On this episode, I sit down with Lars Chickering-Ayers, co-founder of CAST Touring, to break down backcountry binding safety and how the right setup protects you from season-ending injuries.

Most skiers obsess over weight when they build a backcountry kit, but Lars makes the case that release and retention matter far more when you're miles from ski patrol. We get into why the CAST system pairs a true pin binding for the up with a real Look Pivot alpine binding for the down, so you never have to compromise your safety on the descent. If you want one setup that skis hard at the resort and gets you into the backcountry, this one is worth a listen.

We Talk About:

✅ Why binding weight is the easiest stat to sell and the most misleading

✅ The real difference between pin, tech, and true alpine bindings for injury prevention

✅ How to think about risk, exposure, and consequence when you pick your gear

✅ The story behind CAST and the foundation built in Ryan Hawks' honor

Out there, prevention is everything, and the gear you trust is a big part of it.

📌 Links and Resources Mentioned: