Simple. Solid. Blogcountry.

Tech Update! Voile Splitboard Touring Bracket Loses Weight.

2009-11-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

Voile's backcountry product focus has driven us to obsession when it comes to light weight. Yet another example of this obsession is illustrated below.

Voile is now including a new lighter weight splitboard touring bracket with the Voile Mojo splitboard. Without any compromise in durability, we have shaved off a scant 14 grams per pair. (Smile)

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Ullr Ball 2009

2009-10-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

Thur. Nov. 12 at 8pm in Salt Lake City, the local non-profit environmental organization Save Our Canyons will host their yearly fundraiser the Ullr Ball. Please support Save Our Canyons in their effort to protect the local Wasatch backcountry from over-development.

A 2009-2010 Voile Mojo splitboard and Voile Switchback telemark touring binding will be raffled off at the event.

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Tech Update! Voile Slider Track for splitboard improved.

2009-10-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

To increase the durability of the Voile Slider Track, we have added material to the stop tab at the back of the Slider Track. This will prevent any long term wear, as it bears the full weight of the user in each step they take while skinning uphill. The stop tab also performs the function of providing a stop and precise fit of the Slider Track when sliding over the adjustable pucks for the ride mode of the splitboard.

Above shows how the Voile Slider Track stop tab fits into the Voile Heel Pad of the splitboard.
This improvement is available on all Voile Slider Tracks produced for this season.

Winter Stumbled Upon Us?

2009-10-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

It appears that winter has caught some people off guard, but like they say, the early bird gets the worm...errrr the POW. Enjoy these photos from October 11th early season powder sessions in Wyoming. Hope you have those boards dusted off and waxed up. Game ON!

Photos: Darran Well and Jeramie Prine

Riders Love the Mojo!

2009-09-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Backcountry Magazine Gear Guide drives home why riders love the all mountain performance of the Voile Mojo splitboard. Voile-USA is the longest running splitboard manufacturer in the market and pioneered today's reliable splitboard hardware interface.

"Sized for Men and Women, the Mojo cast a spell on testers this year. It dominated in powder, earning high marks for ease of turn initiation with the same directional shape, dimensions, and traditional camber as last year. Testers of both sexes succumbed to the Mojo's magic: "Springy, sprightly; picks its way down steep slopes, and is most responsive to short radius turns," a female tester said. "Still gets the Mojo flowin ' in wide-open pow." A male tester found: "The Mojo is light underfoot and has a smooth torsional flex" it's tough to beat for technical terrian, where quick, reliable turns are a necessity." - 2010 Backcountry Magazine Gear Guide.

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Voile Drifter backcountry skis, Backcountry Magazine Editor's Choice!

2009-08-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Backcountry Magazine recently named the new Voile Drifter hybrid rocker skis an Editor's Choice.

Get ready for an entirely new skiing experience.

Combining the progressive powder-ski concept of rockered and tapered tips and tails with traditional side-cut and camber under foot, the Voile Drifter is stable and easy to ski in conditions ranging from the deepest powder to the most difficult wind slab. The traditional side-cut and camber under foot allows you to carve with confidence on firm snow you might find on your way back to the lift or on the exit of a difficult ski tour. Add Voile's signature lightweight ski construction and you won't be afraid to put skins on these boards.

Be assured, your skiing experience will never be the same.

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Tech Update! Voile Switchback toe-plate improved.

2009-07-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

We have improved the Voile Switchback telemark touring binding toe-plate with some minor dimensional changes and a new more durable 410 heat-treated stainless steel.

The Switchback toe-plate is so tough, we are backing it up with a new 2 year warranty.

After 2 years on our customer's feet and with many backcountry miles, the Switchback has proven to be the most reliable, lightweight, and ice-free telemark touring binding on the snow.

We invite you to compare the Voile Switchback with any of our competitor's bindings as we are confident you will see the superior design and benefits of the Switchback.

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Lyngen Alps in Northern Norway

2009-06-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

Group photo on top of Rieppetind in the Lyngen Alps, from left: Odd-Arne, Johan, Stefan, Bjorn, Line and Kristine

Line and Stefan on the way down, with majestic spike peaks in the background

Bjorn letting the Voile Asylums do their stuff in the Lyngen Alps

Thanks, Bjorn for sharing your photos with us!

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Falling is not an option.

2009-04-23T13:42:00.001-07:00

Jarrett Luttrell was kind enough to forward his trip report of a hair raising steep ride down (on a Voile Mojo 66) Pyramid Peak near Aspen, Colorado. I must admit after reading his TR, I was puckering up a bit. Click on the photo for the full TR. Thanks Jarrett!

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Next season's Voile Mojo splitboard available now!

2009-04-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Although no changes to construction or dimensions, Voile is pleased to have the sought after Mojo splitboard back in stock with fresh new graphics for the 2009-10 season. Going into its 3rd season, the Mojo has proven to be an all-mountain performance splitboard that you can rely on for all conditions from deep and soft to steep and hard.

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Voile's SX gets Turbo'd - by Craig Dostie

2009-04-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

Had a chance to check out a long desired improvement to Voile bindings yesterday. To be more specific, a more active, turbo-charged version of Voile's popular Switchback binding. Making the binding more active could be done by 1) moving the pivot point back further, and/or 2) increasing the spring rate of the cartridges used.

Voile opted to test a SX binding with the pivot moved back 3/8". I've been testing telemark bindings since 1993, and have recently been involved in comparing what's new for next season, in particular 22 Design's free pivoting HammerHead, a.k.a. Axl, and Rottefella's NTN binding with their various spring cartridges. Against these, and other more active bindings Voile's offerings seem underpowered. That would only be at a first glance, for the reality is, while some telemarkers may desire more power from their binding, most of us are quite content with what we have. Voile's bindings fall in the contented category, but having a bit more power wouldn't hurt either.

This beta version of a turbo charged SX skied beautifully. It had noticeably more power, but not so much that I felt it might compromise sensitivity in soft snow. Part of that is due to the side routing of the cables which seems to consistently deliver a very smooth engagement. Some might call it slow, and indeed it is slower to turn on the power compared to tele bindings with underfoot cable routing, but that isn't always a good thing. It is also a subtle difference that takes time to recognize.

Bottom line: This turbo SX binding skis great. On the HammerHead scale, I'd say (without a side by side comparison) the turbo SX is about HH#3.25. The normal SX/Switchback is more like HH#2.8. Can't wait for Voile to adopt it for the Switchback. If you thought it was too much power, it would be easy enough to simply back off on the pre-tension a bit so that engagement was a bit slower, but overall power remained higher.

Dostie

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Voile Asylum's on Pointe de Revedin, 2,750 m, Wallis, Switzerland

2009-04-03T16:36:00.001-07:00

Ulrich Hausmann, a Voile fan and enthusiastic skier of the Voile Asylum and Switchback, sent us these photos of a backcountry ski tour at Point de Revedin, near Wallis, Switzerland. Spectacular! Thanks Ulrich!

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Splitboard Spain!

2009-04-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

From our friends in Europe, splitboarding in Aran Valley, Spain. Enjoy!

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5th Annual ScrubFest

2009-02-26T18:12:00.000-08:00

This years gathering was fantastic thanks to good friends, great riding, perfect conditions, and wonderful rustic lodging in the heart of Wyoming! It was amazing to see splitboarders and skiers converging together comparing gear, swapping stories, and enjoying the mountains.

The crew all offered their sincere thanks and gratitude for all that Voile has done for splitboarding. Without Voile's invention of the splitboard, the sport would not be were it is today. Voile is unique in bringing backcountry snowboarders and skiers together. We all owe you a toast and thanks!

Sandbox Rocks and surfing pow:

Big climbs with the crew:

What is there not to love skiing in the mountains on bluebird days?

Thanks to Voile-USA and our sponsors for help making this event so successful. May Ullr continue to keep it white, fresh, and deep well past spring!

2009 Wasatch Powder Keg Backcountry Ski Race

2009-02-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

As you may have heard during this year's OR show, a few Salt Lake City locals are taking over organizing the 2009 Wasatch Powder Keg Backcountry Ski Race this year. We've all been participants in the past and it has been such a great event that we are defying all odds, taking the reigns, and keeping the race alive ... grassroots style.

If you'd be kind enough to help us get the word out through your website, it'd be greatly appreciated!

2009 Wasatch Powderkeg Backcountry Ski Race

DATE Saturday, March 14, 2009
TIME 7:30 am MDT
WHERE Alta, UT

NOTES
The 6th annual Wasatch Powderkeg Backcountry Ski Race will have both recreational and race divisions with Men's, Women's, AT, and Tele groups in each division, prizes for the winners, and a post-race raffle and BBQ. Registration forms, race details, and race contact information are available at www.wasatchpowderkeg.com

Voile avalanche shovels receive high marks in European shovel test.

2009-01-02T10:18:00.000-08:00

Under the patronage of the Austrian Alpine Club, a recent avalanche shovel test/review was published in the Austrian publication Berg & Steigen and the publication of the Canadian Avalanche Association. In this test, Voile received very favorable results measuring durability and functionality.

The Voile shovels tested were the Telepro-T6, XLM, and new model XLM Pro(Voile's Mini Telepro-T6).

Based on the test, the Telepro-T6 was the clear winner in terms of durability and actual functionality during a mock rescue situation.

This article will be published soon in the American Avalanche Association's publication, The Avalanche Review.

7 million vertical feet on the Voile Insane and Switchback

2008-12-17T10:38:00.000-08:00

Recently we received back a pair of test Voile Insane skis and Switchback telemark bindings from Rainer Hertrich. It seems Rainer skied a few vertical feet on our set-up: a mere 7 million vertical feet.

Amazingly Rainer Hertrich has followed the snow and skied EVERY day for the last 5 years=1825 consecutive days. Please link to Skinet.com article.

We looked over the Voile Insanes and Switchbacks, gave them a tune-up, and sent em back out to Rainer to see if he can get another 7 million vert.

Thanks Rainer for letting Voile be a part of your record breaking ski odyssey!

5th Annual ScrubFest, Wyoming's Finest Backcountry Festival

2008-12-11T08:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our sponsors: VOILE-USA, Spark R & D, splitboard.com, Leeward Cinema, backcountry.com, Blacksmith Productions

All people showing up must have transcievors, probes, shovels. This event is not a guided excursion and everyone who participates does so at their own risk! On the other hand, local knowledge/avalanche advisories will be available. All participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver prior to arrival. Fees cover lodging and entertainment expenses only, not guiding.

Voile Holy Grail Contest Winners

2008-12-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for all your great comments and support. We have chosen 2 winners, one randomly, and one based on the eloquence of their prose.

First, chosen randomly, congrats to:

Backcountry.it said...
I would like them...
October 3, 2008 10:49 AM

And great writing by:

Eric Supancic said...
An evil empire run by unscrupulous vikings, and media outlets that seem to be controlled by this evil empire, want you to believe that a "Holy Grail" of telemark bindings exists. Real Telemarkers know the truth....the "Holy Grail" is not a physical object, but the bloodline of Voile, our saviors of modern telemark. For decades, these evil Birkebeiners persecuted the Voile family for producing reliable, lightweight, simple, and inexpensive telemark bindings and equipment. The Voile family found sanctuary in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah where they developed superior equipment for the modern telemarker. Even today, Voile continues it's innovation by hand crafting superior bindings, skis, and other equipment like shovels and probes - right here in the USA. Telemarkers need not venture out on piste crusades in search of a myth propagated by the Evil Empire....they simply need to get some Voile Switchback or SX telemark bindings and ski today!
August 25, 2008 9:43 AM

Holy Grail telemark binding, will it be a reality or a myth?

2008-12-02T11:26:00.000-08:00

Win a pair of Voile Switchback or Voile SX telemark bindings.
To enter leave a comment. Winners announced above. Contest complete.

This Voile advertisement will display in the Sept. 2008 Gear Guide issue of Backcountry Magazine. Click the Blogcountry link and leave your comment related to the statement in this ad. View PDF copy of ad.

Winner of contest will be announced Dec. 1 2008. Winners announced above.

Mike Basich installing a Voile Split Kit on ESPN

2008-11-15T08:10:00.000-08:00

Mike Basich from http://www.241-usa.com/ recently did a project for ESPN where he did a Voile Split Kit installation. We appreciate Mike's self reliance, do it yourself skills, and philosophy on backcountry travel. Great job Mike! Thanks from Voile! Check out video and link to story.
http://expn.go.com/expn/story?id=3684906

Voile's new backcountry snow saw includes a shovel.

2008-10-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

If you want a backcountry saw, please consider the new Voile T6 Tech avalanche shovel. An improvement over our previous design, the T6 Tech is a more pack friendly, lightweight, and easier to use avalanche shovel and snow saw combination.

The T6 Tech conveniently stows a 14"/36cm snow saw blade and the saw is easily attached to the end of the shaft for avalanche science work and winter shelter building. The T6 Tech is also sold with your toughest professional avalanche scoop the T6.

For the price of some other brand's backcountry saw, get the professional grade Voile T6 Tech shovel/saw combination.

Check it out here!

Voile's backyard: Wasatch Snow!

2008-10-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

Well, it may not last, but enough to get the stoke going. Hiked from White Pine trailhead to Maybird drainage to get a look at the Pfeifferhorn, a majestic Wasatch peak.

Pfeifferhorn(Little Matterhorn), Lone Peak Wilderness, Wasatch Mountains, Utah.

Splitboarding Gannett Peak

2008-09-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Story by Jeramie Prine

Photos: Steve Romeo/Jeramie Prine

With the upcoming ski season closely approaching, my thoughts flash back to stellar days spent in the backcountry with friends and family. A trip I daydream about often was a week-long journey spent in the Wind River mountain range to ski Wyoming's highest summit, Gannett Peak, this last June with skiers Steve Romeo, and brothers Chris and Tim Weydeveld.

This trip was a true test of the "Simple. Solid. Backcountry." motto for my gear. Over 30 miles were spent skinning with heavy packs, an unruly amount of transitioning took place on patchy snow in the Dinwoody drainage, and variable snow conditions were etched upon during the descent. All ingredients for a perfect trip.

Steve Romeo skins out of Ink Wells with Gannett Peak in view:

Being the lone splitboarder in the group, I knew that my Voile SD Mojo would have to hold up to the heavy use and abuse the Wind Rivers would throw at it. There would be no friends to bum spare parts from in a desperate situation far from civilization. I was confident never being let down in "the field" before riding different models of Voile's split-decision. Our only concerns were focused on weather, snow, and the glacier's conditions since we left our ropes at home due to a big snow year.

Tim, Jeramie, & Chris enjoying a June day in the Wind River Mountains at basecamp:After a day and a half of slogging, our basecamp was set. Thoughts of lighter packs filled our heads as we crashed in our sleeping bags early in preparation for next morning's climb. 2:45 came quick with howling winds and a clear star-filled sky. Content with lighter loads and consistent snow for skinning and booting, we quickly made our way up to Gooseneck glacier and to the base of Gooseneck Pinnacle just below the summit ridge of Gannett peak.

Tim and Jeramie climb Gooseneck glacier with Gannett Peak summit in the clouds:

The winds grew stronger and pushed a strange storm system in covering the summit of the mountain. Thoughts of retreat entered our minds. Below the Gooseneck Pinnacle with a brief discussion, we decided to push on despite lack of visibility. As we climbed further, the clouds let up slightly and we soon found ourselves on the top of Wyoming. Temperatures neared zero and we wasted little time switching over to enjoy the reward of the down.

View of the Gooseneck Pinnacle & route from the summit ridge:

A fine day of splitboarding on Wyoming's highest peak:

On a long trip and big climbs like this the Mojo is durable, yet light with new cap construction, aspen core, and carbon fiber. Light is nice on the up, but this board IS "all about the down" without any sacrifice in powder, on ice, or in between. Hoots and hollers penetrated through gusts of wind as each of us found our lines down the mountain. Now I know what it all really means to live the "Simple. Solid. Backcountry." way of life.

Jeramie enjoying his ride:

Do you know where your skis are made?

2008-07-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

Voile Insane and Asylum skis made in Salt Lake City, Utah USA

It may be 95 degrees in Salt Lake City, but Voile is very busy with the production of our skis and splitboards. Just want you to know that we are handcrafting your new Voile Insane and Voile Asylum skis and they will be ready at the end of the summer!

Made from sustainably grown aspen lumber, the Asylum wood cores in process.

All waste product from the ski wood core production is recycled into an organic mulch for landscaping materials.

Learn More...