2013 is going to be another big year for skis – as we found out first hand at the annual demo day at Alpine Meadows last week. Testers Dave, Pam, Lis, Kevin and Greyson got on some of the better looking prospects for 2013 from K2 Skis, Black Diamond, Volkl, Moment Skis, Salomon and Dynastar.

Sure, the hardpack snow wasn’t the best for our focus on powder skis and backcountry skis, but as they say – any ski is fun in super hero snow; the true test is when the conditions are less than ideal.

Kevin and Lis ready to drop in to Alpine Bowl.

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Our Salomon Nordic gear has arrived! I can’t wait to test it all out, but for now I’ll write what I know, and that’s a review of the women’s Salomon Vitane boot.

I skate skied with this boot for two seasons now and love it. The Salomon Vitane is pure comfort. It’s cush yet stable, but if you like a super stiff boot, this is not the one for you. The interior padding not only adds comfort but warmth. My feet are never cold. I love the Kevlar Quicklace system because it’s secure and easy to tighten and take off. The red ankle strap/supporter adds even more stability. The narrow heel is perfect for my foot. I’ve never had a blister with the Salomon Vitane! Last season I completed all 30 kilometers of the Great Ski Race in these boots, and my feet felt great.

Me, left, in Salomon Vitane boots, and another pair far right

Though I have to admit, I have feet issues (like virtually every other skier out there). I am entirely flat footed, and prone to heel blisters. My flat feet don’t give me trouble in most sports, but the repetition of movement and outward stance of skate skiing was a huge problem for me. I tried everything, including every color of Superfeet, from blue to black. But what worked for me was an interior heel wedge, which I cut to fit on the inside edge of each insert (the Salomon ones that came with the boot). These gave me enough lift to relieve the underfoot pain and stress I was putting on my arch with each stride. Helped my knee alignment too!

If you have a Salomon Vitane review, submit one to our site on the Salomon Vitane product page.

I don’t know about you, but I’m always hunting for a good deal… I’ve bought a mountain bike in the dead of winter, a snowboard in summer. That’s why I’m particularly stoked for the upcoming Sales Rep Sample Sale in our back parking lot on Saturday July 17.

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., some of our favorite sales reps are clearing out their inventories so you’ll not only find amazing prices on summer gear like camping equipment and clothing, but winter will be represented, too: Nordic gear from Salomon, merino wool layers from Icebreaker and more. Your deal of the summer awaits… don’t miss it! Stop by for some great deals on these other brands as well: Isis, Skirt Sports, Sherpani, Jetboil, Mountain Hardwear and Granite Gear.