Outdoor Retailer Winter 2018 Day 3

3 DAY

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OUTDOOR RETAILER + SNOW SHOW

NEWS WELL DONE

The Inspiration Awards honored big thinkers and winter legends.

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PEOPLE Q&A

How one sales rep handles the delicate brand/ retailer balance.

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EVENTS PARTY TIME

From daytime seminars to happy hour and beyond, here’s what’s up.

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POWERED BY SNEWS

BEST in SHOW

Thousands of new products, a handful of showstoppers. How cutting-edge tech & innovative design caught the eye of the show’s media influencers.

Salomon’s S/Lab Shift MNC 13 Binding

The official publication of:

Introducing the next generation of outerwear from Walls. Tough year-round styles and weights to get you through all extreme conditions. BUILT smart. Work smart.

WINNER! Who has the nicest new digs on the floor? p. 96

©WILLIAMSON-DICKIE MFG CO., LLC.

jackets. pants. shorts. shirts. hats. belts. bags. gloves.

3 DAY

JA N UA RY 2 7, 2 01 8

OUTDOOR RETAILER + SNOW SHOW

NEWS WELL DONE

The Inspiration Awards honored big thinkers and winter legends.

PAGE

Thousands of new products, a handful of showstoppers. How cutting-edge tech & innovative design caught the eye of the show’s media influencers.

The official publication of:

How one sales rep handles the delicate brand/ retailer balance.

PAGE

24

EVENTS PARTY TIME

From daytime seminars to happy hour and beyond, here’s what’s up.

PAGE

78

POWERED BY SNEWS

BEST in SHOW Salomon’s S/Lab Shift MNC 13 Binding

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PEOPLE Q&A

WINNER! Who has the nicest new digs on the floor? p. 96

E X P E R I E NC E K H O M BU AT W I N T E R O R B O O T H 46151- U L

Official Aprés Ski Boot Provider to the U.S. Ski Team

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CONTENTS

OUTDOOR RETAILER + SNOW SHOW

Day 3

“IT’S ALWAYS COOL TO SEE WHAT’S ON THE CUTTING EDGE AND WHERE THE INDUSTRY MIGHT BE HEADING. IT’S LIKE SAYING ‘DUDE, YOU SHOULD CHECK THIS OUT!’”

–RICK STELLA, ASSOCIATE EDITOR OF DIGITAL TRENDS, ON BEST-IN-SHOW AWARDS PAGE 18

NEWS

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That’s Funky

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic wowed a packed house at the Industry Party.

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Conservation Alliance Breakfast

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Mining? Nope: Irresponsible tourism is the real threat to the Grand Canyon.

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Youth Skis & Snowboards

Kid-specific designs and indie brands are getting little rippers on the slopes.

MORE GEAR

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Rookie exhibitors show off solar chargers, a campfire grill, and herbal body products.

Snowboarding royalty and politicians team up to Protect Our Winters.

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Captive Audience

Clif Bar tackles a new kind of marketing in the show Mothers’ Room.

GEAR TRENDS

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Packs

From versatile commuter bags to trad ski packs, here’s what consumers want.

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Eyewear

Take a peek at the latest interchangeable lenses, retro designs, and more.

THE DAILY | OUTDOOR RETAILER + SNOW SHOW

Find entry-level models for rookies and skins for more advanced skiers.

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Pray for Snow

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Nordic

Shake Up & Branch Out

Leadership flip-flops at Meridian Line; Gore expands its brand.

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Meet the Newbies

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New & Noteworthy

On our list: insulation for running, a tough solar charger, a colorful travel pack, and more.

LOGISTICS

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Show Info & Maps

Where do I park? Can I bring my dog? Where is my booth?

Find answers here.

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Best of Booth

Take a journey to the bottom of the world in this Antarctic expedition-themed winner.

PHOTOS BY LOUISA TK ALBANESE; COURTESY

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GUIDE.

Zeal Optics ambassador Fredi Kalbermatten

SLIDE. LOCK.

INTRODUCING

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BOOTH 31107-UL

BOOTH 31135-UL

DESIGNED TO THE EXACT SPECIFICATIONS OF THE THIRTYTWO TEAM

| TM-2 | Boot Blue

| REST STOP | Polar Fleece White

| SIGNATURE | Sock Black

| SWEEPER | Pant Black

| GRASSER | Jacket Orange

SUPERLEGGERA

LIGHT IS PERFORMANCE

Built on Lange’s award-winning RX chassis, the all-new limited-edition SUPERLEGERRA is the result of pure performance-driven innovation.

Revolutionary Dual Core technology meets an ultra-lightweight Grilamid® shell to deliver a new premium blend of precision, agility, and power. Our ultra-light shell and liner engineering offer an almost 25% reduction in weight, supplying elevated all-mountain performance for the world’s most committed skiers.

NEWS

WHAT’S HAPPENING OUT THERE shopping for rain shells, gloves, and boots.

It’s pretty safe to say that more people know Gore than any other ingredient brand, I say to Christian Langer, divisional leader of sales and marketing for Gore. We’re sitting in the VIP section of the Temple night club on the top floor. Gore staffers and friends of the brand play shuffleboard and munch snacks.

“It is safe to say that,” he replies.

As Clinton’s band kicks into crowd pleasers “Flashlight” and “We Want The Funk,” people scream and dance in whatever few square centimeters they can claim.

Gore is kicking off the launch of its new Infinium line of windproof, breathable, water-resistant stretch fabric ideal for lifestyle products (see page 70 for more), and shows a short brand video before Clinton comes on stage. The brand sees itself as a innovator in the midst of an evolution. This is why they chose Clinton, famous for revolutionizing R&B, as the headliner.

I push the Fun Meter to “funstoppable” again and look to the stage. Sir Nose is dancing in his shaggy white pants with “NOSE” spelled out in rhinestones.

It’s every bit as mesmerizing as the flow of human traffic across a trade show floor packed with the latest and greatest gear. And like at the show, I can’t look away.

Industry Party Brings the Funk

Funk pioneer George Clinton lights up the Temple night club on Night 1. BY KASSONDRA CLOOS

PHOTO BY LOUISA ALBANESE

T

HE DANCE FLOOR at the Temple night club is packed with people who think plaid flannel passes for “going out” clothes. This is not the kind of party where you go to network and chat with friends. (I tried.) This is the kind of party where you go to get down.

That’s just what happens with funk legend George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic on stage at the Industry Party sponsored by Gore.

Inside, where boxy tables glow in changing neon colors, I wander onto the dance floor to meet a friend of a friend, who gives me a #funstoppable “Fun Meter” pin with a dial that rotates between “fun,” “funnest,” and “funstoppable.” I adjust it throughout the night to match my mood. It goes to “funstoppable” when I run into another friend I’d been hoping to see.

People shout how they’re excited to be in Denver, and old friends reunite with shouts and hugs. The industry comes together in a unique way even at parties that are too loud for talking.

Gore tapped George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic to headline the Industry Party. The brand thinks it has a kindred spirit in Clinton.

They’re both longtime innovators and household names known for being the best at what they do.

In the middle of his performance, Clinton smiles as he holds up the microphone to the sax player, amplifying for a few minutes one of the ingredients that make his band so legendary. That’s a pretty apt metaphor for Gore.

Of all the fabrics you find at the show, and all the ingredient brands, Gore is the most recognizable.

It’s the one customers ask for by name when

A VERY BRIEF CONVERSATION WITH GEORGE CLINTON Before his band took the stage at the Industry Party, Clinton stood with Gore to answer two questions—no more, no less.

Gore: How have you continued to innovate over the years?

Clinton: I play anything I hear the parents say they don’t like. That’s why I try to find the music the kids are getting on their nerves with. That’s usually the best way to keep in touch with what’s going on, music that gets on their nerves. Once you get past 30, you’ve gotta start all over again. So I do that every 30 years, I try to start all over.

Gore: What’s your advice for Gore, as they embark on something brand-new?

Clinton: Make sh*t for kids. Keep it looking young and fresh.

JANUARY 27, 2018 DAY 3

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NEWS

The Good Fight

A pair of explorers detail the latest existential threat to Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park at The Conservation Alliance breakfast. BY M.T. ELLIOTT

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Toroweap Overlook in Grand Canyon National Park; writer Kevin Fedarko (left) and photographer/filmmaker Pete McBride were the morning's keynote speakers.

throughout the landscape of past generations: pottery shards, arrowheads, and granaries carved into the sides of the canyon.

The 4,000-year-old rock art depicts how those previous inhabitants viewed the area and their relation to the world. Today, there are more than 11 Native American tribes with ties to land inside or beside the Grand Canyon, and they cannot be separated from the conservation attempts to preserve the area, the presenters argued. Each development issue has a tribal component, many of which pit modern economic needs against the preservation of their culture and the land itself.

Fedarko attacked the self-congratulatory concept

of the national parks that allow us to too easily ignore the fact that these landscapes were once the home of disenfranchised peoples. “If we are to find a way forward, if we are to find a consensus,” he said, “the answers lie in re-enfranchising those people who have been cut out from the conversation.”

McBride pointed out the fraught path to build respect for special lands without threatening them.

“How do we see this place? Do we provide access, but save it? Or is it a place of amusement and titillation?”

McBride asked. “There are over 400 amusement parks in the United States, and we know there is only one place that looks like this.” The words cued a slideshow of his photographs from the trip, which showed no signs of development.

The Conservation Alliance breakfast kicked off with good news, as the nonprofit expects to give out a record $1.9 million in grants this year, thanks in part to a funding boost from 13 new members. Its Public Lands Defense Fund awarded more than $267,000 in grants to preserve designated public lands. The good news was countered with a reminder of current legislation aimed at codifying the shrinkage of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, and perhaps most alarming, efforts to kill the Antiquities Act that empowers the federal government to protect public lands.

Indeed, the good fight will require us all.

PHOTOS BY (FROM TOP) ISTOCK.COM; LAUREN DANILEK

ORGET MINING: The Grand Canyon’s biggest enemy might be its visitors. That was the message from author Kevin Fedarko and photographer/filmmaker Pete McBride, who explained at Friday’s Conservation Alliance Breakfast that uncontrolled visitation and invasive tourism just outside the park’s boundaries could lead to bad news inside.

Fedarko and McBride recounted their arduous 2015-16 journey through the Grand Canyon, which covered nearly 700 miles of unforgiving terrain and included several injuries and severe illness. The trip, an exceptionally rare feat, was intended to call attention to several areas threatened by development.

If even one of the country's most famous and most protected parks is under threat, it’s easy to extrapolate what that means for less popular lands.

They found that the greatest threat to the Grand Canyon is development related to tourism. A prime example was the proposed Grand Canyon Escalade at the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers—a sacred place for the Navajo—which would transport thousands of tourists in gondolas from the rim to the river and back, boiling down a day's hike and an iconic wilderness experience into something closer to a theme park. The project's proponents argued it would make the area more accessible to visitors and provide an economic boost to an impoverished area. Last fall, the project was rejected by the Navajo Council, thanks to the efforts of 12 tribal members who favored development elsewhere.

Fedarko and McBride explained that preservation of the area isn't just about the land itself, but the space around it: the silence and the sight lines from the river to the rim and beyond. It is a nuanced argument, but one a conservation audience should take as a reminder rather than a new perspective.

The pair are still processing their trip, but came away with some lessons: When visitors describe the canyon to others, Fedarko noted, they talk about colors, light, and texture of the landscape, “the vocabulary of the eye.” There's also the dense silence which moved the pair to conclude that “the greatest and most extraordinary treasure the Grand Canyon has to offer is not visual, it is auditory,” Fedarko said.

That stands in contrast to Heli Alley, where a daylong parade of helicopters (they counted 363 flights in one day) whisks tourists from Las Vegas, and the noise of those machines can be heard for miles away as the sounds reverberate through the canyon.

On nights spent perched on the ledges between the mile-long expanse between rim and river, they could hear the river below and look up to what they called a river of stars above. The canyon's size has helped it keep light pollution at bay, but it is still threatened by the encroachment of development inside and outside the park.

Another lesson came from the constant reminders

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BOOTH #54021-UL

NEWS

Winter Warriors

Protect Our Winters brings its message to the show. BY M.T. ELLIOT

P

ROTECT OUR WINTERS packed the McNichols Civic Center Building for a party and panel discussion centered on the urgency of climate change mitigation and how best to spread its message of advocacy.

The panel on Thursday night featured Jeremy Jones, president and founder of Protect Our Winters; Donna Carpenter, CEO of Burton Snowboards; and former U.S. Senator representing Colorado, Mark Udall. Mario Molina, POW’s executive director, led the panel through a range of topics, from what it means to be an industry hero, to what emboldened the panelists to speak out on climate change, and why the outdoor industry should rally around advocacy.

One takeaway was that brands and industry leaders shouldn’t fear a backlash.

“If you stick your neck out, your community will give you cover,” Molina said.

Panelists emphasized the need for the snowsports and outdoor industries to find common ground instead of taking a partisan Mario Molina, Jeremy Jones, Donna stance. Our shared value Carpenter, Mark Udall of loving our mountains— whether it be riding down them, hiking up them, or fishing in their streams— should unite us.

That’s not to say there were no differences of opinions on the tone and approach of that advocacy.

Jones urged caution and empathy to prevent alienating a broader audience. Carpenter

playfully and colorfully dismissed with two four-letter words. She favors a less delicate approach. It seems their friendly rivalry extends beyond the slopes.

POW’s panel is part of the nonprofit’s effort to become a leading industry voice for preserving mountain lands, much the same way the Outdoor Alliance spearheaded the public lands advocacy, said Sam Killgore, POW’s manager of communications and marketing. POW’s goal is to train the entire industry to empower casual skiers to make meaningful change.

CONSERVATION IS NOT PARTISAN

Goooo NILS! The ski and snowboard apparel company showed off the coldweather uniforms it makes for Denver Broncos cheerleaders. #44055-UL

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American voters in the West are increasingly identifying as conservationists, according to a new poll released by Colorado College on Thursday. At a lunch session at Le Meridian Hotel, a panel of experts presented the results of the 8th Annual Colorado College Conservation the West Survey.

Among the most notable takeaways: An overwhelming majority (93 percent) of those surveyed view the outdoor recreation economy as important for the economic future of their state, and 81 percent see their state’s public lands as the backbone of that economy, critical for job growth.

Smartwool President Travis Campbell reinforced the business case for public lands, explaining that the company started and remains in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, for three critical reasons: It allows the product developers and marketing teams to create and test products in the environments and conditions for which they’re being made; it establishes the brand’s credibility as an outdoor lifestyle brand that benefits from and contributes to its hometown’s

recreation-based economy; and it is key for recruiting and retaining employees who want to work for the outdoor industry while living an outdoor lifestyle.

But perhaps even more notable, the poll shows that conservation is not a partisan issue. In all eight of the states in the poll— including Wyoming, a state heavily reliant on extractive industries—voters expressed a desire for the current administration to put a greater emphasis on public land protection than on natural resource production.

Amy Roberts, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association, noted that the 2018 midterm elections will be a key moment for voters to show President Trump that his policies are out of alignment with the electorate when it comes to these issues.

“I think the 2018 midterms will be a watershed moment,” Roberts said. “People running for office in Western states have a choice to make whether they support public lands and funding or not, and it’s going to be an issue on top of a lot of voters’ minds.” –Deborah Williams

PHOTOS BY COURTESY (2); NICK COTE

A new survey shows that 93 percent of voters, regardless of political leanings, want to protect public land.

Same amount of awesome.

New convenient size.

We could only find one way to make our award-winning soft coolers even better: offer a smaller, personal size. Come meet our new Unbound Series™ Mini Cooler Pack and Cooler Tote — smart insulation that’s lightweight and ready for any adventure.

Visit us at our booth to learn more.

SCENE

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CAPTURING THE SHOW’S KEY MOMENTS

Give Us the Funk

George Clinton, indisputably the coolest man in the room, brought his Parliament Funkadelic out to play at the Industy Party Thursday night.

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1. Partygoers cram into the vibrating corners and balconies of Denver’s Temple nightclub to get a glimpse of George Clinton and his fabulous robe. 2. A singer lets out a soul-deep wail, leaving fiery dreds—and the crowd—soaring. 3. You don’t need lights with tunes this electric, but the juiced-up laser show sure would have filled in any gaps. 4. They’ve got the funk. Parliament Funkadelic presides over an enraptured crowd.

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PHOTOS BY LOUISA ALBANESE

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THE DAILY | OUTDOOR RETAILER + SNOW SHOW

©The Rockport Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

THERE’S WALKING. THEN THERE’S LET’S WALK. Outdoor Retailer FN PLATFORM Atlanta Shoe Market sales@rockport.com

SCENE HERO SHOT

Cruz Control

ThirtyTwo taps California cool.

PHOTOS BY TK PHOTO BY LOUISA ALBANESE

The Santa Cruz Lashed boot, a collaboration between ThirtyTwo and skateboard company Santa Cruz, brings skater styling to the slopes.

The boot sports independent eyestays and a performance backstay to provide flex and feel for all-mountain shredding, for when your vibe is more a scream than a whisper. [$250] 31135-UL

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#DarnTough

THE SWITCHBACK COLLECTION

Hot Takes NEWS FEATURE

innovation

creativity

First looks at the and driving this show’s award-winning gear.

1. SALOMON/ATOMIC SHIFT MNC 13 BINDING Salomon and Atomic combined the best of the touring and alpine worlds in this binding. A light-

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THE DAILY | OUTDOOR RETAILER + SNOW SHOW

weight, pin-binding touring mode and a burly, full alpine-style downhill mode made it an easy choice for editors to hype. Jackets and softgoods are always changing and evolving, and hardgoods like bindings are slower to revolutionize, Regenold said, which makes the big changes really interesting. “This is a new take on the binding and a really interesting demonstration of the evolution of that category.”

A quick lever shift in the toe half folds the open pin arms down to frame the toe of an MNC-compatible alpine boot, boosting power transition on the downhill when combined with the alpine-style heel.

Plus, an aluminum, carbon, and plastic construction keeps it lightweight while free-heeling uphill.

“As a company built on innovating across mountain sports categories for 71 years, these accolades validate our approach and provide us an important opportunity to recognize our product teams,” said Jenny Taylor, Salomon North America’s brand director. “Our sales and marketing teams use these assets in our sell-in presentations, trade marketing programs, and field marketing activations, as well as digital advertising.”

2. 686 RESERVOIR JACKET Simultaneous innovation in both the jacket and hydration categories goes a long way toward getting noticed. The Reservoir jacket features a water bladder built into the jacket’s snow skirt and a tube that runs up to a valve appearing at your chin. With the weight distributed cleanly around the hips, it brings easy access to hydration for resort skiers who don’t want to carry a pack. “I can have hydration there when I need it, as opposed to having to go into the lodge,” Stella said.

A DWR treatment and waterproof membrane, as well as 80 grams of synthetic insulation, keep the jacket as warm and dry as a resort shell needs to be.

For small brands especially, picking up a few awards can go a long way. “It helps other people know what we already know about our jacket,” said Ryan Conway, 686’s marketing manager. “It’s validation.”

3. DPS PHANTOM Wax no more. Just slap this polymer onto your ski bases (and heed the requisite six-hour dry time), and your sticks will slide like new for a lifetime. “It offers the potential to eliminate one of the environmentally detrimental effects of skiing while simplifying the way you make your skis fast on the snow,” said Gear Junkie Managing Editor Sean McCoy. According to DPS, you’ll always have the right amount of glide, too—the Phantoms work on all types and temperatures of snow. Plus, you won’t mess it up with your glue-on skins, which have a tendency to pull out traditional wax.

4. SPY ACE EC GOGGLES Too bright or too dark for your goggles? If you have the Ace ECs, all you’ll need to do is press a button on a small battery pack attached to the strap and you can toggle through three different tints: clear, medium, and dark.

According to Stella, Digital Trends caters slightly more to the less-hardcore outdoor consumer, but the Ace ECs are innovation for everyone: “New people don’t have to worry about the conditions and what lens to have for their goggles. And then for experienced people, it just increases efficiency.”

5. OUTDOOR RESEARCH HEMISPHERES JACKET How do you improve on Gore-Tex? Make it four times stretchier. The Hemispheres line is the first to bring the technology to North America, combining full waterproofing with mobility and comfort. “The most exciting part is the Gore-Tex Fabric with Stretch Technology,” says Samantha Berman, editor of SKI Magazine. “It makes the jacket supereasy to move in.” The Gore-Tex C-Knit Technology sits in a three-layer, 70-denier nylon shell with elastane hood and back panels, breaking new ground for waterproof/breathables.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN DANILEK (3); COURTESY (3)

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ORMALLY, YOU’RE NOT supposed to judge a book by its cover. But for the slew of publications handing out “Best in Show” awards to Outdoor Retailer’s top new products, that might be the only way to get a handle on the bleeding edge of the industry.

Compared to more testing-intensive awards like BACKPACKER’s Editors’ Choice Awards, best-in-show awards give readers an early take on the latest and greatest, typically before publications and writers have even had the chance to put products to the test. “These have to be taken with a grain of salt because you’re judging it on paper,” said Rick Stella, associate editor at Digital Trends, which bestows awards to the most intriguing products, rather than the most proven ones. “We’re giving awards to the products we want to test.”

“People want to know what’s coming down the pipe,” said Gear Junkie Editor Stephen Regenold.

Interest in the whiz-bang, plus a sense of the direction the industry is taking, make the awards one of the website’s most popular articles twice each year.

Without time to fully test and validate each product, Regenold says his writers are on the hunt for innovation. “What we’re really awarding is the design, the creativity, the courage to do something different in our industry and that continual push of trying to move the needle,” he said.

While writers for publications like Gear Junkie and Digital Trends scour the floor, meeting with hundreds of brands and making an effort to recognize even smaller products, a handful of obvious big winners collect signs marking the best of the show.

BY RYAN WICHELNS

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Awards: Outside, SKI Magazine, Gear Junkie

4 Awards: Gear Junkie, Outside, Gear Institute, SKI Magazine

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Awards: Outside, SKI Magazine, Digital Trends

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Awards: Outside, SKI Magazine, Digital Trends

Awards: SKI Magazine, Gear Institute

JANUARY 27, 2018 DAY 3

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NEWS

Question of the

Day What do you like about Denver?

the authentic outdoor sports voice of america

“I like Denver better [than SLC] because I can get a real drink.”

Outdoor Adventure Media is a network of regional outdoor sports, adventure lifestyle magazines. Each OAM publication is the definitive guide to outdoor recreation, travel and gear in its region.

–Hazel Rogerson, East Coast sales coordinator for Snow Peak

EAST COAST

“Colorado has more annual snowfall.”

–Johnny Moseley, professional skier

WEST COAST

“It’s really nice that we’re all under the same roof here. It’s much easier for retailers.”

–Tony Sanchez, director of sales for Z Supply

OUTDOORADVENTUREMEDIA.COM

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PHOTOS BY LAUREN DANILEK (3); LOUISA ALBANESE

ROCKY MTNS

“Great food, great city, great people.

There’s lots of really awesome energy in this city. I love the sun—we’ve had very bright days and great weather.”

–Sam Quitzon, operations manager for Dish and Duer

For some, the end of the trail is just the beginning.

There’s more to this story. 360° More. Experience it at booth #54037-UL. ©2017 INVISTA. CORDURA® is a trademark of INVISTA for durable fabrics.

Live.Climb.Repeat.

Introducing the new Reactor Ice Tool.

With its open pick angle and leashless design, the Reactor is optimized for pure ice climbing.

Visit the BD booth to see our innovative climbing equipment. BOOTH #32009-UL

Q&A

5 Questions for…

John Walbrecht President, Black Diamond Equipment

PHOTO BY BLACK DIAMOND

Self-described “brand turnaround guy” John Walbrecht has spent his career pushing innovation at companies like Timberland, Spyder Active Sports, Fenix Outdoor, and Mountain Hardwear. So when he took the helm at Black Diamond in fall 2016, it’s no surprise that his goal was to reinvigorate the “quintessential badass brand.” Here, Walbrecht shares how new product launches, a lightning-quick market strategy, and a sharper focus on inventing new gear is doing just that—plus how high-profile access issues in his backyard affect the brand.

1. HOW IS WORKING FOR BLACK DIAMOND DIFFERENT FROM YOUR PREVIOUS ROLES AT PLACES LIKE MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR OR FENIX OUTDOORS? a The most different thing about it is that BD is a category killer. We do 33 categories of product. I don’t know of any other brand that does that. From trekking poles to apparel to ropes to skis to snow safety to beacons to packs, the breadth of product we do is unique. It’s an easy formula: The first question we ask is, why?

Why would you get it from BD? We’d better be bringing something new to the category. If it’s not faster, lighter, or stronger, why would I want it? That’s the way we think about every product.

2. WHAT PRESSURES DO YOU FACE AS THE HEAD OF A PUBLICLY TRADED COMPANY? a What most people see is potentially you’re under more microscopes and more scrutiny. A lot of times people think that businesses that are

publicly traded are making shortterm, quarterly decisions, rather than long-term, what’s-best-for-thebrand decisions. I think that’s true if the president of that company is solely motivated by share price. Our belief is if you do what’s right with the brand—maybe not quarter to quarter—the share value and the equity you create will align. I have to think about the long-term success and sustainability of the brand.

And in an odd way, that microscope helps us as a company to be a leader in the way in which we approach things like access to the outdoors or sustainability, because we have a forum that, every quarter, pays attention to what we say.

3. SPEAKING OF ACCESS: PUBLIC LAND ACCESS HAS BEEN A HUGE ISSUE THIS YEAR, WITH NATIONAL ATTENTION TRAINED ON YOUR BACKYARD WITH THE ROLLBACK OF PROTECTION FOR BEARS EARS AND GRAND STAIRCASEESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENTS. HOW IS BD REACTING? a We’ve always been a supporter of the outdoors. Frankly, Utah just happens to be in the limelight now, and lots of brands are using it as a forum to connect with their consumers. We’ve been engaged in Indian Creek, and the whole area of Bears Ears, for quite some time. It began with [former BD President] Peter Metcalf and the team becoming advocates with the Access Fund. We raised funds, sold T-shirts, and advertised around the issue. We’ve been engaged in access to many climbing regions, Bears Ears being one of them, and we recently played a major role in helping open up Little Cottonwood Canyon to climbing. Our stand hasn’t changed any more this week than it was last week or a year ago. We’ll continue to be a brand that advocates on behalf of our employees and consumers for access to the outdoors.

And recently, we’ve spent the last three or four months being a driver in backcountry snow safety. We

lost an athlete, Hayden Kennedy, [related to] a Montana avalanche last October. We work with the Utah Avalanche Center, and we sponsor about 30 different avalanche centers around the globe.

4. YOU INTRODUCED YOUR NEW ROCK SHOE AND SHIPPED IT TO RETAILERS IN THE SAME MONTH (JULY 2017) IN WHAT YOU’VE DESCRIBED AS BD’S “DISRUPTIVE STRATEGY.” WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT? a When I was at Spyder or Fenix, we could reference parts of our product development by how close or how far behind BD we were. I’ve spent the last 20 years walking trade shows, and I’d always stop by the BD booth. [If I could say], “We’re only six months behind BD,” I could be proud. So when I got here, I said, “Just so we’re clear, our competition walks our booth and they check out what we’re doing.” So we’d better be a lot more disruptive. When we show product, let’s ship very soon after so we’re not giving our competition six, 12 months of lead time to figure out what we’ve shown them and close the gap. Things that we showed in the July show have already shipped to retail three to six months before the season kicked off. With quite a few products that we call “black box,” we launch direct to the market and our best retailers at the same time. The philosophy was, if we invented the cure for cancer in a pill tomorrow, would we wait ‘til January 1 to announce it? We’d announce it tomorrow!

5. WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN BD’S NEAR FUTURE? a We’ve made an internal strategic decision that we are 33 brands in one. In 2019, you’ll see new product innovations in every single category. We’ve hired more and more engineers and product team to go after every category as if that was all we did. We literally have more than 112 new products in the line for spring ‘19.

–Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan JANUARY 27, 2018 DAY 3

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Q&A

5 Questions for…

Bobbi Gale Bensman Rocky Mountain Sales Representative, Rincon Group

Bobbi Gale Bensman has spent more than three decades working within the industry. She started back in 1981 at Desert Mountain Sports in Phoenix, Arizona, while climbing professionally at the same time. She retired from the climbing circuit in 1999, but continued building her outdoor resume with sales jobs at The North Face and La Sportiva.

Today, she’s an independent sales rep with the Rincon Group in Boulder, Colorado, covering the Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico territory for brands including Mammut and Darn Tough. Bensman’s history has taught her to fight for the specialty retailer in a market where brands and shops can have different priorities. Without retailers, she tells us, the top outdoor brands wouldn’t be where they are today. So, how can the two sides get back on the same page to help the customer find the best gear? Bensman has the no-nonsense answers that every brand needs to hear.

1. HOW ARE YOU MANAGING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRANDS AND RETAILERS AS MORE COMPANIES ARE SELLING DIRECT TO CONSUMER (DTC)? AND WHAT CAN BRANDS DO TO SMOOTH OVER THOSE TENSIONS?

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a This is a very tricky and relevant topic now. Some of the brands I work with don’t sell DTC, which has been great, but I don’t know how long that will last. With others that do, there have been major complaints from retailers, especially

2. HOW ARE YOUR BEST RETAILERS KEEPING UP WITH THE CHANGING RETAIL LANDSCAPE? a A lot have seen success by ramping up their community events with speakers and slideshows, local environmental cleanups, ladies’ nights, pint nights, and customerappreciation nights. You have to find creative ways to get people into the store. Offering great customer service is key. I don’t think you can have a store and just expect people to come because they want to buy something. Shoppers need to have a wonderful experience so they’ll come back and tell their friends.

3. WHAT LESSONS FROM PRO CLIMBING STILL APPLY TO YOUR JOB? a I was nomadic as a pro climber, traveling from climbing areas to competitions all over the world, so I’m no stranger to “windshield time.”

It was a natural progression to get behind the wheel to visit accounts all over my territory.

When I was a pro climber, I also had to sell myself to my sponsors and keep up my duties to them and make sure I represented them to the best of my ability. This directly translates to the relationships I have built with my accounts as well as with the brands I represent.

Goals were very high on my priority list and remain so today.

I have sales goals to meet for my brands, business growth goals, and building my account base.

This equates to the goals I had as a pro climber. I attended a certain

number of competitions, and rock climbing grades and climbs that were imperative to my status as a sponsored athlete. Back then, there was no social media, and you actually had to climb, train, and compete to stay relevant.

4. WHAT’S YOUR TRAVEL SCHEDULE LIKE? AND HOW ARE YOU DOING BRINGING ON NEW ACCOUNTS? a At the busy times of the year, like early December, I can be on the road 20 out of 30 days, but then it slows down. Throughout the year, it’s about 130 days total. We’ve brought on a lot of new retail accounts for our brands, particularly as the industry’s gear appeals to a wider swath of the population. That includes farm-and-ranch, running, climbing gym, and hunt stores. We have to be persistent. I usually find that you have to try about nine times to get a new account before moving on. With some of our brands, we have a very limited dealer base, and our distribution is mature [with consistent, longtime retailers].

Other brands are expanding rapidly.

With Darn Tough, we opened up in 40 new stores in 2017 and 60 in 2016.

5. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHANGES YOU’VE SEEN IN THE INDUSTRY OVER THE PAST THREE DECADES? a You used to have to visit a specialty retailer to buy your products. Now with Amazon and the internet, things have really changed from a distribution standpoint. People can buy climbing gear, toothpaste, and dog food without leaving their homes. Another big change is largerformat retailers, i.e., REI and DICK’S Sporting Goods. REI has expanded into dozens of markets, sometimes pushing out smaller retailers.

Consumers have so many options now. Fifteen years ago, there was Smartwool, Fox River, Thor-Lo; now there are 30-plus sock brands.

And sporting goods brands have entered the outdoor arena, adding to the competition.

–The Daily staff

PHOTO BY CAVEMAN COLLECTIVE

if the brand is running sales. I go to bat for my retailers, because brands come and go, but the retailers are in it for the long haul. If I don’t have their trust, I don’t have anything.

I don’t think the brands should ever discount their products when selling direct, or even offer free shipping, and compete against the very stores that got them where they are today. Their websites need to have a solid dealer locator, where consumers can shop locally.

Q&A

5 Questions for…

Jeff Wiguna

CEO & Co-Founder, Outdoor Diversity Coalition & Kuju Coffee

Diversifying the outdoor industry is critical, says Jeff Wiguna—not only to sell more gear, but ultimately to expand the reach of its environmentally friendly, sustainable, and healthy-living philosophies. That’s the goal for Wiguna’s newly established Outdoor Diversity Coalition (ODC), which is aiming to get the topic into more conversations at events like Outdoor Retailer. If more people in the outdoor world talk about diversity, he argues, then the outdoors becomes part of a larger conversation worldwide. Wiguna, who also has his hands full running a portable instant coffee brand, Kuju Coffee, shares the first steps in getting the diversity conversation rolling and how instant coffee can teach us to slow down.

1. HOW DID THE OUTDOOR DIVERSITY COALITION COME ABOUT? a My brother and I had attended Outdoor Retailer before, but it wasn’t until the third time, last year, that we realized that not that many people looked like us. It wasn’t a big deal, but on a drive back to San Francisco from the show, the idea of a diversity coalition came about.

It never stemmed from feeling any need to make a statement in

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a protesting fashion, but simply the belief that diversity breeds innovation and a healthier, larger industry, which benefits everyone.

No matter who you are, getting outside and recreating leads to a healthier lifestyle. It should be a part of everyday life as much as our phones are. I would like to see the outdoor industry become bigger than the consumer electronics industry. As a whole for society, if

2. WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST STEPS TO ACHIEVING SOME OF THOSE GOALS? WHO’S INVOLVED? a The first goal of the Outdoor Diversity Coalition is pretty straightforward: to simply make diversity a topic to start with.

Once we can establish that, we want to use the ODC platform to raise funds to make experiencing the outdoors possible for those for whom it is less accessible.

ODC is an organization conceptualized by Kuju Coffee and Misadventures magazine. It’s still a fledgling organization, but strong responses have pushed it pretty quickly from just a concept we floated with some contacts in the industry into the beginnings of what we hope will be an organization that provides a critical voice in the industry. Imagine the impact of having the CEOs of Clif Bar, YETI, REI, Bass Pro, and other awesome brands and retailers coming together to discuss this in detail.

We’ll get there!

3. ARE THERE ANY LESSONS TO BE TAKEN FROM HOW THE INDUSTRY HAS WORKED TO INCLUDE MORE WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS? a Definitely. We have a lot of respect for what organizations like Camber Outdoors have done. Overall, what I’ve learned from how and why the industry has evolved to cater more to women is that once the industry can see the purchasing power of another potential customer segment, it makes a lot of sense to start speaking to it. There is a huge swath of the U.S. market that is not represented or spoken to by the outdoor industry, which in general is a huge missed opportunity but also really exciting to think about in terms of our industry’s potential.

4. LET’S TALK COFFEE. HOW DO YOU SET YOURSELVES APART IN A MARKET THAT ALREADY HAS PLENTY OF PORTABLE COFFEE OPTIONS?

a At Kuju we’re very intentional about standing for our belief that “quality is never instant.” Everlasting joy and delight in life simply take time—and that’s a good thing.

At the product level, it informs why we ethically source from a farm that employs more than 80 former victims of sex trafficking and why we donate 1 percent of sales to the National Park Foundation.

It’s the most wonderful challenge, because at the end of the day what we’re really doing is working to inspire people to pursue quality in a world of instant.

5. WHAT’S WORKING FOR YOU SO FAR WHEN IT COMES TO DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING? a The product has been successful at all the retailers we work with (REI, Bass Pro, Backcountry.com, etc.), and did particularly well once we were on REI endcaps—which was really exciting considering we’ve been around for less than two years.

We also have some very cool online things we’re working on, including a subscription model. Marketingwise, we’re also going to focus more on content that we hope can have a cultural impact—which is to inspire people to redefine what true quality could look like in their lives and pursue it.

Our ambassadors have also always been really awesome, and they were the ones who helped get the word out. Our early ambassadors, including Mike Pham (@badassvietnamese), Nate and Steph Yarbough (@adventure_ in_a_backpack), and Luke Webster (@lukewwebster), were people who just loved the brand and our products early on. We knew some brands pay to have ambassadors generate content and buzz for them, but for us it was really driven by working with people our products resonated with. Frankly it’s what you have to do when you’re just starting out and don’t have much budget to begin with.

–David Clucas

PHOTO BY PATRICK YANDOC

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Aromatics

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2. Wolf and Grizzly

Colorado Aromatics is a natural line of face and body products that uses the power of herbs and science for peak performance. All of its products are formulated to help prevent and repair skin damage caused by the outdoors. While being outside is great for the spirit, the sun, wind, altitude, and dry climate not only cause dry skin, but can damage collagen in the skin matrix. This can lead to pigmentation spots and compromise the barrier function of skin, which can lead to more serious problems. The antioxidant-rich products all contain herbs cultivated on the brand’s own certified naturally grown farm. Its products are allnatural as well as biodegradable so they are not only safe for you, but safe for the trail. Products include face cleanser, lip balm, shampoo, body scrub, anti-aging face cream, massage oil, and

Two years ago, George Rizkalla made the leap to ditch his career as a computer engineer to start Wolf and Grizzly. He set out to create tools that would make it easier to adventure on a whim, whether in the backcountry or in a local park.

After 18 months of research and development, he created the launch product in the summer of 2017: the WG M1 Edition Grill. Slimmer than a bottle of Coke and made of just two pieces of stainless steel (a rollable surface and a collapsible frame), the grill weighs slightly more than 2 pounds and has a melting point of around 2500°F. It’s fully height adjustable, so it works over charcoal, a campfire, or a pre-existing barbecue surface in a local park.

The grill was launched on Kickstarter and came in at over 220 percent funded. In addition to the

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THE DAILY | OUTDOOR RETAILER + SNOW SHOW

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grill, a premium carrying case, firestarter tool, cleaning cloth, and drying cloth are also included with the purchase. Rizkalla says this grill is the first of many products he plans on releasing to help users have an adventure wherever they are and no matter their abilities.

3. SOUL Inventions #21245-SL SOUL Inventions creates solar-powered chargers to keep you on the go. The Solar Kit includes everything you need to power up your devices while camping, including a waterproof solar panel, USB chargers for both iOS and Android phones, jump starting cables, an immersion heater, and more. The products use military-grade solar technology with panels that can operate efficiently in the harshest of environments and function when pushed to their limits, even in overcast conditions.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Descriptions are provided by the manu­facturers and edited for clarity and space.

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4. CrazeeHeads, Inc. #25212-SL CrazeeHeads makes fun and unique helmet covers to jazz up any ordinary helmet. Designs are anything but basic—think princess crowns, giraffe ears, court jesters, and viking horns, for starters. It also has a more toned-down fashion line for adults. The plush animal collection features a monkey, zebra, lion, pig, and more.

The CrazeeHead team loves to create products that encourage more people, especially kids, to wear helmets and stay safe while enjoying

their favorite sports. The newest style has a rechargeable LED belt wrapping around the helmet that lights up and blinks and is reflective even when not lit, making wearers more visible.

5. SKYDEX

Technologies, Inc. #22175-SL

For more than two decades, SKYDEX has been designing custom protective components and

cushioning solutions. It develops, manufactures, and supplies protective materials to mitigate shock and vibration in helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads. The Denver-based small business focuses on enhanced multi-impact performance, extreme durability, and thin, lightweight solutions. The principal raw material, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), provides elasticity, abrasion resistance, and versatility over a broad range of temperatures, mechanical properties, tear strength, and contaminant resistance. All products are customizable, designed for practicality, and built to endure extreme temperatures and environments.

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

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GEARTRENDS PACKS

PACK IT IN

Brands add function—and style—to make this year’s class of packs more versatile than ever.

BY ERIC SMITH

Weekday to Weekend

Packs that can transition from the office to the backcountry are growing in popularity, as more products are combining rugged materials and waterproof capability with a laptop compartment and styling that looks good at work or at play.

Simply put, consumers want a daypack that does everything. “Our COO is just about to leave the warehouse on his bike and ride home with his laptop and his tablet in his backpack,” says Joe Royer, owner of Memphis, Tennessee-based Outdoors Inc. “And when he goes hiking this weekend, he’ll use the same pack.”

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Backcountry Bred

There remains a strong demand for packs designed by “real backcountry skiers” who need the right carryall for lengthy excursions off the grid, says Brian DeFouw, head buyer at Confluence Kayaks in Denver, Colorado. Customers are looking for packs that have “super-versatile ski-carrying ability, wellplaced pockets, and features like built-in helmet hammock, padded pockets, and stashes for safety equipment that are easy to access.”

3 1. Black Diamond’s Creek Mandate 28 pack ($140) combines the toughness of a climbing pack with the look of a travel/lifestyle pack, replete with water-resistant shell and laptop compartment.

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2. Designed with pro snowboarder Louif Paradis and able to carry boards or skis in multiple configurations, Dakine’s Team Mission Pro 32L ($160) is a crossover pack suitable for backcountry adventures or city commutes.

3. The XV series (XV1 is pictured, $110) is Deuter’s answer to the call of urban fitness enthusiasts looking for sleek, minimalist designs. The XV offers womenspecific models across the line, another response to consumer demand.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36 ALL PRICES ARE MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE (MSRP).

JANUARY 27, 2018 DAY 3

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GEAR TRENDS PACKS

Gear and Go

Travel bags get durable to accommodate and protect technology. BY CAROLYN WEBBER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

M

IGHT IS RIGHT: That’s the guiding principal in travel bags. Ed Arinello, owner of U.S. Outdoor in Portland, Oregon, says strong, tough-looking bags are at the top of people’s priority list. “They want real durability and protection for their items,” he says.

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5

You’ll feel like a secret agent while traveling with the sleek Vibe 28x Cordura from Pacsafe ($140). Its minimalistic look does not hint at the many compartments inside. The brand’s new anti-theft technology includes RFID-blocking pockets to prevent identify theft.

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4. Designed for ambitious ski tours with light loads, Mammut’s Spindrift 14 ($199) has dedicated compartments for backcountry equipment, while its integrated wind shield jacket can be put on without removing the pack.

6. Osprey’s Mutant (22L, $100; 38L, $170; and 52L, $200) allows alpine climbers to securely haul anything they need for both the ascent and the descent: skis (A-frame style), helmet, rope, and other backcountry essentials.

5. Mountain Hardwear’s Folsom (19- and 20L, $99; 28L, $119) keeps you organized from the office to the climbing gym, with dedicated space in the pack for work essentials such as a laptop and compartments for exercise gear.

7. Pacsafe crams a lot into the Venturesafe X34 ($180), a 34-liter pack. Hydration bladder compatible and able to hold a 15-inch laptop, Venturesafe also has a hiking pole attachment point and security features to safeguard your gear.

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If you’re in the market for a bag to get you through a natural disaster, the Osprey Rolling Transporter (40L, $240) might just be the one. With 800-denier TPU-coated nylon, it is resistant to abrasion, rain, and anything else Mother Nature might throw your way.

ALL PRICES ARE MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE (MSRP).

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

Eagle Creek’s Wayfinder (40 L, $130) has a laptop sleeve, waterresistant and lockable zippers, and even a pocket with a drain hole to store wet items.

GEAR TRENDS EYEWEAR

VISION QUEST

1

Go big, go clearly, and go back in time with the coming class of eyewear. BY CAROLYN WEBBER

Presto Change-o

In theory, a lens that excels in every condition would be great, but theory only gets you so far on the days with huge swings in light intensity and quality. That means interchangeable lenses are the go-to for most serious skiers and riders, says Jeff Williams, manager of The Fifth Season in Mount Shasta, California. In response, brands have refined their new locking systems so lenses are easy to swap but don’t pop out if you yard-sale.

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Blast from the Past

The ’80s look is invading pop culture, and eyewear isn’t immune.

Rita Kenny, co-owner of Winthrop Outdoor in Washington, says when she looks on the sunglass shelf, she sees a throwback to the days of color lenses and the wayfarer styles of decades ago. Every sunglass line seems to have more color, outdoing even the ’80s.

Beyond Borders

No one likes to be boxed in, especially not while gliding between aspens. Big lenses and frameless designs are functional (they offer a bigger field of view) plus they look cool, says Alastair Jones, sales manager of Fresh Skis in Calgary, Alberta.

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Crystal Clear

Lenses are toning down some colors in the spectrum and enhancing others to help with contrast in the snow, Jones says. “The reds are more red and the blues are more blue,” he says. Demanding customers seem willing to drop any sum of money for that clarity. Look for sunglasses to start adopting the same tech.

6

2. The Clarke ($239) uses Kaenon’s SR-91 Ultra tech to block 90 percent of blue light and remove yellows while boosting reds, blues, and greens. The result? Everything looks sharper.

3. The wider the better with Zeal Optics’s first-ever cylindrical goggle, the Hatchet ($170). The lens offers distortion-free clarity and a vertical rail lock interchange that allows you to lift the lens while hiking for ventilation.

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4. Rail systems aren’t only being used for interchanging lenses.

The frames on Poptical’s Pop-

storm ($220) separate and fold together for easy storage and come in ten colors.

5. Built for those who can’t choose, Giro’s EAVE ($220) not only has interchangeable, magnetic lenses, it also has a swappable strap to change out your style on the daily.

6. Zeal Optics’s Optimum Polarized Automatic Plus RB ($150) now changes from light rose to deep rose in high-UV conditions. The transition lens also highlights ice.

7. After a successful run of its lens tech, POC is expanding the concept into all of its frames, such as the Lid ($200). The sleek, frameless lenses are designed for optimum intensity and contrast.

ALL PRICES ARE MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE (MSRP).

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

1. Smith’s new I/O Mag goggle ($240) has ChromaPop technology, with eight weatherproof magnetic contact points on a rimless design and a dual locking mechanism.

GEAR TRENDS NORDIC

Pole Position

Backcountry skiing drives sales of versatile poles. BY BRIGID MANDER

GRIP AND GLIDE

T

HE STRONG TRENDS in backcountry skiing continue to drive the market for versatility, namely in adjustable poles. “More people are choosing an adjustable pole, especially here in the Rockies,” said Jake Nelson of the Ski Haus in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. “With an adjustable, you only need to own one pole no matter what terrain you’re skiing.” Add that to popular safety features, like breakaway wrist straps, and stylistic ones and the future of poles is well in hand.

Nordic skis get more stable, whether moving uphill or down. BY BRIGID MANDER

Lower the Barrier

Many people are looking for a cross-country ski that is less intimidating than the traditional long and skinny shape. Manufacturers have responded with skis that have a lower barrier to entry for Nordic hopefuls, and handle more terrain with greater ease.

“People are often looking for something shorter and wider than traditional Nordic skis, almost like an in-between for snowshoes and Nordic,” says Scott Sanchez of Jack Dennis High Country Outfitters in Jackson, Wyoming. “Even if they don’t need it, it helps people feel more secure in the sport.” Waxless skis, which are lower maintenance and make it easier for skiers to deal with temperature fluctuations, are also proving popular.

Skins in the Game

Versatility for backcountry skiers and splitboarders comes from BCA’s Scepter ($80), an adjustable aluminum pole with a snow scraper for skins and bases.

The influence of alpine touring continues to bear on Nordic skiing. That’s obvious in the small patches of mohair being applied to some cross-country skis. High-quality skins glide well and provide a confidence–boosting grip. “We get great feedback from our customers on the skins,” says Alex Ewing of Cross Country Connection in Laramie, Wyoming.

“It’s nice to see this technology on a classic ski, and it works really well.”

4

Leki leads the pack in pole safety technology with the Spitfire S Ski Poles ($120), its latest incarnation of the releasable pole strap and glove in bright neon green.

2

An integration of safety and versatility, Scott’s four-part, fully carbon ski pole, the Cascade C ($200), has a new solid lock mechanism, safety release strap, and summer and winter baskets.

3

1

2. Responding to the popularity of the skin technology in Nordic, Swix has developed Skin Care Pro ($15), dedicated skin waxes to improve glide in warm, normal, and cold conditions.

3.The wider, fatter, go-anywhere cross-

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country ski scene has a backcountry boot to match in Fischer’s BCX boot line, like the BCX6 ($260) for deep snow travel.

4. Madshus’s Rottefella MOVE SYSTEM ($119) allows skiers to adjust the binding on the fly without stepping out: forward for climbing, back for descents.

5. Fischer has applied its successful dual channel mohair technology to its high-end race ski, the Speedmax Twinskin ($800), for enhanced speed and grip.

5

Black Diamond’s redesigned Carbon Whippet Pole ($160) speaks to two trends: the increase in backcountry skiing and the demand for versatility in every piece of gear.

ALL PRICES ARE MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE (MSRP).

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

1. Salomon’s S/Race Classic Boot ($350) offers great comfort and snowfeel as well as the ability to cross over to the New Nordic Norm (NNN) platform, a first for the brand.

Swix offers tiered performance in its Quantum, 1, 2, and 3 Nordic poles. The Quantum 1 ($315) offers the same tech used in the Sochi Olympics, but for half the price.

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GEAR TRENDS YOUTH SKIS & SNOWBOARDS

LIL’ RIPPERS

You wish you had gear this good when you were a grom.

BY ERME CATINO AND CAROLYN WEBBER

1

No More Mini-Me

Some youth snowboards feel like a Shrinky Dink version of an adult board. The mini proportions are thick and stiff, making it hard for kids to control them. David Kelso, manager of the Board Bin in Ketchum, Idaho, says

since companies are designing boards just for kids, they’re more flexible: “They’re milling them out so they’re fairly thin to where they actually will flex for a lighter-weight rider.”

The market for youth boards with wood core and camber are one the rise, too. Jay Zoeckler, salesman at Hoback Sports in Jackson, Wyoming, says he’s seeing more aggressive board profiles with specialized noses, but they still have a little rise on the tips to reduce the chance of a wipeout.

1. Dynafit launches the first-ever kids’ tech binding. The ST Rotation 7 ($500) weighs 613 grams and is available with three options for brake widths. “The Rotation 7 will quickly replace day care, so you can ski uphill and bring your kids,” says Eric Henderson, brand representative for Dynafit.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

ALL PRICES ARE MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE (MSRP).

You’d think for a secret society, we’d be better at keeping secrets.

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PHOTOS BY COURTESY

Enter the Indies

Independent companies with a focus on growing their market share have entered the youth segment. Alex Meilleur of Evo in Seattle, Washington, explains that “freeride skis designed for aggressive groms [a.k.a. little kids] are performing well.” And while prepackaged ski and binding setups—primarily from bigger brands—still rule the youth category, the influence of brands that began as grassroots movements and grew into legitimate players in the industry shouldn’t go unnoticed as they enter the playground.

GEAR TRENDS YOUTH SKIS & SNOWBOARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42

2. The popular Wailer 112 from DPS has been morphed into the Wailer Grom ($499), which has tapered tips and tails along with subtle rocker to allow the kiddo to charge all over the mountain.

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3. Elan debuts their U-Flex Technology aimed at solving the problem of stiff, short skis for young skiers. The Jett Ski ($275 with binding) has early-rise rocker and a U-shaped flex to offer a more forgiving feel to the ski. Complementing it is the Izzy Boot ($119), a natural flexing ski boot—it aids in turning, along with movement in the toes that promotes warmth and comfort.

And better yet, the boot has the ability to adjust three different sizes as kids grow.

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5. For the pop of a camber but the predictability of a rocker, Capita’s Children of the Gnar ($350) is the board of choice. The hybrid camber design with rocker at the tips still helps with the learning curve on the slopes.

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6. By thinning the board, Nitro has been able to make something available for small kids that is still flexible and fun. The Ripper ($200) has 11 size options, but the thickness changes with each model to get the perfect equation for park riders.

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

4. No more child’s play. Jones’s Mini Mind Expander ($350) was made for the youth to keep up on the mountain. The blunted nose and full-sized tail means it can be taken from powder to the park with ease.

PRIMALOFT® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF PRIMALOFT, INC. ©2018 PRIMALOFT, INC.

FLIES LIKE A GOOSE New PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume® is the first 100% synthetic, blowable insulation. With the look and feel of down and the performance of PrimaLoft®, it’s the best of both worlds.

Snowsports Industries America

THEGALLERY HOT NEW PRODUCTS AT THE SHOW

1. The Helly Hansen Powderqueen 2.0

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features a silky jacquard exterior in waterproof/breathable Helly Tech fabrics, mixed with utilitarian zipper and pocket designs to give it a new look on the slopes. It includes a Life Pocket chest pouch to keep your electronics from losing too much battery in the cold, high-visibility detailing for safety, and new streamlined iterations of the H2Flow temperature regulation system that will make long days out in the snow more comfy. [$400] #39006-UL hellyhansen.com

2. The La Sportiva Trango Tower Extreme

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is an insulated, waterproof, lightweight boot for single-day ice and alpine objectives. Durable, abrasion-resistant uppers with Honeycomb Guard insets in high-wear zones, along with a Vibram One sole and a TPU midsole, round out the boot at 25 ounces per shoe (size 9). [$450] #36039-UL sportiva.com

3. For 2018/19, Nordica introduces

the Dobermann Spitfire RB, a frontside carver for when powder is in short supply. It combines Nordica’s SL tip shape, a 72mm waist, and a moderate GS sidecut. The oversized tip instantly initiates turns so skiers can set a more powerful edge, while the GS waist and tail enable smooth and powerful transitions from long to short turns. Nordica’s Carbon Race Bridge construction reduces weight while strengthening the tip and tail for increased power and edge grip. The Dobermann Spitfire RB also comes with Nordica’s new FDT recoil power plate, which allows the ski to flex naturally and makes it more lively, playful, and powerful. [$1,249] #34005-UL nordicausa.com

4. The men’s lightweight Chilton and women’s Tiago from Big Agnes feature 700-fill DownTek water-repellent down and an ultralight random ripstop nylon shell that is wind and water resistant.

The horizontal baffles feature Flow Gates to eliminate down shifting and keep cold spots from developing. [$180] #39070-UL bigagnes.com

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

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Descriptions are provided by the manufacturers and edited for clarity and space.

ALL PRICES ARE MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE (MSRP).

BOOTH NUMBERS ARE CURRENT AS OF JAN. 17, 2018.

JANUARY 27, 2018 DAY 3

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NEW PRODUCT GALLERY

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EDITORS’ PICK

1. GSI Outdoors’ Gourmet PourOver

Java Set is a handy way to enjoy a fresh cup of morning Joe anywhere outdoors. It includes a ceramic burr grinder, a Collapsible JavaDrip, a spoon for stirring, and a cone cover that doubles as a trivet. Ultra-compact, the drip cone collapses to just 1 inch high and the grinder handle nests and locks in place, ensuring easy packing and portability. A stuffsack keeps everything together. [$40] #37081-UL gsioutdoors.com

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THE DAILY | OUTDOOR RETAILER + SNOW SHOW

2. EDITORS’ PICK The North Face’s Ventrix active insulation finds its way into the brand’s top-of-the-line run performance collection, Flight Series, with the addition of a Flight Ventrix Jacket. Striking a balance between warmth and breathability, this piece features a back panel insulated with 60 grams of Ventrix insulation and a nylon ripstop front with DWR finish for water repellency. It’s also available in a vest. [$199] #44007-UL thenorthface.com

3. The HydraPak Soft Flask 500ml

handheld hydration flask is designed for the minimalist road or trail runner.

Made of durable yet ultralight TPU for superior flexibility, the soft material conforms to your hand and a built-in hand strap makes it both comfortable and easy to carry. Like all HydraPak SoftFlasks, it shrinks as you drink, reducing water movement and bulk.

It has a wide opening so it’s easy to fill, a high-flow bite valve that seals after each sip, and a twist-locking cap. [$20] #34069-UL hydrapak.com

4. Combining generous cushioning with an exclusive Gore-Tex construction, the new Salomon Sense Ride GTX is an ideal training partner for long runs in adverse conditions. The membrane is integrated into the outer material instead of a traditional bootie, eliminating the need for seam tape and giving this shoe a feel that is more like traditional unlined mesh, both in flex and breathability. [$160] #32031-UL salomon.com

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

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If you rent, you’ve got to Easyrent.

Software specific to your sports rental business…

Easyrent · · · · · ·

Simplifies and improves customer interactions.

Truly paperless system with electronic check-In Year-round functionality – skis, bikes, boats, SUP, beach equipment, tennis, etc.

Easily handles rentals by the hour, day, week or season.

Fleet management – easy access to use, maintenance, testing and customer history.

Additional modules available for reservations, third-party integrations, ecommerce, and more.

r t o yo u e l b a l ma Sca ss: fro a e n i s bu n to statio ain e l g n i s ch outlet multi-

Easywork - NOW AVAILABLE! · Built-in text or email contact with customer. · Paperless system saves money, time, eliminates lost revenue. · 21st century workflow for busy service shops.

“

“Easyrent has changed our customer’s rental experience.

The feedback is overwhelmingly positive – less time in the rental shop, easier pickups and returns, happier guests all around.“ Nanci Howard, Director of Customer Service Mohawk Mountain Ski Area

STOP BY BOOTH 34095-UL

to meet the Easyrent Team, learn more about Easyrent and Easywork and enter to win!!

EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR SHOW ATTENDEES: COMPLETE AN EASYRENT DEMO AT THE SHOW AND GET AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED INTO A CONTEST TO WIN A HOTRONIC POWER PLUS 4 FOOT WARMER.

d L by - U n n e e o p 95 c a o l St #30 t s ins ! h oo ee st ot ur f a fr s la o o B y ve lie e t ce i u p p g e s to d r ile an wh

HEAT SOCKS SET XLP ONE – CLASSIC

Keeping Feet Warmer. Longer.

· Power Fit Socks enhance comfort and warmth in a performance fit

BD PERFORMANCE R9

· Ergonomically Delivered Heat to Toes and Ball of Foot

SIMPLE. FAST. 3D.

· Two Layer Cuff Securely Holds Battery Pack

BD 3D SCANNER VANDRA

· Battery Packs powered by Lithium-Ion batteries · Constant Heating Power

3D SCANNING IN A NEW DIMENSION

· Four (4) Temperature-Duration Settings · Maintains comfort and warmth when it matters most... in the cold!

· Provides three-dimensional image of the customer‘s foot within seconds. · Various measurement data including instep height, ankle circumference, foot length and width. · Reduces labor on Footwear sales and customizing.

Sale the footwear and insole on the first try on!

boot-doc.com 800-621-1657 mailbox@wintersteiger.com

hotronic.com

NEW PRODUCT GALLERY 1. The new Sole Thermal Thick with Wool footbed features Aerogel insulation with temperature-regulating, moisture-managing, and odorresistant wool top sheets. A densitymapped EVA base brings total support and protection against the cold. [$60] #51128-UL yoursole.com

2. The Oboz M-Trail is designed with

substance for singletrack and style for sidewalks. A synthetic mesh upper breathes like a champ for dawn-todusk comfort and a scratched rubber toe and heel keep these shoes looking their best. A three-part midsole of EVA and Ortholite Imperial high-density foam cushions and stabilizes the foot.

Low-profile lugs bite the trail but resist the grinding wear of pavement. [$120] #53105-UL obozfootwear.com

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3. The new Dakine Poacher RAS Series

features a rolltop, airbag-compatible compartment that eliminates the weakness created by a standard zipper, creating a simplified bag deployment design that is faster, more reliable, and reusable. Constructed of a 840-denier ripstop nylon exterior and 500-denier high-tenacity nylon lining, it will withstand a beating, season after season. Features include two-way radio compatibility, glove-friendly buckles, easy-access back panel, goggle pocket, and snow saw sleeve within the front tool pocket. [$210] #44105-UL dakine.com

INSULATION WITH LOFTIER ASPIRATIONS. DownTek Water Repellent Down—now with PFC-Free bluesign approved chemistry. Giving you one less thing to worry about. tm

BROUGH T TO YOU BY

Visit us in Meeting Room 206 – January 25 th, 26 th, and 27 th

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

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STILL HOT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS. The Stanley stainless steel, vacuum-insulated bottle was invented out of necessity: to keep your coffee hot, and not break. Today we still keep your coffee hot, but we also keep your beer cold and your booze contained. And our legendary durability keeps them all safe – from whatever.

Check us out at booth 37105 – Upper Level www.stanley-pmi.com © 2017 Stanley® a brand of PMI. Seattle, WA, USA 98121

NEW PRODUCT GALLERY Textile-Based Product Solutions

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THE NEW ERA OF

SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE FABRICS 2

EDITORS’ PICK

Through our partners at Kingwhale, we have a unique range of versatile fabrics crafted with Low Impact Technology, an eco-friendly process requiring: • Less energy • Lower temperatures • Fewer resources

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Visit Us! Booth 54067-UL

STOUT STREET

14TH STREET

SPEER BLVD.

ANNIVERSARY

COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER UPPER EXHIBIT LEVEL

1. Weighing in at just 12 ounces, the

G3 ZED 12 binding is the lightest fully featured binding on the market.

Building upon the strong platform of G3’s famous ION binding, engineers reexamined every single part, screw, and mechanism to create an even lighter, more reliable binding. The ZED’s simple design and bombproof mechanisms let skiers stay focused on the line ahead rather than fidgeting with frozen or jammed equipment.

The powerful new ZED binding blends the superlight and performance tech binding categories, giving skiers the confidence to power uphill and charge downhill. [$499] #34055-UL genuineguidegear.com

2. EDITORS’ PICK MPOWERD’s

toughest, longest-lasting light yet, the

WELTON STREET

Come see us at ISPO; Hall C3 Booth 204

www.conceptiii.com

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THE DAILY | OUTDOOR RETAILER + SNOW SHOW

Luci Outdoor 2.0 Pro: Mobile Series will allow you to go farther. With a two-way USB port, the Luci Pro: Mobile Series charges from empty to full in just a few hours, and lasts 48 hours or more on a single solar charge. Or, top off the charge on your smartphone with the power of the sun. [$35] #53093-UL mpowerd.com

3. Fischer Ranger Free Boot offers serious downhill performance with uphill capability. Sporting a 99mm last, this grillamid boot offers a Grip Walk sole, pin-binding inserts, and a one-buckle release mechanism that opens the boot into walk mode.

A 3D, preshaped liner completes the performance-focused comfort.

Available in 110, 120, and 130 flexes. [$750] #36054-UL fischersports.com

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

CELEBRATING

“Phantom’s permanence and performance will change the game in ways that are hard to imagine now, but in a few years’ time, we’ll be scratching our heads wondering how we ever skied without it.”

- SKI Magazine

“Phantom is without a doubt going to disrupt the waxing and ski-tuning world as we know it.”

- Freeskier Magazine

“Lap after lap, over early-morning ice and through lateafternoon slush, the Phantom-cured skis were ultrasmooth and consistent.”

- Outside Magazine

“Phantom will completely redefine the wax market. DPS’ achievement here can’t be understated – if you want to ski fast in all conditions you won’t be waxing your skis much longer.”

- Digital Trends

Booth# 34048-UL

NEW PRODUCT GALLERY 1. Strafe Outerwear’s Sunnyside (for

women) and Deception (for men) Alpha Anoraks work equally well as light midlayers or stand-alone pieces.

The air-permeable face fabric and lightweight Polartec Alpha insulation keep you comfortable and dry while still retaining critical warmth on chilly mornings in the backcountry. Extended front and side zippers make layering a breeze and thumbhole cuffs keeps wind from creeping up the sleeves. [$299] #37137-UL strafeouterwear.com

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2. The FITS Light Hiker Mini Crew sock

features the brand’s Full Contact Fit system, which contours to the shape of your foot and provides 100 percent next-to-skin merino coverage, eliminating chafing caused by ridges or extra fabric within the sock. The Light Hiker Mini Crew’s fit is designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable. [$20] #54123-UL fitssock.com

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ski touring jacket combines Dynashell 3-layer waterproofing with Dynastretch breathability and comfort, all at only 16.7 ounces. The jacket is helmet compatible, windproof, and water repellent, with a stowable hood. It has ventilation zips under the arms, one-hand hood adjustment, and multiple pockets, including one for a smartphone. [$400] #36112-UL dynafit.com

LENS NOT LASTING? PROTECT YOUR GOGGLES IN STYLE THIS WINTER gogglesoc is a protective microfiber goggle cover made from recycled water bottles.

Simon D’artois X Games Gold Medalist

Distributed by Eartheasy — visit us at booth 54094-UL

gogglesoc.com

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

3. The Dynafit Beast Hybrid women’s

MAGNEMASK M A G N E T I C

S E A M

P U L L - D O W N

UP & DOWN, IN A SNAP MAGNEMASK COMBO TNT™ Snaps Into Place When You Need It & Tucks Away When You Don’t

FACE PROTECTION IN A SNAP™ BOOTH # 42081-Upper Level ©2017 SEIRUS | 120117

M A S K

NEW PRODUCT GALLERY 1. The Duplex from Osprey combines a

LightWire frame, padded hipbelt, and adjustable shoulder straps in a daypack to hold your critical items, while an externally attached cargo bag holds items you won’t need until you land.

Features include rear panel access to the daypack’s main compartment and a zippered pocket behind the shoulder harness to secure valuables. [$220] #37065-UL ospreypacks.com

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2. The Peak 2 Pub Mt. Whitney NXT

utilizes Wigwam’s INgenius NXT zone lining, which controls moisture from the inside out. Made with drirelease technology, the liner fibers wick moisture away from the skin, providing unprecedented comfort and protection.

It also features the first-ever underthe-toe seam positioned between the toes and the ball of the foot where there is no chance of friction. [$15] #51081-UL wigwam.com

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Technology are made to boost confidence and improve skiing abilities with more balance and control. Groove Technology provides forgiveness throughout the entire length of the skis and keeps the skier balanced at the center. To keep the ski from being too forgiving, an internal carbon power shell wrapped around the skis’ wood core adds stability and strength without weight. [$449] #44020-UL elanskis.com

LifeStraw Flex A versatile, 2-stage filter that removes bacteria, parasites, and lead* *Exceeds NSF 53 drinking water standards for reduction of lead while also reducing chemicals and removing bacteria and protozoa.

Use as a personal straw

Use with the soft touch bottle

Adaptable to plastic water bottles

Adaptable to hydration bladder

Adaptable to LifeStraw Mission

Visit us at booth 54081-UL

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

3. The Elan Element skis with Groove

BOOTH 53118-UL I WOMEN’S CIARA III JACKET I

SUNICE.COM

NEW PRODUCT GALLERY 1. EDITORS’ PICK The Cotopaxi Allpa

Travel Pack is a rugged, 35-liter backpack system built for adventure travel. This pack is perfectly sized for carry-on convenience, loaded with welldesigned features, and tough enough to handle years of use. The low-profile harness adopted from backpacking packs helps distribute the load while you’re off the grid. Stowable backpack straps and minimal exterior straps ensure versatility and convenience.

An included rain-cover keeps the Allpa protected in any conditions. [$200] #VO135-SL cotopaxi.com

2 EDITORS’ PICK

2. Darn Tough’s new Fall Line of socks

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uses its most comfortable lightweight yarn with a mesh panel on top of the foot for improved breathability. The true genius is in the cushion. It extends over the Achilles, around the ankle, and over the shin for an integrated padding and heel lock system. [$27] #39021UL darntough.com

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Industries is a nod to the roots of the sport—back when all you needed to start were a few carabiners, 1-inch webbing, a few friends, and some gumption. It features three oval carabiners, two rings, two treeprotection wraps and two anchor slings. [$48-$85] #46037-UL slacklineIndustries.com

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

3. The new Primitive Kit from Slackline

F E AT U R E D A R E A S VENTURE OUT

Location: Street Exhibit Level, next to the Bellco Theatre Venture Out is a destination for retailers to discover and explore the modern outdoor trend and better understand how the definition of outdoor is changing. Venture Out is the way the industry is embracing and encouraging these new outdoor consumers. Head to Venture Out to see some of the brands pushing the limits in the outdoor industry.

R E N TA L W O R L D + BACKSHOP & UNIFORM GALLERY Location: Street Exhibit Level, Meeting Room 102

Designed for resort and rental buyers, this area is a one-stop overview of alpine, snowboarding and cross-country rental gear.

And don’t miss the RANGER Station—education, workshops and the community hub at Venture Out.

S C A N D I N AV I A N VILLAGE THE CAMP

Location: Upper Exhibit Level, Booth 56117-UL The Camp provides elevated education on the show floor—from the latest issues stores are facing to industry trends. The Camp will focus on the stories, products, trends and people that help drive traffic to retailers, and will provide daily education to inspire fresh ways to think and sell outdoor products year-round.

Location: Upper Exhibit Level

Explore the culture of Scandinavian brands without leaving the country. The Scandinavian Bar will have happy hours daily—skål (cheers) to the brands of Scandinavia!

LUXE

Location: Upper Exhibit Level

TREND + DESIGN CENTER Location: Lower Exhibit Level, Booth 1014-LL

The Trend + Design Center is where the design and R&D community gathers to hear what’s next. From trend forecasting industrial design and materials innovation, the Trend + Design Center anchors the supplier story at Outdoor Retailer and serves the design audience with compelling education and networking events.

Interested in bringing premium and luxury snow and outdoor apparel into your store? Head to the Upper Level to see top-class brands with top-class products.

IVAN LEVIN DEPUTY DIRECTOR, THE OUTDOOR FOUNDATION

RACHEL GRAY MANAGER, CORPORATE GIVING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, THE NORTH FACE

ULEMJ “LENNY” ENKHBOLD U.S. ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, KLATTERMUSEN & OUTDOOR NATION CAMPUS AMBASSADOR

JOIN OIA A FORCE FOR PARTICIPATION. Through the Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge, more than 60,000 college students like Lenny have discovered a life-changing love for the outdoors. With support from brands like The North Face, Ivan at the Outdoor Foundation created this program, to mobilize a new generation of outdoorists to experience and protect the outdoors. Join OIA and be a force for meaningful change.

JOIN OIA outdoorindustry.org/membership

OIA INDUSTRY LUNCH

THE NEXT WAVE OF OUTDOORISTS: THE IMPORTANCE OF GROWING OUTDOOR COMMUNITIES ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES DAY 3, SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 | 12 – 1:30 PM HYATT REGENCY — CENTENNIAL BALLROOM Box lunch will be provided.

Live stream courtesy of:

Come to the OIA Industry Lunch for a meaningful discussion centered on the importance of the outdoors and its contribution to healthy campus communities that ultimately create a healthy outdoor industry community.

Hear from the perspectives of two different schools, Southern Utah University and Texas Woman’s University, about how they have embraced bringing an outdoor culture to their campuses and the impact it has had on students and the greater community.

SPEAKERS

CARINE M. FEYTEN

ALONDRA MARTINEZ

SCOTT L. WYATT

ABIGAIL WYATT

TEXAS WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY

TEXAS WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY

SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY

SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY

THANK YOU TO OUR OIA INDUSTRY LUNCH SPONSOR

BE AN OUTDOOR ADVOCATE LOBBY FOR THE OUTDOOR INDUSTRY ON CAPITOL HILL

April 16-18 | Washington, D.C.

JULY 22

Join OIA at the annual Capitol Summit to share the positive impact the outdoor industry has on local and national economies and communities.

SAVE THE DATE: OUTSIDERS BALL

Day 0 • Denver • Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

OUTDOOR RETAILER SHOW INFORMATION

Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show 2018 SHOW INFORMATION Attendance Guidelines

It’s not for everyone. Only qualified members of the trade are invited to attend.

Show Management Office

Located in Lobby A Mezz Office

Information Center

Located in the Atrium near 14th and California on the street level

Business Center—UPS Store

Located at the entrance of the main concourse on the street level.

To contact the UPS Store in the Colorado Convention Center, please call (720) 904-2300.

Photo Policy

Unauthorized photography is not permitted. Photo files and/or devices may be confiscated and your badge will be revoked for the current and all future shows if an infraction occurs. Call (949) 3067709 to report violations, noting name and company listed on the badge, if possible. Approved media photographers will have a flag on their badges to help identify them.

First Aid and Medical Staff

Located across from Meeting Room 507 on the street level to treat minor health problems such as blisters, headaches, hangovers, etc.

Mother’s Room

Located in Meeting Room 112 on the street level

Children at Outdoor Retailer We’re here for the next generation of outdoor lovers, which is why children are always welcome on

THE DAILY ONLINE

64

the show floor. All children must be registered as guests with Outdoor Retailer and accompanied by an adult at all times. Childcare is not provided. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed on the show floor during move-in or move-out.

Dogs at Outdoor Retailer

If you are planning to bring your dog to the show, please be sure to follow these simple rules: • Animals are not allowed on the show floor during move-in/-out.

• Register your dog—he/she must have a badge on at all times.

• Sign a waiver agreeing to the rules and requirements.

• Make sure to walk your dog outside regularly to avoid any accidents.

• If an accident does occur, please clean it up and notify show management.

PARKING & TRANSPORTATION Denver Airport Rail

At a cost of $9 each way, travelers can use the rail service, known as the A Line, to get from the airport to Denver Union Station and vice versa. From Union Station, travelers can access additional local and regional transportation services such as light rail, regional and local buses, Amtrak rail service, and taxis. Travelers can also use the free 16th Street Mall Shuttle (MallRide) and free Downtown MetroRide Buses that provide access to most downtown hotels. The Denver airport rail has six stops along the way and takes approximately 37 minutes.

Super Shuttle

Super Shuttle is providing Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show with a 10 percent discount on shuttle service to and from the Denver Airport.

Please use code NBHY2 when requesting your Super Shuttle online to receive this discount.

Parking Northbound on Speer Blvd.

Driving northbound on Speer Boulevard, pass Stout Street and make your first right before Champa Street. The Convention Center Parking Garage has its own designated right turn lane leading into the parking garage. The Parking Garage is designated by the Downtown Denver Parking logo.

Visit the following link to see it: denverconvention.com/ attend-an-event/parking/

Westbound on Champa Street

Driving westbound on Champa Street, just before Speer Boulevard, turn left to merge into the garage entry drive lane from Speer Boulevard. Please use caution when yielding to traffic entering the garage from Speer Boulevard.

The Parking Garage is designated by the Downtown Denver Parking logo. Visit the following link to see it: denverconvention.com/attend-anevent/parking/

Restrictions

a Vehicle clearance is 8'2" and the maximum vehicle length is 19'0". a No trailers or oversized vehicles allowed. a No in-and-out parking. If a vehicle departs the garage at any time, a new parking purchase must be made upon re-entry. a No free parking at any time.

Taxi Cabs

Be sure to establish your cab fare before you start your ride.

Freedom Cabs Inc. (303) 444-4444; freedomcabs.com

Metro Taxi—handicap accessible (303) 333-3333; riderightdenver.com

Green Taxi Cooperative (303) 806-8888; greentaxicooperative.com

Shuttle Service for Cherry Creek Hotels ONLY

a Shuttles will run to and from the Cherry Creek hotels and the Colorado Convention Center. See schedule below. a Shuttles will pick up and drop off at the Main Entrance by the Blue Bear near Stout & 14th Street.

Thursday, January 25 7:30-11 a.m. & 4-11 p.m.

Friday, January 26 7:30-11 a.m. & 3:30-11 p.m.

Saturday, January 27 7:30-11 a.m. & 3:30-11 p.m.

Sunday, January 28 7:30-11 a.m. & 12:30-4 p.m.

For a complete list of hotels with shuttle service, please visit outdoorretailer.com/shuttles. *Extended service is available to all Cherry Creek hotels and shuttle hotels to accommodate the Industry Party.

Find complete issues of The Daily online at snewsnet.com/the-daily. Like what you see? Sign up for the Live from OR newsletter at snewsnet.com/OR-newsletter for more industry news, gear trends, and aisle talk, produced every day of the show by the SNEWS team.

THE DAILY | OUTDOOR RETAILER + SNOW SHOW

OUTDOOR RETAILER MAP

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THE DAILY | OUTDOOR RETAILER + SNOW SHOW

Teflon Reimagined. ™

Teflon EcoElite™ finish is the world’s first renewably sourced, non-fluorinated fabric treatment for durable water repellency.

Manufactured using 60% plant-based raw materials, it lasts up to three times longer than paraffin or silicone-based repellents, providing excellent performance through more than 30 wash cycles.

It’s a breakthrough in repellent technology.

It’s Teflon™ Reimagined. teflon.com/ordaily

© 2017 The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Teflon EcoElite™ and any associated logos are trademarks or copyrights of The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Chemours™ and the Chemours Logo are trademarks of The Chemours Company.

OUTDOOR RETAILER TECHNOLOGY

MOBILE APP Download the Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show MyEventPlan mobile app to have all the show information you need in the palm of your hand. In the mobile app, you can access: Floorplan Exhibitor list Events Education schedule Product gallery Walking map Local info And more!

Search “MyEventPlan” in your app store and get access to everything you need to make the most out of the show.

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THE DAILY | OUTDOOR RETAILER + SNOW SHOW

SHOW PLANNER The Show Planner is an online platform designed to help you plan your show.

Within the Show Planner you can find these great tools: Exhibitor list Interactive floorplan Education and events schedule Matchmaking Mobile app information Communicate with exhibitors Request appointments View products All you need to do is log in to your Show Planner and start planning your show!

MATCHMAKING The matchmaking tool is part of the Show Planner, and it brings exhibitors and attendees together before the show starts. The Show Planner enables you to search for exhibitors based on product category, location, new to the show, and other filters. Attendees can get in touch with exhibitors to find out more information or request an in-booth appointment during the show.

Log in to your Show Planner and explore the exhibitors and products you will find at Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show.

Stay live at the show with this hashtag

#ORShow

NEWS

Tracing a New Meridian

Artist Jeremy Collins clinches a deal to take Meridian Line back under his wing and move the brand in a new direction. BY COREY BUHAY “We had motivated partners that simply weren’t aligned, and as we figured that out, it was apparent we had to part ways,” Collins said. “We spent the year figuring out what would be best for the brand.”

Collins—along with artist and former prAna menswear designer Benji Thrasher and Matt Johnston and Maury Birdwell—sent in the final signatures to close the deal while en route to OR. They plan to fill out the team with three more hires by the end of 2018 and from there expand into denim and outdoor lifestyle apparel for both men and women.

Collins, now the company’s chief creative officer,

Jeremy Collins, Benji Thrasher, Maury Birdwell, Matt Johnston

and Thrasher, general manager, are the primary drivers behind new interpretation of the brand.

They spoke about teaming up at last Winter Market, then Thrasher left prAna in June to focus full-time on his emerging role with Meridian Line.

“Jeremy and I have been wanting to do something together for a long time,” Thrasher said. “I was already looking to broaden my base doing brand and business development and creative and design when Jeremy approached me. I said, ‘I have a lot of ideas.’”

A brainstorming session followed, resulting in a 70page, five-year business plan and impact statement.

Meridian Line’s new direction will diverge markedly from Collins’s original vision of an artistdriven brand providing graphic-based products drawn solely from his own library of art.

“I found out pretty quickly that can do really good on my own, but I can only do great with a team,” he said. Case in point: It wasn’t until after he took on other business partners that Collins’s artwork went on sale in national park gift shops and in big retail stores like REI. Collins said the decision to take the brand outside of that original vision wasn’t an easy one, but those results, as well as support from the outdoor industry and other business contacts, has brought him to the decision that it’s time to grow.

“We view business as an opportunity to do good in the world,” he said. Through that lens, choosing to grow isn’t selling out as an artist, but rather looking for ways to advance and improve those positive impacts. For starters, the apparel line, which will unveiled this spring, will be fully organic, Fair Trade-certified cotton.

Johnston will serve as the national sales manager for the reimagined brand, and Birdwell will work in legal council and brand development. The company will be based out of Southern California.

The team is looking forward, not backward, and poised to explore what the brand is truly capable of.

“We’re ready to take Meridian Line to the next level,” Thrasher said.

GORE GROWS OUT

The iconic waterproof/breathable brand expands performance into stretch fabrics and lifestyle wear.

“Beyond Waterproof.” That’s how Gore describes its new INFINIUM brand and its associated lineups of footwear, soft-lined shells, insulated garments, and stretch gloves. Gore— already famous for its waterproof/ breathable fabric—is branching out to products targeted at more everyday use and broader activities where heavy-duty waterproofing isn’t required.

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The origin of the new product lineup, according to Gore, is a growing number of people who spend time outside during the course of their daily lives. For this sort of general use, Gore claims to offer “a performance upgrade to products that do not need to be waterproof.”

So, do INFINIUM products ditch water resistance entirely? Not quite.

On the upcoming soft-lined shells and

insulated garments, Gore continues to use an outer ePTFE membrane to repel water and allow light rain or snow to bead on the surface. The new lineup simply prioritizes everyday comfort rather than the durable waterproofness found in traditional Gore-Tex gear.

Gore claims that INFINIUM products are backed by “comfort science” from its Biophysics Lab and Environmental Chamber—a testing ground that can

replicate 95 percent of the world’s weather conditions, including variables like precipitation and solar radiation— as well as extensive field testing.

INFINIUM products are labeled with a new white diamond logo rather than the traditional black color scheme of GoreTex products. Look for the white logo on gloves from The North Face, footwear from ECCO, and apparel from Mammut, Burton, and Sitka. –Spencer Cox

PHOTOS BY (FROM TOP) LOUISA ALBANESE; LAUREN DANILEK

O

N WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, Jeremy Collins reached a settlement to buy out his company, Meridian Line, from his original partner after a year of negotiations.

Collins founded Meridian Line in 2010 as a small T-shirt brand. He has since permeated the outdoor industry with his signature style, illustrating everything from outdoor magazines and guidebooks to Adventure Film Festival flyers and posters for public lands marches. By 2016, Meridian Line—and demand for Collins’s artwork—had exploded. The brand suddenly had the opportunity to become much more. Things had changed.

RETRO CLASSICS REINVENTED FOR EXPLORING THE CITY AND THE TRAIL.

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are trademarks of TBL Licensing LLC. © 2017 TBL Licensing LLC. All rights reserved. NAW1216

NEWS

Heroes Welcome

The Outdoor Inspiration Awards united an industry behind its most prominent leaders. BY RYAN WICHELNS

Individual Award winner Kimberley Barreda

disability activist. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics claimed the Nonprofit Award, and United By Blue, an outdoor apparel company that also works to clean up waterways, took home the Manufacturing Award. Founder Brian Linton stressed his company was only half of the solution: “The true change that we’re going to have in this world is from everybody and not just a company like United By Blue.”

Terry Lee, founder of the California specialty shop Gear Coop, which won the Retailer Award, echoed that sentiment. “We’re inspired by you all to continue the work that won us this award.”

Inspiration comes in small packages, too. Presenting the Youth Award to 19-year-old climber Margo Hayes was John Stewart, sustainability and corporate engagement director for the Boy Scouts of America, accompanied by local Cub Scouts Elliot and Caroline, who is one of the first girls to join the program. “We welcome any family and we will not turn away any child and the opportunity to introduce them to the outdoors,” said Stewart to a rousing ovation.

But the biggest cheers of the night were reserved for Donna Carpenter, co-founder of Burton Snowboards, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award with her husband Jake Burton Carpenter.

“Looking around the room,” Carpenter said to a full house, “it’s hard to remember how much people—including you people—hated snowboarders.” She reminisced about her first trade show, which involved

sneaking in only to be kicked out.

Although things are vastly different today, Carpenter said the brand’s outcast mentality is a hard thing to shake.

“This mind-set is why, today, we are refusing to accept the new normal,” she said. “We have taken and we will continue to take a clear

stance against the racist, misogynist, and ignorant policies and rhetoric coming out of Washington. If the culture today is anti-science, antiwomen, anti-decency, count us in as a countercultural force.”

For Outdoor Retailer’s most inspiring attendees, old habits die hard.

Cub Scouts helped present the Youth Award to Margo Hayes.

Paul Hawken

Chris Patterson of Warren Miller Entertainment introduced a video tribute to Warren Miller.

MOUNTAIN SCRIBE

Elizabeth Hawley, chronicler of expeditions, dies at 95.

Elizabeth Hawley was a legend in the mountaineering community without ever conquering a peak of her own. The American journalist chronicled hiking expeditions in the Himalayas starting in 1963, while making Nepal her home. Despite never reaching Mt. Everest’s basecamp, she was considered the authority on the world’s highest peak.

Hawley founded the Himalayan Database, an archive of more than 9,600 expeditions, which includes the

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first solo ascent and the first ascent by a woman.

“The climbing world is mourning the loss of a legend,” said Alan Arnette, who summited Everest in 2011 and now covers Himalayan climbing news on alanarnette.com.

“The first time I met Ms. Hawley in 1998, she impressed me with her unrelenting questions and commitment to accurate reporting,” Arnette said.

“The last time I saw her, years later, she was just

as feisty, engaging, and smart as ever. As the Himalayan Database continues, it will honor her legacy as the final word on climbing some of the world’s highest peaks.”

Hawley, who died from a lung infection, will be remembered though her archives and a namesake Nepalese peak, Peak Hawley (6,182 meters), which French ice climber François Damilano named following his first solo ascent in 2008. –Kristen Kuchar

PHOTOS BY (FROM TOP) LOUISA ALBANESE; LAUREN DANILEK

I

NDUSTRY ICONS WERE PLENTIFUL at the annual Outdoor Inspiration Awards, held Thursday in the Colorado Convention Center.

The awards, created in 2011 by adidas Outdoor, work to recognize various individuals, businesses, and groups for their above-and-beyond passion and ethic to increase outdoor participation.

“In today’s topsy-turvy world, inspiration is more important than ever,” said Greg Thomsen, the managing director of adidas Outdoor. But rather than focusing on only the winners, the program was adjusted to include a video memorial to inspirational ski filmmaker Warren Miller, who died Wednesday night.

After acknowledging the past, it was time to look ahead to the six categories of this year’s awards. The Individual Award went to Kimberley Barreda, an adaptive skier and

THE MODERN OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE S T R E E T

L E V EL

OF

T H E

C O LORADO

C ONV ENTION

CENTER

At Venture Out, you’ll find a carefully crafted selection of brands that set themselves apart by combining the latest fashions and cultural influences with outdoor expressions. Come explore the brands on the forefront of the modern outdoor experience.

ALCHEMY EQUIPMENT

ICE ROVER

S'WELL BOTTLE

BAMBU OUTDOOR

JEREMIAH

SANUK

BLUE PLANET EYEWEAR

LANDER

SHWOOD EYEWEAR

CAKE

LEMS SHOES

SNOW PEAK

CORBEAUX

LOCALLY GROWN CLOTHING CO.

SOCKSMITH DESIGN

CORKCICLE

LUVMOTHER

SPEAQUA SOUND CO.

COTOPAXI

MALOJA

SUNSKI

DMOS COLLECTIVE

WOLFGANG MAN & BEAST

SYNERGY ORGANIC CLOTHING

DOUGHNUT

MOUNTAIN DESIGNS

TAYLOR VINTAGE

DUCKWORTH

NANGA

TENKARA ROD CO.

FAHERTY

ONE MAN OUTERWEAR / MIA MELON

TENTREE

FELLER

PARKS PROJECT

TETON BROS.

FISHER + BAKER

MOXIE AND MOSS

TOPO DESIGNS

FLOWFOLD

PROOF EYEWEAR

VIVOBAREFOOT

GOOD TO-GO

REDEW AB

WOLF AND GRIZZLY

GREEN GOO

RUMPL

WOOLRICH FOOTWEAR

List as of December 18, 2017

And don’t miss the RANGER Station—forward thinking, trend education

PHOTO BY ALI INAY ON UNSPLASH

and the community hub at Venture Out.

NEWS

A Room of Her Own

Clif Bar’s new mothers’ room makes life a little easier for working moms—and gives Clif a boost, too.

BY KASSONDRA CLOOS

T

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The Daily's rock star deputy editor, Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan, feeds Sam, 5 1/2 months, from a leather massage chair.

Clif’s name on the room (and on the free energy bars on offer) has been good for the brand’s image. People have gone up to the booth to thank the company— some have cried with happiness, Joachim said—and chatter in the room has been positive toward Clif.

But Joachim insisted that any marketing boost from outfitting the room was secondary. "It was very personal,” she said. “But we knew the only way to do it was as a sponsorship, so by default it became a marketing opportunity. There's no way around that when you're talking about a trade show. But we didn't put really any time into making it super-public."

“We just want women to know we appreciate them,” Ash added. “We recognize the challenges of being a mom. Traveling as a new mom, with or without your kids, is tough.”

They want to make the show easier for them, Ash and Joachim said. And by all accounts, it’s working.

This comes at a time when the industry is having its loudest conversation ever about how to make work life better for women. It’s a pretty darn good start. What else is needed? Chin stopped to think for a minute.

“If we’re going to ask for the moon, day care," she said. A place for kids to spend time so they could come along and parents could still get work done and hold meetings.

So, brands: Who’s up for it?

PHOTOS BY LAUREN DANILEK

HIS SHOW HAS A MAJOR NEW PERK for working moms: a real mothers’ room, complete with massage chairs, space for kids to play, snacks and drinks, and prepaid coolers to ship breastmilk back home.

It’s unrecognizable from what moms at previous shows have had to do to feed their babies or pump.

Moms in the Clif-sponsored haven said Friday that they were previously pumping in bathroom stalls or running back to their hotel rooms during breaks between appointments. The “mothers’ room” at previous shows was one half of a first-aid room, separated by a shower curtain. Mothers had to squeeze onto a medical bed to pump, and it was anything but quiet—on the other side of the curtain, men would be talking, eating, and watching TV. “To come in here and have massage chairs, coolers, and toys for the kids is amazing,” said Ali Carr Troxell, outdoors editor for Wirecutter and founder of the Basecamp networking group for industry folks on Facebook and LinkedIn. “It’s a world of a difference. It’s so nice to have a space to nurse that’s comfortable.”

Morgan Chin, raw materials buyer for Seirus, said she had been planning on pumping in the makeshift office in the back of the brand’s booth. “When OR was in Salt Lake, I brought my manual hand pump into a bathroom stall,” Chin said. “This is a huge upgrade.

It makes Clif more than just a snack brand, because they’re caring for your whole well-being.”

The idea of sponsoring a room like this was the brainchild of Chelseah Joachim, associate trade show manager for Clif, and Blue Ash, Clif’s trade show manager.

“When I really stepped back and looked at who’s attending the show, it’s a lot of women,” Joachim said. She used to go back to her hotel room during breaks from the show and didn’t think much about it—it was just the best option available. But it takes a lot of work to find a place to pump or nurse in private, she said. And when you’re stressed out, nursing and pumping are harder.

So having a comfy massage chair to sink into, a quiet respite from the buzz of the floor, and a place for little ones to play with toys makes life easier for everyone.

“It’s something that needed to be done,” Joachim said. “It took me a long time to put it together, that this was needed.”

And because Clif’s own staffers could use a room like this, Ash said, sponsorship was a natural fit.

The company is planning to continue sponsoring the room in the future, with a few key changes: They want to make sure working dads have a place to feed kids or take them to play. Clif is thinking about how to do that in a way that doesn’t make nursing women uncomfortable.

Beyond the satisfaction of filling a need, having

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DIG INTO OUR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SHOW’S EVENTS, EDUCATION, AND MORE

Events & Education JANUARY 27

7-9 AM

An Industry Reimagined: A Conversation with Donna Carpenter, CEO of Burton; Sally McCoy, former CEO of CamelBak; and Jerry Stritzke, CEO of REI Co-op

Four Seasons Ballroom, Colorado Convention Center The active-outdoor industries are at the leading-edge of prioritizing workplace equity

that accelerates women’s leadership as a strategic business imperative.

Camber Outdoors’ four panelists are at different places in their journey as individuals and business leaders. Camber Outdoors’ Keynote will provide a forum for them to share with other leaders and influencers their Learn insights, lessons learned, and progress under the Camber Outdoors CEO Pledge that was launched three years ago. Presented by Camber Outdoors.

9 AM

Wool Appreciation Course presented

by The Woolmark Company

(MR 108) Join in on a 45-minute presentation designed to broaden your knowledge and understanding of wool’s technical abilities and why it is the ultimate performance fiber.

9 AM

Sunday Afternoons and SheJumps Trucker Sale

(Booth 53085-UL) We are partnering with SheJumps, a fantastic charity that strives to increase the participation of women and girls in outdoor activities. We will be selling brand new designs from our extremely popular Artist Series Truckers.

Hats are $10 each, and SheJumps will receive 100% of the proceeds.

9 AM

Refill your water bottle

(Booth 53021-UL) Refill your water bottle and save plastic bottles from landfills! Dansko will have a FloWater Refill Station at our booth and will be selling Mizu/ Dansko water bottles for $10, with the profits to be donated to the Nature Conservancy. FloWater’s 7x Advanced Purification provides water that’s free of impurities, and will keep you hydrated during the show.

9AM

Chill Angel lavender eye pillows for the Humane Society

(Booth 28101-SL) For a $10.00 donation

you can receive a soothing lavender-filled merino wool eye pillow and support the Humane Society.

While supplies last.

9 AM

Hand-Branded Mug by “Ugly Mugz”

(Booth 51080-UL) Swing by the Mountain Khakis booth for your hand-branded mug compliments of “Ugly Mugz”.

Made in USA. $10 donation benefits MK Fund partner, Conservation Colorado. While supplies last.

9 AM

Sea to Summit Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance (Booth 49074-UL)

Sea to Summit will be selling its popular Pocket Towel and Traveling Light Ultra-Sil Duffle Bag to benefit The Conservation Alliance.

9 AM

Mountain Dress Code Wardrobe Update

(Booth 51080-UL) Outfit your look in the Mountain Khakis booth.

MK apparel will be available for purchase in their booth on Saturday and Sunday. There’s even a dressing room. While supplies last (it goes fast).

Benefits MK Fund partner, Conservation Colorado.

9 AM

Ruffwear Gear Sale to Benefit The

winter wildlands alliance

backcountry film festival celebrating the human powered experience P R O U D L Y

P R E S E N T S

night of stoke S AT U R D AY, J A N U A R Y 2 7 B E L LC O

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C O LO R A D O

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C E N T E R

Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show welcomes Backcountry Film Festival’s “Night of Stoke” to the Bellco.

The night's program features the Adventure Not War project founded by Stacy Bare to promote world peace and understanding through adventure.

EVENTS & EDUCATION Conservation Alliance

(Booth 42066-UL) Ruffwear sells its Wildlands Bowl, Wildlands Leash and Aira Blanket to benefit The Conservation Alliance. Great gear for your best friend.

9 AM

Nau Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance (Booth 46040-UL) Nau is selling assorted styles for men and women to benefit The Conservation Alliance.

9 AM

DUER Jean Hour

(Booth VO322-SL) DUER will be giving away a pair of jeans on the hour throughout all of the show. When you hear the siren, get to the booth, and get ready to show them your moves.

9 AM

Toad&Co. Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance

(Booth 42054-UL) Toad&Co. is selling assorted styles of men’s and women’s tops to benefit The Conservation Alliance.

9 AM

9 AM

(Booth 3461-UL) Kahtoola will sell its Kanteen MICROspikes and NANOspikes Traction to benefit The Conservation Alliance.

(Booth 39070-UL) Select jackets and other assorted products on sale for 50 to 60% off, while supplies last. Procedes go to benefit SOS Outreach, the non-profit that uses outdoor activity to mentor at-risk youth.

9 AM

9 AM

Kahtoola Kanteen MICROspikes and NANOspikes Traction Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance

Farm to Feet Bears Ears Sock Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance (Booth 53117-UL) Farm to Feet sells its Bears Ears Hiker 1/2 crew lightweight sock to benefit The Conservation Alliance.

9 AM

Chaos Headwear Sale for Nonprofits

(Booth 51086-UL) Chaos all day hat sale for SOS Outreach, Anthony Youth Initiatives and Sofia goes to Worlds!

9 AM

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel Sale

(Booth 44021-UL) Annual Cargo Hauler Duffel 60L on sale for $40 to benefit Adventure Travel Conservation Fund.

Big Agnes Sale to benefit SOS Outreach

Osprey Pack Sale

(Booth 37065-UL) Osprey is selling two new F18 packs while supplies last! The Mutant 22 alpine climbing pack and the Arcane Large Top Zip lifestyle pack for $40.

Proceeds will be donated to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

9 AM

Muck Boot and Kuju Coffee hour

(Booth 54152-UL) Start off your day with a cup of Kuju Coffee, hosted by the Original Muck Boot Company.

9 AM

Direct Alpine Giveaways & Pro Deals

(Booth 27130-SL) Be the first to experience Direct Alpine’s line of technical apparel, made

It’s what makes Ilka Stuhec a Champion.

In just one year she went from a ranking of 25th to number 1 in the world.

How did she do it?

With the heart of a champion and by switching to Stöckli skis.

Your shop can improve your results with Stöckli.

• Quality you can feel, made in our own Swiss manufacturing facility.

• Limited distribution • Premium brand - Average retail price of over $900.00

• Highest $ margin contribution per unit sold • Great sell through

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Quality is the Difference

in Europe since 1997 and debuting in North America at the OR + Snow Show.

Daily giveaways of the Denali and Belay Jackets, packable insulation for year-round use in the mountains, plus attendee pro deals.

9 AM

Osprey Crane Game to Benefit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center

(Booth 37065-UL) Swing by Osprey and try your hand at the arcade classic Crane Game.

For $1 donation to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, you get a shot at driving the crane and scooping up one of many prizes including product from Osprey and partner brands.

9 AM

Swiss Advance Multitool Sale to Benefit Dry Bones Denver Charity

(Booth 53086-UL) Purchase a limited edition, engraved Crono N5 multitool for $20 (retail $48). Weighing under 1.5oz., the Crono N5 packs 15 individual tools into a micro-thin design,

suitable for camping or everyday carry. All proceeds benefit Dry Bones, a local nonprofit serving youth and young adults experiencing homelessness in Denver.

10 AM

Giesswein Black Sheep Happy Hour and Shoe Donation to Media and Dealers (Booth 56146-UL) In support of one of our favorite Maine charities, the Good Shepherd Food Bank, a $20 donation puts you in a pair of Giesswein boiled wool slippers.

10 AM

All Day Yappy Hour

(Booth #24109-SL) Zuke’s is an all-natural dog treat company that has been based in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains for the last 23 years. Stop by their booth and show them a picture of your adventure pup and you’ll take them home some free treat samples. If you sign up for their eNewsletter and follow them on Facebook and on Instagram, you’ll take home some great travel dog swag.

10-11 AM

Indigenous Connections: Re-envisioning Recreation and Public Lands Preservation to Incorporate First Nation Values and Traditions

The Camp (Booth 56117-UL) Join in a discussion with Native American recreation leaders on how the industry can better partner with indigenous peoples. According to Navajo tribal member and Natives Outdoors founder Len Necefer, “Combining forces between indigenous tribes and the outdoor industry is the strongest potential partnership we have to protect public lands, revitalize the health and cultures of native peoples, and address barriers to outdoor access.” A panel will discuss recognizing the role of Native Americans in the protection of public lands and also an indigenous approach to outdoor recreation.

Moderator: Annette McGivney, BACKPACKER Southwest Editor and the author of the new book Pure Land.

Innovation at an Affordable Price!

At Erik Sports the products we make are governed by our family’s dedication to excellence.

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EVENTS & EDUCATION

10-11 AM

Internships Support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Outdoor Industry

Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center This panel discussion between Patagonia, a former Patagonia intern, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Greening Youth will discuss Patagonia’s hiring strategies, successes, and challenges. Come learn how businesses can use internships as an introduction to the outdoor industry and about the variety of careers that exist within the outdoor space.

10-11 AM

Talking Story About Design

Trend + Design Center (Booth 1014-LL) Design is a collaborative process. We are in an era where no one person holds all the knowledge of a product. Sharing expertise is critical to growth and development of the field. Conversations with

designers about their path and philosophy provide insights into what it takes to be successful.

Speaker: Sam Ward, Struktur Event

11 AM

Darn Tough Vermont to serve Maple Bacon Creamees

(Booth 39021) Stop by Darn Tough Vermont’s booth for their Maple Bacon creamee machine! Darn Tough will be serving this must-try deliciousness from 11 a.m. until the goodness is gone!

11 AM-12 PM

Allyship 101

RANGER Station (Booth VO129-SL) Allyship 101 explores the relationship between the outdoors and social justice. Through an in-depth discussion, we’ll examine our individual impact on creating a more equitable and inclusive outdoors from both a personal and professional standpoint.

11 AM-12 PM

Resolve Any Conflict In 4 Simple Steps

The Camp (Booth 56117-UL) Win over any difficult customer, end workplace conflict, and build stronger, confident relationships with this simple, expert strategy that works EVERY TIME. 12-1 PM

buyer and seller.

12 PM - 2 PM

“Meet Fisher + Baker (our baby goats)”

(Booth VO233) Fisher + Baker will launch a few new cashmere pieces with the help of two outrageously cute baby goats. Stop by from noon-2 p.m. or 3-5 p.m. to meet them.

The Visual Formula Behind Merchandising

The Camp (Booth 56117-UL) Long walls are valuable retail real estate and need to be broken up to promote your merchandise and provide a focal point for the consumer.

Learn strategies to segment your walls as well as how to tell multiple stories with some handson product play! Robin Enright Salcido is the founder of Merchandising Matters (merchandisingmattersnow.com) which provides visual merchandising support and training to retailers and brands. Salcido’s goal is to guide organizations and individuals to the kind of creativity that enhances the emotional connection between

12-1:30 PM

OIA INDUSTRY LUNCH The Next Wave of Outdoorist: The Importance of Growing Outdoor Communities on College Campuses

Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center Come to the OIA Industry Lunch for a meaningful discussion centered on the importance of the outdoors and its contribution to a healthy campus community that ultimately creates a healthy outdoor industry community. Hear from the perspectives of two different schools, Southern Utah University and Texas Woman’s University,

about how they have embraced bringing an outdoor culture to their campuses and the impact it has had on students and the greater community.

Box lunches will be firstcome, first-serve.

1:30-2:30 PM

Captivating & Marketing to the Millennial Customer

The Camp (Booth 56117-UL) Millennials, with their vast purchasing power and social media influence, have caused seismic shifts in the way marketers engage with their audiences. This group communicates, learns, socializes, and shops through ever-evolving digital pathways and technologies thanks to the proliferation of social media. They are desensitized to traditional advertising, which means that typical display ads, and advertising through print, TV, and radio, are no longer effective at cutting through clutter.

Those brands that understand millennial shopping behavior, embrace their consumers’ storytelling power, and harness cus-

tomer-created content are going to win. Speaker: Andrew Higgins 2-3 PM

Biomimicry: 3.8 billion years of Research and Development

Trend + Design Center (Booth 1014-LL) Biomimicry is the conscious emulation of nature’s genius that can be applied to the fields of architecture, product design, energy, medicine, transportation, and social innovation. Drawing on 3.8 billion years of research and development, biomimicry can teach us how to create designs that don’t compete with the rest of the planet, but instead complement it. This session will give an overview of what biomimicry is, provide a “checklist” that encompasses the deep patterns that all of nature follows, and provide real-life examples of designs that use nature as an inspiration that will spark your imagination to what the future could be like. Speaker: Cynthia Fishman, AIA | NCARB | LEED AP | Fitwel Ambassador

Encouraging Winter Adventures Since 1906

EVENTS & EDUCATION 2-3 PM

Corralling Your Product Process

Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center Recent survey findings profiling soft goods and hardgoods product management in specialty industries (outdoor, bike, ski, etc.) have indicated that understanding, defining, and managing new product processes are key to the success of product managers. This presentation will review the research, discuss some simple visual tools that can be used to define and document your product process, and look at a few ways that different soft goods and hardgoods companies have applied these tools.

2-3 PM

Our Tools: A New Vision for the Future of Outdoor

RANGER Station (Booth VO129-SL) Inspired by Audre Lorde’s quote “the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house,” this

experiential presentation will feature leaders in the industry describing how their “tools”— i.e., their assets and their strengths—are part and parcel of building a new future for the industry.

lines on the 13ers and 14ers, new from Colorado Mountain Club Press.

2:30-3:30 PM

(Booth 34107-UL) Multibrand raffle and fundraiser to benefit The Conservation Alliance.

It’s Time to Thrive, Not Just Survive

The Camp (Booth 56117-UL) Find five simple hacks to grow your business in the age of Amazon. Join our panel of industry experts as they explore five simple tactics that will help your business not just survive but thrive in the age of Amazon.

Panelists include: Scott Ohsman, The Cairn Co.; Colin Moynihan, Uncle Dan’s Outfitters; Marc Sherman, The Gear Exchange; Jay Getzel, Mountainsmith 3 PM

Book Signing: Jon Kedrowski, author of Classic Colorado Ski Descents

(Booth 44104-UL) Ski mountaineer Jon Kedrowski will sign copies of his guidebook, Classic Colorado Ski Descents, featuring 70 of the best

3:30 PM

Nikwax Fundraiser Party & Raffle to Benefit The Conservation Alliance

3:30-4:30 PM

Strategies to Control Product Sales and Position for Omnichannel Growth

Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center As omnichannel buyer behavior changes and competition gets fiercer than ever, retailers must shift the way they manage products across their selling channels.

Data fuels these decisions and makes it possible to create a cohesive strategy. In this session, attendees will learn how to strengthen crosschannel sales by implementing the right policies, as well as pricing, promotion, and enforcement strategies to maximize growth.

3:30-4:30 PM

Maine Outdoor Brands members!

The Camp (Booth 56117-UL) As the retail environment and outdoor community evolves, so must everyday business practices.

Join us as we share lessons learned from female executives who are building innovative, inclusive businesses and workforces. Come ready to hear some hard truths and uplifting stories and leave with strategies to engage with current and future customers and community to create a more unifying and relevant experience. All members of our outdoor community are invited and welcome to attend. Panelists: Deanne Buck, Camber Outdoors; Georgina Miranda, She Ventures; Jen Gurecki, Coalition Snow; Amanda Goad, BoldBrew

4 PM

4 PM

(Booth 44030) Sarah Uhl, artist and activist, will be building a live mural in the Outdoor Research booth during the Outdoor Retailer Tradeshow on January 25th and 26th. The mural, entitled “United

When Women Lead: Part 2

MOB the M.O.B.

(Booth 25220-SL) MOB is hosting the crew from Good To Go! While they’re giving away tasty samples of their food, MON is giving away fun stuff from a number of

Happy Hour with Maine Outdoor Brands (Booth 25220-SL) Jennifer Scism, Good To-Go’s chef and cofounder, will be cooking and sampling her latest creations.

4 PM

KEEN Happy Hour Supporting Friends of Gold Butte

(Booth 46081-UL) KEEN will be holding a happy hour from with a pint sale in which 100% of the proceeds will go to support the nonprofit “Friends of Gold Butte”. Friends of Gold Butte works to preserve the Gold Butte National Monument.

4 PM

Live Art Fundraising Event at Outdoor Research Happy Hour

for the Divide,” will be made up of 30 individual wood canvases that highlight the pertinence of the public lands (and the people behind them) within the Continental Divide Wilderness and Recreation Act. Each board will be for sale upon completion, with 100% of the sales benefiting the protection of public lands. Uhl and Outdoor Research have chosen Conservation Colorado as the beneficiary of the funds raised because of their organizing efforts to protect these lands.

4:30 PM

Fourpoints Bar/ Relish Studio COBA Happy Hour

(Booth 21206-SL) The Colorado Outdoor Business Alliance unites business leaders from across Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy and emerging industries to conserve and protect access to our public lands. Join advocates Fourpoints Bar and Relish Studio, alongside other COBA members, to share a beverage and a vision for business and conservation in 2018.

OUR BOOTH NUMBER 36068-UL

D ISCOV ER T H E M OU N TA I NS

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F U T U R E D AT E S SU M M ER

M A RKET

NETWORKING. EDUCATION. STORYTELLING.

JULY 23-26, 2018 Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO

W I N T E R

M A R K E T

TRENDS. DISCOVERY. INNOVATION.

NOVEMBER 8-11, 2018 Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO

COMMUNITY. INSPIRATION. INFORMED BUYING.

JANUARY 8-11, 2019 Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO

W W W. O U T D O O R R E TA I L E R . C O M

EVENTS & EDUCATION 4:30 PM

Patchtastic Happy Hour Hosted by Noso Patches, She Jumps & Skhoop

(Booth 24236-SL) Noso Patches, SheJumps, and Skhoop are hosting a patchdazzled happy hour. Stop by for a beer, and patch up a snag in your gear with Noso and Skhoop. Your support helps SheJumps to get more women and girls to reach their highest potential through outdoor adventures and education.

4:30 PM

Bushcraft Knives & Axes Workshop

(Booth 53086-UL) Master the art of traditional tools with survival and bushcraft expert, Jason Hunt, owner of Campcraft Outdoors.

Learn hands-on how to carve feather sticks and notches and how to bow drill and win daily prizes from Helle Knives of Norway and Hults Bruk Swedish Axes.

4:30-6 PM

When Women Lead Happy Hour The Camp (Booth 56117-UL)

Join us as we continue the When Women Lead conversation over drinks and high fives. You won’t want to miss the special treat we have in store for you.

4:30-6 PM

Dakota Grizzly Happy Hour

(Booth 46001) Dealers to in custom made Dakota Grizzly Corn Hole Board daily playoffs.

6 PM

Backcountry Olympics

Tivoli Brewing Backcountry Hunters & Anglers invites you to join in for beers, bands, and a backcountry olympics that will be sure to bring a bit of pain and plenty of laughs to the hundreds of public land owners that descend upon Tivoloi Brewing for BHA’s Backcountry Olympics at Outdoor Retailer. See how your company stacks against other outdoor brands. Events include snowshoe races, mechanical bull riding competitions, and more!

Check

JANUARY 28 9 AM

Chill Angel lavender eye pillows for the Humane Society

(Booth 28101-SL) For a $10 donation you can receive a soothing lavender-filled merino wool eye pillow and support the Humane Society.

While supplies last.

9 AM

Ruffwear Gear Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance

(Booth 42066-UL) Ruffwear sells its Wildlands Bowl, Wildlands Leash and Aira Blanket to benefit The Conservation Alliance. Great gear for your best friend.

9 AM

Muck Boot and Kuju Coffee hour

(Booth 54152-UL) Start off your day with a cup of Kuju Coffee, hosted by the Original Muck Boot Company.

9 AM

Mountain Dress Code Wardrobe Update

(Booth 51080-UL) Outfit your look in the Mountain Khakis booth.

MK apparel will be avail-

able for purchase in their booth. There’s even a dressing room. While supplies last (it goes fast).

Benefits MK Fund partner, Conservation Colorado.

the nonprofit that uses outdoor activity to mentor at-risk youth.

9 AM

(Booth 46040-UL) Nau is selling assorted styles for men and women to benefit The Conservation Alliance.

Osprey Pack Sale

(Booth 37065-UL) Osprey is selling two new F18 packs while supplies last! The Mutant 22 alpine climbing pack and the Arcane Large Top Zip lifestyle pack for $40.

Proceeds will be donated to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

9 AM

Kahtoola Kanteen MICROspikes and NANOspikes Traction Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance

(Booth 3461-UL) Kahtoola will sell its Kanteen MICROspikes and NANOspikes Traction to benefit The Conservation Alliance.

9AM

Big Agnes Sale to benefit SOS Outreach

(Booth 39070-UL) Select jackets and other assorted products on sale for 50-60% off, while supplies last. Procedes go to benefit SOS Outreach,

9 AM

Nau Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance

9AM

Osprey Crane Game to Benefit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center

(Booth 37065-UL) Swing by Osprey and try your hand at the arcade classic Crane Game.

For $1 donation to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, you get a shot at driving the crane and scooping up one of many prizes including product from Osprey and partner brands.

9 AM

Refill your water bottle (Booth 53021-UL) Refill your water bottle and save plastic bottles from landfills! Dansko will have a FloWater Refill Station at our booth and will be selling Mizu/ Dansko water bottles for

Tested & Proven

Look for Insect Shield products from these trusted brands

$10, with the profits to be donated to the Nature Conservancy. FloWater’s 7x Advanced Purification provides water that’s free of impurities, and will keep you hydrated during the show.

9 AM

Sea to Summit Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance

(Booth 49074-UL) Sea to Summit will be selling its popular Pocket Towel and Traveling Light Ultra-Sil Duffle Bag to benefit The Conservation Alliance.

9AM

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel Sale

(Booth 44021-UL) Annual Cargo Hauler Duffel 60L on sale for $40 to benefit Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF).

9AM

Farm to Feet Bears Ears Sock Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance (Booth 53117-UL) Farm to Feet sells its Bears Ears Hiker 1/2 crew lightweight sock to benefit The Conservation Alliance.

EVENTS & EDUCATION

LIVE THE DREAM. JOIN OUR TEAM. thenorthface.com/careers

LAKE TENQUILLE, BC PHOTO / AARON BLATT

Performance Leather Footwear Gloves Tech www.pittards.com

Booth 30089-UL

Toad&Co. Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance

HERE NOW!

Ultra PLUS

(Booth 42054-UL) Toad&Co. is selling assorted styles of men’s and women’s tops to benefit The Conservation Alliance.

+ STABILITY + COMFORT + PAIN RELIEF + PERFORMANCE

9 AM

Sunday Afternoons and SheJumps Trucker Sale

(Booth 53085-UL) We are partnering with SheJumps, a fantastic charity that strives to increase the participation of women and girls in outdoor activities. We will be selling brand new designs from our extremely popular Artist Series Truckers.

Hats are $10 each, and SheJumps will receive 100% of the proceeds.

PERFORMANCE INSOLE THE EXCLUSIVE COMBINATION OF STABILITY & SORBOTHANE ®

10-11 AM

Assembled In The USA With Domestic & Global Materials

Jim Baird & History Channel’s “Alone”: How Wilderness Travel Taught Him Survival

insoles-sorbothane.com UltraPLUS_Poster-A.indd 1

The Camp (Booth 56117-UL) 12/6/17 11:57 AM

After surviving on northern Vancouver Island for 75 days for History Channel’s self-shot survival reality series ‘Alone,’ Jim Baird, along with his brother Ted, outlasted six other teams to come home with a cash prize of $500,000. With a background in remote wilderness travel, While on the show, Jim completed an eight-day backpacking trek and built a canoe and paddles using only a tarp and knife. They survived on everything from fish, to wild mushrooms, to whatever they could scrape off the bottom of a rock. In this presentation, Jim Baird will speak about his journey on ‘Alone’ and will share the survival lessons he learned along the way. He will also shed light on his journey in the outdoor industry as a fulltime adventurer, content creator, and influencer for more than three years.

10 AM

All Day Yappy Hour

(Booth 24109-SL) Zuke’s is an all-natu-

ral dog treat company that has been based in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains for the last 23 years. Stop by their booth and show them a picture of your adventure pup and you’ll take them home some free treat samples. If you sign up for their eNewsletter and follow them on Facebook and on Instagram, you’ll take home some great travel dog swag.

11 AM–12 PM

Nonprofits: Using Influencers and Content Creation for Good

The Camp (Booth 56117-UL) In Non-Profits: Using Influencers and Content Creation for Good, we look at how nonprofits can build content with and utilize athletes/influencers to broaden and deepen their messaging and grow their community on social media and beyond. Sponsored by So Good Creative.

PHOTO BY LOUISA ALBANESE

9 AM

A L L O F T H E S H O W I N F O R M AT I O N YO U N E E D I N T H E PA L M O F YO U R H A N D !

Access events, education, the exhibitor list, walking map and more.

R E TA I L E R + S N O W S H O W E N D O R S E D A N D S P O N S O R E D BY S N OW S P O RT S I N D U S T R I E S A M E R I CA A N D O U T D O O R I N D U S T RY AS S O C I AT I O N

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Product Zone

Featuring the freshest gear on the market today. Here is a sneak peek at what’s new and what’s coming from leading industry companies The Mountain Hardwear Denim Collection Reaching New Heights with Denim Engineering.

Designed for the those in the crowd who always push the boundaries, Mountain Hardwear’s

new denim collection marries versatility and functionality to create a new paradigm for

climbers at any elevation. CORDURA® Denim enhanced durability and wear-resistance and is the technical foundation for this

collection that performs equally well in the city or at the crag. The men’s and

The Mountain Hardwear Denim Collection – the new standard

for climbing – inspired authentic performance apparel.

Come see us to learn more! CORDURA® brand booth #54037-UL and Mountain Hardwear booth #44069.

Special Advertising Section

©2017 INVISTA. CORDURA® is a trademark of INVISTA for durable fabric. All other marks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

MADE IN NORWAY

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RECYCLED RUBBER We keep 300,000 metric tons of rubber out of landfills every year— recycling it into every OrthoLite® insole. We’ve been doing it since we made our very first product, and we’ve done it for the billions we’ve made ever since.

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The only thing as good as OrthoLite® is OrthoLite®.

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EDITORIAL

SHOW STAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

VP, GROUP SHOW DIRECTOR

khostetter@aimmedia.com

marisa.nicholson@outdoorretailer.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

SALES DIRECTOR

DEPUTY EDITOR

krista.dill@outdoorretailer.com

Kristin Hostetter Casey Lyons

Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan ASSISTANT EDITOR

Marisa Nicholson Krista Dill

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Paul Dillman

Kristen Kuchar

paul.dillman@outdoorretailer.com

CONTRIBUTORS

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE & PUBLISHER/ OUTDOOR RETAILER MAGAZINE

kkuchar@aimmedia.com

Amelia Arvesen, Corey Buhay, Erme Catino, Kassondra Cloos, David Clucas, M.T. Elliott, Courtney Holden, Krista Karlson, Brigid Mander, Eric Smith, Morgan Tilton, Carolyn Webber, Ryan Wichelns INTERN

Spencer Cox

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY ART DIRECTOR

Mike Leister DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR

Jackie McCaffrey Bradley ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Giovanni Corrado Leone LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Louisa Albanese PHOTOGRAPHER

Lauren Danilek PRODUCTION GROUP PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Barb Van Sickle

PREPRESS MANAGER

Joy Kelley

AD COORDINATOR

Caitlin O’Connor PREPRESS SPECIALIST

Idania Mentana SALES AND MARKETING GROUP PUBLISHER

Ryan Johnson

ryan.johnson@outdoorretailer.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Dave Nielson

dave.nielson@outdoorretailer.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Robert O’Quinn

robert.oquinn@outdoorretailer.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Casey Rydzeski

casey.rydzeski@outdoorretailer.com SENIOR MARKETING DIRECTOR

Jennifer Holcomb

jennifer.holcomb@outdoorretailer.com MARKETING DIRECTOR

Margie Lelvis

margie.lelvis@outdoorretailer.com MARKETING DIRECTOR

Sarah Langston

sarah.langston@outdoorretailer.com MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Natalie Generalovich

natalie.generalovich@outdoorretailer.com SENIOR ART DIRECTOR

Raymond Kang

raymond.kang@outdoorretailer.com PRODUCTION/TRAFFIC MANAGER

Laurie Stiglitz

laurie.stiglitz@outdoorretailer.com

Sharon Houghton

BRAND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

larry.harrison@outdoorretailer.com

shoughton@aimmedia.com

Scott Monte

smonte@aimmedia.com 949-701-2040 ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE

Sharon Burson

sburson@aimmedia.com 970-485-0846 ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE EVENTS/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Rebecca Hayden Louzan rhaydenlouzan@aimmedia.com 781-635-6719 ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE

Larry Harrison

RETAIL RELATIONS MANAGER

Joe Bustos

joe.bustos@outdoorretailer.com RETAIL RELATIONS MANAGER

Chris Sears

chris.sears@outdoorretailer.com SENIOR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Cathy Griffith

cathy.griffith@emeraldexpo.com OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Julie Freedman

Beth Prehn

julie.freedman@outdoorretailer.com

bprehn@aimmedia.com 303-253-6317

OPERATIONS MANAGER

ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE

nicole.tessier@outdoorretailer.com

Gregg Thayer

gthayer@aimmedia.com 303-817-7138

JOIN US.

Nicole Tessier

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Kirsten Khoury

kirsten.khoury@outdoorretailer.com REGISTRATION OPERATIONS MANAGER

Copyright 2017 © Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc.

PRESIDENT & CEO

Andrew W. Clurman SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & TREASURER

Michael Henry

CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER & GENERAL MANAGER, OUTDOOR GROUP

Jonathan Dorn

VICE PRESIDENT, AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Thomas Masterson

Kristen Novick

kristen.novick@emeraldexpo.com REGISTRATION OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Kylie Sanders

kylie.sanders@emeraldexpo.com EVENTS OPERATIONS

Nicole Lessley

nicole.lessley@outdoorretailer.com

VICE PRESIDENT, CONTROLLER

SPONSORSHIP OPERATIONS

VICE PRESIDENT, RESEARCH

kristen.hartman@outdoorretailer.com

Joseph Cohen Kristy Kaus

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

JoAnn Thomas AIM BOARD CHAIR

Kristen Hartman BILLING MANAGER

Sara Luckey

sara.luckey@outdoorretailer.com

Efrem Zimbalist III

CLASSIFIEDS CamberOutdoors.org

BEST OF BOOTH

Living History

The North Face skillfully employs color, simplicity, and storytelling in a mini-museum for the brand’s recent expedition to the bottom of the earth.

F

2

96

THE DAILY | OUTDOOR RETAILER + SNOW SHOW

3

4

1. Alex-tested, TNF-approved.

Honnold poses with the down suit he wore in Antarctica.

2. Expedition gear, returned from the ends of the earth, flanks the team’s dome tent.

The platform serves as both a centerpiece and impromptu seating. 3. A focus on Team USA freeskiing apparel helps bring the international brand home. 4. TNF downsized in area, if not in height, but even the in-your-face logo serves to wall-in the stage and create a cozier space within.

PHOTOS BY LOUISA ALBANESE; LAUREN DANILEK (3)

1

or some brands, settling into new digs means making slight tweaks to familiar setups. For The North Face, it meant a reimagining, and an opportunity for the global brand to make an intimate connection.

“Last year we felt our booth was almost too big,” says David Carrewyn, TNF’s global creative director. “We wanted to have a smaller experience with a more focused story. It’s a fairly minimalist sort of presentation, made of humble materials and meticulous craftsmanship.”

The storytelling focuses on TNF’s 2017 Antarctica expedition, in which seven athletes, including Conrad Anker, Anna Pfaff, Jimmy Chin, and Alex Honnold, bagged a handful of the continent’s more technical peaks. Their kits are showcased in the booth, with the down suits arranged in human shapes and sandwiched between panels of glass.

Meeting tables are glass-topped boxes, filled with harnesses, ropes, and beat-up packs and booties from the expedition. A four-season dome tent the team used sits opposite a bright plywood stage. The dais, designed for the Antarctica athletes to use during TNF’s speaker series, is small, and stools and tables give it an open-mic feel—exactly the intimate experience the brand was aiming for.

Come Visit us BOOTH #53061

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BOOTH: 49007-UL

BOOTH 54117-UL

ERGOKNIT™ WINDSTOPPER® STRETCH FLEECE PALM

GORE® WINDSTOPPER® FOR ADDED PROTECTION FROM THE WIND ENGINEERED FLEX POINTS PROVIDE AMPLE DEXTERITY AND RANGE OF MOTION

STRATEGICALLY PLACED SILICON PRINT ON PALMS AND FINGERS PROVIDES A SECURE GRIP 3-D KNIT PROVIDES WARM WITHOUT BULK AND OUTSTANDING COMFORT WITH 80% FEWER SEAMS

TOUCH-SCREEN COMPATIBLE

STRETCH RIB CUFFS HELP HOLD IN WARMTH

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BOOTH: 49007-UL