Watch our Line-Up Member Joe Schuster destroy the top cliff and send him a vote!
08.02.2016
JOE SCHUSTER - REDBULL COLDRSUH
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07.01.2025
LÉ BENT WELCOMES NIKOLAI SCHIRMER TO THE TEAM
Nikolai Schirmer is hot property in the ski world these days. So much so, one comment on our announcement post joked that, "rumor has it, Nikolai Schirmer will hold 60-70% of all brands total freeskiing marketing budgets before the end of the year. Totally insane, but still well deserved!" Nikolai's video projects are some of the most anticipated releases of each season, raking in over a million views each, and transporting us to some ridiculously beautiful lines in his home of Northern Norway. We caught up with Nikolai amongst such lines to welcome him to the team. LB: Hey Nikolai, welcome to the Lé Bent team! How is your season going so far? Where in the world are you and how are the conditions? Man it’s been such a good start to the season! I had a round of skiing in the Alps the last weeks of November, and then it’s just been full on winter in Northern-Norway since then. We’re skiing lines that normally don’t fill in till spring. We saw you’ve been ripping around in the Cody Townsend Pro Series Snow Socks. How have you enjoyed wearing them? The socks are amazing, and for sure the best feel for my skiing I’ve had. The little rubber pieces make them stay in place, and the fit with technical stitching really delivers next level performance. I had never been in a merino wool and bamboo rayon blend before, so I was happy to discover how warm and comfortable they are. Did you ever think a sock could make such a difference to a day, week, month or season in ski boots? I didn’t believe it till I could feel it with my own two feet. A whole new world. Compared to other socks the first thing I notice is that they stay up better. The worst feeling is to have a wrinkly sock giving you shin bang, and Lé Bent really has solved that issue well. I like to go for minimal cushioning in my sock to have maximum contact with my boot, and the power delivery in these are amazing. Aside from lapping the local hills, it looks like you’ve had your hands full with your latest film project ‘SKI’? Tell us about this film. It’s the story of when I set out to make a movie about my friend who was training for what I dubbed The Greatest Ski Tour of All Time, and tried to appropriate his 'snow warrior monk' way of life to elevate my own skiing to new heights. It’s been a crazy ride making my first feature documentary, and to have it on regular cinema distribution in Norway is wild. The Tom Hanks movie is the one next to ours on the ticket page. We’ve had a few screenings internationally already ahead of the Norwegian premiere next week, and I’m happy to hear people enjoy the film so far. You’ve released some incredible films in the past as well, such as Wavy and the Endless Winter Series, which have both gotten over one million views. How does SKI compare to these? SKI is an evolution of those I’d say. Making videos and movies is a bit like writing, where you develop a style and a rhythm over time, so I think an audience that’s familiar with my previous work will recognize the vibe. But the scale of SKI is just bigger in every way. I think the budget is something like 20x what we had for Wavy. Wow, that's epic! Aside from the film premiering in January, what projects are you working on this season? I’m really excited to get back to YouTube vids this season. Making a feature documentary is a (fuck) ton of work, for a relatively small amount of video output - while YouTube is the opposite. And it’s just nice to not have to think of a grand narrative spanning many years, and focus on the here and now on the mountain. I’ll be working mostly in Norway, but I’ve planned one trip with Lucas Wachs and Sam Favret too. Also chatting with Cody (Townsend) about finally making that YouTube collaboration happen. I'm sure we're not the only people who would love to see a collab between you guys! Any long term goals for your skiing or something you’d still like to tick off? Maybe a trip to Australia to ski some ‘real mountains’ could be on the cards?... I actually spent a full year living in Australia, in Kew, Melbourne, as a kid, and never knew you even had skiing. So yeah, that’s definitely highest up on the to do list career wise. Beyond that I just want to find a little more balance. I have a habit of getting really excited about winter and ending up pretty burned out by the end of them, which is a bummer because spring is generally the best time to ski. So I’m trying to ease into this one a little more. Well Nikolai, we look forward to following along and seeing all the incredible places you end up this season and beyond! Thanks for taking the time to chat and we’re stoked to have you on the team! Bring on the good times ahead. Yew! My feet and I thank you for having me! ABOUT NIKOLAI SCHIRMER Age: 33 ● Hometown: Tromsø, Norway ● Home Resort: Kattfjordeidet ● Nationality: Norwegian ● Sponsors: Lé Bent, Black Crows, Julbo, ATK, Scarpa, Polestar, Grivel, OpenSnow and Infinitum. ● Favourite Lé Bent gear: The Cody Townsend Pro Series Snow Sock ● Follow Nikolai here: Instagram and Youtube.
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14.10.2024
LÉ BENT WELCOMES NICK RUSSELL TO THE TEAM
Nick Russell has dedicated his life to being in the moment in the mountains. With a riding style that he describes as "a blend between low stress pow riding in the forest and intentional movement into the alpine", Nick has been on our radar for many years at Lé Bent. The sock gods saw fit to intervene and after leaving his socks at home, Nick finally dipped his toes into a borrowed pair of our Signature Merino Blend... and he couldn't go back. We caught up with Nick to welcome him to the team. LB: Hey Nick, welcome to the Lé Bent pro team!!! Thank you! I’m honored and excited to be here next to some heavy hitters on the team, not to mention to be running the best socks in the game. It sounds like we have Cody Townsend to thank for getting you in our snow socks. Is it true the first pair of Lé Bent socks you wore were a ‘rental pair’ Cody had in the back of his van? Yes, this is true. I showed up to do one of the Fifty lines with him in the Eastern Sierra and realized I forgot my socks. Thankfully the guy had an extra pair. If I remember correctly, they were his pro model socks which were perfect for a long spring day. LB: A long spring day for Nick = A sufferfest of epic proportions.. Hopefully, they were a clean pair… what did you think of them? For someone that spends 8 months non-stop in their boots, socks are perhaps one of the most important elements to my overall happiness in the mountains. Everything from the merino blend that makes sure I don’t sweat, to the fluid articulation in the ankle and up to compression in the right spots, I’m honestly blown away with the performance of these socks. And, did he ask for them back? I think he knew better than to ask for them back ;) Thankfully we were able to send you your own pairs that you could actually keep… How do you find the different cushioning options and do you have a favourite pair now? I find myself bouncing between the lightweight cushion and zero cushion options for longer warmer spring days and the slightly thicker Xavier De Le Rue Pro Series Sock for colder days. Just like how you adapt your board for current conditions, it's the same with socks. It’s amazing to wear something that clearly has had so much attention to detail go into it. After a full season of heavy duty use, I think I only circulated between 3 or 4 pairs, which says a lot about their durability. You’ve been dragged along on a lot of Cody’s Fifty lines and been a fan favourite in a bunch of episodes. It looks like you always draw the short straw and get the pure sufferfests though... How has that project been for you? For the majority of those lines we did together, there was always a caveat that likely, it was going to be one of the longest days of your life and the approach would have some level of ridiculousness to it. But at the end of the day, it all lends to the elusiveness of certain lines that always makes it worth it. In addition to riding with Cody and Bjarne, what personal projects have you been working on in the past 12 months? I’ve been working on a film with Patagonia from our expedition to Papsura, India this past spring. It’s called the “Peak of Evil.” This will be likely my proudest project to date and I’m excited to release it to the world. We’re slated to start premiering it in December and the online release will be in January 25. I was also involved in a French film project called “The Octopus”, from my time in Chamonix with Pica Herry and crew. Additionally I’m a part of a short film with Austin Sweetin coming out called “Hogs on the Horizon.” I also recently signed with United Shapes snowboards which is also really exciting. Sounds like you've had plenty on the plate. What are your goals for the coming season? A magician never reveals their secrets. Haha well we look forward to the show. What about in the longer term. What are your future goals in snowboarding and how would you describe your style of riding? To continue exploring my backyard of the Sierra Nevada and beyond, stay healthy and share the love of snowboarding with others. I’d say my riding style is a blend between low stress pow riding in the forest and intentional movement into the alpine. Well Nick, we look forward to following along and seeing all the incredible places you end up this season and beyond! Thanks for taking the time to chat and we’re stoked to have you on the team! Bring on the good times ahead. Yew! Thanks guys! Can't wait. ABOUT NICK RUSSELL Age: 36 Hometown: Truckee, Ca Home Resort: Sierra Nevada backcountry Nationality: USA Sponsors: Lé Bent, Patagonia, United Shapes, Anon Optics, Backcountry Access, Deeluxe boots, Pomoca skins, Spark bindings Favourite Lé Bent gear: Any of the light cushion snow socks! Follow Nick here: @nick_russelll
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14.10.2024
Running The Pilliga Ultra Trail Race - Tom Batrouney
RUNNING TO SAVE OUR WILD PLACES Words by Tom Batrouney Photos by Calumn Hockey When was the last time you ran to SAVE THE WORLD? For me, it’s been a three-year journey to finally reach the start line of the Pilliga Ultra 50k, and I was stoked to be there this year. The Pilliga is Australia’s largest inland forest spanning over half a million hectares and the For Wild Places team host this event to encourage people to explore its rugged trails, connect with a community of fellow runners, and advocate for its protection. The local Gomeroi people, among others, have been battling against fracking in The Pilliga for years, providing clear evidence of habitat destruction, gas leaks, and groundwater contamination. Running has given me a chance to pursue a purpose beyond myself, using my body, mind, and voice for a greater good while inspiring others to safeguard our beautiful wild spaces and it was time to run! My race strategy was to start strong, find my rhythm out front, and maintain my pace to the finish. It nearly went according to plan. When the gun went off, I made the most of the first 8-10 kilometres of flat farm roads, a river crossing, and trails before tackling the first significant climb. I knew it would be tough because it always is, so I focused on the cause, the FWP team, and the significance of this race, all while pushing through the challenges with a smile. I felt great as I ran hard, especially on the flats, and at the 20km mark, everything felt right. There’s no better feeling than running hard in a race and not feeling like you’re working hard at all. At the 30km aid station, I noticed the second-place runner was only three minutes behind, but I kept my dream state alive, committing to push myself even harder over the next 15kms to increase my lead again. My lead grew over second place, and I began to imagine the finish line hug with Hilary, the CEO of For Wild Places. I wanted to express my gratitude for everything she and her team have accomplished, and I imagined that too. It was all playing out in my head, and I felt really proud of myself and like I had done it. As I approached the last 2kms which were flat, I couldn’t quite see the finish line, but I felt close. Then, I reached a gate that looked familiar from earlier on in the race, and my heart sank. I screamed at the top of my lungs until my voice gave out, and then I screamed again and again until I wasn’t making any sound. Checking my watch, I saw "off course," and for a moment, I considered giving up and sitting down before I panicked and sprinted back to where I had made my wrong turn, just 2kms from the finish. My legs felt utterly wrecked. The 4km detour not only allowed the second-place runner to take the lead but also sent my heart rate soaring and my legs into disarray. I crossed the finish line in second place, three minutes behind the first, feeling broken, bewildered, and in disbelief. I had executed the best race of my life—well, 99% of it, anyway. The Pilliga is a special place, a wild experience I want every human to feel at least once in their lives. I have spent my life outdoors running and exploring and the Pilliga has opened my eyes and shown me that there is so much more of our incredible country to explore, fall in love with and that needs us to run for it not just in it. See you at The Pilliga Ultra next year!Find out more about the work For Wild Places do and find out more about the Pilliga Ultra here.
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22.07.2024
The Western Faces 50 - Rohan Kennedy's Quest To Ski Iconic Aussie Lines
Longtime Le Bent ambassador and backcountry aficionado Rohan Kennedy has been living in Jindabyne since 2007 and skiing the Australian Main Range since 2012. Now a backcountry guide for SMBC after spending 10 years in ski patrol, Rohan practically lives on the Main Range during the winter and spring months. Rohan helped guide Cody Townsend, Elyse Saugstad and the Le Bent team out along the Western Faces back in 2019 and has been inspired by Cody to complete a kind of 'Aussie Fifty Project', drawing inspiration from an incredible local book and our answer to Cody's muse, 'The Fifty Classic Ski Descents of North America.' The below was written by Rohan. THE WESTERN FACES 50 WITH ALAN ANDREWS' SKIING THE WESTERN FACES OF KOSCIUSKO By Rohan Kennedy If there’s one book that stands out as the ultimate guide to the NSW Main Range backcountry, it’s Alan Andrews’, “Skiing the Western Faces Kosciusko.” Published in 1993, this book has been described by many as the definitive guide for skiing this remarkable area, and I couldn’t agree more. Alan Andrews poured his love for the Kosciusko region into this book, combining decades of experience with a unique approach. His guide is more than just a collection of routes; it’s a blend of poems, hand-drawn maps, and detailed information covering 14 sections of the Main Range from Dead Horse Gap to Mount Tate. I first bought this book over ten years ago, and since then, it has been my source of inspiration for planning and dreaming about backcountry ski tours. The notes and photos in its pages have guided me to discover 40 ski lines, and I’ve added another 10 lines myself that represent some of the steepest challenges the range has to offer — lines that Alan himself envisioned might one day be skied. Having watched Cody Townsend's 'The Fifty' series and having had the pleasure of guiding him while he was here in Australia, I was inspired to undertake a similar project in our own mountains, to shine a light onto the great skiing we have here and bring this personal challenge to life. With snow falling and more in the forecast, I’m excited to continue this journey and see if I can complete my list of 50 lines. I’ll be sharing updates and stories from the slopes along the way as I work towards my goal. View of Watsons Crags South Face from Sentinel Summit. Below is the full list with names of lines taken from the book or names of lines that I have heard most about from the area. 1. Strzelecki Creek2. Little Austria3. Avalanche Alley4. Townsend West Spur5. Anderson Crags6. Friars Alp 7. Watson Creek8. Siren Song Creek9. Kosciuszko 10. South Rams Head area 11. Cleft Rock Run12. Golden Gully13. The Spur 14. The Couloir15. The Corrie16. Twin Humps17. Abbotts18. Byatts Camp19. Muellers Peak20. The Racecourse 21. Ians Gully22. The Alice Rawson23. Twynam North Spur24. Triple A25. The Scimitar26. Goes Forever27. The Awesome Spur28. Walters Gully29. Ant Ridge.30. Avalanche Gully 31. Avalanche Face32. Tenison Woods North Face33. Carruthers West Spur34. Middle Gully35. Erics Funnel36. Carruthers Variant37. Sentinel SE Face38. Sentinel SW Face39. Sentinel N Face40. Sunshine Chutes 41. Watsons Crags North Face42. Dog Leg43. Waterfall44. Crags Hidden Line45. Club Lake46. Blue Lake47. Twin Valleys48. Tate E Face49. 11 Highest Peaks Traverse50. Jagungal You can follow Rohan Kennedy on Instagram for updates on the project as he hopes to tick off a number of lines each week!
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21.04.2024
LÉ BENT WELCOMES KAI JONES TO THE TEAM
When Kai was 11 years old his segment for TGR went viral and racked up 6 million views. That year he also won the North American Junior Freeride Series. He was nominated for Rider of the Year at IF3 Film Festival at 14 years old, and again a year later. Now at age 17, Kai has been a mainstay in TGR’s last five films, and earned the right to be called a legitimate “prodigy”. Kai is leading the charge for the next generation of groms that jump off things, while also managing to be a favorite amongst the older guard. We caught up with Kai in between cork 7’s and massive cliff drops, to welcome him to the team and find out what makes him tick. LB: Hey Kai, welcome to the Lé Bent pro team!!! How has your season been going so far? My season has been good. Little slower than normal because of my injury. Super stoked to be back on snow and progressing. So, you’re 17 years old — and probably sick of people mentioning how young you are — what are your goals for the next few years and where do you want to take your skiing? I am super hyped to keep pushing my limits and bringing more freestyle into the big mountains. You’ve been described as a “skiing prodigy”, “Mayor of Stomptown” and “grom pied piper” how’s that feel and what’s it like inspiring the next generation of groms your age and younger? One of my biggest goals in skiing is to inspire people and it makes me so stoked to see the next generation taking inspo from me. For those who don’t know, you sustained a season-ending injury, breaking both your tibia tubercle’s in March last year. We followed your rehab and were super impressed by how much work you were putting in to getting your body right. How was that recovery experience and how was your return to snow this season? My recovery has been going super good. I spent the last 9 months training hard to get back to my sport. As I am writing this I still have work to go but every day I am getting closer and closer to being 100 percent. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kai Jones (@kaijonesski) You’ve been in 5 Teton Gravity Research Films already. Who are some of the skiers you grew up watching and looking up to? Some skier's that I grew up watching are Tim D, Sammy C, Nick McNutt, Shane M, Eric Roner, Thall, Sage C, Ian Mac, Candied Thovex, Henrrik, and way more ahah! Have you got a favourite movie part of theirs or a favourite TGR film that you always go back to? My favorite movie part is Tim Durtschi's My Way of Life segment or Nick McNutts' Almost Ablaze segment. A lot of young skiers and snowboarders start off in freestyle and transition into the backcountry after years of competition and events. What motivated you to make backcountry skiing your main focus from the get-go? We dont have alot of parks back home so I grew up learning tricks and skiing in the backcountry. It was natural for me to move into freeride because of the mountain I grew up skiing on (JHMR). Any interest in taking your skills to the Freeride World Tour — you’d probably have to forgo some powder days though! Only time will tell... We have both Cody Townsend and Sammy Carlson on the team holding it down in the BC, how would you compare your style of riding to these guys and have you followed their careers at all? Cody and Sammy are some of my favorite skiers. My style is more similar to sammy but I love to get out in the big mountains like Cody and ski mountaineer. So, are you reaching for the Cody Pro Series or the Sammy Pro Series in your sock drawer? I personally like Sammy's socks with their light padding which suits my riding. SAMMY CARLSON PRO SERIES SNOW SOCK SHOP SAMMY SOCK What features would you include in your own Pro Series Snow Sock? Just in case we’re cooking something up over here ;) I want to include padding to protect from shin bang - something I experience in my style of riding with big landings. Lé Bent already does such a good job innovating new technology in socks to help prevent issues like this, so i’m looking forward to providing my own feedback. GET EARLY ACCESS TO THE KAI SOCK! What other Lé Bent gear have you been enjoying this season? I have been loving the Pramecou Wool Insulated Hooded Jacket! What’s the plan for the rest of the season? I hope to keep skiing good snow in Jackson, go to AK, and ski mountaineer back home. Well Kai, we look forward to following along and seeing all the incredible content you put out! Thanks for taking the time to chat and we’re stoked to have you on the team! Bring on the good times ahead. Yew! Cheers guys, can’t wait! ABOUT KAI JONES Age: 17 Hometown: Victor ID Home Resort: Jackson Hole Nationality: USA Sponsors: Red Bull, Dakine, Atomic, Teton Gravity Research, Lé Bent Favourite Lé Bent gear: Sammy Carlson Pro Series Snow Sock Follow Kai here: @kaijonesski
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14.04.2024
Watch: Here, Hold My Kid
LÉ BENT was proud to be a supporting partner of pro team rider Elyse Saugstad's recent project — Here, Hold My Kid! Elyse teamed up with pro skier and fellow super mum Jackie Paaso to make what they describe as, "an homage to all the parents who have dragged their kids to the mountains." “Any parent knows that traveling with a one-year-old can be a nightmare." Said Jackie. "Seeing that Elyse and I like a challenge we thought, why not make it two one-year-olds traveling around the world while starring in and producing our own film? Challenge accepted, and while there may not have been any blood, there was a lot of sweat and tears!” “Jackie and I didn’t want to hide from being new moms as professional athletes, but rather throw a spotlight on trying to blend the two life endeavors. What ensued was lots of laughter, some great skiing, and the undervalued talent of still getting our kids to bed on time." Said Elyse. After sharing the hilarious trailer a few months back. You can now check out the entire 38 minute, offbeat documentary for free on Redbull TV. Watch Here
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16.10.2023
The Fifty Project - Watch Season 5 Here
LÉ BENT is proud to be an official sponsor of Cody Townsend's FIFTY Project — a herculean quest to ski ‘The 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America.’ As Cody's sock, base layer and headwear and accessories partner we've been along for the ride since day one, and develop products with Cody's direct skin-track-feedback. “There is no getting around the complete punishment your feet go through on tours for the Fifty," said Cody. "You’re gonna get them wet, sweaty and cold at times. But minimizing those impacts with better materials and innovations like the heel grip strips on the Pro Series Sock I made with Lé Bent helps you get through the day.” Shop the Cody Pro Series Snow Sock Watch the latest episode below: One unsung item that Cody has worn up and down all of his Fifty lines, is the Men's Core Lightweight Crew Base Layer. "Layering is everything because one of the most important aspects of big backcountry missions is temperature management," said Cody. “I’ve found with base layers, the combo of wool and synthetic, like the Lé Bent Merino Wool & Bamboo Rayon blend provides a perfect blend of maintaining warmth and being dry” Check out Cody's bonus guide to layering from Season 3 of The FIFTY below.
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09.10.2023
All About Mid Layers
The global market for adventure tourism could be worth more than a trillion dollars by 2032. Whether you're planning an extreme climb or a hike with the family, the right clothing is a key part of your safety and comfort. Mid layer clothing deserves special attention for your winter activities. It helps keep you warm and dry no matter the conditions. LÉ BENT mid layers, in particular, give you top-level performance. Learn more about what makes an excellent mid layer and why your next mid layer should be LÉ BENT. What Makes a Good Layering Outfit? Layering is essential for staying warm and comfortable during outdoor pursuits. You can take layers on and off as your activity level or the weather changes. A good layering outfit includes the base layer, mid layer, and outer layer. These layers work together, but each has a different role in the system. For instance, the base layer wicks sweat off your skin.On the other hand, the mid layer is the insulating layer. It prevents your body heat from escaping. For the most versatility, you may use more than one mid layer. Finally, the outer layer protects you from the wind, rain, and snow. Even if you don't start out wearing all three layers, taking them with you is a good idea. That way, you'll be prepared if conditions change. Features of a Good Mid Layer Good mid layers have several key features. You want mid layer clothing with the right balance for the activity you plan to do. Protects from the Cold The primary role of almost all clothing is to protect from the cold. This is especially important for mid layer clothing. One of the main ways the body loses heat is convection. When cold air or water moves across your skin, you feel colder. Mid layers should help prevent convective heat loss. The wind has a significant effect on how fast you lose heat. A good mid layer will provide some protection from the wind. In addition to the fabric itself, design features like elasticated cuffs can help prevent cold from penetrating a mid layer jacket. Retains Body Heat and Vents Extra Heat The purpose of a women's or men's mid layer jacket is insulation. The type of mid layer you choose lets you control how much body heat you retain. Insulating fabrics create small air pockets that trap heat close to your body. They prevent cold air from getting through to your skin. A mid layer should also let you vent extra heat. You need flexibility for changing conditions and activity levels. Breathable Breathability is just as critical as insulation for mid layers. Breathability describes how well a fabric lets moisture vapour get through. A good mid layer lets sweat moisture out before the moisture affects the fabric. If your clothes get wet on the inside, you can get just as cold as if rain soaked in from the outside. Wet clothes make you lose heat much faster than dry ones. Highly insulating fabrics and waterproof fabrics are typically not very breathable. Look for mid layer clothing that balances these features to give you the best performance. Water-Resistant A mid layer needs to be breathable, but it should also be water-resistant. Protecting you from rain and snow is the leading role of your outer layer. However, some water resistance is essential for the mid layer too. If your mid layer sticks out from the bottom of your outer layer, you'll notice a lack of water resistance. A water-resistant mid layer allows you to use it as an outer layer in mild conditions. Lightweight Mid layers should feel light. You want lightweight clothing that gives you the level of protection you need. A good warmth-to-weight ratio is especially important. Versatile in Function and Style A versatile mid layer gives you more options. You may want to wear it as a standalone item for high-intensity activities. A stylish mid layer can be at home in the city as well as on the mountain. Moves with Your Body You don't want mid layers to restrict your freedom of movement. LÉ BENT mid layers feature a FlowState Sleeve System that gives you best-in-class freedom of movement, as rated by Outside Magazine. We believe that a mid layer shouldn't interfere with your performance. Our mid layers help level up an experience where others might obstruct it. Types of Materials for Mid Layers Down, polyester fleece, and Merino wool are some of the most common materials for mid layers. They each have pros and cons depending on your needs. Down Natural goose or duck down makes a very warm, lightweight, and packable mid layer. It provides some wind resistance but loses its insulating abilities when wet. Down is a relatively expensive option. Polyester Polyester fleece is soft and breathable. It dries quickly. On the other hand, a fleece mid layer is economical but durable. However, fleece can pill up over time. It's also less compressible than down. Merino Wool A Merino wool mid layer is very durable. It provides excellent temperature regulation and retains warmth when wet, unlike natural down, Wool has anti-odour properties, meaning, Merino mid layer doesn't require frequent washing. However, wool doesn't have the same warmth-to-weight ratio as down. What Makes LÉ BENT Mid Layers Unique? LÉ BENT mid layers combine the best materials and design features. Our unique blend of Merino wool and rayon bamboo gives you exceptional performance and comfort. In addition, it's a powerful insulator that helps regulate your body temperature in all conditions. The padded chest panels in our mid layer jacket feature a 100-gram blend of 30% wool with recycled polyester. The 10K/10K shell fabric gives you water resistance and breathability. Our Flow State sleeve system provides more freedom of movement than you expect from mid layer clothing. Choosing Your Mid Layer Clothing Mid layers are an essential part of your clothing system. From ski mid layer to mid layer hiking clothing, you can guarantee that LÉ BENT has what you're looking for. Our men's mid layer and women's mid layer collections are specially designed for your needs. We use a unique blend of innovative materials and design to help you reach the next level. Browse our catalogue to find your perfect mid layer.
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02.10.2023
5 Reasons Why Ski Socks are Worth the Investment
Skiing has long been one of the most popular winter sports. It’s not hard to see why! It is extremely fun and can be customized to fit all skill levels. Really, the only downside is having to deal with the frigid cold temperatures that accompany so much time in the snow. Luckily, that problem can easily be solved by getting the right gear to deal with the climate. Everyone knows one needs a good pair of snow pants and a winter coat, but many often forget the importance of ski socks for a great day on the slopes. It's incredible the difference this one clothing item can make. After spending so much time getting the right gear, it would be a shame to have your time on the mountain ruined by frozen toes. Investing in the best ski socks is one way to ensure you get the most comfort out of your boots and have a great time on the mountain. Here are five of the most important reasons to get good ski socks for the season. Improved Comfort and Warmth Cold toes happen when the wrong materials are used when making the socks. Great women's ski socks and men's ski socks are made out of materials that offer both moisture-wicking properties while still offering adequate insulation. The balance between those two is where you'll find the most comfort for a full day of skiing. Beyond keeping you extra warm, a good ski sock should also help you stay as comfortable as possible in your boots. This means fitting tight enough to help prevent blisters and having extra support and cushioning where needed to avoid tired arches and heels or bruised shins. Ski socks come with a range of different cushioning profiles to suit your preference. Choosing a pair that specifically works with your boots and style of skiing in mind will have a tremendous impact. Enhanced Performance Before hitting the slopes, the emphasis is often placed solely on finding a well-fitting boot to wear. This is definitely important but can be made even better when you pair an amazing ski sock with your footwear. A sock designed for this activity will have added support for the ankle and foot to improve stability and balance. So much of skiing is transferring your weight with very controlled movements. The more support you can give your feet and ankles, the better they'll be able to handle those movements for hours on end. A pro-series ski sock utilizes LÉ BENT Definitive Fit System™ of strategically placed elastic and stitching to give you precisely that level of support you need. Extra emphasis is placed on the instep, achilles, and ankle to keep your muscles from getting too tired and to keep your feet locked in the correct positions as you ski. And best of all, these socks are made with Memory Stretch™, so they feel like a custom fit every time you put them on! Longer Lifespan - Durable & Built For Boots Skiers' feet do a lot of the work in getting them down the mountain, which is why a regular pair of socks will wear out faster than you'd like. It can be incredibly frustrating to have to continually replace the same piece of equipment after only a few ski days. But this won't be the case when you invest in the best ski socks. Instead, you'll be able to wear them for countless runs down the mountain and have them still feel brand new. One of the keys to this is the materials used in creating these specific socks. Merino wool ski socks are designed to withstand regular exposure to the colder weather and hold up great against the additional friction from all the movement. After you have a good pair of ski socks, you'll never have to think about having cold toes again! Wide Range of Options - Colorful and Fun A part of the fun of being a skier is finding the best outfit and gear to wear. There are so many styles and types available that you can show your personality and fashion sense every time you're on the mountain. This is true of the socks you wear as well. You can go for a perfectly coordinating pair or choose something that stands out and makes more of a statement. Either way, you won't have to be embarrassed when you take your boots off in the lodge. Not only can you choose the color or pattern of your ski socks, but also the thickness, material, and height. Convenience - Wash Friendly & Odor Free Often, a hobby can be ruined by the preparation it takes to participate. The packing up and getting ready to go can feel too daunting even to tackle. Then you have to think about all the clean-up required when you've finished the activity. All of that work can suck the fun right out of it. This doesn't have to be the case, however. You can choose gear that is easy to maintain and keep ready to go at all times. Ski socks that are machine washable and can be thrown in with the rest of your snow gear and then packed away quickly, makes the whole process much simpler. Instead of having to take special care, you can throw everything you need for a day in the snow in a bag and head to the mountain! Being made of Merino Wool and rayon from bamboo, Lé Bent ski socks can also be worn for multiple days in a row without washing and remain odor free. Invest in LÉ BENT Ski Socks Investing in high-quality ski socks means you'll have warm, cozy toes while on the mountains for years to come. With all of the options available, you'll be able to find a pair that matches your style and skill level for optimal performance. And then you'll know every inch of you is covered. LÉ BENT is where you can go to get all the ski gear you need, including the best socks for skiing. Our quality and selection are unmatched for all different levels. Our team has been working with industry professionals for decades to get the perfect pair for you and your ski boots. We can help you find the right pair, so check out our selection of snow socks today!
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08.11.2022
THE LÉ BENT APPROACH TO FLOW
Flow is a state of being. For psychologists like Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – Flow States founding father — it is the point of “optimal experience”. For skiers and snowboarders, it’s the apex of a turn, a perfect pole plant or a pow shot to the face but done dozens of times over, until the day itself has disappeared.
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01.08.2022
LÉ BENT TURNS 10 - A LETTER FROM THE FOUNDERS
LÉ BENT is 10 years old this year. At least, it is on paper. In truth, it was born a long time before that. Our story as co-founders goes back to the early 80’s. Two toddlers stoked and throwing sand at each other in a sand pit behind a semi detached house in Sydney’s beachside suburbia. We grew up together by the beach and in the mountains and our paths crossed as we travelled the world and chased snow in search of memories and moments. We left corporate careers and professional skiing behind for the university of life. A van for a home, surfing, skiing big lines and snowboarding. We linked up again in Val d'Isere where Simon was chasing big mountain lines. Anthony’s short detour to catch-up, turned into a long detour, and he didn’t leave. It was here that big mountains and alpine good times were lived to the fullest, and importantly for Lé Bent, the synergy of a foot, a sock and a ski boot was finely honed in one of Europe's preeminent ski boot fitting labs. We fitted everyone. From hardcore skiers in the Boot Lab, to rock stars like Paul McCartney in his private chalet. To us, bootfitting and happy feet translated directly into more stoke and enjoyment on the hill. Working in the boot fitting trenches, we noticed the lack of consideration for socks, and how often a ski boot and sock ruined a day on the mountain. So uninspired were we by the available socks at the time, each season ended in the tradition of a bonfire of old synthetic socks. You could say Lé Bent rose from these ashes. We took inspiration from mother nature, partnered with Australia’s leading scientific body the CSIRO, and crafted our award winning Signature Blend of merino wool and bamboo rayon. Back home in Australia, the first Lé Bent sock was born to ensure a sock never ruined another epic moment in the mountains again. Both of us inspected every pair of socks we made in that first year. That was 5,000 pairs, scrutinized under a head torch, in a freezing cold garden shed in the middle of winter. Product quality was at the core from day one. Thankfully, they sold out. We visited 50+ factories throughout Asia, immersed ourselves in the production process and survived a high speed motorway crash when the driver fell asleep at 3am. We got haircuts and went to countless tradeshows. We were surprised to get invited back after the second one, when we rocked up with no product samples, only empty cardboard packaging. Somehow, we still doubled our sales and celebrated by drinking beers out of foot-long bamboo schooners – our other, thankfully less documented, brainchild. Despite our mothers saying it was the best socks they’d ever worn, it took the same message from professional skiers like Cody Townsend to convince us. We’ve since partnered with the world’s best and applied our Signature Merino Blend to all first-on-skin layers. Since the socks felt so good, it was logical to wrap the rest of our body in this goodness. Head to toe. Balaclavas, base layers and soon, merino mid layers. After 10 years we’ve learned that a great sock and layer provides a feeling of stoke and anticipation when you slip it on. Plus, the knowledge that today is going to be a good day and comfort is guaranteed. It does its job selflessly, relentlessly, day in, day out, while you forget you’re even wearing it. Plenty has changed since 2012 when we pulled on a pair of our prototype socks and took them off four days later. What hasn’t, is our blend still suppresses odour like nothing else and is now enjoyed by thousands of feet all over the world, across ski slopes, dirt trails and single tracks. The best moments to us are still found outside, unplugged from the matrix in natural and urban playgrounds. From driving snow pelting your face while the wind whistles on wild pow days, to the unique sounds of Aussie bird calls in the bush as you snake down perfect dirt berms, to the smell of rain sizzling on the hot concrete in a summer storm as you pound the pavement. How do you make a sock? Bent. – Anthony and Simon, Co-Founders, Froth Lords, Merino Blend Barons
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08.06.2022
LÉ BENT WELCOMES MICHELE GRAGLIA TO THE TEAM
Michele Graglia competes in the gnarliest running races on the planet. When he’s not competing against others, he’s setting records and racing himself. To that end, he’s set Guinness World Records for running across the Atacama Desert in Chile (600 miles in 8 days) and after that, the Gobi Desert in Mongolia (1100 miles in 23 days). Mickey won the Yukon Arctic Ultra in temperatures below -40°C (-40°F), and he won the Badwater 135 in Death Valley, with temperatures above 54°C (130°F), making him the first person in history to win both the hottest and coldest foot races on the planet. It would be an incredible feat for someone who had cut their teeth — or rather, their feet — on trails from a young age. So it’s even more impressive given the fact Mickey was more familiar with runways than running as a former top fashion model and only took up trail running at 27 years old. We caught up with Mickey to officially welcome him to the Lé Bent team and figure out how he keeps putting one foot in front of the other. LB: Hey Michele, what’s up! We’re stoked to finally be able to share with the world that you’ve joined the Lé Bent trail team. Welcome!! MG: I really appreciate and super excited to join the Team! I'm looking forward to see what we can achieve together! We almost didn’t know where to stop when it came to listing your achievements above. We reckon you’d be hard pressed to find a more impressive ultramarathon resume than yours. There are so many to choose from but can you tell us which race or races in particular have left a lasting impression on you? I always found the most extreme races to be the most memorable. It's never really about the results for me and I love the challenge of course though the one thing that truly keeps me going back for more is the opportunity to connect with the most pristine, untouched and raw side of Nature. The senses are heightened and when I feel the most alive. Following these thoughts, and to answer your question, Tor des Geants, this September!! It is the hardest ultra trail race in the world: 330km through the most rugged trails in the Italian Alps. In addition to the many races you’ve competed in, you’ve also achieved a number of solo world records and FKT’s. How do these projects come about and how do they differ from racing for you? I love both racing and explorations as they all allow to stretch our boundaries and grow, although I found personal expeditions to offer a much deeper and personal experience. When the competition is removed they become unique opportunities to truly connect with oneself, to feel completely submerged in the experienced and fully present in the moment. Now, help us settle an office bet. Was it harder to run across the Atacama Desert or the Gobi Desert? Not just by distance but the Gobi was a way greater challenge than the Atacama.The Mongolian desert is ruthless and only gave hard blows. Facing strong, gutsy, incessant winds for days on end through a seemingly endless vast steppe.We went from desert dunes to high mountain passes and temperatures that could range daily between -10C to +40C. It was by far the hardest challenge I have faced up until then. We’ve got a fair few deserts here in Australia. Maybe we’ll have to get you down under to see how they stack up! It is a life dream of mine to cross Australia! I have always been fascinated and cannot quite honestly wait to start planning the crossing! Now running across deserts is a far cry from strolling down a runway. What drew you to trail running and made you leave what we can only imagine was a pretty cushy lifestyle as a top fashion model? Modelling began as my American Dream though the perks of that fast lifestyle soon showed their ugly side. While being at the top I had fallen to the bottom. I felt disconnected, lost and alone. During the most critical time in my life, I discovered trail and ultra running. Running through Nature showed me a new way of life. A new perspective. As cliche as it may sound, running did save my life and became an opportunity to reconnect with myself at the deepest level. You’ve developed a reputation as someone who can handle any environment, terrain and temperature. Did this happen naturally or did you seek out events with completely opposite temperatures like the Yukon Arctic Ultra and Badwater? I was drawn to them in a very primal and simple way. I wanted to feel for myself the power of the most extreme sides of Nature. There are some similarities with Lé Bent there as far as, cold and hot, snow and sand. What attracted you to Le Bent? The outstanding quality of the products! How have you enjoyed running in our Signature Merino Blend socks? I certainly love how comfy and soft they are! Also, I felt like the "wrap around" perfectly fits and supports the arch and the ankle too. I love them and keep them on all day, running or chilling. The breathability is an outstanding asset too as I can go for hours on end with perfectly dry feet! How valuable is something like a fresh pair of socks when you’re running for over three weeks straight as you did in Mongolia? Keeping the feet happy in long traverses is fundamental and a fresh pair always rewards you with a sense of renewed energy and light feel! Most valuable! So, if there was ever to be a Mickey Pro Series sock, what would it look like? Some cushion on the heel and a tight wrap around the plantar (mid foot). Definitely mid/low calf and with a tight fit on the ankle. The colours would need to be very natural, yet powerful. We think that could be arranged... Leave it with us! Let's GOOO!! While we get to work on the Mickey sock, what else can we look forward to from you this year? I am going to run the Lavaredo Ultra Trail at the end of June, part of the UTMB circuit. In September I am going to face the Tor des Geants, in Valle D'Aosta, in the heart of the Italian Alps. I am then running the Gran Sasso, OneHundred World Series Final in October. I also have a couple of expedition options for the end of the year, but that's still a secret. ;) ABOUT MICHELE Age: 38 Hometown: Sanremo, Italy Nationality: Italian / American Sponsors: Le Bent, TransPerfect, LaSportiva, Garmin, SaltStick, ShPlus, Vespa, NW Curve Favourite Le Bent gear: the Terra Ultra Light 3/4 Crew Trail Socks or the shorter Ultra Light Mini Trail Socks. Follow Michele here: Instagram
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19.12.2021
Cody Townsend’s The Fifty Project is Back - Behind The Scenes of Season 3
Cody Townsend is a skier of international renown. At one time most known perhaps for his “line of the year” in 2014, he’s now turned his attention to a self-produced film series “The Fifty Project”, inspired by the book, ‘The 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America.’ He’s less known, but equally defined in his mind by an, “undying love of fart jokes, abhorrence of math and curious infatuation with tiny dogs.” Cody’s real-life web series became an unprecedented success in the first half of 2019 and introduced a mainstream audience and other skiers alike, to such niche objects as skins, beacons and ski touring socks. Not only are we stoked to announce the return of the Fifty Project for season 3, but Lé Bent is now also an official sponsor. Now 28 episodes deep, and having documented 30 classic ski lines and counting, the most watched winter sports series in the world is back. “The FIFTY was started because I was searching for something new in skiing.” - Cody Townsend Watch the latest episodes here: “I’d spent the prior decade chasing the highest performance downhill, big mountain focused skiing I could. Eventually I felt like I’d tapped out all my dreams, goals and challenges within that realm.” Said Cody. “As skiing is a sport with an unlimited amount of ways you can do it, I started being drawn into the human-powered approach to skiing big lines, to expeditions to far flung corners of the world and to skiing iconic peaks that had no mechanized access.” To date, Cody’s been joined by a number of big-name, big mountain riders as well as lesser known but equally respected locals. From the likes of snowboarder and activist Jeremy Jones, to photographer Jimmy Chin and fellow Le Bent team rider Elyse Saugstad (who also happens to be Cody’s better half). However, this season promises to have an even more stacked cast of mountain icons. Cody leading Jimmy Chin up the Grand Teton for Episode 12. Pic cred: Bjarne Salen Jeremy Jones joined Cody on his mission up Meteorite in Alaska for the short film Peak Obsession which combined lines 17 and 18 of the Fifty. Pic cred: Bjarne Salen The first episode of season 3 where the team tries to climb and ski Mt Stimson is a doozy. “Sometimes it's not immediately apparent what is "classic" about the lines in the book.” Said Cody. “With Stimson, it was pretty obvious. It's a mountain that sticks up like a giant white shark fin in the sky, dwarfing nearly everything else around it. There is one little sliver off of Hwy 2 in Glacier National Park where it jumps out of the forest and stands tall and proud. It's the kind of mountain that screams at you and draws you in with its magnetic aesthetics.” “Problem is what you don't stare at, what you look right over, is possibly the gnarliest part of this mountain...the 9mile (14.5km), thick forested, heavily vegetated, deep canyoned, narrow creek'ed approach.” Mt Stimson is the opposite of low hanging fruit. Here it lurks in the distance, with days of bushwhacking and creek crossings in between. Pic cred: Bjarne Salen “I'd honestly not recommend anyone to attempt this line unless you're really into ski touring in creek water filled ski boots, torn clothes, lugging heavy backpacks over and under hundreds of deadfall trees and generally just all out suffering for days on end.” “Now I've been known to do some bushwhacks, but absolutely nothing compares with this bushwhack.” Said Cody. Indeed, Cody’s no sook when it comes to creek crossings and taking off his socks in the snow. Heck, he did a bunch of them when he visited us Downunder during our final testing of his Signature Pro Series Snow Sock. “There is no getting around the complete punishment your feet go through on tours like Stimson," he said. "You’re gonna get them wet, sweaty and cold at times. But minimizing those impacts with better materials and innovations like the heel grip strips on the Pro Model Sock helps you get through the day.” “I know with those socks I’m gonna have less chance of blisters, which could be trip enders, and more chance for warm feet which makes the challenges that you’re gonna face just a little bit easier.” Cody's Pro Series Sock. Before the line (left) and drying inside-out after a creek crossing en route to Mt Stimson for the first line of the season (right). Pic cred: Ming Poon & Bjarne Salen When asked what we can expect out of this season of the Fifty Project, Cody said, “More suffering, more education and some big challenges.” “This season was one of the toughest seasons yet and I think the entertainment value because of that is only increased. It wasn’t my favorite season while out in the field, but it’s probably my favorite season in terms of the episodes we’ve produced.” There’ll also be plenty of bonus episodes too, noting that in seasons 1 & 2 Cody produced 11 bonus episodes that often covered his all-important gear selection. “My gear decisions are always changing, always nuanced and always adapted to bring the highest level of comfort, safety and chances for success. I’m super calculated with every piece of gear I bring out there because without good gear, this project wouldn’t be possible.” Cody and Nick Russell making camp during their approach to Mt Stimson. Pic Cred: Bjarne Salen One unsung item that Cody has worn up and down all of his Fifty lines, is a Lightweight Le Bent Baselayer. "Layering is everything because one of the most important aspect of big backcountry missions is temperature management." Said Cody. “I’ve found with base layers, the combo of wool and synthetic, like the Le Bent Merino & Bamboo Rayon blend provides a perfect blend of maintaining warmth and being dry” “You’re constantly going back and forth between the heat built up from physical exertion and the cold that the environment you’re in brings. So, maintaining your temperature is essential to staying dry and a comfortable temp.” Cody tours in the Men's Core 200 Crew baselayer top and bottoms. Pic cred: Ming Poon & Bjarne Salen Episodes from season 3 of The Fifty Project will be dropping fortnightly, with some bonus surprises in between as we head full steam into winter. Stay up to date by following Lé Bent on Instagram and Facebook and be the first to know about new releases. As for Cody, he’ll be bushwhacking his way into winter and more lines on his journey to ski all 50 classics! Stay tuned. Check out the socks that have taken Cody up every single line of the Fifty...
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19.12.2021
LÉ BENT WELCOMES XAVIER DE LE RUE TO THE TEAM
The acronym G.O.A.T gets thrown around a lot in professional sports. So, perhaps adding the word ‘Mountain’ as a prefix more accurately represents what Xavier De Le Rue is to modern professional snowboarding. A 3 x Freeride World Tour champion and 4 x World Boardercross Champion, Xavier has seen, and probably ridden, it all. Xavier joins Pro Team riders Cody Townsend, Sammy Carlson and Elyse Saugstad and will be flying the Lé Bent boarder flag from the highest peaks. From the Kuril Islands to Antarctica, Vanuatu to Svalbard and Spain, Le Rue arrives at Le Bent HQ with plenty of stories from his many years spent in snowboard boots. “I tried the Lé Bent products for the first-time last year and was super impressed by the quality,” said Xavier. “I saw what my buddy Cody was doing with the guys and wanted to join in!” “We had the idea to make a splitboarding / snowboard specific sock that really fits my riding which I found very appealing.” Taking learnings from the existing Pro Series Socks, Xavier’s snowboard sock which is currently in the final testing stage (you can stay up to date on its development here), will see some unique snowboard specific considerations to ensure a sock, according to Xavier, “without any pressure points where all the binding straps apply pressure.” “I like a sock that is not too thin for touring and with a padding that is different from skiing.” Now making his home in Verbier, Xavier knows the ins and outs of more European big mountain lines than most. However, his exploits have taken him all the way to the poles. When asked where the wildest place his board has taken him? "Antarctica is definitely the one," he says. "5 days in a heavy metal boat, riding through the roughest seas on the planet, and at the end of it, the most magical and powerful mountain environment that I have had the chance to witness." Closer to home, "When I want to go more wild , Chamonix offers a pretty unique access to high alpine mega runs and that is quite special as well." It's also not far from where Le Bent co-founders Simon and Anthony cut their teeth fitting ski boots for over a decade in Val-d'Isère. With such an incredibly rounded snowboarding CV, we asked Xavier what he was most proud of in his career to date — Was it his 3rd FWT world title in a row? An epic first descent in Antarctica? Or being a four time winner of the Verbier Xtreme? His answer actually surprised us, and speaks to his humble reverence for nature and the lines he's ridden. “I think that all the ice riding shots we did for a while are quite a good memory for me as it really launched a new window of runs in the high alpine. I have always tried to think outside of the box and try new things to broaden our spectrum as snowboarders and I am proud to have influenced the sport in that way.” - Xavier De Le Rue Nowadays, Xavier's mission extends beyond riding the steepest, iciest lines — although he's still doing plenty of that too — into the realm of sustainability, within and beyond snowboarding. Having recently attended COP26, Xavier is focused on working with brands to lessen their environmental impact, something we're welcoming from him here at Lé Bent. “I am really trying to influence as much as I can my partners to gradually shift the production of all the products towards a more sustainable version.” “After 22 years of amazing opportunities through snowboarding, my goal now is to pass on my knowledge, in order to inspire others to get out there and enjoy their own adventures.” That goal starts with Lé Bent helping snowboarders find a better fit, so they can take their riding to new heights. Stay up to date as we unveil our new creation with XV here.
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19.12.2021
Michael Wirth's Mission To Ski The 59 peaks above 13,000 Feet In The Elks
A recent addition to the team, Michael Wirth is a 23yo ski mountaineer from Aspen, Colorado. Michael had an epic goal last season, and we wanted to tell you about it, but we didn't even know how to put the feat into words. Instead, we thought it should come straight from the horses (or Elk's) mouth. The below was written by Michael. Expect plenty more to come from him. The Beauty and Challenge of Ski Mountaineering in the Elks by Michael Wirth In embarking on a challenge, one that tries all facets of your mental and physical fortitude, you discover a new world within yourself. That is, a sensation of transcendental connection to the world around you. My name is Michael Wirth, I’m a 23-year-old ski mountaineer from Aspen, CO. I just finished a project where I became the first person to climb and ski from the summits of all 59 peaks above 13,000’ in the Elk Mountain Range of Colorado. I did this in 61 days. I’m here to share a glimpse into the challenges and beauty of this journey. Throughout this project and over the years, I’ve found myself falling deeper in love with ski mountaineering: primarily because this sport never ceases to challenge you further – on both mental and physical levels. The most obvious challenge ski mountaineers confront comes with moving in technical and exposed terrain. The difficulty here comes with building a level of mental comfort and physical confidence to make critical moves when the consequence could mean death. Plain and simple: big mountains, ice, and cliffs are hard to move through. Micheal nearing an unnamed summit after another early start. The other challenges that confronted me throughout my project, and the ones I believe to be the greatest challenges, were fatigue and planning. Let’s start with fatigue: to ski off the summit of a remote and steep peak means starting your journey in the middle of the night. In the spring conditions of Colorado ski mountaineering, you must start early to avoid having the sun warm a slope and cause a wet slide avalanche. So, your alarm clock goes off at 2am, you roll out of bed, slam down an espresso and force some oatmeal in. Your body doesn’t want to be awake at this time, and it certainly doesn’t want to digest any food. You remind yourself that you’ll need this energy and that your efforts will be rewarded by the unparalleled beauty of a snow-covered alpine landscape. Doing this a few, or even ten, times in a season isn’t all that bad because a nap awaits you after your trying yet rewarding climb and ski. However, for my project, I didn’t take a nap once. After I finished an objective, my attention immediately turned to the next. In the remaining hours of the day, I was busy driving to the next trailhead, drying out my gear, laying out the food I needed for the next day, and eating what I could in order to stay nourished for the many remaining peaks. Then, you try to go to bed before 8pm to wake up again at 2am and do it all over. For roughly the first 30 summits, this was brutal. My body was resisting falling into a rhythm of waking up in the middle of the night. Consequently, many of those days were fueled by reminding myself: you get to ski, you get to be in the alpine, you get to be in one of the most beautiful places on planet earth. That worked. I moved through the darkness of a forest every early morning waiting for the first light of the day to welcome me. When it did, I never wanted to be anywhere else. Sunrise over the Elks is a small reward for those Alpine starts. Once I reached the halfway mark of the project, I fell into a rhythm. The fatigue was never gone, nor was the confusion of eating breakfast around midnight. But, my body started to harmonize with my mind’s desire to journey into the alpine every day. At this point, things were flowing. I was pretty much in a flow state for an entire month. My routine had been dialed; I reached a point of deep connection and understanding of the Elk Range’s geography and snow conditions that I’d never experienced before; I knew what I had to do to finish the project and my body was trained to follow that desire at an unconscious level. Every part of my being was dedicated and working together to fulfill this dream. Let’s back up for a moment. I mentioned that planning was the other great challenge of this project. The 13,000’ summits in the Elk Range are rarely traveled in both the summer and winter. That means there is very little beta (information about routes previously completed) on these peaks. Within the Elk Range, there are 52 13,000’ summits: only around ten of them had information available on winter climbing and ski descent routes. Consequently, mapping out how to ski off the summits of all 52 peaks became a puzzle. About four months prior to actually setting off to ski the first mountain, I was in heavy information collecting mode. I started off by compiling a list of all the 13,000’ peaks then plotting them onto maps. Here is my first complete map of all 52 summits. Don’t worry, I didn’t just use a paper map as some sort of hipster statement. I think there is something extremely valuable to visualizing a landscape by scratching it up with a pen rather than with a computer cursor. Furthermore, the landscape is set, there’s no zooming in and out or changing axis, thus you get a sense for the absolute layout of a place with a fixed paper map. After getting this initial layout of the Elks etched in my mind, I switched over to using our space-age tech of Caltopo and FATMAP. First, I used FATMAP’s elevation gradient to ensure that I hadn’t missed any 13,000’ summits in the range. Then, I categorized the peaks by their prominent drainage so that I could more easily sort through the sheer number of them. This type of categorization proved to be quite useful later on in the project, as I was prioritizing certain areas of the range depending on how well snow was holding there. Then it came time to start the project. The anticipation was big, particularly because I had spent a lot of time mapping peaks, studying snow forecasts, and performing snow column tests around the areas where I’d be skiing. I was nervous because we had a particularly unstable snowpack this year throughout Colorado, and especially in the Elks. However, the warming temperatures of spring always end up settling the snowpack: it’s just a game of being too early–especially when you’re trying to ski so many peaks in one season. The only way to answer your questions about the snowpack and which lines go or don’t is to head out and assess the conditions with your own eyes. So, I started off by climbing and skiing some summits that were more straightforward: that’s when the true mapping and planning began. Each time I reached a summit, I’d take a panoramic view, note the neighboring 13,000’ summits and scribe some quick notes to myself about prospective ascent and descent routes. This process continued throughout the entire project: I’d continuously get slightly different views of peaks I had yet to ski as I stood on the summits of their neighbors. Then, it just came time to trust what I’d seen, have confidence in my observations about the snowpack, and go ski that line that no one had ever written about and possibly never skied before. It may sound a bit like I was just going for it on those unknown peaks. However, that was never the case. I completed six first descents throughout the two months. For each of those lines, I scoped them from at least three different mountain tops–noting the cruxes, the steep sections, the entrance, and the exit. All of it was very planned. All of it was a collaboration of spending two months fully immersed in the mountains. All of it was a result of listening to my surroundings. The project concluded when I'd skied all 52 13,000’ peaks and seven 14,000’ Elk Range mountains from their summits. That last day was hard. I’d just experienced the most challenging and also most beautiful two months of my life. When you wake up at 2am every day for two months and venture into the alpine, you’re met with the most beautiful moments the world has to offer. The snow-covered mountains turn to the softest blue with the first light of the day. Then, they begin to glow with that unmistakable alpine orange. In those moments, your tiredness disappears, you become overwhelmed with an appreciation for the world at large, and you feel alive. This project meant so much to me, as the Elk Range is home to the wilderness and mountains that I explored throughout my childhood. It feels amazing to have taken this opportunity to turn off the well-traveled path, to explore something new, to experience something like no one has before. I can now say I’m an explorer and I’ve explored something in a deeper way than anyone has before.
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13.10.2020
WATCH 'DOLLAR SHORT' SKI FILM HERE + BTS CHAT TO CREATORS!
DOLLAR SHORT IS LIVE! Before we get into the making of, nitty gritty, BTS with the brain trust behind the picture, catch the full 12-minute flick featuring pillow lines, backcountry booters and bank robberies below!!! Boom! If that doesn't get you excited for winter, nothing will. Wondering how they came up with such a concept and what in fact goes into executing a project like this - all while Covid is knocking on the northern Hemi's doorstep? We were too. Below, hear from the creators Caleb Chicoine and Alex D'Agostino, directors and masterminds from Benshicreative as well as Le Bent team riders Parkin Costain and Jake Hopfinger. Jake Hopfinger presumably admiring his handiwork. Photo: Jonathan Finch Caleb Chicoine (director): Thinking about how this film came to fruition is pretty funny to reflect on. During the summer of 2019 Alex and I we’re both working as editors at TGR in Jackson Hole. We were fresh off releasing our first ski series “Before Tomorrow” the winter prior. That project was what really kicked off Benshi, but we felt like it was just a small taste of what we wanted to do and what the Benshi crew was capable of.We started a really strong relationship with Jake Hopfinger with Before Tomorrow and knew we wanted to all work together again the next winter, and on one of our last days shooting that project we linked up with Parkin Costain. We all hit it off instantly and started scheming the next film. All aboard the company car/metal steed. Photo: Jonathan Finch Since Alex and I were living in Jackson Hole, Jake was in Bozeman, and Parkin was in Whitefish, we would have daily facetime group calls to brainstorm film ideas. We knew we wanted to make something that wasn’t just action ski porn, and was able to integrate a story into a ski film without beating it over people's heads.Lots of bad ideas came out of these facetime sessions (mostly by me…). When we would talk about coming up with ideas, we played with the concept of creating a totally random scenario and saying “what would happen if... “ and seeing where that would take us. Jokingly as an example, someone (I don’t remember who) said “What if we robbed a bank”.We all laughed and thought that was a ridiculous idea and a funny joke. As we bounced around a bunch of other ideas over the next few weeks, we eventually circled back to this joke idea and just said “Screw it, what would happen if two skiers robbed a bank?” Haha... Two skiers walk into a 7/11, a bar, a bank... Photo: Jonathan Finch After that summer Alex and I moved back to Bozeman and we started to really pick this idea apart with the whole crew. We just kept playing off of the “what if” idea and let it roll, and eventually we came up with what you see in the film. I couldn’t be more grateful for this crew and all the hard work everyone dedicated to making this happen and for all of our sponsors. I feel like this is still just 5% of the way to where we want to take things as a crew and am psyched to get to work on the next one. Alex D'Agostino (director): As a kid growing up on the east coast I remember watching all the big ski films and thinking: Wow, I’m never going to be able to do things and go to the places these guys are going. Even though I now have been lucky enough to experience those once far off dreams, those childhood thoughts still resonate with me. Caleb and I wanted to make a film that touches on that idea. Sure nice sleds and big trucks are epic, but the true heart of skiing is just going out with your friends whenever and however you can. This film was a blast to make - it was hilarious making two pro skiers act for us all year. The Benshi crew is just getting started - we are incredibly excited for what’s next! Alex on the tools. Photo: Jonathan Finch Parkin Costain: What a season last year was! I was more eager than ever to be more involved in the ski industry. Just a few years ago I would have never guessed that goal would lead me to help create a short ski film as part of the Benshi Crew. I’ve continued to embrace my ever growing urge to never have a real job and last season was the logical next step in that direction. Parkin repping our lightweight balaclava for heavyweight pillow domination. Photo: Jonathan Finch While navigating the Covid ridden season, the crew and I were able to continue production all the way up until March when the whole world went into lockdown. Before this I was able to win the Kings and Queens of Corbet’s, score a segment with Warren Miller Entertainment and continue on with the everflowing good times with the Benshi crew. So much went down last season but by far the most gratifying and rewarding moments were spent with our tight knit team scouting and shredding lines in the backcountry. I couldn’t be more stoked on forming such a strong relationship with the team. Our minds are turning for the upcoming season and I can’t wait to show the world what we’re scheming. Parkin prepping to drop... Off what, we ain't sure. Photo: Jonathan Finch Jake Hopfinger: Ever seen two backcountry skiers rob a bank? We did - kinda… The fall before shooting this project was spent with many hours on the phone brainstorming concepts for a backcountry skiing short film with a strong narrative backbone. Something that would bring a fresh tone to ski industry media. “Dollar Short” is certainly something unique that I hope people will appreciate. Jake Hopfinger minding the gap. Photo: Jonathan Finch Being the second season with the Benshi Creative crew, I had some high expectations for my personal skiing. With such a strong crew, it allowed me to really focus on my task at hand: ski hard and stay healthy. Luckily that is how it played out, which made for one of the best seasons of my life. We are all really psyched with how “Dollar Short” turned out. We hope everyone will keep an eye on our crew for what’s to come in the future! Can we be in the next one boys? Looks like a bloody good time! Photo: Jonathan Finch
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