WHO NEW Nearly 100 new exhibitors are on the Colorado Convention Center floor here at the first ever SnowSports Industries America Snow Show, helping fuel the energy and innovation for where our industry goes next. Check out the aisles to see all of them, and check our ‘Who New’ column every day as well, for a snapshot of some of the newest stars of snowsports.
SURFACE SKIS With 14 models of skis and an avalanche of momentum, Surface Skis out of Salt Lake City is poised to turn heads.
Loki
And that’s exactly what its users do as well. Everything
Grand Junction, Colo.-based Loki doesn’t have to go far to test its mountaineering and skiing apparel. The San Juans, and ice-climbing Mecca of Ouray, are just two hours away. That proximity is reflected in its product line of high-performance hard- and softshell jackets, pants, shells, puffies, gloves, hats and more.
“We take more of a Volkswagen than an Audi approach,”
the six-year-old company makes is twin tip with different shades of rocker in their maple and poplar wood cores. says founder and president Mike Schneider, adding that nothing retails for more than $599 and they offer a 50 percent margin to all dealers. “Our distribution has exploded and we don’t have a choice but to attend
The 12-year-old, six-employee company has been growing quietly every year, even in 2009, and is finally ready to augment its international distribution with a bigger push domestically. “We’ve been experiencing a lot of growth and now we’re ready to break on through to the other side,” says spokesman Eric Wilson, adding that it’s also attending the show to expand its U.S. rep base. Of particular note: a price point softshell jacket called the Mountain Ullr, made from four-way-stretch Asgard; and the new Access Mitt, a high-performance mitten that lets you pull your thumb out for maneuverability. — EUGENE BUCHANAN
the SIA show to showcase our products. We’re now in 22 countries and are looking to expand our retail reach in the U.S.” Of note: a line of junior park skis called Next Life; the big mountain Live Life line, measuring 156/120/135; the Green Life, utilizing recycled base and sidewall material,
BaseCamp Pro big mountain skier Abbot Smith has gotten hurt plenty dropping big lines, and seen friends maimed for life. That’s why he’s so excited to debut his new line of spine-protecting backpacks at this year’s SIA show. “I’ve always been a big advocate of spinal protection and helmets,” says Smith, who bases his year-old company out of Winter Park, Colo. The result is a line of three packs – the Freeride, Freeride Pro and Straight Jacket series – all of which include three layers of thermo-formed spine protection.
with the commitment to plant 10 trees with American Forests for every pair sold; and the Save Life, a price point all-around ski measuring 100mm underfoot and offered to ski patrollers for just $199, with a percentage of sales donated to the National Ski Patrol Association. — EB
Its WCS (Worst Case Scenario) system is also removable for use as a shovel or emergency splint. “I’m just hoping to get the word out on it at the show and get it in front of retailers,” says Smith, who also plans to promote it via a product marketing tour while competing on this year’s six-stop Freeskiing World Tour. — EB
Molehill Mountain Equipment Molehill Mountain Equipment arrives with a complete line of kids apparel, including jackets, bibs, pants and hats. The 15-year-old, Sand Point, Idaho, company makes it easier with outdoor apparel for kids of all walks (and even those without). New this year is the company’s Two and a Half Layer All Weather Gear, consisting of waterproof/breathable jackets, pants and suits, all with taped seams, as well as a quilted synthetic bunting (one-piece suit) and jacket to augment last year’s down line. “We’re looking forward to coming to Denver,” says president Doug Faude, adding that 2009 sales were slightly up over 2008’s level. “Its location means a lot of our smaller accounts will be able to come. We’re hoping to use it to pick up some new dealers, as well as meet with our existing client base.” — EB
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