‘SIA’ Articles
Written by KineticShift on 21 November 2011
The SIA Snow Show is still more than two months away, and winter is still a month off itself, but already the annual industry trade event is poised to sell out. Predictions of a bad winter is good news for the snow sports industry, which expects to draw more than 19,000 attendees including snow sport suppliers, retailers, reps, athletes and professionals from around the world to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver for the January 26-29 event.
The Snow Show, which sold out in booth space last June, will feature over 900 snow sports brands throughout over 330,000 sq. ft. square feet of exhibit space including 96 new exhibitors, which are brand new to the Show or returning after taking a hiatus. 2011 Video Recap after the jump
Tags: Colorado Convention Center, Devil's Thumb Ranch, ON-Snow Demo, SIA Snow Show, Ski-Ride Fest, Winter Park Resort
Posted in Equipment, Outdoors, SIA, Snow Sports | No Comments »
Written by Brian O'Connor on 22 July 2011
Last week was the Snowsports Industries America (SIA) Show in New York featuring a number of different manufacturers from all around the winter sports industry. With so many companies to choose from, it might seem odd that we picked a sock company to feature. There are quite a few sock companies that still produce their items in the U.S.A., but most usually on feature three sizes – FITS Socks manufactures five different sizes ranging from 3-½ to 15-½ for men and 5 to 17 for women.
Knitting socks in Niota, TN since 1902, Crescent Sock Co. endured the ups and downs that shaped the character of America’s people and her textiles industry. Today the company produces socks under its own FITS name in the oldest operating hosiery mill in the U.S. – leveraging technical expertise and long-held knowledge of fit and comfort. The family-owned company remains committed to its vision, its people, and to keeping jobs in the Tennessee Valley. Crescent manufactured socks for more than 30 other brands before deciding to market its own high-quality product. Responding to an industry-wide epidemic of ill-fitting socks, FITS leveraged over a century of experience to develop the world’s best-fitting sock using materials, processes, and quality controls that far exceed industry standards. The result: a product line that embodies the crucial connection between fit and performance.
FITS Sock has a different approach to sock ‘fitting‘. Instead of looking at the length of the foot, they base their sizing on total volume of the foot creating a precise sock-fit. FITS socks are constructed from two-ply, compact-spun, ultra-fine Merino Wool, providing the ultimate blend of softness and durability. Their F3 Technology™ delivers a unique form FIT thanks to a deep heel pocket, specialized toe seam, and contoured leg – which keep FITS socks firmly in place. This means no more bunching, hot spots, or friction, regardless of the task at hand – if you experience any of these issues, you will appreciate how important a good pair of fitting socks can make your sporting experience much more enjoyable.
At SIA FITS was featuring their winter sports sock – FITS SKI. The heart of the FITS SKI line is the FITS Ultra Light SKI, a minimalist’s SKI sock. Developed to be the thinnest high-performance Merino Wool ski sock, it features ultra-light construction with absolutely no cushioning; a vented instep for breathability and reduced material; and FITS’ signature SculptureKnit leg that conforms to your foot and leg and stays up all day.
Along with winter sports, FITS also produces socks for hikers, runners, hunters and even business or casual use. Ranging from $15.99 to $19.99, FITS Socks are available directly from their website or you can search their store locator page to find a retailer near you. If you order directly from FITS, rest assured that the socks will fit you properly. If you are not satisfied with your socks, simply contact FITS Sock Co. within 30 days and they will replace your pair with the correct size or refund your money.
FITS Sock Official Website
Tags: FITS SKI, FITS Socks, Made in America, SIA, Snowsports Industries America, socks
Posted in Equipment, Footwear, Made in America, SIA, Snow Sports | No Comments »
Written by Brian O'Connor on 21 July 2011
‘Fresh tracks’… the endless pursuit of most boarders to be the first to descend a mountain full of freshly fallen snow. At most resorts it is tough to be to first on the slopes so this drives the truly hardcore into the backcountry. These people hike up slopes for hours in waist-deep snow just to get one or two runs a day in the virgin snow – a ‘high‘ that is tough to duplicate.
The pursuit of freshies just got a little easier! MTN Approach has announced the first three-part, light weight, folding approach ski. Designed by snowboarders and weighing just 3.5 pounds per foot, each ski has two hinges that allows this 150cm ski to fold down to 53cm (approximately 21”). This might not sound like a big deal, but as someone who has snowshoed all-day to ride on some fresh powder, the use of skis make the ascent much quicker and easier as they do not sink into the snow as deep. Sure, snowshoes work fine to hike up a slope, but they often do not fit snowboard boots very well. This means that more equipment is required to be carried if a second set of boots is needed.
The MTN Approach skis do not utilize traditional ski bindings requiring specific, ridged boots. The MTN Approach skis has bindings that a straps similar to snowboards which allows the use of just about any snowboard boot. These skis also feature metal edges, side cuts and full camber. This permits the rider to perform a more confident ascent of the mountain, especially when traversing a slope. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: MTN Approach, SIA, snowboard, snowshoes
Posted in Footwear, Outdoors, SIA, Snow Sports | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 20 July 2011
While a lot of skiing is of course about the actual skis, the truth is that it is the boots that play a big role. Having ill fitting boots can result in bad form and accidents. But now Fisher Skis US is looking to make ski boots that fit like a glove.
The Fischer Vacuum Fit pretty much gives away how they accomplish this, setting a new standard in Alpine boots, making for the first ski footwear that has a 100 percent custom fit. The patented Fischer VACU-PLAST material provides for a completely anatomical fit of the entire boot. But yet it doesn’t take a massive amount of time or money to obtain this level of quality. Fittings can be in about 20 minutes, offering a reliable and stable result. The material inside can be reshaped up to five times ensuring that each customer gets a 100 percent perfect fit.
(Video after the jump)
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: boots, SIA, ski, Snowsports Industries America
Posted in Outdoors, SIA, Snow Sports | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 19 July 2011
For those who think the current weather is frightful, and prefer snow instead of heat waves, last week saw the Snowsports Industries America winter preview in New York City, known as the Summer Showdown. It was a chance to cool down with some very cool products.
While this reporter is personally enjoying the heat, it was interesting to get information on new helmet covers from Active Helmets. The truth is that many helmets are designed to help airflow, but it got us thinking, what if you’d like to cover it up?
Active Helmets has the answer with a new line of helmet covers, which were introduced at the big SIA show in January. These are made to be interchangeable from helmet to helmet, sport to sport. So when the weather cools down you can cover up your cycling helmet, and then later use the cover to show your style with a ski or snowboard helmet. Active Helmets currently offers custom logos for ski schools, resorts and even group events. So as the company says, “play it safe, wear a helmet,” now you can cover it with some style.
Active Helmets Official Website
Tags: Active Helmets, helmet cover, SIA, Snowsports Industries America
Posted in Equipment, Low Tech, Outdoors, SIA | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 07 February 2011
The reports from the Snowsports Industries America Trade Show last month were that this the best year ever for those in the snow sports business. And next year another player will be on board – as Icelandic snowboarding brothers Eiki and Halldor Helgason announced their new company Lobster Snowboards.
“Eiki and me wanted to get on the same board program since day one. We really have fun and push each other when we ride together so this was a logical step for us,” said Halldor in a statement.
The new brand will be launched for Fall 2011, and will be using triple base technology on the Jibboard, the Parkboard and the Girlboard, and the company will also introduce Eiki Jib Board and Halldor Park Board graphics. Given the new trend towards “rocker” technology, we have to ask… any chance we might see a “Rock Lobster” snowboard. We guess we’ll find out this fall.
Lobster Snowboards Official Website
Tags: Eiki, Eiki Jib, Girlboard, Halldor, Halldor Park, Helgason, Jibboard, Lobster snowboards, rocker, snowboard
Posted in Equipment, Outdoors, SIA | No Comments »
Written by KineticShift on 02 February 2011
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. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: bamboo, Cycling, eco-friendly, green, helmets, SIA, ski, snowboard, Snowsports Industries America
Posted in Apparel, Equipment, Outdoors, SIA | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 31 January 2011
If you’re having a working vacation on the slopes, or just think you can do serious multitasking, the Recon ski goggles with Bluetooth might be for you. The company has added the wireless technology to its latest line of Transcend GPS-powered alpine goggles, and these can connect with a smartphone to access playlists, caller ID or even to read text messages.
The new goggles, which were shown last week at the SIA (Snowsports Industries of America) trade show in Denver, can also connect to a video camera, with the LCD screen within the eyewear lens acting as a viewfinder. These Transcend goggles further feature a navigation system with buddy-tracking and even integrated trail maps.
Pricing and availability haven’t been announced, but we’ll be sure to keep an eye out for these.
Recon Official Website
Tags: Bluetooth, goggles, GPS, LCD screen, Recon, ski, Transcend
Posted in Equipment, Exercise, Mobile Phone, Outdoors, SIA, Software | No Comments »
Written by KineticShift on 31 January 2011
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. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: alpine ski, SIA, snow, snowboard, Snowsports Industries America
Posted in Apparel, Equipment, Exercise, Outdoors, SIA | No Comments »
