Snow Sports | Evolving Consumer

Snow Trek

Winter still has some time left and if you’re looking to get out there you might think about deploying with the Deploy TR-3 poles, which feature a one-handed length adjustment system called the Trigger Release. This provides on-the-fly adjustability that can come in handing when hiking in deep snow, sidehilling, switchbacking or just when you need to change your footing. These poles feature a breakaway strap that allows for glove-friendly adjustments but will also force-release if pole gets lodged during a fall.

The Deploy TR-3 are made of 7000-series aerospace-grade aluminum and can collapse to a pack-friendly size after the hike.

MSR Deploy TR-3 Official Website

Blades to Cut Through Snow

Rollerblades pretty much revolutionized the concept of roller skates, and now FATblades are looking to take the skating to the snow. These mini-skis, which can be worn with traditional snowboard boots are essentially a combination of skates, skis and snowboards for the feet. The designers, which are now looking to a Kickstarter campaign to bring the FATblades to the masses, say these can be used in all sorts of conditions including ice, soft snow and even heavy powder. Video after the jump

January: The Month of Trade Shows

The holidays are over and it is time to get back to work! Whether you like it or not now ‘tis the season of trade shows and for KineticShift that means CES, SHOT Show, North American International Auto Show and SIA Snow Show, where we’ll be seeing all the products that will help you keep those resolutions this year.

Check back all month for our reports from these shows!

CES Official Website
NSSF SHOT Show Official Website
North American International Auto Show Official Website
SIA Snow Show Official Website

Spinlister Makes Snowboard Renting a Snap

Need to rent a pair of skis or a snowboard? Don’t stand in line or wait on hold, use the smartphone the smart way. Signal Snowboards founder Dave Lee is helping promote the new rental service and mobile app Spinlister, which allows users to rent a board or skis from the handset. This even allows individuals to rent out their gear as well.

This Android and iOS app lets users list snowboards and rent snowboards anywhere in the world, with all listings GPS located to make it easy to find the gear near you. In addition, everything is exchanged through the app and listers are completely covered through the Spinlister insurance policy.

Spinlister Official Website

Less People Hitting the Powder?

Less people are taking part in winter sports. According to a recent national report from the SnowSports Industries America (SIA), participation in alpine skiing actually dropped 19 percent last winter and overall snow sports participation was down by three percent. While some states, such as Utah, are seeing growth the national picture far different.

This report further suggests that the lessons for skiers has been flat, while season pass and even multi-day ticket sales have been down. This isn’t good news for the snow sport industry at all, but could be attributed to the recent mild winters.

[Via The Salt Lake Tribune: Ski, snowboard participation dropping nationally]

No Flimsy Snowshoe Here

The Fimbulvetr might not look like a snowshoe but the thermoplastic elastomer body is what will have you walking on the white stuff in the 21st century. So long to the old wicker and wood shoes and hello Fimbulvetr. Developed in Norway these are meant to be light, comfortable and most importantly easy to walk in.

These feature and asymmetrical shape that is designed to mimic the foot, while the punched honeycomb pattern is there to maintain torsional strength and floatation, all of which is good for helping to trek through the snow. Video after the jump

Doom’s Day

You’re doomed if you wear these goggles on the slopes, but we mean that in the best possible way. The Spy Optics Doom snow goggles are feature Locksteady fingerprint free quick-change lens system that the company notes “is your only hope for protection against the everchanging elements of mother nature.”

These are built from flexible polyurethane that provides a custom feel, while the anti-fog 5.5-base ARC spherical dual-lens system offers anti-scratch protection. These are helmet compatible, and offer triple-layer Isotron face foam with moisture wicking Dri-Force fleece.

These goggles are ready for any slope including Mount Doom – but that of course would require a trip to the fictional realm of Middle Earth. For the real world these will make any descent a Doom’s day.

Spy Optics Doom Official Website

It Just CL!CKS

When out on the slopes the last thing you are likely to have is a tool to adjust your bindings. The CL!CK CARABINER is something that will likely be within reach and is thus there when you really need it most.

This tool provides a large slot screwdriver, a pair of Phillips heads and even bottle opener for those times when you reach the end of the run. While designed with skiers and snowboarders in mind, this could be a tool for anyone looking to clip one on. Designer Mark Schmid of San Diego is now looking to Kickstarter to get the CL!CK to click with investors. Video after the jump

It’s Snow Time in Washington

The snow sports industry has seen some ups and downs the last couple of years, and last month board members from SnowSports Industries America (SIA), the snow sports industry’s member-owned trade association, along with National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) board members, joined forces in Washington, D.C. to discuss how to grow participation and to lobby around regulatory and trade issues currently affecting the snow sports industry.

While the meeting looked at efforts to expand snow sport participation programs, including Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and Bring a Friend Challenge, some other important issues were discussed.

SIA and NSAA spent the day on Capitol Hill meeting with Members of Congress and their key staff members focusing on five main issues – Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, Miscellaneous Tarriff Bill, TSA Policy for Avalanche Air Bag Canisters, Water Rights for Land Resorts and Immigration and Visas. Continue reading It’s Snow Time in Washington

The Real MC

This MC doesn’t need a DJ. The MC-X ski boot from Apex will let skiers move to their own beat, and these are designed to let you head anywhere on the mountain you want to go. These 2014 books feature high performance nano fiber modular open chassis designed for the most aggressive freeride and all mountain skier and a support boot for natural foot positioning and walkability.

The boots offer a heat moldable inner liner, tunable A-Flex suspension, Boa Focus speed lacing closure system, cuff alignment and micro adjustable buckles for optimal customization With the addition of a Vibram sole these will let you hit the slopes and even head to the back country. Continue reading The Real MC

Hive Mentality

For those snowboarders who strap in boards, but hate strapping in perhaps the Bon Hiver Freebase Snowboard Binding concept from New York resident Brendan Walker is worth a look. He’s taken to Kickstarter to try to get people to strap in with his bindings the utilize neodyminum magnets.

The idea is to create strap-in binding that snowboards strap in once and ride all day. Video explains it all after the jump

POC Goes to the Road

Last year POC made a big impact with its revolutionary award-winning ski and snowboard helmets and more recently with its mountain bike helmets. This year the company is looking to get on the road with new cycling helmets, apparel and eyewear lines. While snow sports sales now account for 80 percent of POC’s business the company is looking to divide its business between cycling and snow sports – likely to be more of a year round business.

POC will debut its new product lines at this year’s Eurobike and Interbike trade shows.

POC Official Website

Weekend Reading List (03.30.2013): Dam Crowded, Book Run, Winter End, Cycle-Friendly Lorry

Dam Crowded

From BikeRadar: Too many bikes in Amsterdam?
Are there too many bikes in Amsterdam? Not enough spaces to park them, narrow lanes clogged with swelling ranks of cyclists and a growing tension with moped drivers have raised an interesting problem for the city famed for its love of the bike. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.30.2013): Dam Crowded, Book Run, Winter End, Cycle-Friendly Lorry