The Utah-based company is a new “one for one” startup where proceeds from purchases are used to help those in need. For example, the purchase of a water bottle from Cotopaxi will help provide a child in India with access to water for six months. The video above allows the Smiths to tell their story in their own words.
Tag: Utah
Outdoor Retailer Demo Day’s new Location
The Outdoor Retailer expo in Utah will begin next week, but the location will be a little different. The organizers have announced that the Open Air Demo will move due to low water levels at the Jordanelle Reservoir, the original planned location. Instead of Jordanelle, the demo will be held at the Pineview Reservoir near Ogden, on July 30.
Check back all next week for news from the Outdoor Retailer Show, which runs from July 31 to August 3.
Made in America: Bike Holster
With a name like Rocky Mountain Holster should we be surprised that the company is introducing a Western themed bike cup holder for cruisers? Andrew Houston reportedly makes each leather cup and beer holder by hand out of leather at his Park City, Utah workshop. He further personalizes these as well.
The Rocky Mountain bike cup holders can carry cans, water bottles, beer, phones and wallets and these attach to a basket, handlebar, pannier or belt. Basically, wherever the leather straps can be looped and snapped, thus giving the bike a western look.
Outdoor Retail Show Stays in Utah
While there was talk that the Outdoor Retailer Show would pull up stakes, it will in fact remain in Utah – and remain Utah’s largest trade show at least through 2016, but likely longer. The show pulled in about 22,000 attendees this January.
The show had looked to relocate as the attendance has increased, and has actually all but outgrown the Salt Palace Convention Center, which now utilizes temporary pavilions to accommodate all the exhibitors. The show, which continues to showcase advancements in outdoor technology, brings in an estimated $18.5 million of visitor spending and $40 million overall to the local economy.
Hopefully the show will continue to grow and Utah will find a way to accommodate the show going forward.
Outdoor Retail Show Future in Jeopardy
The Outdoor Retailer Show, which drew 27,000 people and more than 150 exhibitors this year, came and went too fast – much like many of the summertime products that were on display. And while summer will return year the show may not. Organizers have yet to announce next’s dates and while Salt Lake City has a contract to host next year’s event it is still very much up in the air. Continue reading Outdoor Retail Show Future in Jeopardy
Sunday Q&A: RAMP Sports Talks About Move Back to America
Last month we noted in our Friday Made in America profile that RAMP Sports was looking to ramp up production of its various skis and other products by moving back to America. Now Mike Kilchenstein, CEO and founder of RAMP Sports, a 32 year industry veteran tells us why they made that decision. Continue reading Sunday Q&A: RAMP Sports Talks About Move Back to America
Made in America: RAMP Looks to Ramp Up USA Operations
RAMP Sports is a boutique ski manufacturer that is based in Park City, Utah and it is looking to change the way the skis are made. The company recently opened its 10,000square foot facility and bringing their ski production back to the United States from Taiwan. To do so they have looked to utilize new technology that includes the vacuum form molding process that is commonly used in the aeronautics industry to develop composite helicopter rotor blades.
This will reportedly replace the need for expensive traditional presses that are currently the industry standard. This is a big shift in the industry, which hasn’t really seen much in the way of forward thinking innovation in nearly 40 years. More importantly it will allow the company to bring its operations close to where the skis can easily be used. Continue reading Made in America: RAMP Looks to Ramp Up USA Operations
Bad Week for Board Riders
This hasn’t been a banner week for skateboarding. The northern Utah city of Richmond is considering banning skateboards on city streets. There have been complaints that skateboarders ride in the middle of streets, but one city councilman reportedly expressed concerns that the boarders threatened the safety of pedestrians, especially children.
Won’t someone think of the child? But seriously, how is it that the boards are threatening children – are the kids walking in the middle of the streets as well? It would seem that skateboarding on the sidewalk would threaten the safety of pedestrians.
Meanwhile, ESPN has announced that it has eliminated women’s vert skateboarding form the program at this July’s X Games in Los Angeles. This event reportedly struggled to sustain a viable competitive tour, and the X Games was the only remaining major competition.
On the plus side women’s street skating will remain a part of the X Games program.
Staying Warm While Skiing With New Heated Ski Lift
Skiers heading to Park City, Utah this coming season will be in for a treat. It has been announced that the first of its kind bubble enclosed, quad lift will be introduced just outside the Grand Summit Hotel. The weather protecting orange bubble will give visitors a new perspective on the slopes. It promises to offer unmatched visibility, safety and for those who don’t like the mountain chill – new comforts that include heated seats.
The orange bubble will further make skiers feel like they’re inside a pair of ski goggles, and this lift should increase the uphill capacity from base to mountain by around 47 percent. And it will allow skiers to get to the top of the mountain in a mere nine minutes. But again, we think the fact that skiers will stay warm is the best part.