The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
By Katherine Nettles
If some of us have been thinking we need more of a “hard pack” ski or snowboard in our quiver this season, or perhaps last weekend left us wishing for a bigger powder ski, the opportunity to try out new equipment and get heady about ski technology starts on Sunday, February 23 with the third annual Blister Summit in Mt. Crested Butte. The signature summit from Blister, a Mt. Crested Butte based outdoor media company, runs from Sunday evening through Thursday, February 27 with unlimited gear demos from more than 40 brands, guided backcountry tours, evening panel sessions, film screenings, drinks and appetizers and gear giveaways.
The demo zone, après events and panel discussions all occur at the Elevation Hotel. The event kicks off on Sunday, February 23 with a check-in and welcome reception at Elevation starting at 3:30 p.m. followed by the first of many panel sessions at 6 p.m. Elevation has drawn skiers and riders of all abilities from across the U.S. and nine different countries.
Skiers and riders of all abilities ranging from resort skiing to backcountry touring can demo gear from brands that include Salomon, J Skis, Never Summer, Kaestle, HEAD, Fischer, 4FRNT, Icelantic, DPS, Armada, La Sportiva, Liberty, ROMP, Scarpa, Weston and more. Additional brands with gear at the summit include Flylow, Strafe, Deuter, Patagonia, Rab, Zipfit, Carv, Ortovox and more.
The event continues Monday through Thursday beginning with 7:30 a.m. yoga, coffee, then a full day of on-snow demos, group meetups and guided backcountry tours. Each evening includes an après hangout session, a panel session with a range of topics and a gear giveaway. Additionally, Tuesday will have morning uphill skinning sessions at 6:30 a.m. before the lifts start spinning, and gear demos can be picked up the night before. Both Monday and Tuesday evenings will include a film screening and athlete discussion as well. Thursday will cap off the summit with Blister awards and karaoke.
Panel sessions and screenings will include pro skiers and snowboarders, Olympians, industry professionals and engineers discussing everything from goggle technology, the increasing use of boas in ski boots and other tech apparel to more meta topics about the ski industry, snowsports and ski towns in general.
New this year, the summit is offering some locals deals. Option one is discounted registration for the entire summit for $250, or option two is to attend on Thursday only for $50. “This is the first time we’ve offered a one-day rate,” says Blister Summit director Kristin Sinnott. “We know you’re busy, but we also think you’ll enjoy the Summit, even if it’s just for one day.”
The regular summit registration cost is $400, $300 for Blister+ members.
For more information or to register, visit summit.blisterreview.com
