Conquer the side country
Looking for a winter sport to help burn some fat and stay active in the cold months? Love skiing but want to take it to the next step?
Here at Berkshire Bike and Board we have a fleet of Black Crows Freebird touring skis mounted up with hybrid pin type touring bindings - We have chosen the Salomon Shift 2 binding for the demo fleet this year. As for boots - we have gone with the Salomon Shift in 95 and 100 flex boots - check below for complete boot sizing details.
Continuing the ethos of BBB from mountain biking, we follow a similar approach for uphill skiing. The hybrid bindings we use, while not the absolute lightest for uphill travel, offer superior versatility for both climbing and descending. They provide the safety and control benefits of traditional alpine bindings, meaning they can be used for a full day of lift-served skiing as well.
If a customer is looking for the lightest possible touring setup, we should state that this demo fleet is not designed for that, but we can certainly assist them in purchasing lightweight equipment from our suppliers.
TLDR: In short, the hybrid binding setup can help you do it all! For an uphill setup, this is a great way to get into the game.
uphill faq
Why would I want to uphill ski when there is a chairlift? Earn your turns! Burn off those donuts you have been eating. Ski area doesn't open until 10am but you want to start at 8am? Take a few uphill laps before the lift starts turning! Chasing fresh snow at one of the many local powder stashes throughout Berkshire County. Ask us for the inside scoop.
Where can I use this uphill touring setup? Most ski areas do allow for uphill travel. Check in with the mountain or look on their website for more details. Most mountains require you to have an uphill pass.
Can I take these demo skis out to the "backcountry"? We ask that you refrain from taking these demo skis out to a non resort ski area AKA Pittsfield State Forest, Beartown, Greylock Thunderbolt, ETC. Too much chance of rock strikes and damage to the skis.
Now my interest is piqued, I want to learn more about "backcountry" ski spots - Yes there are tons of great spots locally to utilize an alpine touring ski setup! Stop by the shop and chat with us any time or join a cool community of people looking to find the snow less traveled with Western Mass Backcountry Alliance. Info here.
How do I rent a side-country ski setup? Our Pittsfield location is where the side-country rentals live. Check in with Jay at the Pittsfield Berkshire Bike and Board to set up a demo reservation.
413-445-8888 Call or TEXT us now to set up a demo reservation!
Can you teach me how to use this equipment? YES! Starting in January 2026 we will be meeting on Wednesday mornings at 8am at Bousquet. We recommend you get sized up for the equipment the Tuesday before.
What if I rent a Side-country ski setup and then I want to buy my own setup? Any ski demo fee can be applied to the purchase of a new touring ski setup for yourself WITHIN 30 DAYS OF ANY SKI DEMO.
The Boots
Salomon Shift supra boa
- 100 and 95 flex
- 23.5 through 26.5 Salomon Shift Supra 95w boots
- 25.5 through 28.5 Salomon Shift Supra 100 boots
- BOA closures for comfort!
The skis
Black Crows Freebird
- 156 & 163 Ova Freebird
- 171 & 178 Camox Freebird
- Forgiving and light
- Classic medium camber: classic camber under the foot with intermediate ski/snow contact, balance between stability and maneuverability
the bindings
Salomon Shift
- Hybrid touring binding
- Pin type binding for uphill
- Alpine binding features for the descent
The Accessoires
Climbing Skins
- Black Crows skins included
- Bing your own poles
Want to try these skis out?
Next day return ski demo $100 - Pick up the skis, boots, and equipment at our Pittsfield shop. Take them to your favorite resort that allows uphill travel and have fun!
** All demo charges can be applied to a ski purchased within 30 days. **
Need some help figuring out how to use the gear? If you can pick up the gear Tuesday afternoon, and then meet us at 8am on Wednesday at Bousquet - we will give you a FREE CRASH COURSE on uphill skiing. Hands on from getting the skis and skins together, boots into the bindings, and what route to follow up the mountain!
413-445-8888 Call or TEXT us now to set up a demo reservation!
Wednesday mornings at Bousquet
We are excited to announce the second season of our Wednesday uphill mornings at Bousquet. Meeting at 8am on Wednesdays to get some pre-workday laps - no better way to start the day!
We aim to be standing on the snow for a quick chat about the uphill route at 8:15 - we should be able to get 2 runs done before 10.
Need gear? We got you - we have a fleet of Alpine Touring skis available for demo from our Pittsfield location.
Need an uphill pass? Get yourself to the Bousquet ticket booth within normal hours to purchase an uphill pass. $25 per day or $75 for the whole season to uphill as much as you want! Link to Bousquet website for uphill rules - Link to uphill waiver
413-445-8888 Call or TEXT us now to set up a demo reservation!
** Check the Google calendar event for any weather cancellations **
