Lucy Sackbauer, Photo courtesy of Bishop Bindings
Bishop Bindings, Vail, CO-based makers of high performance Telemark ski bindings, is seeking ambassadors for the 2015-16 winter season to drop turns on the brand’s latest bindings for the free-heel tribe.
Dubbed the #Badassadors, the brand is enlisting both traditional and freestyle tele skiers to test and develop the next generation of downhill Telemark bindings.
“Telemark skiers are a special breed,” said Bishop CEO and Designer Dave Bombard. “And the essence of Telemark’s free spirit and soulful approach to the downhill is what sets it apart from other snowsports. Our goal with the Badassador program is to promote the free heel lifestyle, while progressing the sport forward while we’re at it.”
Bishop Ambassadors will help test and promote the Bishop 2.0 downhill Telemark bindings at key events and through their own photographs, videos and experiences playing and practicing on the slopes.
The new Bishop 2.0 was built for “big mountain badassery,” and is unlike any other Telemark binding, said the company, in an effort to eliminate “floppy ski syndrome.” The distinction comes in the engineering, which uses a titanium, aluminum and stainless steel design that promotes stability and lateral control. These features were made with the downhill freeskier in mind, looking to push both boundaries and confidence in the hopes of potentially changing the sport. Touted as helpful for beginners and experts alike, the 2.0 transitions easily from a neutral to an active position, by making one simple adjustment, allowing skiers to customize their ride.
Bishop’s ambassador program will look at the athletic achievements, stewardship and individual social reach of each applicant. Whether volunteering for adaptive sports or working as a ski patroller, ambassadors will be selected specifically on the criteria of reach, fit, authenticity and voice.
Interested parties can apply by submitting either a photo and short essay, and/or a short video, that conveys the essence of Telemark and what it means to live this lifestyle. Applications are due by October 20, 2015. For more info or to apply, go here.
Manufactured in small batches, the brand forgoes plastic parts and weak cables for all metal components and precision bearings. Bishop’s patented, sliding plate system transfers energy directly to the ski allowing greater control when charging downhill, in the park or backcountry.
