Behind every ski, boot and binding put through its paces in this guide, is a place you could call the technical heart of the entire project. XL Mountain, the specialist store run by Danilo Noro and Erika Giordano, is the place to go for expertise, comprehensive service, and a wealth of knowledge about the world of skimo and freeride.
Danilo has years of experience in methodically analyzing each and every product. Nothing is left to chance: he starts with the ski’s construction, measures the flex, assesses the materials, geometry and potential pairings. Every binding undergoes a release test, each boot is tested, compared and evaluated to understand how it behaves. But his expertise isn’t limited to technical analysis. He’s the one who carefully prepares every last setup in this guide, tuning edges, bases, and structures, as well mounting bindings according to usage and tester profiles. Before testing, we spend many hours going through brand catalogues, choosing gear, musing on market trends and much more, all with Danilo’s invaluable input.
In an age when online shopping has become the norm, XL Mountain is a welcome exception. There are so many advantages to buying your gear from a specialist store like this. Here you can find guidance, experience, and someone who really listens. Danilo helps you steer clear of the wrong equipment, giving advice on the most suitable gear for your needs. The store also offers tuning and bootfitting, with a personalized approach for the best possible fit and performance, with tailored solutions for all types of feet and skiing styles—essential for good technique.
The store is located in Quincinetto, near the city of Turin, and is easy to reach even for those travelling from afar. If you ever find yourself in the area, make sure to drop in. More than just a store, XL Mountain is a passion project, where you can find the answer to your backcountry prayers. Stop by to chat with Danilo and Erika, you’ll make some new friends who can share the many ups and downs of ski mountaineering.
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Probably The most accurate ski test out there.
