The Way I Ski It: Big Sky Resort's Blog

SNOWSPORTS INDUSTRIES AMERICA (SIA) is the crème de la crème of ski industry tradeshows; you name it, SIA has it. Every pro, magazine, film company, ski manufacturer, and outerwear company you can possibly think of and then some are present making it the go to place to check out the latest and greatest coming to ski shops near next fall. It’s held at the end of January/early February every winter and this year will be held in Denver Jan. 31st – Feb. 3rd.

Word on the street is that there are already a few game changers coming down the pipeline like Rossignol’s Soul 7 which will be the newest addition to Rossi’s top selling 7 series lineup. It’ll feature a honeycomb insert in the tip and tail similar to what is already seen in Salomon’s Rocker 2 series. The insert will be a welcome addition to the series, lightening up the tip and tail to provide lower swing weight and will likely dampen some of the tip chatter. Other notable additions will be Atomic’s new ARC technology on its Nomad series. The proprietary integrated ski/binding technology will allow the ski to fully flex through the entire turn and will do away with the dead spot underfoot where the binding doesn’t allow the ski to fully flex. This will provide excellent edge grip throughout the entire turn and will rusult in improved feel.

Upon my return, I’ll provide a detailed update with photos of product and insight on what’s hot. Until then, keep the drooling to minimum.

-Kipp Proctor

Jewel tones dominated the runways at the 2012 SIA Snow Show 

GOODBYE, NEONS, hello, metallics and jewel tones.  It was the theme of last weekend’s SIA Snow Show, where the best in snowsports fashion and retail gathered for a yearly season preview.  While Fair Isle did have its fair share of runway looks this year, and sober, concrete-inspired tones clearly permeated many looks, it was the teals, magentas, and golds that dominated.  The best in design was “Macaroons meets Super Heroes,” as fashion trend company Stylesight described the emerging looks.

But beyond color and print, there’s function and structure.  Combining these elements makes for the best gear in snowsports, and while big names like Obermeyer dominated the show floor, several SIA first-timers stuck out as truly industry-forward.




O-Range:

I was excited to check out these Italian-made bags even before I hit the show – their sleek, welded seams make for a modern look that immediately stands out from other products, and I couldn’t wait to see how they measured up in person.  The product didn't disappoint – O-Range is a home run in backcountry functionality meets minimalist aesthetic.  Take the waterproof, seamless, Thin S-08 Freeride Backpack 3D, made specifically for the slopes.  With the addition of an integrated, super-light O-Range solar system, the backpack charges your GPS or smartphone as you go. 

Footbalance:

Ever since the International Ski Federation underwear debacle earlier this year, the snowsports industry has been fixated on undergarments.  But I’m not just talking base-layers.  It’s what’s underneath that counts, and especially what's underneath your foot - ever gotten a charlie-horse in your arch in the middle of a ski run?  Footbalance has taken this underwear obsession to the next level, bringing customizeable insoles from the running trails to the slopes and making ski boots tolerable even to the most sensitive of feet.  In my short 15 minute visit to the Footbalance crew I got a full foot profile analysis and walked away with custom orthotics on the spot.  Fast, easy, and (sort of) inexpensive - the soles go for $79.99 retail, clocking in at the low end of the orthotic pricing spectrum.

Soul Poles:

I know, I rolled my eyes too: Soul Poles? Really? But eco is in, and these surprisingly strong bamboo poles are made entirely from the ultra-renewable resource.  They’re also the creation of two former U.S. Ski Team members and a coach, and it’s clear that performance hasn’t been sacrificed for greenness– the specific bamboo species was picked for its resistance to cold temps, maintain proper stiffness and flex even when the thermometer plummets.

 

-  Greer

 

 

Phase 4 Imports featured this lineup of O-Range backcountry bags


O-Range also makes a range of lifestyle products including iPad and iPhone cases


While bigger brands like Obermeyer helped set the tone for the 2012 Snow Show, smaller brands stood out as industry-forward


Color schemes and style were "Macaroons meets Super Heroes."

Fair Isle is still in Style, making appearances across more classic brands