 or 80, move advanced skiers looking for lots of volume try the 90 or 110.
