Light Headed

K2-RouteAt the recent Outdoor Retailer Show winter sports gear maker K2 showed it was headed in the right direction with the Route, which it claimed was “the lightest snow-certified helmet” ever made. It weighs just 320 grams and features 59 vent holes, ear warmers and boa closure to provide a tight fit. The company noted this is actually a multi-sport helmet that could be used for mountain biking as well as snowsports, but either way it provides plenty of airflow to help keep the head cool.

K2 Helmets Official Website

Less People Hitting the Powder?

snowboardcrashLess 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]

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