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

FAIR ISLE.

It may bring up images of your mom’s 70’s ski outfit, but it’s an iconic part of ski and winter fashion, and 2010/11 saw a comeback of the classic knit.  In fact, the whole industry saw a throwback to its ski fashion roots last year.  And while materials may have changed  (cotton, wool, and leather exchanged for GoreTex, Smartwool, and fiberglass), there’s no denying: retro ski fashion is back. 

Exhibit A: Dolce & Gabbana Fair Isle body suits graced 2010 runways.  The retro looks were showcased in the New York Times Style section:

 


Exhibit B: The latest from “The Moment” in the New York Times Style section shows Burton neon bibs and Illesteva reflective sunglasses:




Exhibit C:  Big Sky’s own slopeside looks mirror retro ski trends:

  
Classic Fair Isle jumpers have nothing on Big Sky's Lyndsey Owens' modern sweater.

  
My grandfather's (!) 1970s ski outfit has an uncanny resemblance to modern day Mad Chad McDealy.


But what comes next in the ski fashion world?  It’s what’s on everyone mind this coming weekend in Denver, when the ski industry gathers at the SIA (SnowSports Industries America) Snow Show Jan. 26th – 28th.  The Paris or New York Fashion Week of SnowSports, retailers will showcase their latest products, and we’ll discover the emerging 2012/13 trends.  

In the SnowSports industry, it’s all about combining function with fashion, giving the best performance gear the slickest style and ease. This combination brings out the best in innovative fashion, and I’m particularly excited to see that innovation showcased at the Snow Fashion and Trends Show, featuring new designs from well-known brands like Chaos and Volkl Performace Wear. 

But smaller companies like Phase 4 Imports may be even more intriguing.  Their Italian-made, laser cut and welded O-Range bags – the pinnacle of sleek design meets high-performace functionality –are sure to create Snow Show buzz. 

So will this years show see more neon and fair isle, or take a whole new, futuristic direction?  We'll find out soon.  For now, keep raiding your mom's closet for old ski sweaters and caps - her snowflake-print long underwear and bright pink socks are so out of style, they're back in vogue.

-  Greer

 
Products like this sleek Italian-made O-Range backpacks will debut at this years SIA