Author: Gavin Hess

Heritage Labs BC90 Review

Heritage Labs may be a new name for many readers of the High Route, and rightfully so, as it is one of the newest ski companies I can think of. The brainchild of Marshal Olson, Heritage Labs aims to fill the various niches abandoned over the years in favor of more mainstream, homogenous ski designs. A phrase we throw around a lot here at The High Route is the idea of being everything to someone rather than something for everyone. Perhaps the same sentiment applies to Heritage Labs. From burley, freeride comp-inspired models to a 132mm waisted, sub-2000 g reverse camber, reverse sidecut powder ski, and lots in between, Heritage Labs skis are near the top of my “ski lust” list lately. 

Heritage Labs is based in Salt Lake City and works mostly on a preorder basis. Planning is often required, but who among us isn’t planning their ski purchases well in advance? There is often some extra stock, so there are opportunities for instant gratification. 

First up in our test series is the BC90, which throws a nod to the well-loved but discontinued Volkl BMT94. For those who aren’t “in the know” on the BMT94, a 90mm reverse camber ski may seem absurd, but they are one of the more universally loved skinny touring skis I can think of. 

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Farewell to Velcro

In my role as a pack maker, I said farewell to velcro years ago—velcro was cool technology in the 50s and 60s, but in 2024, I’m over it. My aversion to velcro started during my days as an XC skier, where pole straps and skate boots all used velcro and inevitably the velcro wore out before the rest of the strap/boot. Some of my early sewing explorations were replacing the velcro “loop” on my XC pole straps. All this goes to say, I’ve been building disdain for Velcro for 10+ years at this point. 

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