Every year new skis, boots and outerwear hit the shelves with the promise that these are the best in their field yet. This year is no exception, but what is being improved and what should you save up for?
We're given to understand this pre-season that emphasis in development has focused primarily on improving versatility, comfort and ease of use. one of the main bulletins to come out is the apparent new tech Salomon has developed and in consequence there is a lot of talk on the circuit about their new 'revolutionary' ski. In general skis are becoming wider and along with snowboards more are featuring rocker tech for added float in POW. Boots are getting comfier with more custom fit providers on the market whilst outerwear is becoming lighter yet warmer.
The new Salomon BBR ski are making a lot of heads turn in the industry. With a width of 140mm on the shovels (compared to the current standard of 120mm and 111mm 10 years ago) and pointed tips these skis look set to take the mountain by storm. Built by the guy that brought us the Salomon X-Stream and Pocket Rocket the BBR design was apparently inspired by your average surfboard with the seemingly exaggerated tip cutting the snow as a surfboard would the waves.
Unwilling to restrict these skis to a category Salomon claim they are a 'powder ski that carves on-piste' and 'a piste ski that floats in powder'. We predict these to be seen more and more on the slopes this season.
Skiers have often glanced at boarders if not with respect but with a little envy. Comfort is one of the key factors people are looking for on the slopes and ski boots have been losing that battle since board boots switched from hard shell to soft.
Three years ago Salomon came up with the custom shell tech that allowed buyers to have their new boots moulded around their feet, in shop, in 20 minutes. NOw this concept is available on a much larger range of boots, including the women's Idol and Impact ranges.
This type of tech has also been taken up by Fischer. Their vacuum fit boot uses plastic 15% lighter than your average boot and can be moulded up to five times if you are not completely happy with your fit.
Slightly different is the Aishell boot introduced by Tecnica. Inflated bags are inside the boot which the wearer can inflate or deflate to suit. The air inside also acts as another layer of insulation.
With the new season almost upon us (2 weeks with a partial opening next weekend), the office is gradually growing more and more excited and preparing for those many Turin airport transfers already booked. Those still in need of a Turin airport transfer should consider ATC's options and know that scheduled Turin ski transfers are fast filling up. Luggage and equipment is no extra charge with ATC on your Turin ski transfer and we will take extra special care of your prized possessions every step of the way.
Snow is expected in the coming week so check out the ATC weather forecast page for regular updates. If you'd like to be included in the ATC monthly newsletter send a request and we'll add you to our mailing list.
