SIA News 7.0
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ON-LINE REGISTRATION ENDS MONDAY – JANUARY 16th – REGISTER NOW FOR THE SHOW AND ON-SNOW DEMO/SKI-RIDE FEST
 Only 13 days until the SIA Snow Show and the On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest! REGISTER NOW! Deadline for pre-registration is January 16, 2012. Retailers who have not received their badges prior to the Show will need to pick their badges up onsite. Self-print Kiosks will be available; remember to bring your confirmation email and ID. Onsite registration opens January 23, 2012 at 8A. On-Snow Demo registration is $10 and includes transportation, breakfast, lunch, happy hour, equipment and the lift ticket. For more information and updates on the Show and On-Snow Demo, visit siasnowshow.com.
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SIA RELEASES NOVEMBER 2011 DATA
November Sales Strong; Snowless December Does Not Bode Well
SnowSports Industries America (SIA) and The Leisure Trends Group have released the next round of 2011/2012 RetailTRAK™ Data covering August through November snow sports sales. The snow sports market had plenty of traffic in November and sales reflected the more optimistic mood of the U.S. consumers overall.
Snow sports consumers were not yet affected by the lack of snow that is dampening spirits and bottom lines across the industry in December and early January. Sales between August and November 2011 were up 5% overall in units and 10% overall in dollars sold, reaching $1.2 billion. Specialty shop inventories, while leaner than ever at the end of the 2010/2011 season, are slightly more stocked than they were at the end of November last season. Sell-through is also slightly higher, indicating that inventories are aligned well with market demand through November 2011.
Early Trends to Watch this Season:
- Reverse and mixed camber ski sales have doubled from 28,000 units sold through November last season to more than 55,000 sold through November 2011
- Insulated parka sales are up 18% in units sold as non-participants head to chain stores and online to buy snow sports apparel as casual wear. Internet sales of insulated parkas are up 33% in units and dollars sold through November.
- AT/Randonee boot sales are up 22% in units and dollar and skins sales are up 21% in units sold and 25% in dollars sold.
- Winter boot sales are strong again this season with sales reaching more than $36 million through November, $6 million more than sales through November last season.
- More than 1.2 million helmets sold last season and this season is off to a strong start with more than 300,000 units sold as of November 30, a 15% increase in units sold.
December data is currently being collected and tabulated; however, reports from the field indicate that the lack of snow nationally has had a significantly negative impact on retail sales and reorders from retail to suppliers, in December.
The current lack of snow across the U.S. is a threat to the health of the 2011/ 2012 season overall. If current conditions persist, core participant buyers may choose to wait and see what new technology may become available in the 2012/2013 models when snow conditions are (hopefully) better. But hope remains for better conditions this season; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration continues to call for standard La Niña conditions for the remaining winter months: “During January - March 2012, there is an increased chance of above-average temperatures across the south-central and southeastern U.S., and below-average temperatures over the western and the northwest-central U.S. Also, above-average precipitation is favored across most of the northern tier of states and in the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, and drier-than-average conditions are more likely across the southern tier of the U.S.” (Statement released by NOAA January 5, 2012).
Click here to read the complete press release.
The market data presented in this report comes from the Snow Sports RetailTRAK™ produced for SIA by the Leisure Trends Group. The Leisure Trends Group gathers RetailTRAK™ data directly from the Point of Sale systems of more than 1,200 snow sports retailers. For more information about snow sports retail sales information and other SIA Research products click here or contact Kelly Davis, SIA’s Director of Research at KDavis@snowsports.org.
Topline/category retail sales data for the snow sports market is available as a member benefit to all SIA members. In addition, you gain free access to topline data for the Running, Outdoor, and Paddle Sports when you register. The topline data is accessible on a 24/7/365 basis on the Leisure Trends Cross-Industry RetailTRAK™ data portal. Non-SIA members may subscribe to the topline portal for just $375 per year. To sign up for topline data CLICK HERE.
RETAILER EMAIL CAMPAIGN - DRIVE FRESH TRACKS TO YOUR DOOR WITH SIA JANUARY CUSTOMER CONTENT
With the season here, SIA wants to make it easy for you to connect with your customers. We have created turn-key, timely messages, complete with subject lines, email copy and schedule suggestions. Click here to view the January email. Don't forget January is officially Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.
Each email is customizable (if you choose) and we encourage adding your own shop branding as well as an offer/incentive. Each message includes a suggested offer to help generate the sale. Feel free to use it or add another. View January email.
For questions or more information contact Mary Cecile Neville, Associate Director Trade Marketing & Communications at SIA, MCNeville@snowsports.org
Find all copy in our Retail Marketing Kit on snowsports.org/rmk.
GET AN EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEAK + NEW PRODUCT DIRECTORY
Get an exclusive glance into the hottest new products and trends at the upcoming 2012 SIA Snow Show (Jan 26-29) before stepping foot in the Colorado Convention Center with the Sneak Peak + New Product Directory. The Sneak Peak is a digital showcase of Snow Show Exhibitors “it” products for the 2012.13 season PLUS company background and marketing/PR contact information.
The
Sneak Peak + New Product Directory can be viewed by product category or specific brands. The format serves as both a new product directory for retailers to view before the Show and revisit to use as a research tool throughout the year. The Sneak Peak/New Product Directory is available online at siasnowshow.com under the Media section or go there directly,
siasnowshow.com/sneakpeak.
WINNERS OF THE 2011 SIA U.S. & CANADIAN SNOWSPORTS REGIONAL REP AND RETAILER OF THE YEAR AWARD
SIA announces the winners of the 2011 SIA U.S. & Canadian SnowSports Regional Rep of the Year Award and the 2011 SIA U.S. SnowSports Regional Retailer of the Year Award. These awards recognize those reps and retailers in the snow sports industry that helped to move more product and promote snow sports.
The U.S. Regional Rep of the Year Award is presented to one rep in each of the following nine regions. Nominations for this accolade came from the retailers in the snow sports industry.
The following are the winners for each region:
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Kent Fried
"Winning this award is such an honor for me. There are no words that can express my gratitude!"
Atlantic [NJ / NY / PA / DE / MD / DC]
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Tim Parker
"Working in the winter sport industry has given me the opportunity of meeting and working with many great people - retailers, suppliers, and athletes. I am truly grateful for your friendship, counsel, and business. I would like to thank the retailers and suppliers for all their support. I’m very grateful and honored to receive this award!"
Eastern Lakes [MI / OH / IN]
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Tom Blair
"I want to thank all my retailers for voting for me three years in a row. I am extremely honored."
Mid-West [ND / MN / WI / SD / IA / IL / NE / MO / KS / OK]
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Andrew "Beach" Shaw
"I am honored to receive this award and feel that my two partners, Scott Heald and Aaron Reis, contribute greatly to everything I am able to accomplish as a rep."
Northeast [ME / VT / NH / MA / RI / CT]
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Jamie LaValle
"I totally appreciate the chance to work in such a great industry filled with the best people around. Thanks very much to SIA for this award. I am stoked!"
Northern California
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Dan Sorcinelli
Northwest [WA / OR / ID / MT / AK]
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Ed Green
"I would like to thank all the folks that thought I was worthy of this award. Thanks for laughing at all my bad jokes. My family has been a big part of this, with the moves and the 24/7 part of the job. I could not have done this without their support."
Rockies [WY / UT / CO / NM / TX]
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Brad Decker
"I am honored that I was chosen again for this award and want to thank my Retailers for nominating me. I also want to thank the brands we represent for the support and being great business partners to my retailers!"
South [WV / VA / KY / TN / NV / SC / GA / AL / MS / FL / AR / LA]
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Chris Dunham
"This is my 12th season representing Flow, an amazing company run by dynamic individuals who truly love snowboarding and are committed to building the best boards, boots and bindings in the industry!"
West [Southern CA / NV / AZ / HI]
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The Canadian Regional Rep of the Year Award is presented to one rep in each of the following five territories. Nominations for this accolade came from the retailers in the snow sports industry.
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Andrew Hicks
"I’m fortunate to still live close to the mountains and be able to make a living selling fun. Thanks for the customers that buy our brands for making it all possible."
Alberta |
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Derek Hale
"Snowboarding is my life and has been for many years. I will be involved in the snowboard industry as long as I live. I would not be where I am today without the amazing group of retailers I have in my territory. THANKS!!"
British Columbia and Manitoba/Saskatchewan |
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Evan Cole
"I'm thankful for selling what I love, and being recognized by my dealers, friends, and peers for doing it decently."
Ontario |
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Gilles Lachance
"Aujourd’hui, je suis surpris – étant donné que je suis perfectionniste dans mon travail –, mais très reconnaissant envers l’industrie qui souligne ma performance. Je devrai continuer à travailler fort pour réussir, car rien n’est acquis et il est toujours possible de s’améliorer."
"Since I am a perfectionist in my work, today’s recognition from the industry for my performance comes to me as a surprise and I am very grateful for it. I will need to continue working hard to succeed, as nothing can be taken for granted. There is always room for improvement."
Quebec |
The U.S. Regional Retailer of the Year Award is presented to one retailer in each of the following seven regions. Nominations for this accolade come from U.S. suppliers and reps in the snow sports industry.
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Buckman’s Ski & Snowboard Shop, Pottstown, PA
Mid Atlantic (NJ / NY / PA / DE)
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Cole Sport, Park City, UT
Mountain (AZ / CO / ID / MT / NV / NM / UT / WY)
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East Coast Alpine, Danvers, MA
New England (C T / ME / MA / NH / R I / VT)
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Trollhaugen Ski & Board Shop, Dresser, WI
North Central (IL / IN / MI / OH / WI / IA / KS / MN / MO / NE / ND / SD)
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Sturtevant’s, Bellevue, WA
Pacific (CA / OR / WA / AK)
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Sun & Ski Sports, Houston, TX
South Central (AL / KY / MS / TN / AR / LA / OK / TX)
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Ski Center, Washington, DC
Southeast (FL / GA / MD / NC / SC / VA / WV / DC)
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These awards are presented during the 2012 SIA Snow Show in Denver, CO, Friday, January 27, 2012 at the Colorado Ski Country USA Central Lounge & Food Court (Booth #2132) at 6P. Join us for a beer to toast to the 2011 winners!
Click here to view last year’s winners; 2010 SIA US and Canadian SnowSports Award winners. Congratulations to our winners!
FROM PRODUCT MANAGER TO TRUCK DRIVER AND BACK- JULIET KORVER OF O’NEIL
SIA caught up with Juliet Korver, Product and Marketing Manager at O'Neill to learn more about her career and her decision to take two years off to be a become a long haul trucker.
SIA: How did you get started in the industry?
JK: I worked in a skate and snowboard shop in the late 80’s called Off the Wall in Hamilton, Ontario. We were known to be one of the first shops to carry snowboards in the area. My boss gave each of the staff members a snowboard for Christmas and we were encouraged to learn to ride so we could better sell the product.
Almost instantly, I was inspired to make clothes for snowboarding. I had been sewing and adapting patterns from a young age, so after high school I went to the Tetons to take a Fashion Design course. Soon after, I started making snowboard pants…I bought fabric from a backpack company outside of Pocatello, ID and made pants that I sold up at the local mountain on the weekend. I took custom orders!
My goal at the time was to land a design job at Bamboo Curtain or Westbeach. I called the companies every day my last semester in school until Chip at Westbeach finally answered my call. I was hired as a designer in 1992.
SIA: What made you take time off to become a long haul trucker?
JK: I worked for Indian Motorcycle as a product developer and production manager a few years and a couple jobs after Westbeach. The company was purchased and they licensed out the garment division. I needed a break from design and decided that driving would be fun and different. Twelve weeks later, I had a trucker license and was on the road. I drove all over North America for 2 years. Throughout that time, I worked as a freelance designer for a few Toronto-based companies to keep my design skills fresh.
SIA: I know you probably have a million great stories but can you choose one to tell about your adventures?
JK: My memories:
- Lots of books on tape
- Meteor showers in the Wyoming sky at night
- Loading 1200 50lb boxes in (Florida) and out of (Toronto) my trailer weekly for 6 months
- Being in the middle of out-of-control brush fires in Nevada
- Skipping rope in parking lots to keep in shape
- Sunrises and sunsets in every state
- Fields of sunflowers in Nebraska
- Flying J stops for steak and eggs after a night shift -- so satisfying!
- Roadside food in the South -- ribs, mixed grill, pecan pie, boiled chestnuts
- My favorite quote from the road: “They let a little thing like you drive a big thing like that!?” (just outside of Branson, Missouri)
SIA: What are some marketing tips that you can share?
JK: Don’t spend time focusing on what others in your space are doing. Spend time thinking about what they’re not doing. Don’t be afraid to stand out…and make sure you always understand the audience you’re speaking to.
Since joining O’Neill’s Snow division, I’ve been reminded how important it is to understand and enjoy the lifestyle you’re representing, and push the envelope – that translates across any and every marketing initiative you execute. It’s critical to do what you love, and always remain authentic, unique…and fearless.
SIA: Biggest lesson you learned in 2011? Professionally and/or personally?
JK: Love what you do. Make sure that life – work included -- is fun.
WINTER TRAILS DAY UPDATE
FREE Snowshoeing & Cross Country Skiing Across U.S.
Last weekend, nearly 75 venues held Winter Trails events on Saturday, January 7, 2012. Despite challenging snow conditions across the country, there was strong support for the event series and great media coverage.
Due to the light snow coverage, many event sites needed to get creative and make some last minute changes to their offerings. Several snowless sites offered hiking options on Saturday, but also showcased snowshoes and cross country skis and talked about the two sports and the latest equipment advancements. However, not all parts of the country are snowless this year, in fact, many venues reported great snow conditions for their events including Echo Lake, Colorado and Jackson Hole, Wyoming as well as several areas across the Midwest.
“Winter Trails had really strong momentum following last year’s event and great partners helping to spread the Winter Trails message, unfortunately Mother Nature did not cooperate,” stated Reese Brown, the Winter Trails Administrator. “On the bright side, we did have tremendous media coverage and hope the interest generated because of Winter Trails will continue to drive people to try snow sports activities over the next several weeks,” added Brown.
Below is a list of locations and their rescheduled Winter Trails date:
| Notchview Reservation |
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February 11, 2012 |
| East Mink Creek Nordic Center |
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January 14, 2012 |
| Keystone Resort Nordic Center |
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January 14, 2012 |
| Estes Park Winter Trails |
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January 14, 2012 |
| Silver Crest Winter Trails Area |
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January 14, 2012 |
| The Homestead Resort - Mt Flowers Lodge |
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January 21, 2012 |
| Tifft Nature Preserve |
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January 21, 2012 |
| Moraine State Park - North Shore |
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January 21, 2012 |
For more information on the Winter Trails program, go to: Wintertrails.org.
WHEN BAD WINDOWS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE
Tips from merchandising guru, Ali Levy, alijlevy@gmail.com
If eyes are the windows to the soul, then poorly executed window displays are….er…um…well, let’s just say poorly executed window displays. No eyes. Definitely no soul. Much like a 30 second movie trailer or highly touted reviews on the back cover of a book, one must fight for those fleeting seconds of the quick- to- be- distracted human attention span. Brick and mortar locations have to seize the curiosity of a passerby in about three seconds. Much like a movie trailer, your window display must convey a quick, cohesive and easily understood story line that begs the viewer to want to know more. For window displays that message can be a color story, a new technology or upcoming special event.
According to POPAI, The Global Association for Marketing at Retail, 60% of most purchases are unplanned. This means that window displays must combine good design along with clear signage and well directed lighting to get customers to stop and walk in the door. Windows are a great commodity with unlimited potential and when utilized successfully can help serve as a barometer for the overall health of your business, especially when used in conjunction with specific promotions. Keep in mind that window displays are possibly the best and cheapest form of free advertising. So make good use of them. With the frenzy of the holiday season behind us, now would be a great time to reevaluate what your windows say about you and your business. Either hire a professional to work on a contract basis or develop talent from within with an employee that brings a knack for visual merchandising and displays to the table.
Flyers, posters and stickers, oh my!
Flyers and posters are perfect for a community board that is located inside your store, not on the front door. It’s a shame to cover one of your most valuable assets with paper and signs. Vendor stickers are great for instant brand recognition from the street level but try and wrangle them into one area towards the bottom of the window so they don’t block the line of sight into your store. Also, be diligent about taking down outdated posters and flyers.
This is way too much information for a great display space. Resist the urge to put every sticker you have on your front window.
When I look at this window, I see a lot of signs and not much product. Make what you sell the focal point to entice customers to come in for a closer look.
This is how to do signs and vendor logos in your window without interfering with the product message.
How much is that jacket in the window? (As opposed to “doggie in the window?”)
Attention to detail is one of the Ten Commandments of Visual Merchandising. If someone sees a jacket they like but wince at the expensive price tag, they might just walk on, assuming you won’t have anything else but high priced jackets. You can leave the hang tags on, but be sure the price and bar code aren’t facing out. That way you can at least get the customer in the door therefore increasing the chance for a sale. Or simply tuck the tag into a pocket or remove a bulky hang tag and stick it in the garment pocket and re-attach when you change out the display. Also move security tags to the back of the jacket. These small but thoughtful actions will create a cleaner looking display, without a lot of extra “stuff”.
Tuck those tags, soldier!
Again, this looks messy.
And everything else to avoid…
If you have good interior windows, don’t block them with product. Storage space is an issue for many stores, but with large items such as ski bags and luggage, buy what you have space for and display one floor model with the rest in back stock. This action will also open up your space quite a bit.
Don’t neglect the backside of displays, especially when it faces the street. Be sure to look at displays from all angles. This is valuable space that could be used to display any number of brightly colored items. Instead it’s just black grid. Yawn.
This looks more like a dog destroyed a pillow than snow. Items tend to shift in window displays. It’s essential to check them every day. Check for dead flies as well. Ick.
Be sure not to cover product with product. The skis should be to the left or right of the mannequin. Again, place the price tag on the back of the ski.
Finally, use the mannequins supplied to you by vendors for their styles specifically in your window displays. It looks more professional when you keep brands together as they were meant to be displayed.
Resources and links:
POPAI - POPAI.com for interesting reads on past retail studies and webinars. You must be a member for full site access.
For issues with window glare:
3M.com
tspinc.com - You can request a sample kit of their window applications from this site.
bestdecal.com - You can create your own design for a sublimated fabric banner in about a 48 hour turnaround time.
Creating great window displays takes time, but if you build them, they will come. Window displays are an inspired way to set yourself apart from your competitors and can become your store brand’s trademark. Use the Merchandising calendar idea from May’s Top Ten Merchandising Tips newsletter. Most of all have fun. Spending a few hours working on a window display can be very cathartic and a healthy break from staring at a computer. Or order some pizza and work on the windows after hours with the music blaring. I hope these tips help you create inspiring windows for the New Year!
View past merchandising articles and our Merchandising Monday’s quicktips at snowsports.org/merchandising.
SIA is working with visual merchandising consultant Ali Levy, to provide retailers with some fresh merchandising ideas for increasing sales and interest from consumers. Levy’s impressive resume includes managing retail, buying and trade show/retail merchandising efforts for some of the industry’s biggest names including The North Face, SmartWool, Cloudveil and Marmot. For more information about her company, contact Ali at Alijlevy@gmail.com or visit her website, Alijlevy.com.
JANUARY IS LEARN TO SKI AND SNOWBOARD MONTH
Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month is in full swing despite lack of early snow in most parts of the country. On January 5, traffic on the skiandsnowboardmonth.org website was up 147%. More than 50,000 pages had been viewed.
More than 300 ski/snowboard areas, buying groups representing 600 retailers, many SIA member suppliers, rep associations and the snow sports media support LSSM. We generated more than 75,000 new customers during January 2011. We will announce 2012 statistics shortly.
Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month organizers have a booth at the SIA Show (Booth #24, in the lobby of the Colorado Convention Center). We invite you to visit and find out more about the program. LSSM is funded and/supported by all aspects of the industry including national associations, rep associations, buying groups, product suppliers, the trade media and industry non-profits.
Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month has a proven track record for attracting NEW business to snow sports. Visit our booth in the upper lobby of the Denver Convention Center at the SIA Show. Contact Mary Jo Tarallo, LSSM’s Director, at mjt@skiandsnowboardmonth.org for more information.
WINTER TRAILS OUTREACH
Best Practices by Lou Dzierzak, Lkdcom@visi.com
Since 1995, Winter Trails Day has introduced thousands of people to cross country skiing and snowshoeing. In 2011, more than 11,000 people participated in Winter Trails Day events across the Snowbelt. “There’s no demo event in the country that even comes close to this,” says Connor Folley, marketing manager, Madshus USA.
The Mountaineers, Seattle, WA has hosted a Winter Trails Day event at Snoqualmie Pass for at least 11 years. More than 750 people attended the 2012 event. Folley and Sarah Rose, marketing manager for Tubbs snowshoes spent the day helping attendees try on skinny skis and snowshoes. “We were surprised at how long the flow of people continued to come in. We saw waves and waves of people coming in to the demo,” says Folley.
Based on review of registrations, many of the attendees attending Winter Trails Day events are newcomers to cross country skiing and snowshoeing activities. Long time sponsors like Atlas, Tubbs and Rossignol build their programs to meet the needs of this audience.
Coordinated media coverage by the SnowSports Industry America (SIA) and the Winter Trails Day program provides effective outreach to new skiers. “We see people who haven’t cross country skied in 10-15 years and want to try it again,” notes Ryan Green, Nordic division manager, Rossignol. “The attendance is skewed more towards first timers and people who don’t consider themselves cross country skiers.” Rossignol adjusts the product mix presented at the events accordingly. “We try to bring out touring skis and shorter sizes. At the end of the day we’re all trying to get more people to try cross country skiing,” says Green.
Folley reports that feedback from previous years and sales representatives attending events across the country reinforce that finding. “The vast majority of visitors are getting on skis and snowshoes for the first time,” Folley says.
The high caliber of vendor partners involved also plays an important role in attracting participants. “Our partners and the brands they represent are of the highest quality including Atlas, MSR, Tubbs, and REI and I believe potential new customers were drawn to our event because it is such a great way to try out a variety of snowshoes in real conditions at no charge. The event is well established and all partners involved do a good job in publicizing the event in our region,” reports Valerie Normand, membership programs manager, Mountaineers.
Significantly, families make up a large percentage of Winter Trails Day event participants. “The vast majority of those attending our event were families and first-timers. I spoke with one woman who attended last year for the first time, then bought a pair of snowshoes after that event, and says, “Now, I’m hooked,” reports Normand.
Participants are also doing their homework before attending the events. “We see a lot of people were coming to the Tubbs booth asking to try different models in a specific order. They were coming to make an informed buying decision,” says Rose.
Atlas and Tubbs Snowshoes, founding sponsors of the Winter Trails program, offers participants a gift with purchase incentive to visit retailers after the event. “The amount of families we see redeeming purchase incentive coupons is startling,” notes Sarah Rose, marketing manager for Tubbs snowshoes. “Looking at the sales records, the last names fall in clumps of 3, 4 and 5. People are coming in and buying 3-4 pairs of snowshoes at a time and outfitting the family.”
Poor snow conditions in some parts of the country aren’t dampening new comers enthusiasm for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. “We find that the snowshoeing crowd may not as hardcore as powder skiers and snowboarders,” says Folley. “They tend be a little less snobby about getting ideal powder conditions versus taking advantage of the opportunity to get out on the trails. We are still seeing strong sell through. You are only making this purchase once. There are no $70 lift tickets to buy every time you go out.”
Leveraging the success of Winter Trails Day events, Rossignol, Atlas, Tubbs and Madshus continue to support demo events throughout the winter. “Once we make an investment in a demo fleet we try to get those skis out as much as possible,” reports Green.
Even a faltering economy hasn’t reduced the joy of getting outside during the winter. “While the economy hasn’t been great, it’s been just right for snowshoes,” says Folley. “The activity is affordable, the incremental costs are low and it’s made snowshoeing incredibly popular in these times.”
View past Best Practices articles at snowsports.org/BestPractices.
Best Practices helps shorten the learning curve by offering case studies, resources and how-to tips from experts in specific fields. Lou Dzierzak is a full-time freelance writer, he has covered the business of outdoor recreation for more than 15 years and is the editor of Cross Country Skier magazine. If you have suggestions for future topics, please feel free to contact Lou at Lkdcom@visi.com.
BE SOCIAL WITH SIA!
For 24/7 updates on all things 2012 Snow Show, be sure to visit the SIA Social Dashboard to stay connected with us through the SIA Facebook page, SIA’s Latest and on Twitter -- we’ll be sending highlights before and during the Show to keep you in the know. When tweeting about the Show, please add #SIA12 to join in on our Twitter feed.
Download the SIA Snow Show App with interactive floor plans, exhibitor listings, event schedules, social media feeds, Denver entertainment and more. For more info on the app, go to SIAShowApp.com.
Also, be sure to “Like Us” Snowlink! SIA's consumer site for all things snow.
THE WORD ON THE SLOPES
OFFICIAL NEWS: Sports Specialists Ltd. (SSL) is pleased to announce the addition of New Members to their snow sports retail buying group for 2012: Read more… Founded in 1962, Vail will celebrate its 50th anniversary in December 2012. Click here to watch the first in a series of videos about the founding of Vail including great vintage skiing clips… It’s here! The 2012/13 Snowboard Product Preview. We’ve got quite the line-up for you to browse this year and lots of great insight on trends and product styles from the experts at each brand. Learn more… Julia Mancuso continues to be on fire in this season's World Cup competition coming in second today at the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup downhill in Bad Kleinkirchheim. Read more… This week, Kevin Kempin, President and CEO of HEAD USA, announced the future relocation of HEAD’s Winter Division to Boulder, Colorado. Read more… Since its creation in January of 2009, the Ski Prophet’s YouTube Channel, “SkiGearTV” has enjoyed 1,055,707 Video Views. Ski Prophet Founder, Tim Flanagan, says that the channel is dedicated to helping brands and related snow sports businesses build a higher level of consumer interest by providing clear and concise product information. At the SIA Snow Show, Tim and the Ski Prophet Team will be seeking interviews with shop owners and buyers who are interested in talking about their stores, the products they carry, etc. This is a free service for those attending the Show this year. Contact Tim for more information at tim.flanagan@snowprophet.com.
Big mountain skiers Dean Cummings and Matt Reardon are teaming up to shine a little Black Sunshine on “The Steep Life” during the SnowSports Industries America Snow Show in Denver next month. Learn more… The Program invaded Breckenridge, Colorado for its third annual “Breck House – Product Launch.” Comprised of Forum, Special Blend, and Foursquare, The Program brought team rider’s Stevie Bell, Cam Pierce, and Austen Sweetin, along with North American Sales Manager Mark Wakeling, Rockies Rep Michael Swift, and Team Manager Kevin Keller, to show off the 2013 product line to local retailers and get some face time with their local partners. Read more… Oakley, Canada, announced that Erik Guay, a Canadian alpine skier from Mont-Tremblant, Quebec and one of the most dominant male skiers in the world, has chosen to rely on the premium technologies of Oakley sport performance eyewear to further his extraordinary skiing career. Read more…Surfline founder Sean Collins passes away. Read more.
The Rossignol Group announced it has hired Tom Lebsack as its Snowboard Division Manager for the US market. Learn more… Powder spread an even path of 5-10 inches of snow from the Wasatch of Utah (5-9 inches), straight through Colorado (Most resorts reporting 4-9 inches with Beaver Creek and Snowmass at the higher end). Learn more…Holden is proud to announce its collaboration with Stussy on an active lifestyle streetwear line hitting stores Fall 2012. Learn more… Zeal Optics, Boulder, CO, announced this week that pro-snowboarder, Kimmy Fasani, will help re-launch the company's brand and debut new goggles and sunglasses in 2012. An advocate for female outdoor enthusiasts, Fasani will make her first official appearances for Zeal at SnowSports Industries America (SIA) Snow Show. Read more… Amer Sports, parent company of Salomon and Bonfire, announced today that it is acquiring Nikita for an undisclosed amount. Annual net sales of Nikita are approximately EUR 8 million. Learn more… The National Ski Patrol (NSP) has announced a new, revitalized Safety Team. NSP would like to welcome the new members of the NSP Safety Team, Mike Husar, Brett Henyon, Shauna Bocksch, Patrick Cruver, and Sal Mascarenas, as well as returning members Mike Petrozzi, Lonny Whitcomb, and Ed Strapp. Learn more.
Send us your news, press releases and stories to PR@snowsports.org, SnowSports Industries America.
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