From World-Cup Race Skis to Recreational Skis & Everything In Between with Rossignol’s Jake Stevens

From World-Cup Race Skis to Recreational Skis & Everything In Between with Rossignol’s Jake Stevens

Author: BLISTER January 17, 2025 Duration: 58:32

After a great day of skiing together, Jonathan talked with Jake Stevens (Rossignol’s Winter Sports Equipment Director for North America) about world-cup race skis vs. recreational skis: what do they have in common; how do they incorporate technological advances; and what are the available options between skis designed to win gold medals and those designed to have fun on the weekends with your family and friends? It’s a conversation that is guaranteed to get you thinking about various approaches to the mountain — and your own approach to sliding around on snow.

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TOPICS & TIMES:

Jake’s Background in Racing (8:47)

Ski Gear at the World Cup Level (12:13)

Line Control Technology (27:46)

The Direction of Tech Developments (30:31)

Understanding the Options via Rossignol’s Hero Line (33:13)

Rossignol Arcade 88 (45:51)

Surprising Products & World Cup Finals in Sun Valley (51:43)

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For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
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