Ashton Salwan

FROM THE QUALIFIERS TO THE WORLD CUP: GEAR MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

September 2024: Utah

There's no doubt that achieving new heights on snow — or the water ramps — requires more than just natural talent and intense training. The quality of your equipment can significantly impact your performance. I've seen athletes push the boundaries of our sport and achieve incredible feats, and these accomplishments aren't just about raw skill — they're also about having the right gear to support every step (or jump) of the journey.

Let’s dive into some essential pieces of equipment that are crucial for any skier, from those just starting out to World Cup contenders. If you’re interested, reach out to me for a complete list of my favorite brands.

Winter Skis: My winter skis are tailored to make each jump smoother and more dynamic. Weighing just 1130 grams each and featuring a refined 78–64–73 sidecut, they strike the perfect balance of lightness, precision, and stability. This design helps me focus more on my technique and less on managing the equipment. Their slim profile and ultralight construction are key for maintaining balance, generating powerful lift, and achieving stable landings — essential for pushing limits in aerial freestyle competitions and excelling at the World Cup level.

Water Ramp Skis: Freestyle training often includes sessions on water ramps, requiring specialized skis designed to handle the resistance of water. My water ramp skis are built to withstand repeated impacts into pools, which enables safe and effective practice of aerial maneuvers. Since progressing in water ramp skills is crucial, these skis are lighter and more buoyant to minimize damage and help me focus on perfecting my jumps.

Bindings: Bindings are the critical link between a skier and their skis. My go-to brand provides durability and responsiveness, offering a secure hold without adding extra weight. They efficiently transfer power, allowing for confident, precise maneuvers while ensuring safety — they release during crashes to prevent injuries but stay locked during solid landings in training and competition.

Socks: High-quality, moisture-wicking ski socks are a must, providing targeted cushioning and ventilation to prevent blisters while keeping feet warm and dry. For long days on the mountain, heated socks are a game-changer. My heated socks offer adjustable warmth, improving circulation and preventing cold feet from cutting my session short. Whether it's everyday warmth or advanced heating, the right socks ensure comfort, focus, and peak performance.

Base Layers: My preferred base layers act like a second skin, adeptly managing moisture and maintaining core warmth. Made from materials like merino wool or advanced synthetics, they excel at wicking away sweat while preserving heat. This balance is crucial for regulating body temperature during intense sessions and challenging winter weather conditions.

Snow Helmet: A snow-specific helmet is crucial not just for compliance with safety standards but for protecting your most vital asset — your head. It should fit snugly while offering robust impact protection and insulation.

Water Helmet: For water ramp sessions, a specialized water helmet is essential. It’s designed to withstand repeated impacts with water, offering a secure fit and quick-drying materials.

Gloves: Keeping my hands warm is key when I'm on the mountain. The best gloves offer water resistance, warmth, and flexibility for adjusting gear without restriction. Cold, numb fingers can lead to mistakes, while well-designed winter sports gloves help prevent frostbite and discomfort, allowing me to stay focused on my performance.

Drysuit/Wetsuit: When engaging in water ramp training, choosing the right gear to maintain warmth and flexibility is crucial. The choice between a drysuit and a wetsuit depends on factors like water temperature, duration of exposure, and personal comfort preferences. For colder conditions and longer sessions, a drysuit may provide better protection against hypothermia. In milder conditions or for shorter sessions, a wetsuit offers adequate warmth and greater mobility. Using the appropriate suit ensures you stay comfortable and focused, maximizing both performance and safety.

Final Thoughts: From honing techniques to setting personal records, having the right equipment provides both a mental edge and a tangible performance boost. Every detail — from the right skis to the warmth of your socks — plays a part in your comfort and safety, allowing you to focus on the thrill of the jump and reaching your peak performance. There's no better feeling than ending your season on a high note with a personal record and a finish that validates all your hard work — just ask me. Here’s to chasing new heights, in any season, with the confidence that your equipment will help you soar.