Industry News
HEAD/Tyrolia, the world’s largest independently-owned ski, boot, and binding manufacturer, introduces the CRUX Collection, a complete ski touring solution that combines lightweight agility with the brand’s renowned downhill performance. Available in the fall of 2024, CRUX includes four models of skis, two binding options, plus boots, skins, poles and a backcountry pack.
“Our product team took a very intentional, methodical approach to design our first complete collection of ski touring equipment. We developed a line from the ground up using the latest technology and materials to ensure each piece meets our company’s exacting demands for excellence on both the uphill and the down. CRUX and Almonte are major milestones for HEAD and Tyrolia.”
— Jon Rucker, President of HEAD/Tyrolia USA Wintersports Division
Each of the four CRUX Pro skis are made with a graphene and karuba wood core with a triaxial carbon crosscut, featuring fibers woven in three angles (triaxial) to provide exceptional torsional rigidity. The skis forgo a traditional topsheet in favor of a transparent layer with a snow repellent coating that makes the ski more sustainable and lighter weight.
The CRUX 105 PRO (MSRP $950) is ideal for deep backcountry missions with 105 mm width, and a weight of just 1,440 g in the 184 cm length. The CRUX 99 PRO (MSRP $900) is designed as a versatile touring ski with a 99 mm waist that weighs 1,385 g in the 184 cm. The CRUX 93 PRO (MSRP $850), which weighs in at only 1,280 g in the 177 cm length, is an all-mountain player that adapts to a variety of different snow conditions. The CRUX 87 PRO (MSRP $800) weighs just 1,220 g in the 177 cm, and makes skinning up easy, while offering maximum control and stability on the downhill.
To complement the HEAD CRUX skis, sister brand Tyrolia developed the new Almonte tech binding, named after the brand’s original touring binding from 1928. Both the Almonte 12 PT (DIN 5-12) and the Almonte 10 PT (DIN 4-10), combine lightweight (325 g) performance with a dependable design. The Almonte is easy to step into and enables quick transitions from climbing to ski mode with an automatic brake lock and an insulated mechanism that prevents icing up. Both bindings have three climbing settings (0°/ 6.5°/ 12°) and a Performance Spacer that transmits forces not only through the U-pin, but also via the brake platform. All of the plastics in the binding are either bio-based or come from recycled sources. The Almonte 12 PT retails for $575 with brakes and the Almonte 10 PT sells for $525 with brakes.
HEAD worked with an international team of mountain guides to develop a no-compromise touring boot, with equal performance on the ascent and descent. The carbon fiber CRUX PRO (MSRP $950) features HEAD’s LYT Dynamic Frame to deliver direct and strong power transmission. Weighing in at just 1,250 g per boot (size 26.5), the CRUX PRO has a 55-degree range of motion with a three-buckle system that allows easy entry and exit and offers a comfortable fit with a 99 mm last. The specially developed and shaped Vibram® Durastep outsole guarantees reliable grip while walking. In terms of sustainability, the new boot design features a 100% organic-based high-performance polymer from Pebax® sourced from the castor bean. The CRUX PRO boot also uses recycled carbon fibers in the shell. Also included in the line is the CRUX bootwith a softer flex for intermediate skiers and CRUX W for female skiers. The CRUX PRO retails for $950, while the CRUX and the CRUX W sell for $900. All CRUX boots include the Recco® system.
To complete the ski touring package, HEAD also developed a full line of accessories including poles, skins, and a backcountry pack. The adjustable CRUX poles (MSRP $199) are made of feather-light carbon, have foam handles with an integrated tool for changing the climbing position on the bindings, and pivoting baskets. The CRUX touring skins (MSRP $199) are made with 65% mohair and 35% nylon, and are pre-cut and measured to correspond to each CRUX ski. Finally, the new rolltop CX30+ backpack (MSRP $219) is designed for easy access with expandable volume to 30 litres. A dedicated compartment for avalanche equipment, and a system to easily fasten a helmet, skis or snowboard, enhance the functionality of the backpack, which is available in black or white.
