What's New For Ski and Snowboard Gear 2021-2022
Following a winter ski season that most of the ski industry would prefer to forget, there's now the sort of optimism of a bluebird day following a whiteout. The sun WILL shine again on the mountains, following vaccinations people will start travelling, all lifts will be open once more and by winter 2021-2022 the ski industry will be back on track.Meanwhile, the show is going on, albeit virtually. The annual ISPO exhibition is kick-starting the new gear year as usual in February but it's a virtual event. Check out the ISPO winners in the ski and snowboard categories.
As winter 2020-2021 was mostly a write-off, the ski and snowboard brands can be forgiven for rolling the current season's gear over to next rather than coming up with new lines. But it isn't always the case. Some companies have used the time to get creative and/or connect more to the outdoors via sustainable and recyclable materials. There are also significantly more brands riding the ski touring boom with ever lighter kit and functional clothing. Among the winners of this year's coveted ISPO Gold Awards for snowsports for 2021 are three potential game-changers: the Voyager fold-up skis from Elan, a voice-controlled transceiver from Ortovox and WNDR Alpine Vital 100 organic freeride skis made from algae.
THE GOLD ISPO AWARD WINNERS 2021
Elan Voyager Functional Folding Ski for Travelling
As a foldable all-mountain ski, the Elan Voyager opens up a new ski segment. The result is a compact package that can also pass as airline luggage or be transported effortlessly in buses, trains and small cars. This is made possible by a four-axis mechanism that joins the ski together at the folding joint. When unfolded, the Voyager presents itself as a precise and torsionally stable ski. It is available in the following sizes:160cm (packed to 87cm) 127/78/110 width / 12.6 radius; 166cm (packed to 89cm) 127/78/110 width / 13.7 radius and 172cm (packed to 93cm) 127/78/110 width / 14.9 radius. The foldable Elan Voyager that packs into its specially designed bag along with binding and poles, secured the Gold Winner in the Snowsports Hardgoods segment in the Skis category.
Available from: February 2021
Estimated retail price: 1500€ (ski, poles, binding, cleaning device, bag)
Electra by Out of - Solar-Powered Goggles with Electronic Light Adjustment
The Electra by Out Of is an electronic lens for sports glasses that adjusts its tint to the ambient brightness in a fraction of a second. This is made possible by an LCD screen in a specially designed frame interacting with a proprietary sensor chip. The reaction curve can be adjusted individually. Sufficient energy is supplied by a small solar panel, so no batteries are needed. The Electra by Out Of promises the high-tech solution to an old problem by always providing the right light. For this, it is Gold Winner in the Snowsports Hardgoods segment in the Snowsports Equipment category.
Available from: already in stores
Retail price: 429€
Ortovox Diract Voice Avalanche Transceiver
In an emergency life or death can be decided by a matter of seconds. When rescuing avalanche victims, speed is of the essence. The rescuers themselves are often stressed or even in shock. Diract Voice by Ortovox is the first avalanche transceiver that guides you to the victims with clear and distinct spoken instructions – a quantum leap that should dramatically speed up the search. The Diract Voice avalanche transceiver by Ortovox is extremely easy and intuitive to use. For this, the jury awarded it Gold Winner in the Snowsports Hardgoods segment in the Avalanche Safety category.
Available from: October 2021
Estimated retail price: 330€
Advenate MyONE Customised Ski and Snowboard Wear
MyONE is an online product configurator for functional winter sportswear. Pockets, length, equipment, colour and cut are freely selectable. Tourers opt for the athletic cut, the loose fit is aimed at freeriders. After the order is placed, the jacket is made to measure from high quality fabrics by Schoeller and delivered from production in Germany within two weeks. Not just any winter jacket, but exactly yours, Advenate's online configurator MyONE enables fully-customised winter sportswear, securing a Gold Winner in the Snowsports Apparel segment in the Touring Jackets category.
Available from: October 2021
Estimated retail price: 580€ (Jacket) / 490€ (Pants)
Cébé Versatile Helmet with New Ventilation System
The new Versatile by Cébé is a multisport winter helmet, approved for mountaineering as well as skiing. This is also reflected in its functionality thanks to the lightweight Double In-Mold construction. The Ultra Venting System of the Versatile makes it possible to raise the front part of the helmet and thus increase the ventilation, for example during touring. The Versatile by Cébé is a lightweight and comfortable helmet for long climbs and fast descents. This makes it Gold Winner in the Snowsports Hardgoods segment in the Snowsports Equipment category.
Available from: September 2021
Estimated retail price: 160€
Deuter Freescape Pro Lightweight Multi-Day Touring Backpack
The 40-litre Freescape Pro backpack by Deuter is aimed at ski tourers on tour for several days. The Alpine Back System is designed to provide good ventilation, a secure fit and high-wearing comfort. Adjustable, external attachment straps allow for individual solutions of transporting equipment and skis. The back can be opened completely for easy access even when skis or snowboard are attached. Proven technology in a new lightweight multi-day backpack for touring skiers make the Deuter Freescape Pro a Gold Winner in the Snowsports Hardgoods segment in the Snowsports Equipment category.
Available from: Autumn 2021
Estimated retail price: 210€
Nordica Speedmachine 3 130 S (GW) Fast Action Ski Boot
The Speedmachine 3 130 S (GW) by Nordica is all about speed. Both the new 3Force liner and the 3Force shell made from a honeycomb structure and softer material are individually adjusted using infrared. This is designed to provide the best possible impulse transfer while offering high comfort all day long. When walking, the GripWalk sole by Michelin ensures safety. Comfortably customisable and yet mercilessly trimmed for speed, the Nordica Speedmachine 3 130 S (GW) raced to Gold Winner in the Snowsports Hardgoods segment in the Ski Boots category.
Available from: Already in stores
Estimated retail price: 569€
Ortovox 3 Finger Glove Pro Convertible Freeride Gloves
The robust backcountry 3 Finger Glove Pro by Ortovox adapts to any temperature with its two different inner gloves. The two-layer outer material is windproof and waterproof, the filling is made from recycled merino wool. High-quality goatskin on the palms and special inserts between the thumb and index finger are designed to ensure a good grip even in wet conditions. Grip and warm fingers in any terrain, plus sustainable materials, this is what makes the innovative 3 Finger Glove Pro by Ortovox Gold Winner in the Snowsports Apparel segment in the Gloves & Mittens category.
Available from: October 2021
Estimated retail price: 170€
Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants
For freedom of movement for backcountry and freetouring, Ortovox uses a soft lightweight material with a small pack size for the 3L deep shell bib pants. A Merino Shield in the back and integrated gaiters are designed to keep snow out. Adjustable straps, four pockets, waterproof two-way zippers and robust Cordura material protecting from sharp edges should make the bib pants ready for any adventure. Fits, protects, warms - and looks good: The thoughtfully designed, waterproof and windproof Ortovox 3L deep shell bib pants with sustainably sourced merino wool are a Gold Winner in the Snowsports Apparel segment in the Snow Jackets, Pants & Suits category.
Available from: October 2021
Estimated retail price: 580€
The earlybird Chickadee Performance Eco-Touring Skis
The Chickadee touring ski by earlybird offers control and reliable performance even in technical terrain with a combination of classic camber plus light tip and tail rocker, waist width 90mm. Manufactured 100 percent carbon neutral with sustainable raw materials, the ski is durable and easy to recycle at the end of its life. That's why it's not only a Gold Winner in the Snowsports Hardgoods segment in the Skis category, but also receives the Sustainability Achievement.
Available from: already in stores
Estimated retail price: 1095€
ISPO SNOWSPORTS GENERAL AWARD WINNERS.
ARVA Calagary 18 Reactor Lightweight Eco-Airbag
Compact and sustainable: the Calagary 18 Reactor airbag by ARVA aims to reconcile safety and the environment. Fabric and lining are made from recycled polyester. To compensate for the weaker tear strength of the recycled material, the harness has been completely redesigned, with less waste generated during production. With a carbon cartridge and thermoformed back panel, the airbag weighs only two kilos becoming the ISPO Award Winner in the Snowsports Hardgoods segment in the Avalanche Safety category.
Available from: September 2021
Estimated retail price: 500€
Smith x Aleck 006 Wireless Communication for Helmets
Like having a Walkie Talkie in your helmet, the 76g Smith x Aleck 006 is stowed in the ear pads, designed to simplify communication on the mountain, manage calls and play clear sound; in other words, provide entertainment and more safety. With the push of a button, a connection to your group is established. The headset is sweat and water resistant and charges via a standard micro USB port picking up an ISPO Award Winner in the Snowsports Hardgoods segment in the Snowsports Equipment category.
Available from: already in stores
Estimated retail price: 109€
WNDR Alpine Vital 100 Organic Freeride Skis
The Vital 100 by WNDR Alpine is a glimpse of the ski industry of the future. The backcountry ski is light and stable, with very good edge grip but the biggest innovation lies in the productio. The Vital 100 consists largely of organic material obtained from algae. All parts of the ski are also recyclable So the Vital 100 by WNDR Alpine is not only Winner in the Snowsports Hardgoods segment in the category Skis but was also given an award for Sustainability Achievement.
Available from autumn 2020
Estimated retail price: 575€
And let's hear a round of applause for Nordica, once again specifically creating skis for women in an industry where many a brand is just chasing the dude dollar:
Nordica Belle DC 72 Women's Specific Skis
Nordica is dedicated to gender difference, launching the Belle DC 72, a ski specifically designed for women. The skis with their own shapes and sidecuts address the ergonomics, specific postures and positions of female skiers. The Double Core technology with two wood cores and a Pulse core made of rubber in the middle provides more stability, flex and damping. With a feminine touch, the Nordica Belle DC 72 is an ISPO Award Winner in the Snowsports Hardgoods segment in the Skis category.
Available from: February 2021
Estimated retail price: 599€
New Brands Snowsports Winners
AYAQ Ultra Functional Ski Touring Clothing
Sustainable, well thought-out and clever, the start-up AYAQ created by Vincent Defrasne, Olympic Biathlon Champion, is a new brand for ecological and functional ski touring clothing that meets the highest technical demands. AYAQ turns heads with its own solutions for everyday touring. For example, the Forno vest can be easily removed under a jacket, while the Nunatak Hybrid Pants come with a new type of comfortable crotch construction especially for ski touring.
Foundation: Switzerland, 2020
The Skibrid Neo Guarantees Carving Action
Carving for everyone: The Skibrid Neo turns normal skis or snowboards into a hybrid of MTB and board in just a few minutes, all without damaging the boards. The rider can steer effortlessly by tilting or twisting the board with the handlebars. This enables even beginners to perform fast carving turns after a very short time – without putting strain on their joints.
Foundation: France, 2019
