For a while, any pro skier that ventured up to Alaska to rip big mountain heli-accessed spine lines set aside a special pair of skis in their quiver. They were typically massive, stiff, purpose-built skis for making big powerful turns down the unique snow and terrain Alaska had to offer. Just think back to the days of Shane McConkey skiing water skis on spines. These unicorns of ski design were perfect for aggressive skiing in consequential terrain, but were a bit much to handle and too specialized to ski anywhere else. These days, athletes like Nick Mcnutt appreciate the fact that their ski gear has evolved to the point where one ski can truly do it all. Mcnutt trusts Atomic’s Bent Chetler 120 in all kinds of scenarios, whether it’s popping pillows in BC or straightlining big faces in AK.
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Of course, while he spends most of his days touring around his home in BC, he does appreciate some special gear for heli laps in the Chugach. Check out what he brought on his trip to Palmer while filming for TGR’s Winterland last spring.
Mcnutt trusts his Bent Chetlers all season long. Jeff Cricco photo.
Atomic Bent Chetler 120:
The Atomic Bent Chetler 120 is the ski perfect for any kind of powder skiing you throw at it. Whether it’s blasting pillow lines in BC, hiking a jump off the back side of the resort, or slicing down steep spiney faces in the Chugach, these will have you covered. With his freestyle background, Mcnutt appreciates the twin-rocker design and Horizon Tech tip and tail in the ski that allow more maneuverability in tight spaces and the ability to spin, butter, and land switch in deep snow. At the same time, the ski is big and burly enough to stand up to the demands of extreme Alaskan heli-skiing, giving him the confidence to drop into very consequential lines. The current Bent Chetler is the lightest one yet, which means his legs will have plenty of juice to go back up for more runs. Mcnutt skis the 192cm version.
Powerful skiing requires powerful boots. Nic Alegre photo.
Atomic Redster 130 Boots:
Big skis and big descents require big boots. While Mcnutt spends his touring days on the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD boot (hint: it has a walk mode and tech fittings), he prefers a stiffer and more precise race boot for his Alaska trips. When there’s a heli involved, there’s no need for touring equipment, so Mcnutt swears by Atomic’s Redster boots – World Cup tested race boots worn by the best in the biz. Hitting mach speeds and stomping unfathomably large airs in Alaska require that much more power, and only the Redsters can hold up to that.
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Mcnutt appreciates the added margin of safety using the Atomic STH WTR 16 binding when ripping turns like these. Nic Alegre photo.
Atomic STH WTR 16 Binding:
Much like his choice in boots for Alaskan missions, Mcnutt switches over the burliest alpine binding Atomic makes when it comes time to fly in the Heli. With no need for touring equipment, he prefers the Atomic STH WTR 16 over his other favorite, the Shift, thanks to its higher DIN setting. Mcnutt is a big guy who can generate some pretty serious force on his skis, so he’s thankful for the added retention – especially when falling or pre-releasing is not an option.
Gotta protect the noggin. TGR photo.
Atomic Count AMID Helmet:
Last but not least, Mcnutt wants to remind us of the importance of wearing a helmet while skiing, especially in consequential terrain. He chooses the Atomic Count AMID helmet for its low-profile stylish looks, comfort, and high-level protection. Using Atomic’s proprietary LiveFit technology, the Count will be sure to fit your head, no matter how unruly your hair gets – yeah, we’re looking at you Mcnutt. The helmet uses both RECCO and Atomic’s AMID technology, a material used in the helmet that absorbs and provides better protection and angled impacts. Atomic claims it provides 40 percent better protection than the industry standards. Mcnutt chooses the black Chris Benchetler version that features some art from his good friend and Atomic teammate.
About The Author
stash member Max Ritter
I manage digital content here at TGR, run our gear testing program, and am stoked to be living the dream in the Tetons.