Wagner Custom Ski Blog » wagner custom skis

Skiing Magazine Sweepstakes

spar — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:49:58 +0000

Check out Skiing Magazine’s website and enter to win a pair of your very own Wagner Custom Skis through their sweepstakes. Good luck, click here to enter before January 26th.

Good day in the San Juans

Brad Foley — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:38:00 +0000

Wagner skier Greg Hope doing what he does best on his custom Wagner skis, finding deep snow and blowin’ it up…

Greg Hope in Telluride

Summer Living

spar — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:03:41 +0000

Chason Russell getting his summer stoke on while kayaking through the Black Canyon near Gunnison, Colorado. He pointed out the key to avoiding Poison Ivy is “all about coating exposed skin with dish soap and rinsing off at the end.” Right on Chason, thanks for the edit.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison from Chason Russell on Vimeo.

Wagner Custom recognized as ColoradoBiz Trendsetter

Blog Admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 18:03:52 +0000

Colorado Biz Magazine identified 10 Trendsetter companies in Colorado. Wagner Custom made the list. See the article here

Wagner Custom Junior Athlete Skis the San Joaquin Couloir

spar — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 21:39:09 +0000

Check out this edit of Wagner Custom Junior Athlete, Cedar Palmer, skiing the San Joaquin couloir in the Bear Creek Backcountry near Telluride, the kid is only 11 years old!

This map from Brett Shreckengost’s website, tellurideoffpiste.com, provides a clearer picture of what Cedar accomplished.

POV footage from Travis Wolfe

spar — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 22:32:16 +0000

Check out this video of Wagner Factory Team Athlete, Travis Wolfe, sending it during a Freeskiing World Tour Event in Kirkwood, CA.

You can see more footage of Travis by visiting his Contour Page.

First Turns

Brad Foley — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 03:42:15 +0000

When I got the message from Spar down at the shop that my skis were ready I dropped what I was doing and drove down valley to pick them up and get them mounted before going to Silverton later that evening. Rallying Chason’s monster truck over the pass to Sil-town to a good friends birthday party we talked about how we would ski over the peaks between Red Mountain pass and into the Telluride valley the next day, our version of a mini European tour. A quick car shuttle in the morning after a cup of coffee from the Avalanche and we were standing at the turn out atop Red Mountain Pass watching our ride drive away.

Checking the map, Red Mountain Pass

Following a skin trail from the day before that led up to the top of the Commadore we made good time heading west toward Telluride. Checking the map one more time and a stop to tend to a hop spot on Emily’s foot we enjoyed a beautiful day with fantastic views into the Weminuche Wilderness and into Telluride.

New Wagner's and one of the many great views

Chason and Emily making their way to the top of Telluride Peak

With warm temps, no wind and plenty of time we stayed on the summit for almost an hour eating lunch and taking the amazing view, from the high steep peaks of the Weminuche to the La Sal mountains in Utah.

Chason looking down the north face of Telluride Peak

Chason, Telluride Peak

Chason on his favorite Wagner's, Telluride Peak

First turns on my new skis...

Skiing off the shoulder just under the peak into boot top powder I was nothing but smiles all the way down into the basin below. Light, stable, a little rocker, and easy to turn my new backcountry ski is exactly what I’ve been wanting for my touring ski ( 143mm-107mm-127mm and 180cm ).

Chason skiing soft trees below the ghost town of Tomboy

Thanks again Pete and to the crew down valley for building another great ski. I can’t wait to put my skins on again and go for another tour.

... after a cold one

Wagner Groms Own Taos Podium

spar — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 23:38:25 +0000

Greg Hope (center) celebrates his Taos Freeride Victory. Photo Courtesy of Chason Russell

Wagner Athletes, Greg Hope and Xanthe Demas, claimed the top spots in their respective divisions in an event showcasing the future of competitive freeride skiing in Taos, New Mexico last weekend. Hope, 17, and Demas, 18, dominated their respective male and female junior categories at a cliff strewn and technically demanding venue hosting the 2011 Salomon Extreme Freeride Championships.

Xanthe Demas in action at the Taos Freeride Competition. Photo Courtesy of Chason Russell

Both athletes ski with the Telluride All Mountain Freeride team coached by Chason Russell and Zach Templin. When reached for comment, Russell exclaimed: “I am so proud of our kids! They handled the challenging snow conditions and tight chutes with fluidity and exercised smart line selection.” Greg Hope echoed his coach’s assessment, “I tried to find lines that would fit my style. Telluride has taught me how to ski fast, go big, but also be technical. Both my lines were technical no-fall-zones that got me into cool pillow cliffs and straight lines.” This resulted in Hope’s runs receiving the highest scores of the day, including the comparison to the standard men’s division. Wagner Factory Team Manager, Herb Manning, was “blown away with the results” and went on to add “with the solid fundamentals, endurance, and terrain savvy these athletes possess, it will be exciting to see how their young careers unfold.”

Greg Hope exiting a tight pillow line during the Taos Freeride Competition. Photo Courtesy of Chason Russell

Xanthe’s skis measure 171cm in length with a 110mm waist and are built around a light and snappy Sugar Maple and Aspen wood core. Greg went with similar dimensions (172cm length and 109mm waist), but incorporated a full Aspen wood core that gives him a playful and predictable flex pattern for charging technical lines.

Xanthe Demas contemplates her line. Photo Courtesy of Chason Russell

We are so stoked for Xanthe and Greg and wish them continued success!

See official press release here and learn more about the Taos competition here.

Wagner Athlete Takes Third in US Extreme Freeskiing Championships

spar — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:50:48 +0000

Wagner Athlete, Silas Chickering-Ayers, celebrates his 3rd place finish in Crested Butte. Photo courtesy of Eben Wight

Last weekend, Wagner Custom Factory Team Athlete, Silas Chickering-Ayers, took third place in the Freeskiing World Tour’s stop in Crested Butte, Colorado. Chickering-Ayers, 18, was one of the youngest competitors in a field of experienced veterans competing in a classic and technically demanding ski venue. It was a family affair, as Silas’ older brother, Lars, took the top honors and the two Vermont natives were able to share the podium together.

The Chickering-Ayers brothers on the FWT Crested Butte Podium. Photo courtesy of Eben Wight

The final day of the competition was blessed with fresh snow, which allowed the athletes to confidently showcase their abilities. Silas remarked, “Most of the time during comp runs you’re trying to ski tough lines on hard pack; the steep trees and deep snow made for more than ideal conditions and a lot of fun.” Silas’ competition skis have a beefy 110mm waist and are built around a sugar maple/white ash core, which is playful and predictable in technical terrain and provides a stable platform for landing big airs.

Silas Chickering-Ayers Getting Big Air

Congratulations Silas and good luck throughout the rest of the competition schedule! For more coverage see the official press release and the Freeskiing World Tour’s website.

85 second Video Testification: A Chason Russell Couloir Line

Pete Wagner — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 23:47:04 +0000

Chute Ski from Chason Russell on Vimeo.

Wagner Custom Skis Overview: Video by PlumTV

Pete Wagner — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 23:15:05 +0000

Ski Powder…Win Wagner Custom Skis

spar — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 02:35:51 +0000

Been out getting after some early season pow turns? Skiing Magazine wants to see your best shots with one lucky photographer winning a pair of Wagner Custom skis through the Skiing Magazine Powder Photo Contest. So get out there and shoot your friends slashing through the white room, submit your photos to Skiing Magazine before the December 17th deadline, and hope the public votes your photo their favorite. Click here for all the details.

Touring with Friends

Chason Russell — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:10:51 +0000

Trenching in the Wasatch

Ski touring with your friends…. It is not always about getting the steep, deep, first tracks, or first D. It’s about doing what you love. It’s about being outside with your friends. Choosing the right terrain on the right days. Making good decisions. Taking memorable photos, and leaving nothing but sweet, sweet tracks. At the end of the day you and all your friends know the cold frothy beverage in your hand is well deserved!

Going deep in Ophir, CO

Deep Turns in Mustang

Brad Foley on the Alta Ridge

Cold Beer!

This year the touring in the San Juan’s has been limited by sketchy conditions, though it ‘s still possible to get out there. The big lines will be there later in the season. Conditions will change, new lines will fill in, when it happens we will be there. For more touring with friends photos, check out the web gallery at the following link: http://www.chasonphoto.com/SkiTouring/

Enjoy the journey, ski safely out there…..

Dreamy Ski Descent of Volcan Lanin

Chason Russell — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:14:01 +0000

Words and photos by Chason Russell

Road to Lanin

An unsuccessful attempt in 2001, illusive yet again in 2006, and topping the list during the years in between. At 3776 meters Volcan Lanin was consuming my thoughts. This time around, in the beginning of October 2008, I would go for it again. As the chairs stopped spinning in Las Lenas and after spending some quality ski time with my brother, it was time to return to the Patagonia region with only a week remaining during a month long ski adventure. Traveling from Las Lenas through the night to the Argentine resort town of San Martin de los Andes I was inspired again with a glimpse of the volcano from the bus. Arriving in San Martin, only two hours drive from the base of Lanin, the weather waiting game began.

Staying in the hostel Puma, it was not long before I found some like-minded individuals keen on an attempt of the volcano. Spending only a few rainy, windy days around the region we made the most of it seeking out hot springs, I was happy for the rest after the previous week spent in Lenas. Eventually we were presented with a small yet promising window in the weather. It would happen the day before I absolutely had to catch a bus back to Buenos Aires in order to catch a flight back to the states.

The true adventure began when I loaded up ‘radio flyer’, a small red Suzuki samurai, with Nick Frazee, an acquaintance from Las Lenas, and Drew Friedmann, telemark skier and proud car owner from Chicago. Cramming our gear and ourselfves into the rig we began driving toward the volcano. We didn’t make it very far before the sound of metal on metal and smell of burning brakes had us a bit worried. Turns out we had blown a wheel bearing on ‘radio flyer’. Two or Three hours of drinking mate with the mechanic, modifying bearing components and disconnecting the rear breaks, and we were on the road again.

Just another bump in the road

Arriving to the base of the volcano several hours later than we expected, the wind was ravaging the cone. Clouds tore past, it was apparent that any snow witch had fallen in the days’ prior would be lost to sublimation. Realizing we would not have enough daylight to reach the Refugio some 1100 meters above, we turned to plan B: Stay at the base and climb and ski the volcano in one day. Only problem, we were expecting to have the shelter of the Refugio, and left our tents and bivy sacs behind. The cold temps and high winds would make it almost unbearable to sleep out. Conversing with some locals, we were informed the Gendarmes (Argentina military) might allow us to camp in the stable behind their headquarters. As soon as the Jefe returned from border duty we were granted permission to make camp in the loft of the stable. After a light dinner consisting of Knorr soup, bread, salami, and a little cheese, we strolled over to the headquarters to have our water bottles filled in preparation for a huge day. When the Gendarme returned to the door with our H20 bottles he had only one question “quién es su guía?” (Who is your guide?) I quickly replied “YO!” he nodded, smiled and we were on our way back to the stable.

Radio Flyer parked by the stable

There are a few requirements to climb Lanin. For one, you are supposed to check in with the park ranger and prove you have all the proper equipment (proper clothing, sunglasses, sturdy boots, ice ax, crampons, VHF radio) from the sound of it, a guide also. Though we had rented all the gear to be legit (VHF radio, ice ax) there would be no one around to show it to. Apparently the park ranger was taking a few days off.

As darkness ebbed in over the peak, the winds subsided and the clouds dissipated. It was becoming apparent that we might get the weather window we had been looking for. With an alarm set for 4:45am, it wouldn’t be until 5:07am when I finally awoke. Rousting my two compadres, we indulged in a quick oat breakfast and began hiking in the calm, star lit darkness toward the towering giant a little after 6:00am. The Gendarme dog who had befriended us decided to tag along also. As we searched for the trail in the darkness, the dog would look back, eyes gleaming in light of our headlamps, as if to say “follow me.” ‘Perro’ as we called him, had a keen sense of where we were headed. Couldn’t help but wonder how many times this dog had been on the volcano? Without a doubt we had found our true ‘guia’. Reaching the edge of tree line as the stars gave way to the ever-changing hue of dawn, our route up the northeast ridge of Lanin would become more apparent. Working our way up the alluvial fan, the first violet rays reached the summit of Lanin. Ascending into the light it would only take about 4 hrs before we arrived at the Refugio.

By the dawns early light

Refugio

Skinning toward the orange space module meticulously placed half way up the ascent, we encountered three Italians who had weathered the winds in the Refugio. Curious how early we had started and what our plans were, the three began their ascent toward the summit. The hundreds of switchbacks we had bypassed on the skin up now had more meaning. Enjoying a snack and the incredible views from the Refugio, Nick and I took a breather while our friend Drew from Chicago worked his way up the snowfields. Fully outfitted in rental gear from San Martin, Drew was at a bit of a disadvantage. Barely leaving tracks in the firm snow as we advanced passed the Refugio, we used our best Spanish to convince ‘Perro’(the dog) to stay. Seemed a good idea, as the terrain above is noticeably steeper, and I had a feeling the dog might not agree with the descent I had in mind.

Dog Nap

One foot in front of another, it was not long before Nick and I passed up the Italians. Drew would embark on an adventure of his own, as we were moving at a far different pace. With every step the temperature rose, and snow conditions worsened. By the time we reached the gully that led to the summit, the wind strugy had taken over the snow pack and we were sweating bullets. Changing from skins to crampons, the higher we got, the larger the cauliflower like snow formations became. Cresting the summit ridge, a glance down revealed ant like figures descending back toward the Refugio. Nick and I would be the only two to summit on this day. Crunching our way through the icy, foot deep cauliflower, we reached the summit a little before 4pm. Making the entire approach from 1150 meters to 3776 meters (approx 8613 feet) in about 9.5 hrs. Soaking in the incredible vista, it was time to figure out how we were going to descend. Skiing down the approach would simply be horrendous. Besides, the east facing couloir descending 1000 plus meters into the ice field below had captured my attention since my first glance at the Volcano. Creeping toward the southeast edge, which appeared to drop of the face of the earth, I relied on a mental image of the summit to locate a small relief that led to the 50 plus degree east couloir.

It seemed Nick also had some reservations about this line, indeed it was steep, sustained and littered with crevasses near the bottom. At first glance the snow conditions appeared far better than anything we had seen yet. Tossing the first snowball down the fall line revealed a sense of excitement as it sank into the soft wind deposit. A few more snowballs confirmed my suspicion. It appeared good to go. Nick agreed to spot me as I crept over the edge relying on my self-arrest grip until my skis made purchase in the chalky snow. We agreed on some hand signals. Nick would decide whether or not he would drop in on his split-board after watching my descent. One chalky, steep, technical turn at a time I made my way toward the minefield of crevasses below. Glancing up from the bottom of the couloir, I could barley discern Nick’s open arms indicating he would follow. Silently murmuring “I hope you got it” I watched as Nick gracefully made his way to my location. These would be the first turns either of us would witness from one another, as we had never ridden together. Convening at the beginning of a long traverse through the ice field, the two of us admitted our lack of glacial experience and picked the best line we could. Our fear of these bottomless, hidden hazards was confirmed when Nick exposed a deep dark crack in the ice at the begining of our traverse back toward the safety of the approach route. Successfully completing the traverse, we made our way down some great corn snow back to the Refugio. Here, the Italians confirmed that our friend had retrieved the dog and would meet us at the bottom. We graciously accepted their offering of some “dirty water” (melted snow and tang), as our water bottles had long since been empty. Slightly recharged we continued down.

Nick on the ascent

Nick and Chason on the summit

Looking down the east couloir

Nick making it look easy

Veiw from below the couloir

Ice on Lanin

Nick traversing across the ice field

8000 feet later

Ideal corn snow conditions led us to the point where we had abandoned our shoes for hard shell boots. Drew and ‘Perro’ patiently awaited us there. Regressing through the volcanic debris back toward the Gendarmeria, we were consumed with a sense of satisfaction, dehydration, and hunger. A ‘parrilla libre’ (all you can eat grilled meat) was awaiting us back in San Martin.

Sitting in my assigned window seat on the bus the following day, I struggled against the desire to sleep and glanced out the window to get one more view of Lanin as the bus made its way across the huge expanses of Argentina. Consciousness gave way to dream state and in a seemingly absence of time, I was being served dinner, as the bus made its way through the night en route to Buenos Aires.

View of Volcan Lanin from the bus