The future of skiing is now at the SnowSports Industries America show in Denver
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- Created on Friday, 28 January 2011 21:25
- Written by R. Scott Rappold
By R. SCOTT RAPPOLD
THE GAZETTE
DENVER- The first year Klaus Obermeyer organized this show, sometime in the 1960s, maybe 30 retailers showed up, mom-and-pop operations getting in on the new sport of skiing.
“Things grew and the ski industry kept growing and it was tough to visit all your customers,” said Obermeyer, 91, a maker of winter sports clothing and gear in Aspen.
That was nothing compared to what has happened in the industry since.
This week, the SnowSports Industries America takes over the Denver for its annual trade show, the second year it has been held in the Mile High City after being moved from Las Vegas. Some 19,000 ski-shop owners, gear and clothing manufacturers and skiers and riders from around the world converge to talk shop and see the latest trends in the industry.
A reported 800 media members were on hand too, though this reporter saw only a handful in the official press room.
It comes at a good time for the snowsports industry. Thanks to an improved economy and heavy snow across the country, the trade group estimates sales could reach $3.2 billion, which would top the record-breaking 2007-2008 season, which saw around $3 billion in sales.
“It’s been a good season. We have snow everywhere in the country,” said Obermeyer, who still attends each year. “Snow is what makes us look intelligent.”
It’s been good for Colorado, too, with ski resorts seeing a 10 percent increase in visits so far this year, thanks to the abundant early-season snowfall. Having the SIA show, along with the nationally televised Winter X-Games in Aspen, only helps.
“It’s great. It is like the apex of the ski universe now is Colorado,” said Jennifer Rudolph, with industry group Colorado Ski Country USA.
The event showcases both gear and fashion, and for those, including this reporter, who care more for the former than the latter, the biggest trend was the rocker, also known as reverse camber ski and snowboard.
As skiers and riders put more emphasis on chasing the big powder, ski makers have responded, with curved tips that allow them to float above the snow. Practically every new ski or snowboard at the show was rockered in some way, and some were so pronounced they resembled jester’s shoes.
Rocker skis and boards have accounted for about half of sales this season. Even Obermeyer appreciates them, though he still skis on his twin tips.
“For the deep deep snow, it’s absolutely phenomenal,” he said.
But what about the other trends in the industry? I scoured the floor of the show Friday to find the newest products for skiers and snowboarders.
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