Tag: SIA

SIA: Snow Sports Looks to Another Good Year

While much of the country is again trying to dig out from a major winter storm, the white stuff probably has the snow sport industry smiling. After all, if it is going to snow you might as well enjoy it. This week the shift has moved from the show floor halls at Snowsports Industries of America to the outdoor demo days, but we look back at the word from the show.

The buzz is that the slopes will feature skiers and riders clad in “svelte” high-tech gear of all sorts, including down sweaters, as well as faux fur and tight fitting outfits with bold colors. On the board there will likely be more rocking, as the major trend continues to be the rocker shapes, as well as a greater emphasis on all-terrain freestyle boards.

Snowboarding and skiing will likely take a cue from cycling, with helmets becoming a greater emphasis for safety. According to numbers from the show, the numbers of people wearing helmets has increased to a record high 57 percent. And as with other sports, the helmets are evoking a new sense of style, becoming fashion accessories rather than just protective gear. Continue reading SIA: Snow Sports Looks to Another Good Year

SIA: Kick Out the Jams

While the show was about snow sports, there were plenty of products for use year round from the SIA (Snowsports Industries America) trade show, which was held last week in Denver. One product that caught our eye was the JammyPack, a small fanny pack bag that includes a small battery powered speaker system.

 The idea is to let wearer’s bring and share the music sans headphones – which can be a good idea in places where a headphone might not be recommended. From our own experience, we’re also sure this product will do a great job at annoying those around any wearer in the process. Congratulations to JammyPack, first for offering an alternative to headphones and second, for making it all the easier for inconsiderate people to “share” their music with the rest of us!

JammyPack Official Website

SIA: Like Sleeping on Air

One thing that isn’t so great about the great outdoors is sleeping on the ground, especially in the winter when said ground can be frozen. If you’re looking to be a little less extreme in your extreme travels, or just seek a little comfort while roughing it, Kymit has you covered. Or rather they have you undered, as in the company has a product that means no more sleeping on the ground.

At least weeks Snowsports Industries America trade Show Klymit showed off the Interia X-Frame, a sleeping pad for campers that can fold down to the size of a nine-ounce, soda can-sized pack – yet blows up in no time. It inflates via a simple push-pull valve that is entirely lung powered with 10 or so puffs. In other words a bit of huffing and puffing means no more sleeping on the dirt.

Klymit Official Website

SIA: Snow Sports is Big Business

The snow sports market is big business, and according to numbers from last week’s Snowsports Industries America trade show, which took place in Denver, more than $1 billion (with a B) worth of equipment apparel alone, and reached $2.1 billion season-to-date.

So while the evening news may be complaining about the falling snow, and cities on the East Coast continue to dig out, this has been a boom time for those who partake in winter sports. This is also the first time that in history that snow sport sales have topped a billion dollars for sales in a single month. Sales this season are also 16 percent higher than last year, suggesting that despite a still sluggish economy winter sports are taking on the winter blues. Continue reading SIA: Snow Sports is Big Business