1 / ski area management / saminfo.com materials (fiberglass); and boot/binding and (fiberglass); materials and models) mid-length then and short skating; changes in ski design (including and bases, waxless trails, groomed machine- of introduction the as such es the sport. and equipment the transforms that innovation another by followed refinement, of period a then tweaks, substantial by followed innovation, dramatic a be: to seems pattern The worlds. snowshoe and ski Nordic the both in revolutionstechnological and technique half-dozen a roughly been have there years, 40 past the Over 2019 NORDIC GROUPINTERNATIONAL BY JONATHAN WIESEL, For Nordic skiing, we’ve seen advanc- The durable RSSkate Boot from Salomon activity has seen a revolutionary change revolutionary a seen has activity Neither changes. product earthshaking like. might we as much as buy don’t consumers longevity,improved has simplygear and for suppliers and retailers, partly because so less perhaps superb—though been ly differences. gender to attention intelligent been there’s sports, both For bindings). improved vastly and pons, cram- decking, synthetic molding, tion injec- aluminum, welcome rawhide, and wood (farewell improvements constant Forsystems. havethere snowshoes, been SNOWSHOES XC AND We are perhaps due for one of those of one for due Weperhaps are general- have consumers for Results designed for performance ontechnical terrain The Atlas Backcountry Spindrift snowshoe as mud and obstacle runs, are bring are runs, obstacle and mud as such events new with along activities, human-powered and fitness, health, in interest Increased growth. spark also business. the transform to going inely genu- that’s something not but 2018-19, for changesimprovements certainly and XCthe In product. of are world,there ski hybrid, could also foretell a new category snowshoe/ski a S-line, snowshoe step door Retailer in 2017. Faber’s new sliding Out- at debuted which Eva, Moon cent Cres - inexpensive all-foam, lightweight, the with world, snowshoe the in afoot change a such be may There years. for Then too, changes in society can society in changes too, Then - 2 / ski area management / saminfo.com

HERE’S A LOOK AT THE MARKET FOR 2018-19 slightly lower prices than last winter.last than prices lower slightly at Deluxe, and Upgrade, Basic, packages, rental unisex three offer to continue will Alpina 2018-19, For dollars. more and consumers, attract to look polished more a efficiencies, shop created nation combi - The binding. rental a and boots, durable more sizing, print large skis, on identification color-coded with supplier rental-specific XC first the was Alpina philosophy; new a not That’s skiing. alpine than cost lower a at snowsport a in interested families attract and ence, experi- extended an create mix, activity their broaden to opportunity an resorts gives XC that believes Irwin ALPINA’s snow.”the in around tromp and out come just to want necessarily Customersmarket. rental the don’tgrow to order in snowshoeing to related ities activ- for hugeneed a “There’s that notes He snowshoers. for programming in ty opportuni- and Yorkchallenge both sees Jim co-owner Similarly,Lites’ Northern day.successful a to key be can tomers cus- with interfacing where days, demo with especially areas, XC with more do to suppliers for opportunity of lot a sees manager, sales national Nordic Fischer Reeder,Steve successful. very been have England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) New the of series development munity com- the as such programs and events but beginners, creating for issue an still shoeing. snow and XC discover them help can we Perhaps horizons. their expanding and outdoors the into people more ing The “so much work” stereotype is stereotype work” much “so The - Skintec classic, and price-point compact price-point and classic, Skintec skate, basic as such women, for some including packages, different several fleet. rental the sell recommends Wilson eventually operators because partly and rent, customers equipment same the sell to like retailers because partly models, rental specific doesn’tcompanyproduce The end. low very the and end high very the to migrate business its of most seen has Atomic product. Nordic buying with general in conservative more and snow,by influenced extremely are ers consum- that observes Sports), Amer by for er Isaac Wilson, Nordic commercial manag- even buy their own gear.own their buy even who knows? Some of these renters might And time. great a them giving and often more out people more getting shoes: the same things from both XC and snow- terrain. diverse user wants it), flotation, and dealing with the (if speed control), and (toughness dependability maneuverable), more and (lighter movement stability,easier support, and fit comfortable more being those aims, same the much have poles) and bindings (including design and als materi- the categories, product both In move over snow rather than post-holing. don’t. some and glide, to love ple peo- some that is difference biggest The ways. many in similar remarkably are snowshoeing and skiing cross-country SHARED PRODUCT GOALS SKI EQUIPMENT Rental operators are also looking for looking also are Rentaloperators It’s not just that both sports help you but this, say to hackles raise may It (like Salomon, owned ATOMICSalomon, (like Steve Reeder, reduced. slightly been have prices Some models. touring when it comes to flotation.” to comes it when wider range of people, as there is no issue a for well work will sizes smaller these that also but snowshoes, smaller means this industries, rental the For trails. ed compact- on walking be to seem people more and more that noticed “Wehave al product built less expensively. He says, rent- and simplified considerably be can sizing inventory feels snowshoes, Faber of president Faber, Guy lines, simplified Sports.Alpina for manager sales national Irwin, Bill says revenue,” more and customers repeat to an enhanced experience which means lead can operations rental for designed “product quality that too, Remember, training. staff (overtime!) expensive of lot a don’ttake that models and rack, to easy that’s self-explanatory,equipment much pretty are that bindings ations, vari- sizing minimal like things includes That maintain. and rent to easy that’s So rental shops want to equipment carry cient Forward construction skis with skis construction Forward cient Effi- new the including use, to easier are that technologies new introduced has Fischer front, product the On skiers. performance season early with popular especially is and areas, Nordic of ber num- a at itself proven has snowmaking that noted he challenge, a be can mate nationally.winter good a after cli- While activity,” and he expects category growth affordable and healthy a as aligned well is skiing “Nordic feels manager sales al ln te ae profit-oriented/ same the Along FISCHER Nordic nation- 3 / ski area management / saminfo.com easy to enter and exit Turnamic exit and enter to easy new,the and glide, and grip improved skin skis,” he says. One of the challenges the of One says. he skis,” skin mohair/ with classic, in uptick major a West.“We’veseenMountain the in ly especial- equipment, higher-end in ested inter- consumers more sees Hurwitch Geoff owner SPORT WAY’s ONE women’sproducts. tion, whether for sale or rental, including selec- and use of ease for built are Skis rentals. for approach versatile a vides pro- “buzz”) waxless a create doesn’t ly apparent- skins, other like and skins, the on icing minimize helps (which system base waxless IntelliGrip the nythat feels compa - key.The the always ski the with use, to easy that’s product on centrating high-end classic skiing.” Madshus is con- to performance of level new “a giving it, of off boot your take to having without adjusted be can ski skin the on kick the says Hart Jack rep sales Madshus ski. IntelliGrip Redline its on binding Move The big news at budget. on based choose to areas allowing use, rental for All levels of Fischer product are available shipping. free and discounts and dating great combines program rental Fischer’s andprofitability, retailer better for ed adjust- been has 2018-19 for Pricing ings. MADSHUS is the new ® bind- ness, skate, and skin-base skis. He feels He skis. skin-base and skate, ness, fit in strength sees manager, division Green, Ryan unchanged. largely be will program its rentals, in growth tent consis- seen has Swix Since capabilities. ing women’s sizing, with custom graphic includ- system, size color-coding a offers Swixmarket.” rental the to up stand will that product a create to order in lowed fol- be must that parameters ufacturing man- stringent equally,are created there are poles all “NOT that policy.notes He and terms, and a “no questions” warranty aluminum poles, with aggressive pricing double-anodized and carbon-fiber rable super-du- on focus to is Swix’s us.” for challenge biggest the remain poles and bindings boots, skis, include that ages “Pack- that says USA, SPORT SWIX specialist pole of Poulin,president Steve winter’s. last with consistent are prices along with customized graphics. 2018-19 baskets, and shaft, grip, for combination pole any choose can Shops series. (SLG) super-light new a specifically selection, pole emphasizing they’re but models), ski and boot women’s (including year last from through carry lines boot/ski One-Way’smarket. small a is what in systems binding competing four among choose to how is shops rental for sees he ’s Nordic ROSSIGNOL’s and control offers alightweight skidesigned for stability The SLabCarbon Skate Skifrom Salomon - remain unchanged. remain uct unnecessary.” Package product prices prod - rental additional make would that with odor control and durability features women’s][including product skate and touring our all “Wemake says, Wilson products. rental-specific doesn’tprovide it so lessons, in enjoyed boots and skis same the buy can consumers that ant longer periods. Salomon feels it’s import- over inventory amortize to option the have shops so categories these in spans life long offer to likes Salomon since 2018-19, for over carry will packages ing continue to concentrate. Rental and tour- product,” and that’s where the brand will racing end high in come has growth biggest our us, to important very is ness busi- package and touring the “though that says Wilson Isaac SALOMON’s graphics. clear-coat and protectors tail with mind, in rental with built are models ski Some boots. M/F-specific and adjustability,and use of skis unisex with al aim with the product collection is ease boot built on its own boot soles. Its gener- touring rental-specific a with continues Rossignol 2018-19, For fun. and family XC is not all a race, using images showing that story the tell to needs industry the and challenge, a remains sport “hard” a as XC of perception public the that 4 / ski area management / saminfo.com it’s well deserved. well it’s what FromYear awards. the of Gear several including more) lot a and SAM , digitaltrends.com, junkie.com, gear- Journal, (Men’s press great gotten best on compacted snow, but the Eva has work may it and all), after product, new bility hasn’t been proven (it’s a relatively dura- shop Rental acetate). ylene-vinyl EVAof (eth- layers two of made is shoe The foot. the of ball the under spikes tic plas- hard by enhanced is traction while momentum, forward accentuates shape rocker A cinch. a shoe the of out and into getting makes and straps, three of “Velcro-like”harness a is binding The fun!” and comfortable lightweight, use, to easy intuitive, and $160] around is from all other shoes—inexpensive [retail different “completely it) puts Thamm (as that’s snowshoe all-foam versatile a Eva, radical The income. and time able dispos- both have who Boomers, Baby from interest more seeing is Thamm Jake President pricing. and design, rials, mate- in revolutions simultaneous ing institut- be may MOON CRESCENT SAM has seen, has we have come up with a great product, great a with up come have we believe we “Since rental: for designed Pro, Mountain the recommends Faber Guy President line. well-thought-out a It’s Canada. western in established though market, snowshoe U.S. the to Quebec-based stores. specialty and ing mountaineer- for option great a is but al which isn’t designed specifically for rent- snowshoe, backcountrySpindrift, its the on focus stronger a see will 2018 Atlas, and a new-and-improved Boa system. For buckles heel and binding one-handed as such updates, ease-of-use as well as 2019 2018- in shoes tubular the on graphics new see will Tubbs and Atlas Both ic. shop-specif- rental are these of None with kids, and the Flex series with adults. departments—the Flex Jr. and Snowglow rental in popular is Tubbs says She uct. prod- snowshoe level entry in interest more with along participation, shoe snow in increase an seeing they’re that SAM told Nazeer Jill Specialist keting Mar- Snowshoes TUBBS ATLAS& models. light weight Lites deckingasNorthern adult designed withthesame highstrength and The Youth Blazin’ Blue snowshoes are SNOWSHOES FABER is relatively new - at this price point that just want to try it, people more lot a get you believe I wise. units- seller biggest our always is point price level entry and features fewest the with model basic most “Our adds, She market.” the of percentage small very a still is it but growth, steady seeing are we areas few the of one is market—it growing a is “Kids that manager,says ry Courtney,Sarah out. them try to want who customers from for demand rental of lot a there’s says Fabersnowshoe. traditional a than ment move- and traction better with downhill going experience gliding a offers that hybrid snowshoe-ski off-trail an S-line, snowshoe step sliding the is 2018-19 for pierced. Prices are remaining steady. New if won’trip and cold to resistant highly that’s plastic durable lightweight, TPR of made is Decking frame. the for ing tub- aluminum 6063-T832 unpainted ty high-quali- uses Faber future.” near the in them changing on plan we do nor design, the with around play not do we QuickPull Binding the value-conscious Flex STP with For new snowshoers, Tubbs offers - catego winter MSR’s 5 / ski area management / saminfo.com beginners models. The company The models. beginners sees growth in performance, women and YorkJim Co-owner snowshoes. their lighten and refine to continuing time same the at while levels price general LITES NORTHERN unchanged. mostly are es a large variety of foot and shoe sizes. Pric- fit bindings the and use, to easy durable, super are but rental for specifically oped bars. traction Steel Martensite and bindings, TPU deck, ene polypropyl- of blend special a have All women’s-specific shoesinitsrentalfleet. no with rent, for Tykermodels and Shift kids’ and Evo, Ascent, Evo offers MSR setup.” snowboard or ski a getting with get out in the snow when you compare it and it is a very low barrier to entry to just Tubbs Redfeather MSR LitesNorthern Faber Erik Sports/Whitewoods Crescent Moon Atlas MANUFACTURER SNOWSHOE MANUFACTURERS Swix USA Sport Salomon Rossignol One Way Sport Madshus Leki Fischer Sports Erik Sports/Whitewoods Atomic Alpina MANUFACTURER CROSS-COUNTRY GEAR MANUFACTURERS They weren’tdevel- They plans to hold its hold to plans quickly repair damage. repair quickly for durability, light weight, and ability to thane/nylon decks, and aluminum cleats polyure- frames, aluminum have All customers. larger for Tundras of pair of ver 30s, and Youth models, with a couple QuickSil- 25s, QuickSilver of mix a gests Yorksug- rentals, For mountaineering. and glaciering for Technicalsnowshoes of line a introduced also Lites Northern ultra-athletes. and runner for advances significant are these of Both pair). per es ounc - (34 Ultra Elite the and pair) per es WaveRaceounc- new (21.5 the are note particular Of Race). and Backcountry, has higher-end models for women (Elite, www.tubbssnowshoes.com www.redfeather.com www.msrgear.com www.northernlites.com www.fabersnowshoes.com www.eriksports.com www.crescentmoonsnowshoes.com www.atlassnowshoe.com WEBSITE www.swixsport.us www.salomon.com/us/ www.rossignol.com www.onewaysport.us www.k2sports.com www.leki.com/us/ www.fischersports.com www.eriksports.com www.atomic.com www.alpinasportsus.com WEBSITE Randy Christenson, Christenson, Randy changes are planned for 2018-19. for planned are changes and the look of wear over time.” No price scratching reduce to frames, the on ing coat- powder no with off, taking and on putting in simplicity for them build “we that notes Christenson crampons. num alumi- powder-coated and decks vinyl tear-resistant with frames, aluminum series 6000 aircraft-grade durable uses er Redfeath- kids. for designs Elf and Hike the and women’sversion), a (including Hike and various V-tail models for adults the on concentrates Redfeather grams, pro- rental For snowshoeing. day-trip and hiking as well as cross-training and running trail in growth Hesees grams?’” pro- up set we do ‘How around focus Mostus. challenges to good been has ket mar- rental “the says director, R&D/art 1-800-882-2748 1-800-525-0081 1-800-531-9531 1-800-360-5483 1-866-842-8476 1-800-247-6579 1-800-587-7655 1-888-482-8527 PHONE 1-800-343-8335 1-800-225-6850 1-888-243-6722 435-659-6641 1-800-426-1617 1-800-255-9982 1-800-844-7810 1-800-247-6579 1-800-258-5020 1-800-425-7462 PHONE REDFEATHER ’s