PSIA-AASI

2.9.2012

SnowPro Update: More Top Technology from the Snow Show

It wasn’t all skis, snowboards, and alpine touring (AT) bindings at SnowSports Industries of America’s Snow Show in Denver this past January. There were plenty of cool new products from the industry’s top apparel, ski boot, goggle, helmet, and glove manufacturers as well—almost all with a focus on reducing weight while increasing versatility. Here are some more highlights from the big show.

Patagonia has redesigned their H2No hardshell collection of jackets for 2012–13, with a more athletic fit to suit every activity from skiing to climbing, as well as what Jess Clayton, who handles public relations for the brand, said includes a new aesthetic “with the goal of modernizing the offering, making it more relevant for today’s customer.” The new Troposphere Jacket includes stretch-woven face fabric, as well as H2No waterproofing. And the new Mixed Guide Hoody, a softshell/hardshell hybrid, “mixes” the breathability of Polartec Power Shield with a new surface treatment that Polartec has named Hardface Technology, which is designed to increase durability.

In gloves, Hestra, which celebrated its 75th anniversary at the show, introduced a new Seth Morrison-inspired glove, the 3-Finger Pro, which is made with leather and Thermolite insulation, as well as the Army Leather Heli Ski Mitt with a long cuff for deep-snow days. Swix also gets natural with the Leather Dog, an alpine glove built with a Gore-Tex insert and the brand’s aqua-SHIELD for water repellency.

Helmet and goggle makers are focused on making the two products even more compatible in helmets, as evidenced by Uvex’s Hypersonic, which features a three-dimensional adjustable fit system, and the super-cool Hypersonic CX goggle, which has four miniature magnets for attaching the lens. Meanwhile, POC presented its new Skull Light WO, which weighs in at only 18.4 ounces and is designed specifically for women. Bolle, which used the Snow Show to show off a new line of limited-edition goggles designed by snowboarders such as Lindsey Jacobellis and Seth Wescott, will also have a whole new line of helmets available beginning in the fall.

Tecnica builds on the success of its hike/ski-friendly Cochise boot with an entire line of new boots in what the company is calling the Free Mountain Collection, including six men’s models and two new models for women. Lange also offers boots built for going up and down the hill, in XT 130 and XT 100 models that feature an insert in the back of the lower shell that can be unlocked for hiking and locked for ski mode. Nordica goes after frontside skiers with the new Transfire line of boots, which offer a more price-sensitive take on the brand’s popular FireArrow line.

—Peter Kray