Majesty Skis America – Updated on March 11, 2026

If you’ve followed our previous updates, you know how significantly U.S. trade policy has impacted the outdoor industry. If you’re just tuning in, here’s a clear summary of where we now stand.

Tariffs continue to disrupt the industry

Following a February 2026 Supreme Court ruling that deemed his previous, broader tariffs unconstitutional, President Trump is implementing a 15% tariff on most imports using a different, rarely-used authority, Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

These penalties, along with a weaker U.S. dollar, higher fuel and logistics costs, have increased our landed cost by approximately 25% percent compared to the pre-tariff years.

Pricing changes

At Majesty, we have absorbed as much of these cost increases as possible. However, the current tariff structure and rising costs make it impossible to continue without adjusting our pricing.

• Dealer pricing increased by approximately 7 to 15 %
• Retail pricing adjusted upward between 10 to 17 %

We remain committed to maintaining the quality, performance and sustainability that define our skis. These adjustments allow us to continue supporting our customers, partners and athletes while operating responsibly in a changing economic environment.

Current spring sale pricing is a great opportunity to secure the skis you want while supplies last.

Pre-order fulfillment windows

Due to the cost of storing high-value inventory in the U.S., we may operate on a pre-order basis for select 2026-27 ski models. This allows us to manage our inventory while still delivering the gear you want.

When pre-ordering 2027 skis, please expect pre-order fulfillment to fall within a delivery window of approximately 4 to 6 weeks.

Our commitment to you

We understand that price changes are never ideal. We are absorbing as much as we can, and we remain fully committed to supporting our retailers, athletes and loyal customers.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. We’re proud to build skis that perform at the highest level and to stand with a community that values transparency and long-term vision.

Face shots with every turn, the thrill of surfing through bottomless powder - I’d heard about the legendary snow in Japan, but I didn’t fully understand it until I visited Hokkaido. It’s no exaggeration to say this island has some of the best powder in the world.

Every winter, cold air sweeps down from Siberia, collects moisture over the Sea of Japan, and unloads it on Hokkaido’s west coast. Orographic lift does the rest, creating snow - lots of it. Google the snowiest towns, and you’ll find Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city, consistently ranking near the top.

Hokkaido’s fame for powder and sushi drew us in after terrible ski conditions and two weeks of -40°C temperatures hit Western Canada. I’d heard about Hokkaido’s incredible skiing from Conrad Anker during a drive to Hyalite Canyon, where bucket-list trips came up. Skiing Hokkaido in January was one of his picks that he had yet to experience. With an extended forecast of -40, three days later, we were on a flight to Japan.

With little time to plan, I reached out to friends for advice and GPS tracks, which gave us a loose itinerary: ski Mt Shiribetsu, Mt. Yotei, and areas around Kiroro, Niseko and Furano. We landed without bookings - no accommodations, no car, just a plan to follow the snow. After arriving on the heels of a 1.5m storm and with another in the forecast, we secured a car and started chasing powder.

Otaru and Kiroro: The Powder Gateway

We based ourselves in Otaru initially, a port city known for its sushi. Although far from the larger resorts, its proximity to Kiroro Ski Resort made it an ideal starting point. Kiroro’s terrain is small, but the snow is unmatched-and practically no one was in the backcountry despite easy access.

With the deep snow, setting the uptrack was no small task. My Majesty Vanguards, with their 118mm underfoot, provided the flotation I needed, and on days when other groups were around, we joined forces to break trail. Even then, there was no shortage of fresh turns.

Niseko and Beyond: Resorts and Volcanoes

After several powder-filled days in Kiroro, we moved closer to Niseko, the epicenter of Hokkaido’s ski scene. While Niseko’s resorts are modern and busy, we focused on touring nearby peaks like Mt. Shiribetsu and Mt. Yotei. Mt Shiribetsu offers steeper terrain and some avalanche risk, while Yotei’s volcanic slopes feature stunning views and exciting lines.

Furano and Central Hokkaido: Powder Meets Culture

Further north, Furano offered a mix of terrain and a less Westernized feel. Strong winds had scoured some alpine areas during our visit, but tree skiing near Furano-dake was still excellent.

Central Hokkaido’s Daisetsuzan National Park is home to higher peaks like Tokachidake and Mt. Furano. The Asahidake Ropeway provides access to backcountry terrain that’s serviced but more similar to lift-accessed touring. Tokachidake, with its alpine runs and onsen options, stood out as a trip highlight. In the trailhead parking lot for Tokachidake, the mixed-gender onsen offered a relaxing end to long days of touring with my partner, while the natural Fukiage Onsen provided a more rustic experience.

Choosing the Right Skis

I chose to bring a selection of skis to match the objectives. Majesty Vanguard Carbon became my go-to for touring, while the Supernova came along for Tokachidake and would be good for Yotei as well. For resort days, I relied on the Dirty Bear XL. If I had to bring just one, it’d be the Vanguards - they were ideal for Hokkaido’s bottomless powder.

Tips for Your Trip

Renting a car gave us the flexibility to chase storms and explore multiple areas. Two weeks was enough to see Hokkaido’s highlights, but longer trips would help adjust to the time zone and maximize skiing days.

Hokkaido delivered everything we hoped for: endless powder, cultural immersion, and the best sushi I’ve ever had. If you’re planning a trip, feel free to reach out with questions. Enjoy the Japow!

Article written by Tim Banfield. All images credit @Tim Banfield https://www.timbanfield.com/

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Tim Banfield

Skiing in a new place is like unlocking a new level in a video game, where the vague turns to vivid with every step. You start with a general idea – the Alaska Range is just outside Anchorage, with some of the biggest mountains. As you begin to research, things come into focus – Denali, Hunter, and other giants. But it’s not until I lay my eyes on an area that the map truly begins to take shape.

Our plan was simple: camp on a glacier with good friends and ski as much as possible. Fortunately, I had three friends who were all in. I love trips and partners where you say, “Hey, I’m planning an expedition,” and their reply is simply, “I’m in!” No questions asked.

When our ride from Talkeetna Air Taxi roared away and left us alone at camp, I realized just how much of the terrain was still a grey area in my mind. Despite that uncertainty, there’s something I love about feeling so isolated in such a vast and complex place. We had everything we needed to survive – the best equipment, plenty of food, and a well-trained team.

At basecamp, the contrast between simplicity and complexity weighs on every decision. On one hand, the mountains around us are intricate and unpredictable, offering plenty of “look but don’t touch” moments. On the other hand, our situation is straightforward. We’re confined to one place, with only what we see around us.

During the rest of the winter, we pour tons of mental energy into deciding where to ski – considering wind, snow accumulation, sun exposure, and more. But here, there’s no driving to another zone or comparing weather stations. It’s just what we see from the tent window. The entire experience feels more like solving a puzzle.

I struggled to find my rhythm with the avalanche conditions – in fact, I struggled to connect with the mountains in general. The sun barely set, making it hard to figure out the orientation of any given slope. The glaciers were massive and deceiving. What looked like a short glide was an hour-long shuffle.

The snowpack was unfamiliar, with a persistent basal weak layer and an overall more continental nature than I was used to. Add in 20 hours of sunlight and pulses of precipitation, and it was difficult to make sense of what was happening.

The wind was equally tricky – calm in camp, while clouds raced along the ridgelines.

So, what do we do with all this uncertainty? We ski, cautiously at first. Light snowfall and low visibility forced us to seek out tight couloirs, where we could distinguish between the snow, the walls, and the sky.

We search for subtle variations in slope, hoping to uncover that sliver of soft chalk between sun-baked slush and icy crust.

Conditions dictated our moves, but we made solid decisions when it came to avalanche hazards. Ultimately, for us, Alaska wasn’t about iconic steep and deep spine walls this time, but rather nine days of adventure skiing and shared moments with good friends in a breathtaking wilderness.

Majesty Athlete Eric Carter was joined by partners Pat Valade, Brian Burger, and Max Kronek for their May 2024 expedition into the Eastern Alaska Range.

Article written by Eric Carter. All images credit @Pat Valade www.patvalade.com.

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Eric Carter

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Pat Valade

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Brian Burger

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Max Kroneck

For four days, we enjoyed everything from sunshine and perfect powder to the last spring snowstorm. Join us in our story and get inspired!

On the early morning of May 5th, we departed from the hot black tarmac at Oslo airport in search of epic spring skiing. Despite the late season, even the Lofoten area had lost its snow. However, we had local intel about some quality snow a bit further north, in the Harstad region. We were exhilarated to check it out!

Our destination, the island seen in the distance below.

Harstad is a relatively small town, home to around 24,000 avid skiers. Located north of the polar circle, the daylight at this latitude in spring lasts almost 24 hours a day, making for a spectacular experience. This is the land of the midnight sun.

Just a 90-minute flight from Oslo, followed by a 45-minute car ride and a 20-minute journey on a local ferry, and we arrived at our dream spot - the island chosen by our guide.

We met up with our local guide, Christian Dramsdahl, upon our arrival at the ferry terminal. Christian, like many folks up here, was born with skis (and diving fins) on his feet...

The ocean in this area is crystal clear, with sandy white beaches that are truly breathtaking.

Christian, a 10-year veteran of the Naval Special Operation Forces in Norway, is the owner and operator of Arctic Sea to Summits, currently the only guide company in Harstad.

At this point in the ski season, it's a luxury to find a starting point with snow all the way down to sea level. Skiing from sea level to summit and back again, especially in May, offers a truly special experience.

Three hours after leaving the bustling streets of Oslo, we found ourselves enveloped in paradise - our very own slice of it. With our guide leading the way, we had the entire expanse to ourselves, free to ski and carve fresh tracks in the pristine snow.

As we ventured beyond the tree line, the only other tracks we encountered were those left behind by hares and grouse, reminding us of the untouched beauty of this remote landscape.

Christian had told us that we would experience changing weather, ranging from warm sunshine and t-shirt weather to chilly winds accompanied by snow and whiteout conditions

Spring weather's variability is a gift for those who appreciate the beauty of contrasts, but it requires proper preparation and the right gear.

As we ascended, the signs of melting snow became evident, leading us to cross several snowmelt runoffs on our way to the summits. Our anticipation grew as we approached, eager to experience the breathtaking view of the Vesterålen region with its skiable islands and the expanse of the blue sea.

Many of the island mountains around Harstad offer the unique opportunity to find yourself completely alone, unlike the crowded conditions often encountered at popular destinations elsewhere.

The view was nothing short of stunning. The ocean was enveloped by steep, beautiful mountains in every direction. The snow, pristine and untouched, gleamed as white as one could imagine. It was a rare opportunity to be the first to carve tracks down those slopes, each turn a testament to the untouched beauty of the landscape.

Selfie time with our guide Christian.

One of Christian's guides, Håvard, led some of us to the highest peak on the island. At this late stage in the season, the snowpack was solid in the early hours of the day. With skis strapped to our backpacks, we began the ascent on foot, eager to reach the summit.

After two hours of skinning up a steep 45-degree incline and gaining 2000 ft of altitude, we finally reached the summit. Along the way, we encountered rapid changes in weather, with gusty winds picking up at times.

Skins off at the top, we couldn't wait to begin to ski.

We had an incredible time on the ascent, but as Christian had warned, the weather can change in an instant. We felt the wind pick up, and within a matter of minutes, we found ourselves engulfed in snow, experiencing an immediate whiteout. Thankfully, we were prepared with warm clothes and goggles. We quickly dug a small shelter in the snow and enjoyed some lunch while waiting for the storm to pass.

Our patience paid off as we were rewarded with fresh powder on our descent from the peak.

All of us were equipped with Majesty skis and Majesty-ATK tech bindings.

Christian was on the Majesty Supernova Carbon and couldn't be happier with its performance. Despite owning a full range of super-light rando skis and heavy freeride skis, he agrees that the Supernova Carbon offers the best of both worlds – lightness and agility, providing an exhilarating ride down the slopes.

Our guide, Håvard, took a moment to admire the view from the snow-capped pinnacle at the peak.

As we skied down one of the fantastic lines, the view over the ocean was breathtaking! Our skis performed flawlessly, delivering the necessary high precision in steep lines at high speeds.

Although the peaks on this island are only around 1000 meters high, it's important to remember that you always start at sea level. Christian has actually authored two guidebooks for the Vesterålen region - one about ski touring and the other for ice climbing.

It's truly a vast expanse of stunning nature.

Crossing the upper part of the tree line, descending back to sea level.

A happy group of skiers and their gear, back at the base camp. 

Check out the video that tells the full story.

Guides:

Christian Dramsdahl
Håvard Skomedal Torvanger

Skiers:

Thomas Karlsen
Børge Kvinge
Martin Ellingsen
Svein-Erik Tøraasen

Photo and film production:

Emil Kjos Sollie

Many thanks to our excellent guide Christian Dramsdahl.

Majesty Touring Re//Defined Collection

Supernova Carbon 103 mm	Superpatrol Carbon 95 mm	Superwolf Carbon 91 mm
Superscout Carbon 86 mm	Majesty-ATK Bindings	Superwolf 91 mm

It all began back in 2017 with a vision to craft touring skis capable of conquering both challenging snow conditions and epic powder days. We aimed to create skis that would provide stability on hardpacked surfaces while delivering playful performance in deep powder. Our goal was simple: to design skis that were lighter, faster, and more capable than anything we had ever produced before. We wanted to offer a single tool for all backcountry-touring endeavors, whether it was a trip trip to Røldal, Chamonix, BC, or Alaska.

Prototyping, testing, more testing

Prototyping, testing, and more testing became our mantra as we embarked on the journey to develop our new Supernova touring skis. We knew from the outset that existing touring skis on the market lacked stability on downhill runs and struggled in powder and soft snow. Our initial prototype tests took place in the challenging snow conditions of the Tatra mountains in Poland and the spring snow of Røldal, Norway. Iteration after iteration, we refined our designs through rigorous testing and retesting.

Lightweight and Shorter Length

Our Supernova skis feature a light paulownia wood core, carbon-fiber layup with carbon-aramid fibers. We introduced the innovative COT technology (cut-off tail) to reduce weight and length while maintaining functionality. This groundbreaking construction allowed for quicker turns and enhanced versatility without compromising stability or performance. With the COT technology, skiing on the Supernova 177 cm compares to skiing on traditional design skis that are approximately 182 cm long. If you're looking for high performance, you can easily eliminate 5 cm off the ski length without compromising stability or speed. These skis, you do need to drive forward rather than reclining in the backseat.

Stability and Performance

Balancing lightweight design with stability was a pivotal challenge. We set out to create lightweight skis equipped with tip rocker, flat tails and extended contact edges for enhanced stability and control. Maximizing surface area while keeping the waist around 100 mm underfoot was crucial. Our skis boast longer effective contact edges that provide stability and control, even in challenging terrain and weather conditions.

Ski Touring Speed 

The Supernova skis offer exceptional touring speed, allowing skilled skiers to conquer the highest peaks with ease. Their versatile design strikes a perfect balance between uphill efficiency and downhill performance. Thanks to their shorter length, the Supernova skis are faster and more agile on uphill climbs, facilitating both smoother and quicker kick turns. 

Awards 

Since their debut in 2018, the Supernova skis have earned accolades at ski tests worldwide, from SkiRando Magazine in France to Backcountry Magazine in the U.S. Our Supernovas have consistently impressed with their precision, responsiveness, and remarkable edge grip. The 2020-2021 model Supernova Carbon skis exemplified versatility, excelling in all conditions from hardpack to powder. Building on review feedback and user input, we've continued to innovate. For the 2022-23 model, we rebalanced the mount point and shifted the skier forward, albeit minimally. Looking ahead to the 2024-25 model, we've made further enhancements, updating the core with paulownia and poplar inserts while eliminating ALL fiberglass from the layup, making the skis into pure carbon performers.

To achieve the best weight/performance ratio, we recommend mounting the Supernova Carbon skis with high-end, lightweight tech bindings such as the Majesty-ATK R12 or evo13.

We're proud to offer skis that redefine the touring experience and push the boundaries of ski design. The Supernova Carbon touring skis, along with their smaller COT cousin, the Superpatrol Carbon touring skis, deliver unparalleled performance and reliability in the backcountry. Join us as we continue to innovate and explore the possibilities of ski design.

Majesty athlete Eric Carter and his ski partner Tom Peiffer come from two very different styles of skiing. Eric is an ex-competitive randonnée racer while Tom competed on the Freeride World Tour. Now they’ve both found common ground skiing big mountain objectives on their home turf of Coastal British Columbia.

Unlikely Duo, released by our friends over at Arc’teryx, is a short film that follows their partnership in the 2022-2023 season, covering local days on the ski hill, to big mountains nearby, to an expedition to the Indian Himalaya!

What's the gear Eric uses in the film?

Eric’s skis of choice are the Majesty Supernova Carbon. From our touring line, the Supernova has a 105mm waist that handles deep powder on steep terrain. The traditionally cambered skis have cut off tail (COT) technology which allows for a shorter ski to be as agile as possible in the steeps.

The Majesty eyewear line is well stocked with the Pro-Tour sunglasses for fast days and the Vertex Sunglasses for the best glacier protection. In the film, you see Eric sporting the FORCE-C Goggles with magnetic lenses so you can switch between low light and high light lenses in a flash!

The Touring 2-Piece Carbon Poles are a light, durable, and strong adjustable pole for spring ski missions deep in the big mountains!

Kyle Liddick Photo

The “Breakfast Lap”

There’s no shortage of quick morning laps found in Silverton, CO. Skins on from the front door, it takes about 15 minutes to get to the local hill where you and the pooch can lap their new favorite hillside before breakfast. We recommend a lap up Shrine Hill then hitting the Coffee Bear for some breakfast and coffee. These fitness laps often deliver some sleeper pow and the Majesty Superpatrol ski is the tool for the job!

The “Afternoon Sled Bump”

The accessibility of skiing from town is second to none, and if you have a snowmobile, your opportunity for a quick “lunch lap” just got even greater. Grab your lunch burrito and hop on the sled - there’s plenty of afternoon pow to shred. This type of terrain is perfect for a mid-fat ski and the opportunities to tour mean a balance of weight and shredability are important. The 105mm underfoot Majesty Supernova will do the trick!

The “Resort”

One slow but beautiful two-seater chairlift up Silverton Mountain and you find yourself at the top of some of the most beautiful and gnarly lift-access terrain in the Juans. Going in the heart of winter, you’ll have to hire a guide to access this terrain - it’s well worth it. “Unguided” season typically starts mid March and goes until mid April. Need a heli bump? They’ve got that too. Freeride terrain needs a freeride ski like the Majesty Vadera Ti.

The “Casual Big Adventure”

With many roads cutting straight through the valleys of these incredible peaks, the only thing between you and the next county road, pass, or mountain town over, is a beautiful network of ski terrain, including some iconic couloirs. Point-to-points, adventure loops, town-to-town traverses, you name it and you can probably get it done and even as a casual half-day, if conditions allow. The Majesty Superwolf is our do-all ski mountaineering ski for the biggest adventures!

Kyle Liddick Photo

The “Hut Life”

From the essential-stocked huts to fully catered, fully serviced, cabins and yurts like the ones offered by Red Mountain Lodge (San Juan Mountain Guides), Opus, and Hayden Backcountry Lodge, it’s easy to make the San Juans feel like your home for the weekend or even a week. Book early… dates fill-up fast! The New York Times recently ran an article showing off the amazing hut life that the San Juans have to offer.

• Red Mountain Lodge
• Opus Hut
• Thelma Hut
• Hayden Backcountry Lodge
• Artist and Addie Huts

While the variety and access matches the caliber of beauty, the San Juans are a continental snowpack. If you are just getting into the backcountry, hire a guide from many of the local guide operations or take an avalanche course before entering the “San Juan Spice Cabinet”, and always check your local forecast.

Recommended Guide Services:

• San Juan Mountain Guides 
• San Juan Expeditions 

Rachel Lam Photo

Kjersti Gedde splits her time basing out of Silverton in the San Juans and Carbondale in the Elk Mountains. Native to Washington's Cascades, she's a freeride turned backcountry skier with a love of big mountain adventures, breakfast laps with her dog and partner, and a good espresso.

Where you ski makes a difference! Long alpine tours might require a lightweight 85mm or 95mm underfoot option!

1. Where are you going to ski tour? What is the terrain like? Tight or open? Mostly below the treeline or venturing into the alpine? On-piste or off-piste? What is the snow surface usually like? Wider skis like the Havoc or Supernova do well on mixed snow surfaces and deep snow, while narrow lighter skis like the Superscout pair well with firmer surfaces and longer walks uphill. If the answer is a bit of everything, something that is ~95mm underfoot, like the Majesty Superpatrol may be a great ski to look at.
   
   
2. Who are you going to ski with? When you think about your current ski partners, what do they like to do? What sort of ski setup do they use frequently? Are they out for a lap or two, or do they prefer to be out all day exploring? It's really helpful to optimize your setup for who you will ski with as matching setup weight of ski, binding and skin will help match your paces uphill. The fitness uphill crowd might lean towards the Superscout while the ski alpinists should be looking at the Superwolf and Superpatrol!
   
   
3. What’s your ski background and style? Do you enjoy small playful turns or long high speed turns? What aspects of your downhill oriented ski do you enjoy? A lighter ski with a lower turn radius may be more playful than a heavier straight profile ski. It’s nice to mirror what you are used to skiing on that you like and Majesty makes a full line of ski shapes from 85mm to 110mm for touring, with and without carbon.
   
   
4. How are your boots? Do they fit and do make your feet happy? Do they have tech fittings? The best touring setups start with a well fitting boot that strides and skis well and accepts tech fitting bindings. The Majesty-ATK binding lineup offers the Crest 10 which is an excellent first touring binding and the Majesty Raider 12 for those about to rock big drops. Happy feet, happy life!
   
   
5. What's your goal for ski touring? Ideally you will enjoy this setup for 3-5 winters. As you ski tour more, can you grow with this ski? Can it become a daily driver – something you will still reach for as you add skis to the quiver that may be narrower, wider, shorter or taller. Or will it serve a specific purpose once you add others?
   
   

Big pillow drops are HAVOC 110 territory!

Take note of your reflections and this will help you hone in your first setup. Naturally, knowledge and gear evolve best together. Check out course offerings with your local avalanche center and mountain guide service. You can learn in a day with a credentialed guide or mentor what it would take years to learn on your own. The Majesty team is here to help with your first setup so drop us a message if you have some questions. We’re psyched you’ve found ski touring here and wish you many safe tours.

Christopher “CJ” Carter is a Majesty Ski athlete based in Washington and can be found on Instagram @cj_nunataq.

A snowy morning in Atlin, BC. Atlin mountain is a 2000m massif of four peaks rising 1400m above the Atlin lake, the largest natural lake in BC.

My skis have forever been a tool of exploration, leading from my first backcountry tours, to working as a ski patroller, to now working as a ski guide and avalanche forecaster. They’ve been my chance to engage in some of the wildest places I could have ever dreamed. I worked for a decade as a polar guide in the high arctic and had the opportunity to ski in exotic polar regions like Baffin Island, East Greenland and Somerset Island. In that time, I would scour maps looking for remote mountain ranges that weren’t already in every ski magazine or film. That’s when I came across Atlin B.C., a dying gold rush town on the BC - Yukon - Alaska border. The mountains here are frequented only by the locals: townspeople, sheep, goats, and lynx. Once I decided on the place, I set to finding work in the nearby alpine passes of the Yukon.

Drew enjoying the roadside skiing in White Pass, the shortest distance between the Pacific Ocean and the continental plateau.

The White Pass Highway leads directly to the alpine and straddles the BC/Alaska border. A small, core group of locals are a mix of sledders and skiers with Alaskan and Yukon rigs (converted utility trailers that have a wood stove inside and space for a snowmobile). Access isn’t easy but the rewards are to be relished. A windswept landscape of stone and snow with pocket glaciers, icefields and jagged sky lines. It’s a place that has captured the imagination of many wanderers. With very few high quality maps, and little beta about much of the skiing, it’s a place that suits me well. A place where imagination, contour lines, and mystical names, like Taku Towers and Fairweather keep the excitement about skiing high, even if there’s no ski lift, après, or micro-brewery!

Base camp at the foot of Mounts Sparling, south of the Hang Ten Glacier.

In reflection, it’s no surprise to me to find that the skin track you break yourself has a way of leading to those “untracked” possibilities.

Majesty athlete Drew Nylen is based in Atlin, British Columbia were he works as a ski guide and avalanche forecaster. If you're interested in learning more about skiing in the north, find Drew on Instagram @drewnylen

In 2022, I convinced my partners Paul Greenwood, Tom Peiffer, and Justen Bruns to join me on an expedition to the Indian Himalaya. We found an unclimbed and unskied peak deep in the mountains near Meru. Months of logistics planning, packing, and worrying culminated in our visas being approved by the consulate just two days before our departure.

We arrived in Gangotri along with the first groups of seasonal workers for the year. The town at the end of the road shuts down every season normally but it had been closed for two due to COVID. This meant we had very little beta or conditions knowledge when we arrived.

We started the three-day trek towards our basecamp site looking with concern up at the dry mountains. Arriving at basecamp, we found a dry rock glacier. Our porters told us how they expected thigh-deep snow at that point. Instead, we were picking flowers and rock hunting in the meadows off the glacier.

We moved our camp upwards until an impassable (to us) icefall blocked the route and we finally got a view of the peak we hoped to climb using our drone. It was bare ice and rock and we knew we wouldn't be skiing it. We traveled so far and spent more than a month away from our families to not even reach the base of our peak. We returned to Delhi somewhat dejected but safe and importantly, still friends. It was one of the more serious heatwaves that part of India had endured in recent history and while in transit home, with air temperatures over 120°F, our ski boots melted in the trunk of the bus.

In 2023, we wanted a guarantee of snow. Luckily, I live on the South Coast of British Columbia and we get plenty every year. Again Paul joined myself and expedition veterans Mark Smiley and Marcus Waring. We flew into the Waddington Range, a few hours north of Whistler, with 10 days of food and a lot of stoke to ski big lines.

Our drop-off into the range coincided with a period of good weather but we knew it wouldn't last long as the Coast is fickle in springtime. Our first day was occupied with mostly setting up camp and a quick tour to get oriented but day two we needed to make the most of it and skied an 1800-meter couloir off Serra II just above camp.

With another weather system bearing down on us, we dug in and hoped to ride out the storm playing farkle and reading. Multiple systems blew through and in the end we had six days tent-bound and 4 days where we could venture out on skis. One night, I woke up and thought it had stopped snowing - in reality our big dome tent had just become buried in over a meter of snowfall and we were fully insulated from the storm.

Paul and I couldn't help but joke that our two expeditions had taken us from one extreme of no snow to the other of being buried in it! This is the game of expedition skiing though. You have to go without expectations and be ready to adapt to whatever the mountains throw at you.

Want more information about basecamp expeditions in British Columbia? Reach out to Eric via his Instagram: @skiericcarter

Eric carried his Superwolf Carbon touring skis around India for a month to get 500 meters of skiing (at almost 6000m of elevation). Luckily his Supernova Carbon skis got a bit more use in the Waddington Range skiing two (probable) first descents of Asperity (above) and Serra II.

I am pretty excited. I can aggressively turn my office chair and check on the current snow report right through the window. I'm happy to say I am watching very large chicken feather size flakes coming down as we speak! This leaves me oozing with energy, just thinking, soon I will be fortunate enough to slide around on snow with friends and clients.

I’m looking forward to the next step in the progression towards ski season though it can be a bit daunting. This is called “dusting off the cobwebs”. I've broken it down into categories for you below so read on!

Skis

Let's face it, we love our skis. We love the topsheet, the length and every little detail about them. I would be lying if I said that the look of the ski (graphics) didn't really matter to me. Yes, a ski guide should look at his ski as more of a tool than a cosmetic. However, when my ski is not only a really good driving tool AND looks sexy- then it's a win-win for me.

I was very pleased to say this when I was doing my check list on my Majesty Superpatrol Touring Skis before my recent ski trip to Argentina and Antarctica, they passed with flying colors. Things I am looking for are:

• Base - and gouges through the ptex?
• Edges - any rust or burrs? Probably worth a tune no matter what!
• Wax needed? (most definitely)
• Tip/Tail - any cracks or splits?
• Bindings, you know- the thing that connects you to the sks. These need to be working… Check for cracks around the screws and for any cracks in plastic.
• Skins - glue still ok? Plush not destroyed? Tip/tail connectors functional?

Boots

The most important tool. YOUR FEET!! We’ve gotta take care of those bad dogs. So making sure your boots are in tip top working order is key. Things to inspect:

• Buckles - check the screws on these (and the ankle pivot) for any play and have spares in your repair kit.
• Toe pin holes - check for extra wear or play when the binding is engaged.
• Heel - make sure no chips or cracks and that the tech insert isn’t loose.
• Entire shell - inspect for cracks

Outwear

This is pretty basic. I like to check if any of my jackets, pants have any tears in them and if they need another coating of Gore-Tex spray applied. It can be wet up here in Alaska sometimes and I know my BC and California friends know what I’m taking about! Make sure all the zippers close thing up. 

Avalanche safety gear

Very important that this gear needs to be all functional for yourself AND your ski group!

• I like to run the popular DBEAST system once through my beacon and for my first tour of the season.
• D - Display: working? Scratches? Cracks?
• B - Battery: make sure I have alkaline in my beacon and not lithium. What is my % at? Industry standard and recommendation is to change at 50% but start the season off at 100%!
• E - Electronics: making sure when I start my ski tour that I have a good distance from all other electronics to prevent any interference.
• A - Airbag: is it charged? Is my canister filled?
• S - Check search function and range test.
• T - Check transmit function.
• Probe - Be sure there it works, fits together well and practice deploying it quickly!
• Shove - Same as your probe, practice putting it together super fast and make sure it's in good condition. 

Make sure you have your local avalanche center website bookmarked:

 

Northwest Avalanche Center

Wallowa Avalanche Center

Central Oregon Avalanche Center

Sierra Avalanche Center

Colorado Avalanche Information Center

Utah Avalanche Center

Know Before You Go

National Avalanche Center 

Avalanche Canada

Chugach Avalanche Center

Backpack

Ah yes the main attraction. My office. My mobile toolkit. Things that live in the backpack and they don't come out until the end of the season are:

• Emergency Sled/Tarp 
• Trauma Kit
• Repair Kit 
• Comms: InReach & Sat Phone (only come out to charge) 
• Extra light emergency puffy
• Extra mittens

Well that's the quick and dirty for you. This is my go-to check list before my season starts of hopefully a long (sometimes through May) ski guide season. I hope you have a safe season yourself full of long slogs, great lines and deep power.

Follow along more of Elias’ Alaskan adventures on Instagram or book him for a day of touring at his website for Red Raven Guides!

Shop locally at SkiUphill.ca with retail locations in Canmore, AB and Squamish, BC. They carry a curated selection of Majesty touring and freeride skis, plus demo rentals at both stores. SkiUphill also manages Majesty's PRO program for Canadian pros and ACMG members.

If You Order from MAJESTY SKIS AMERICA Online

Shipping Details for Canadian Customers

We ship to Canada via UPS Standard (UPS Priority Express for some remote locations).

Shipping Cost

Skis are expensive to ship and the shipping fees collected at checkout cover only part of the total shipping cost. We typically absorb up to 50% depending on order value. Remote destinations can cost more due to limited air-freight options.

Ways to Minimize Import Cost

Estimate your total landed cost by including:

• Shipping fees paid at checkout
• GST/HST and any applicable duties
• Carrier brokerage and handling fees (see UPS table below)

To reduce fees:

• Self-clear your shipment with CBSA (more effort, no brokerage fees)
• Use an online broker such as Clearit.ca
• Order through a Canadian retailer: SkiUphill.ca

Helpful Resources

• CBSA: Estimating duty rates and taxes
• Canada Post: Customs requirements overview
• FedEx: Ancillary clearance fees
• UPS: Rate guide (see page 115)

UPS fees schedule (guideline only)

Return Policy for Refused Shipments

If a shipment is refused and returned to us, shipping costs (to you and back to us) will be deducted from the refund.