Outdoor Retailer 2020 is here. Each and every January, thousands of ski industry members converge upon downtown Denver for the Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show. Inside the Colorado Convention Center, the best new ski gear set to hit shelves in the fall is unveiled; it’s like Christmas in January. Over the next three days, you’ll find in-depth coverage of the top-secret, brand-new products set to make waves in skiing, from skis to boots to bindings to outerwear and beyond. We can’t wait to behold all of this new equipment and relay our findings to you. Be prepared to have your minds blown.
You’ll be bombarded with coverage from all over the place in the coming days. Luck you, we’ve put together this article as your one-stop-shop for all things gear from Outdoor Retailer 2020. Let it serve as your hub for continuous updates, photos from the show, the best new gear for next year and every other possible news from the show.
Note: The majority of products seen on this page will go on-sale in fall 2020.
Day 1 — January 29, 2020
Nordica Enforcer 100
The Nordica Enforcers have always been known for their powerful, hard-charging character. Nordica re-worked the Enforcer 100 for 2021, trimming out ABS from the tip and extending the wood core, allowing for a boost in playfulness and nimbleness, without any loss of pedal-to-the-metal power. The Enforcer 100 also features a carbon-reinforced chassis that weighs 35-percent less than traditional fiberglass, for further weight savings with the same muscle. The new Enforcer 100 is a smooth ride that still has teeth, and will appeal to any skier that enjoys maxing out the speed limit.
Marker Duke PT 16
After a few years with the SHIFT on the market, Marker responds with its brand-new hybrid freeride binding, the Duke PT 16. Geared towards backcountry heavy hitters looking for uncompromising big-mountain performance, the Duke PT 16 ushers in a new era for the brand. In ski mode, the binding offers a DIN setting up to 16 for skiers sending it big. To switch to hike mode, simply unlock the upper portion of the binding and rotate it forward to reveal tech pins integrated in the base plate underneath the toe housing. For skiers watching their weight, the toe housing sections can also be removed and stored to save an extra 250 grams per ski. When it’s time to ski again, click the toe piece back onto the base plate and lock it in place by stepping into the binding. The Duke PT 16 is compatible with all boot types under the Alpine, Touring and GripWalk norms.
Salomon Shift Pro 110 W
Salomon is making a Shift in its boots for 2020-21. Like its best-selling S/Pro line, the new Shift Pro 110 W comes in a versatile 100 millimeter last with a Seamless Pro liner and softer Sensifit Insert for effortless entry and an out-of-the-box, anatomically-correct fit–a sought-after feature for every skier. Integrated tech inserts and a Surelock walk-to-ski mechanism take the Shift out of the resort boundaries and into the backcountry. Weighing in at 1,600 grams, it’s the lightest boot in its category, allowing women to save their energy for the descent. Speaking of the downhill, a 110 flex and a fiberglass Coreframe provide a solid platform for the rowdiest senders.
Scarpa F1 LT
Built for distance tourers, the F1 LT boot from SCARPA combines the feather-weight features of the Alien ski-mo race boots with a more versatile design for backcountry skiers earning their turns. At 990 grams, the F1 LT is SCARPA’s lightest touring-specific boot, ideal for high-mileage missions and glacial traverses. A grilamid-framed cuff stiffens this shoe up and increases power transmission to reap the rewards of the long slog on the downhill. SCARPA diehards who covet uphill efficiency, without harping too much on downhill stiffness, will gravitate towards this backountry-only boot.
Blizzard Bonafide 97
Blizzard is introducing its TrueBlend wood core in the updated Bonafide (as well as the Brahma and Black Pearl models) which seeks to achieve incredible balance throughout the ski, ensuring it can handle the variety of conditions most skiers encounter on a daily basis. An intricately assembled puzzle of woods with varying levels of strength—high-density beech stringers in the center with softer poplar in the tip and tail—produce a precisely balanced flex, gradually moving from softer and medium in the extremities, to harder underfoot. The finished Bonafide is, therefore, a ski that’s strong as an ox but ensures forgiveness and easy initiation and release of turns. Building on the tremendous success of past skis in this series, the updated Bonafide, Brahma and Black Pearl are sure to please the masses.
Tecnica Mach 1 MV 130
Efficiency is the name of the game with Tecnica’s new Mach 1 MV. The use of Tecnica’s new T-Drive Technology–a carbon connector in the spine that creates a stronger connection between the cuff and the shell–prevents deformation in the plastic when flexing the boot. This makes the power transmission from boot to ski ultra-efficient by reducing the amount of energy that is dissipated throughout the boot. The T-Drive support provides a progressive flex, regardless of how low the mercury drops, and allows for softer plastics to be used in the shell, effectively making it easier to get the boot on and off. An updated toe box shape provides more space for improved blood circulation, keeping the tootsies warm all winter long.
G3 SLAYr 114
G3 will make waves in the freeride touring category with the introduction of its brand new SLAYr skis. The Canadian backcountry gear manufacturer sought to produce a pair of planks wide enough for deep snow, adept at slaying lines ranging from pillows to open bowls and is the lightest in its class. The SLAYr has an abundance of early rise in the tip and tail, making turns easier to engage and floating in the powder a dream, while camber underfoot (along with dual Titanal layers and two layers of carbon fiber) ensure power and stability underfoot. At 1,660 grams per ski at 185 centimeters, the SLAYr’s big size is certainly deceptive and will be a welcomed addition for backcountry freeriders who emphasize uphill efficiency.
Liberty Evolv 110
Liberty expands on its successful Evolv series, as well as its innovative VMT technology, with the big-mountain-focused Evolv 110. VMT consists of vertical metal struts sandwiched between bamboo stringers running the length of the ski, translating to knock-out-punch power in a featherweight class. A combination of a 110-millimeter waist width, an early rise tip and camber throughout the rest of the ski translate to a stable-as-hell charger that can handle fresh snow in any big-mountain arena.
Dynafit Hoji Free 110
The Threequel of Eric Hjorleifson’s successful line of touring boots, the Hoji Free 110 rounds out Dynafit’s offerings built by the professional skier and low tech binding inventor Fritz Barthel. As with the Hoji Free Tour, the Hoji Free 110 features a toe-bail for skiers who fancy alpine crossover bindings like the SHIFT. A 110 flex and 1,550-gram weight makes this the ideal boot for lighter backcountry skiers seeking a comfortable yet powerful freeride boot. Like its big brothers, the Hoji Free 110 employs the pants-down-always Hoji Lock System, which integrates the cuff and shell into one system for seamless transitions. Aggressive women and smaller men seeking a do-it-all freeride boot that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for performance will flock to this freeride shoe.
Dynafit Superlight 150
Dynafit has outdone itself with the new Superlight 150 touring binding, weighing in at just 150 grams. Geared toward ambitious, weight-conscious speed hikers, the binding can be mounted with or without a brake. The binding has a two-stage riser with the ski stopper engaged, and four stages without it. This solid aluminum binding boasts an adjustable side release from four to 13 as well as an optional spring in the front to adjust the forward release between six and nine–ideal for ski tourers seeking a lightweight binding with reliable downhill performance. Like all Dynafit bindings, the Superlight 150 comes with a lifetime product warranty.
Pret Fury X
With a forward-thinking, singular focus on helmets, it’s no wonder Pret’s latest addition—the Fury X—boasts a totally redesigned approach to safety, ventilation and weight-savings. Keeping protective qualities at the forefront, Pret utilizes an all-new, full-wrap lower shell to better safeguard the back of the head, as well as varying shell thicknesses to shed weight where possible without sacrificing defensive-prowess. An updated MIPS C2 liner also replaces out-dated Velcro attachment points and promotes the system’s effectiveness during impact. Backcountry users and resort-focused skiers, alike, will drool over the one-lever ventilation system, which controls front and top venting in one swift motion.
Pret Vision X
Backcountry Access Tracker4
Backcountry Access continues its reign as one of the best equipment manufacturers for off-piste adventures by updating its ever-popular Tracker avalanche transceiver for 2021, taking the durability of the Tracker2 and melding it with the intuitive electronics of the Tracker3 to produce the Tracker4. The extra-durable, rubberized casing, bright yellow coloring (so you don’t lose the damn thing) and larger LED display will be the first details skiers will notice. But, as with any transceiver, the most important features are found “inside the computer,” beginning with the tried-and-true Tracker interface that clearly displays search progress and helps guide users to found signals.
Zeal Optics Beacon Goggle
Consumers will be “clear for landing” with the all-new Beacon goggle from Zeal, which implements a completely new take on on-hill optics. Inspired by the eagle-eye visual physics of air traffic control towers, the Beacon’s Observation Deck Technology is designed to fit closer to the user’s cheeks while sitting further away from the forehead, and is complete with a 10-degree lens tilt; in effect, it provides a field of view focused on the downhill that simultaneously reduces distracting glares. Retailers looking to tell a new story in the world of optics should take flight with the Beacon.
Armada Stranger
An inbounds ski that is equally capable knifing down groomers as it is popping nose butter 360s off of natural hits; that’s what Armada achieved with the Stranger, part of the brand’s innovative Zero Series. A 15-meter radius and combination poplar-ash wood core with full sandwich sidewall construction ensure carving superpowers, while an edgeless, straight-tapered tip and softer tail ensure you can pop, press and play all over. The clean aesthetics and thoughtful designs included in Armada’s athlete-driven Zero Series always draw attention, and the Stranger is no exception.
Picture Organic Clothing Demain Jacket
The goal of Picture Organic Clothing has always been to lead the charge in terms of sustainable high-performance outerwear production. Its new Demain Jacket is the latest of many triumphs for the brand in terms of responsible products. The three-layer shell jacket features Xpore, a nano-porous membrane and fabric made using sugarcane. The membrane, made by consumer electronics company BenQ, is the first solvent and PFC-free membrane on the market, and is also twice as light as other comparable membranes being produced. The bio-sourced polyester of the Demain utilizes sugarcane waste interwoven with recycled polyester, and is one of the first technical fabrics derived from bio-based ingredients to hit the market. Responsible consumers looking to further reduce their impact without impeding their ability to push limits in the mountains are going to love the Demain.
Black Crows Justis
Black Crows has continuously risen in FREESKIER’s brand rankings, in large part due to its soulful Chamonix-heritage and commitment to freeskiing. The new Justis ski is perhaps more resort/all-mountain-focused than fans are used to, but the ski adheres to the same values of all Black Crows skis: to promote creativity on all terrain types. With a 100 millimeter waist and rocker in the tip and tail, it’s plenty capable in powder, while camber underfoot and two layers of Titanal turn it into a responsive rocketship on harder surfaces. Black Crows loyalists seeking a powerful inbounds offering will flock to the Justis.
Hestra Sarek Ecocuir
Hestra’s Ecocuir leather is tanned using a process that leaves out the chrome and artificial dyes. Instead, the leather is saturated with grease to repel moisture, leaving behind the beautiful, natural color of the leather that develops character and patina over years of use.
Outdoor Research Carbide Bibs
The Carbide should appeal to those who spend time hitting the resort and the backcountry. It’s built with Pertex Shield fabric that is extremely lightweight, breathable and packable, while still maintaining high levels of wind- and waterproofing. The bibs feature a collab with Arcade Belts in the form of a quick-release webbing suspender that increases mobility but also allows for easy on-and-off—key for when nature calls. Thigh zips are great for touring while a dedicated beacon pocket with included clip also adheres to the needs of the growing backcountry population.
Atomic Backland 107 W
Atomic’s Backland series has gained tremendous momentum for shunning the preconception that a backcountry-specific ski has to sacrifice downhill performance in order to fly up the skin track. The Austrian-brand is expanding the Backland line to include female-specific models in 78-, 85-, 98- and 107-millimeter waist widths. The skis utilize the company’s HRZN tech in the tip for better soft snow planing, a rocker-camber-rocker profile and a combination of poplar and caruba wood to provide both weight savings and responsive downhill performance. Hard-charging female backcountry skiers are the target demographic for the Backland 107 W.
Dakine Heli Pack 16L
In 1996, Dakine introduced its first backcountry-ski-focused backpack, a simple, low volume pack for off-piste adventures. For 2021, the brand is diving back to its roots and honoring its earliest creation with the ‘96 Heli Pack 16L, an updated version of its introductory offering featuring a slew of athlete-inspired detailing suited for the new decade. One, large interior pocket now provides specific sleeves for backcountry tools (namely, shovel and probe); there’s a diagonal ski-carry; a fleece-lined goggle pouch and smaller, quick-stash pocket are accessible from the exterior; and multi-use loops on the outside of the pack are ready to hold whatever you may need close at hand. All in all, the ‘96 is a worthwhile nod to Dakine’s heritage and will be an easy sell to fans of the brand.
Dakine Silcox GORE-TEX 2L Stretch Insulated Jacket
Dakine updates its fashionable and functional Silcox Jacket utilizing a GORE-TEX two-layer mechanical stretch plain weave fabric. Not only does the fabric improve mobility by leaps and bounds, but it’s also soft and soothing to the touch, for boosted comfort. Mesh-lined pit zips allow heat to escape while keeping the elements out, and a PFCec-free DWR finish helps shed moisture on the exterior while thinking sustainably. On the style front, a drop hem forms a flattering fit and the raised collar will offer both protection and a bit of flair off the hill.
Flylow Lucy Jacket
The tough as nails character of a hardshell with the plush, stretchy feel of a softshell; that’s the dream, ain’t it? The Lucy achieves that vision, with an incredible aesthetic, as well. It’s über-technical with three-layer stretch Intuitive fabric, a 20K/20K rating, fully taped seams and a weight of only 552 grams. It also comes in four eye-popping colorways (our favorite is Night/Taffy/Aqua, pictured here) that are incredibly fashionable without giving off the vibe that you’re about to rattle off your list of 14,000-foot summit descents. Flylow’s women’s offerings have always been popular, and the Lucy continues that trend in 2021.
DPS Skis Pagoda Tour 112 RP
DPS has long been a champion of carbon fiber ski construction, however, with carbon’s benefits—an incredible strength-to-weight ratio—come one big negative: poor dampening properties on hard snow. After years of R&D, DPS has developed a new proprietary carbon laminate implemented into its new Pagoda skis. Used in conjunction with aerospace-grade foam and ash and paulownia woods, it reduces the drawback of carbon. The result, found in the Pagoda Tour 112 RP, is a lightweight powder-touring ski (1,560 g @ 184 cm) that’s powerful, responsive and damp. The Pagoda Tour 112 RP will be a must-have for DPS diehards as well as backcountry skiers seeking more efficient powder hunting.
FW Manifest Tour 3L Jacket
FW begins its second year of production with a ton of momentum, building upon the 2020 FREESKIER Editors’ Pick Manifest kit, with this backcountry touring-specific model. Similar to all of FW’s garments, the Manifest Tour is supremely capable of protecting you in the harsh environment of the backcountry while also adhering to FW’s signature clean aesthetic. The jacket is 100-percent seam sealed, rated at 20K/20K, boasts a four-way stretch for incredible mobility and its cut was designed precisely to avoid excess weight. As it’s shown in its first year of production, FW’s attention to detail is what sets it apart from others entering the softgoods space.
FW Manifest Tour Hybrid Hoodie
Who says you have to look like a ski-mo nerd on the skin track? Not FW. The new Manifest Tour Hybrid Hoodie is incredibly functional for ski touring—filled with 100 grams of Polartec Alpha insulation that expertly regulates temperature, durable cordura fabric, DWR treatment and incorporated Polartec Powerstretch Pro in the underarms and sidepanels. It’s also fashionable as hell, thanks in large part to the tall collar incorporated into the hood. FW is certainly making waves with its fresh-to-death functional outerwear in its second year of production.
Faction Prodigy 3.0
Faction implemented a few key updates into the Prodigy 3.0—slightly tighter radius, smidg’ wider waist, more rocker in the tip and less in the tail—to produce its most accessible ski to date. It still employs dedicated “Surf Zones” for a boost in playfulness and an elliptical sidecut that helps skiers adapt to specific terrain types in real-time. Its poplar wood core is energetic, provides consistent flex and dampens vibrations, meaning performance remains steady no matter where the ski travels. Artwork by Parade—more intricate than meets the eye—once again adorns the topsheet, and the emphasis on the details, from the core materials to the shape to the graphics, can’t be understated.
Icelantic Nia & Saba Pro
The Nia Pro (as well as its brother, the Saba Pro) is Icelantic’s new athlete-inspired freeride ski. Icey’s athlete team had full creative control to influence the shape, flex profile, width, materials and graphics of the new line. The Nia Pro utilizes the brand’s new “Reflective Rocker” profile, which implements full reverse camber that matches the sidecut radius of the ski, translating to a surfy, playful feel in soft snow while remaining capable of engaging the edge on harder snow surfaces. Skiers that prefer quick-twitch skis and full rocker are certain to have their interest piqued by the Nia Pro.
Day 2 — January 30, 2020
Oakley Flight Path XL
Oakley’s brand-new Flight Path XL goggle was designed with Super G World Champion Aleksander Kilde to meet the needs of the world’s most extreme skiers. The semi-frameless design improves durability and aerodynamics, ideal for beelining it to the backside. An update to Oakley’s Ridgelock system hides the inner lens within the frame to boost overall field-of-view (FOV) by 19-percent and 35 percent in upward FOV. Combined with the brand’s PRIZM lens technology, the Flight Path XL goggle is locked and loaded.
Bollé Nevada NEO
Bollé is introducing its first-ever magnetic goggle for 2021 in the NEVADA NEO. Boasting all of the technical features of the NEVADA–frameless design and cylindrical shape for an Amazon River-wide field of view and photochromic lens compatibility for on-the-dime lens tinting–it also comes packed with the brand’s new EyeLatch system. Should a skier need to switch to a different lens throughout the day, simply flip the latch and replace. When the latch is locked, the lenses won’t go flying–no matter how violent the tomahawk.
Atomic Hawx Prime Ultra XTD 130
Building off of the brand’s mainstay line of boots, Atomic follows up the success of its Hawx Ultra XTD with the new Hawx Prime XTD, designed to provide the best of both alpine and backcountry worlds for skiers with medium to high volume feet. Using the blueprint of the Ultra XTD, the Prime XTD has a 100-millimeter last, offers the downhill performance hard-charging skiers covet and features the brand’s new customizable Mimic liner for a Cinderella-perfect fit that takes the comfort and performance of the Prime to the moon. Folks who love Atomic boots but couldn’t fit in the previous narrow Hawx Ultra XTD will go gaga for this offering.
Nordica HF Elite Pro
Nordica’s brand-new HF collection is a modern take on the rear-entry boot for recreational skiers who put comfort above all else. The women’s HF Elite boot opens up 40 degrees to make stepping into the boot like sliding on a slipper and a Wonder Lock buckle on the spine provides hands-free closure, just simply use a ski pole to push it down to ski and lift it up at the end of the day. The alignment of the cuff and shell are specially designed to provide a secure closure for better lateral support, meaning more control, easier turning and dependable stability. The HF Elite W boot boasts an 85 flex—again, comfort is the goal, here—and the PrimaLoft 3D Cork Fit liner of the Elite model boasts Therm-ic heat technology that can be controlled by a smartphone app.
Giro Envi MIPS
Weight-savings come at the forefront of Giro’s latest ladies-specific helmet, and consumers will take notice the moment they hold the Envi MIPS in their hands. Weighing in at just 400 grams, the Envi MIPS relies on MIPS Spherical technology, which adds an additional layer of protection against harmful rotational impacts to the skull, while also providing one-touch, adjustable ventilation with stacked apertures, ideal for skiers who frequent the skin track or for those who tend to heat up quickly on the downhill. The customizable fit—engaged via a dial on the back of the helmet—combined with plush, form-fitting foam padding helps the helmet fit snugly. Thin earpads further improve the feel and auditory experience—it’s always better when you can hear your surroundings. Rounding out the performance features on this all-new helmet, a thin Polartec lining enhances breathability and ensures a quick-drying interior.
Giro Contour
It’s all about unrestricted vision with Giro’s latest goggle offering, the Contour. Featuring a toric lens with a semi-spherical shape built by the expert lens-makers at ZEISS, as well as a frameless design that fits over standard eyeglasses, the Contour expands the user’s line of sight beyond anything the brand has offered before. A variety of strap designs and lens colors, as well as a standard low-light lens that can be swapped out quickly via a magnetic system, ensure there’s a version for everyone, too.
686 Hydrastash Quantum Thermagraph Bib
686’s Hydrastash, a hydration bladder that’s built into the brand’s outerwear, debuted at Outdoor Retailer in 2018. In an effort to better integrate the technology into the needs of consumers, 686 is relocating the bladder in bib pants, to accommodate those that wear different jackets depending on conditions or for the constant re-layering game that occurs in the backcountry. Now, the bladder is positioned in the bib, allowing skiers the freedom to use any jacket as well as the ability to continue hydrating while touring, when outer layers are typically shed. The bib itself is a two-layer, four-way stretch garment with a 20K/15K rating that will stand up to weather conditions everywhere. It also features durable kick panels as well as Thermagraph mapped insulation, resulting in bibs that can be relied on in-and-out-of-bounds, early and late season.
Strafe Nomad
The Nomad has been a stalwart in Strafe’s line since the brand first formed. The 2021 Nomad is a three-layer offering made with eVent DVflex fabric that combines air-permeability, weather protection and durability to produce do-it-all ski garments. A helmet-compatible hood, oversized pack-friendly chest pockets, underarm vents and a smattering of interior mesh pockets accommodate a wide variety of user-interests, from backcountry touring to inbounds hill-banging and beyond. The 2021 prints, including the Aspen Camo colorway pictured here, really put it over the edge, and will likely be the top draw for shop-goers this fall.
Auclair Luv U Man
This glove aligns perfectly with the mantra of Retallack’s legendary cat-driver, Karl “The Gnarl.” If you know, you know.
Armada Grands 3L
Taking cues from military styling, the Grands 3L is a three-layer jacket that can be relied upon all season long by the vast majority of expert consumers. It boasts a 10K/10K rating and highly-durable Dobby Ripstop fabric treated with PFOA/PFOS-free DWR. The cut stays true to Armada, with wide shoulder construction, articulated elbows and longer sleeves for better mobility, as well as a droptail hem for that extra umph in the style category. However, the Grands does provide multiple adjustment points to suit varying body types and styling preferences. Armada has a rabid fanbase, and the Grands 3L exemplifies everything loyal wearers and riders love about the brand.
K2 Reckoner
Description courtesy of K2: From deep pow to the park and everywhere in between, the Reckoner 102 heeds the call. So whether you’re whipping cork threes o of cat tracks or pivoting through tight East Coast trees, the Reckoner 102 will treat you right. Mash, bash and float. Jump, bounce and charge. It’s the ski you need. Like, actually need.
POW Gloves Royal GTX Glove
POW Gloves The Highline Glove
POC Fornix Spin
The POC Fornix SPIN sets itself apart from the crowd by intertwining a protective EPS foam liner, polycarbonate shell with in-mold construction, Aramid reinforcement bridges and POC’s proprietary SPIN rotational protection to create a helmet that is lightweight and outrageously secure against dangerous impacts. Plentiful static vents, including POC goggle-specific openings on the brim, provide enough airflow for users to stay cool on-hill while ensuring the user’s goggles don’t fog up when the temps rise. Simple styling and all-encompassing protection are the trademarks of the Fornix and, by including its SPIN technology in the 2021 model, POC has undoubtedly enhanced the helmet for a new decade chock-full of skiing experiences.
Darn Tough Vermont Sea to Sky
In fall 2019, Vermont-based Darn Tough welcomed the legendary Michelle Parker into its family. It didn’t take long for her to influence the company, and Darn Tough is releasing a pair of socks that she helped design for 2021. The Sea to Sky is a light weight foot-sleeve with built-in cushioning over the calf, effectively making boot-induced-bruising a thing of the past. Darn Tough’s Universal Merino Wool construction ensures soft comfort, moisture-wicking, thermo-regulation, odor-resistance and durability, all backed by the brand’s lifetime product guarantee.
Le Bent Le Send — Elyse Pro
After releasing the Cody Townsend pro model ski touring sock last winter, and garnering tons of publicity through his web series, The Fifty, Le Bent expands with a female offering designed in part with pro skier Elyse Saugstad. Like the original, the Elyse Pro Model features silicone on the heel and calf to prevent slippage, extra thickness for warm toes in the wide toe boxes of touring boots and a moisture-wicking fabric weave. To accommodate female tourers, the sock has a shorter leg and foot length, with narrower calf compression. Female tourers with an affinity for The Fifty now have their very own skin track sock.
The North Face Women’s Team Kit Jacket
The North Face Women’s A-CAD, Men’s A-CAD, Men’s Purist & Women’s Purist kits
The North Face 50/50 Down
Norrøna lofoten PrimaLoft80 Anorak M’s
The anorak has come back into style in the past few years, and Norrøna’s lofoten packs protective features into a timeless pullover build. The garment is filled with PrimaLoft Gold Aerogel insulation, which provides a premium warmth-to-weight ratio, preventing cold without bogging skiers down. The two side zippers provide venting and easy on-and-off, and the lofoten provides five total pockets for storage needs.
Day 3 — January 31, 2020
Rossignol BlackOps Sender Ti
Big changes are in order for Rossignol in 2021, as they’ve done away with the successful 7 series in favor of the expansion of BlackOps, now including a ski that suits each and every type of skier out there. The Sender Ti, featured here, is a mid-waisted, snappy freeride ski packed with Titanal and Diago Fiber, which is a specialized, rigid carbon from the race world, that results in a ski that begs to be driven to the brink, beckoning to aggressive skiers the world over. The dimensions adhered to athlete requests, allowing for pow smashing and switch riding when necessary. Team BlackOps, assemble and send’er!
MountainFLOW Eco-Wax
SPY Marauder
SPY’s Marauder is crafted with the same in-your-face styling that has set the brand apart since its inception in the early 1990s and two new design features sit at the top of the list of mentionables. First, SPY has updated its quick-change lens system for 2021 by introducing a “deadbolt” locking device; now, magnets seamlessly guide the replaceable lenses into place and dual bolts lock ‘em to the frame for a connection as solid as Montana to Rice. Second, an updated ventilation system utilizes large, sub-frame vents to create a vacuum effect that draws fog-causing hot air away from the goggle lens.
Elan Ripstick 116
Elan’s Ripstick series has been a stalwart in our Buyer’s Guide since its inception three years ago. Elan made some improvements to the next generation this year, most notably slimming down the tip shape to reduce chatter and improve float, while rounding off the tail build in order to improve the turning versatility. Carbon reinforcement placed on the inside edge of the front two-thirds of the ski keeps the Ripsticks stable at high speed without the con of adding more weight. With these deliberate, well-designed improvements, the next iteration of Ripsticks are sure to fly off the shelves.
Off Piste Leather Trigger
Völkl Blaze 106
Völkl’s new Blaze series certainly fits the trend of lightweight, easy to engage all-mountain offerings flooding the market. The Blaze 106 is an ideal every day western ski that adapts to all conditions and terrain types, thanks to Völkl’s 3D Radius sidecut—bigger radii in the tip and tail with a tighter radius in the gut, allowing for easy engagement of a variety of turn types. The Blaze’s wood core mimics the ski shape through the entirety of the build, preventing any tip catching or diving. Völkl’s strong design heritage is sure to shine through in this new line of lightweight, all-mountain freeride planks.
Dalbello Quantum Asolo Factory
Dalbello is set to launch its first-ever line of boots dedicated to alpine touring for 2020-21 with its Quantum series. Featuring a brand-new shell design, the Quantum Asolo Factory boot utilizes a unique construction where the shell is injected in two lengthwise sections, then bonded together through an infrared welding process that doesn’t sacrifice fit for weight savings. Coming in at 980 grams, the Asolo Factory is a featherweight heavy hitter backed by a Grilamid shell reinforced with carbon. A Dyneema rope cinches the dual link cuff and the brand’s new Quantum lacing system secures the lower shell for the descent. A full-length boot board in the lower shell–an uncommon feature for this type of boot—provides an extra layer of warmth and customizable fit for uphill-centric skiers. Touring fanatics are sure to take notice of this new Dalbello product.
Lange XT3 130
Abiding by the laws of gravity, Lange knows that what goes up, must come down, so the brand created its new XT3 series. Engineered for the uphill but built for the downhill, the XT3 130 is a backcountry freerider’s dream. The 97-millimeter-lasted boot is built with a lightweight dual core–soft plastic for vibration absorption sandwiched between hard plastic for energy and power transmission. The XT3 harnesses the energy put into it to return explosive power, snap and rebound. The Dual 3D full liner is made of three types of high-density foam that is customizable for a precise fit and an Active Power V-Lock provides a generous 53 degrees range of motion in walk mode. Aggressive backcountry skiers looking for a no-compromise hybrid boot will love the XT3 130.
HEAD KORE 87
HEAD expands its fan-favorite, lightweight freeride KORE series, to include a skinnier women’s offering, geared toward hard-charging East Coasters who covet guts in the 80-90 millimeter range. Once again, the combination of karuba wood, Graphene, Koroyd and carbon fiber in a sandwich sidewall construction, results in supreme weight savings with unmatched torsional rigidity and stability. The KORE’s on-piste carving abilities are matched only by its nimble character, making it easy like Sunday morning to throw around and turn on a dime. Rabid KORE fans will certainly be intrigued by this line expansion.
BlackStrap Therma Hooded Top
The Therma Hooded Top utilizes a brand new proprietary fabric developed by BlackStrap that delivers supreme warmth, breathability, moisture-wicking, four-way stretch and a soft, comfortable next-to-skin feel in an ultra-lightweight package. Its tapered length is meant to seamlessly integrate with BlackStrap’s Therma baselayer bottoms, ensuring a top-to-bottom kit that consumers won’t want to take off.
Fischer RC4 The Curv GT 130 Vacuum Walk
The new RC4 The Curv GT boot was developed for aggressive resort-only skiers with narrow feet. These 96 millimeter-lasted boots are designed to be completely customizable to create the perfect fit for ultimate comfort and control. A heat-moldable liner provides an exact match to a skier’s foot shape and adjustable fitting pads can be added to ensure every part of the liner is in contact with the shell, including in the ankle area. To provide more volume and relieve pressure points, the tongue can be removed and ground down and Fischer’s VACUUM technology makes even the outer shell shape customizable for the best fit possible. For a fine-tuned touch, the Curv GT boot’s forward lean angle can be adjusted from 14-17 degrees to put piste skiers in the perfect position for maximum fun.
Full Tilt Ascendant Sammy Carlson
Full Tilt has a brand-new partnership with Sammy Carlson and a pro-model boot to go with it. As part of the Ascendant series, the Sammy Carlson boot is made specifically for Sammy C’s distinguished style: full-time, full-throttle. A TPU shell and grilamid tongue combine for incredible rigidity without added weight, and its 120 flex offers a bit of give for those who don’t want the stiffest response. A burly power strap provides total control on everything from backcountry pillows to enormous booters. Paired with the Intuition Pro Tour Liner and a Grip Walk sole, these boots are made for big walks.
Line Blade W
Line made a carving ski?! Did pigs also fly or something?? We’re not kidding, the Seattle-based brand, known mostly for its freeski-oriented offerings, is introducing the Blade, meant to dice up groomers like Arya Stark with her Valyrian steel dagger. The Blade comes complete with a graphic-scheme that would put a smile on Wesley Snipe’s face, as well as Line’s Gas Pedal Metal construction—two independent Titanal pieces with strips that extend across the ski, resulting in unmatched torsional rigidity and edge grip without loss of life. Skiers looking for a carving friend for their trusted pair of Chronics will find no shame in grabbing a Blade.
Smith Squad MAG
Dragon PVX2
The PXV—a staple in Dragon’s goggle lineup—received a welcomed update for 2021. The PXV2 employs the brand’s tried-and-true Panotech lens but adds Swiftlock Lens Technology to the package, maximizing the skier’s field of vision while ensuring speedy lens swaps. It’s a true one-two punch with even more to offer: The combination of easy-to-change lenses and unhindered vision are complemented by a clean, frameless design, universal fit and armored venting, making the latest from Dragon a must-try for fans of the California-based brand.
Sweet Protection Looper MIPS
Sleek Scandinavian styling and top-tier safety features helped establish Sweet Protection as one of the quickest up-and-comers in the North American market since launching here in 2015. Following this success, the brand is now introducing an entry-level helmet, called the Looper, that offers skiers the same stylish aesthetic and MIPS technology featured in its most advanced products. Complemented by passive ventilation and a variety of colorways—all pricing out at just over $160—the Looper will allow recreational consumers to enjoy the fit, flair and safety features of Sweet Protection without shelling out a huge wad of cash for professional-grade protectiveness.
Sweet Protection Boondock
Sweet Protection is slimming down in 2021—well, its goggles, that is. Designed for small or medium-sized faces, the Boondock implements the brand’s best technologies in a more slender, close-fitting package. But don’t let the Boondock’s petite figure discount its optics: Consumers will be widely impressed with the stylish, cylindrical lenses that come standard with Retina Illumination Grading, a technology that greatly enhances low-light performance by boosting contrast and reducing eye fatigue. Furthermore, the lenses on the Boondock—as with all of Sweet Protection’s goggles—are extremely resistant to breaking or shattering, offering additional protection to the skier in the case of an accident.
Houdini Men’s Mono Air Houdi
The Mono Air Houdi from Swedish Houdini Sportswear was recently awarded ISPO award Gold Winner for its new anti-shedding fleece jacket. Developed in collaboration with Polartec, the Mono Air Houdi is made from Polartec Power AirTM, which sheds five times less fibers than other high-quality fleece jackets on the market, thereby limiting microfibers released into the environment. Drawing inspiration from the brands classic Houdini Power Houdi, the Mono Air Houdi pairs timeless looks with a new, 25 percent lighter version of Polartec Power AirTM fabric, composed of 73 percent recycled fibers, utilizing a mono-material composition making it completely recyclable and an ideal addition to Houdini’s circular ecosystem, with Bluesign certification.
