Black Diamond Test Centre

Black Diamond will once again be running their test centre in the Edelweiss hotel at la Grave. La Grave, with its unique unpisted high mountain domain is considered one of the freeride capitals of the world and offers a superb open air test laboratory for Black Diamond gear. All the new 2008 mid-sized freeride skis and fatties (including the Havoc, Verdict, Zealot and the new Megawatts!) will be available with a choice of touring, alpine and telemark bindings. The center will also have the women specific Velvet and Joule skis. The BD range has been creating quite a buzz.

edelweiss hotel la grave
Black Diamond’s Test Center in la Grave

The center will have also have climbing skins available so people can take the skis touring in the local area. There is a huge range of touring within and beyond the la Grave domain. The new ISPO award winning AvaLung Backpacks as well as avalanche rescue gear such as the Deploy snow shovels and probes will also be available as well as the AvaLung II and Black Diamond adjustable touring poles. The centre will be run by popular land knowledgeable local skier Colin Samuels who invites everyone to stop buy and check out the latest gear. No appointment is necessary but be sure to mention PisteHors if you go. Colin tells us that the test gear is completely free of charge, you can take out different kit, all he asks is for some written feedback to help with product development. Testers will receive 10% off any BD Skis they subsequently purchase at the two local La Grave Ski shops (Magasin Twinner and Objective Meije). Black Diamond will also have a stand at the Mondial du Ski at les Deux Alpes at the start of November.

AvaLung II