• The creation of the ski "system" where three once discrete components (ski, binding and binding interface) have been integrated into a seamless whole for a smoother ride.
• Today's skis are lighter, tougher and sleeker to help you better handle turns and give you increased control and better performance.
• Superframe technology, with a hard shell and lightweight core, makes skis more flexible, stable and lighter. Which means that you get more control and better turn initiation, even during fast turns.
• New ski materials like Liquidmetal technology help preserve ski structure even on the roughest terrain.
• Today's shaped skis are easier to turn than straight skis.

• For a better ski experience
• For a smoother ride
• And if the consumer services their skis, it's a safer ride

Today's winter sports apparel and accessories utilize new materials that allow for maximum comfort, protection against the elements and are more fashion-focused.

• Breathable materials that incorporate technology, such as Hyvent, allow for maximum warmth without added bulk.
• Added features such as snow safe cuffs to prevent snow from entering the garment at any time.
• Apparel now incorporates fashion-forward materials and styles without sacrificing functionality.

• Goggles/glasses made of carbon, the most impact-resistant material, are less likely to scratch or break.
• Fog-X lens coating bonds to the inner lens, absorbing moisture before fog can form for maximum visibility.
• Ventilation technology keeps the humidity level inside goggles low by exchanging moist air for dry air.

• Helmets with exchangeable liners provide the consumer with the ability to choose a liner made of material appropriate for climate.
• Apparel also incorporates the latest technology, including space for entertainment devices.

• Hidden pockets, panels and zippers so favorite tech toys don't have to be left at home.

• Some gloves have an integrated wireless control panel to use with an iPod.
• Others have integrated a wrist pocket that can safely store a cell phone.

• Select helmets are available with a modular Bluetooth audio/telephony package that allows riders to take their tunes and calls on the slopes.

• One size fits all is no longer the case for the snowboard industry. Today's boards come in a multitude of shapes, weights and sizes to improve performance no matter what your size or skill level
• Women's boards are lighter and narrower with more flex to accommodate height and weight.
• Depending on level of experience, boards are constructed out of different materials.
• Experienced riders can handle a heavier wood laminate board while a foam core board is more appropriate for beginners.
• Some new snowboards incorporate piezo chips or cards. This technology dampens vibrations from choppy terrain by distributing the energy throughout the board, resulting in a smoother ride.

The most significant snowshoe improvements were made in the early 70s with drastic improvements in materials and size. During the past 5-7 years, snowshoe technology has been tweaked, but these improvements are not substantial enough for most consumers to notice a large difference in performance. The key message is to encourage upgrading and reinforce that today's snowshoes are more customized than ever before. Consumers can purchase snowshoes specific to the type of snowshoeing they participate in:

• Aerobic/Fitness. Designed specifically for running and exercise, and are not recommended for trail use or the backcountry.
• Recreational. Designed with features that are most appropriate for moderate length snowshoe walks of up to 3-5 miles over gentle to moderately steep terrain.
• Mountaineering. Designed for rigorous long distance travel, steep snow climbing and extended off-trail use.

• Improved materials, such as reinforced aluminum, increase frame durability while minimizing weight.
• Suspension systems allow for natural articulation of the foot.

• For a more customized ride.
• For lighter snowshoes.
• For increased comfort.
• For increased control.

• In recent years, telemark skis have gradually gotten wider for increased stability at higher speeds or difficult terrain. (The wider the ski, the more appropriate it is for an experienced, aggressive skier.)
• Asymmetric skis have also been produced specifically for telemark to increase control while turning.

• For lighter skis
• For better balance while skiing
• For increased maneuverability
• For a safer ride due to more durable equipment

• New materials such as carbonlite are used in the core of the ski and the tail/tip for maximum reduction of weight and inertia. Variations of carbon fiber are also beginning to show up in ski poles to provide the consumer with the same benefits.
• The newest models usually incorporate a slight sidecut to help the ski carve through the snow more easily.

• For lighter skis
• For increased maneuverability

Dull, rusty edges and dried-out bases cause sacrifices in speed and control, which are essential to beginners, intermediates and experts. For optimal performance throughout the entire season, equipment should be tuned approximately every three rides. Regular ski and snowboard tune ups offer the following:

• Bases are cleaned and flattened to protect and lengthen the life of the equipment.
• Edges sharpened to maintain maximum maneuverability.
• Waxing protects the equipment and also provides better control.
• A binding function test is conducted to ensure safety.