Standout Backcountry Gear: Past, Present, & Future (ft. Vertical Playground)

Standout Backcountry Gear: Past, Present, & Future (Ep.289)

We talk with Trygve Sande, one of the founders of VPG (our Blister Recommended Shop in Oppdal, Norway), about all-time pivotal pieces of backcountry gear; products that help break down the barriers to entry; skiing in Norway; and last but not least, Trygve’s involvement and collaboration with Hoji and 4FRNT’s new concept ski.

Park City Boot Room

When it comes to specialty bootfitting, particularly for those who ask a lot of their boots, spend countless days on skis, or really need to address some complex issues in order to enhance their time out on the hill, there are few places that have the breadth of experience and skills offered by Matt Schiller at Park City Boot Room.

Skiboot RX

Skiboot RX in Billings, MT is best known for its high-quality bootfitting, selection of alpine and backcountry gear, and a wide array of accessories, in addition to ski and board services.

Shop Talk: Hickory & Tweed (Ep.219)

We talk with Skip and Mac Beitzel, the owners — and father / son duo — from Hickory & Tweed, located in Armonk, New York. We go over the history of the shop; Skip’s background in ski ballet and hot dogging; seasonal lease programs; personal ski quivers; & more.
On our latest GEAR:30 podcast, you’ll hear the tale of how a couple of friends who were scheming to get some gear for their own adventures ended up creating a phenomenal outdoor shop in the process. We talk to Trygve Sande and Rune Kvalsnes about the origins of Vertical Playground; their trip with Hoji where the idea of the 4FRNT Raven was born; some of their favorite gear; and more.

Shop Talk: Vertical Playground, Oppdal Norway (Ep.169)

Once upon a time, a couple of friends who were scheming to get some gear for their own adventures ended up creating a phenomenal outdoor shop. We talk to Trygve Sande and Rune Kvalsnes about the origins of Vertical Playground; their trip with Hoji where the idea of the 4FRNT Raven was born; some of their favorite gear; and more.
Willi's Ski Shops — BLISTER Recommended Shops

Shop Talk: Willi’s Ski and Snowboard Shops (Ep.167)

We’re talking with Greg Klein, president of Willi’s Ski and Snowboard Shops, which is family owned and operated with several locations in the greater Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania. We talk about what brought Greg’s father (Willi) to PA; Seven Springs Mountain Resort; the key ingredients of a great ski shop; ski length & ski width; Willi’s women’s program; shop beer vs. shop pizza; & more.

Buena Vista Bike Company

BV Bike Co offers the unique combo of a full-service bike shop, employees with decades worth of experience, and a connected bar & cafe that, among other things, makes the best waffles known to man. Because of all of this and more, it's our Blister Recommended Shop in Buena Vista, Colorado.