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March 2011

Editor's Picks :: SIA Snow Show 2011

This year's SIA Snow Show was a bonanza of new ideas. Here are some of our favorites.

Written by Staff | 0 comment

The 2011 SIA Snow Show in Denver attracted 18,045 attendees, a six-year high, and showcased more than 3,100 exhibitors representing 845 snow sports brands, including 125 new exhibitors. SAM scoured the floor in search of the latest and greatest products for resort visitors. Here’s what we found.

Liberty Envy Series
Powder skis, powder skis, powder skis. Liberty now makes a women-specific model. With Liberty's signature bamboo core, the Envy has camber under foot, gradual tip rocker, and a flat tail to offer support when skiers are in the backseat. Dimensions: 135-105-125. $639, www.libertyskis.com

Quick-Poles Carry System
Quickpoles makes carrying skis a snap. Poles clip into toe and heel pieces to
create a rigid handle. The poles, made of either 7075 aluminum ($80) or lightweight carbon fiber ($120), work with most Alpine bindings and have a quick-release trigger. www.quickpoles.com

CandyGrind Handbag
Like gloves for convenience, but mittens for warmth? The Handbag has a glove inside; side zippers let it out when needed. Handbag has full leather construction, weather-proof zippers, waterproof glove insert, and moisture wicking micro fleece lining. $95, www.candy- grind.com

VonZipper Fishbowl
Big lenses are in. This one has anti-fog spherical lens, flow-through venting, super peripheral vision, Polarfleece lining and contoured face foam. It's green, too: 50 percent recycled frame, bamboo rayon fleece and strap, and organic cotton bag. $140, www.vonzipper.com

Fischer Soma-Tec
Custom liners are so 2010: Fischer's new Vacuum Fit Technology provides a completely anatomical fit of the entire boot. Heat the boots and stand in them for 20 minutes as they mold to the foot. $799 to $899. www.fischerskis.com

The Fallen and 686 Collection
Crossover style is one of many directions fashion is taking. The Fallen and 686 Collection melds technical outerwear technology (waterproof shell, quilted body lining, taped seams, oversized metal zippers) with street style. $180 to $200, www.686.com

Gheek Goggle Protector
Guest lost a goggle bag? No problem. And what’s really great is that these neoprene bags have an attached microfiber cleaning cloth. A secure fit keeps the cover on. Custom resort logos and embroidery are available. $13, www.thegheek.com

Mtn. Approach
For snowboarders who want to hike off the beaten trail, these folding climbing skis weigh only 7 lbs. and assemble in seconds. They have integrated skins, full camber for traversing, and are small enough to fit in a backpack. $750 to $795, www.mtnapproach.com

Emu Little Creatures
These kids' boots use Australian sheepskin that naturally wicks away moisture, and a molded suede heel cup for fit and support. The Little Creature Walkers and Little Grubs baby lines have rubber soles and Velcro closure. $39 to $89, www.emuaustralia.com

Beardski
Git yer beard on! The hit of the show. Beard hides an insulated ski mask with fully lined neoprene and woven thermal fleece. Beardski covers the ears, face and neck. Several styles available. Could be the accessory craze for next season. $40, www.beardski.com

Smith Galaxy & Cosmos
The Cosmos/Galaxy helmet and goggle system uses Tractor Beam Technology: bring the strap end into position, and a powerful magnet pulls the strap securely into place. $80, sold as an integration kit, www.smithoptics.com

Mountain Hardwear Dry-Q
Unlike traditional waterproof-breathable systems that require your body to heat up before they start moving moisture out, Mountain Hardware’s Dry-Q membrane allows air and moisture to pass at all times. Prices from $225 to $500, www.mountainhardwear.com