Williston, VT (Wednesday, April 21, 2004) - Garmont North America, the Vermont-based distributors of both Garmont boots and Silvretta bindings, has announced the introduction of two new alpine touring products for 2004.

Continuing the randonnée trend towards stiffer, more alpine boot-like performance, the new Garmont Adrenalin promises the world’s first high-performance Alpine freeride boot for ski mountaineers. The shell is molded in Garmont’s mix of selected polymers to keep it light and allow a stiff, performance flex. It is reinforced with carbon fiber at key stress points. The anatomically shaped shell allows more room for the big toe, relieving pressure on the first metatarsal, and enhancing warmth, sensitivity, and a secure fit. The unique doubleinjected tongue has a smooth, progressive flex. Under the buckles is a firmer injection to disperse buckle pressure over a large area to eliminate shin bang pressure points. The Adrenalin is available with Garmont's traditional Pad-Lock liner that combines support, secure heel hold, and toe-wiggling comfort. The Adrenalin g-fit uses the company's g-fit custom-thermoformable inner boot. Both models have a new, reinforced thermal footbed.

The new Garmont Adrenalin will deliver alpine ski boot-like performance in a randonnée package. (photo: Garmont North America)

Key, though, is the Adrenalin's flexibility. Unlike any other ski mountaineering boot, the Adrenalin is compatible with all step-in bindings, alpine or ski mountaineering. Its interchangeable soles let you boot up with rocker-ed rubber for climbing and touring, or switch to alpine DIN soles for use with conventional alpine bindings via 11 screws in the sole. Each pair of Adrenalins includes two sets of easily interchangeable soles. The self-cleaning Garmont mountaineering sole offers superior grip with sculpted rocker for crampon compatibility and easy climbing and hiking. The alpine sole conforms to the ISO alpine norm and is compatible with all alpine bindings.

Garmont’s new Adrenalin is high and stiff to arc the biggest freeride skis, yet it’s light and articulated for ski mountaineering.

Garmont North America has also announced the release of Silvretta’s new binding, the Pure. Similar in theory to the Naxo but utilizing a different technique to achieve its objective, the pivot point’s function and ergonomics are greatly improved for touring ease with no loss of energy by moving the pivot point back 30mm behind the boot toe toward the ball of the foot. Each stride is easier because the binding pivots naturally under your boot toe, not way out in front. 'Frankenstride' is eliminated. As well as allowing effortless striding, awkward uphill maneuvers like kick turns are easier because of the ski control this anatomical pivot point provides.

Silvretta has accomplished this without increased weight. Of course, light is right for touring enjoyment -- the new Pure binding is a full-function stepin that weighs 30% less than the competition at only 1200 grams per pair thanks to the use of advanced materials, including light-weight, durable, rigid carbon fiber rails as well as titanium, reinforced fiberglass and UV-stabilized materials.

The new Silvretta Pure will provide lateral release for ski mountaineers at only 1200 grams per pair. (photo: Garmont North America)

A riser is incorporated for a boot-sole height of 35 mm, and a dual-position climbing bar is easily adjusted with a ski pole. Ski brakes and crampons are easy to use and can be used at the same time, and the binding offers DIN setting values from Z4 to Z10. The safety strap is positioned for easy access, and swivel plates facilitate smooth, safe side release.

Both products will be available from retailers this fall.