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- Amazon Web Services
Published by Active Interest Media
Early January 2013
Official Publication of the 2013 SIA Snow show
Come together
The snow sports industry gathers in Denver
Show
Savvy
Make the most of your
time with our insider’s
guide to events, seminars,
parties, and new gear.
Top Trends for
2013-14
Get the first peek at
next season’s hottest
hardgoods, apparel,
and accessories.
Try Before
You Buy
Get on-snow after
the Show for the
ultimate gear test. Plus,
free lift tickets (p. 10)!
“SIA is my favorite
show. It creates
energy around a
brand.”
—Heidi Williamson,
sales rep
SIA Snow Show App
Also available
on the iTunes
App Store or at
www.SIAshowapp.com.
EXPERIENCE THE BEST INSTANT FIT EVER
X-Pro is the next step in TWINFRAME technology,
adapted for instant comfort. A pre-shaped
My Customfit 3D liner and articulated Sensifit
provide great initial fit, and 360° Custom fit
enable total personalization. Combined with the
transmission delivered by Oversized Pivot, X-PRO
means maximum performance and Salomon’s
best fitting boot ever.
Stop by the Salomon X-Pro boot fitting
station at SIA booth 4130 to experience
the X-Pro boot.
PRE-SHAPED & THERMOFORMABLE LINER
My Custom Fit 3D liners are a revolutionary
construction, built on a 3-dimensional mold with
pre-shaped, thermoformable material around
the heel and ankle pockets. This provides instant
comfort, as well as a completely customized fit
for a wide variety of bone structures.
TWINFRAME
TWINFRAME technology combines rigid plastic
in the parts of the boot that transmit power,
energy, and control, with softer plastic in the
parts that need to wrap the foot comfortably for
supple feel.
CUSTOMSHELL 360° (WITH CUFF)
3rd Generation custom shell technology lets you
heat the whole shell, including the top of the
cuff, to enable comfort and precision for a wide
variety of feet, in just 20 minutes.
OVERSIZED PIVOT
25mm axis point reduces play at the ankle of the
boot, for direct, precise transmission, essential
for modern wider skis.
COPYRIGHT© SALOMON SAS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PHOTOGRAPHER: SEMAPHORE.
DESIGN MEETS TECHNOLOGY
V I D E O + CA M E R A
EXCLUSIVE VIEWFINDER • 1080P HD VIDEO • INSTANT REPLAY • 12 MP PHOTO • SLOW MOTION
AND MORE
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In this issue ToC
Contents
We Can’t Wait to See
You at the Snow Show
6
Show Overview
What's new, what's happening, and why you need to be at the Show.
10
On-snow Demos & Events
The full scoop on the On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest and the Nordic Demo.
14
SIA Snow Show schedule
All the don't-miss events, from seminars and special exhibits to happy hours and
one special pancake breakfast.
18
out and about
Denver's happening spots, Icelantic's Winter on the Rocks, festivals, and more.
20-44
top Trends
What's on the horizon in skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, women's hardgoods, snowshoes, apparel for kids and adults, eyewear,
helmets, gloves, and accessories. Make your must-see list for the
Show and check it twice.
Welcome to our second annual SIA Snow Show Preview issue, designed to give
you a head start on planning your 2013 SIA Snow Show experience with a round-up of
events, parties, people, products, and excitement that will happen only at the SIA Snow
Show (Jan. 31-Feb. 3) and On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest (Feb. 4-5).
Within the Preview issue, you’ll also find some great information to help you with your
travels to the Snow Show and your time in Denver and at Winter Park Resort and Devil’s
Thumb Ranch.
The past twelve months have been challenging for our industry—lack of snow, hurricanes, and a struggling economy have all made our jobs a bit more demanding. However,
I’m always amazed at the optimism heading into a new season; I see it in SIA Board
Members, retail owners, shop kids, resort staff, and snow sports enthusiasts. No matter the
conditions, our industry seems to pull together as a community, and we see it more than
ever at the annual SIA Snow Show.
Consumers, retailers, and, really, all of us are faced with so many choices on how to
move our businesses forward. Coming to the Show and seeing first hand the major trends,
color themes, hot products, and technologies is the best way to make the right decisions
for your customers.
One last thought—this is your Show and we, at SIA, look forward to working with you
this season and seeing you at the Show, in the field, or on the mountain.
48
Exhibitors
ON THE COVER: Photos courtesy of SIA
Publisher Andy Hawk
managing editor Cindy Hirschfeld
Art Director Jacqueline McCaffrey
Contributors Jill Adler, Eugene Buchanan, Ali Carr Troxell, Krista Crabtree,
Brian Litz, Helen Olsson, Doug Schnitzpahn, Mike Sudmeier
Advertising Sales Sharon Burson, Andy Hawk
Group Production Director Barb Van Sickle
Production Caitlin O’Connor
Graphic Designer Michelle Miller
Read the digital version of the Snow Show Preview at snewsnet.com or snowsports.org.
Snow Show Preview is part of Active Interest Media’s Outdoor Group
Jonathan Dorn, SVP of Content and Product Development
Matthew Bates, Creative Director, Outdoor Group
Active Interest Media
2520 55th St, Suite 210, Boulder, CO 80301
303.625.1600
Chairman & CeO Efrem Zimbalist III
Group Publisher & COO Andrew W. Clurman
Senior Vice President & CFO Brian J. Sellstrom
Senior Vice President, Operations Patricia B. Fox
Copyright 2013 by Snow Show Preview
4
SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
Bienvenue à notre deuxième numéro annuel du SIA Snow Show Preview! Cette
publication vous permet de prendre de l’avance et de planifier votre participation au SIA
Snow Show de 2013. Activités spéciales, fêtes, rencontres, produits et excitation, vous ne
trouverez tout ça qu’au SIA Snow Show (du 31 jan. au 3 fév.) ainsi qu’à la Démo sur neige/
Ski-Ride Fest (4 et 5 fév.).
Ce dernier numéro de Preview vous offre également des informations très pratiques qui
faciliteront vos déplacements au Snow Show, à Denver, au Winter Park Resort, au Devil’s
Thumb Ranch et partout au Colorado.
Les douze derniers mois ont été éprouvants pour notre industrie : neige peu abondante,
ouragans et économie en difficulté, autant de facteurs qui ont rendu nos postes un peu
plus exigeants. Néanmoins, je suis toujours renversé par l’optimisme affiché à l’aube d’une
nouvelle saison. Je le remarque chez les membres du conseil de la SIA, chez les commerçants, les jeunes qui travaillent dans les ateliers, le personnel des stations et les amateurs de
sports de neige. Peu importent les conditions qui prévalent, les membres de notre industrie
semblent toujours se serrer les coudes et c’est toujours le plus évident au SIA Snow Show.
Consommateurs, détaillants et nous tous, à vrai dire, disposons d’une myriade d’options
sur la façon de faire progresser nos activités. Mais c’est sans contredit en participant au
Snow Show et en prenant connaissance sur place des grandes tendances, des couleurs
thématiques, des produits et technologies de l’heure que vous serez à même de prendre les
bonnes décisions pour vos clients.
Une dernière chose : le Snow Show est VOTRE exposition et nous, à la SIA, avons bien
hâte de travailler avec vous cette saison, de vous rencontrer à l’exposition, en montagne
ou dans vos commerces.
Cordiales salutations.
David Ingemie
SIA President
photo courtesy of SIA (ON-Snow)
David Ingemie
SIA President
Fashion Must Furrs
3
Cashmeres
Cashme
Shearlings
SIA Snow Show ALL about the show
Get Ready, Get Set … Show!
2013 SIA Snow Show Draws Thousands to the Mile High City
From Jan. 30, 2013, through Feb. 3, you don’t want to be anywhere but the Colorado Convention Center for the
biggest business/party event in the whole snow sports industry: the 2013 SIA Snow Show. More than 19,000 attendees—including representatives of some 1,000 brands of skis, snowboards, other snow sports equipment, apparel, and accessories—will
converge on the Mile High City. The official Opening Ceremony takes place Thursday, Jan. 31, at 8 a.m. in the Atrium Lobby
of the Colorado Convention Center, when the bells ring to begin four industry-inspired days.
Then, head up to Winter Park Resort for the On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest, Feb. 4-5, and/or the Nordic Demo at Devil’s
Thumb Ranch, Feb. 4.
Register
Now!
Why Go to the SIA Snow Show?
“The SIA Show is a critical part of the sales and
marketing cycle for Marker
and Völkl. It's an opportunity for us to put our best
foot forward and articulate
the unique messages of our
brands. Nowhere in the
country is a more complete
presentation of our skis,
bindings, accessories, apparel, and, now, protection
equipment made.”
— Geoff Curtis, VP,
Marketing, Marker-Völkl
“SIA is an opportunity
for KJUS to showcase our
technical innovations and
to be face-to-face with our
valued partners. Sharing
our passion for uncompromising premium ski products with the entire ski industry is exhilarating.”
—Hans Bergman, Managing
Director, North American
operations, KJUS
“This is my 20th year attending
SIA, and the Show continues to
be as relevant as ever. It is the
key venue where manufacturers,
buyers, and media come together
to transact, discuss, share, and
learn about new products, customer insights, and the overall
evolution of our industry.”
—Tyler LaMotte, Patagonia
Business Unit Director, Snow
6
SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
“Last year was my first time
at the SIA Snow Show
in 10 or 12 years. I got so
much done, and I got to
see some new brands I’d
like to carry. It opened
my eyes to some things we
could sell that I normally
wouldn’t see in the East.”
—Jeff Proctor, Co-owner,
Ken Jones Ski Mart,
Nashua, N.H.
“I started going to the Show
as a kid when my mom had
a snowboard shop. You get
a great feel for what the
industry is doing, and I like
interacting with other buyers and finding out what’s
working for them. It’s all
about finding the next
thing that's a perfect fit for
our customer.”
—Allison Wright,
Apparel and Inventory
Manager, Mount Hood
Meadows, Oregon
“SIA is my favorite show. Having
that face time builds the foundation in relationships that you cultivate. The Show also creates energy
around a brand, and being able to
bring your accounts into that environment adds more depth to the
brand. Getting that exposure and
connection at the Show is vital.”
—Heidi Williamson, sales rep,
Core Concepts and Eider, Boise
“Quiksilver and all of the
best wintersports retailers
use the SIA Show to explore
new brands, find new trends,
develop color and merchandising stories, try new
products, and strengthen
their business relationships
with their most important
partners. It’s an efficient and
effective venue for manufacturers and retailers to accomplish these tasks.”
—Clark Gundlach, Senior
VP and General Manager,
Winter Sports, Quiksilver
Scan or go to
SIAsnowshow.com/
registration
“SIA has always been an
important show to attend.
It’s an opportunity to get
all-important face time with
our vendors, other retailers,
and a whole host of others throughout the industry. We see the Show as an
opportunity to strengthen
relationships important to
the business while having a
good time together along the
way.”
—Bryce Phillips, founder,
Evo, Seattle
Can’t wait until the
show to see what’s new?
Check out SIA’s Sneak Peak/New
Product Directory, in which brands
showcase their hottest products
online before the show. Find it at
SIAsnowshow.com/sneakpeak
Photos by Ben fullerton (fashion show); courtesy (9)
It depends on whom you ask. Retailers, reps, suppliers, athletes … all have their
reasons. What they all agree on: It’s one annual event you don’t want to miss.
Start off the Snow Show in True Style
Occurring on a new night, Wednesday, January 30, 2013, the annual SIA Snow
Fashion and Trends Show launches the Snow Show with a party straight out of New
York Fashion Week. With a live DJ spinning club hits, a cocktail lounge, and multimedia video projections forming an evocative backdrop, models strut the catwalk in next
season’s trendiest ski and snowboard apparel.
“The fashion show starts SIA off on such a positive and upbeat note,” says Rhonda
Swenson, owner and designer of knitwear company Krimson Klover. “Not only is it
an extremely fun event, but it truly brings traffic to our booth. And seeing your new
products come alive on stage is always exciting as a designer.”
To help give context to the parade of styles brightening up the runway from hot
brands like Descente, Neve Designs, and NILS, New York-based Stylesight, a fashion
forecasting expert and SIA partner, highlights trends and color stories through narration and visual aids.
A don’t-miss segment features children’s wear, and the pint-sized fashionistas sporting these too-cute styles routinely bring down the house.
During the rest of the Snow Show, you can revisit some of your favorite looks at the
Fashion Lounge in the Colorado Convention Center.
Says Robert Yturri, senior vice president of product and brand management for
Obermeyer, “We love the SIA Snow Fashion and Trends Show—it’s a first-class production that gives our new line runway opportunity in front of those we support the
most, our specialty retailers. We treat the show like a celebration of our industry and
invite everyone—customers, employees, designers, media. It’s fantastic!”
Who knows? Maybe Vogue editrix Anna Wintour will even show up in the first row.
SIA Snow Fashion and Trends Show
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Mile High Ballroom, Colorado Convention Center
Doors open 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.
Seminars to Help Businesses Grow
Need pointers on launching a successful social media campaign? Want to learn how to increase your
business by targeting buyers by generation? How about getting first dibs on an industry-wide initiative
for avalanche safety? Throughout the Snow Show, SIA offers more than 40 unique opportunities for
insights on all aspects of your snow sports business. For a complete listing of seminars and other events,
check out page 14.
Backshop+Rental
Brand New!
Sourcing Snow
Sourcing Snow, a separate, exhibitor owned and
operated trade show at the Colorado Convention
Center’s Mile High Ballroom, Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2013,
is a significant new addtion to the Snow Show.
The new event showcases 33 top component suppliers essential to snow sports brands, including
3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation, Concept III Textiles International, DURAFLEX, Global Merino,
PrimaLoft®, Schoeller Textil USA, Inc. and Tabar.
“SIA closely listened to its members and their
request for sourcing availability at the Snow
Show and responded with a smart scenario that
takes into consideration the challenges and need
to work more closely with the supply chain.” says
Tom Weinbender, president of Schoeller Textil
USA, Inc. “Bravo to SIA for working with all its
members to invigorate the whole industry by offering the possibilities for design and innovation
with the sourcing show.”
Backcountry
Experience
SIAsnowshow.com SNOW SHOW Preview
7
ATOMIC.COM
NOMAD
WITH ARC TECHNOLOGY
FREES YOUR SKIS
TO FLEX NATURALLY.
MAKES EVERY RUN A
SMOOTH, NATURAL RIDE.
At the show on-snow demos
Saving the Best for Last?
Head to the hills after the Show for gear testing, parties, and some good ol' on-snow bonding
On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest, Winter Park Resort, Feb. 4-5
Feb. 4 Events
›› In the randonee-race-style Uphill/Downhill Challenge, a fundraiser for the U.S. Ski
Mountaineering team, three-person teams race the 1,700 vertical feet from Winter Park’s
base to the Sunspot Lodge, quaff a beverage of choice, then ski or snowboard down to the
finish. 2 p.m.
›› For the fourth year (and counting) Office Booyz & Girlz will hit the Re-Railer terrain
park for this off-the-wall “non-contest, contest” where anything goes. Last year’s shenanigans included a solo dance-off through the course and a marriage proposal to a “monkey.”
2 p.m-4 p.m.
›› Après/Awards Ceremony: Come see who won the infamous Office Booyz & Girlz
event and the Uphill/Downhill challenge while enjoying a few cold ones. West Station
Portal, 4 p.m.
›› Two-Mile High Fest: Free drinks and live music from SIA Board Member Bill Treacy (from
Giro) and his band, The Willbillys. Sunspot Lodge on top of the mountain, 5:30 p.m.
Nordic Demo, Devil's Thumb Ranch, Feb. 4
Feb. 3 (night before the demo)
›› SIA’s Director of Research Kelly Davis gives a comprehensive overview of the Nordic market in a state-of-the-industry
presentation at the Nordic Opening Reception, 6 p.m.
#1 for Nordic
“It is the best and most productive nordic demo that we have ever attended. Because we nords, vendors and retailers alike, are all ‘on campus’
together and away from distractions, there are great opportunities for
networking and idea sharing. And the quality of the skiing and the gorgeous facility encourages the vendors to show up en masse with complete
product lines. It allows us to get our work done while enjoying world-class
skiing with people we’ve known as friends and worked with for years.”
—Bob Wade, owner, Ute Mountaineer, Aspen
I'm at work ... really!
“Having an on-snow demo immediately following the SIA Snow Show is
a significant benefit to retailers. It’s the best opportunity to test the gear
you're interested in buying and allows you to network with not just the
reps, but also the product managers and others. Besides, you get to ski and
ride and call it work!”
—David Craycraft, owner, Elevation Sports, Santa Monica
Getting on board
“It’s important for us to get a hands-on experience with the equipment so
we can genuinely understand it before selling and marketing it to our end
customer. The only way to truly understand how new technologies work is
to use them (sounds pretty rough, right?). Personally, my attendance at this
show allows me to provide our male-dominated buying team with feedback related more specifically to women’s snowboard equipment.”
— Karen Craig, GMM Merchandising, backcountry.com
Feb. 4 Events
›› Nordic Seminar: How to Create and Manage Mailing
Lists, 8:30 a.m.
›› Nordic Après Ski: Mingle with industry colleagues over
drinks at Devil’s Thumb Ranch. 3:30 p.m.
And There’s More Skiing and
Riding to Be Had
For the fourth year running, SIA and Colorado Ski Country USA have partnered to give Snow Show attendees free or two-for-one lift ticket vouchers
good at 20 top Colorado resorts. Claim your ticket voucher when you pick
up your Snow Show badge at the Colorado Convention Center. The vouchers are good for any of the five days following the Show. Buyers receive
three free lift ticket vouchers, while all other attendees will receive three
two-for-one ticket vouchers.
Participating Resorts: Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain,
Buttermilk, Copper Mountain, Crested Butte, Eldora, Howelsen, Loveland,
Monarch Mountain, Powderhorn, Purgatory (Durango), Ski Cooper, Snowmass,
SolVista Basin, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride, Winter Park, Wolf Creek
10
SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
Left: Racers start the Uphill/Downhill Challenge. Right: Who wouldn't want to demo a
board from this friendly dude?
Photos courtesy OF SIA
Four days of business indoors may have you longing for the slopes. The SIA
On-Snow Demo Ski/Ride Fest, at Winter Park Resort, and the Nordic Demo, about 15
minutes away at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, are the perfect way to wrap up your trip. It’s where
you can test all the fabulous gear and accessories you ogled at the Snow Show and form
impressions that will help you better match up your customers with the right equipment for
them. At last year’s demos, more than 200 brands offering ski, snowboard, Nordic, alpine
touring, telemark and other backcountry gear provided their newest products for testing.
GET INTO IT!
TRY ON THE APEX SKI BOOT
SYSTEM & LEARN WHY YOUR CURRENT
BOOT WALL IS OBSOLETE
Get into the Revolutionary Ski Boot System by visiting us at
Booth # 4319. Or call 888.669.7542 to learn about the expanded
2013-14 line featuring the Big Mountain Performance MC-X
Performance, Comfort, Warmth, & Walkability. Demand It All !
ApexSkiBoots.com
Ski Boot System
THE FUTURE OF FREERIDE.
Freeride, freestyle and backcountry skiing are all evolving toward a common
activity… the “Fusion of Freeride.” These skiers’ demands are changing just as
quickly. They all want the same things: tip and tail rocker; traditional and reverse
sidecut; durability; floatation; smooth performance on groomers… and significant
reductions in weight, too.
With Rossignol’s all-new 7 SERIES, the future of freeride skis has arrived. The
7 Series combines the very latest in shape and design with an all-new, patented
lightweight construction technology called “Air Tip.” The result: a revolutionary
fusion of rocker, sidecut, stability, maneuverability and reduction in weight that is
beyond imagination.
AIR TIP
This all-new, patented, air-honeycomb design reduces the weight and
dramatically reduces the swing weight of the ski (by nearly 30%.) This significantly
enhances maneuverability, giving the ski an ultra-light feel. Reinforced with ABS
for durability and enhanced torsional rigidity.
POWDER TURN ROCKER
Newly redesigned to deliver even more versatility and superior floatation. A
longer, more progressively rockered tip eliminates “tip flap” in variable snow and
hardpack while the tapered, more powerful tail drops into soft snow, enhancing
floatation and providing effortless steering with instant speed control. Traditional
camber underfoot delivers power, energy and edge grip for groomed snow
performance.
LIGHT CORE
All-new ultra-lightweight Paulownia wood core with Race Department Diago
Fiber laminate combines with the Air Tip to reduce overall ski weight by 20%,
enhancing maneuverability and touring capabilities, with no compromise in
downhill performance.
FREE V.A.S.
Visco elastomer material smoothes the rocker/camber transition, reducing
“tip flap” and increasing stability, control and snow contact in changing snow
conditions.
CLIMBING SKINS
Blended mohair/nylon climbing skins deliver the optimal combination of grip on
the ascent and glide on long walks. 70/30 Mohair to nylon. Two versions: Pre-cut
for Soul 7 and trim-to-fit for all models.
At the show SIA Events
Increase Your Snow Sports Know-How
SIA’s action-packed schedule highlights interactive exhibits, seminars, panels, awards
Mingle
The WiFi-connected BlueBird Social Zone (Booth #278),
sponsored by TransWorld Media and presented by Votigo,
is where bloggers launch their social talk and press updates
live from the Show floor. Charging stations are offered.
Looking for your dream snow sports job? Presented
by SIA and Malakye.com, the job fair and networking
event ShmoozaPalooza lets you meet face to face with
the snow sports industry’s leading employers. Grand
Concourse, Colorado Convention Center. Fri., Feb. 1,
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Learn
Your customers are asking for more backcountry information and gear. Get schooled on what to share with them
at the Backcountry Experience (Booth #4571), which
features the latest gear innovations, plus safety education
sessions, short films, and Q & A’s with industry leaders
throughout the Show. Scheduled events below:
Thursday, January 31
›› 12 p.m. Project Zero 2025: A New Vision for
Avalanche Safety and the Snow Sports Industry
›› 4:30 p.m. Be Snow Smart
›› 5:30 p.m. Splitboard Conversion Challenge
Friday, February 1
›› 10 a.m. Project Zero 2025: A New Vision for
Avalanche Safety and the Snow Sports Industry
›› 12 p.m. The “Human Factor” in the Backcountry
›› 2 p.m. Project Zero 2025: A New Vision for
Avalanche Safety and the Snow Sports Industry
›› 5 p.m. Meet Jeremy Jones
›› 5:30 p.m. Backcountry Blowout!
Saturday, February 2
›› 12 p.m. Be Snow Smart.
Preview the latest innovations in backshop tools,
rental equipment, and uniforms at the Rental World/
Backshop (Booth #4501) and Uniform Gallery (Booth
#100) exhibits.
Plus, two great seminars emphasize ways to improve
your rental process: TransWorld Business Seminar: You
Always Remember Your First Time. But Was It Any
Good? The Rewards and Returns of Rigging Riders
with the Right Rental Gear. Join TransWorld Business, Burton's Jeff Boliba, AASI's Scott Anfang, and
a special guest retailer at this new seminar to discuss the
importance of best practices in your snowboard rental departments. Fri., Feb. 1, 11 a.m.
This year’s SAM Magazine Rental Roundtable topic is
New Progression Gear: Fast Route to Parallel. Join SAM
Magazine and industry rental leaders to discuss the latest
progression gear, which promises to simplify the learning process and up your customer-retention rates. Fri.,
Feb. 1, 1 p.m.
The Growing Participation Breakfast features a discussion panel hosted by industry leaders that touches on
the challenges of growing participation for snow sports.
Fri., Feb. 1, 8 a.m.
The International Snow Sports Participation Research Forum* shares and compares research on participation in snow sports and other physical activities,
as well as demographic research, to explore increasing
participation. *Invitation only. Fri., Feb. 1, 10 a.m.
Join the Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition and
Burton's Donna Carpenter at OIWC’s annual Thought
Leaders Keynote and Awards Presentation breakfast.
Sat., Feb. 2, 7 a.m.-9 a.m.
SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
The Snow Show’s free seminars provide invaluable opportunities
to catch up with all you need to know to successfully run your business. Detailed descriptions can be found online at SIAsnowshow/
seminars :
Wednesday, January 30
›› 9 a.m. Snow Sports Market Overview by Category
›› 12 p.m. The Secret to Success with Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month and Bring a Friend
›› 4 p.m. The Digital Journey of Outdoor Sports Enthusiasts
›› 5 p.m F/W 14 Color & Megatrends
Thursday, January 31
›› 12 p.m. Athletes as Catalysts: A Modern Social Media Approach
to Getting the Most out of Your Endorsements
›› 12 p.m. F/W 14 Color & Megatrends
›› 12 p.m. The Digital Journey of Outdoor Sports Enthusiasts (Bluebird Social Zone)
›› 2 p.m. Social Marketing Success Stories (Bluebird Social Zone)
›› 4:30 p.m. Creating a Best-Practices Retirement Plan for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses
›› 5 p.m. BlueBird Bash and Photo Contest Kick-Off (Bluebird Social Zone)
Friday, February 1
Applaud
SKI Magazine Gold Medal Shop Awards, honoring a
North American snow sports retailer as determined by
a panel of manufacturers and suppliers. Thurs., Jan. 31.
Celebrate the SIA Retailer & Rep of the Year and Industry Achievement Awards, which recognize specialty
retailers, sales reps, and industry suppliers in the U.S. and
Canada. CSCUSA Central Lounge. Fri., Feb. 1, 6 p.m.
14th Annual TransWorld SNOWboarding Rider’s
Poll Awards. The best riders of the year as selected by their
fellow pros. Fillmore Auditorium. Fri., Feb. 1, 8:30 p.m.
Doc DesRoches Award, presented annually by SIA
and the U.S. Ski Team to recognize an SIA member and
Team supplier for promoting the Team's brand and athletes. Sat., Feb. 2.
The RECLAIM Project (Booth #3465), sponsored
by 686, Malakye, and SIA, features three aspiring outerwear designers competing to produce an original garment
in three days from reclaimed materia ls and trims. The
winner will be announced Sat., Feb. 2, 5 p.m.
Indulge
After a full day of meetings, appointments, and touring the Show floor, enjoy a few cold ones with industry
friends at the Daily Happy Hour at the CSCUSA Central
Lounge, 5 p.m.
Stop by for a cocktail and to swap stories at the Rental
World/Backshop, Uniform Gallery Reception, Fri.,
Feb. 1, 5:30 p.m.
Per tradition, the SIA Board of Directors will flip
flapjacks at the closing day Pancake Breakfast. Atrium
Center Lobby. Sun., Feb. 3.
Check the seminars listing for the most up to date schedule, SIAsnowshow.com/seminars
14
Seminars
›› 7:30 a.m. Don’t Just Survive—THRIVE!—Through Bootfitting
›› 8 a.m. What Does It Take to Make Them Buy?
›› 9 a.m. Guerrilla Marketing
›› 10 a.m. Turning Posts into Profits
›› 10 a.m. The Social Brand: Engaging and Activating Customers (Bluebird Social Zone)
›› 10:30 a.m. Innovation Begins Outside the Category
›› 12 p.m. Social Media Strategy—Winning Customers with
Your Words (Bluebird Social Zone)
›› 12 p.m. Building & Growing a Strong Online Presence
›› 12 p.m. Fast & Hot: Business Development &
Sustainable Growth
›› 1:30 p.m. Available Software Technologies for the
Ski Rental Store
›› 2 p.m. Social Snow Sports Brands: Rapid Fire Marketing Panel (Bluebird Social Zone)
›› 2 p.m. The Viper Pit—Protecting Your Branding from Snakes
›› 3 p.m. The Power of Experts
›› 4:30 p.m. Building Colorado’s Newest & Greenest Ski Area
Saturday, February 2
›› 7:30 a.m. Leveraging Consumer Insights to Enhance Marketing Activities & Grow Sales More Efficiently
›› 7:30 a.m. How Manufacturers & Retailers Can Align While
Selling Online
›› 9 a.m. Overcoming Seasonality: Leveraging Social Media to Tell a Year-Round Brand Story, Even If Your Product Doesn’t (Bluebird Social Zone)
›› 9 a.m. Bamboo and the Board Sports Industry
›› 9 a.m. There’s a Free Marketing Tool with 67% Converted Sales—
and It’s Green
›› 10:30 a.m. E-Commerce from a Brand Perspective—How Nordica Markets and Sells Online Without Leaving Their Dealers in the Dust
›› 10:30 a.m. 5 Keys to Online Success for Small Business,
›› 12 p.m. Around the Internet in One Hour: All You Need to Know About Social Media and E-Commerce Law
›› 12 p.m. The Inside Scoop: Working with Bloggers (moderated by Turner PR and featuring several top snow sports bloggers) (Bluebird Social Zone)
›› 12 p.m. Wanted: Your Input on Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month and Bring a Friend
›› 1:30 p.m. Retail Marketing Made Easy—A Complete Season-Long Marketing Mix at Your Fingertips
›› 3 p.m. How the Cloud Enables Snow Sports Success
At the show FUN & Games
Après Show
All work and no play makes anyone, even those of us lucky enough
to be in the snow sports business, lose his or her edge. Those in
the know recommend Denver’s best downtown hot spots.
You can't miss the comfort food and Moscow mules at
Steuben’s. With a bit larger group, the Rio is a great
venue for Mexican food and margaritas so strong they
only serve you two max. And if you're looking to take
it deep into the night, but not at a dance club, hit the
Cruise Room bar at the Oxford Hotel. It reminds me of
the haunted bar in The Shining.
—Drew Simmons, founder/president, Pale Morning Media
“A new trend is game-themed bars—The 1Up in LoDo
features video games, Ace is an uptown ping-pong bar with
tables inside and out, and on South Broadway, the newly
opened Punch Bowl Social is like a hipster bowling bar.
Linger offers a lively atmosphere and “gourmet street food”
from around the globe at surprisingly reasonable prices, but
make reservations well in advance. Close to the convention
center, Le Grand Bistro and Euclid Hall offer good eats at
reasonable prices and a lot of tables so they won’t fill up as
fast as some of the smaller restaurants in the area. Don’t go
to Euclid Hall if you’re a vegetarian, and prepare to leave
stuffed if you’re not.”
—Maro LaBlance, Marketing Manager, Eider
“I like a couple of beers at Earls on 16th Street after the
show lets out, and I really like dinner at Sonoda's Sushi on
Market. I also love Swing Thai on Wazee, a great place for
food that also turns into a late-night dance club.”
—Chris Davenport, big-mountain skier and all-around ski idol
“The Star Bar on Larimer Street is a (classic) dive that features some of the best Colorado crafted beers and supports
our growing local craft distilling movement with over 30
spirits from local and regional distilleries. No kitchen here
though, but they do allow you to B.Y.O.F. (bring your own
food). Tom’s Urban 24, also on Larimer, offers modern food
and crafted cocktails with an urban twist, 24 hours a day.”
—Lora Ledermann and Katie Knoch, Scream Agency, Denver
Welcome to Winter
Mile High SnowFest coincides with the SIA
Snow Show and features concerts, discounted
Denver Nuggets tix for SIA attendees, free ice
skating, and other events, including the Art of
Winter, a three-week celebration of all things
winter in Denver, with exhibits, panels, urban
snow sports events, and a self-guided cocktail
trail with specialty drinks featuring local spirits, all presented in part by SIA. For more info,
milehighsnowfest.com and artofwinter.co.
Courtesy of Our Exhibitors …
Happy 75th Birthday, NSP!
The National Ski Patrol celebrates its
75th anniversary in 2013, and the festivities include a retrospective exhibit during the SIA Snow Show. An interactive
walk through time, the exhibit will feature
photos, vintage patrol equipment, original
10th Mountain Division gear, and patrol
uniforms from each decade.
Rock Skis
Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks returns to Denver’s iconic outdoor amphitheater, Red
Rocks. “It’s amazing to be at that kind of venue in winter with 9,000 other people bundled up and a little snow in the air,” says Icelantic founder Ben Anderson. This year’s
lineup features underground hip-hop from headliners Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
(“they just started blowing up, we got them at the right time,” Anderson says), as well as
the Grouch & Eligh and Neelais, plus dubstep/reggae/dancehall from Major Lazer. Tix
($40) are going fast, so get on it. Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. icelanticswinterontherocks.com
18
SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
Beer League Benefit
The fourth annual SIA/SOS Shootout
pits two teams of snow sports industry leaders (and a few ex-NHLers) against each
other on the ice to raise cash for youth
leadership nonprofit SOS Outreach. Sponsored by Never Summer, 686, Snowboard
Colorado, Zeal Optics, PBR, and Monster Energy. A shuttle to the rink leaves
the convention center at 7:45 p.m. $20/
player, free for spectators. Contact: gags@
neversummer.com. Jan. 30, 8:45 p.m.,
Foothills Ice Arena, Lakewood.
Photos by (from top) ben fullerton (3); jeff nass; courtesy; Kathleen A Ziff
Sputnik on South Broadway is great, as is Adrift, a new bar
also on South Broadway that has amazing handmade cocktails and a very funky, ’70’s tiki lounge vibe. And it doesn’t
get more honest than El Chapultepec. Never a cover and
with a one-drink minimum, this jazz bar has an amazing
house band and has hosted some of the biggest names in
music. If, say, Wynton Marsalis is doing a gig in Denver,
you’ll know that he’ll end up at El Chapultepec and sit in
with the band once his show is over.”
—Tom Winter, vice president of marketing, Liberty Skis
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Top Trends Alpine skis
Bridging the Gap Between
Edge Hold and Float
Rocker construction and new technologies result in true do-it-all skis
“People are really aware of rocker. They are doing their homework and want to know the story. They
want to demo them in skis across the board, from novice skis to powder boards."
—Pam Nagy, Mountainside Ski and Ride, Wachusett Mountain, Mass.
20
SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
▲ Scott The Ski
▲ Salomon Q-115
▲ K2 AMP Rictor 90 XTi
▲ Dynastar Cham HM
“Around here, you need 105mm underfoot minimum for a quiver-of-one ski. But you can easily go
much fatter and be confident that the ski will hold an edge these days."
—Alan Yannelli, Hoback Sports, Jackson, Wyo.
▲ Black Diamond AMPerage
▲ Völkl Katana
Völkl’s latest incarnation of its V-Werks technology, the
Katana (143/112/132), is 15 percent lighter, due to carbonfiber construction. The fiber’s stiff suppleness means that the
designers could go even narrower in the tip and underfoot.
Nordica focuses on versatility with the new El Capo
(137/107/125), a wood-core ski that finds the middle
ground between the brand’s Enforcer and Patron models.
Classic Austrian brand Kästle also cashes in on resort
backcountry cred with its new FX Chris Davenport pro
line. Ash-and-silver-fir wood cores make these big boards
light and supple, while early rise, rockered tips float
through crud and ABS sidewall construction and standard camber underneath add stability.
Stöckli continues its Stormrider series, launched for the
current season, which it touts as big-mountain shapes with
all-mountain performance. Features include lightweight,
vertically laminated wood cores, two layers of Titanal, and
rocker with a longer, more gradual curve in the shovel.
The new Brahma (125/88/110) from Blizzard takes on
big-mountain terrain with 2.5 sheets of metal inside.
Head adds the Rev 98 all-mountain ski, still nimble
at 98mm underfoot, and the high-performing yet valuepriced Rev 78, with a synthetic core and 78mm waist.
The new, big-mountain-oriented Flight series combines
soft-snow flotation with stability for harder snow, thanks
to Head’s Independent Suspension and Tip and Tail Stabilizer systems.
Elan’s Amphibio series focuses on shape, with the proven, stable Wave Flex profile. Dedicated left and right rockered skis put camber on the uphill edge for easy turn initiation and rocker on the downhill edge for float. Models like
the Amphibio 82 XTI Fusion (128/82/109) look sexy, too,
thanks to a partnership with the Porsche Design Studio.
And getting glib about a ski that can handle it all,
Scott’s The Ski is a rockered board that runs from 88
to 93mm underfoot. An elliptic sandwich construction
gives it torsional rigidity while a wood core enables flex.
— Doug Schnitzspahn
▲ Nordica El Capo
Fat yet versatile
Rocker All Around
▲ Kästle FX 104
For 2013-14, rocker is just another ski aspect, as
common as sidecut or width underfoot. The news is in
brand-proprietary combinations of camber, reverse camber, sidecut, construction, and even mounting placement, resulting in quicker skis that respond to all conditions. Says Mike Gutt, global marketing director for K2
Skis, “The blending of rocker and camber remains the
biggest innovation in the last decade. Now, customizing
the structural design of skis to maximize the benefits of
rocker is the next evolution.”
In this vein, K2 introduces All-Terrain RoX, an expansion of existing camber profiles that increases torsional rigidity and stability in wide rockered skis via a
carbon web and a combo of regular and reverse camber.
The flagship AMP Rictor 90 XTi (132/90/115) is a frontside charger that won't get lost off-piste.
Salomon’s Quest series of rockered, resort backcountryoriented skis stay stable on piste thanks to a five-point sidecut that tapers away from the widest part of the ski, eliminating edge grab in tough snow. The Q-90 (130/89/117)
is a classic, quick frontside board, while the Q-115
(139/113/131) is capable of day-to-day riding in the West.
Atomic revamps its Nomad series with ARC technology, a mountain bike suspension–inspired design that
places the binding in the middle of the ski for enhanced
longitudinal flex and increased stability.
Fischer’s Bigstix 122 (145/122/136), available in 185
and 192cm lengths, has its heftiest waist yet, along with
a full wood core, sandwich sidewall construction, and tip
and tail rocker paired with a 18m radius.
Black Diamond’s newest version of the AMPerage,
with a 115mm waist, now has sidewall construction to give
this big board, with full tip and tail rocker, better edge control, as well as pre-preg construction for extra flex.
With an eye on the resort backcountry, Rossignol’s
new 7 series focuses less on hard snow and more on making freeride skis quicker and lighter. Cores are 20 percent
lighter than in Rossi’s popular S Series. The biggest, the
Squad 7 (145/120/126 for 190-cm), stays stable on piste
despite its massive girth.
Sister brand Dynastar went lighter in big-mountain skis
with the Cham HM series (87 to 107mm underfoot), which
combines rocker and sidecut with an ultralight wood core
for freeskiers looking to take on varied terrain. Ski boots Top Trends
Boots That Do It All
Ascend the Sales Chart
Innovative performance features meld alpine performance with walk/ski capability
Nordica debuts its Hell and Back series of all-mountain boots featuring lightweight
construction and 120 flex “for 80 percent of the skiers out there,” says marketing manager Tyler Kipp. They also have adjustable cuff alignment and flex, and canted soles.
In addition to the new Max BC 120 in its popular Quest line, Salomon offers the new
four-buckle X Pro 120 on the alpine front, with a 100mm last and a heat-moldable 360°
Custom Shell. Fischer augments its popular Vacuum Fit line with the Ranger Vacuum
Pro, a 130-flex freeride boot, and the Ranger 11, a 110-flex, three-buckle boot. Boots in
the new lower-price-point Vacuum Comfort Fit line have heat-moldable lower shells.
Lange expands upon its Choose Your Width program with the new wider-lasted, allmountain SX series, the industry’s first 102mm mono-injection boot. Full Tilt's new B&E
boot, designed by Phil Casabon and Henrik Harlaut, has a close-to-the-snow shell,
shock-absorbing rubber boot board, and a #6 tongue for balance while throwing tricks.
Apex, known for its system of an open chassis, snowboard boot-like inner boot, and
custom liner, has four new models: the carbon-fiber CF3; the MC-2 Carbon, with a
complete carbon cuff; the all-mountain/freeride MC-X; and the entry-level MC-Sport.
— Eugene Buchanan
Behind the Boots
Chris McCullough, Product Marketing Associate, K2
Q: Why did K2 decide to introduce a ski boot line?
CM: With a complete reorganization of the ski
line and the ability to launch a boot collection that
mirrors our all-mountain and freeride technology,
2013 is the perfect year. We’ve spent over two years
behind closed doors bringing our boots to market.
Q: What sets apart your boots?
CM: They’re built from the ground up rather than evolving from a stiff,
one-dimensional race boot. Our engineers have developed a couple of key
technologies—going rivet-less and the Synchro Interlock ski/walk feature—that will turn heads.
Note: Alpine AT boot sales number is from the 2011/2012 season
SIAsnowshow.com SNOW SHOW Preview
▲ Tecnica R9.5 90
▲ Scarpa Freedom SL
▲ Salomon
X Pro 120
Q: Will K2’s brand power help generate a following?
CM: Once people test our boots, they’ll see that our design approach is
inherently K2. I expect our brand power will help cement our presence
within the ski boot market.
▲ Dalbello Panterra 120
▲ Lange SX120
Alpine AT boots (downhill-oriented with a walk/ski mode and interchangeable
soles) were up 40 percent in dollars sold last season over the previous one. Moreover, “in just
two seasons, sales have gone from $2 million to $11.5 million,” says SIA Director of Research Kelly Davis. “This category is taking off.” Traditional alpine companies are offering
yet more SKUs for the resort backcountry, while some traditional backcountry brands debut
boots with amped-up downhill performance.
K2 unveils an eight-model boot collection—the company’s first—that includes the
all-mountain line flagship, the SpYne 130. A rivet-free, integrated cuff and shell smooth
energy transfer and give a more natural flex, while a co-injected Y-shape at the back enhances strength. The Intuition liners include a moldable, asymmetric tongue. The threebuckle, freeride Pinnacle line lets skiers synchronize the release of the wedge and interlock
for free-flexing hiking, and liners are notched for optimal mobility. Tech fittings embedded
in the shell accommodate different bindings without the need to change outsoles. Icelantic also enters the boot market, focusing on three-piece construction with walk/
ski mechanisms. The four-buckle ST1 and ST2 both have three-layer liners and DINstandard Vibram soles. The freestyle-oriented STF has three buckles, a two-layer liner,
and an oversized Booster strap.
Rossignol's all-mountain All Track line fuses on-trail performance and freeride versatility in 100mm and 102mm lasts, with a new shell design and liner, hike mode, and
interchangeable rockered soles. Head adds two series, the Venture and the Challenger.
The Venture is Head’s entry into resort backcountry, with a walk/ski mode and swappable
AT-rockered Vibram toe and heel. The four-boot Challenger series also includes a walk/ski
mode and Adaptive Fit technology, allowing the last to expand from 100mm to 103mm.
Working with Chris Davenport, Scarpa introduces the Freedom series of overlapconstruction, four-buckle freeride boots. Weighing just 1,800 grams each, the boots
feature a new walk/ski mechanism with a two-part design, as well as a lower boot comolded around a carbon-fiber frame for more stiffness and better power transmission.
Interchangeable soles bolt on for a secure connection. After three years in development
and testing, Black Diamond introduces the 100mm-lasted Factor Mx 130 freeride boot.
A unique mounting system for the swappable soles increases lateral stiffness by 70 percent for DIN bindings (40 percent for tech) over earlier-generation Factor models. In
walk mode, the frame offers 40 degrees of fore-aft motion through the cuff.
Dalbello’s new Panterra series incorporates the core elements of its freeride Krypton
line, including three-piece construction with an external tongue, a walk mode, and
high-traction sole. Tecnica updates shells and soles on some models in its Cochise Free
Mountain line and returns its six-model Demon collection with enhanced fit (100 mm),
new liner technology, and optional canted soles. New boots include four additions to
the race-oriented Inferno line and TEN.2, a five-model, four-buckle, sport collection.
21
Top Trends Women’s Skis & Boots
Women’s-Specific Market Keeps Growing
Wider-waisted skis, customizable shells, and ski/walk features beef up boots
She’s Gotta Have It
Kim Walker, co-owner and president, Outdoor Divas,
Denver and Boulder
Q: What’s the most exciting trend in women’s ski or
snowboard gear?
KW: The rocker camber story. And in the store, we’re
working with the ski/boot/binding system to make
sure a woman is balanced on all of her equipment.
Q: What item of women’s gear would you like to see get more attention?
KW: A ski boot that really addresses the issues a lot of women have with
their calves. And I’d like to see apparel in petite sizes.
Q: What do you look for at the SIA Snow Show?
KW: My favorite thing is to find small, obscure, or up-and-coming companies. I allocate a small percentage of our OTB dollars to small brands to try
to keep things unique and fresh at the stores.
22
SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
▲ K2 SuperSticious
▼ Rossignol Savory 7
▲ Salomon Bamboo
▼ Völkl Yumi
▲ Tecnica Cochise
W105
▼ Dynastar Cham Women's 97
▲ Lange SX W
▲ Blizzard Dakota
▲ Dalbello Kyra 95
Ski and boot manufacturers are hearing the message loud and clear: Interest in
women’s-specific gear remains strong. Last season, women purchased $136 million of
alpine equipment, according to SIA market research. Sales of women’s flat skis in waist
widths between 80-95mm were up 17 percent and models between 95-110mm were up
16 percent. “For 2013-14, we see a need for a coast-to-coast ski for an everyday driver,”
says Jake Strassburger, Atomic’s alpine product category manager.
Atomic debuts the Vantage Polarity (122/83/106), with a twin progressive sidecut
that has a longer radius in the forebody for edge grip and rebound. Black Diamond
opens a new factory and continues manufacturing women’s models like the Element,
with a 115mm waist, plus tip and tail rocker. Blizzard adds more size runs to the Samba
and Dakota, the latter getting a pinch of forgiveness and a lighter and softer flex.
After the buzz of last year’s line of freeride skis, Dynastar debuts the three-model
Cham Women’s line, with lightweight cores, rocker, and progressive five-point sidecut.
Two new skis round out Fischer’s KOA series, both with full wood cores and sandwich sidewall construction: the 80mm-waisted KOA 80 and the twin-tip KOA 100.
Head adds the Mya 9 (98mm underfoot), with tip-only Allride Rocker, and the Mya 10
(105mm underfoot) with rocker and Head’s stabilizer system in the tip and tail.
K2 introduces the SuperSticious (128/84/112), featuring RoX technology, designed
to increase edge hold by adding stiffness. Retailers can offer the ski flat or with the
new K2/Marker ERC binding. Line offers several new high-performance women’s skis,
including the 90mm-waisted Soulmate 90 and the park-oriented Tease. Nordica’s new
all-mountain Wild Fire (137/107/125) has a polyurethane and wood core that’s 25 percent lighter than pure wood, and a balance of camber and rocker.
Rossignol fuses backcountry, freestyle, and freeride with the new women’s 7 Series, including the Star 7 (140/116/130), Savory 7 (136/106/126), and Saffron 7 (128/98/126).
All have lightweight cores, Rossi’s Powder Turn Rocker, and new Air Tip technology.
Lightweight is key with Salomon’s new models, including the composite-core BBR
Starlite (129/76/94) and the Bamboo (125/78/106), made with 100-percent bamboo.
The more aggressive Q-96 Lumen (128/95/114) has a five-point sidecut and tapered tip.
And Völkl introduces the Yumi, an all-mountain freeride ski with an 83-mm waist and
lightweight flex.
For 2013-14, the dominant boot trends are custom shells, a wider range of last sizes,
and adaptive fit solutions. Atomic debuts the Waymaker Women (available with DIN
or tech-fit soles), with a 101mm last, three-buckle design, and a metal-on-metal mechanism for walk/ski mode. Dalbello’s Kyra 95 borrows from last season’s Krypton KR2,
featuring a three-piece Cabrio design, walk/ski cuff lock, and 102mm contoured last. It
also sports Dalbello’s women’s-specific expandable cuff, which adds 5cm of adjustability.
Building on the success of its customizable Vacuum technology, Fischer addresses
lower price points and wider feet with three new models. Head adds the Challenger
Mya boot, featuring an expandable last, customizable liners, and a walk/ski mechanism.
As the newcomer to ski boots, K2 launches the SpYne 110, its flagship women’s
model. The 97mm-lasted boot focuses on lateral stiffness and power, and includes a
PrecisionFit Intuition liner. Lange’s latest addition in a series of “Choose Your Width”
options includes the new SX W, billed as the first 102mm mono-injected boot.
Apex introduces the ML-2, a high-performance ladies complement to the MC-2
with dual BOA closure. Full Tilt calls its new three-piece Rumor the world’s lightest
high-performance women’s ski boot.
Nordica unveils new customized canting and an anatomical overlap design with a
lightweight, proprietary blend of plastic in the Hell & Back collection. Three women’s
models are the H1W, H2W, and H3W. Lange’s sister company, Rossignol, unveils the
Alltrack W line of women’s all-mountain boots. Available in 100mm or 102mm lasts,
they feature walk/ski modes, a new Sensor Grid shell design, and OptiSensor 3D liner.
The sole-mounting system of Black Diamond’s freeride Shiva MX 110 increases lateral stiffness in both DIN and tech bindings. Scarpa's lightweight Freedom SL ups the
ante for freeride boots with a two-part walk/ski mechanism, carbon-fiber lower, and
bolt-on interchangeable soles.
The new Cochise W105 is the signature women’s boot in Tecnica’s free mountain
line, with a 98mm last, Power Lock Buckle, and scalloped liner. Salomon expands on its
360 Degree Custom shell with the lightweight X-Max 110 W, which incorporates TwinFrame Technology for power and comfort. The X-Pro 90 W has a medium-wide last.
—Krista Crabtree
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KneeBinding is already available in 350 shops in 11 countries.
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Top Trends Backcountry Skis & Boots
High-Performing Options
for Earning Turns and Touring
AT boots benefit from downhill design, versatile skis shine
District 110 and 100 as well as the women’s Cake 100.
This trio, with a more traditional wood/titanal layup, is
intended for skiers wanting a damp, durable, turn-oriented backcountry workhorse.
This is a transitional year for Garmont, now sold to
and rebranded as Scott. Consequently, things are quieter
for the time being. In addition to the reintroduction of
the Scott name into the world of ski boots, expect a return of the Cosmos alpine touring boot, in addition to
the Voodoo, Excursion, and G-Rex telemark boots. Liners will be enhanced, too.
LaSportiva adds one new ski and two new boots to its
stable of alpine touring models. The Mega Lo5 packs a
carbon and pre-preg reinforced wood core into a modern,
all-purpose profile (125/95/115) for a balanced personality in powder and on firmer snow. The four-buckle men’s
Spectre and women’s Sparkle are made of Grilamid with
Pebax tongues and included patented Pegasus buckles
and a carbon-reinforced cuff with 60 degrees of rotation.
Years ago Rossignol forewent building backcountry
and telemark-specific skis. Rather, they, like other manufacturers nowadays, make versatile skis that can accept
freeheel, alpine touring, or telemark bindings. Two new
rockered, all-mountain skis will work well on tour: the
Soul 7 (136/106/126) and Sin 7 (128/98/118). Rossi-ophiles will quickly recognize the Sin 7’s footprint, as this
ski is the direct replacement for the best-selling S3.
— Brian Litz
Kurt Hoefler, Vice President of Sales,
Rossignol
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SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
▲ Dynafit Grand Teton
Q: And boots?
KH: People want performance, but they also want mobility. You will be
seeing more and more of what I’m overhearing people refer to as “walking”
boots. We're seeing similar things in bindings.
▲ Rossignol Soul 7
Q: How does this trend affect
ski design?
KH: You’re seeing fewer dedicated hardpack, frontside skis and more skis
with greater versatility.
▲ Blizzard Scout
Q: What’s a trend in skiing you’re
excited about?
KH: We’re seeing a fusion of many ski
disciplines. Freeriding blending into
frontside skiing blending into alpine
touring and ski mountaineering. It all
adds up to an exciting new era of skiing.
▲ Dynafit TLT 6
▲ Atomic Waymaker
Cold Fusion
▼ Black Diamond Convert
Blizzard’s new ski the Scout (134/108/122) borrows
from the company’s stellar alpine lineup, as it’s built
around a modified, metal-less version of the Flipcore
rocker design. Though light, the Scout is intended for
aggressive skiers fixated on logging lots of vertical in challenging snow conditions.
Created as both as an evolutionary replacement for
the legendary yet long-in-the-tooth Stoke, as well as a
tribute to the late ski mountaineer Steve Romeo, Dynafit’s Grand Teton ski (130/106/120 for 182-cm length)
delivers great versatility. With a paulownia/carbonstringer core and enhanced rocker, powder junkies and
skiers on technical descents will enjoy this precise, stateof-the-art ride. Other new Dynafit skis, aimed more at
the weight-obsessed and ski mountaineers, include the
mildly rockered Cho Oyu (125/89/111) and the Nanga
Parbat (117/81/104). Dynafit’s TLT line of boots takes a
step forward with the new TLT 6. At just 4.62 pounds
per pair (27.5) and with a full 60 degrees of cuff rotation,
this boot will be on the short list for any summit-bagger,
fitness buff, or winter climber.
Genuine Guide Gear (G3) offers several new ski
options. The carbon-wrap, wood-cored ZenOxide C3
105 (131/105/123) weighs in at a befuddlingly light 3.3
pounds per pair; a skier would be hard-pressed to find a
lighter ride for dawn-to-dusk yo-yo sessions. Sharing materials and construction, though not as light, are two siblings: the ZenOxide 93 and 88. Also new this year are the
▲ La Sportiva Sparkle
That boom you hear emanating from the backcountry
is not just the sound of avalanche artillery. It’s also the
explosion of people charging into the wintery outback,
either through resort boundary gates or via the tried and
true trailhead. As the lines continue to blur between gear
suited for resort backcountry and for the more remote
backcountry, companies are innovating skis and boots
that deliver strong fall-line performance while being light
and comfortable enough for multi-mile skinning and
scrambling. No longer simply an overbuilt cross-country
tool, today’s backcountry gear often takes its cues from
alpine designs and technology.
Atomic, which last year debuted a comprehensive
line-up of touring skis, skins, bindings, and poles, now
offers true alpine touring boots. Known collectively as
the Waymakers (130, 110, 100, 90 flexes for men, a 100
flex boot for women), this new quintet blends the best of
Atomic’s formidable alpine boot technology with clever
new touring features like an innovative tour-mode switch
and carbon-blend cuff. All of the boots have three oversized buckles plus powerstrap and interchangeable soles.
The Tour 130 comes standard with DIN soles, while the
rest are fitted with lugged, tech-compatible soles.
Black Diamond’s new backcountry skis include the Convert (105mm underfoot) and Aspect (90mm), which straddle
today’s all-mountain, mid-width versatility. Built in BD’s
spanking-new ski factory, they also feature the company’s
ABS sidewall/sandwich construction and SkinLock tail tabs.
Ski Bindings Top Trends
More Bindings Aimed at Skiers
Headed out the Gates
Innovative performance features meld alpine performance with touring capability
Ski bindings continue to come in all shapes and styles, from adjustable, pricepoint demo and rental SKUs to high-end green springs for racers. All share an increasing emphasis on performance—including edge-to-edge power transmission on today’s
ever-widening skis—and on reliable lateral and heel releases. And with total binding
sales up $2 million last year, to $48 million, the category is clicking just like skiers stepping into heelpieces.
The big news this year is the proliferation of alpine touring (AT) bindings, with
mainstay alpine binding manufacturers, like their bootmaker cousins, jumping on the
backcountry bandwagon. Marker, Salomon, and Tyrolia, for example, all have offerings
in this category now, countering products from more touring-oriented companies like
Dynafit, G3, and Fritschi. “It’s a little bit of an arms race,” says Geoff Curtis, vice
president of marketing for Marker Völkl USA. “A lot of companies are trying to get
new products in the pipeline, which is a sign of real health in the category.”
▲ Marker Baron EPF
▲ KneeBinding
▲ Look Pivot
Alpine bindings
Bindings must be capable of controlling today’s Goliath-like girth of skis. Salomon addresses the issue with the STH 2 WTR (DIN 7-13/16), which has a 20 percent wider
platform, progressive transfer pads, and increased shock absorption. “It’s an extension
of the Guardian platform adapted to the 3D Salomon driver toe piece,” says Salomon
USA’s alpine product category manager, Jake Fuller. “We updated it to today’s wider
skis for ideal balance between power and feel.”
Marker, whose M 4.5 EPS, Griffon, and Squire were the top-three-selling bindings
of 2011-12, heads into next season with the Race Xcell 16.0, the first new racing binding the company has introduced in years. It features new toe and heel technologies that
facilitate increased power transmission; the toe piece also includes a shock-absorbing
piston that controls a turn’s initial twisting forces. Marker also debuts the Lord SP (DIN
5-14), which accommodates both alpine and AT boots via a pin system that allows the
toe to be set in two positions. “We’re the only company offering a non-tourable binding
that can accommodate both alpine and AT boots safely,” says Curtis.
Look continues to ride the success of its popular Pivot series, available in DIN 10-18
and 8-14, with three brake-width options. The company is also looking into the touring
category, according to spokesman Nick Castagnoli, while remaining committed to its
alpine product.
Fischer ups its alpine ante with the new Powertrack, based on its popular Powerrail
system, but with a lower height, lighter weight, and better power transfer.
The revamped KneeBinding (DIN 3-12), now with updated finishing and graphics,
has seen preseason orders for this winter increase by 300 percent over last year, with current distribution in 350 storefronts in ten countries. The focus, says marketing manager
George Couperthwait, is on preventing the ACL injuries that afflict more than 70,000
skiers each year. The binding helps accomplish this through a sideways heel release, a
floating mount system that ensures even ski flex, and a platform that runs the full width
of an alpine boot sole for increased edging power.
Backcountry bindings
Marker adds two models to its AT fleet. The Baron EPF (DIN 4-13) showcases a lighter
version of the wide platform that defines the company’s Extended Power Frame technology. The Tour 12 EPF (DIN 4-12) does the same in a touring-oriented set-up.
Salomon unveils its new Guardian 13 AT binding (DIN 5-13), with a 26mm-profile
chassis for power transmission, an oversized (80mm) platform for wider skis, a flat nose for
a 90-degree climbing pivot, and a Double Freeflex heel piece for downhill performance.
▲ Salomon STH 2 WTR
Tyrolia, in conjunction with Fischer, modifies its Adrenalin, now available in DIN
13 as well as 16. The binding has an extra wide platform to accommodate 80mm underfoot and wider skis, a 36mm stand height, and three climbing heights. It also incorporates a 60mm free-gliding plate on a Titanal heel track that allows the ski to flex. Tyrolia
also showcases the Attack (DINs 13/16), a version of the Adrenalin without the walk
feature, and the Ambition 12, a low, lightweight touring binding with a wide, telescoping frame that fits 253-357mm sole lengths for both AT and alpine boots, and has four
climbing positions.
—Eugene Buchanan
SIAsnowshow.com SNOW SHOW Preview
25
Top Trends Nordic
Cross-Country Optimistic for
Sales Rebound
Ski and boot enhancements shave weight, improve control
▼ Atomic Soft Track Skate
26
SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
▲ Madshus Redline Skate
▲ Rossignol Evo OT
▲ Rossignol Evo Tour
thickness curve for improved acceleration and a classic
parallel-race sidecut for tracking. The new SNS Propulse
RC (242 g./pair) is a lightweight, close-to-the-ski step-in
racing binding with a flex of 85, one-axe technology, and
a full-length guide ridge.
While still addressing the high-performance skate and
classic market segments, Rossignol also courts the touring-oriented consumer this year with its new Evo Tour
ski and Evo OT boot. Both combine touring accessibility
and ease of use with such backcountry features as partial
metal edges and, with the boot, a Thinsulate lining, Cordura lace covers and external cuff gaiters.
In the high-performance category, Madshus introduces the new Redline (950 g./pair), a softer-tipped carbon skate ski with CAD-designed ski geometry that optimizes pressure points for better grip, balance, and glide.
It comes with a PR 100X core and triaxial carbon construction, as well as a new transparent base for enhanced
glide in wet and dirty snow. Madshus also showcases the
new Super Nano skate boot, featuring a 3D-molded,
one-piece integrated carbon base for power transfer. Skiers can adjust the alignment of the binding bar and heel
block for a custom fit.
Atomic has focused on infrastructure development
this year, investing $30 million Euros to overhaul its
European factories, resulting in enhanced recycling efforts and 60 percent less travel time from raw materials
to ski completion. “We’ve made a massive commitment
to make sure winter sticks around and the beautiful environment where our products are made stay that way,”
says Wilson. The company debuts the Soft Track Skate
ski, which has a Desolite foam sidewall, Nomex core,
and new thickness curve to make it lighter than the 12
ST. A softer, squared-off tip enhances release off the
snow when touring.
—Eugene Buchanan
▲ Madshus Super
Nano
Though last year's Nordic sales weren't as stellar as
hoped for—according to SIA's Snow Sports Market
Intelligence Report, sales of cross-country equipment fell
30 percent in units and 27 percent in dollars—companies
are still gliding forward new SKUs for both classic and
skate skiing. The good news: The category may experience a surge in 2013 due to pent-up demand.
“Nordic skiing, even more so than alpine, is very
natural snow dependent,” maintains Atomic/Salomon’s
Nordic category manager, Isaac Wilson. “For core Nordic
skiers, it’s not just cosmetics that make a product worth
buying year to year, but fundamental improvements that
enhance the experience.”
Salomon tackles this with the new SNS Pilot Equipe
Racing skate binding (320 g.), which comes with two
rigid link axes for control, stability, and power; a wedge
mounted between ski and binding creates a 5mm lift
to improve acceleration and edge control. On the boot
side, the company’s new racing-oriented S-Lab Skate Pro
(1,230 g./pair) features a full-carbon frame, including an
S-Lab carbon cuff; 3D Energyzer, allowing for a more relaxed lower leg and foot, and, hence, less tip drag and
quicker ski return; and patented Dissociated Quicklace,
which uses one lace for the upper and another over the
forefoot. Salomon’s S-Lab Classic Boot (830 g./pair) features a carbon chassis; a pivot point set 17mm behind the
boot toe for power transmission (with buttressing wings
to stiffen the sole); and an adjustable heel strap with
spoiler for equal pressure distribution.
In skis, Salomon offers the new S-Lab Skate SG
(1,000 g./pair), a lightweight carbon-laminate model
with increased torsional rigidity and a racing sidecut. It
also comes with an ultralight Nomex honeycomb core
and thin wood sidewalls, as well as a G5 Zeolit universal
base for wax absorption and retention. The Nomex core
of the S-Lab Classic Warm Ski (1,040 g./pair) has a new
Trends from the
Retail Trenches
Women’s offerings, NIS-outfitted skis, and
waxless, metal-edged touring skis are the
trends retailers are seeing this year at point of
purchase. The latter are moving well with sales
to “older Nordic skiers who want a little more
control or alpine skiers converting over who
are used to a metal edge and want that security and stability,” says Dave Wallace, manager
of the Steamboat Springs Nordic Center in
Colorado. The skis—like the Fischer Spider
and the partial-edged Rossignol Evo Tour—are
still narrow enough to fit in groomed tracks
but have a full-length metal edge for control.
Wallace adds that more companies are also
encroaching on the high-performance skate
boot segment once dominated by Fischer and
addressing the women’s high-performance
market. For skis, it’s all about the NIS plate
being already mounted. “They’re way easier
to mount that way since you don’t have to drill
the ski,” he says. “It also lets you shift the binding fore and aft for varying snow conditions.”
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Top Trends Snowboards
Snowboard Collections Get
Streamlined and Refined
A focus on discipline and changing demographics drives design
In place of snow, last year brought tests of faith. With
slow sales and surplus inventory, the snowboard industry
had plenty of opportunities for introspection. “Everyone
from brands to shops has really re-evaluated what is important and necessary for their business,” offers Tim MacKenzie, Niche’s vice president of sales and marketing.
Fortunately, this served as a catalyst for change. Many
brands are streamlining their collections and tightening
their stories. “A good overall collection isn’t enough anymore,” says K2 Sales Manager Eric Hutchison. “All your
models need to be strong individually, because more and
more dealers are just buying the home-run models from
the brands they carry.” This shift has caused brands to refocus on what consumers truly want. According to Scott
Barbieri, vice president of Anon and Burton hardgoods,
“Customers are looking for authenticity, durability, and
value—stuff that works.”
The conversation around camber continues. Rather
than being the means by which a deck is defined, camber has now become one more tool to better meet the
needs of today’s riders. For Capita, “Every board features
a custom camber profile that complements the overall
design,” explains Product Development and U.S. Marketing Manager Sean Tedore. “At this point, I feel that
camber profiling is a model-by-model process that can’t
be lumped into categories.” This evolution has led to a
resurgence in camber, as well as an increase in hybrid profiles that emphasize it.
Camber isn’t the only thing being resurrected. “A huge
shift to old school shapes and blunted tips is making its way
▲ Whether looking to rock things mild or wild, this quiver
of decks can deliver. Niche’s Aether sports the art of
Michael Sieben, while Capita’s Ultrafear and Signal’s Park
feature shapes inspired by old-school designs.
28
SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
back,” says Signal Marketing Manager Joey Yorba. In addition to good looks, refined shapes can offer everything
from increased flotation in pow to better board presses on
rails. These stories also appeal on the sales floor. “Board
shaping continues to be an ongoing story and is something visual that consumers can actually relate to and
understand,” says Shawn Penrod, Ride U.S. sales and
marketing manager.
In addition to shapes, brands are also emphasizing
core profiles. “The core is actually what makes the board
respond, pop, flex, and feel,” Nitro Marketing Manager
Knut Eliassen states. “We think [core profiles] will be
one of the biggest new trends shaping the future.” Refining a core’s profile often involves carefully milling it to
attain a specific flex or to shed weight from tips and tails.
Not long ago, brands directed much of their efforts toward creating a single board capable of tackling the entire mountain. Now the industry is also seeing a demand
for specialized decks. According to Pete Saari, Mervin’s
co-founder and creative director, “As the disciplines and
riding styles within snowboarding continue to define
themselves, board designs specific to rider style and terrain objectives continue to evolve.”
This rise in discipline-driven designs has brought a
range of changes. Brands are placing a greater emphasis on
how a board’s camber profile, shape, symmetry, core, and
composite layups influence its overall performance. Retailers, meanwhile, are de-emphasizing camber profiles in favor of showcasing a board’s intended use. And brands and
retailers are being rewarded for investing in niche products
like street-specific decks, pow surfers, and splitboards.
As much as these new designs are based on specific
terrain, they are also based on shifting demographics.
As Saari explains, “Snowboarding has become more of
a timeless pursuit, pushing on both sides of the age spectrum.” In part, this has led to increased demand for children’s gear, as well as premium products for women. “We
were taken by surprise on how many girls came in the
shops for mid- to high-end products last year,” says Phil
Grisé, owner of Canadian snowboard shop Empire.
On the heels of an especially tough season, there’s
optimism. Brands are tightening production with an eye
toward creating the scarcity the industry needs to maintain healthy sales and margins. Citing a desire to grow
their pre-existing accounts, brands also aim to improve
the terms, service, and support they offer retailers. And
although last season brought plenty of challenges, Nitro’s
Eliassen says, “It is always when times are tough that we
become most creative.”
— Michael Sudmeier
Tapping
New Niches
“Deep powder riding
and powder surfing
are on the upswing—if
you’re lucky enough
to be in the areas that
get the goods.”
—Dennis Nazari, owner, Salty Peaks snowboard
shop, Salt Lake City
What to
Watch
at SIA
“My sights are definitely going to be set
on those brands that
are up and coming.
Most of us calling the
shots within the industry are pretty old in relation to how long snowboarding has been around.
The kids driving the sport—and ultimately deciding which direction snowboarding is going—are
the voice that we need to be listening to.”
—Michael Toohey, buyer and Stowe store manager,
Darkside Snowboards, Vermont
Snowboard boots & Bindings Top Trends
Boots and Bindings Focus on Terrain
as Well as the Feet
Comfort, less weight, refined lacing systems top list for bottoms
At the SIA Snow Show, brace yourself for conversations about shedding weight,
creating comfort, and pursuing a purpose. But rather than coming from motivational
speakers, these phrases are being uttered from within the industry. Strangely, next year’s
crop of boots and bindings promises the same results as countless self-help seminars.
The industry is evolving to meet the diverse needs of today’s riders, leading to an
increase in discipline-specific boots and bindings. “The snowboard industry has been
very focused on creating hardgoods that are specific to one type of terrain and riding
style,” says Nitro Marketing Manager Knut Eliassen. On the sales floor, this is leading
to more nuanced conversations about a product’s intended purpose.
This is especially true with boots, where a new paradigm is emerging. Flex and
price—the primary means by which boots have often been sold—are now part of a
broader dialogue. Brands and retailers are placing a greater emphasis on offering boots
built for specific terrain. To develop boots for working the streets, brands are using softer
foams and trimming down soles. Typically, these low-profile boots offer enhanced board
feel and aesthetics appropriated from skate shoes.
Brands are also developing sophisticated boots for freeriding and life outside the
access gates. In addition to offering a stiffer flex, these boots tend to feature waterproof
and breathable membranes, and soles designed for hiking, splitboarding, and rocking
crampons. Some models even feature leather linings and liners with outsoles so they can
be used around camp on hut trips.
When it comes to boots and bindings, comfort will always be king. “Fit drives everything in boots,” Rome International Sales Manager Dan Sullivan explains. “If your
foot feels good and is held comfortably in control, it lets you drive your board the way
you want.” This has led to a renewed focus on building better liners, which tap into a
range of fabrics, foams, and closure systems to maximize both comfort and longevity.
In addition to perfecting their liners, brands are continuing to refine their lacing
systems. “A complex, multiple-tiered approach to lacing systems seems to be one of the
biggest trends in boots,” explains Nina Eriksson, Salomon’s product line manager for
boots. Many of these systems revolve around zonal lacing, which can aid in adjusting
the fit and flex of specific areas within the boot. In part, many of these lacing systems
aim to hold heels in place. According to Scott Barbieri, vice president of Anon and
Burton hardgoods, “Technologies focused on improving heel hold are another trend
currently hitting the market.” They tap into everything from internal lacing harnesses
to new applications of BOA. Despite the continued focus on lacing systems, traditional
laces are making a slight comeback.
Advances in binding technology also aim to enhance comfort. Although that might
seem like an indulgence, it is essential for products to perform properly. As brands continue to streamline their baseplates—often by reducing the footprint, coring out material, and even offering hinged mounting discs—footbeds are receiving greater attention.
Increasingly, these footbeds offer sophisticated features like canting or gel pads to aid in
absorbing impacts.
Next year’s boots and bindings provide a snapshot of evolving technologies. For
boots, “Everyone has their version of the unibody construction—or one-piece shell design—that helps reduce weight and maintain durability,” Flow Product Line Manager
for Boots Alex Zhao explains. Through the use of new fabrics and seam welding, these
designs can also yield boots with a smoother flex.
Among bindings, “Highback flex and support is something that many companies
are focusing on right now,” says K2 Design Engineer Steve Moenaert. As a result, manufacturers have developed new pairings of familiar materials, like urethane and carbon
fiber. Other developments worth noting include the prevalence of refined rear-entry
A Growing Demand
“Binding sales for men last year grew again over the
previous year and are continuing to sell well this year.”
—Travis Anderson, co-founder,
zAKs Boardroom, Anchorage
Last Season’s Surprise Sales
“Women’s snowboards, bindings, and boots. We were
taken by surprise on how many girls came in the shops
for mid- to high-end products last year.”
—Phil Grisé, owner, Empire snowboard shops, Quebec
What to Watch at SIA
“It all depends on November and December. We need a
real winter with real winter temperatures and that will
make a world of difference for us real deal snowboard
shops. I’ll also watch who distributes the most beer.”
—Ben Olson, owner, Damage Boardshop, Duluth, Minn.
Next year's boots and bindings offer a range of discipline-specific designs. Whether
developed for working the streets or exploring the backcountry, these products also
aim to maximize comfort.
▲ Nitro Raiden Phantom
▲ Gnu Weird
▲ Burton Genesis
▲ Burton Driver X
▲ Deeluxe Spark Summit
▲ Vans Infuse
bindings and new construction techniques that forgo EVA and PU foam for strap materials with a reduced impact on the environment.
When it comes to boots and bindings, don’t shy away from promises based in purpose, comfort, and reduced weight. Despite their association with self-help seminars,
these things are worth pursuing—especially on the snow.
— Michael Sudmeier
SIAsnowshow.com SNOW SHOW Preview
29
Top Trends Ski apparel
Skiwear Performs with Technical
Innovations and Rack Appeal
Improved breathability, protection, and style smarts highlight new collections
Breathability
Enter Gore-Tex’s new Pro fabric—it’s 22 percent more
breathable than previous iterations and has a more durable membrane. A handful of companies are embracing it,
including Patagonia with its men’s PowSlayer kit, a jacket and bib that’s also the flagship for Patagonia’s “most
technical snowsports collection yet.” Adidas’ men’s Terrex Advanced Jacket—with a built-in facemask—combines Pro with YKK’s more durable Vislon zippers. And
Arc’teryx is using Pro in its big-mountain Caden Jacket.
Obermeyer continues with partner Cocona—a fabric derived from coconut shells with a breathability rating of 35K.
Eider introduces Cocona insulation in its Whistler Jacket,
using it not only for its breathability but also for its mid-level
price point. The high-end, fully featured Whymper Jacket
is insulated with Polartec’s new (and pricier) honeycomblike Alpha insulation, originally designed for the U.S. Army.
With claims that its unique, pin-holed structure is two and a
half times more breathable than other synthetic insulations,
Alpha is popping up all over, including in Mammut’s Eigerjoch Jacket and Marmot’s new hybrid Project Alpha Jacket.
Mountain Hardwear’s new Thermal Q Elite—the
“warmest insulation ounce for ounce” says the company—also incorporates purpose-built gaps.
Waterproof Down
DownTek’s hydrophobic feathers are afloat in Dynafit’s
Freeride collection; FlyLow’s down line; and Mountain
Hardwear’s Q Shield Down.
Scott Sports debuts its first expedition-style down
jacket, the Sawatch, using Allied Resist Down’s elementresistant plumes.
Adidas, on the other hand, has another idea: its waterproof Frost Zeit Jacket has 700-fill down tucked into synthetic-lined baffles. “If the down gets wet, the synthetic
will wick the moisture and hold the loft,” explains Greg
Thomsen, Adidas North America’s managing director.
Another surprise: A panel on the lower back unsnaps and
swings down to create a seat for puddle-y chairlifts.
Crossover Style
City-inspired outerwear is nothing new, but waxed finishes are on the uptick, as seen in Völkl’s plane-ready
Kahula jacket. Eider’s new Crossover Collection is also
street smart thanks to military inspiration, brushed twill,
and removable snow skirts.
On snow, brands are combining young, hip styles with
more technical features. Scott Sport’s new fully featured
Mountain line includes styles baggy enough for its bigmountain athletes but with a cleaner aesthetic. Bergans’
new Hodlekve Jacket, from the Freeride line, moves in
the longer-and-looser direction but with the breathability of Dermizax and a funky armpit-to-lower-back pit zip.
Descente introduces a more technical all-mountain category but keeps its glamorous style.
Faction’s brand-new outerwear collection aims to fill
a hole. “Every time we bought outerwear,” says Tony McWilliam, Faction’s creative director, “we bought snow-
▲ Marmot Project Alpha
▲ Eiger Whymper
▼ Mountain Hardwear Vanskier
▼ Obermeyer Speed
▲ Patagonia Powslayer
▼ Dynafit Cho Oyu
An Untapped
Market?
SIA’s 2012 Market Intelligence Report ID'd an
apparel trend that could
make it seem like a group
of skiers/riders got sidetracked on the F train on
their way to the resort:
the Urban Woodsman, an
18- to 35-year-old urban
white male who favors
skinny jeans, flannel, wool,
and rugged footwear. He
drinks whiskey and craft
beer, and takes weekend
trips to the woods to
foster fire-making and axewielding skills. And he may
well be helping out snow
sports apparel sales.
board brands like Holden. There wasn’t a meeting point
for technical apparel and ski style.” The first line includes
six jackets and four pairs of pants.
Body Mimicry
We’re seeing outerwear that’s more in tune with the
body than ever before. Helly Hansen’s H2Flow insulation technology puts pockets of down in various places
to create air chambers. Based on lab tests, jackets like
the Thrym and Panorama regulated body temperature 15
percent more efficiently than an evenly insulated jacket.
Oakley took its outerwear to the Hohenstein Institute
in Germany, known for its rigorous testing of performance
textiles, to study thermal mapping. The company’s new
body-mapped outerwear speaks to better moisture management, insulation, and comfort.
Arc’teryx launches a new technology called Down
Composite Mapping—synthetic insulation in areas most
subject to moisture and goose down everywhere else.
Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and Salomon all launch outerwear that is “pre-bent” for better anatomical response.
And Descente’s new X Torsion technology, in which
the inner thigh has been patterned in an X shape, makes
walking in ski pants easier.
—Ali Carr Troxell
Photo by ben fullerton
Ski apparel just got even better. This winter, we’re
seeing everything from more-breathable shells to aerated
insulation to strategically placed down. City, resort, resort backcountry, and backcountry are blurring together
into a new superhero level of function and fashion. All of
this, combined with weather-ready down insulation, some
funky new pit-zip profiles, and a few other whiz-bang features mean the future is bright (but not neon, thank god).
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Top Trends Snowboard apparel
Diverse Sources Inspire New
Snowboard Outerwear
Apparel aims to please with double-duty performance, relaxed fit, and mild-to-wild style
32
Alband. Regardless of the terrain they tackle, riders are searching for garments capable
of pulling double duty.
Brands continue to find inspiration for their collections in workwear, woodsmen,
and vintage outdoor equipment. With an emphasis on subtle style, the resulting outerwear tends to incorporate textured fabrics like denim, twill, tweed, and canvas. As
O’Neill Product Manager Juliet Korver explains, “Texture and surface interest in fabrics have taken over.”
And despite having roots in the past, the resulting collections often provide “new
takes on old-school styles,” according to Westbeach Head Designer Laura Bentley. At
times, these new approaches fuse diverse aesthetics. For part of its men’s collection, says
Dacyshyn, Burton will focus “on bright colors inspired by camping equipment from the
1970s, tempered with traditional workwear colors.” These contemporary approaches to
the classics also tap into interesting accents like contrast yokes and piping, as well as
knee and butt patches.
Perhaps to balance out these subtle flavors, brands are also infusing outerwear with
powerful pop through the use of rich, saturated colors, simple prints, and color blocking.
As Height of Anakie explains, “Bright, bold color blocking is here to stay, but we are
seeing less fluorescent and a lot more jewel tones.” Plus, brace yourself for colors like
purple, acid green, and chili red. Next season will also bring “the comeback of prints,”
says Jesse Grandkoski, co-founder of Airblaster. “Simple, clean prints are bringing
some new life to textiles.” These prints are often based around floral, ethnic, tie-dye,
and fictitious animal patterns.
As Bonfire Design Director Kate Darnall sums up, there’s “a split in the appearance
of outerwear—either it is wild style, brightly colored, and an obvious snowboard jacket,
or it is understated and street-inspired.” Luckily, riders can drop in anywhere on this
spectrum and find garments that will keep them warm, dry, and looking good.
— Michael Sudmeier
Early-Season Sales
SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
Looking Good
▲ Airblaster Sassy L3 Pullover
▲ Volcom Astrid Jacket and Hurricane Pant
“Since we had a cooler fall in our area, I’ve seen
a good amount of beanies, hoodies, and flannels moving better than they did a year ago.”
—Ben Olson, owner, Damage Boardshop,
Duluth, Minn.
▲ L1 Premium Skinny Denims
When it comes to outerwear, brands are focused on the fit. Expect
jackets with longer cuts and pants with slim, relaxed fits.
When it comes to outerwear, the shred industry knows how to tap a broad array
of inspiration. Outside of the SIA Snow Show—and perhaps a garage sale in the Pacific
Northwest—where else would you find lumberjacks, vintage camping gear, gemstones,
and animal skins brought together in a cohesive manner? With these disparate influences, brands are crafting collections built for exploring the backcountry and the streets.
One of the biggest trends shaping outerwear is rooted in cuts rather than colors. Although brands are offering a range of silhouettes, the resulting garments tend to emphasize relaxed, slim fits. As Burton Chief Creative Officer Greg Dacyshyn explains, “In
general, the 2014 collection is longer, leaner, and cleaner.” In addition to looking good,
these longer jackets provide additional protection from the elements. And although
pants continue to focus on slim fits, they also aim to maximize mobility.
The renewed focus on fit is especially evident in women’s outerwear. As The North
Face Product Director for Action Sports Jasmin Ghaffarian asserts, “Women’s fit is the
most important trend to be looked at.” Brands are developing a range of signature cuts,
each ergonomically shaped with features like curved hems, darted knees, and contoured,
adjustable waistbands. Erin Height, founder of Anakie, says, “Women’s outerwear is becoming sophisticated, and offering just a baggy or slim fit will not do anymore.”
Yet the inspiration for these cuts doesn’t always come from the runway. As more and
more riders are venturing into the backcountry, “Fits are more relaxed, with a focus on
articulation and movement when riding or bootpacking,” explains Patagonia Business
Unit Director for Snowsports Tyler LaMotte. Brands are tapping into technical fabrics
that stretch and offer enhanced temperature control, especially breathability. They are
also carefully positioning pockets and vents to avoid interfering with packs.
Increasingly, riders are looking for apparel that can handle both handrails and barstools. Consequently, brands are applying waterproof treatments and technical fabrics
to traditional streetwear like flannels, hoodies, and lightweight jackets. “Dual-purpose
pieces are taking over the sales floor,” says Volcom North American Sales Director Brad
“The outdoor and woodsman look seems to be
trending around here. We also have a strong
demand for the collegiate and university look.”
— Phil Grisé, owner, Empire snowboard
shops, Quebec
What to Watch at SIA
“Overall, I will be watching the strength of
brands through demand and sell-through.”
— Dennis Nazari, owner, Salty Peaks
snowboard shop, Salt Lake City
Top Trends Eyewear
Goggles and Sunglasses Go
High Tech and High Style
Heads-up displays, optimized optics, and sleeker frames reenergize eyewear
While optimized field of vision is still the holy grail of
goggles, the oversized look is ratcheting back for 2013-14.
Instead, near-frameless looks will be the hot ticket. “The
oversized goggle phenomenon seems to have leveled off
as people realize the trade-off in poor fit or helmet incompatibility,” says Oakley’s global goggle category manager,
Andy McSorley. “Designs are moving toward sleeker,
lower-profile dimensions overall.”
For example, Dragon Alliance’s NFX, launched with
a limited holiday release, is a wide-view spherical goggle
with a truly frameless look. Anon’s Wall-to-Wall Vision
technology features a low-profile frame and 40 percent
thinner face foam for a close fit and enhanced peripheral vision; it appears in the women’s spherical Tempest.
Julbo’s Luna for women features a semi-rimless spherical
lens and several choices of photochromic lenses, including the Zebra, which enables a change in light transmission from 42 to 7 percent.
Meanwhile, in the Buck Rogers department, a growing number of goggles feature built-in heads-up displays.
Oakley recently launched the Airwave, with built-in
Recon heads-up display, GPS sensor, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. It tracks distance, altitude, speed, and
vertical. Riders can view jump analytics, pinpoint their
location on a resort map, and track friends.
Liquid Image introduces the Apex HD+ WiFiequipped goggle with HD video camera built in, which
streams video to a smartphone for viewing and recording.
The rotating camera lens pivots upward by 30 percent.
High-tech goggle pioneer Zeal introduces upgrades to
its iON HD Camera Goggle, which made a splash at the
show last year. “We have been trying to address the issue of
fit for smaller faces without sacrificing style, breathability,
or peripheral vision,” says Joe Prebich, Zeal’s director of
marketing.
Uvex continues to push the tech envelope with the
Apache II Variotronic Goggle. Through advanced LCD technology, lens brightness and tint can be adjusted automatically
with a light sensor or manually with the push of a button.
Perhaps these futuristic technologies will give the industry the boost it needs. According to SIA RetailTRAK data,
from 2010-11 to 2011-12 the eyewear category fell nearly 15
percent, with $150 million in sales.
New venting features and innovative fit systems also
come on line, and interchangeable and photochromic
lenses continue to evolve. Bolle introduces the Emperor, a
large spherical-lens goggle with a slim frame and Flow-tech
venting. Brand-new for Arnette is the Windshield, with
a cylindrical frame featuring the “No Blind Spot and Fog
Off” technologies.
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SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
▲ Anon Tempest
▲ Oakley Airwave
▲ Anarchy Intel
▲ Salomon XMAX
▲ Julbo Luna
▲ Lazer Sport AR2
New for K2 are the PhotoKinetic Pro and Captura
Pro. Both feature seamless helmet-goggle integration,
Carl Zeiss lenses, and a reduced frame across the nosebridge for increased field of vision. Building on a successful entry to the U.S. goggle market, Salomon introduces
the XMAX, with an interchangeable lens system that
prevents fingerprints. The lenses of Dye Precision’s largefit frame CLK Goggle can be easily swapped out by clicking two hidden buttons. Scott launches its Lens Change
Goggle (LCG) with locking lens-sliding mechanisms,
tabs, and slots. The company also expands its Fit system
throughout the line, including last season’s NAV-R-2
Recon-ready heads-up display goggle, which offers four
directional adjustments in cheek and nose pressure.
Oversized goggles, meanwhile, have by no means disappeared. Spy, for instance, offers two new technologypacked large-profile styles. The spherical Doom features
brand-new Lock Steady technology for fingerprint-free
lens changing. The cylindrical Raider has a modified lenschange system and fog-fighting Scoop vents.
Shred Optics’ Stupefy is a brand-new, oversized spherical goggle with a skinny frame and wide field of view, as
well as a small valve to equalize lens pressure.
Design collaboration is highlighted by brands like
Smith, which launches the Smith ID (for “Inspired Design”) collection with the input of seven pro athletes, including Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, Mark Abma, and Scott
▲ Liquid Image Apex HD+
▲ Dragon Alliance NFX
▲ Shred Optics Stupefy
▲ Pepper's Domino
▲ Bolle Aravis
Steven. The new Vice is an oversized, semi-rimless goggle
with Vaporator technology and 5X Anti-Fog inner lens.
Ashbury Eyewear introduces a revamped Warlock
Goggle through a collaboration with outerwear company
Holden that features the latter’s signature colors, look, and
feel. Sabre, a self-professed “community of psychedelic anarchists,” introduces the Tropical Disaster goggle, featuring
a multicolored jacquard strap with “wacky fruit theme.”
In sunglasses, retro styling remains strong, and silhouettes are more midsized and architectural with vibrant
crystal colors, translucent frames, and bright mirrored lenses, like in Anarchy’s new Intel, featuring a frost frame and
blue mirrored lens. Highlighting Spy’s sunglass collection is
the custom-built Stag, a rounded vintage shape with a flat
brow, six-base polycarbonate lenses, and metal detailing. Sabre’s line of fashion-forward, lifestyle-inspired sunglasses
reinterprets the classics. Carl Zeiss lenses are now found in
sunglasses from Shred Optics and Pepper’s.
Some sunglasses up the performance bar with technology borrowed from goggles. Bolle’s new Aravis, for example,
has a vented frame and polarized lenses with oleophobic
and anti-fog coatings. The new AR2 sunglasses from Lazer
Sport boast a slim fit, open lens design, and generous field
of vision. The optional photochromic lens includes a layer
of synthetic UV-blocking melanin equivalent to 140-SPF
sunscreen.
— Helen Olsson
Top Trends Gloves
▲ Black Diamond Legend
Hand It to Consumers with
Features That Appeal
Golden Gloves: East v. West
“Gloves sell a lot better than mittens, and our customers like leather. They find
it a little warmer and more pliable. Black is a big seller, and white for women.
And the skiers who are out there all winter will pay for a higher-price glove."
—Deb Richardson, sales, Ken Jones Ski Mart, Nashua, N.H.
“People are always asking for our warmest glove. They immediately want
down gloves, but because many of our down gloves aren’t completely waterproof, we recommend a guaranteed insulator like PrimaLoft or Thinsulate. Heated products—from liners to full-on gloves—are also very popular,
even if they’re expensive. “
—Barbara Park, sales, Alpine Sports, Santa Fe
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SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
▲ Burton Gore Glove
▲ Grandoe Helix
▲ Seirus HeatWave
▲ Outdoor Research
Lodestar
▲ Marmot 360 Glove
From space-age touch-screen technologies to hardware store-like work gloves,
snow sports companies capitalize on two (very opposite) trends consumers can’t stop
reaching for. More companies than ever are syncing with the frenzy for touch-screen
compatibility., either ballooning their number of offerings or introducing it for the first
time. For 2013-14, we’ll see it in everything from finger nubs to conductive palms. And
diehard snow buffs just can’t get enough of work gloves, so companies are producing
them in all varieties—from straight out of the hardware store to carbon-fiber hybrids.
Also, look for new insulations and improved designs that maximize heat retention.
Out of Black Diamond’s 21 new styles, the freeride-specific, goat-leather, PrimaLoft-insulated Legend is the warmest. On the opposite end of the price spectrum is the “anti-tech”
goat-leather Dirtbag Work Glove. Thanks to Burton’s synthetic PU leather wrap called
Screen Grab, its entire synthetic line will be full-handedly touchscreen compatible. Burton
also offers “hardware-store” styles: the Lifty Glove and Work Force Mitt with DIY Nikwax.
Dakine starts using Pittards leather, in the top-grade High Line series, which includes the
short-cuff men’s Kodiak Glove. It also adds a couple of new touchscreen models.
New materials used by Gordini include InSilk, a proprietary, 100-percent-natural silk
insulation. “Like down, it provides warmth, is highly breathable, reacts to body temperature, and is a renewable resource,” says Sean Roberts, Gordini’s marketing manager. Also,
insulated gloves now include PORON palms for shock-absorption, rubber-adorned fingers
for better grip, and touch-screen capabilities. Grandoe’s gloves, often touted as some of the
warmest, get even more so with the new Helix. Credit a patented technology in which the
fingers and thumb are capped with material that helps retain up to 21 percent more warmth.
Helly Hansen’s entire line features dexterity-enhancing curved fingers and sculpted palms,
championed by the insulated, goat-leather Carving Glove. “We wanted a bike jersey-like fit
around the ski pole,” says Philip Tavell, wintersport product manager at Helly Hansen. Likewise, Hestra’s bestselling Heli Glove gets an update with Ergo Grip construction, which eliminates excess material in the palm and fingers for better grip and to prevent fatigue.
Kombi’s M.O.: Every part of the glove should make sense, epitomized in the new top-ofthe-line Domain category, crowned by the Prime Glove—a waterproof-goatskin gauntlet
style with PrimaLoft One insulation and ripstop shell. Marmot’s new longer and wider
undercuff also fits over a jacket sleeve, as in the 360 Glove. It’s also one of the few companies
using Polartec’s new open-knit Alpha insulation, with small pockets of air tocapture heat.
When a Mountain Hardwear glove designer mistakenly dipped his glove into a carrepair chemical, he realized it made them conductive. MH labeled the technology Stimulus
and is designing gloves, like the Grub Glove, with a market-safe version of it.
The North Face debuts its athlete-designed Steep Series. After studying thermographic
▲ Spyder Work Glove
Touch-screen tech and the beloved work glove still trend strong
images of hands reacting to temperature, TNF added smart features like more insulation in
the fingers and a two-inch-wide, taut wrist leash with a handwarmer pocket called the Wrist
Oven. In addition, new touchscreen-compatible gloves have completely conductive palms.
Based on the popularity of its Lodestar jacket, lined with Polartec Power Shield High
Loft, Outdoor Research releases a backcountry-ski glove with the same efficiently wicking
fleece lining. The company also increases its smartphone-compatible offerings from six styles
to 17. As a tribute to traditional snowboard style, Outdoor Research wed its technical prowess with the style savvy of outerwear company Holden to create a three-glove line.
Pow celebrates a decade of success with its Heritage Collection, which includes
seven new styles featuring everything from high-end Pittards leather to touch-screen
technology—a first for Pow.
Pre-curve and smartphone compatibility are two of the newest features in gloves from Scott
Sports. Also smart: the Thermal Component Mitt has a zipper on the back of the hand that
opens for easy finger access. Salomon enters the touch-screen market with its new Backcountry
3-in-1 Glove. The fleece liner and softshell outer both have conductive ripstop nylon.
Seirus introduces HeatWave, a proprietary warmth-generating liner fabric. “A kinetic
action built into the fabric wicks moisture and generates heat at the same time,” explains
John Brice, Seirus’s public relations manager. A space-blanket-like lining also reflects body
heat. The combination increases warmth by five degrees.
Some might say over-engineered, some might say built to last—the Spyder Work Glove
is part lifty (goatskin leather) and part race (carbon-fiber, gate-bashing knuckles). With a
waterproof membrane and Thinsulate insulation, they’re the most-featured work gloves on
the market.
Swany adds three more leather gloves to an already comprehensive program, including
the SX-72 The Explode, a long-gauntlet style with reflective lining to boost heat, a zipper
that opens for venting on the back of the hand, and water-repellant PrimaLoft insulation.
—Ali Carr Troxell
Hats Top Trends
Hats Ooze Personality to
Spice up the Sales Rack
Standout headwear reflects innovative knits and plenty of patterns and silhouettes
We’re Back!
Visit us at Booth
#1320
▲ Coal Headwear Stevens
▲ Chaos Teapot
Screamer, as well as Chaos’ Moon Shadow collection, focus on two-tone effects,
double-knits with relief, structured facings, and geometric stitch combinations. Pistil’s
micro-prints and digital patterns are in line with what you’ll see from most hat manufacturers for fall, while some, like Neff, shoot for optical illusions and asymmetrical
geometrics embedded in deep-toned colors. And with an Olympic year on the horizon,
Vermont Originals offers styles that nod toward the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi.
—Jill Adler
▲ Screamer Michelle
For 2013-14, it won’t be hard to find a winter hat that screams, “Me!” Every
silhouette possible is being used, including caps in five-panel, six-panel, trucker, and
military styles (or hybrids) and knits with everything from metallic yarn to cashmere
and mesh woven in. Fedoras are down, but wide-brim hats are in. Hats are also getting
more technical attributes.
“When a hat is chosen on any given day, it is dedicated as a billboard for that person’s
style,” says Coal Headwear’s Jake Hansen. “It’s part of you, your identity, and your
lifestyle.” With that in mind, rather than tossing out basic beanies with massive logos,
Coal Headwear reaches for innovative styles in a palette of gossip-worthy fabrics like
crushable wool felts, cashmere, ripstop, and mesh. Nobis’ key pieces continue to feature
chunky knits in earthtone colors but with less slouch, reflecting a slight shift toward a
cleaner, urban look. FU-R balances the line between ultra fashion and fun, debuting
more feminine colors and patterns, and graphics like flowers, beads, and leaves.
Embedded isn’t just for the military. Helmet Band-its adds lighting, expanding its
line of fur and faux-fur helmet bands by blending fun fashion and safety with a pleather
light-up strip. Chaos features outers knit of high-performance yarns that may include
high elasticity, technical liners, synthetic blends, Merino wool, or compact fine-gauge
threads in glossy and matt mixes. The new Under Helmet Beanie fits snugly thanks to
four-way stretch.
Top Trends Snowshoes
Stepping up the Selection
Easy-access bindings, lighter weights, new kids’ models serve a growing, diverse market
Tubbs Snowshoes updates the Glacier, a junior shoe for “tweeners.” The popular
Flex Trk, geared toward day hikers, now sports Tubb’s simple QuickPull binding. The
Xpedition gets an overhaul with a new frame and heel crampon, making it even more
suitable for the most demanding all-terrain travel.
—Brian Litz
B O OT H # 2 3 3 3
▼ Redfeather Ghost
▼ Tubbs Flex Trk
PARTICIPATING IN
▼ Atlas Electra 12
Expect 2013-14 to have the broadest offering of snowshoes yet, suited for everyone from off-the-couch, crack-of-noon winter dog walkers to uber-athletes.
Atlas keeps pace with winter fitness aficionados with the aptly named Fitness snowshoe, built around the new Speed V-Frame, with a Wrapp Cruise binding and FreeRotating suspension. The updated 12 series is designed for technical, firm snow conditions and features a beefy steel-toe crampon, weight-activated rear traction device, and
stiffer, max-strength aluminum frame. And now lighter by 0.5 pounds per pair and with
enhanced traction, the Aspect remains a great choice for general use.
Crescent Moon’s upcoming Rocket provides as near a weightless experience as one
could hope for in the terrestrial snowshoe sphere. Framed in NASA-derived nano-carbon fiber materials, this snow runner’s delight is light and durable. Available, too, is the
Lift-Off, an accessory heel elevator.
Komperdell, known more Stateside for high-end ski and trekking poles, offers revised
iterations of its two-snowshoe lineup: the entry-level, one-size-fits-all “U”-tailed Alpinist and the pin-tailed Mountaineer, for the more serious winter explorer and climber.
Boise-based Lucky Bums, a purveyor of kids’-specific adventure tools, offers three
new “technical” snowshoes for young explorers. Available in three sizes (14, 19, and 22
inches), all feature the company’s foolproof, kid-friendly binding. Each size run comes
in blue, green, and pink.
Redfeather has four new snowshoes. Full of adult features yet sized for kids is the Elf.
Hunters and wildlife photographers will appreciate the stealthy light-gray and white
Ghost. The Traverse is an easy-on/easy-off one-pull model. And for kids who want to
stand out, the LED-spangled Flashtrax will be a must-have.
P O L A R M AX .CO M
R EGIST ER NOW @ SI A S NO W S HO W. C OM
ON-SNOW DEMO/SKI- RIDE FEST
BACKCOU NTRY E X PE RIE NCE
FA S HION & TRENDS S HOW
S IA S NO W S HOW JAN UARY 31 - F EBR U A R Y 3 , 2013
COLORADO CON V E N TION C E N TE R, DE N V E R, COLOR A DO
ON-S NOW DE MO/ S K I - RIDE F E S T FE BR U A R Y 4 - 5 , 2013
W INTE R PA RK RE SORT & DE V IL’ S T H U M B R A NC H
STE P INTO T H E SIA SNOW S HOW.
snowsports.org/social
#SIA13
Top Trends Kids’ Outerwear
▲ Burton Uproar
Bright Outlook for Pint-Sized
Performance Wear
Small Size, Big Market
Steven Kopitz, founder, Skis.com online ski shop
Q: Are you seeing any growth in junior sales relative to adult?
SK: Our growth numbers for kids apparel have been trending up at the same
pace as our adult sales over the last couple of seasons.
Q: Are parents willing to pay more for high-tech offerings, or are they motivated by low prices?
SK: Our customers are most motivated by added value. We see that trend with outerwear that can
be used over multiple seasons, like Spyder’s Small to Tall and Obermeyer’s I-Grow systems.
Q: What’s a trend we’ll see at the SIA Snow Show?
SK: The tech from adult outerwear has trickled down. Kids are staying warmer and dryer in lighterweight and less bulky pieces that have the same level of style and detail as their parents’ gear.
40
SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
▲ Marmot Freerider
▲ Sunice Jackie
▲ Descente Element
▲ Rossignol Cargo PR Pant
Fit is another big story. “The baggy look has lost its
prevalence,” says Adam Garry, president of AFRC Outdoor Gear, Inc., owner of Boulder Gear and Snow Dragons. More companies are introducing a slimmer, more
traditional ski fit, including Bonfire’s Derby Pant, as well
as skinny silhouettes from Patagonia, Rossignol, Spyder,
and Marker.
The retro look moves into junior lines, as styles like Descente’s new Element Junior Insulate Jacket sports an oldschool look and color combinations, and Marmot’s girl’s
Zermatt features color combos and a retro-feel sleeve stripe.
Junior outerwear continues to add bells and whistles like
glow-in-the-dark trims or headphone-wire-compatible zipper pulls. Rossignol jackets have removable helmet-friendly hoods and ski pass pockets. The North Face adds builtin goggle cloths and reflectivity. Grow-to-fit cuffs, which
lengthen pant legs and sleeves from 1½ to 2 inches, are
now used by nearly all companies in certain styles.
As for color, pink and blue are passé, upstaged by vivid
hues, neons, fun prints, textures, and plaids. Especially for
young nippers, bright, vibrant colors appear in styles from
Snow Dragons, Bonfire, Rossignol, and Obermeyer, while
Sessions, Liquid Boardwear, Orage, Spyder, and Sunice
incorporate fluorescent and neon.
Companies like Marker, Marmot, and Orage offer
bright solids with color pops in snaps, trims, and zipper
pulls. Eider’s stylish junior line mimics its adult collections with elements like faux-fur lined hoods, letting retailers merchandise products together.
Völkl’s junior outerwear focuses on fun prints like the
oversized flower pattern on the girl’s Nanja Jacket. Sunice
introduces a wild geometric pattern in its boys Phenom
Pant, and Rossignol’s Boy’s Cargo PR Pant features an
eye-popping geometric-inspired print.
▲ Marker Scotty
▲ Spyder Pandora
As more companies recognize opportunity in the
junior market, kids’ outerwear gets increasingly sophisticated and performance based, thanks to a trickle-down
effect of technologies from the adult collections.
Snow Dragons and Rossignol have both doubled the
number of waterproof offerings in their kids’ lines, while
companies like Sunice have increased the level of waterproofing. Obermeyer boasts a minimum 10K/10K waterproof-breathable fabric from teen to toddler styles, and
Burton brings more technical fabrics from its adult line
into youth. The company’s Minishred outerwear features
new eco-friendly Aquapel. Key sales point: the performance of this innovative fabric increases with washing.
For the junior Radar Jacket, Orage borrowed chimneyvent technology from its technical backcountry styles. The
North Face brings its FlashDry moisture-regulating technology, launched last season for adults, to kids’ base and
midlayers. In its junior lineup, Spyder employs a brushedmetal overlay film for anti-abrasion and design aesthetics.
Puffy jackets go high tech, too. Marmot launches
Down Defender, 700 fill and water-resistant, across its
kids’ collection. Patagonia’s Girls Hi-Loft Down Sweater
Hoody combines a windproof shell with 600-fill goose
down.
Double-duty jackets like
Obermeyer’s lightly insulated
Beck component piece, with
a stylish snap-in fleece, add
value. The North Face anticipates a hot-ticket item with
its Reversible Mossbud Swirl
Jacket for girls, which includes
a luxurious high-loft fleece.
▲ Liquid Boardwear Tiffany
Trickle-down technology, vivid colors and patterns make kidswear pop
“Color blocking creates options for mixing pants with
a variety of jackets,” says Bonfire’s product line manager,
Amy Eichner. It appears in jackets like Orage’s Ally,
Liquid Boardwear’s Corvin, and Marmot’s Moonstruck.
Marker’s Boy’s Scotty Jacket uses color blocking and color-pop trims with a retro twist. Burton’s youth collection
includes bold color blocking, too.
Texture, key in Orage’s adult line, is being built into
top-end junior pieces like the Girl’s Nala and Boy’s Craft
jackets. Also pulling down from its adult line is Bonfire
with its Shadow Weave fabric, and heathered yarns add
texture to Sunice’s Zoe Pant.
And everyone, it seems, is still mad for plaid. Rossignol, Liquid Boardwear, The North Face, and Boulder
Gear are playing with checks, and Patagonia’s junior line
features mid- to large-scale plaids for a streetwear feel.
“Plaid remains hot for 13-14,” says Boulder Gear’s Garry.
“We can’t get away from it.”
— Helen Olsson
The Revolutionary APEX HD+
with WIFI and Rotating Camera Lens
Watch your videos wirelessly while sitting
on the Lift or see a Live View on your phone
as your friend goes off a jump.
This 12.0MP Camera Goggle transmits and
records what you see on the slopes hands free.
Record HD 1080P Video at 30fps or High Action
HD 720P Video at 60 fps. The 135 degree wide
angle camera lens captures everything you see
without the extreme distortion of a super wide
lens. The memory and battery compartments
are located along the side straps to disperse
the weight of the goggle away from the face.
This feature makes the goggle feel lightweight
like a regular snow goggle and allows for
exceptional peripheral vision.
iOS & Android
Fits a wide variety
of helmets and face sizes.
Rotating HD Lens
Watch the action live
through a smart phone
and record it to a micro
SDHC card for playback later.
• Interchangeable Rechargeable
Battery last approximately 2.5+ hours.
• Rotating lens pivots upwards by 30 degrees
to capture the best angle for your stance.
• Includes 8GB Micro SDHC card class 10
• Camera lens is recessed to protect
from scratching or breaking.
• HDMI Port for Full HD
Streaming capabilities
• Includes an amber and an ionized lens.
• LED light inside the goggle
indicates mode to user.
• Glove friendly buttons keep your hands warm.
• 4 Modes – 1080P, 720P, Photo,
Continuous Photo
• Holds up to a 32 GB Micro SDHC Card
to record hours of memories.
• Wind Guard Microphone for
High Quality Audio
®
• 100% UV Protected Iridium lenses.
• Includes 2 strap choices, to customize your look.
• Water Resistant down to 3ft
• WiFi works with iOS and Android
Smartphones through free Apps
Replaceable Face Foam
Multiple Patents pending.
www.LiquidimageCo.com
▼ Bergans Soleie Lady Top
▼ Icebreaker Oasis LS Hood
▲ Under Amour ColdGear
Infrared Evo Hoody
42
SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
▲ Lorpen T3
▲ SmartWool Backcountry Sock
Base-layer sales continue to gain momentum. According to SIA Director of Research
Kelly Davis, numbers were already up 3 percent in August and September 2012, with
$12.5 million in retail sales.
Moisture management and warmth are paramount with consumers, and modern
takes on both natural and synthetic fabrics increase performance. Perhaps most visible at the Snow Show this year will be the vibrant prints and patterns adorning many
next-to-skin layers. “The trend now is that base layers double as lifestyle pieces for both
men and women to wear après ski,” says Alex Selby, marketing manager of Icebreaker.
Helly Hansen continues to offer base layers for a series of activities, including the
lightweight HH Dry, the venting HH Cool, and the Merino wool HH Warm. The HH
One has hydrophobic LIFA Stay Dry technology and a new relaxed fit. Bergans’ new
collection of Australian Merino pieces comes in two weights and pops with color.
Hot Chillys has fun with new flashy prints in the women’s Micro-Elite Chamois
series and debuts the men’s Merino Wool Stretch 8K Zip-T, incorporating moisturetransfer fibers at key sweat points. Along with embracing more prints, Icebreaker adds
longer silhouettes and updated fits for better layering. The new lightweight Oasis LS
Hood comes with a zip-neck collar and helmet-friendly hood.
Patagonia adds to its top-selling Capilene series with the unique Capilene 4 Expedition Weight One-Piece Suit. The company now sources Merino from Patagonia and
Argentina, supporting sustainable grazing practices for the sheep. New pieces include
the Merino 3 Midweight Hoody and the Merino 2 Lightweight Crew. All base layers are
now Bluesign approved as free of toxins and chemical finishes.
New exhibitor 2XU, official compression supplier of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, shows its thermal tights and top made of brushed PWX Flex fabric for softness
and warmth. Polarmax’s new All Year Gear line includes casual base layers made with a
blend of polyester and Lycra and are designed to be worn both on and off the hill. Coldpruf continues its well-priced Premium Performance line of synthetic crews and tights.
SmartWool introduces new patterns for 2013-14 as well as new options in mid- and
lightweight pieces, including the Midweight NTS 250 Zip T with a chevron pattern for
women and stripes for men. A sponsor of elite athletes such as Lindsey Vonn, Under Armour unveils ColdGear Infrared technology, which stores heat in an infrared print on duallayer fabric. The four-way Armour Stretch series has mobility and a compression fit, and the
Packaged Base series comes in four different weights, the heaviest using thermal-grid fabric.
— Krista Crabtree
▲ Darn Tough F5
Wicking properties and warmth still
core selling points.
▲ Point6 Kid's Ski Sock
New Prints and
Patterns Jazz Up
Base Layers
▲ Dahlgren Multisport Compression
Top Trends Base layers & Socks
Socks Draw Them
in with Color,
Performance
Well-placed padding and compression
technology highlight new styles
The buzzwords for socks next season are precision padding and graduated
compression. Look for cushioning and push in all the right places. And black is blah.
Fall’s deep oranges, greens, and goldens against a black background will lure customers
to the walls, says FITS Sock’s Luke Eldridge. Plus, strategically placed ventilation
zones better regulate temperature and moisture.
Point6 brings its graduated compression technology into its Merino performance
line. Even its snowboard socks get away from bulk, with lightweight designs that have
cushioning around the calf and underfoot, an insulated toe box, and mesh ventilation
panels. Point6’s kids’ ski socks offer a proprietary “Achilles brace” to keep the sock in
place and prevent hot spots.
Darn Tough’s F5 ski sock also addresses the Achilles with padding in the sole and
toebox. Five pads protect pressure points while still allowing a performance fit. With
all-day comfort, wicking, and optimized temperature control, the F5 is intended to work
with a ski boot the way skis work with a binding. Thorlo continues to showcase technical ski socks that also emphasize the foot-to-boot connection. “We’re about foot protection and performance, not fashion,” says Thorlo’s David McBride. “We want you to
focus on your performance rather than ours.”
Dahlgren Footwear’s Multisport Compression socks help remove post-skiing lacticacid buildup and muscle soreness. SmartWool takes its PhD compression sock into the
backcountry by placing cushioning in the shin and around the ankles and heels to guard
against abrasion during uphill and downhill motion. Lorpen’s compression sock also
reduces lactic-acid buildup and muscle vibration. The new T3’s Spidernet design uses
integrated support to keep the sock from slipping inside the boot and wrinkling; the
sock also includes zones of Primaloft and Merino fibers for better heat retention.
—Jill Adler
Bob Marley believed in a better world. Today his family
is creating it through a premium collection of inspired
products that give joy and give back: 5% of annual
profits support 1Love, the Marley family charitable
organization commited to youth, planet and peace.
LEARN MORE AT HOUSEOFMARLEY.COM
LIVELY UP ™
SCOUT PACK
BOB MARLEY™ MARLEY™ © Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Ltd., 2012.
Right of Publicity and Persona Rights - Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Ltd.
BOBMARLEY.COM
Top Trends Helmets
▲ Marker
Ampire Otis
For 2013-14, helmet makers have stepped up their game in a key area: protection.
Giro makes a big splash with a new “soft shell” technology that fuses two layers of vinyl
nitrate, instead of the EPS or EPP foam used in most sport helmets, with a hard-shell material first developed for hockey and football. Vinyl nitrate recovers faster not only from a
range of impacts but also from temperature changes. Giro’s new Combyn Helmet is aimed
at the park-and-pipe crowd, who benefit from helmets that endure multiple impacts.
Smith also forsakes EPS in its new Aerocore technology by using Koroyd, a multiimpact material that shows 30 percent better impact transmission than EPS, plus improved airflow. Find it in the men’s Vantage. Marker launches a brand-new helmet
line as part of the company’s new Protective Snow Equipment collection. The flagship
Ampire Otis includes an impact-absorption system that Marker developed with German orthopedics-technology company Ortema, adding extra protection in key impact
zones. And Scott, which started using the Multi-directional Impact Protection System
(MIPS) in its helmets for 12-13, adds the Symbol to that line.
Two companies borrow impact-absorbing materials from their body-armor lines. POC’s
race-oriented Skull Orbic Comp uses that material in the front to increase protection when
▲ Giro Combyn
Innovations in protection make for safer lids
▲ K2 Thrive
▲ Lazer Dissent
Closing the Foam
hitting gates at high speed. From parent brand Slytech’s line, Shred Optics takes 2nd Skin
XT Foam technology, which adapts to various forces and speeds during a crash. All of the
company’s helmets now also include ICEdot identifier technology, which links to an online
account to identify an injured skier or rider to any first responder with a cell phone.
Companies also address better fit, as does K2 in the new lightweight Thrive, which
adjusts via customizable K2Dialed Fit. Bolle’s new Osmoz Helmet has a fully integrated
goggle-helmet system that allows the wearer to adjust a goggle’s position, fit, and even
preferred viewing angle of the goggle. Salomon’s new low-profile Hacker for big-mountain skiers features the company’s Custom Air fit system.
Melding function with fashion, Lazer’s new line of Fluoro helmets has flourescent coloring injected directly into
the shell. And Bern partnered with Outdoor Technology
"We have had at least three guys hand their phone to the ER doc to take their photo still covered in blood
to launch a new wireless audio system, with ear “chips” that
and guts. Usually they are holding the helmet with a big grin. I have even gotten letters from ER docs
slot into the helmet liner; it’s available in three helmets.
themselves that said if the guy wasn't wearing a helmet, they don't think he would have made it."
—Doug Schnitzspahn
—Jarka Duba, President and CEO, POC U.S.A.
Guts and Glory
Special Advertising section
New Product Marketplace
Highlighting new and noteworthy products at the SIA Snow Show.
Riders love our patented BOUNCEBOARD® line for safely practicing aerial
snowboarding maneuvers on a trampoline. Now freestyle skiers can safely
practice and condition on the trampoline
too with the all new BOUNCESKIS™.
• Improved aerial awareness and core
strength!
• Twice as much fun on a trampoline!
• Used by professional athletes and aerial
awareness coaches!
• Safety: Our specialized resilient foam
design won’t rip the trampoline surface
and there are no hard or sharp edges that
would hurt the user!
Please come visit us at SIA booth #168 for
a live demonstration on our trampoline!
www.bounceboard.com
Sales@bounceboard.com
5465 E. Terra Linda Way
Nampa, ID 83687
Douchebags is a global company that
provides the modern explorer with the
lightest and smartest travel gear. Developed as a collaboration between skiers,
snowboarders, surfers, engineers and
airport baggage handlers; all of our
products are the fusion of passion and
needs. At shy of 8 lbs, these bags are
a modular system with the ability to
adjust, compress and piggyback with
one another. The Douchebag sold out in
Europe upon introduction and the Hugger sold out worldwide upon introduction. Where is my Douchebag?
SIA booth #561
www.mydouchebag.com
katharine@ mydouchebag.com
Coming to America…distributed in over
40 countries, now available in the US and
Canada.
HB Band-Its is a modern winter-sports
fashion accessory that fastens easily on
all helmets and adjusts to accommodate
goggles. The one-size-fits-all band can be
worn three ways: to dress up your helmet as
a helmet accessory, as a warm and fashionforward headband, and as a stylish shawl
collar. Match­ing wrist cuffs complete a chic
après-ski look, for a night out on the town.
This elegant fashion line uses only the finest
European faux and premium furs for bands
of various styles and colors that wrap around
a safety helmet, creating an opportunity for
high-fashion safety. Manufactured in the U.S.
Patent pending.
www.HelmetBandIts.com
SIA booth #2532
sales@helmetbandits.com
855.522.6348
466 Foothill Blvd., #385
La Canada, CA 91011
Warmer than Fleece!
• High performance microfiber retains
heat, blocks the wind, wicks perspiration
and dries quickly.
• This product has been described as “mission essential equipment” by the US Army.
• Can be worn 12 different ways, including:
facemask, balaclava, skull cap, helmet liner,
head band, ear band, neck gaiter, and scarf.
• Warm in the winter and cool in the summer, this is a year-round accessory.
Hundreds of patterns and colors to
choose from.
Licensee of: Vail Resorts areas- Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly and North Star at Tahoe
Birds of Prey World Cup Downhill, TEVA Mountain
Games, USA Pro Cycling Challenge, CLC (Collegiate
Licensing Corp)
Authentic Multi-Functional Headwear
SIA booth #274
www.windx-treme.com
SIAsnowshow.com SNOW SHOW Preview
45
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HUMANS WERE
NEVER MEANT
TO HIBERNATE
CHALLENGE!
Win prizes by helping newcomers sign up for
lessons from a professional instructor.
SkiAndSnowboardMonth.org
A Snow Sports Industry Initiative.
Register online at:
BringAFriend.org
SIA SNOW SHOW
JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 3, 2013
ON-SNOW DEMO/SKI-RIDE FEST
COLORADO CONV E NTION CE NTE R, DE N V E R, COLOR ADO
On-Snow Demo Registration Includes:
ON-SNOW DEMO/SK I-RIDE FE ST
FEBRUARY 4 - 5, 2013
WINTER PA RK RE S ORT (W P ) , COLOR ADO
NORDIC ON-SNOW DEMO ( 1-DAY)
FEBRUARY 4, 2013
DE V IL’S THUM B RA NC H ( DTR ) , COLOR ADO
•
•
•
•
LiftTickets(WP)&TrailAccess(DTR)
Breakfasts&Lunches
NordicAprèsHappyHour(Monday,DTR)
HappyHour/Awards(Monday,WP)
• TwoMileHighFest,LodgeatSunspot
(MondayNight,WP)
• TransportationTo&FromDenver
• Ski/SnowboardRentals
TheSIA On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Festistheperfecttransitionontotheslopesafterfourdays
ofmeetingsandproductdemosattheSIASnowShow.Retailersandmediatestthegearjust
previewedattheShowwhiletherestoftheindsutrydoeswhatwedobest-get on snow.
“The On-Snow Demo is a great opportunity to get on all of the gear that my customers
will be asking about this coming season and have first-hand knowledge to share.”
–JohnMcNair,OutdoorElements,NewBrunswick,Canada
GET RE ADY @ SIA SNO W SHO W. COM
REMEMBER TO PICK UP YOUR ON-SNOW AND DEMO BADGES AT THE SHOW IN DENVER.
CHECK IT OUT! PARTICIPATING BRANDS, ON-SNOW INFO AND MORE.
siasnowshow.com/onsnow
snowsports.org/social
#SIA13
SIA DENVER
WAREHOUSE SOLUTION
SIA Research offers an incredible range of reports and
data designed to give you industry insights that will help
you make smarter decisions to grow your business. Take
a look at some of our top reports:
›› RetailTRAK™ and Cross-Industry RetailTRAK™
›› SIA and Leisure Trends Group have worked together for over 30 years, providing the snow sports industry with exclusive retail market data detail down to the model level for virtually all apparel,
accessories and equipment sold in the snow sports market.
›› Snow Sports Market Intelligence Reports
Five Available Versions: Total Market, Women’s Market, Youth
Market, European Market and Mid-Season
›› SIA Sales and Orders Surveys
›› Snow Sports Insiders
›› Uniform Survey
›› Rental Equipment Survey
Contact SIA Research at 703-556-9020 or Research@snowsports.org
for information on these and other SIA Research products.
SIA’s Members-Only warehouse makes move out
easy and ensures a smooth, worry-free entrance
back into the Show in 2014 and includes these
year-round benefits.
SIA SHOW
MOVE-OUT
FEBRUARYDECEMBER
PRE-SHOW
PREP
• NoMinimumStorageWeight
• CloseToTheConventionCenter
• AdditionalDiscountsForPre-Pay
• EasilyAccessiblethroughouttheyear
• 1-MonthFreeStorage
SIA SHOW
MOVE-IN
• 10%DiscountOnMove-InDrayage
• FirstIn=LongerSetUpTime
GREAT RATES • EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
SAFE & SECURE • YEAR-ROUND ACCESS
CONTACT YOUR SIA SALES & MARKETING MANAGER FOR DETAILS:
WESTERN|DAVEWRAY
c:503-708-1947
e:DWray@snowsports.org
ROCKIES/CENTRAL|REDDYKENNEDY
c:303-579-7623
e:RKennedy@snowsports.org
EASTERN|EDWRAY
c:401-743-8089
e:EWray@snowsports.org
SUPPORTING|TOMDAVIS
c:540-666-0803
e:TDavis@snowsports.org
At the show Who’s Coming
For up-to-date booth information
and listings go to SIAsnowshow.
com/showapp, SIAsnowshow.com/
floorplan, or scan the QR code.
Exhibitors
More than 900 brands on display at the Show (as of Dec. 10, 2012; subject to change).
Company
Company
Company
Company
Company
Company
Company
686
.2XU USA
10th Mountain Division
. Foundation, Inc
32 North Stabilicers
3point5.com
4FRNT Skis, LLC
540 Snowboards
AAS - Anomaly Action
Sports Inc
ABS Avalanche Rescue
Devices
ACADEMY Snowboard Co
Active Youth Alliance /
SOS Outreach
adidas Outdoor
adidas Snowboarding
Advanced Racking Systems
AFRC-Outdoor Gear, Inc.
Airblaster
Airhole Facemasks
Aline Systems
Alpina Sports Corp
Alp-n-Rock, LLC
American Bio-Vision (ABV)
American Paper and
. Plastic Co
Anakie Outerwear
Analog Clothing
Anarchy Eyewear
Anon Optics
Apex Sports Group LLC
APO - White Doctor
Apogee Sports LLC
Aratik
Arbor
Arc’teryx Equipment Inc
Arctix
Armada
Arnette
ARVA
Ashbury Eyewear
Astis Mittens
Athalon Sportgear, Inc.
Atlas Snow-Shoe Co.
Atomic USA, Inc
Auclair Sports, Inc
Backcountry Access, Inc.
Backcountry Experience
Bakoda
Bandit Hideout
Bataleon
Beard Head, Inc.
Bench
Bergans of Norway
Bern Unlimited Inc
Betty Rides
BHD Information Systems
Big Air
Billabong USA
Black Diamond
Equipment Ltd
Blackstrap
Blizzard
Blue Bird Social Zone
Blue Infusion Technologies
Board Retailers Association
Bolle’
Bon Hiver Inc
Bonfire
Booster Strap
Boulder Gear
Bounceboard, LLC
Bravo Sports
Bridgedale Socks
Briko
Britten Banners Inc
Buff Inc
BULA
Burnstreet
Burton Snowboards
Buzrun Snowboards
C3
Caldera International
CAM Commerce Solutions
Camtrol
CandyGrind
CAPiTA Snowboarding
Capix
Causwell
Cebe
Celerant Technology
Corporation
CelsiusSnow USA, Inc.
Celtek
CenterStone
Technologies, Inc.
CEP Compression
Sportswear
Chaos
Cheetah Factory Racing (CFR)
Chill
Chugach Flyer Snowboards
COAL Headwear
ColdDist LLC
COLDPRUF Base Layer
Coldsmoke
Colorado Ski Country USA
Colorado Ski Country USA ... .
Central Lounge & Food
Court Contour
Core Concepts
Cozy Layers Inc.
Crash Pads
Crescent Moon Snowshoes
CSA - Leggett & Platt
CTR (Chaos Thermal
Regulation)
Cushe Footwear
Dagmar Branding
DAKINE
Dalbello Sports LLC
Dale of Norway, Inc
Dana Stein Everyday Furs
Dare 2b
Darn Tough Vermont
DC Shoes, Inc
Deeluxe
Del Rey International
Demon Snow
Dermatone
Descente North America, Inc....
Deuter USA
Deviation
Devils Thumb Ranch
. Resort and Spa
Dinosaurs Will Die
Snowboards
Discrete Headwear
DNA
Dot Dash
Double Diamond Sportswear
Douchebags
DownUnders Footbeds
DPS SKIS
Dragon Alliance
Drop MFG
DRYGUY LLC
DTS Inc
Dye Precision
Dynafit and Salewa
Dynastar Skis
EC3D Sports
Echelon Snowboards
Eco Vessel
Eggbar Vise, LLC
Eider
EIRA
Eisbar USA
Elan Blanc
Elan Skis
Electric Visual
ELM CO
EMSCO Group
Endeavor Snowboards
EPIC Cameras, LLC
Epic Planks
Erik Sports-WhiteWoods
Erin Snow
Eurosocks International
EXP
Faction Skis
Falke USA
Fast Strap
Fat-ypus Skis
FedEx/FedEx Office
Fera International Corp.Firefly
Fischer Alpine Apparel
Fischer Skis US
Fits Sock Co
Flair Hair
Flow Snowboarding
Flow Sports
Flux Binding Systems
FlyLow Gear
Footbalance System Inc
Fox River Mills, Inc.
Freebord MFG
FTWO Snowboards
Full Tilt Boots
Function
G3 Genuine Guide Gear Inc
Gabel Sports Group
(North America) Inc
Garmont NA, Inc
Genisys Software, Inc.
GHEEK
Giro Sport Design
GNU
Goggle Grip
Goldwin
GOODE Ski Technologies
GoPro
Gordini USA, Inc
Gorski Group
Grabber Inc.
Grandoe
Granger’s
Grenade Inc
Griffin Technology
Guru Distribution
H2O Outdoor Gear
Halti
Hart Ski Corporation
Head Wintersports
Heat Factory USA, Inc
Hell is for Heroes
Helly Hansen (US) Inc
Helmet Band-Its
HESTRA GLOVES, LLC
High Altitude Concepts LLC
High Sierra Sport Co
High Society Freeride
Company LLC
Highgear
Highland Trading Company
Sportube
Holden
Holmenkol.US
Homeschool Snowboarding
HoodieBuddie
Horizon Agency IncOutdoor Sports Ins
Hot Chillys
Hotfingers Gloves
Hotronic USA, Inc.
House of Marley
HOWL
i.N.i. Cooperative
Icebreaker USA
Icelandic Design
Icelantic Skis
Impact Canopies USA
Implus Corporation
INA International, Ltd.
Indigo Ski USA Inc
International Skiing History
. Association (ISHA)
Ion Camera
IS Eyewear
Itasca Footwear by C.O. Lynch
Enterprises
Jacob Ash/Schuessler
JammyPack Inc
Jones Snowboards
Joshua Tree Skin Care
Joystick
JULBO Inc
JVC Americas Corp
K2 Skis
K2 Snowboarding
Kamik div of Genfoot
America
Karbon
Kastle GmbH
Khombu
Killtec NA Inc.
Killy
Kiss My Face LLC
KJUS USA
KLINT
KneeBinding, Inc.
Kombi Ltd., Inc.
Komperdell
Krimson Klover
Kuhl Clothing
KULKEA
KUUsport Mfg. Ltd
Kwik Tek, Inc.
L&C GLOBAL
CORPORATION
La Sportiva N.A. Inc
LandYachtz
Lange Ski Boots
Launch Pad
Launch Snowboards
Laundromat
Lazer Sport
L-Bow Mittens
LD Action Sports
Learn to Ski and
. Snowboard Month
Leisure Trends Group
LEKI USA, Inc
Level Gloves
Lib Tech
Liberty Mountain
Liberty Skis
Life-Link
Light Bohrd
LightSpeed Retail
Line Skis
Liquid Boardwear
Liquid Image Co, LLC
Llama Lo
Lobster Snowboards
LODGESOXX_
Loki
Long Advance International
Co, Ltd
Lorpen North America Inc
Love Hope Strength
Foundation
Lucky Bums Inc
M. Miller
Madshus
Malibu Cowboy LLC
Mammut Sports Group USA
Manzella Products
Mariner Business Solutions
Marker Ltd
Marker USA
Marmot Mountain, LLC
MasterFit Enterprises
MeCo Designs
Meier Skis
Mental
Mervin Manufacturing
MFD
Millennium Three (M3)
Mitchie’s Matchings
Model Ski Lifts, LLC
Modern Movement
Moment Skis
Montana Sport
North America Inc
Moon Shadow
Mophie
Mount Tec Gloves
Mountain Goat Ski Tote
Mountain Hardwear, IncMountain Shades
Mountain Uniforms
Mountain View Café
MTN Approach
Mystery Ranch
National Ski & Snowboard
. Retailers Association
(NSSRA)
National Ski Areas
Association (NSAA)
National Ski Patrol (NSP)
Nation’s Best Sports (NBS)
NEFF
Neve Designs
Never Summer Industries
Niche Snowboards
Nidecker USA, Inc.
Nikita Clothing USA
NILS
Nitro Snowboards
Nobis
NOMIS
Nordica USA
NOW Snowboarding
Nui Organics
NXTZ
Oakley Inc
ON3P Skis
Oneballjay
O’Neill
OnTheSnow.com
Optic Nerve
Optimal Furs, Inc
Optrix LLC
ORAGE
Orion Packs
Ortovox USA Inc
OSBE USA Inc
Outdoor Research
Outdoor Tech
Outlast Technologies LLC
OZ Snowboards
Pajar
Pakems
Parajumpers
Patagonia Inc
Pepper’s Performance Eyeware, Inc
Phunkshun Wear, LLC
Picture Organic Clothing
Pinnacle Designs
PISTIL
Planet Earth Clothing
POC USA LLC
point6 LLC
Poivre Blanc
POLARMAX
Pop Headwear
POW Gloves
Powderhorn
Pret Inc
Prior Snow
Promotive.com
ProRider
Pro-Tec
PSIA-AASI
Pulse
Quickpoles, LLC
Quiksilver Inc
Radical! Gloves
Rawik
RC Products
Recco Systems Ltd
Reclaim Project
Redfeather Snowshoes
Regina Imports LLC
Reliable of Milwaukee
Rental World - Backshop
reusch SnowSports
Ride Snowboards
Ripzone / Powder Room
Roces USA, Inc
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen
Rocky Mountain
Underground
Rome Snowboard Design
Syndicate
Rossignol
Rossignol Apparel
ROXA North America
Ruffolo Enterprises, Inc
S4© Optics
Sabine Sommeregger
SABRE
Saga Outerwear
Salomon Snowboards
Salomon USA
Sandbox Helmets
Santana Canada
Sauce Headwear
SCARPA North America, Inc.
Schure Sports U.S.A., Inc
Scott Sports
Screamer
Sector 9
Seirus Innovation
Serengeti Eyewear
Sessions LLC
Sharkies
Shred Optics
ShredSkins LLC
Sick Stickz
Sidas
SKEA, LTD
Ski Carry
Ski Kare, Inc
Ski Patrick LLC
Ski Retriever
Ski Sundries and Supplies
Ski Tops/Chaos/Moon
Shadow/CTR
SkiA Designs
SKICALS
SKILOGIK
SkiMetrix, Ltd
SkiSkootys
Skullcandy, Inc.
SkyTech Sport, Inc
Slash by Gigi
Slide On
Slytech Protection
SmartWool Corporation Smith
Optics
Smokin’ Snowboards
Snapdry
SNO
Sno Skins Inc
Snow Angel
Snow Dragons
Snow Fashion and
. Trends Center
Snowjam LLC
Snow Show Daily
Snow Sports Recycling
Program
Sony Electronics, Inc
Spacecraft Collective
Spark R&D
SpiritHoods
Sport Obermeyer Ltd
Sportcaster Company, Inc
Sporthill, Inc
Sports Accessories
America Inc
Sportube
Spy Optic, Inc.
Spyder Active Sports Inc
Spyderco
STANCE
Stepchild Snowboards
Stockli Ski USA
Strafe Outerwear
Summit Media Labs
Sun Bum, LLC
Sun Valley Ski Tools Inc
Sunbelt© Optic
Suncloud Polarized Optics
Sunice
Superfeet Worldwide Inc
Sure Foot
Surface Skis
Swany
Switchback Bindings
Swix Sport USA, Inc
T.D. Fischer Group
Technine
Tecnica USA
Terramar Sports Inc
The North Face
The Royal Shaft LLC
The Soze Group
Therm-IC
Thirty-Two Boots
Thorlo Inc
Thule Inc
TOKO
Tomahawk International
Transpack
TransWorld Media
Trespass USA
TREW
Tubbs Snowshoes
Turbine Boardwear
Turtle Fur Group
Ugg Australia
Under Armour - MTN
Uniform Gallery
Union Binding
Unity Snowboard
Manufacturing LLC
USRA
Uvex
Vail Resorts Inc / Epic Pass
Vans
Venture Snowboards
VestPac
Vew-Do Balance Boards
Vintage Winter
VIRUS Action Sport
Performance
Vision Sport Distribution
Voile Skis
Voile Splitboards
Volcom
Völkl
Volkl Performance Wear
VonZipper
VR2 Distribution Inc
Watson’s Bodywear
Wend Performance
Weston Snowboards
White Sierra
Wigwam Mills, Inc
Wind X-treme America, LLC
Winter Park Resort /
Ruby Hill
Wintersteiger Inc.
Winter Trails
Wooly Bully Wear
Wrong Gear Inc
XBoards, Inc
Yaktrax
Yeah For It Distribution
YES Now Board
Zanheadgear & Bobster
Eyewear
ZDAR Boot USA
Zeal Optics
Zeon Corporation
Zero Rh+
Ziener
Note: New Exhibitors
48
SNOW SHOW Preview SIAsnowshow.com
3M Thinsulate Insulation
AMATERRACE Inc
Bristex
Concept III Textiles
International
DURAFLEX
Erictex Fashion Co Ltd
ESSE North America
Global Merino
Hung’s Fortune
International Co Ltd
Ideal Fastener Corp
Jining Glove and Sewing
Product Co. Ltd
Kingwhale Industrial Corp
LABORSING SAFETY
PRODUCTS INC
Maxland Sportswear
Industrial Co. Ltd
NIFCO Group
Ningbo Maosen Sport
Goods Go., Ltd
PrimaLoft
Quanxiang (dingxiang)
sports co., ltd
Raglan Corporation
Robinson Sports
Schoeller Textil USA, Inc
Shinkong Textile Co Ltd
Solehre Gloves
Solis Fabric Technology
Co Ltd
Tabar Inc
Toray International
America Inc
Union Line Textile Co, Ltd
Universe Fashion
Accessories Co., Ltd.
Vertical Source Inc
Welltern Enterprise Co Ltd
WidePlus
XIAMEN TIANYI IMP. &
EXP. CORP, LTD
On-Snow
Demo List
In conjunction with
WWSRA and in
partnership with
CCSAA, over 125
brands head to the
mountains for the
On-Snow Demo at
Winter Park and
Nordic Demo at Devil’s Thumb Ranch.
Visit SIAsnowshow
.com/onsnowbrands
for the complete list
for ski, snowboard,
backcountry, AT, and
cross country.
THE COMBYN
The flagship of our innovative Soft Shell category, the Combyn delivers an exciting new
helmet option for progressive riders. Inspired by park and pipe riding where repeated
impacts are the inevitable price of progression, we combined a patent-pending, impactabsorbing liner crafted from Vinyl Nitrile foam with a proprietary, flexible outer shell.
The result? An ultra-comfortable, flexible fit, unmatched durability, and both high and
low-energy impact absorption across a wide range of temperatures.
See the Combyn at SIA booth #3650