Folsom Custom Skis

South America Ski Testing 2010

2010-08-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

Five days ago we boarded a plane to Buenos Aires with 7 pairs of Folsom Customs, $500 in overweight bag fees and no idea where we were going. Chasing snow is a bit like rolling the dice – by the time you get somewhere (20 hrs and 3 different airports, a night in Buenos Aires and 25 hrs on the bus) snow conditions can be completely different than expected or forecasted. Our original plan was to head straight to Las Lenas where the skiing is steep and gnarly, but with only 20cms of snow at the base it was an easy call to make a last minute decision and veer even further south to Bariloche where we heard it was storming. The forecast was not even close to predicting as much snow as we’re getting – it’s snowing golf ball sized flakes (inconveniently so - to the point where it’s difficult to see through) and the coverage is bomber. As it’s my first time here I’m not sure if it’s normal for your feet to touch down half way up the lift or if there’s just a really good base – but either way it’s awesome – just remember to keep your tips up (I didn’t).

As a west coast born and bread skier the deep wet snow that we’re getting here is just what I’m used to. My 185 gambits are keeping me afloat and ensuring I’m maxing out on the fun scale. Mike and Ryan are testing out some longer boards – 205cm Gambits with a variety of flex patterns and tail profiles as well as 196 Giver’s with a 10mm and 15mm tip taper. The giver’s were killing it in the limited chop that we came across and laying down fat arcs in the deep stuff. With the tip shape we notice much less deflection in crud and softer snow and it provided a mellower turning radius – a true and tried big mountain beast. If we had of made the decision to go to Las Lenas for the FWT comp this ski would have slayed it. After three months of summer and intense ski building Mike jumped on the 205 gambits which ski much like the 195s but with added tip and tail there’s more running surface and a longer effective edge on the hard pack. At 205cms, this ski attracts a lot of attention; coupled with Mike’s eye catching outfit from Trew Gear and his tendency to speak in super deep Spanglish as though everything is this summer’s next biggest blockbuster, it’s hard to pretend we’re not raging gringo’s.

Can’t wait to try out the other ski shapes, but it’s looking like it might be a few days due to massive amounts of precip and some strong winds. Shorts, flip flops and t’s are a thing of the past. Here at Freedom hostel the ceiling is leaking, it looks the apocalypse is arriving over Lago Nahuel Huapi, it’s raining sideways and the already taped up single pane glass sounds like it might just shake right out of the windows. Until the wind dies down and the storm subsides it’s beers, watching Mike fix electrical sockets with a Leatherman and towel for precaution, and taking in the local culture.

Next report will be post nipple deep pow day….

Words By: Kasie Stroshin

Summer Production Skis Available

2010-05-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Semi-Custom Summer Production Order

Here is how it works:

1. Skis at this price are only built over the summer and orders must be received by June 10^th.

2. You chose a shape, graphic color, camber profile, and stiffness profile

3. You submit your order and make a non-refundable deposit of $350 to secure your skis.

4. You enjoy your summer knowing we are hard at work hand building your skis.

5. September arrives and you pay the remaining balance of $500 (Gambits will be $550).

6. Your skis arrive at your door in October and ready for the season!!

It’s that simple. Get your hands on some soon. We will only be making a limited quantity at this price each summer. If you are interested in the full custom experience and custom fit, you can always order from the full custom process where we talk with you and analyze what your specific needs are and build a ski from the ground up to match you.

Argentina and Chile!!

2009-08-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

A testing crew at Folsom is heading to South America today. We have skiers leaving from VT, CO, OR and Whistler BC and they will be descending into Argentina for almost three weeks of skiing, testing, and photos.

Heading out are:
-Mike McCabe
-Ryan Prentice
-Chuck Mumford
-Kasie Stroshin
-Andy Patchin (photographer and tester)
-Jesse Durrance is already down there.
-And 14 prototype shapes for testing.

Some of the crew will also be competing in La Parva at the FWT event.

Stay tuned for updates!

Folsom's New Look

2009-07-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

Folsom Custom Skis has a new logo and come mid-August an entirely new website with more shapes, graphics and features.

Also, be sure to be on the look out for us in all the major buyers guides. The word is out and we couldn't be more thrilled with the response.

From the Folsom Lab

2009-05-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hey all,
We have been prototyping some new top-secret (until now) shapes. They are as follows:

200cm 138/111/126 36m radius, directional small tail
190cm 136/111/124 32m radius, directional small tail
195cm 148/118/126 24m radius
-early tapered nose and tail and dual rocker with low camber underfoot
185cm 148/116/126 18.5 radius
-early tapered nose and tail and dual rocker with low camber underfoot

Pictured is the 190cm 136/111/124, and two of the 195cm 148/118/126 shapes.

Folsom Customs Adaptive Skis

2009-04-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

Folsom Customs has begun building custom skis specifically designed for the sitskier. In collaboration with Aspen local and X-games silver medalist Sam Ferguson, Folsom is developing these skis to get adaptive skiers equipment that is build uniquely for their needs. Check out a bio on Sam here.

These pictures are Sam riding his Folsom Customs in Aspen Highlands bowl.

Aspen Highlands Ski Patrol on Folsoms

2009-04-09T16:51:00.000-07:00

Folsom is excited to be building custom skis for the Aspen Highlands Ski patrol for next season. These skis will be built with a customized flex for the patrollers and an AHSP signature topsheet. Patrollers demand the most from their gear and we are thrilled to get them on our durable skis that are built uniquely to them.

2009-04-01T14:03:00.001-07:00

The Reviews Keep Coming in....

2009-02-11T20:41:00.000-08:00

Each skier is commenting on skis with flex patterns that were custom built from the ground up to their unique height, weight, riding conditions, and riding style.

Skis are stellar! I got the Givers, and at first I thought they’d be too wide for multi-tasking... I was wrong. They not only danced in the powder, but they railed turns on the groomers and were quick in the bumps... I can not believe they are 114 under-foot!

The early rise (rocker) is a new concept for me. I am pleased with how it virtually shortens the ski and helps to initiate the turns on the groomers while maintaining the length (stability & flotation) for the soft stuff. Once I got these babies in the powder, they literally danced. I could make quick turns with ease, or bomb at high speeds with confidence.

Overall I could not be more happy with my purchase. I can really feel the customized flex pattern working in my behalf and I know that they are built with love. Thank Folsom, keep up the good work, I will definitely be spreading the word to anyone willing to listen.

· Ben D. 191 Giver 142.114.128

Hey, I was just writing about the awesome skis you made me. They are like cheating. I just rolled with them in Snowmass, and it was awesome. They push through powder, light or heavy and are awesome for pillow hoping. They also hold up well on hard pack and are pretty adept at park. Best of all, they make everyone jealous that sees them.

Thanks so much…and keep on making some of the most innovative skis is the business.

· Nathaniel M. 181 Hyper Chunk 152.124.148

My Folsoms are by far the best skis I have skied. ever. Their powder response is impeccable and their durability is extremely surprising. I have skied approximately 20 days on them so far, and the givers hold true to their name, making me look good. I am thoroughly impressed with your product.

· Scott S. 191cm Giver 142.114.128

The skis are doing great. I’ve never skied on a such a solid ski both in the air and at high speeds. They love to go fast and are unbelievably stable. I went down to Telluride for the Freesking World Tour and chose a fun line involving a chute and a decent size air (20-25 feet) at the bottom. Unfortunately, I landed straight on a rock and “rag dolled” the bottom half of the run. I was concerned the ski couldn’t handle the impact, but other than some base damage which was ground out they’re good as new. The most bomb proof skis I’ve ever ridden on, yet very light weight. Love the rocker up front too, on icy days, really shortens up the ski, but for the pow pow days, still have the 191 length. I’ll be adding a fatter pair to the quiver for next year!

· Brett B. 191cm Giver 142.114.128

Paterson is absolutely ecstatic about his Folsom Super Chunks. On Monday at Vail we spent the day hunting powder in the trees. Paterson also launched several cliffs. He is amazed at how the Folsom’s turned the tracked pow into velvet. The untracked pow was absolutely heavenly! We also were able to use our Marker Dukes to do a little back-country hiking in knee-deep blower pow. Paterson danced through them like he was a World Cup slalom champ, whooping and hollering the whole way down. He was asked about the skis in lift lines and while riding lifts at least a dozen times. Of course, he gave them rave reviews.....Clearly, you have a winner with the Super Chunks.

· Ron C. (on the skis we built for his son Paterson) 191cm Super Chunk 166.134.154

I’m literally speechless. This design process is one of the coolest things I think I’ve ever been part of. It feels awesome to be treated with such respect as an athlete, and I will definitely be talking up the process to everyone who asks about the beautiful monsters snapped onto my boots. They’re magical. They carve like a GS ski, it’s crazy. I can edge them so hard I’ve booted out, which is not something I could do on lesser fat skis. They have awesome pop too, I’ve been consistently surprised by how much air I can get off even the small rollers. The early rise is amazing as far as inspiring confidence at speed. I’ve always had a fear (as a tele-skier) that my tip is going to dig in weird, and that has kept my “acceptable top speed” below what I’ve seen from talented friends with alpine gear, but that fear has literally disappeared and I’ve been pushing as hard as I can to find their red line. My skis killed it in the steep chutes at Silverton, which had some really variable conditions; the stiffness and early rise were essential, as no one else in my group could link more than a few turns at a time and I ripped it hard top to bottom. Leg burner! I also got to really get them up to speed in the steep pow and was blown away by their stability at some of the fastest speeds I’ve hit on tele skis. You really have designed me a ski that will do everything I ask it to…

· Doug M. 185cm Johnny C. 135.107.125

20% off Sale

2008-12-06T10:36:00.000-08:00

Folsom Customs is currently running a 20% off introductory sale for all ski shapes ordered. Get your orders in, its for a limited time.

Folsom Customs Cover Shot

2008-11-30T17:43:00.000-08:00

Folsom Customs are on the cover of Mountain Time magazine for December 2008. The magazine will appear as an insert in mountain town newspapers across the country. Keep your eyes out for it.....

CO Springs Article on Folsom

2008-11-23T08:44:00.001-08:00

Here is a recent article on Folsom Customs from the Colorado Springs Gazette.

CLICK HERE TO READ IT.

New Shapes

2008-10-30T17:57:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture of three new shapes that we are testing.
From left to right:
181 Hyper Chunk 152-124-148
181 Giver 138-110-124
191 Super Chunk 166-134-154

Once we run these bad boys through our extensive testing process, we will release them....

Argentina!

2008-10-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

We got word from Ryan Prentice who recently got back from Argentina while visiting team rider Jesse Durrance (whose been living there all summer). The first three shots are Jesse Durrance and the last three shots are Ryan.

Argentinean Trip Report: So I just returned back to Portland, OR from almost a month of skiing in Las Lenas, Argentina. This trip finally concludes my 07/08 ski
season. With over 215 days on snow this year from Whistler to Washington and Oregon to South America I am ready to take a two month break and try and make a little money. What a season this has been!! The snow pack was great at Las Lenas and I skied off the renowned Marte lift almost everyday I was down there. I had never been to SA to ski before and Las Lenas had better terrain than I could imagine. 3,500 feet of sustained 45 to 50 degree slopes just off the lift blew my mind. The lift accessible terrain at Lenas would never be open in NA ski resorts due to liability purposes and makes Whistler's steeps look like green runs. I had such an awesome time skiing and meeting new people. Some of the best and most passionate skiers in the world travel south for the summer and skiing with these rippers was a blast! I was down there long enough to start enjoying the local cheap drink of Fernet and Coke. If you dont know what that it is the best way to describe its unique taste is drinking coke right after brushing your teeth. I primarily skied my 191 Givers while I was down south and they performed beautifully. I skied a bunch of super tight couloirs and open bowls and I couldn't ask for a better balance of stability and maneuverability. Whether its high speed straightlining or hop turns these things work for me! The rocks at Lenas are all like shark teeth and tear your ski behind your head when you hit them. While I managed to obtain a few good sized core shots, everything is easily fixable with a base welder. After witnessing day in and day out other skiers equipment fail, I was stoked to have been on Folsom's. People were stoked on the skis too and asking lots of questions. I plastered stickers on everything in sight. While I was down there, fellow team rider Jesse Durrance came up from Buenos Aires to ski with me and talk about new ski designs. We both had nothing but praise for these skis and came up with some new designs and ideas that should be in the works soon. Some super cool things coming up in the next year. That about wraps up my trip down south, enjoy the photos and my next report will probably be from Whistler when I move back up there in a few months. Go Fast and take chances! -Ryan Prentice

Folsom Website is Up!

2008-09-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

We just launched our new website! We will be taking orders soon! Check it out!

www.folsomskis.com

We Moved!

2008-07-15T17:22:00.000-07:00

So to make our summer even more busy we decided to move to a new shop. Now while this means we will officially launch a little later than planned (end of August, hopefully). We are even better equipped to handle orders and build more efficiently.

The shop is almost twice the size of our last one and we filled it up with a lot of new presses and equipment.

We cannot wait to launch and start chatting designs with people. It won't be too long.

Folsom Skis Online with Powder Magazine

2008-07-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

Powder Magazine online just posted an interview with Folsom founder Jordan Grano.

Click HERE to read it!

June 11th in the Rockies

2008-06-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

So myself and a few friends set off for Torrey's peak (a 14er near A-basin) for some summer hiking and skiing down Dead Dog Couloir . The first picture is about an hour into our hike (yes that is the first Folsom splitboard prototype). Its sunny and 45F and Dead Dog is in the background just above the tip of the splitboard.

The next picture is half an hour later and we are on the way up Grays Peak (another fourteener adjacent to Torreys). I snapped it when we had a very brief moment of visibility. It was now snowing and the wind was a good 40-50mph sustained with gusts above 65mph. Our visibility was pretty much hovering between 10 yards and 2 yards most of the time. We drudged ahead hoping it would blow over as fast as it came in, but after an hour of pushing we decided to turn around figuring it wouldn't be much fun to ski Dead Dog's 50deg pitches for the first time in a whiteout. So we skied down Grays mellower slope dodging roller balls as they would appear from the white abyss.

Ahhh summer skiing in the Rockies..... roll the dice and smile.

Value and Cost

2008-06-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

I've had a lot of questions about "what are these things going to cost?" We have worked hard to make our skis affordable, but they are custom built and worth every penny. We are still working out the prices but the skis will be in the $900-$1200 range. However, we will be running introductory specials and have discount programs. These skis are uniquely built to you and come with a two year warranty.

Remember there is a reason products cost more and a reason they cost less. Value should be measured on durability and performance and not merely the dollar amount. A $1200 ski that is custom built, has a two year warranty, and will last well beyond that is an investment in value.

One of our testers (6'2" and 205lbs IFSA competitor) has put over 100 days on the 191cm ski and it still rides the same as day one. He took a 30ft drop to a rock and barely had a compressed edge, no sidewall damage, no edge separation. Last season when he was riding for another pure freeskiing company he broke four of their skis. Our park skiers have never had skis last longer than 2 months of rail abuse until they rode Folsoms. Folsom Customs are built differently to last longer so you can charge harder.

We are looking forward to changing your expectations of what a ski should be.

A Preview of the Skis

2008-05-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

We are working hard on our website and hopefully will launch it in August. You will be able to browse the shapes with their full descriptions and the graphic options thoroughly at that time (as well as place orders!). Until then, we just thought you might like a preview of the ski sizes and shapes. (click on the picture to view)

At Folsom Customs, the shapes will be fixed but the flex patterns are tailored to each rider. What we have done (and it took three years of testing) is come up with multiple flex patterns for each shape. This means when we build a ski for you, we not only fit you to a shape but also to a tested flex pattern that will be tailored to your personal goals as a skier and based off your personal specs (height, weight , skill level, background etc...).

If you would like to receive an e-mail notification of when the website launches please e-mail launch@folsomskis.com.

Pyramid Peak 14,018 feet

2008-04-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

Jesse Durrance ascending and descending 14,018 foot Pyramid Peak near Aspen, Colorado this past weekend on a pair of Folsom Customs.

Last Friday

2008-04-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

Chris Garcin getting in one more session at Freeway Park in Breck before closing day.

Air Jordan

2008-04-03T20:57:00.001-07:00

Ryan Prentice, Air Jordan, Whistler, enough said.

Photo Shoot

2008-03-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

Some of the Folsom crew just finished a two-day photo shoot. Here's some of the goods.

A Day at the Office

2008-03-07T19:32:00.002-08:00

Ryan Prentice doing some testing in Whistler.

Whistler Trip

2008-02-21T20:07:00.000-08:00

Some of our riders will be testing models in Whistler this week. (Skier: Mike McCabe)

Ski Manufacturing and the Environment

2008-02-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

Folsom Customs is going to do all that we can to reduce our environmental impact, yet we humbly know we will always have one. One of the biggest problems in manufacturing is that for many industries we are forced to use materials that have a higher environmental cost. Currently, soy/bio based resins and plastics are not ready for the abuse skiing places on them, so we are still tied to petroleum based components.

However, the epoxy we use is as low impact as we can get and is 99% non-toxic. The plastics we use are recyclable and the manufacturing process we created was honed to produce as little waste possible. We are using only poplar and bamboo for our cores (no foam or composite cores which which rely on more petroleum and complex manufacturing). We have also decided not to use lacquers, topcoats, and silk screen inks because of their toxic composition.

Reducing the impact our manufacturing process is only part of our responsibility. For too many industries, the focus seems to be on how cheaply their products can be made with little regard to the impact of the actual product. One of the the worst, least friendly bi-products of ski manufacturing is the ski itself. They will be around for a while. So what can we do about that? The first step is to focus on making a product that has the longest useful lifespan as possible. Then, when that lifespan ends we need to usher that product into a new role, so it lives on. At Folsom Customs we will be actively involved in reusing our skis for outdoor furniture, sleds, track lighting fixtures, art, and whatever else we can think of. We cannot merely manufacture responsibly, we need to use and reuse responsibly.

I encourage all of you to read Yvon Chouinard's book "Let My People Go Surfing." He wrote a great chapter in which he articulates the dilemma environmentally-minded manufacturers face. We are planning on joining One Percent For The Planet, the organization Yvon founded, as our tithe to the earth.

Let's ski hard, but tread lightly.

Testing, Testing, Testing.

2008-02-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

Testing has been underway all season. We have a team of incredible riders testing 12 ski designs on mountains across the country. Their mission is to ride hard and put these skis to the test, and so far they are the burliest anyone has ridden. We are all stoked on the way these skis are riding and are excited about next season's offerings. (Skier: Chris Peters)

About Folsom Custom Skis

2008-02-15T08:44:00.000-08:00

Folsom Customs was born from the idea of a small freeski company that was not concerned with volume, but a custom-made product. We wanted to be based right here in the USA and provide skiers with the opportunity to be part of the design process. Instead of trying to find a ski that appears to meet your criteria, you tell us your criteria and we build a ski to match you.

We specialize in pure freeride and freestyle specific skis of uncompromising performance and durability. Skis are handcrafted one at a time and in limited quantities right here in Boulder, Colorado. We use only the finest and most durable materials available and we operate with an environmental conscience. Folsom skis are performance custom freeskis, not luxury custom skis. These skis are for pushing the limits and not merely for showing them off in the lodge. They're a skier's ski.

It has taken us three years, but each ski we offer has been thoroughly field-tested with multiple flex patterns. So when we build a ski for you, we not only fit you to a shape but also to a tested flex pattern. This flex pattern will then be tailored to your personal goals as a skier and based off your personal input. We don’t start building your ski until we take your order- they really are one of a kind. It may take a little longer to get a pair, but it will be worth it.

The benefit of ordering from Folsom Customs is that you not only get a custom-made ski, but you get a partner for the future. We are all evolving as skiers and our requirements for a ski often change as we evolve. What is unique about Folsom Customs is that your next pair can be built off of your personal notes from your current ski. Your ski can evolve as you evolve as a skier. It is an ongoing process.

Folsom is also committed to environmental sustainability. As a small custom shop, we are able to make the right choices when it comes to our waste and energy use. By selling local, using sustainably harvested core materials, recycling and working on ways to keep old skis out of landfills (ski picnic table anyone?), we strive to leave a small footprint. We want the next generation to enjoy skiing as much as we do.

Thank you for stopping by. We look forward to working with you soon.

Folsom Customs- Handcrafted. Durable. Sustainable.

-Jordan Grano, Founder and Principal Designer