At USA Nordic we are focused on ski jumping and nordic combined all season long. The spring time is refreshing for our athletes and staff as many of us move our attention to ski touring and alpine skiing.
The snow is still falling, yet ski resorts are closed, and touring in many places is no longer safe. Though, we believe it’s never too early to start thinking about next seasons treasures. Today we offer a glimpse into the “gear room” of our athletes and staff.
Jasper Good – Nordic Combined
Boots: Hawx Ultra XTD 130
Skis: Atomic Backland 95, Atomic Backland 107
I have the Atomic Backland 95’s and 107’s for skis and the Hawx Ultra XTD 130 for boots. I chose the 107’s for a fun powder skiing that is lightweight in the backcountry so I can get lots of pow laps. My 95’s are my ‘lighter’ for bigger expeditions when I know I’ll be doing long approaches or be out for a while!!
Anna Hoffmann – Ski Jumping
Boots – Hawx Ultra 95
Skis – Bent Chetler 100
Bindings – Atomic Shift 13
I love my ski setup because it’s super light and has the perfect width for both piste days and backcountry powder days.
Ben Loomis – Nordic Combined
Bindings: Atomic Backland Tour
Skis: Backland 85 Ultra Light, Backland 107
My favorite all around setup from Atomic is the Backland 107 mounted with the Backland bindings. This setup is light enough for long days and big enough for deep days. For light and fast days, I’ll use the Backland 85 UL’s- another Atomic ski that punches well above its weight.
Decker Dean – Ski Jumping
Skis – Bent Chetler 100
I went back and forth between the 100’s and 116’s because I didn’t know if I wanted an all terrain type ski or just a POW ski. In the end I chose the 100’s because I can ski anything with them: powder, park, groomers, and touring. The skis are super unique and cool as well because Chris Benchetler drew and created the whole design. It’s a super creative way to mix skiing and art- two things I really enjoy.
Taylor Fletcher – Nordic Combined
Boots: Hawx Ultra XTD 130
Binding: Atomic Shift 13
Ski: Backland 107.
The Hawx Ultra XTD 130 is a do everything boot with superior performance. I ski aggressively with forward flexion, so I need a boot that is stiff. Usually with stiffness comes weight, and the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 is light enough to go into the backcountry and hike but also for making big Super G turns down the mountain. The traditional four buckle boot gives me comfort and performance.
Backcountry bindings have never boasted the performance that a resort binding offers. Until now. With the Shift I can ski everything, making this the perfect binding for a setup that will see resort days and backcountry days. This binding makes me happy.
This is the perfect ski for me. While it is still relatively big, It has a great radius which allows me to charge down the groomers. The construction of this ski is done brilliantly, as it has handled every condition out there. This ski is stiff, light, and has style which everyone knows is very important when choosing a ski.
Bill Demong – Executive Director
Skis – Atomic Backland 109
I ski on the Atomic Backland 109’s, which is the predecessor to the Backland 107’s. I’m a huge fan of this ski due to its versatility. If you are going to own just one ski for a quiver, I would go in this direction. These have enough under foot for powder days but stay capable in all conditions- groomers, pow, backcountry, you name it.
Blake Hughes – Women’s Ski Jumping Head Coach
Boots – Atomic Hawx Ultra Xtd 130
I chose these boots because they are light for walking up and stiff enough to support my out of shape coaching body.
Ben Berend – Marketing Manager
Boots – Atomic Backland Carbon
Bindings – Atomic Mtn, Atomic Shift
Skis – Backland 95, Backland 109
My go-to touring setup is the Atomic Backland Carbon boots, Atomic Mtn binding, and Backland 95 skis. I still can’t believe how light this setup is. Sometimes at the trailhead I’ll panic that I left my skis at home. I’ll look everywhere for them, just to realize I’ve been holding them the whole time. Just to be clear, that has actually never happened. But it could.
I have a pair of Backland 109’s that I bought off Bryan Fletcher this year. They are a few years old and he sold them to me with the biggest core shot I’ve ever seen. Seriously it looked like he tried to ski down a quarry. Anyways, these skis are AMAZING. They can handle anything but man do they shine in deep snow. I’ve seen it time and time again with skis and bikes- the right equipment actually makes me better. These skis did that for me. Atomic no longer makes Backland 109’s, but the 107’s are the new and improved version.
