The group of publications under Height of Land Publications – Alpinist, Backcountry, Cross Country Skier, Mountain Flyer – is again holding their annual gear test at Snow Mountain Ranch in late March. We have done the gear testing the last two years which resulted in a fabulous piece 20+ page spread in their first issue for the 2023-24 season and 22+ pages in 2024-25 season featuring lots of pictures and quotes from our testers. The Editor and staff have loved the cooperation of SMR, the quality and articulation of our testers, and our snow conditions in late season.
These skis, boots and poles, all products for the upcoming season, are from many various manufacturers nationwide and this testing is intended to provide guidance to skiers looking at new equipment. Grand Nordic is looking for a few more techie individuals at all skiing levels for time during March 25 and 26 to do the testing either day or both is preferred. This is not necessarily instructors and racers but techie-type people who love messing with equipment and can articulate their thoughts. There is no pay involved but there have been some perks involved. Start time will probably be approximately 9am each day until about 3p at SMR and Grand Nordic invites you to be a tester one or both days.
Please let me know if you have another recommended skier that would be a good tester as paperwork is required to be filled out by each tester on each boot, ski, and pole product tested per the level of skier the product is aimed at, ie recreational, racer, beginner, intermediate or advanced level. Your opinions may be quoted in the magazine but all opinions are printed anonymously. Your opinions matter whether you teach, race, or just ski recreationally yourself.
Please contact Diana Lynn at 970-887-0547 or [email protected] as soon as possible if you would like to be a part of the XC Gear Test. We need your name as you want it to appear in the list of gear testers, your age, and the town you live in. Please pray for the snow to last through the end of March!
