This week at the Snowsports Industries America (SIA) show in Denver Venture Snowboards is showing a full line of its 2012/2013 boards including the Euphoria, Helix, Zephyr, Storm and Odin.
Category: Snow Sports
Made in America: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes
Snowshoeing is an activity that most able bodied people can do during the winter, just as long as there is enough snow. This is proving to be a fairly light snow year, at least in Colorado, but hopefully as we get into the later winter months that will change. There are quite a few companies that still manufacture their snowshoes in America, and one recently caught our eye due to its unique features. The MSR Lightning Ascent, by Cascade Designs, looks like a traditional snowshoe from a far, but has a whole list of features that set these shoes one step ahead of the competition. Continue reading Made in America: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes
A Nutty Quick Fix
Have you ever been on the slopes with a group of people and the consensus is to do one more run before taking a break to eat? But what if you are absolutely starving? We’ve all heard the story, usually after the fact, where going for that one last run would be fine, but the ending is usually the same – some sort of crash and/or injury. Skiing and riding ‘well’ requires focus and if your mind is on food, you may end up being one of those stories of ‘just one last run.’ Experienced snow sport enthusiasts usually have something in their pocket to quite the calling from their stomachs – a granola bar, a shot, an energy bar or even a waffle. All of them are excellent choices, but for those who do not like the taste or consistency of those products, there is another choice. Justin’s Nut Butter of Boulder, Colorado is producing their nut butters in 1.15-ounce or 32-gram packs. These packs are big enough to provide a quick 160-calories or more in a convenient single serving packet that can be easily kept in your pocket. Continue reading A Nutty Quick Fix
It’s a Ski, It’s a Snowboard, It’s…
Two skis, one snowboard; that’s how those of us who prefer warm-weather sports remember the difference. But now there is confusion with the dual snowboard, which looks sort of like a board cut in half and worn kind of like skis.
But apparently these are catching on, and could be yet another way to hit the slopes – if the snow actually arrives this winter. Check out the video to see why these might just shake things up. Continue reading It’s a Ski, It’s a Snowboard, It’s…
Base Camp Gloves
Sometimes gloves can be overkill, but Italian outdoor clothing maker Camp has introduced a new medium weight base glove, the G COMP WIND, that features a durable synthetic leather palm along with Grip’R pads on the thumb and index finger. The result gives the wearer a bit more hand control. These “base” Camp gloves further feature a terry wipe strip on the thumb that can be used to clean goggles or glasses.
When the temperatures fall or conditions worsen, ripstop nylon Windmit’N covers can be pulled over to provide extra protection to the fingers, while still leaving the palm exposed. This is like two gloves in one, and best of all allows more precise finger use without the need to expose the hand in the process.
Camp Official Website
[Via Gear Patrol: Camp G Comp Wind Gloves]
Skiing Out of Control? Get Custom-Fitted Boots
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.
Bamboo on the Ski Slopes
When thinking of bamboo the first thought that comes to mind might very likely be a tropical jungle? It probably wouldn’t be snow sports, but that isn’t stopping a few companies from utilizing bamboo as a material for making snowboards.
And why not? Bamboo is a fast growing grass that offers a great deal of rigidity and strength. And unlike other materials it is quick growing and makes for a nice natural look. It’s been used for floors for years, and now is hitting the slopes. Continue reading Bamboo on the Ski Slopes
Hot Under the Collar and Much, Much More
With winter now actually here the temperatures outside are dropping and that means it can be hard to keep warm. But the Columbia Circuit Breaker jacket could help wearer’s get hot under the collar or just about anywhere else. This jacket uses the same Omni Heat thermal reflective technology that we reported on last week with Columbia’s Gathering Storm gloves.
Basically the technology reflects body heat back on the wearer, but the jacket goes a step further by including rechargeable battery powered heat coils. These are strategically-located at key body zones to help battle the cold, and afterward the jacket can be plugged into a standard outlet or recharged via a USB port. Out in the wilds the jacket can even light up to show others that it is doing its thing.
Columbia Sportswear Official Website
[Via ESPN: Columbia Circuit Breaker jacket]
Waste-Not Recycling Reclaims Skis
There is a downside to the use of composite materials in athletic equipment – while it offers lightweight options and greater performance enhancements, it is hard to recycle it at the end of its useful life. This is true of bicycles as we’ve noted, but it is a problem with skis too, as North Colorado Business Report noted last week.
Fortunately Waste-Not Recycling, which is located in Loveland, is there to lead the pioneering efforts to both recycle and reuse skiing equipment. The company, which works with the national trade group Snowsports Industries America, is currently in the testing stage to break down the used equipment and find what can be reused or repurposed.
As with other industries, hopefully where there is a will there will a way to make this happen.
Waste-Not Recycling Official Website
Snowsports Industries America Official Website
[Via North Colorado Business Report: Ski-equipment recycling outfit hopes for a lift]
May the Board Be With You
It is hard to imagine a truly diehard Star Wars fan hitting the slopes this winter, but apparently the folks at Burton Snowboards thought otherwise. The board maker has released a line of Star Wars themed boards ($189.95 each) featuring various characters from the original Star Wars trilogy including Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda and Boba Fett. The boards range from 2.5 feet to about 4 feet long – the former likely inspiring the Star Wars joke, “isn’t it a little short for a snowboarder?” (If you don’t get the joke, chances are these boards aren’t for you). “The droid you are looking for” is after the jump
Reusable Winter Brain Bucket
Helmets are meant to protect the wearer’s head by taking the impact. However, even a minor spill can diminish the protective qualities of a helmet, and after a major crash or blow the helmet needs to be replaced. This certainly makes sense with cycling helmets, but with winter sports helmets there is an alternative.
The Pro-Tec B2 Snow instead features multiple-impact rebounding foam under the shell that can reconstitute after a crash. This allows the helmet to be used time and time again. The downside to this budget minded helmet is that it has just 15 fixed vents and no adjustment, with no audio options. But those who want a helmet to last and last, let the Pro-Tech B2 Snow be the last word in brain buckets!
Snowkiting Lifts Off on West Coast
There are sports even we haven’t heard much about, but one to watch for 2012 could be Snowkiting, which is reportedly poised to take off in Tahoe and the West Coast. The sport is that includes jumps, flips, spins and is powered by the air – much like parasailing or windsurfing.
And unlike snowboarding or skiing, which are just downhill, snowkiting lifts you up.
Snowkiting.com
[Via North Lake Tahoe Bonanza: Push it to the limit: Snowkiting slowly gaining speed in Tahoe, West Coast]
Eye of the Dragon
When snowboarding you need not have the eyes of a tiger or an eagle, you need the eyes of the Dragon, and the Dragon Hero APX goggles will let you see the way. These feature super anti-fog, infinity lens technology, with armored venting and unidirectional air flow. Additionally they are helmet compatible and offer polar tech micro fleece lining for those who fly down the hills like… yes, a dragon!