WOMEN'S FASHION TRENDS: SOUTHWEST INSPIRATION
Style points are just as important as technical performance features in women’s accessories. Southwestern colors and patterns were big this year. One example: Darn Tough Vermont and its lightweight women’s Taos ski sock. The eye-catching geometric pattern showcases a free spirit with a touch of heritage. It’s technically advanced as well: it’s made of knit Merino wool for temperature regulation and has underfoot cushion for comfort.
The Pistil Freshie trucker cap follows suit, with its heritage-inspired geometric knit pattern (don’t forget the adorable pompom) that was stopping people in their tracks. www.darntough.com www.pistildesigns.com
SKHOOP ALPINE A-LINE
Women looking for an all-in-one on-hill and après option can find it in Skhoop’s new Supreme Thermium a-line skirt. Its water-resistant, seam-sealed construction and water-repellent outer fabric treatment make it a durable option for cold and wet alpine conditions. This is one of few products that will boast Gore-Tex’s new Thermium technology, in which Gore’s functional fabrics are positioned directly over the garment’s insulation material (down, synthetic fibers, or wool), improving breathability. Oh, and the Skhoop’s asymmetrical design adds visual appeal and boosts coverage of the backside. www.skhoop.us
RUROC RGI-X
This UK-based company is entering the U.S. market with its full-face RGI-X Helmet System, which combines the functionality of a helmet, mask, and goggle to protect users from park rails, off-piste obstacles, and sub-zero chills. The integrated goggle features RUROC’s Aeroflow anti-fog system, which uses a series of vents to channel cold air up through the mask. The full-face mask is detachable, so the RGI-X can also be worn as a open-face helmet. The injection molded ABS outer shell and internal energy absorption EPS liner make the RGI-X among the toughest on the market. www.ruroc.com
CHAPPLICATOR
The Chapplicator was one of the most talked-about products at the show. It’s all about access. The Chapplicator holds a tube of lip balm; its adhesive backing allows it to stick to helmets, bikes, car visors, and other handy spots. But it’s especially suited for helmet mounting: stick the Chapplicator to the side of your helmet above the goggle strap, and the bracket helps keep goggles from slipping off the helmet. To apply balm, just reach up and remove the Chapplicator from its bracket; super-strong magnets will guide the lip balm holder back into place and hold it securely. What could be simpler? www.chapplicator.com
BOLLE TSAR GOGGLE
Can one goggle frame fit all face shapes and sizes? That is exactly what Bolle is out to accomplish with its Tsar goggle design. Using a flexible, memory-shape material, the Tsar’s B-flex technology follows facial structure contours for ideal adaptation and protection. Simply adjust any of the pieces of the memory system to eliminate those nagging, uneven pressure points and drafty gaps. Voila, a universal- fit goggle. www.bolle.com
OAKLEY MOD3
Oakley has applied its innovative ways to a new line of helmets. After three years of fit trials and field tests, the result is Oakley’s Modular Brim System (MBS), a helmet/goggle integration that offers small and large brim options and is meant to provide the right fit with any goggle, regardless of size. The Mod3 helmet has a no-pressure ear cup, lightweight in-mold shell, and an integrated anti-fog system that channels warm air from the goggle up through the brim and helmet vents. A dual construction shell provides increased durability. www.oakley.com
APEX XP BIG MOUNTAIN
Innovation continues at Apex with the new XP—a shorter, stiffer, lighter design than the original M Series All-Mountain models. New features include: patent-pending Serpentine Lacing technology, 10mm shorter sole, three-buckle chassis, three-point instep strap, Vibram sole, and open toe architecture. The open chassis allows the inner boot to be removed for walking, climbing, or even snowboarding. The Boa closure appeals to those looking for all-day comfort, including patrollers, instructors, and operation teams. www.apexskiboots.com
DMOS KICKER TOOL
DMOS spent the last year redesigning its compact shovel. Working with pro athletes, product designers, and front-line users, the company has developed the Kicker Tool for the 2016-17 season. Built with aircraft-quality aluminum alloy, the kicker (pun intended) of the Kicker design is that it breaks down to fit into any backpack and weighs only 3.3 pounds. For terrain park builders and other crews that need to work on the fly but can’t always carry a full-size park rake, the Kicker Tool is an obvious solution. www.dmoscollective.com
BURTON RIGLET SCHOOL KIT
To facilitate implementation of the Burton Riglet PE Program, which brings the fun and excitement of snowboarding into physical education classes and other snowless venues, Burton introduces the Riglet School Kit: Spooner balance boards, Riglet foam boards on foam blocks, Riglet boards with a handle, and a Grab mat game where kids can practice different tricks. The highly portable kit can be operated indoors or outside, allowing the program to be introduced to kids anywhere, anytime. www.burtonriglet.com
SLOPE ROPES
Slope Ropes is a new learn-to-ski aid for kids. It consists of one long rope that’s looped, with handles on opposite ends. One handle goes around the child’s waist, and the other is for the parent to steer with. The rope naturally rests at the child’s waist, and is said to encourage a forward, balanced stance—unlike the bad posture and backaches that can result with some harnesses and leashes. With just the handle, parents can gently guide their child through turns, speed checks, and provide tows on the flats. www.sloperopes.com
PHUNKSHUN
Phunkshun uses REPREVE recycled fabric throughout its product line of necktubes and balaclavas. The result is a feel-good line, and not just because the products are comfortable: For every facemask made, Phunkshun says, 10 plastic water bottles are kept out of landfills. All products are made in the U.S., production is 100 percent wind-powered, and the company donates a percentage of sales to the High Fives Foundation to support injured athletes and injury prevention. www.phunkshun.com
AGENT OUTWEAR
Agent Outwear has launched the only one-for-one charitable campaign in the snowsports apparel industry. The Michigan-based company’s “Get Warm. Give Warm.” program donates a winter coat to a child in need every time an item is purchased from its outwear line. With the help of One Warm Coat—a non-profit organization that identifies areas in need within the U.S.—the company hosts giving events to distribute the goods. In return, customers get Agent Outwear’s 3-in-1 jackets, which combine an outer shell with a light down liner to offer versatility for varying mountain conditions. www.agentoutwear.com
CORBEAUX CLOTHING
While traveling in Tanzania, sponsored skiers and mountaineers Adam Moszynski and Darcy Conover donated clothing and equipment from their expeditions to the poorly-equipped guides and porters who aided them. They then returned home and founded Corbeaux Clothing, with the aim to not only make top-notch base layers—which they do—but to collect donated gear and pass it along to needy guide companies worldwide. Corbeaux customers can now share in the feel-good experience that inspired Moszynski and Conover: Currently, the company collects donations through local events, which could be ideal for a resort partnership. www.corbeauxclothing.com
