Sony Debuts its Action Sports HD Video Cam

Looking to get into the action of point-of-view video, Sony introduced its Action Cam HDR-AS10 HD video camera with Wi-Fi capability. The compact camera mounts with an adhesive to flat and curved surfaces. This means you can mount it to a helmet, handlebar, ski, snowboard, surfboard, skateboard or other object to capture all the action. Continue reading Sony Debuts its Action Sports HD Video Cam

Snowsports Participation Report Numbers

Just because winter is a time to bundle up with extra layers, doesn’t mean all of us are hibernating. Many of us get out and burn calories on the slopes, ice and take part in other outdoor adventures. SIA, the SnowSports Industries America organization, released its 2012 SIA Snow Sports Participation Report. The top finding shows that 6.9 percent of Americans participate in snow sports, and burn 332 million calories while they do it. Continue reading Snowsports Participation Report Numbers

ICEdot to Provide Emergency Response System for Athletes

A helmet can help protect the wearer’s head in case of a fall or accident, but it can’t call for help. What is an individual to do if he or she falls while out alone and far from home? ICEdot (In Case of Emergency) is working to provide a solution, and the company has partnered with SenseTech LLC of Denver to develop and launch a helmet-mounted impact sensor.

In the event of an accident the sensor determines the crucial forces, and can activate communications on the wearer’s smartphone to send a request for help. This could be used with cycling, skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing and even motocross helmets. Continue reading ICEdot to Provide Emergency Response System for Athletes

Nordic Skiing Heads to the Streets with the Skike

In the United States there has been a drought with little rain – let alone snow – being seen this summer, but that shouldn’t stop those looking to hit the slopes. While there are skis that can be used on rocks and gravel the Skiki is another concept, it essentially allows skiing on the roads or flat hard packed off-road surfaces.

This isn’t really that new of a concept, and over the years there have been attempts to put wheels on skis. The Skikes are unique in that it takes an influence from bicycles and uses use a pair of large – at least compared to inline skates – inflatable tires. While downhill skiing is possible, it is really more of a cross-country/Nordic hybrid. Continue reading Nordic Skiing Heads to the Streets with the Skike

Rudy Project Offers 2-For-1 Deal

Rudy Project is offering a two-for-one promotion on its sunglasses, RX lenses, goggles and helmets. Purchase one of Rudy Project’s three premium helmets, or a pair of sunglasses – there’s over 20 models to choose from – and get a second item free. On average, you’ll save about $180 on the deal, though to do that you’ll spend that much. You’ll also have to pay $24.95 for shipping and insurance. Continue reading Rudy Project Offers 2-For-1 Deal

Beverly Hills Studio Offers Simulated Ski Sessions

This winter’s mild weather has made for a slow ski season in many parts of the United States, but fortunately there’s a new destination winter sports aficionados can head to — Beverly Hills, CA. That’s right, the sun-drenched city know for its million-dollar celebrity mansions and fad diets is now home to SkyTechSport Ski and Fit, an indoor studio for ski and snowboard fans.

The club currently offers two ski simulators: the President Lux, an 18-foot-long ski simulator that’s paired with a 10-foot screen, and the larger Olymp simulator (pictured above), a 24-foot-long machine that’s paired with a panoramic display and 3D capability. (The facility is already looking to expand its offerings with a smaller 10-foot Leader Pro model to come later this year.) Continue reading Beverly Hills Studio Offers Simulated Ski Sessions

SIA: Lodgesoxx for After Skiing

Last week at SIA Snowsports Show we saw lots of products for activity, but also a few post-workout goods that are worth mentioning. LodgeSoxx is a pair of socks designated for wearing around the lodge or other areas you want to take off your ski boots, but you don’t want to walk around in just your socks.

Continue reading SIA: Lodgesoxx for After Skiing

SIA: The Sights of the Snowshow in Denver

It snowed at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver during the SIA Snowshow.

Last week KineticShift headed to SIA, the Snowsports Industries America Snowshow, to check out winter sports gear coming out this year. Here are some of the highlights from the show. Click on the images for a larger view and more detail.

Continue reading SIA: The Sights of the Snowshow in Denver

SIA: Get on the Helmet Band-(It) Wagon

Over the years we’ve encountered many people who won’t wear helmets for cycling because they think they look cooler with their hair blowing in the wind – at least until a crash. Today many cyclists see a helmet as part of the style of riding. On the slopes, where fashion remains part of the sport, many skiers simply avoid the helmets because they won’t sacrifice style for safety.

But now Helmet Band-Its could be the answer, as the company offers an easy way to accessorize helmets, offering style whilst retaining the protection.

The patent-pending Helmet Band-Its, which are being shown at this week’s Snowsports Industry America’s trade show in Denver, are just as the name implies, fashionable bands that can be worn over and around a ski helmet. These are made of European faux and premium furs (sorry PETA), as well as high-quality cotton and even novelty materials for more whimsical designs. It allows skiers to look chic while skiing it safe!

Helmet Band-Its Official Website

SIA 2012: Quicksilver Makes a Play for the Mountains

Quicksilver, a brand known among surfers, watermen, skateboarders and snowboarders, is prepping its fall 2012 line for a newly launched mountain division. The line will be on show at Outdoor Retailer and SIA this month.

The fall line includes 16 pieces including insulator jackets, down parkas, fleeces, bombers, windbreakers and shells that range in price fom $80 to $250. In an early look Quicksilver revealed a photo of its Ghost Tree jacket, shown in orange.

Quicksilver Official Website

Skiing Out of Control? Get Custom-Fitted Boots

The Surefoot RX130 custom ski boot lists for $995.

Ever wonder why you can’t seem to ski properly when you’re on the slopes, that you can’t turn as tight or feel in control at all times? The answer may lie in the boots you’re wearing, according to Forbes contributor Larry Olmsted in an extensive piece he’s written on the subject of custom boots. Olmsted says that of all the ski equipment, the boots are what make the experience, not even the skis themselves. (We theorize ill-fitting boots could be a reason why beginner skiers have a hard time learning, too, but no boot will instantly make you a master skier.)

The reasons for buying a custom boot? Olmsted cites three advantages: improved skiing for more control and betters turns; more comfort for more runs, less soreness, and less fatigue; and warmth for better blood circulation. Despite his championing custom ski boots, he acknowledges the high price of $1,014 to $1,214 for a pair. But for avid skiers looking to conquer the mountain, a custom boot might be the weapon you need. Hit the link to read further about how custom boots are made and the benefits they offer.

[Via Forbes: Why You Need Custom Ski Boots – Now]

Get a Chuk Grip!

Looking to get a grip? The ChukGrips might just be the answer. These are multi-positional, ergonomically correct pole handles that can be used for hiking, walking, cross-country skiing and even mountain climbing. These provide a good position of the hand and wrist in relation to the poling stroke, and is ideal as well for those with large or otherwise bulky gloves, making these good for use in snow sports and for trekking through deep snow.

The grips can be attached to existing poles without too much effort, or are available as a complete package. Either way these are good for those looking to get a different kind of grip for their poles.

ChukGrip Official Website
[Via Snow Shoe Magazine: ChukGrips Transform Everyday Trekking Poles into Essential Snowshoeing Equipment]

Sweden Building World’s Largest Indoor Ski Slope

Stretching over 753,473 square feet, Skipark360 will be the world’s largest indoor ski resort doubling the size of today’s current indoor ski champ, Holland’s SnowWorld Landgraaf. The new resort, which will be situated 45 minutes from Stockholm, Sweden, also hopes to be the world’s only indoor ski resort to house a 2,297-foot long slope with a 525-foot drop — large enough to officially host alpine World Cup events. Designed by CF Moller Architects, this winter wonderland will also feature a 2.2-mile cross country ski tunnel, 20,000 square-foot biathlon arena, ice hockey arena, figure skating arena, and a snowboarding area. And that’s just part of this massive facility.

Video after the jump Continue reading Sweden Building World’s Largest Indoor Ski Slope