GEAR:30

Kara Williard and Jonathan Ellsworth talk with Jeff Colt, Brand Director of ZipFit, to make the case for why liners, or “inner boots” are one of the most overlooked yet most important pieces of gear. We also discuss the legacy of Sven Coomer; the growth of ZipFit as they bring new products to market; the Fischer x ZipFit collab with the RC4 Pro series; and Jeff shares his own ‘Crashes & Close Calls’ story from the Blister Summit. TOPICS & TIMES ZipFit at the Blister Summit (4:08)“Inner Boots” (7:52)“First Fit” vs. “3rd-Day Fit” (12:38)Durability, Consistency, Longevity (23:08)Reviewing Ski Boots (33:49)The Growth of ZipFit (39:33)Sven Coomer’s Legacy (46:33)Low-Volume Liners (51:01)Fischer x ZipFit (59:15)Crashes & Close Calls (1:04:23)What We’re Celebrating (1:11:00)RELATED LINKS Episode Sponsor: skierssportshop.comBecome a Blister + Spot MemberBlister Podcast: Sven Coomer, Founder of Zipfit (Ep. 35) Off The Couch: Jeff Colt on Chasing Western States & More (Ep. 152)Get Your Blister x John Fellows Artist Series ShirtCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTEDBlister PodcastBikes & Big IdeasOff the CouchHappy Hour

For this edition of Shop Talk, Kristin Sinnott is back with the owners of the Spokane Alpine Haus, Drew and Rachel Harding, to discuss skiing with kids. We cover how we were introduced to the sport as kids, what it looked like to bring our own kids into the sport, and how it’s going. We also talk about how shops can help facilitate children and families getting into the sport, what it looks like to grow the next generation of skiers and snowboarders, what to look for in kids' gear, the gear that’s helped us get our families out on the hill, and more. TOPICS & TIMES:Drew and Rachels' Background in Skiing as Kids (2:07)Kristin's Background (5:02)Affordability (5:56)Child Care and Traveling with Kids for Skiing (8:05)Drew and Rachel's Kids Intro to Skiing  and Parent Mentorship (10:42)Seasonal Leases (19:31)Parental Advice for Soft Goods and Apparel (23:14)iGrow stitches and Boot Cuff Considerations? (27:48)Boot Considerations and Growth (34:27)Hard Goods and Ski Poles (36:47)Leashes and Harness (41:38)Sense of Freedom for Kids (46:33)How Can Ski Shops Play a Roll In Kids Skiing (49:59)Helmets and Goggles (52:21)Kids Join the Conversation (56:01)RELATED LINKS:Blister Recommended Ski Shop: Spokane Alpine HausBlister Recommend ShopsSpokane Alpine HausShop Talk: Spokane Alpine Haus (Ep.160)Shop Talk: Recap of the Season; Skiing with Kids; & Heated Socks (Ep.194)Blister + Spot MembershipGet Your Blister x John Fellows Artist Series ShirtCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTEDBlister PodcastBikes & Big IdeasOff the CouchHappy Hour (for Blister Members)

Luke Koppa is joined by Justin Bobb, Kara Williard, Dylan Wood, and Kristin Sinnott to discuss some of the standout gear they were able to test at last week’s Blister Summit, from skis to snowboards, ski boots, bindings, and even snow blades. Then about halfway through, Jonathan Ellsworth jumps in and adds his thoughts on a couple of the skis he got on, too.TOPICS & TIMES Fischer RC4 BOA Boots (3:06)Moment Countach 110 (6:53)Kristin’s Ski Picks (9:09)Jbobb on Snowboards (10:49)Icelantic Shaman (13:17)Renoun Citadel 106 (17:44)Volkl Revolt 114 (19:45)Majesty Havoc Ti (23:18)Nidecker Supermatic Bindings (26:02)ZipFit Liners (30:46)K2 Mindebender 108 Ti & Nordica Unleashed 108 W (37:37)Deviation Works (39:06)Jonathan Jumps In (41:56)Snow Blades, Tele Skis, Mono Skis, & Compeed (54:36)What We're Celebrating (1:02:06)Crashes and Close Calls (1:06:12)RELATED LINKS:Blister Recommended Shop: Powder7Blister + Spot Membership New Gear Recap from Blister Summit 2023OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Happy HourCRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchBLISTER Podcast