G3 = Genuine Gear Guide

New this year to the fleet of incredible backcountry gear at Tahoe Mountain Sports is a line-up of alpine touring skis, the all-new Ion tech binding as well as climbing skins, trim tools and splitboard climbing skin connector kits. G3 = Genuine Gear Guide. Based in Vancouver, B.C., G3 Genuine Guide Gear is manufacturer of industry-leading gear for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. It has been making avalanche safety equipment since 1995.

TMS employee Boon, took the new G3 Synapse Carbon 92 Skis with the Ion Alpine Touring Bindings out for a day in the Castle Peak backcountry. Click here for more information on this excellent backcountry skiing zone near Truckee, CA. on Here are his thoughts:

“Weighing in at a brisk 9lbs 15oz this set up felt like I was somehow cheating the up hill. Definitely built for speed and fast pursuits but burly enough to ski most any line. I have been looking for a spring/ summer ski for the east side Sierra and volcano corn harvest. This could easily be my go to…

Starting with the brand new G3 Ion Alpine Touring Bindings which did not disappoint. The toe piece is easier to engage than any other tech binding on the market and literally snaps into place giving you confidence that there is a good connection from the binding to the boot. G3 also designed large snow clearing channels on each side of the toe piece to clear out any ice/ snow that could cause a pre-release. The locking mechanism for the toe piece is also much more stout than the other tech bindings. As far as I see it, the ion toe piece is one of the best (if not the best) in the market.

G3 also beat the rest of the tech binding market in designing a binding with forward pressure. The forward pressure assures constant contract with the ski boot heal to maintain consistent release values in landings and absorbs energy/ vibration at high speed. One issue I have with the heal piece is that the design does not allow for turning the heal piece to ski mode with your ski pole. This can be nice to make quicker transitions and avoiding going hip deep in snow on the transition. Overall I was very impressed with the binding and can’t wait to put more mileage on them.

The G3 Synapse Carbon 92 Skis as I mentioned above is a very light ski but doesn’t sacrifice performance. With an early rise tip and tail the ski turns on a dime and can rip with the best of the all mountain skis. I see this ski being phenomenal in tight couloirs and during technical descents, but also super fun and easy to negotiate on wide open slopes. The only problem I had with the demo is i was wanting a little bit more length in the ski. The 180cm would be ideal for my height and weight (6′ tall 180 lbs.)

In conclusion, I am stoked on the new technology G3 has brought to the table to progress the tech binding world and also provide a very light high performance ski. Come in and demo or purchase a pair of these skis and bindings at Tahoe Mountain Sports.”

How to Choose the Right Climbing Skin for you:

G3 Alpinist Climbing Skin Features: