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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 T T H E E E F M A E M M I L O Y C BOOTH #3622 HD VIDEO + CAMERA GOGGLE Z3 GPS » SHOWN IN MATTE BLACK » METAL MIRROR » VLT 28% » SHOWN IN QUANTUM BLACK » METAL MIRROR » VLT 28% TRAMLINE LEVEL FARGO » SHOWN IN SAFETY DANCE » METAL MIRROR » VLT 28% » SHOWN IN MAUI WOWIE » METAL MIRROR » VLT 28% » SHOWN IN FURNACE » PHOENIX MIRROR » VLT 28% VOYAGER OUTPOST SLATE » SHOWN IN GREEN TEA » METAL MIRROR » VLT 28% » SHOWN IN SUPPLY BLACK » POLARIZED GUNMETAL » VLT 18% » SHOWN IN GERONIMO » METAL MIRROR » VLT 28% LINK SIGMA ECLIPSE » SHOWN IN RIVITED CLOUD » METAL MIRROR » VLT 28% » SHOWN IN CIPHER GOLD » ALCHEMY MIRROR » VLT 28% » SHOWN IN SURPLUS FATIGUE » POLARIZED GUNMETAL » VLT 18% 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 ® OUR BEST-SELLING GLOVE, NOW WITH ERGO GRIP® INTRODUCING HELI ERGO GRIP® WE’VE ADDED ERGO GRIP® CONSTRUCTION TO OUR MOST BELOVED GLOVE FOR AN EVEN BETTER FIT WITH THE SAME WARMTH AND DURABILITY. ERGO GRIP® IS A PATENTED DESIGN THAT ALLOWS US TO SEW GLOVES WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PRE-CURVED FINGERS FOR OPTIMAL GRIP AND FIT. FEATURED IN 8 GLOVE MODELS FOR 2013-14. < HELI ERGO GRIP® HELI GLOVE HELI 3-FINGER HESTRAGLOVES.COM VISIT US AT SIA BOOTH #2120 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 KneeBindings reduce the risk of knee injuries on skis. Every other binding you sell doesn’t. In fact, over the past four years, 210,000 skiers have suffered “phantom foot” and other rearward-twisting ACL injuries – on every other brand of alpine binding on the market. It is the worst injury epidemic in the history of skiing. But no one has ever reported this kind of injury on KneeBindings. KneeBindings have a patented, third dimension of release – a PureLateral™ heel release that can detect the forces that cause most knee injuries on skis, and can release before the injury occurs. And helping your customers stay out of the emergency room doesn’t mean reduced performance. KneeBinding has won every major on-snow award - from “Gear of the Year” to “Best Alpine Binding” to Powder’s “Skier’s Choice” (two years in a row). KneeBinding is already available in 350 shops in 11 countries. What on earth are you waiting for? Flex|FloatTM Mounting. Modern ski shapes can flex the way they were intended, improving edge grip and stability, while minimizing unwanted releases. PureLateralTM Release Lever|EdgeTM Technology The largest boot interface, mounting system, and uniquely engineered platform provide better leverage and edge grip with today’s wider skis. Safer Allows the heel of the boot to release directly sideways to mitigate knee injuries. Only KneeBinding has it! For details, visit www.kneebinding.com Phone: 802-760-3026 © 2012 KneeBinding, Inc. Protected Trademarks “Best Alpine Ski Binding” Made in the USA “Best Innovation in Snow Sports” 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 24 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.” THE BEST MOUNTAINS ONE EPIC SEASON PASS PRICED EXCLUSIVELY FOR SIA ATTENDIES ONLY AVAILABLE AT THE SIA SHOW JAN 31–FEB 3! Stop by the Epic Pass booth #1148 at SIA to get your exclusive SIA Epic Pass for over 60% off the regular price! Plus, $10 of your purchase goes to Winter Feels Good — providing outreach tools that introduce youth to snowsports. PASS ™ 259 $ * Unlimited access for the 2012/2013 winter season to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood and Arapahoe Basin starting February 4, 2013. NO BLACKOUT DATES. SEASON PASS 2012/2013 * SIA Epic Pass only available to show attendees, exhibitors and buyers with valid show credentials. Must be present to purchase. Adult passes only. SIA Epic Pass valid for the remainder of the 2012/13 ski season, starting February 4, 2013. Does not include summer 2013 access. © 2013 Vail Resorts Management Company. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. powered by 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). GORE-TEX GLOVE PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY Trusted by leading brands ® Experience more... © 2013 W. L. Gore & Associates Inc. GORE-TEX, GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY, GORE and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. gore-tex.com powered by 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. 34 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 36 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 JOIN THE 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 [email protected] 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:[email protected] ROCKIES/CENTRAL|REDDYKENNEDY c:303-579-7623 e:[email protected] EASTERN|EDWRAY c:401-743-8089 e:[email protected] SUPPORTING|TOMDAVIS c:540-666-0803 e:[email protected] 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