Next Season's Gear Sneak Peek: Dynafit Hokkaido and Chugach Skis — Video

We've already shared our story of our day at Berthoud Pass in Summit County, Colo (as well as a video on the new Khion Alpine Touring boot). We didn't, though, go into much detail on the skis we tested. I was on a pair of the new Dynafit Chugach, and the other Backcountry Skiing Canada guy was on the Hokkaido. Both these skis were designed/built with help and input from Jamie Laidlaw and Cody Barnhill.

I loved the Chugach as a mid-weight, 107-under foot, elliptical-rocker, playful touring ski. The next day at the on-snow demo at Copper Resort, I tried the Hokkaido, which, at 117 underfoot, is the Chugach's big bro. The Hokkaido needed more snow than we had that day to really shine--but it was surprisingly capable on the groomers. It seems like when all the other manufacturers zig, Dynafit zags. Most companies are offering ultra-light touring skis, while these two new planks from Dynafit are beefy/heavy enough to be mounted alpine. Does this augur a return to heavier touring skis?

Here below is a video featuring Eric Henderson, always pushing the buff/ball-cap interface, talking about the two new skis.

Dynafit Hokkaido out for a rip. 'gotta love the Dynafit speedskin, skin attachment.