Volkl Tigershark 12 ft Skis 2008/9

Good all-rounders but I really do prefer the Powerswitch version. The feel of the Tiger' 12 ft's is lighter, easier and more forgiving but they don't inspire the expert like the Powerswitch version. If you are a competent advanced skier and looking for a prestige all-mountain ski then the standard 12's will be great and you will have an immensely versatile pair of skis - but think of them as the Turbo Diesel rather than V8 Supercharged version of the Tigershark brand.

The manufacturer says this about the Volkl Tigershark 12 ft Skis 2008/9:

Volkl Tigershark 10 ft Skis 2008/9

Tame Tigers. The 10 ft without Powerswitch is the more frugal option but the teeth are dulled somewhat. They are pleasant and an advanced skier who can tear down a red and is competent on blacks will enjoy them. Sharpen your card, flex your plastic and splash out for the 'Switch if you feel you've got some teeth and want to really get to grip with some aggressive fall-line skiing.

The manufacturer says this about the Volkl Tigershark 10 ft Skis 2008/9:

Volkl Tigershark Powerswitch 10ft Skis 2008/9

Whippy, bullish and snappy. Tigershark 10 ft's like all the Tigershark range are best skied with the Powerswitch "on" or moved to the new "Dynamic" position. Unless you had a particularly hefty Tartiflette or Gemknodel at lunch then you will enjoy the punch the Powerswitch offers.

Racier than the 12 ft's the 10's are best on harder packed snow and groomed runs. Their narrower profile makes for quicker edge-to-edge reactions which are great when you're feeling frisky and want a livelier ride. As an all-mountain ski I'd go for the 12's but the 10 ft's are smooth operators and if you're looking for sporty, prestige skis then they will fit the executive bill.

The manufacturer says this about the Volkl Tigershark Powerswitch 10ft Skis 2008/9:

Volkl Tigershark Powerswitch 12ft 2008/9

What were Volkl doing leaving this ski pretty much untouched for another year? They were thinking very lucidly and why tinker with a ski that is as smooth, versatile and powerful (especially with the Powerswitch "On") as the Tigershark 12ft PS.

With the switch "off" I am not as sold on the Tigershark 12ft as they seem light, less "planted" and I would certainly spend the money, if I was an expert or powerful skier, for the Powerswitch - it really boosts the ski and puts some fire into its soul.

Wider than the Tigershark 10ft's, ideal as a one ski does it all-mountain weapon, they devour any piste, bumps, hard-pack and are reasonably handy in powder. Great for ski teachers, expert skiers looking to travel with one pair of skis or someone who can arc a turn and wants a ski to cut through the crud. p.s. if you are thinking of skiing more variable conditions take a longer length, mostly on-piste (groomers if you're on the "newer" sider of the Atlantic) go shorter.

The manufacturer says this about the Volkl Tigershark Powerswitch 12ft 2008/9:

Has Freestyle skiing lost its creative freedom?

Recently an article in the Rocky Mountain News featured an interview with two legendary pioneers of the US freestyle, "Hot-doggin" scene from the 1970's, Wayne Wong and John Clendenin.

Wong was the US Freestyle Skier of the Year as nominated by Skiing Magazine in 1972 and Clendenin was anointed World Champion in 1973 and 1974 so they can be seen as Godafthers of the sport.

Wong and Clendenin provide a great insight into how freestyle in the US was born. "It all started as a conversation between Doug Pfeiffer of Skiing Magazine and Tom Corcoran, who just started Waterville Valley (in New Hampshire). Doug asked Tom who the best skier on the mountain was. Tom answered, 'The racers, of course.' Doug's reply was, 'What about all those guys on the other side of the mountain skiing the bumps and getting air? How about if we hold a contest and see who's best?' And, so, the first freestyle contest was born in March of '71 to find the best skier on the mountain. . . . And the rest is history."

Clendenin and Wong's conversation goes on to create a short history of Freestyle and how, what is now an Olympic and X-Games Sport, has changed perhaps even the raison d'etre of Freestyle.

Clendenin argues that his generation "were innovators because we had to be. It's primarily that we didn't have anybody to copy. So the idea was to come up with stuff that was unique . . . "

Wong explains that, "There were no boundaries, and it was every skier pushing themselves to their limit to come up with stuff no one had ever done. It was a very creative time."

Clendenin: "So, while it appeared that was a wild free-for-all, hurling yourself down the hill, there was a lot of hard work that went into doing things on skis that had never been seen or done before. The attitude we developed was that if we're going to try these tricks that have never been seen before, they had better work."

Wong: "Freestyle skiing became synonymous with excitement. . . . Back when it first started, it wasn't as technical as it was exciting. Many times it was the skier who had the most exciting run or the most spectacular recovery that won the contest."

Clendenin: "The traditional spirit of freestyle can be seen in the X Games, which is closer to what it was in the '70s. The spontaneity can be seen in free riding, slopeside and big mountain skiing as well as skiercross and the halfpipe that you see at the X Games."

Wong: "Spontaneity was the key. . . . Now it's all so predictable and looks like what we tried not to be with racing. Then, with ski racing, everyone looked the same in the gates and now everyone looks the same in the moguls. Speed and air are the main emphasis, and it's turned into an aerial contest."

Clendenin: "I have to give a lot of credit to Jonny Moseley, who broke the mold at the '02 Olympics in Salt Lake City with his 'Dinner Roll.' The 'Dinner Roll' was an off-axis 720 that combines two full rotations, one on a vertical plane, the other a horizontal plane. No one had ever seen it before, and the judges didn't know what it was and didn't know how to judge it. That was how it was in the early days of freestyle."

Wong: "The business now is manufactured, and the skiing is fabricated. Back then it was all natural, and everything was new. We were limited pretty much to bumps and a steep run, so we had to be creative in a different way. As the sport evolved to be more disciplined, it lost its 'free' and became more stale."

As a skier of the whole mountain I can see Wong and Clendenin's point. The use of the mountain environment, the juxtaposition of your equipment, technique, physical and mental limits with those of the natural environment are were skiing reaches its zenith. Perhaps the "Oldschool" freestyle with its mix of freeride, backcountry and bump skiing with some tricks thrown in is a great "skiers' format with lots of scope for "expression". Sometimes with Freestyle it can appear contrived, "clinical" and although impressive in itself I just wonder whether the participants realise how close they are to the tight red trouser wearing aerials brigade even though they maybe wearing bright yellow ones draped around their knees. Great if you were enjoy the inside of a gym hall but not exactly being creative with the Alpine environment.

For the original Rocky Mountain interview go to - http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/apr/14/freestyle-skiing-no-longer-so-free/

Anja Paerson parts company from Salomon.

In an astonishing turn around it looks like French ski manufacturer Salomon's "Golden Girl" racer Anja Paerson has left. After a below-par season for Anja it looks like a move to the home of Miller, Maier and Schönfelder could be on the cards, the Austrian manufacturer Head.

No official news has been announced as to why Paerson who along with the retired Janica Kostelic were the World-reknowned faces of Salomon's womens programme. It is believed that Paerson had struggled with some of the boot development and was not pleased with some of her speed skis at the French manufacturer.....we await further news.

Schönfelder joins Head Racing

Exuberant character, pop singer and one of the Worlds top racers Rainer Schönfelder has moved to Head skis on a "multi-year contract". Rainer Schönfelder has so far won five World Cup races and two medals at the Olympics in Torino 2006 as well as the silver medal in the World Cup slalom of Bormio in 2005.

Another of Austrias leading ski manufacturers, Fischer, have lost one of their most high-profile athletes in Schönfelder. He sighted that he is "planning to compete in all disciplines next year and to do so I need top equipment” as reasoning for his decision. He went on to add that "This step brings me closer to my goal of winning the Overall World Cup in one of the coming three years”.

HEAD CEO Johan Eliasch stated that “For us, quality is more important than quantity” and added “Rainer Schönfelder is an extraordinary character and an excellent skier; that makes him the perfect match. It goes without saying that he offers great marketing potential as well.” Rainer Salzgeber, HEAD Racing Director is also pleased about the new team member. “Rainer is Austrian and a remarkable character who will be a real asset for our team; in addition to this he will be very important for our R&D department, because he’s a real tinkerer and fiddles about until everything is just right. We are very much looking forward to working with him.”

Schönfelder will be joining Bode Miller and Hermann Maier who remain with Head for the coming 2008/9 season.

Sportskool interview with Bode Miller.

Sportskool is US based media network working on a broad variety of sports with some fantastic interviews, coaching and inspiration for the keen skier - check out this great interview with the legendary Bode Miller.

About SPORTSKOOL - in their own words.

SPORTSKOOL is the first television network dedicated to delivering in-depth sports expert instruction and coaching for a wide range of sports and athletic activities. SPORTSKOOL helps athletes of all ages take their game to the next level by offering guidance and insider tips from the world's best athletes.

SPORTSKOOL is currently available to over 25 million digital cable subscribers nationally and boasts some of the most recognizable names in sports, including Mia Hamm, Bode Miller, Tony Gwynn, Bill Walton, Mike Vallely (Mike V.), tennis coach Brad Gilbert and renowned training and performance expert, Mark Verstegen.

Dynastar for Ferrari 2008.

Beautiful to behold, a silky smooth ride and boasting a most aesthetic yet powerful chassis - we could be talking either a Ferrari or the new FCO8 full-carbon skis produced by Dynastar using Ferrari materials and technology. They are stunning and we will have a video review coming soon but here are a couple of press clips....

Ski image previews of the 2008/9 ranges coming your way shortly!

As this 2007/8 season begins its final throes with around six weeks to go we are not only enjoying some of the best snow of the season, over a meter has fallen in the French Alps this week, but also the latest images and reviews of the new generation of '09 skis are coming to skireviews.co.uk.

So keep checking out skireviews.co.uk and also our new look site which will be coming online over the summer with more reviews, ski tips, video, chat and a few mumblings from myself, a bientot, chris

Ski tips with Bode Miller.

Check out some of the ski tips from newly crowned World Cup champion Bode Miller - pretty much guaranteed to sharpen your skills pre-Easter skiing.

Lange Girls rule....even in the Noughties!

Car fans get fired up over Pirelli girls whilst skiers of the male ilk have long looked forwards to a new seasons Lange girl. Lately Las Vegas bottle-blondes have given way to some seriously talented athletes, especially in the form of World Cup star Julia Mancuso. Hope you enjoy the retro pics, check the boots out! For more ski boot "art" check out the Dynastar/ Lange archives at - http://72.32.140.194/html/gallery.php

Head almost clear up in the World Cup 2008.

HEAD "dynasty" reigns over the World Cup
Now, at the end of the season, with five out of the possible twelve Crystal Globes going to HEAD racers, the next chapter in the great book of HEAD has been written, and it is yet another unparalled story. With 13 World Cup victories, over 40 podium places between the men and women, and with the FIS standings mirroring these results, HEAD racers are in 1st place in three different categories, delivering truly a remarkable story for the HEAD team.

Winter 2007/2008 revealed one person who was capable of achieving the ultimate goal in the World Cup for professional speed skiing. Bode Miller’s explosive performance officially commenced in Bormio, Italy, on December 29th, when his first season victory was won. It did not stop there though, with other celebrated accomplishments like the Downhill title in Wengen or first place in Kitzbühel’s Hahnenkamm combination. Miller secured himself the Super Combination Crystal Globe, and also accomplished the greatest achievement for any World Cup speed skier, the Overall World Cup Crystal Globe.

The fastest man on skis this year was another HEAD athlete: Didier Cuche managed to win again the Crystal Globe in the Downhill, and almost won in the Super G as well, where he missed the globe only by one point. “Throughout the whole season I was consistent, the effort was huge, and I am therefore really pleased with the outcome”, described Cuche at the final in Bormio. Not forgotten are the huge series classics, where at the Lauberhorn Downhill we saw a HEAD double victory and again on the Streif at Kitzbühel. One day later Cuche shared the spotlight with Hermann Maier, and Marco Büchel in a Super G podium dominated by HEAD athletes.

The HEAD women of course were also able to exceed their goals, with much admiration and acclaim to HEAD athlete, Maria Riesch, who in this season won two Crystal Globes. The German star successfully concluded her World Cup season with a Super Combination Globe, as well as taking the Super G trophy home too. “For me, both globes are of the same great value, they are my first and I am incredibly pleased,” said the German. With a little more luck over the season, Riesch could have also had her hands on the Overall Globe, by being present in the top of all five disciplines. Next year, the 23 year old is sure to be the top favorite for the Big Crystal Globe.

Strong competition for Riesch came from HEAD newcomer, Elisabeth Görgl, who with her new equipment was able to accomplish two World Cup victories (the first ones of her World Cup career) and five podium places. Her victories were followed by two second place overall finishes in the Super G World Cup and the Giant Slalom World Cup. Next year, the promising Austrian will have another opportunity to advance to the next level of her World Cup career.

At the end stands a great team achievement: “Miller, Cuche, and Riesch - they are simply phenomenal skiers. They stand for the commitment of HEAD to the racing sport.” said HEAD CEO Johan Eliasch. “With the combination of these three athletes, we have a new era commencing, the total return on investment in the World Cup is not only sportive, but also commercial and more than profitable. The market presence of our top racers has increased the awareness of our products without question and will also increase the demand for our skis at the retailers.”

Rainer Salzgeber, Racing Director at HEAD sums it up: “This is a fantastic result for us, no question. Bode was in amazing form throughout the whole season. We have worked hard because of him, in line with the best material at our disposal, and hard work always pays for itself.”

Yono Japanese "street to extreme wear" launches in UK and France for 2008

Yono Japanese "street to extreme wear" launch new 2008 range.

Yoshinori Ono is a designer with more than thirty years experience manufacturing clothes for some of the worlds leading ski, board and fashion brands. With such experince he has developed an exclusive relationship with Gore in Japan to manufacture a stunning range of street to snow winter clothing for the discerning but style-conscious individual.

His designes are beautifully made entirely in Japan and the fabrics he uses are not only functional against the elements - Yoshinorii has the exclusivity on cotton-Goretex, a layer of treated natural cotton with gore-tex underneath that is sealed to pretoect the wearer against the elements. The designs are cut close to the body for a great silhouette yet are wearable for the most active lifestyle with articulation where you need it.

Having won the Design Prize at the worlds largest winter sports show, ISPO in Munich, Yoshinori are launching their brand in both the UK and France.

As an exclusive product you can find information about the UK and French distribution at http://www.yono-moon.com/advanced/contact_distributors.html

The latest racing news from Head

HEAD Racers cleaning up in the World Cup

On the Streif in Kitzbühel, Austria, the HEAD athletes displayed their top class ability, securing a triple triumph in the Super G. Marco Büchel came first after a hard fought battle with his HEAD colleague Hermann Maier who managed his first podium of the season in this second place finish, while the ultra consistent Didier Cuche graced the podium once again in this World Cup Season when he took third. One day after this Super G, the Swiss racer Cuche clocked the best time of the day with his failure free run in the Hahnenkamm Downhill and showed why he’s wearing the red jersey of the Downhill Champion. Spectacular on the Streif was American Bode Miller who took second place in the Downhill. Despite skiing over a banner near the safety fence half way through his run, Miller still managed to finish only 27 hundredths of a second behind Cuche. With Miller’s second place in the Downhill the foundation was set for a great Super Combined result. With his strong position after his performance in the Downhill the American did not have to take full risk in the Slalom and was able to ski to his title as 2008 ''Hahnenkamm Champion''.

After the victory at the Combined at Kitzbühel Miller continued to score in the World Cup with two more wins in the super combined races: At France’s wintersport playlands Chamonix and Val d' Isère, Miller again showed his all around skiing prowess, where the 30 year old was able to post times far ahead of the competition. He clocked the best time in the Chamonix Downhill so that he could again casually ski his way to victory in the Slalom and also to his lead in the overall World Cup. At the Super Combined in Wengen, Switzerland, Miller finished third. But this proved to have been only a practice run for Miller who in the following day at the Lauberhorn Downhill was again the man with the fastest skis. He also skied his way to the first Crystal globe of the season, the much desired Super Combined Crystal globe. Didier Cuche also performed well and took second place, giving team HEAD another double victory in this 2008 season.

The HEAD women are certainly on their way to the top in 2008. At the Giant Slalom in Slovenia’s Maribor, Elisabeth Görgl showed in two fantastic runs that HEAD skis are the fastest on the mountain. One week after the Austrian achieved her first season victory in Slovenia, she was back to prove that she is one of the best in the World Cup Speed Disciplines by taking the second place in the Super G at Cortina d' Ampezzo. Faster there was Maria Riesch, the German star who has been on the podium a number of times throughout the season because of her always fluidly skillful skiing. She celebrated her first season’s victory in the Super G on Italian snow. There the two HEAD skiers managed the first double victory of the season for the HEAD women. Both racers are in a fight for the top of the Super G and are ready to perform for the Crystal globe in the last third of this season.

The last couple of races of this World Cup are sure to hold more impressive runs and powerful performances from the men and women of HEAD. By the middle of March it will be the time for the big Crystal globe to be given, HEAD’s Didier Cuche, Bode Miller, and Co. will be strenuously working to assure themselves the top spots in the World Cup that their season long efforts demand.

Skireviews talk to E+O ski wear about their 2008 range.

Chris chats to Paul Goldstein, the founder of Nevica and for fifteen years owner of Killy ski wear about his fresh new skiwear range E+O.

Chris checking out Salomon's new Freeski range at ISPO 2008

Skireviews goes live with on-snow video ski tests!

Welcome to the first of many video-tests of the latest ski equipment brought to you by Skireviews.co.uk featuring Chris Haworth.

Our first video ski-test features the stunning new Tornado Ti for 2008/9 which is perhaps Salomon''s greatest all-terrain advanced - expert ski since the legendary X-Scream Series...hope you enjoy the test, Chris

Tignes Airwaves, Halfpipe, January, 2008

The manufacturer says this about the Tignes Airwaves, Halfpipe, January, 2008:

ISPO header

As the snow tips down across the European Alps and skiing in 2007-8 has a resurgence of confidence with such an excellent start to the season it is nearly time for the industry to start thinking of the year to come - 2008-9!

ISPO, the international snow and winter sport exhibition in Munich, Germany is only a few weeks away and is perhaps the Worlds most important and broadest range of winter sports products for the professional and enthusiast alike.

So as the excitement builds towards the main event it will be interesting to see the emergence of brands after some major mergers and acquisitions within the industry.

Expect lots of innovation from the "Freeski" market, the blend of freestyle and freeride as several majors move away from specific freestyle skis into more all-round mountain performers with broader appeal and some innovative designs.

On the race front expect some strong products skis from the Amer group, Salomon and Atomic as they have merged their knowledge to build some hybrid-technology skis.

Here at Skireviews.co.uk we will aim to keep you informed with the latest kit and any innovations that spring to the slopes from the imminent ski tests and trade shows.