Backcountry skiing could be getting its e-bike moment.
Driving the news: E-Skimo, the world’s first pair of battery-powered skis, has officially launched after five years of development. The e-skis feature a battery on the front and a little motor on the back of each ski, creating a conveyor belt that propels you forward.
The idea behind the e-ski is to assist with the laborious uphill climbing of backcountry skiing without losing the spirit of the sport.
Why it matters: Backcountry skiing is really hard work. Just like e-bikes have allowed tourists to climb the Pyrenees without Tour de France-level fitness, e-skis have the potential to open up backcountry skiing to more people.
E-bikes, which were once a niche and expensive product dismissed by cycling enthusiasts, have now ballooned into a US$50 billion business.
Also, electric skis don’t seem as crazy when you consider that even hikers are buying robotic gadgets to help them summit mountains faster.
Yes, but: In addition to its oddly offensive name choice (they should really consider changing it), the reviews of E-Skimo have been mixed. Mishaps appear to be somewhat common, which is not what you want to hear when you’re in the freezing cold, trying to fix your robo ski.
Our take: It wouldn’t be surprising if backcountry and cross-country skiing gained some traction, especially in Canada. We have the terrain, it’s relatively affordable (certainly compared to $500 lift tickets), and it fits squarely into the growing trend of “social workouts.” Whether anyone wants to buy a pair of robotic skis is a whole other question.—LA