As ski areas strive to transform into multiadventure winter resorts, adding activities such as snow bikes, night skiing and tubing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are natural parts of that mix. But, while snowshoeing has nudged its way onto the Alpine scene very well, Nordic skiing is still battling images of old equipment and slow movers in corduroy.
For the 1999-2000 season, snowshoe and Nordic equipment designers are churning out flashy, modern-looking gear. The new stuff ranges from Yuba’s new, durable beginner snowshoes to Rossignol’s hiking-look XC ski boots, so that newcomers to the sport not only get better gear but can also look good while they’re starting out.
Learning from their Alpine brethren, cross-country manufacturers are starting to develop more specific gear for rental, hoping to benefit in the same way Alpine gear makers have by spotlighting new models through demo programs. And both cross-country and snowshoe companies are improving products and developing technology that makes it easier for customers—particularly beginners—to participate, as well as allowing rental operations to get customers in and out faster. Next season, both Alpina and Rossignol are offering super sidecut skis for cross-country. “The new skis are tailored to make XC skiing easier and more fun,” says Kurt Hoefler, Rossignol’s Nordic division manager.
Finally, some companies assist resorts by listing demo centers on their Websites and providing links to the areas’ Websites. “We get tons of consumers seeking information about where they can go skiing and where they can try equipment,” says Hoefler.
Although there’s a trend toward rental-specific snowshoe and cross-country gear, most companies open up their entire lines for rental purchase. Following is a synopsis of new products and technology for the 1999-2000 season. (In some cases, prices were not available at presstime.)
Cross Country
Alpina
Alpina, one of the largest suppliers of cross-country boots, also offers a full line of gear for one-stop shopping. New for next season is the Breeze ski ($130, MSRP), featuring a radical sidecut (68-52- 60mm) to make it easier to turn in tricky situations like going downhill or around icy corners. The Breeze also has an acrylic, non-scratch top. Lengths available are 170, 180, 190, 200 cm.
Photo courtesy of Karhu/Trak
Other skis include the Frontier ($76.50) in three lengths (158, 173, 188 cm), with a waxless base. The Frontier’s sidecut (68-60-65) makes it suitable for backcountry exploring as well as track skiing. Alpina continues to offer the waxless Access ($63.50, wholesale), a short and wide ski (65-55-60 mm) made for easy cruising. Lengths are 170, 180, 190, 200 cm. Both skis have ABS tops and sidewalls for greater durability.
In poles, Alpina introduces the Master, made of 5083-alloy aluminum, which can be adjusted to any length. Alpina offers 37 different models of cross-country boots covering all aspects of the sport, including racing, telemark, performance and touring. All can be used for rental, but the most popular model is the NNN 108 ($48 wholesale), an above-the-ankle cut touring boot. It features Thinsulate insulation, a tongue cover with a Velcro closure and the NNN III touring sole.
Alpina’s beginner video, called “Ready, Set, Go!”, outlines the basics of cross-country skiing. The short flick ($5 wholesale) covers topics such as how to dress and proper skiing technique.
Rental terms are available for one or two years with March dating. A cash discount depends on volume.
Atomic
For 1999, Atomic is on a mission to upgrade cross-country rental programs with quality touring products. Toward that goal, the company offers the new ACC Sport 52 for $49.30 (wholesale). It’s a light touring model featuring a cap construction with good grip-and-glide features. The Austrian-made ski has a sintered base, a lightweight core and different lengths of grip patterns for each length of ski. The skis weigh 1,320 grams per pair and come in 182, 189, 196, 203 and 210 cm lengths. An entire ACC Sport 52 package is available for $169 (wholesale) with low-cut Meindl touring boots, poles and SNS Profil bindings. Other ski models include the ATC skating ski ($126 wholesale), in lengths 173, 178, 183, 188 and 193 cm, and the Beta TM 26 telemark ski in lengths 170, 180, 190 and 200 cm. Rental terms are 25 percent off wholesale and April 2000 dating.
Fischer
The largest cross-country ski supplier, Fischer introduces a new waxless pattern, tentatively dubbed the single-double crown pattern. The length of the pattern is the same as the old double-crown pattern, but the front section has been made less aggressive. “This will allow skis to glide better while maintaining the same amount of grip,” says Peter Ashley, Fischer’s Nordic product manager.
In its top-end racing models, Fischer will have a new sidecut that was tested on the World Cup level with the result of faster times. Out of its 42-model line, the following skis are recommended for rental: the Super Light Crown, a performance, in-track model; the Fibre Crown (52-47-50 mm), an in-track fitness ski; the Control Crown (51-46-50 mm), a mid-length, fitness-oriented ski; the Country Crown (60-53-57 mm), an in-track, recreational ski; the Voyageur Crown (59-50- 54mm), a lightweight, mid-length ski for in- and out-of-track skiing; the Vista Crown (59-50-54 mm), an in- and out-of-track touring ski with a wide sidecut; and the Touring Crown (59-50-54), a touring ski with more torsional rigidity.
Fischer’s rental terms vary depending on the touring center and the volume of the purchase. Dating terms are March 2000. Fischer has a wide range of programs and promotional materials available to assist resorts and retailers interested in rental programs.
Rossignol
Rossignol has a large line of skis, boots, bindings and poles available for rental. In addition, it has a new Nordic section on its Website (www.Rossi.com) listing its demo centers, which have expanded in the last year to over 30 centers.
For next season, Rossignol introduces its Active Control Concept, engineered to make skis, boots and bindings work together as a system. The combination is designed to provide superior control, maximum glide and better kick.
There are four new ACC ski models: All feature an hourglass sidecut, cap construction, an extended edge and active camber. The X Tour is a full length in-track performance ski, while the X Grand Tour is an out-of-track performance ski in traditional sizing. Both the in-track Tempo Tour and the in- or out-of-track Tempo Classic are mid-length models; all feature the durable Rossitop Cap.
In ACC boots, the X5, X4, X3 and X2 sport a modern, hiking-boot look in bright colors. The boots have dual-density heel counters for torsional rigidity, an active midsole for easy flexing and double guidance grooves on the soles for better steering.
A new NNN II touring binding has double steering ridges that fit the ACC boots and a pivot point located 10 mm behind the front of the boot for more natural movement. For technicians, Hoefler says, “This is probably the fastest binding to mount.” It arrives pre-assembled with five screws and no adhesive.
Most of Rossignol’s rental incentives apply for resorts willing to be exclusive dealers. Rossignol offers two-year dating and has a very aggressive discount program. There’s also a co-op program and extra discounts if areas put Rossignol logos on trail maps and brochures and if they advertise in *Ski Trax* magazine. Rossignol also offers free booth space at regional ski shows. Finally, touring centers are listed in its consumer brochure, which has a circulation of 100,000.
Salomon
A year ago, Salomon made a major concession to the rental market by producing sturdier, more durable boots and by using a Durafresh insole to reduce odors. Boots also feature a leather sizing tag on the outside that can be quickly identified on the shelf. The company produces the SNS system, used on about 60 percent of all cross-country ski boots.
For next season, Salomon’s expands its Pilot boot/binding system ($58 wholesale) from race product only into its fitness products. Two boots will feature the system: the Active 9 skate boot ($150 wholesale) and the Vitane women’s boot ($150 wholesale). Salomon encourages rental operations to offer the best technology to beginners. “People who benefit most from good equipment are beginners and intermediates,” says Gary Fleming, Salomon’s Nordic product manager.
Salomon offers three rental-specific boots. The 861 ($115 wholesale), for skating or classic skiing, has a removable Energyzer cuff, an internal fit system with a rapid lacing system and a durable touring sole. The 661 ($61 wholesale), for all-around skiing, adds a plastic cuff around the ankle for good lateral stability as well as a reinforced fit in that area. The 361 ($41 wholesale), for occasional tourers, is an over-the-ankle boot with a reinforced fit for more support.
Salomon offers discounts according to quantity and allows rental buyers three years to accumulate its fleet. Merchandising units with elaborate shelves and promotional materials from Salomon’s new ad campaign are also available.
Photo: Tubbs Snowshoes, Stowe, Vt.
Trak
Trak, Inc., offers a full selection of Nordic equipment including skis, boots and Rottefella NNN system and 75-mm bindings. Next season, all skis will feature the Karhu brand name.
Also noteworthy, the Omnitrak waxless base will be expanded to include most models. The molded pattern is designed to change in shape, depth, size and spacing (depending on the conditions) to maximize grip. Specific new skis include: the Quantum, a traditional-length touring ski with a cap construction, and the Quiksilver, a wide-track ski suitable for backcountry. Two new telemark models will also be available. In new boot offerings, the Orbit is a high-end model and the Mobius is a general touring boot with a bike-shoe look.
Trak’s rental terms are 20 percent off wholesale for skis and 15 percent off for boots and bindings. Dating is March 10, 2000. Banners and other promotional materials are available.
Snowshoes
Atlas
Atlas offers a variety of snowshoes ranging from high-end backcountry gear to products for hiking and recreational snowshoeing. Rather than emphasize its products, Atlas likes to focus on its resort programs, which they say are designed to help the growth of the sport. Some of the aids available are banners, signs, maps and the Atlas Snowshoeing Handbook, a 36-page guide to the sport. The company also provides personnel to help resorts get started with snowshoe programs as well as organize events.
An example of Atlas’ innovative ideas to trigger growth is the recently-introduced Explore Winter Card promotional program. It offers a free day of snowshoeing at over 20 Atlas partner resorts—including Vail, Aspen, Park City and Mammoth—for consumers who purchase a pair of Atlas snowshoes.
Specifically recommended rental models are: the 1022, the 1033 and the Junior. The adult models are designed like the high-end backcountry series, constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum with Hypalon decking for maximum durability. The rental snowshoes are offered in an unpainted frame that is scratchproof. In addition, rental models feature a simplified harness and more durable cleats.
Redfeather
Heading into its second decade, Redfeather offers four different snowshoe lines covering backcountry/hiking, sport/walking, classic/performance and recreational. The entire Redfeather line features bright new graphics on the decks for the first time and a redesigned logo for easy recognition.
For 1999-2000, a new binding has been introduced in both the Sport and the Recreational series. It features a lightweight, one-piece footplate and crampon combination, with simple straps and buckles to hold the foot snugly and stably. Redfeather’s Epic binding, introduced last year, has been expanded to products in the Backcountry series and the Performance series. This binding consists of a molded rigid base plate and three micro-adjustable ratchet-buckle straps. Only Redfeather’s racing snowshoe, the lightweight Falcon, retains the original Omni binding, made of Hypalon to accommodate running shoes.
Another new development on all snowshoe models is a rounded tail designed to provide more flotation and easier all-around hiking. The redesigned Backcountry series features the rounded tail and also comes with a pivot-rod hinge designed to make hiking through snow more efficient and ascents easier. Its three sizes: 25″, 30″ and 36″, retail in the mid $200s. The Recreational Series, which also sports the new rounded tail in three sizes—25″, 30″ and 36″—retails in the low $100s. In addition to the new ATV binding, the Recreational models have tough, flexible TXN decking.
In the Performance and Sport categories, Redfeather retains its tapered tail design, Hypalon decking and live-action hinge. The Performance line, in sizes 25″, 30″ and 35″, retails in the low $200s. The Sport series is available in sizes 17″, 25″, 30″ and 35″, and retails in the mid-$100s. New for children, the Snowpaw ($39.95, MSRP) is a molded plastic bear paw in bright colors.
Redfeather provides snowshoe rental gear for the season at no cost if the resort stocks its retail shop exclusively with Redfeather CK THIS. Redfeather also offers several POP in-store displays, signs, banners, outdoor snowshoe trail signs and flags and an in-store video.
Sherpa
With its new 1999 line, Sherpa appeals to beginners by introducing a line of products that make it easy for users to find the right snowshoe. All Sherpa snowshoes feature a lightweight aluminum frame and flexible decking for easier movement across different types of snow and terrain. Many models also have Sherpa’s exclusive Dual Rotation system that allows the user the benefits of a fixed or free rotation system with a simple adjustment. The frame and decking, along with the claws, are built to last longer than the competitive models.
The entry-level Walker snowshoe is designed for casual walking, backpacking and hiking, and features the free rotation pivot system. Versions of the Walker snowshoe are also available for children. The Trainer snowshoe is for athletes interested in cross training or trail running. It has a streamlined shape and a lightweight frame so it won’t interfere with a natural running stride. The Racer version, for more competitive snowshoe racing, offers better traction with a longer, tougher claw.
The Hiker snowshoe is for intermediate snowshoers or performance hiking. The Climber snowshoe is for the serious hiker or backpacker. The Mountain snowshoe is for serious snowshoe enthusiasts in the most rugged environments. It features two bindings: rigid crampon or flexible. The Mountain, Climber and Hiker snowshoes all have the Dual Rotation pivot system.
Any snowshoe model may be purchased for rental or demo purposes. A 10-percent discount off wholesale is available if paid within 30 days. Otherwise, wholesale prices apply with six-month dating in lieu of discounts.
Tubbs
The largest and oldest snowshoe manufacturer, Tubbs has created almost 200 Tubbs Snowshoe Centers and presents many incentives to entice areas to join the fold. It offers trail signs, tips on how to market, event organization, clinics, Website links and referrals and a free booklet called “How to Get Started.” The entire 25-model Tubbs line is available for rental. For new rental centers, Marketing Director Kathy Murphy says a good starter rental combination could include 25 shoes in three sizes; 8″ x 25″, 9″x30″ and 20″x36″.
For 1999, Tubbs introduces the Tubbscout, a kids’ snowshoe with a mitten-friendly binding system. Tubbs has also improved its closure system in the MTN series so it works with a broader range of boot sizes and types, from snowboard to hiking to hard-shell boots. The TD 91 patented binding has a new strap and webbing closure system that can be hooked up in two pulls.
The Tubbs rental program offers a seven-percent discount off wholesale with one-year terms and a six-pair minimum order. Warranty is one year. All Tubbs snowshoe dealers with a rental program receive a free Tubbs Snowshoe Rental Center banner.
Yuba
All of YubaShoes’ product is available under rental terms. The most popular models for rental include the Borderline 828 ($82 wholesale), a recreational shoe, and the Cariboo ($121 wholesale), a technical model with an asymmetrical frame for easier walking. New for beginners in 1999, the Cruiser Series has two models: the Rambler ($60 wholesale), 8″ x 22″; and the BelAir ($66 wholesale), 8” x 28″. Yuba also offers the Nordic Binding Plate, which attaches to any brand of footwear.
Rental payment is due in March of each year. Both one-year and two-year terms are available, with “an aggressive discount structure.”
YubaShoes encourages areas to participate in its resort program, which offers banners, snowshoe trail signs, coop programs, point-of-purchase materials and event support. YubaShoes sponsors Moonlight Snowshoe Hikes with Cliff Bar and others.
