RETAIL BUYER'S GUIDES 2025/26 SPLITBOARD HARDWEAR, SNOWBOARD BOOTS, SNOWBOARD BINDINGS, SNOW GOGGLES, TECHNICAL SNOW PACKS, SNOW SAFETY
SEVEN BRAND PROFILES, MARKET INTELLIGENCE AND FASE BINDING TECHNOLOGY
After seven years of rider development, the FASE™ system combines the comfort and locked-in feeling of two-strap bindings with an ultra fast strapping-in process, compatible with any boot.
Jeremy Jones, Victor De Le Rue, Pat Fava, and Maggie Leon are already riding FASE™
Discover why and dive into the in-depth interview on page 50.
Scan the QR code to strap into the system.
Fast Entry
An effortless, one-hand system for fast entry and on-the-fly fit adjustments.
Unmatched Performance
Experience the locked-in comfort, snug fit, response and board feel of a two-strap binding, in all conditions.
Brand Partners
Rider Trusted Design
Engineered by snowboarders, tested by snowboarders, backed by snowboarders.
Any Boots, Any Board
Compatible with any boot model, board, insert hole pattern and all riding styles.
Rider Friendly Lifetime Warranty
An intuitive design with a familiar two-strap interaction, allowing one-handed strapping.
Mountain-proof design for all terrain and conditions. System lifetime warranty.
We’re a technology brand partnering with leading snowboard brands to seamlessly integrate our system into their bindings. Check out
INTRODUCING THE T32M FASE BINDING IN PAT FAVA’S SIGNATURE COLORWAY. JUST LIKE HIS LASHED WITH PERSONALIZED ART. YOU’LL BE SNAKING EVERYONE THROUGHOUT THE PARK IN NO TIME.
Mercury FASE bindings set a new performance standard. They offer true board feel, all day comfort with fast entry and exit.
FASE, Fast Entry! On the first day of riding, I forgot I was on a new binding. The responsiveness and control is amazing.
The snow season fell historically early - the end of September looked like we were set! An abnormally mild October and November te ro ee i s but t t e e o wri we e u o u o our hands.
We know that as the atmosphere is warmer it holds more water, so when it fallswhether that be snow or rain - it does so with ferocity and with record amounts i i s ort erio s o e s uro e has been experiencing regularly over the last few months. So bigger dumps less o e is ore i e e i ustr ee s oo wi ter er et ot er su er o sub ue e r u r ret i ers
P 15 - Trade show previews
P 19- Retail Buyer’s Guide: Snowboard boots 2025/26
P 25- Retailer Profile: The Levitation Martigny Switzerland
P 27 - Retail Buyer’s Guide: Snowboard bindings 2025/26
P 34 - Big Wig: Korua’s Nicholas Wolken & Jerry Niedermeier
P 37 - Retail Buyer’s Guide: Snow Goggles 2025/36
Editor Harry Mitchell Thompson harry@boardsportsource.com
Skate Editor Dave Morgan davemorgan@boardsportsource.com
Surf Editor David Bianic david@boardsportsource.com
Snowboard Contributor Matthieu Perez Matthieu@boardsportsource.com
ee s es to ree s ow to rei est i ew sto et t e tr i o re boo cycles back on stream.
The Summer Olympics in Paris was a we o e ro e boost to bot s te surf, with the pic of Gabriel Medina the standout image of the games. Meanwhile t e i o i ee s o r e that the next two winter Olympics will be i uro e i t i r e i w i s ou i e oub e boost to s owbo r i i uro e
o owi o ro t e su ess u o e i o ur ow i u i t e test w e r to o e i uro e is i bur s ost ore Resort and with many more in the planning st es t e i ue e o t ese i i es o the surf market is expected to grow and grow.
ur rst issue o t e wi ter is stu e u o
snow goodies, with a Big Wig interview with oru s ou ers i o s o e err Niedermeier and a plethora of snowboard re te et i u er s ui es it t e technological developments over the last o t s our s owbo r bi i et i u er s ui e ro i es t e ow ow o w t s ew o t e s e e our i ter iew wit t es i e t oo t t is ew i re ie t te o o st but ot e st our se e br ro es ee ou u to date on brands in the industry and our r et si t e b es ou to see w t s oi o w ere i t e r et ere s to great winter, see you at a trade event soon, ps dont forget Shops 1st Try has moved to Hochfugen.
Sideways with a quick exit. Clive Publisher
P 43 - Pictorial Snow Goggles
P 48 - Retail Buyer’s Guide: Snow Safety 2025/26
P 50 – FASE Binding technology interview
P 53 - Retail Buyer’s Guide: Technical Snow Packs 2025/26
P 56 - Retail Buyer’s Guide: Splitboarding 2025/26
P 58 - Brand Profile: CMP
P 60 - Brand Update Double Deck
P 61 - Brand Update Clover
P 62 - Brand Profile: Snow Shepherd
P 63 - Brand Update: Hexcel
P 64 - Brand Profile: Surfanic
P 66 - New Products
P 69 - Market Insights
P 76 - Opportunities
P 80 - Events
XTRATUF
P 59- Brand Profile: `EXTRATUF
Copy Editor James Dalziel
German Editor Natalia Maruniak tala@boardsportsource.com
French Editor Marie-Laure Ducos ducos@boardsportsource.com
Graphic Design Louis White hello@louiswhite.co.uk
Proof-readers Natalia Maruniak, Marie-Laure Ducos, Sam Grant
Contributors Rocio Enriquez, Benoît Brecq, Gordon Way, Franz Holler, David Bianic, Nuno Principe, ,Sydney Bohannan, Alfred Sutton, Juliana Schneider
Advertising & Marketing Clive Ripley clive@boardsportsource.com
Accounts Manager accounts@boardsportsource.com
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Publisher publisher@boardsportsource.com
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ISPO
MUNICH, GERMANY
DEC 3 5, 2024
use to be or er wri s ow but now it is equally as important as an event for the transfer of i or o ow e e e e e t is i i e u i to to i s e i ubs w ere urre t i ustr e es ro sust i bi it i it is o to ew ret i o e ts reer to i s e i ew o ers wit re o u o r i e s re re rese te st wi ter isitors e e t e s ow wit e ibitors ro ou tries
is e r t e s ow is i s ut oor ou t i e erie e e tre s orts s io rb ut oor uture b e t er or e our i u turi e e rt o t is e r s u i is o e i t e uture b t e er e t re or i o o s i si ts i it tr s or o etwor i is is w ere e es eet so u o s i t ree ur te t e e re s it ust i bi it o ui to be o e o t e i ustr s i o o ri ers e ust i bi it ub wi wit t e teri b wi s ow se i o e ro u ts u e e teri s re o u o r i i es t t re res i our u erst i o sust i bi it t ser es s e tr or or is ussi sust i b e so u o s te o o ies i t e s orts i ustr e u i oru i o bi es t e ust i bi it tr s re e ie t e es t t re be o i i re si i ort t or o su ers t e u i oru wi be t e ee oi t or u turers su iers o ies to i u b e i si ts etwor i o ortu i es i to sust i b e uture orie te su i s o ies su s e e owte uterwe r ot er te io eers wi rese t i o e ro es te o o ies e oru st es so o er i e t i si ts i to urre t to i s su s t e ire es o u ri ts e iro e t st r s o tr t u its er o s i or i sessio s i wi be e i te to e to i s su s t e or or te ust i bi it ue i i e e ire e e rbo is o ew ro es su s res ori e rs ori
SLIDE & OTS WINTER
TELFORD, UK
JAN 7 9, 2025
i e ow i its t e r is s t e o e o ortu it or ret i ers to see all winter brands under one roof, i it t e e e e t i t e s ow i ustr e r ust isit e isio or wi ter s orts ret i ers st e r s w o er br s e ibit o s eter oor s e wit rowt i isitors e i es or t e e i o re ues e es urs
Brands get to meet up with snowsports and outdoor buyers from the major u e e i i e e e t ret i ers etwor wit o e ues the rest of the winter sports business community.
t e o oi to ress o er o ies e si e u or st s t ere is s i ite s e i b e or st i ute i terest ro br s i e re i s er u or er wri s ow wit br s ret i ers o i b to b ee s it su oo b e o br s su iers ross bot s ow out oor t e s ow o ues to be er e ie t use o bu er s e e i e i ter w r s re ow o e or e tries e usi e from show exhibitors. These awards recognise the most talked about products t t e s ow wit t e wi ers i e o t e te ories ut oor r w re o we r ows ort r w re essories res r o o is wit t e ot er ists i e i te re or t e ur o o t e s ow e w r s o s bee re e t is e r i i ro u ts t t e ter ore e osure to ot o e i ret i ers our ists but t ose w o re re ister to e t e s ow wi re ei e i e t e ist o ro u ts i e category and given the opportunity to also vote. Brands are invited to enter ro u ts b urs t e e ber re re istere e i ret i ers se e o o e i e itori o i ustr o i io e ers wi ote o t e
w s wit o us o etwor i o bor e so u o str te ies e i i se et i ub o uses o so u o s or i it tr s or o i s orts ret i o e te o o ies o e ts t t re o u o i e o ise retail are presented here.
Hall A1 contains the Wintersports and Outdoor Apparel and the Scandinavian i e s ore i ters orts ut oor re i sust i b e so u o s i u es t e V i e t e ree st e t e teri b ust i b e ub is e tre s t e e tre s w r s is orts s io rb ut oor wit t e w r e ibi o b i s obriet t e eit eist re s t e uture b wit t e r ew st rt u i e s e t er or e our i u turi ibitors ro t e r woo s wi ter s orts i ustr i u e oub e e o o is to i ewe r e o rso e
Programed events of interest to winter sports brands are as follows: Ski ustr i te u it b to i se r te et re uire r o e e ber e ote b o t e uture s ow s orts o su er r o e e ber ub i u r o t e i ustr i te u it t o e e ber e wit o o o ow orts r s re e br i t etes wit is bi i es is t t o e e ber
e i r es wit ets ree ri s re t t e uture b i t e u i r e ir e ter o ues ro o e es t t e u i r e ir e ter i t e ro o t iss out o t is o ortu it to etwor be i s ire s e t e uture o t e s orts busi ess r s o s orts ret i ers o er w t t eir s e i is o s ou e t e tri to u i to ee t e se es at the forefront of market and technical developments.
ISPO.COM
wi ers o t e w r s u u e o t e t u r e e t or e o e tries w i wi be e u te t e wi er se e te b o i e t r etwor i ri s wi t e e t t e e o t e rst o t e s ow ro t t e e tr e es or i ro t e ust i bi it re st wi be e i t e ew ort uite wit two rese t o s t e rst b ows orts o or i to et er to bui sust i b e uture or ows orts i be o e se o b t e ite e ir e tre o i e irs or ow to ui usi ess t ri es w i e i i i s t e e e i ro the SIGB AGM and Show Awards Winners will be Announced and presented in the Newport Suite.
ew t is e r is t e o i e t r r e t e ir t o w ere r e t re irs re rrie out b ite e ir e tre ree o r e o su ort t e wor o t e ite e ir e tre o o s s ou be ire te to t e ers ite ou o
it isitor re istr o i o e e o t tober isitors re re i e that everyone will need to register to gain entry to the show which is free to e or isitors or i tereste br s riet o s o sors i es re s i b e t t e s ow
e or is we ser e b t e ro r i etwor ree s u e ro t e tr i st o to t e e ibi o e tre e s e t e tri se ess o e r ri ers re o ere ree r i site ote s o er re u e r tes or isitors ou e si w ro ote to s ow b o boo our ets to e or to eet u wit t e s wi ter s orts busi ess o u it SLIDEOTSWINTER.CO.UK
WINTERPRO
LA ROSIÈRE, FRANCE
JAN 12 14, 2025
i ter ro wi i be t e rst uro e o s ow e o o t e e r wit s o s isi to test s owbo r ro u ts or t e rst e is e r s s ow is bei e ro u t rou to Tuesday.
osi re resort is o te i t e i e o ute re t ise ust bo e our i t uri e s re t s ow re or er ro so so i s o oo tes re
i te
st e r br s e ibite s o s isite tests were e e si i t i re se i s o isits tests e o str te when compared to the prior year, that the event has really established itse s e b b e e t i t e wi ter e r
WinterPro will be based like last year on three sites right next to the s o es e s etre test i e o t i i t e e ibi hardgoods brands is located in front of the departure point of the o es oires ir i ro t e r r e t to t is t e s etre e e r i re e o o e ro to wi be o u ie b e ibi essor te e br s so be t e o o o t e e r e e i s i es is is so t e o o or t e
SHOPS 1ST TRY
HOCHFÜGEN, AUSTRIA
JAN 19 21, 2025
The big news is Shops 1St try is o i er e rs t b to o e i i ert Hochfügen, a renowned snowboard s i re is ous wor wi e or its re i b e s ow o i o s especially popular among freeriders. This new home for Shops 1St try is s it i to two o o s t e test e ibi o re i o e t e o o o e e i r es i e e est re oor re re situ te t e suri e e e t s ow o i o s t e o o o r es ustr i er re o te i t e u e i t e i ert e ust i ute ri e w
it br s o r e t is e r e e t t e e e t to be w o s who of the snowboarding industry. The test village is open Sunday and o betwee o ues betwee st e r ret i ers e tot o tests wit t e e e t r s o s ro o er uro e t e r i s o s were er were ustri wit oo o e ts ro o t et er s orw wit er
ew br s to t e e e t t is e r t e o oi to ress i u e error o r s error u bu eri o s i i i o est s owbo r s o s u boo s w s wi be t e re u ies ros s b ss ors to ri e wit ou o er t eir iews o t e ro u ts bei teste to keep you well entertained.
e e ibi o i ers e bee re e b i oor e ibi o area next to the test village, so you can walk from one to the other. The indoor area is open from 11am to 7pm on Sunday and Monday to o t e st ere ou wi our ourite
i our ro to e i e is so b t e or rest ur t t is e r
e test i e wi be o e ro to e er wit t e o es ru es ir i e usi e or i ter ro r i ts or t e rst our o e o to o t e resort s terr i t ere wi be reest e re bui t betwee t e e rest ur t t e s ow ro t t b e i r i et
e or e e e i s e tert i e t t is e r is s o ows e ore t e e e t be i s o tur e e i we o e eri b osi r resort wi be e t e or rest ur t e s s ree i s o u o e e i s t e or rest ur t during which awards will be presented for the best tester and for the to teste br s ere re re u r s u e buses betwee osiere t e our i t uri e st o w i re ser e b t e V i ee r i s ire t to ris rsei e e e e rest ir orts re ber o s re ob e e e ee ou i osiere or t e s owbo r tr e season opener.
ACTSNOWBOARDING.COM
outerwear and accessory brands as well as the test village brands that e t e i oor boot s s we e i oor e ibi o re o o will have a focus on set up and on Tuesday, a focus on back country essories uri t e e r e e i ret i ers ote o t e et i ers oi e o r esi w r b o r ort our e
o o betwee t e oor ut oor e o re t e i s i o e u e t e or isers re o e t i t e s i bus or t e s e i rr e o s st s u e buses w i ru re u r betwee bot o o s t e e e i t e o is i u e e night before the event opens the industry dinner will be held at the osis ub t t e ote osis i u e rt t is is o e to br s e or e o t e e t two i ts t ere wi be o i o s st r rt st r t o t e u t t e i ub ote o er o e rt o o t t e osis ub t t e ote osis i u e rt ot re o e to e e t e ees
e is e si essib e ro ire o s t s o i ute ri e ro t e iesi i ert e b otorw e it osest ir orts re sbru o owe b u i or t e tr i to e b t e t t i or i ert b ub i tr s ort to u e
This on-snow demo has become the biggest single gathering of the s owbo r o u it i uro e wit ri ers i ustr ures i i ro ort eri be o or re istr o s o s ust rst re te ou t o o s st se t e re ister or o s st Try.
Brilliant benefits for all rider levels! Developed with Terje Håkonsen.
The patented DOUBLEDECK® technology prevents tilting and the risk of dangerous falls.
Initiating turns is significantly simplified by the patented technology, requiring no additional effort.
For all riders, for all terrains. The new Decade has revolutionized performance with the trademark Northwave comfy ft.
The snowboard boot market for the 25/26 season is buzzing with innovation and a renewed focus on customer preferences. As buyers look to stock their shelves, it’s essential to understand the shifting trends, groundbreaking features, and brand-specific developments driving this vital segment of snowboarding gear. Snowboard boots are more than just footwear - they’re the pivot of a rider’s comfort and control on the mountain. Ladies and gents, welcome to next winter’s Snowboard Boots 25/26 Retail Buyer’s Guide, brought to you by Matthieu Perez.
or tre res i t e s owbo r boot r et is o su ers willingness to spend more for premium features like double BOA or ur bi it es ire tor t irt wo illustrates, “We used to see the vast majority of consumers going for ower e o e t eir rst or se o e bu i boots ut ow we re seei e e t e o i e s owbo r o su er oi i to i range styles.”
i i r e e i t e i er isi ire tor t urto o r s e o s owbo r boots is s so i t i e e o su ers re u erst i t e ee o er e t comfortable boot for snowboarding and it looks like this part of the e ui e t is u te ore o e t bo r s or bi i s es ite ob e es su s i o i e tor sur us eo o i i st bi it br s i e ee u e i e er report stable or growing sales. “Sell through of Nidecker boots has bee re t s s u ie e r ois oots ro u t er t s be use o o us o t so i br ro u t stor te i re u ri e oi t i te e o st t i o o ro t e te i ter s o ew e tures ro esses s w i re se i its or er boo st se so es ite oor s ow o i o s i uro e
t e i si e e es ersist ee u e s ote t e str i o tou wi ter o i o s ri e ressures ro is ou te
‘‘We used to see the vast majority of consumers going for a lower-end model their first or second time buying boots. But now we’re seeing even the novice snowboard consumer going into mid-range styles.”
Ryan Bachman, ThirtyTwo
oo s oo i t e r et owe er its o it e t to i o o r s s i e sures it re i s ourite o e i te s owbo r ers e re i e e e t s owbo r boot br i e e e t ow e e re o use o s owbo r boots it i orie te ro o er te ts to our e we re i o o ower ouse t t ee s us i orw r i s ris r st e er ee u e es er
t e o o e is r i to s it ur o e tur et s i it e re tr i o er stro i t e boots se e t i ue er or e ie e b i o o e erie e i o e esi ow or u it u o best t is uis e b o ort usto i o is is w t we re ow or wit our ew boot i e e t o ew e tures i se so we re oi o e be er
WHAT’S NEW?
e s owbo r boot r et or wi ter is set to e ture
e i ew o e s rou bre i i o o s s to br s o ue to us t e i its o esi er or e o ort
ThirtyTwo is revamping some of its most popular signature styles and i tro u i ew o e s t t i u e t e eb owe si ture t e t e ere o es ite e e tures u i e te ou e to ue or ro ressi e e ur bi it o si e ew e o o or res oo e o es ite s bee esi e ro t e rou u or ere o es with new materials like a lightweight aluminium buckle for quickrelease walk mode, a dual-density midsole for improved comfort, and a carbon shank for added stability.
Bataleon is raising the bar with their new Acid boot, which bo sts i o e i so es outso es u te i ers e re er rou t t er e i t e i ustr i to esi e s owbo r s we e ui t e e i ro e i us i t e design of snowboard boots to a new level.” claims Rubby Kiebert, t eo es ire tor urto is u re i t eir te oot i e o eri ew esi s wit e er rit si i e i e stru ture eir i eu wi e ture two i o e s t e oeu r b e er e boot series t e r res o si e Highshot series, catering to a range of riding preferences. These i o o s si i t e ro u t r e w i e i t i i i er or e st r i it e sier or o su ers to t e ri t boot or t eir ee s t e reeri e br is e ite to be e i e otse bur s ro boot t e rto o et er we e re e t e esi i te r te e e ore e te o o to eet e s i st r s or er or e o ort s s i o i tei e r e oor i tor si i r ote o o wi i tro u e o ete ew i e o i e reeri e boots or wi ter o Vist ute er
“With all lacing systems updated, this results in a total of six new boot o e s e e o use o i ro i u o it o ort usto is o i tro u i ew e tures su s s ow iter durable materials, a heel hold system, an inner liner and insole, to ue s e ers e e o s ru o i oire ob r e Manager at Salomon.
“We are very proud that after leading the industry into 3D designed snowboards, we’ve quickly taken a leading role in pushing the design of snowboard boots to a new level.” Rubby Kiebert, Bataleon
ee u e i tro u es t e ew e er i er or e o ort e e us e e er bou r i o stru o t te o o to r boot t t re e es w t s ossib e o t e ou t i it u e e i o o s te te esi s t e is i er or e ower ouse t t s i twei t res o si e b e i t e bo stre i e st e o to er s orts e r wit t e o ort o our ourite ee u e s owbo r boot e i s ori ei ee u e r e er
i e er s se ess esi i oso is t e to t e e t e e wit two ew b st s w i or t e rst e e ture s t ree o stru o t s ore str i orw r u turi ro ess t ere s o ris o se s ri i it i es t e boot e er si oue e s s e r ois it s re s oot o stru o t t e es t e boot s o bi it wit e er i o s ee e tr binding where you need to slide your foot in from the back.”
te o o o ues to o i te t e s owbo r boot r et wit br s i tro u i e er ore re e s ste s or i st e e or i e er re ow usi t e w ee s o osure on liners, while most brands are largely using it on shells. “We o us o t o ort wit our ew u er o ee r ess i te r te wit t e t s ste or ero ee s i ore res o si e ri e i ustr tes e ierre o e so owbo r oots ro u t er e wi be ebu t e re o u o r boot wit bot s e i er i s ste s is i o e o i s ste e sures se ure t or bot t e oot ee e e b e t o b e i er is re tes su or e boot suit b e or terr i s o eri re t o ort wit out e essi e str i s s ris i er t i e er e r ois t rows ur bi est i stor t is e r is t e ew r tr e i o bor o wit e re t e rst br to i tro u e t is o ur o to t e r et t e is to e it to t e re u r it or wi ter is s ste o ers e e ressure istribu o e i i is o ort ro u e e te i e s e u er iter wr s rou our oot s it oses w i so i es ou re re ise t wit ore ower u response”.
o ort t re i t t e e rt o s owbo r boot i o o or ee u e u e i e er itro or ossi o is so i tro u i erote es e o s ste t t e s to re u te e t e suri o ort b e t t rou out t e t eir oi trobe o r e s re e t e t b to t e oot or i o w r t ee u e is i tro u i t e ew t e s owbo r boot i er esi e or u te o ort er or e t o ers e e o out o t e bo t it its t er o o b e materials, this liner can be perfectly customised to the shape of your eet i it ourite o boot ers
u s e e o e t e wor s rst uto i er u isi ew e s us io teri or t i ore t t t ts to e ri er s oot it i ut ro s owbo r i e e er e o se u is t i t eir boots to t e e t e e i o ort and performance, suitable for riders of all levels. At Head, Wimmer introduces, “The new Thermo Brace liner with its heat-moldable esi o bi e wit i ter e or o s o ers er e t t t i ore to our eet e e o b e e r e i te r te heel harness that wraps over the instep, secures your foot in the ee o et or erso ise t i t e ri e ee re s
resi e t o e o re i s us o itro s o it ui t ro t e si e out is best es ribes our esi i oso o ee i the comfort layers of the boot close to the foot and adding structure su ort s ou o e tow r s t e s e is ro i ers ro ot er br s t t use s er i ers so ew t so er s e s e w we e our boots is bit ore i u t but t e
ri ers i ot i ter s o o ort t ossi o owbo r te or er r u e u tes us o o ete reboot o its ret i o e o i o ort u o t t e ore ro t o our e e o e t we w te t e best boot ossib e ro t e rst tr o i t e s o to t e t e u o et t ere we oo e t t e boot s w o e re i er t t wor s to et er with the features of the outer shell and vice versa”.
s ur bi it is e o us or se er br s re i tro u i materials and designs that extend the life of their boots with the likes o i e er itro i e er is us i its te stor e e urt er i wi ter e r be ie e t t t is teri is t e uture o boot o stru o t s ore ur b e it s w ter roo it r ro o s t e i e o t e boot s e wit o ow si es re ssures e r ois e o t itro s e re so usi u r e toe rote o ou e or wit ure r it o o ore o e s to rote t i st toe str we r te r
Northwave focuses on enhancing the performance and durability o t eir boots wit re e teri s i ro e us io i s ste s ur i o us or t e boots o e o wi be o our ew i i ste w i is u te ersio o our re ious s ste is ew esi o ers e e e se o use re ter re isio w e us t ess i it ore i tui e ui er to ust o t e o e i s i u rbi i we e wit i e s st te e t w i t s or e er o e out t ere us i t e e e o e e re o st t wor i to ee our boots t e best i t e busi ess s s te uer r e oor i tor i e is o use o i boots wit t e best t t rou tui o u r e ootbe s i o e i er s wit best i ss ur bi it t rou teri s i e i e i soles. Our sponsored team and engineers build snowboard boots or s owbo r ers or e se so ro ises to be e i e r or s owbo r boots wit t ese e i u tes se ew st r or er or e o ort i o o
SU T Y U L AL SN B A S er o e rees t t s o s re t e b bo e o t is i ustr t t t e eser e ose e o so s owbo r boot br s re e i t eir str te ies to be er su ort ret i ers e suri se ess i u s o i e erie e or bot s o st consumers. Ride is equipping retailers with advanced sales tools, including boot cutaways to highlight technology, lacing diagrams, ootbe is s tui o o b s o wit isu engaging in-store displays. Schauer adds, “We support our retailers through building the best boots on the market”. Similarly, ThirtyTwo emphasises the importance of their dedicated sales reps, who serve s t e br s b ss ors irst ore ost s outs es ire tor ese re s e u te s o st t rou u i i s ost e o e e ts e e e wit o s owbo r i o u i es to ri e s es br w re ess
‘‘This new design offers enhanced ease of use and greater precision when adjusting tightness, making it more intuitive and quicker to adjust on the go.’’
Gian Luca Barbi, Northwave
t eo o t e ot er riori ses s o e erie e e suri s o st e ess to boots or erso tes to oster o e e e t usi s bout t e ro u t s t performance.
ee u e su orts o s o s wit e r rou ssist e ro customer service teams and sales reps, along with product clinics to e e st ow e e ere er ossib e we su ort t e o shop, its riders, the surrounding community, and events associated wit t e s o o e ts ori ei e er e o t itro oi ts ei ut e s owbo r o o we t e every aspect of our market very seriously and make sure the retailer can work with a thought-out and relevant product line and a brand t t i es b to o ue bui i our o u it so our t etwor o i ro essio s es re s istribu o e tres ro i e o oi t ser i e er s es su ort
rou t ese i ere t str te ies br s re ot o boos ret i er o e e but so e ri i t e o su er our e e suri t t e er ri er s t e i e boot to e e te t eir experience on the mountain.
i e owbo r s o ues to so i i its re ut o wit boots t t e i er t e best t best u o best ur bi it i t e i ustr Schauer nails it, “Ride is the company for the people! We build boots for every snowboarder on the market”. ThirtyTwo remains br s o ous wit riet i usi it et er ou re ri i reest e reeri e or ou t i st r our rst se so pushing the limits in the park and streets, or splitboarding and su i u ri e e s i e ere o es t e irt wo i e s the right boot for you”, reinforces Ryan Bachman. Known for their e u ous e o to et i t eo e i ers s owbo r boots t t e bo t eir i oso e ri e w t ou ri e o ot er hardware is more important for the feel of your set up than boots so we cut no corners in making the very best high end boots”, enhances ubb iebert es ire tor
i e er i es b its t i e i ere t b esi e e i i relentless drive to innovate across all product categories. “With boots ou see it i e er t i ro t e ee o o er t to t e se ess esi i oso t t es i e er s s ee e tr e e s oot er r u tes e r ois oo er our ow interests.
e s owbo r boot r et or wi ter is set to re e e performance and comfort on the mountain. With brands pushing t e e e o e t rou e i o o s su erior ur bi it and a commitment to rider-centric designs, this season promises to e i er boots t t e e te e er ri er s e erie e w et er t e re r i o roo ers u i o i ers or scaling untouched backcountry peaks.
Get out there!
Levitation talks about cultivating community through passion and action sports. They are a vibrant hub for snowboarders, skaters, and free skiers, their focus on community engagement, genuine customer connections and this ethos sets them apart in a competitive market.
Tell us about your store’s history.
e s o w s re te i wit t e e t o s owbo r i i i i i ustri re o t e it or t e u er rou side, with a skateboard ramp in the middle of the shop for our usto ers beer t or er r es ree s ii soo e tur t t e be i i o er w i we o e b to t e e rt o t e it or ro i it o e e b r e u e e i our store o er e rs o to ost t e s e e keep the spirit alive. Today, we are an independent shop in the midst of the big chains and direct brand sales, with the strength of our i e t ro i it to our usto ers
How has business been over the last year?
er t e V boo w i w s e tr or i r t e r et slowed down and many shops closed, but we managed to close the gap and last season we returned to a healthy and slightly growing business.
Our product mix is well distributed, but the footwear and jeans se tor is er stro r u r wit t e ew b t tre essories re so oi er we wit i ou ow r te the hard wear side, snowboarding has regained ground on skiing and quick bindings are the new must-have.
A experience?
e o us o i usto ers we o e er s es service, in a market where customers click to order, we try to bring t e u si e to s es e b r t e s e e i te to s ree i s oto e ibi o s re esse or t e o u it to come and share their experiences and make purchases in the store.
Since the beginning of the shop we have given great importance to the passion of riding, all our employees have been working wit us or o e e er ow er t e re out ri i
We have always supported the skateboard, snowboard and free ski scene, with a big sponsored rookie team that over the years has grown with some of our young riders who are pro today and s o to t e i
Te o i e r et s bee er o e e or t e wiss r et es e i wit t e ressure o ri es e re o e i s o t e s ee o e i er o t e bre o e i uri i u t to e t o ro our su iers e e so e i e to keep a close eye on the market and new, small, emerging br s to o er ore e usi e ro u ts ur e s o o ers o ro u ts i e to our e it br or t e st e rs we e abandoned the rest to the big e-commerce players to concentrate our forces on our shop and the development of our own brand.
Where do you see the future of retail in your region?
The local market is currently healthy but precariously balanced. New small skate shops are trying to open in the centre of wiss i es sur i e wit re t e o e ort to st o t i o s ort i s e osi o e t e se es i or urb e tres wit i e or o o i e t t re i s to be see w et er t e i e osts o t ese br s t e return of the desire to support local projects will change the situ o e re o e t bout t e uture o o o er e and we want to be more than just a showroom for our suppliers.
or e rs we e bee i i our ssio e to t e o s e e or isi e e ts su or ou t e t o sso i o s e i is our busi ess but ssi o our ssio or riding must be our goal. The future will tell whether our corporate u ture wi s i e us t e e i to e ist i t is ob ise so iet e i t e s o is e rs i t e uture t e s irit o t e e it o u i rie i wi i e o
For Winter 2025/2026, the snowboard binding world is shaping up to be a vintage of innovation and evolution. With brands pushing the envelope on technology, convenience, and performance; retailers and consumers alike will face an array of choices. This will for sure allow more people to embrace our beautiful activity and potentially hold back others. Let’s dive into next season’s standout trends, technological breakthroughs, and brand strategies which will change snowboarding forever and participate in its close future. Ladies and gents, welcome to next winter’s Snowboard Bindings 25/26 Retail Buyer’s Guide, brought to you by Matthieu Perez.
er o e sees it ro its ow s e tru isio o t e r et s we s t e ro u t o eri ots o es i t is te or s brou t to t e t b e b te uer uro e r e er t i e e o ues br s o su ers e s i e tow r s ew o e ts i e st e tr bi i s w i e tr i o str bi i s o ue to e o e And we see those changes coming in hot! ThirtyTwo will be new to the bi i e or t e br is e teri t e r et wit so e ew te o o i ee irt wo oot esi er uts i ers e e irt wo s t ree e es o e erie e wit boots i es us i ere t ers e e o bi i s t t we re e ite to s re irt wo s o ete bi i o e o is ew or we re u i wit e i er i ture o orw s irt wo e r i ers r o orw o bor o wit Vo o e t et i i or re orts t t st se so w s r u r i s t e br wit esse i re se e sur e o i terest i uto st e tr bi i te o o ro u t er u erre s we re i re ib excited to announce a major development at BMBW in this forefront.”
o i ere e t o es u iri o i s uro e r e er obser e st se so t e s i tow r s ui e tr bi i s o ue to so i i i t e r et e e i s our tr i o two str bi i s remain strong and popular. However, feedback from retailers and distributors highlights a growing demand for more convenient bindings.”
NEW OUT THERE
irt wo is e ite to e ter ew te or wit t e s ste e
“Brands and consumers have shifted towards new concepts like fast-entry bindings, while traditional strap bindings continue to evolve” Stephan Schauer, Ride
st tr ste o bi es t e o ort o e i ee i o two str bi i wit i tui e e tr s ste t t is o b e wit boot or board.
o our bi i ess i wi o us o t e bi i s u o e s i ee e ursues it i i t e bi i has all new buckle designs, straps and an ultra dampening baseplate. We e esi e ore o e e e e i i b t t wi ow or i e ou t i rie ee e be u u esi e i t wei t u o e str so s orts i e t t ri ers wi adapts to most riding styles. As a package it all works very well together.” e se we o e irt wo to t e rt o es is e t o t e ist s er u iri o i s obser o ri ers e to e i u t oi e betwee i er or e two str bi i s o e ie t o o s t t s ri e er or e o to ress t is o es s o bor te wit to e e o t e er ur t t o bi es i er or e st e tr o eri t e best o
str bi i s wit u tr st str i i ro ess e er ur is e e o e rou e e tures e uto w i is i b t t oses uto rou t e boot t e o e oe tr bui t to st i t e esire osi o t e st tr e str w i ets ou str in smoothly with one hand.”
o we o wit o e be o e ite to rese t t e t or wi ter o e s o i ote t rr tor i s e st tr s ste is t e uture o two str bi i s e e e re ew te or o st e tr bi i s w i e o isi t e er or e o the tried and true two-strap binding.”
e s it is esi e to be u i ers o b e wit boot o e bo r t e st tr s ste is e ort ess i tui e w to o ise ri e st but ot e st t eo is w s er e its e is te or wi s we st tr ste to its best selling Blaster model. The Netherlands based brand is delighted to oi t out e e t e s e te stor o rts t e o o or st tr wit out ow si es o er or e
st e tr bi i s su s se i uto u uto s ste s o ue to o i te i o o ese esi s riori se o e ie e owi ri ers to et i out o t eir bi i s wit i i e ort This trend is reshaping the market as more brands adopt these systems, res o i to i re si o su er e s i o o s i e uto st e tr s ste s be o e ore o u r t ere s tre o ri ers wi i to s e ore or ro u ts t t o er su erior er or e o e ie e w i i tur re te be er ri er e erie e uri u b e e o t e s o es e i s e t et i i or s ro u t er u erre is e ite to i tro u e t e ew i t i u er o e e turi i o e uto st e tr s ste o o is ot er er e teri t e u er e ru o i oire ob r e er o e s e ew o o u er bi i o es ro o bor e e e o e t e tere rou t e ost ro e o e ie e bi i s ste out t ere ro i i se ure o ort b e so u o wit o o ro ise o bo r ee w i e i t i i u te boot to bi i o bi it
s we t bout i e er s u er te o o t e rbo u er wi ee its e t t e to o t e i e o t e wiss br o eri t e u te i o r i e tr i t i res o se e ori i u er s bee re e t e o es i our ew
“It is the time and age to give something back, and this is a good way to collaborate on a project that can evolve the sport and industry. This partnership will continue beyond this one product - we want to evolve the system at all levels. Now that we’re in, we are all in”
Martino
Fumagalli, Union
o our o o s s we s w ite b ut t e bi ews is t t we re i tro u i ew u er o e t e w i e tures s er ore stre i e i b ow ss str esi s s o e t t i i e er i i s ro u t er t e e e i e er o ues t e ow esi o e o trie truste s ee entry with a unique riding feel that comes from the legendary Power ri e e e o er e es t ese bi i s e ro e t e se es i o i o s e r e o r o s its e t t i e u s o ue t eir ee ui e tr se i uto o e o s u erre t u i i ts t e ressure re ie bu o w i i st t re es e str ressure t t e us o bu o ro o b oo ow or w r o ort b e ri e u t e ir i us our u i iu b se tes e our bi i s t e i test i t e se i uto st e tr te or i ot t e i test o er i s erre e s bi i s er e str bi i ower re isio wit o e e setu re i i i b e b i i st t ri i ost ir i ese bi i s e sure se ess e tr re i b e ri re ise su ort e ie t ower tr s issio uri our ri e i ers o b e t e suit boot br re ises ris i er e s u ior r e er
to t e e t te itro u ow io re e er i urto s ro e te te o o to bri i er or e ui e tr o o s to the market.
s er t e ress re e se ro o e ber io i i o urto owbo r s re e ite to ou e t e re e se o io t s te i i e bi i wi be i b e i i ite re e se o e s s e iu r e e tr r e si es i u r e urto te s ste is ro e s i r o u i io i i o e er er t is t e e e to i e so et i b and this is a good way to collaborate on a project that can evolve the sport i ustr is rt ers i wi o ue be o t is o e ro u t we w t to e o e t e s ste t e e s ow t t we re i we re i se o re e se o io t s te i i s wi ro i e ture ew o ours or i o io te o e is i e e o e t t t wi o er e s wo e s si es
Nitro will introduce a complete setup with bindings and boots featuring the te s ste or t e i ter o i i eiss er re s e itro te bi i is r e or ri ers w o ue t e e ort ess o e ie e o ui e s i e s out s ste wit out s ri i er or e or control. This binding boasts a custom Nitro highback, designed for seamless e tr o wit su re e o ort b e ootbe e i s ste eit er s ee i o its ow te or i ter urto is i tro u i two ore te o e s t e rte e
i e st e tr s ste s re i i rou tr i o two str bi i s re i st e r u r or ri ers see i te i re isio usto i o br s i u i i r e r or i e re i o wit i t is s e re i teri s i b s strap designs to elevate performance and comfort.
“No fast, quick back entry binders at Ride but check out the all new ro e e ter bi i s i s te uer uro e r e oor i tor we e e e o e ew i b s ew str s t t wi ow ou to be ore re ise ster i our rot o s bo e ore comfortable. The weight will also be lighter thanks to the use of a new nylon material”. Peter Bauer at Amplid develops, “Many of our customers e t is set i w ere t e w t bo r bi i ro t e s e brand. Because it looks slick and matches well. With our lightweight Proton i i we e er e t t or our res o se bo r s or t e se so r e wi i tro u e ew bu es i t eir bi i s to ro i e ore se ess re ise user e erie e ese u r e bu es o er s oot er e e e t owi ri ers to e tu e t eir t wit i re se ease and accuracy, which is especially useful during fast adjustments on t e ou t i is i o o e es o er o ort er or e without compromising the reliability and durability our bindings are ow or re i s i u rbi r e e i ist t r e u e e o e str s t t ro i e o ort b e te i usi ew teri s i b esi e s e i or i s ee r i i i its i t es o e ts i e we re ot i tro u i rou bre i i o o s t is se so we re o i e to o i i t e er or e o our e is o o e ts ur o us re i s o re i t ese e tures or ur bi it o ort u o it
“It seems that everyone is trying to provide a good ‘bang for the buck’. But in an uncertain market, the brands who will win are the ones who continue to invest in tech and produce real-world benefits – it’s a strategy that’s worked for us so far” Santiago de Santa Catalina, Nidecker
or o o wi e t e er i i s i wit two ew o e s t o o we be ie e o to s owbo r bi i s ou be esi e wit e ess ess ur bi it er or e ust bi it i i r ues ru o i oire t e ew ri e o ers re ise t i er or e i o i o s o s ur bi it e i u is t e ost sust i b e bi i we e e er designed. Period.”
e s owbo r bi i r et or i ter is oise or rowt ri e b o bi o o i o o s i i o su er re ere es re iu ro u ts re o i e o wit br s i e o e emphasising the willingness of riders to invest in high-quality bindings. e e oes t is se e t o e r o e tow r i er ri e oi ts ross te ories s urri t eir o us o i o e i e esi s i i r u i i ts t e i er osts sso i te wit u e e uto se i uto st e tr bi i s but i s to b e i o o wit or bi it to r t wi er u ie e or o e t t i i e er s i i s ro u t er t see s t t e er o e is tr i to ro i e oo b or t e bu ut i u ert i r et t e br s w o wi wi re t e o es w o o ue to i est i te ro u e re wor be e ts it s str te t t s wor e or us so r e i i o o s i e o es er ur irt wo s o e t t eo ster re re e i t e s e o bi i t e o e i ee o tr i o two str bi i s with the convenience of fast-entry systems. Meanwhile, brands like Burton i e er o ue to us t e bou ries o est b is e s ste s i e te u er w i e i r e r or i e i t i t eir o us o er or e est e s e i to ou t i orie te ri ers wit se ure usto is b e so u o s o et er t ese ro es i i t i r et to rie o su er e s wit stro e sis o i o o er or e ue et i su ort or s owbo r bi i s i i ter re e ts stro commitment to helping retailers succeed in showcasing the latest i o o s o es is e i b e e riori si e e i er o r e s es ssets w i e e suri tor e i es re et to re e t s i i e s u e es ret i er e e e t t rou s on study sessions, on-snow demos, and social media campaigns designed to ri e o su er i terest tow r ret i o o s irt wo is u si i t e er i to u i t eir ew bi i s wit ret i er
i i s e os robust r e su ort e suri bot st customers are well-educated on this debut product. Meanwhile, Karakoram is o eri s o s e i usto is o o o s wit t eir o bi i re e usi e o ortu i es or ret i ers to i ere te t e se es i o e e r et o e e t ese e orts i to e ui ret i ers wit the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the upcoming season.
LAST WORD FOR THE ROAD e rei or e its br ess e si e i i e er o e o er t eir ri i st e e e or e to be o e rt of the snowboard community and experience what snowboarding is about. ris i er ou es t is res e t we wi u our ew te o ie i e turi our team riders all over the world showing their personal experience on snow. Stay tuned!“
i e w ts to be t e o or t e eo e so t e br o ers ro u ts for all snowboarders. Nidecker has the same goal, to appeal to every rider wit t e ost o re e si e bi i r e o t e r et oose i t i st e tr wit u er re isio er or e wit wo tr or i it ri it wit t e ow esi o e o i s o e t t i o i i eiss er t itro to i e be ie e i t e ri t e ui e t is esse to u su ess u s owbo r i experience, and we strive to ensure everyone can discover the ideal product or t e ou t i u ro r
o o u e o er o e to et er si i r ote ris u i ie ro u t o er t urto e bor tes o t e o bor o betwee io urto e re i t e bi i o e o oi t t e s re te o o i re ie t o bor i ste o o e i es us t e ree o to s i our o us to urt er i o o w i is oi to e us welcome more people into snowboarding.”
e i ter s owbo r bi i te or wi re rese t i ot o e t or t e i ustr ro re o u o r st e tr s ste s to re e tr i o esi s br s re e suri e er ri er w et er er or e ri e or o e ie e o use t eir er e t t or ret i ers t is e s i s e ri i o ortu it i o o e o i o su er preferences. Prepare now to maximise your success on the slopes next winter!
1 Fast entry bindings
2 Semi-automatic bindings
3 Automatic bindings
Visit our website to see in depth brand previews of this category.
4 Two straps for life
5 FASE
6 Higher price points
As top level competitive snowboarding moves closer towards gymnastics on snow, with four digit rotations being the only goal, Korua are the absolute antithesis of this direction of travel. A focus on style and flow with a deep appreciation for turning on snow and innovative shape design, they create unique riding experiences, simply for the sake of beauty and joy. Korua’s founders Nicholas Wolken & Jerry Niedermeier gave BoardsportSource a deeper insight to the brand.
N in snowboarding
i o st rte ou ust i e e rs o te ri rou i s i boots u ot i to r i ew e rs ter t s w e rst ro e o e o err s bo r s i t ow i erso b t e but is e w s re one I recognised.
er ou e o e rs i r i s i e tow r s ort s t o use o rails and freestyle. But before long, I found myself drawn toward freeriding i t t s w ere e t t o e rou t t e et err i person, as an ambassador for another board brand he was shaping for, and we be wor i to et er o bo r e e o e t t rst w s ore o test i ot i i i ee b o t e bo r s ro e but it i t t e o for us to click. We shared a similar outlook on board design, which probably e ro t e e rs re s e t ri i is bo r s
e e t re ise t t or ost e re s owbo r i reer e bee o err s bo r s ot rst o e w e w s bout or ow t t s e r e rs o ri i is s es t s ost s i be ore we o i et re be u to u erst w t e w s tr i to bri out i is esi s ere s sou i is bo r s so et i o e te wit from the start.
It’s been six years since we last spoke how has the brand progressed since then?
oru s see si i t rowt i ob isibi it o u it e e e t o er t e st si e rs but we re s i e e e t ow e o er te b t e s e ore rou o s owbo r ers wit t e i o o ew ew es rou t e obe s t e bi est ro ressio ro business side is growing and properly serving the North American market,
From a product side, we’ve maintained our focus on innovative shapes and the art of turning, which resonates with riders worldwide.
w i e s ee i our istribu o i ouse ro ro u t si e we e i t i e our o us o i o e s es t e rt o tur i w i reso tes wit ri ers wor wi e e e so e e our ro u t i e t ou u i s es i e t e oseri er bere us i t e boundaries of what is possible in building snowboards.
What do you see as the brand’s USP?
ur ies i our e i o to tur i t e u ture o r i e focus on making boards that emphasis the fun and beauty of snowboarding t rou e esi u o it essibi it oru bo r s re ot ust too s t e re bui t or s owbo r i e erie e t t s bot te i and soulful. The relatability and simplicity we bring to snowboarding— s ow si ri i t t o e e o re tes ee o e o wit ri ers is o e o s re te s e i t e o o u it w i evidently people want to be part of.
One of our best decisions was maintaining consistency be it in our board r i s or o stru o e r er e r is ro s owe us to
One thing you can’t overlook as a European company is the vast size of North America and the distances between resorts, hubs, and core snowboard communities. Logistically this is a lot more challenging to have a presence within each regional market in North America than in Europe.
oi o er ro u o i i ise ri e u i bui trust wit bot our usto ers ret i ers o usi o u it e ess esi we e bee b e to re te ro u ts t t e o e it e i ret i ers re u e r ow ressures w i e su or sust i b e o e
The “Pocket Rocket” stands out as one of our most iconic designs. It was i i wi o e t re bo r wi er t it w s o but it i e ssi e e o ee b ts i e e et bro i tri ue e e i es oru s u i ue ro to esi e bo r e bo ies our s irit o e eri e t o w i e st i true to t e br s o it e t to u re it
Nget?
ot t e bere oseri er e bee er we re ei e e oseri er i r u r brou t so et i res u to t e i eu encouraging a completely new surf-inspired riding style. Our focus going orw r wi be o e i t e r e wit u i ue s es t t s e i needs, or introduce new dynamics to the snowboarding experience without e i ro our ore i oso
support physical shops?
ur ro is s e u b e wit stro e sis o su or si s o s o si e our o e e i t i o siste t ri i ross e s o er e r rou re or eri o o s to re u e pressure on retailers. This model allows shops to provide hands-on advice ro u t e os esse or e i usto ers t e ri t bo r ui i s re o s i s wit our ret i ers is riorit
e e bee e ibi t u erous o s ow e os or e rs ow we e ust re e t ut r er e sis o it s e i i ort eri w ere we re s rowi our e er etwor s we ow t e best w to et so eo e to bu is to et t e tr it t e tru e u i ue ee i es e i w e tur i ou s s o it is o is
Our focus going forward will be on expanding the range with unique shapes that fill specific needs, or introduce new dynamics to the snowboarding experience without deviating from our core philosophy.
e i to e e er o s ow e e t ross uro e t e rest o t e wor so we re str te i rot e e ts e e r to re i ere t re s oosi i ere t o o s e e r we i ise our impact and connect with new audiences while staying within our means.
t s r to oose ust o e but our i eos rob b re i our stro est r e too t ows us to o u i te our br i oso i i t e o rt o tur i w i e re i ob u ie e ese re t b e i eos re e t t e e er s owbo r i e erie e reso wit iewers i w t t i ro u o e tre e snowboarding edits may not.
A close second would be our customer service. We try to always have one o our i ouse st ri ers i b e to swer o e or e i et er it be bout oosi betwee i ere t bo r s or issue wit s i i w rr t et ou re t i to re eo e i i ou o est i e w s wor i our r est to so u o t t e e o the day, the videos inspire our customers, but our customer service is what e s us st out o er bes o e e erie e t t bi er br s si cannot.
years?
ere s rowi o e e t tow r sust i b e i e ri er o use br s w i be ie e wi o ue to e e s owbo r r et is
ri e or o ies t t o er u i ue u it ro u ts wit sou it t is s i o ortu i es or o bor o wit i e i e s er br s i out oor s orts sust i b e esi wi row we re e ite to be rt o t t e o u o
winters?
e e so e re e i wi ters t e st ew se so s but wit more global presence now, we are able to lean into the areas that are having be er wi ter o us our e er t ere u wit our rr o er o e we re b e to be ore e ib e to t e ebbs ows o e se so o ue to su ort our e ers w o ee t e irre u r wi ters t e ost wit e ib e ter s t erwise we ust o us o i t e ost out of each winter, keeping the stoke high for snowboarding and carving alive i our s o s ow e os w i e o uous tr i to e o e our ro u t o eri s N A for Korua?
e t i ou t o er oo s uro e o is t e st si e of North America and the distances between resorts, hubs, and core s owbo r o u i es o is t is is ot ore e i to e rese e wit i e re io r et i ort eri t i uro e s e i wit t e si e o our te s resu t we s e ess e ers t ere ess o rese e but s e o e be ore we re re o usi o rowi wit i t ese o u i es s ow or i rowi our i ouse te our b ss ors t ere t i t e ure o uro r i ese s ow sur e s to t e ort eri r et but t e u oubte ut t eir ow twist o to t e st e o ri i w i t i s bit ore reest e re to it o t e r et see s to gravitate towards our shapes that are catered a bit more towards freestyle ri i i e t e r si o i er t e o ou we e s ou t t t e o e or tur i ru s ee wit i t e r et so we e t e our philosophy there!
FW2025/2026 will deliver goggles that combine sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and high demand features, backed by strong B2B support. Snowfall is the only wildcard. By Rocio Enriquez.
e u re i t bi it o s ow is i t e s e i uro e resorts is i ue es usto ers ur si be iour er t ere is i re se o us o sust i bi it t e use o rt rie teri s is rew r e oor s ow i ow tu e resorts resu ts i u tu o o s es ro ret i ers i t ese o o s ie r s owbo r ers e to i e to i er tu es to et t eir ri i et i ers i t ese o o s re seei ore busi ess but t e ro u t o e te s to be u ore te i rs er o i o s for higher performance equipment, so many clients look for premium ro u ts re i t b e o i o s so re te e or ers e so u o s t t e es i we t er i t s e s sw i oto ro i e ses re er o u r o es t t o er e s e s e s ste r e esi t t i re ses t e e o vision and avoids fogging, and lenses that provide quality photochromic o tr st e i bi i es e to e t e bestse i rts They are also the models that promise the biggest growth.
FRAMES
teri s re i t e s ot i t usto ers w t to ow t t t eir o es re ot o tribu to t e i te risis but ee t e to be o s too e r o ossi o e o te or re e teri s e tru e ui si er o ow ow e s i e to bio b se teri s t t o er ro e ur bi it resu ts r o s w o our stor s se s e o o ut bre r e i es e e for sustainability extends to frame accessories. “We have focused on the sust i b e s e t o our o e str s s s e i e o r e ro o o eir str s re e o re e r s e s str s re e o re e ossi o e e tes t e er e t e to ow ow so uses re e teri s or t eir str s r o s w s e i e i o i or or tes b boo str s ot r o ossi o
“Instead of a traditional two-layer glass, this uses a lighter single layer with a special treatment that ensures it will never fog up” Aphex, Timothy Zanting
e t eir str usters wit re e o e oro e ee e is made using sustainably sourced plant-based materials” says Sam e so ro r o
ot o e o s o e i to t e e e o e t o e s e s sw i s ste s er e t i or or tes t e r it s ste i t eir or o e t e tures ei t e tou oi ts t t se ure t e t ui e s e ui si er o o us o t eir ee o e t o stru o o ere wit wit out ets Vo i er s te te e s s ste e b es s o t eous e s e t t be er or e o t e o e o e o s u s i i r i s ste that guides, slides, and locks the lens securely in place. Smith works wit t eir e stro we t er roo e o t t oi ts u o i e is s o o o er e e ses i t eir premium Radium Prime and Sentry Prime, throwing in a foldable and e e s rote tor ee s i o our o es e ture e e ses or ui e s e s sw i w i e t e ot er come with a classic lens-changing system” explains Nadja Herger. Red u e t so s e r e wit i ter e b e e ses iro has updated the lens change system of their Method goggle to a quicker one.
er or e is r ou t i r es t is e s i re se e o isio re i b e o i e rese ts bi i o o wit
their new conical lens geometry. It is housed in a co-moulded frame that e i ers t e ost e si e e o iew w i e re e istor o e o e o s orts ri ess r e esi or u sur sse eri er isio eir bser o e e o o re o es ost o t e r e teri t t e bo o to et t e e s sit oser to t e e t out s it rises i i i re se i isio o t e i e be ow ou Vo i er s V s e ree e o isio e o e e t t is wit t eir Ve o ow ste t t e i i tes o i weet i s or t e best e o isio w i e ee i o stru o i twei t ow ro e e o uses o wi er r es to ie e i u isibi it
Ingenious performance-oriented designs must be carried by comfort. ot t e or ow r o e wit e ib e r es u er e o i e wit oisture wi i i ro ee e s s ie e ot ro er e t e i tro u es ew e o t t i ro es o ort t ossi o s ew r e ess st e V is o ere i two si es to be er t t e user s e or s e t e users er e t oubso e o bi it e et o bi it es i ere e weet s te it str te e sures se ess t betwee o es e ets o o e s wi e r es
LENSES
Visio rit ust e t to r i o i o s i e i o o our o tr st ri e e s te o o e ses t t e i i te istor o oi o i o er t e best rit i o uses o t ese two s e ts or t eir e s ro u o er e t uses tr e ses ow ow o er two ri o s o t eir e e s e ses irrore o e or bri t o i o s b we t er o e or o e rei tro u es t eir te o o i se e te o e s ste o tr i o two layer glass, this uses a lighter single layer with a special treatment that e sures it wi e er o u s s i ot ost o weet s e ses re e ui e wit e e r i er e s te wit tri e o e e e ess e tru o er riet o s eri cylindrical lenses to achieve a clean vision.
i er o our o tr st e i o e s ore s et es e i i r i o i o s weet o ers t eir ro riet r o tr st e i technology in four categories, from S1 to S4. They also present their RIG u rt e s or s ow ow i t o er st o i o s o s er ei e e ses e b e s r er isibi it i ro e e t er e o iro o ers two Vi i e ses b eiss wit t eir et o o e or or su o i o s Vi i r re e s or ou s e o uses eiss o r i e o e ro riet r o tr st e i te o o ies re e s View Vo i er s i i e e s it s ro o o o s i e u e t s oost r o s u e s er e t s i e ses
Photochromy is a coveted feature. Head presents Sunscreen, a solarowere te o o wit i te r te t t uto usts the goggle lens in a split of a second. Smith presents an all-new oto ro i e s e ro o ro oto ro i e ses o bi e ro o e s te o o wit e s or u o e i eri t e stest tr si o e ou es te ier e o ers t e u o rise uto e ses is is te te o bi o o o ris o oto ro t t ro i e r u change. Red Bull Spect works with their proprietary technology. “We ee us i our su ess u oto ro i i e wit our ro te o o s s i o s i ow ow s te t V t e
‘‘Half of our goggles feature magnetic lenses for quick and easy lens swapping, while the other half come with a classic lens-changing system.”
Nadja Herger, TSG
o es e ture t eir u e s oto ro i te o o Vo i er i tro u es oto ro i e ses i t eir ro e t t i t o e o e tr si o ro o isib e i t tr s issio i su o i o s to w e t e i t ets ow oubso ou es ew te or to oto ro i e s ossi o o o o er oto ro i e ses r i ro to so o ers wi e oto ro r e
ere re ot er e s tre t e ts o stru o s wort e o i weet uses ore rote e e ts t t e u ise t e ressure betwee t e i er outer e ses reser i rit it s ir s e Visio is ro riet r e s s e te o o t t i re ses t e e o iew b e i tro u es br ew o i e s eo etr er e t s e e o e t e e te o o or re ise t
LOOKS
e o bi o o i ere t r e e s o ours o ers u e est e o o s i re e esi str s resu ts i u i ue oo or e o e e e tre s i r e o ours ssi bri t ute e rt ri ts ssi o ours re t e ost o u r or t eir broad appeal and longevity. Black is a favourite, with white, navy, or r ite i to t e ssi e e sers t t te to bu e ess o ours t e se so tre o ute to es e rt s es e i too it s eutr e e o ute o ours erre e o e t t rou s e rt to es er e t i tro u es t e ew o stee t r ee o ours e ui si er e i tro u e seasonal warm and pastel colours drawn from natural landscapes.
ere is riet o bri t o ours er s or t ose w o w t to st out o t e ou t i irb ster o o r o e u e t ist si i t r e o bri t o ours it bui s t eir i e e wit e ow or e b ue ree Vo i er s o o ours re o bi e wit i ere t ri o s o ro e weet oubso i so e ibr t to es o er tou es to re te o tr st e it o es to er s e br oes t eir ow t i it s ro os s re oo s es i e r eo etri es ssi camo, abstract forms, psychedelics, and spray paint textures. These last two re e oe b oubso w o s s ri e o s e e i er s to t eir r e ui si er w o s wit s er o rese ts or eo etri ri ts e o s two stro ri ts o o er t e ro i e o e o tree i ter b o er e t s ro o e e tures b o b e er s eir oi Sadowski-Synnot signature goggle blends black, navy, blue, pink, and w ite wit e e e t s w su e o e o uses tr s u e t teri s t t e oses t e et i s o t e o es te o o o presents a variety of graphics that range from tonal subdued styles to ou ri ts o uses t eir u ri ts o t e i s o e s
The range of lens colours increases. Airblaster presents a new polarised rose b ue ro e e i tro u es t e ur e s i t eir eri i goggle. It has a blue/grey base, layered with pink and gold mirror. ow ow s bo ew ee ur e t t o ers i e o tr st to t eir u erst te r es ossi o i s t eir r e ess o es wit irror o s o ers twe e e s o ours ro ssi o es to o tr st e i i ri o s e ow or e or e i isibi it r o bro e s t e o our r e o t eir r re e s e o o
AIRBLASTER
“Both the Norg and Snowcraft come with flexible frames and multi-layer face foam lined with moisture wicking micro fleece.” Elie Bellot 100Percent
tr s re t s w to re te u i ue oo oubso s te ture wit u r we i e o s ro i e o es e ture stu e e et str s o o s re ewe str r e i u es ew o ours so e is reet so e ibr t it s str s ortr t e rtwor o er e to obbi s te ie o ob orr e i er i Aphex adds two vibrant animal prints and several bold geometric ones. ossi o esi s t e str s to t t e irror o o t e e ses TSG uses vibrant straps to add contrast to their black helmets. MowMow s s to t eir s ee b str s to ie e i i ist oo
SUSTAINABILITY
ost br s e o is ro to sust i bi it orts o ot stop at the choice of recycled and plant-based materials. Other areas in which to invest are packaging, product longevity, and carbon footprint. s is e rs ro i w i uses i re e r bo r bio e r b e teri s er e t e t eir o es i ou e u i sert t t is o ost b e r o o o use er e er r bo r or t eir i e e e ts e use r w re e r bo r wit out o s e o o uses re e teri s or t eir i i ro bre ou es ow ow o ts or si e r se to rote t t e o es si i t reducing packaging and waste.
The safest way to reduce waste and carbon footprint is to build a o s ro u t o i o o o us t eir ro u t e e o e t o o e it o o s e e s rote tor o b e wit t eir e tr ri e o e s to re e t s r t i irb ster e sures t eir o e o o e ts re i o b e t rou out t e se so s e re te e r i estru b e o es wit e ess est e e s s e i i s s resu t t e urre t sell more replacement lenses than new goggles. Aphex ensures that all parts of their goggles, be it frames, lenses, or straps, can be fully repaired.
ro u o tr s ort o ro esses ou t or ot o t e
ro u t s rbo oot ri t ri i ro u o oser to t e r ets e s e t is oubso esi s ro u es i t e s ri e
w ro ost o t eir usto ers ui si er o re t i ste s to o e bi rt o t eir busi ess to uro e too or t ose w o ee to ro u e urt er w tr s ort e ie is e er e t s made their packaging slimmer and lighter for this purpose.
RETAILER SUPPORT
et i ers wi t e se es we su orte to se t eir o es e rst or o su ort o es wit we t ou t o e o s s e i s e b e er e t stre i e t eir o e o s to si st es rr o er ro u ts o ours re u e t e ressure to ose out TSG has doubled the carry over black styles. Head has also increased t eir rr o er o e s u se so o ours usi t eir ter i esi tr te r eri e ibi it re u es ris e o ers e ib e or eri o o s re i b e su i to ee ret i ers i e tor stocked.
Technology is the strongest selling argument of a goggle, albeit an invisible o e t re uires oo ret i er e u o so t e o u i te t e be e ts o e br s use e i te i it or s or t is ur ose o it er e t use V w i e e s t eir ow or e eo r o r o e e o s t eir ow i store tr i i i eos so o ers i it tr i i weet o ossi o r o so o er i erso tr i i o ortu i es o o ro u es e i te tr i i boo t o ue e o ers et i e ro u t info to their retailers.
1 Cutting-edge lens technology
2 Performance adapted to varying weather conditions
o u i o to t e usto er is o e t rou i store is s online content, presence at events, and the endorsement of athletes. br s e ture s ow e i te e orts i our re s se uri ste u e brand presence. With strong r e too s su or e i o e o s o es wi t eir w to t eir forever faces soon enough.
3 Playful strap designs to elevate looks
Visit our website to see in depth brand previews of this category.
BOARDSPORTSOURCE.
4 Packaging rethought for transport efficiency
5 Retailer-centric marketing strategies
BY ELIAS
Our TSG magnetic quick lens change technology in a classic cylindrical style. Slopestyle approved. Designed in Switzerland.
Higher altitude snowfall lures snowboarders to the backcountry, sustaining demand for safety gear, while brands expand their offerings with all year-round use products. By Rocio Enriquez.
The unpredictability of snowfall is forcing snowboarders to climb to higher tu es is s i t o t e e e o e t o s ow ro u ts beit i ere t e e i o t e te or i ers t t re ious stu to resorts are now looking to access the backcountry which keeps snow safety products relevant. Nevertheless, most brands apply long-term thinking, e i t eir o eri wit e r rou use ro u ts is is ot b e isio i we o si er t e u ower i ris t t ro u ts t t re ot s ow e e e t o er e ou s t t i te e is i i a re-branding of snow safety labels to mountain safety ones. Sales reports i te t is tre u se so ro u ts to t e bestse i rts along with lightweight electric airbag systems, and everything indicates that these are the segments that will grow the most.
IN
e b s e be e e ro t e i ter wei t e se o use t t e e tri s ste s o er e i s ste e e o e b rto o has produced very good sales thanks to their focus on lightness and ease o use su s se uri t e e wit si e rot o or re i t e irb b si stu it i s e ts t is wi i ro e t e s et situ o or t e user it is e s to tr i ou wi rob b tr i s s et ro u t er tri es e e e t t eir V i to re i so i se er ee s t eir su ess u i t o o er e o bi o o t e e e tri s ste t eir i ouse e e o e i ri i e o ers e ibi it o si e o o s t t users re i te s ew si e to t eir o t r e t is e or si e ou tr e tures wit out t e bu o irb s s s es r e oor i tor i o wei o re ies o t e oo resu ts o t eir rote tor i b e i two si es it is o b e wit ut s o es e ui e wit t eir ite ie us b rote tor t er otewort e ro u ts re rto o s tr s ei er wit oi e i o o e o its i t eir two ew ri e rie s o e s o ie e t is t e e o use o o esse s e i o s wit out i to s ri e teri s or e tures
t e o e e ui e t se o is w ere we t e e sio to all year-round use backpacks and tools. Ortovox keeps pushing their i e series o b s or e er reeri i r e t rou out t e e r wi re e se t e ew i b i two si es itres e re s e i e e o e or use o i tu e tours s orter tours we be o t e wi ter o t s ou es r e er berstro s i i i r ios ro e to be e e o too
“This is a short and simple 15-minute course to educate retailers on how to include safety into the conversation with the customer” Julia Granhed, Recco
or rou o u i o e re ow ro o t eir use or su er guided biking and hiking as well as freeride snowboarders, guides and patrollers in the winter. Recco has a growing focus on trail running for the use o t eir re e tors
RETAILER SUPPORT
r e bu ets wi be istribute i t ree i re s e e tri irb s ste s ou t i s et too s e r rou use ro u ts wi o us o t eir irb o e o t eir i i i r ios ew r er e o wi us u se so use o t eir re e tors es e i wit i ter ore e ib e o es t t be i te r te i b e r e ts wi o e tr te e orts o t eir ew i touri b s t ou o te t re o wi re i o siste t t e i or o su ort wi be ret i er e u o et i ers o se w t t e u erst so wit su i te i ro u ts e u o is e o ers i i s avalanche courses with the help of mountain guides. Recco relies on their e e e r i ourse is is s ort si e i ute ourse to e u te ret i ers o ow to i u e s et i to t e o ers o wit t e usto er s s e o r e u i r e so o ers ro u t tr i i to ret i ers st o ro u es i eos to e i ow to use the technology, such as how to fold the avalanche airbag.While climate unpredictability limits the capacity to forecast sales as accurately as it was o e ossib e t e s ow or ou t i safety category remains an important area to promote, to ensure the safety of those who venture further in search of lines.
Visit our website to see in depth brand previews of this category.
1 Electric airbag systems are a preferred choice.
2 Development of all-year round use products.
3 Retailer education is the main form of marketing support.
As binding entry systems continue to evolve, FASE redefines the twostrap design with a fast-entry system, promising a true two-strap feel and enhanced locked-in performance. Source sat down with Erwin Knoester, Engineer and Marketing Manager at FASE, to dive into the details of this innovation and their plans for FASE as an ingredient brand.
e o e t t ro ri ers re ot ri i the latest major binding developments that have hit the market over the past few years. e o i i t is i t e r et we re ise t t or e es or bi i i o o s e riori se o e ie e o er er or e missing the mark for advanced riders who demand the highest level of performance.
t e te s t ere w s re si i t trend toward convenience bindings, but they all is e re be use t e ou t t t e durability, choice of boots, riding performance ross br o bi it o tr i o two strap bindings.
What was the thinking behind developing FASE?
When you and your brand partners put s owbo r i rst our ro to i o o tur s i s e set out to re o u o ise t e two str bi i b o bor wit ro ri ers r et e i br s riori si performance at every step.
ur isio or e t e er o two str binding was clear: to design a high-performance binding that enhances user experience without compromise. The system delivers unmatched performance, true board feel, lightweight design, u i ers boot o bi it e e o st e tr e it i eere wit ros i i but built for everyone - from seasoned athletes to rst e ri ers it e e s i o i o s terr i s ru i s t e rst fast-entry binding with truly uncompromised performance.
AS works e st tr ste i tui e esi o e e ts t e tr i o u erst i o ow to et i out o bi i e e e
o isi t e ro ess i it ster smoother than ever to strap-in and shred. All it takes is one hand and one movement to get in or out!
To get in, simply insert your boot into the bi i t e uto i b uto oses rou our boot w i e t e o e Toe Strap remains in place. Then simply buckle t e st tr e str wit o e to t e preferred tension like you normally would.
o et out si o e t e st tr t e i your heel, the AutoBack naturally opens to re e se our boot t s it
e i e ture is t e uto i b w i uto oses rou t e boot is i o e esi is bui t rou t e e ressure se si e e er t t r ises t e i b to the boot when strapping-in and opens the highback when the rider disengages as they are unstrapping.
e i o e o er str ow s t e st tr e str is bui t to st o e te for smooth one-handed strapping-in and easy e i o t e bi i
st but ert i ot e st is t e o e toe str esi e to re i i osi o to o e e t t e i tui e o o o e i to t e bi i t e o e toe str e tures t e bu e u i ue tri toot e er to prevent slipping.
Y
ert i ur two wor wi e te ts re t e result of six years of dedicated engineering and re e to t e i o e esi se ess u o it o t e st tr ste e rst te t o ers t e o er s ste s e i t e boot tu te i b rot o o t e utob re s e or e ort ess e tr and exit. The second patent secures the toe strap bu e o i it r i bot ire o s s soo s r t e sto s is e sures t t our toe str osi o re i s er e t set t rou out our sessio s so t ere s o ee or ust e ts
Please take us through the R&D process
e e e o e t o t e s ste w s or o bor o betwee ro ri ers our brand partners. This unique partnership brought together a best-in-class group of expert binding engineers and passionate snowboarders to build t e o s ste t t se ess i te r tes wit e br s ow bi i s
The original concept for the system was e e o e b i rtri e e t wit t e i e er rou su or it s independent project since the beginning. “We ro e t e esi ro ess i e tre sure u t s i toi e o uet e e e o er o e ew w t t e o w s but it took staying curious, and gathering rider feedback at every step to create a new binding s ste t t s bot si e rou bre i
e t e i i ersio s e to i e we st rte o bor wit esi ers e i eers and athletes from the brand partners Rome owbo r s Ver o t t eo owbo r s ster o es i or i t ter st e irt two i or i to e sure we et t e demands of their riders.
e t o i e tor o e te is is t e e t e er o two str bi i t s re oo t t e er s e t o t is ro e t s bee o e b s owbo r ers e i eere b s owbo r ers teste b ro ri ers sold by snowboarders to snowboarders. I feel t t t e s ste e e tes two str bi i s it s e er t i ou e e t i i er or e binding plus so much more”.
o e s e e o e t ire tor us r ier e or t is ro e t we too ero o ro ise ro to i te r te wit our e e r s r ssis it t is i i e we were able to maintain all the adjustability and performance features Rome bindings are known or but ow wit t e e ste we re super proud to be launching what we believe to be re o u o i two str bi i s
t eo s ro u t ire tor i e i to i s t t t e t eo ster ri es ust i e is tr i o two str wit t e e be e ts o t e i ro e t to is boots e se o use e i out
e e i ere e betwee ot er systems is our commitment to never compromise performance for convenience. While many s ste s riori se e se o use t t e e e se o bo r ee wei t or boot o bi it t e o e s ort o ee ri ers ee s e ste is esi e or ri ers w o w t t e high performance of a two-strap binding, with an enhanced user experience.
e st tr ste is i or or te o premium binding models in each of our brand rt er s i es ro i i t is e e o i ersit gives riders a wide range of choice from day one. This also means that team riders from each br wi be ri i t e e ture bi i s i e i te e e t e ro u ts i t eir trust i t e bi i s s o ow ere e o es Vi tor e e ue ie eo ris r s w t re ri i s ste bi i s
ere o es w s o e o t e rst to s e e o t e ste ri i t e o es er ur e e i s e er ur bi i is su er i tui e to use e i out is se o ture er ru or two t is ot u ou retur to tr i o bi i t t ou re ise ow o e ie t st e ture bi i s re ou ust et o t e i s i e our b oot i w i e s i i r e ow t e mountain.”
irt two te ri er t o e te er ri i it t t e w s re sur rise b ow t e bi i e t w s i o s e but it ee s ust i e or two str bi i t s su er st e s to get in and out of and rides great. I immediately o e t e s u t re t bo r ee the straps are awesome.”
o es ri er Vi tor e e ue t ree e reeri e or our io e st tr
i i ew oubts but o t e rst o riding it, I forgot I was on a new binding as it felt so comfortable and performed great!”
o e s ie eo is e ow tur t e user e erie e is ow t e t is u i er s si e boots t is e er t i o e bout t e t but with improved heelhold and faster entry/exit!
The idea is for FASE to be an ingredient brand B A decided to take this approach? The beauty of the two-strap binding lies in its ers it er or e w i br s e been enhancing and diversifying for decades to suit ri i st e terr i o i o s e wanted to be able to provide this kind of diversity to t e o su er w i e o eri our re o u o r st tr ste i is w we ose to collaborate with some of the best brands in the industry to gain their experience and rider feedback, and to seamlessly incorporate the system into their best-in-class binding models.
e e be e t o t is ro is t t wit t e i ere t br s i o e we wi o er e ture bi i t riet o ri e ers in a structure that every retail partner is used to. Prices will vary based on material use, brand s e i e tures is e t ow ri es re ere ri t ow wit tr i o two str bindings.
How can other brands get involved? or t e se so t e st tr ste will be featured on models with Thirtytwo, t eo o es o e e re o e to licensing it to other brands in the future. The o o is to e o e t e s owbo r bi i industry by making our technology accessible to brands that represent snowboarding and its culture.
T B or be e t o t e o e t is t t it ows e rt er br s bi i esi ob e es to re i i t t e ste is incorporated into the best-in-class models of each br t e o e t o es er ur t eo ster irt two s rst bi i t e e er t eir i o i boot o e t e
e tures o orw s wit ro ri ers t ris r s w s we s o bor o wit Vo o AS
e see t e st tr ste s ore er changing the binding market in the most osi e w ossib e e u i ers ture o the interface means any boot, any board and every rider will be able to enjoy this new way of str i i it ri ers o o er e to s ri e er or e or o e ie e
u i our is t e ture bi i s i rt ers i wit our o s owbo r i s ost i ue br s we re e i eri t e i ustr ower u i eu t t o ers so et i or e er ri er re e es w t s ossib e o t e mountain.
The system is also not exclusive - we want to work with more like-minded brands to incorporate the system and evolve the snowboard binding category together.
e ee t is is re o u o r tur i oi t or snowboarding and for the industry. This will create a new level of choice for riders across the globe who love the feeling of strapping-in and value the locked-in hold that their favorite binding models provide.
e re o u o is ere it s str s
An all new approach to protection. Breathable, flexible, recycled, recyclable. The future is now, and AMPLIFI is at the cutting edge of what is possible, making your turns safer, your rides more fun, and the future of our earth more positive.
AEGI:S – ALL NEW DNA FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
CONSTRUCTION: HYBRID HONEYCOMB
The design of the AEGI:S has been engineered as complementar y hybrid honeycomb geometr y which in concert with the unique macromolecular compound creates interconnected super light and flexible cells that exceed EAN Level 2 protection levels, have unrivalled weight savings, and allows exceptional levels of breathability, allowing passage of air and moisture for extended riding comfort.
COMPOSITION: DECEL MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUND
The unique macromolecular compound used in the AEGI:S protector employs DeCel braking, reducing rebound and redirecting force through the complex geometr y in the protector, making it up to 4 times more effective than a similar TPE protector
The material is also moisture and temperature resistant, meaning the protection level is unaffected, no matter the conditions.
CONSERVATION: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, REBUILD
The protector begins it’s life at the end: insomuch as our protectors already use 70% recycled material when it is injection moulded in our factories. Then, once they have finished their useful life, the AEGI:S protector can be returned to us and be directly reused in our manufacturing facility to create brand new protector products! The beginning is the end is the beginning… and so on!
The technical snowpacks segment has responded to the challenge of climate unpredictability with innovation. FW25/26 will bring us collections led by technical and lightweight snowpacks that are also ready for all seasons. By Rocio Enriquez.
i ters re i ere t ro w t t e use to be is i t sou like a very casual weather statement, but it is not for snow sports enthusiasts. The impact of climate change reaches far beyond the choice of what to wear for the day. Snowfall is unpredictable, i resort ri i i i u t e s est w to se ure some rides is to climb higher and venture into the backcountry. ose w o ee suit b e e ui e t wit esse te i features to keep them safe and comfortable. This means storage or s et too s to i ou out o ote troub e i twei t but robust teri s to e ou o i bs ose w o s to resorts would rather invest in a backpack that they can use in their i i es too w e it oes t s ow estse i s re e t t ese ee s o e bestse i i o u e i t s re i e s e i ro series o s i e o es urt er i so ot t eir best u bers ro t is te or e e ts t eir bi est rowt ro t eir ew i e o b ou tr s Vers it ro e t e s es o i o s w tro ossi o s s er i ite ers e s e so i si e ers e i twei t s wi ee ri i rowt e t e i i ts o o e o s
I LI TS
r o o i o stru o ire wit i twei t teri s to e it easier to carry a backpack for longer sessions on the mountain. i rese ts t eir ew is bo e str e ew s ou er str o stru o ee s t e ressure o t e s ou ers e i s t eir e o esi o owe s eir i be ts b e s
‘‘The new PowSlayer pack is part of our upcoming Big Mountain Freeride kit” Leonard Basse, Patagonia
e ture ou e o stru o t is se so o es e t is to t eir ee er urt er i er st es st wi ter wit re t success. They also feature dedicated storage for helmet, goggles, i e e us er s owbo r rr s ste t o i introduces a new style with a compartment for snow tools, easy access back panel, and body-hugging shoulder straps and hip belt. “The new PowSlayer pack is part of our upcoming Big Mountain reeri e it ou es t eir orts o u i o e eo r Basse. Herschel launches the new All Season range as part of t eir ew out oor e ui e t se e t e e so s removable gear straps to carry your snowboard or poles, making t e i e u e sier t so e tures stor e o ets r o o bi it re o b e w ist str res ue w ist e the removable parts make it easy to transform the pack into a su i ee e ers e is r u r rou o t eir o u r o e o s ste e so u es be o e te to our Snow Rollers, freeing up your hands whilst travelling”, says V ter o se i e i tro u es e te i o stru o wit er o o i su ort s ste s t t e b e o ort b e tre s rto o s u te t eir w o e reeri e r e
to o us o esse e tures t t s s ee s wit out i re si bulk or weight.
Materials play an important role in the performance of the b es e i t eir wei t i o i or or tes t e tr bo bri ro e e i ot to t eir ir ue is bri o ere re t resu ts i t eir su er et i t eries e ew ir ue tr s o t e b e or e ur bi it o t e i bo to i t i i twei t ro e i e i tro u es rei or e i twei t o osites and waterproof, breathable fabrics that enhance durability while ee i t e wei t ow is u i o e o wit uu r te teri obust ess is i ort t ot er br s ou e bri i e e ts i t is ire o i ou es ew o or e e o o t e e terior wall of the packs will make them more resistant to abrasion. ossi o uses ost i sto o ers e s e so e tures a custom wind-resistant and water repellent recycled fabric. t o i s ew ow er is e wit er ru e teri mostly recycled too. Sustainability is at the forefront when choosing teri s o es s re e wit ri sto o ester o t e outsi e b is o t t e bo o o ester i i re e V ree rto o uses i re e bri s too
oo s tre tow r s subt e wit re o i e o so i ute o ours o es i o or b oo i e t rows some grey and blue into the mix. Ortovox bets on earthy colours. ers e i tro u es so e bri ter s es to t e e e o so i s wit t eir oo be o w ite e o our t e e i i e s ose bot i orte ro t eir i i e i o re res es t e o ours o t eir w tro series wit s es i e w ite o bur t sie o ree ur e eir e e is designed to complement their apparel line and pair well with ou its ro ot er br s ere re so e r i s er s ross t e i es o s e i ouse e e o e r i s t eir i e t e re u i our ew u o our t e e b e o ew bri s er s it rtwor s s e o es obi s ier i o ou es u te to t eir e io rbo wit ew bo er s o e er eutr o ours i e s e e o e te ture teri er e u e si so o ers s e i o ours t rou o bor o s e t wi ter we wi see s e i e i o s i rt ers i wit t e sso i o e tur e e o o si e t eir si ture o bor o wit ie erso
The impact of climate change is now so visible on the slopes that it would be impossible for brands not to have sustainability at the forefront of their minds when developing their products. We see e orts i t ree i re s teri se e o ro u o ro esses so i res o sibi it t is r re to b t ese s t t is not made with recycled fabrics and the demand for sustainability
‘‘Arthur Longo has been testing the product out before launching and will front the launch of our campaign’’ Adam Mansell, Herschel
has driven the development of highly technical recycled materials that deliver the performance needed for the mountain. The choice o teri s ee s to be su orte b e o rie ro u o ro esses it es i e se se to so t ese teri s i r u chemicals. There is widespread use of eco-friendly water repellents wit s s bei wi e e i i te ro ro u o t is also important to engage in a careful design that avoids a lot of cuto s w ste i e rto o i o i s e i e o to t is e ew is bo e str o stru o wit i rts bei ou e re u es si i t t e uto s says Tom Howells. Another way to enhance the sustainability factor of a backpack is to enable repairs, prolonging its useful life. Black i o o ers t e e oute re ir ro r e o esi s wit re ir bi it i i e i t o ro u o o eo e s i es is
so i ort t rto o o es o itor t eir tories or ir s e wor i o i o s
RETAILER SUPPORT
ost r e e orts re o e rou two ess es ro o o of backcountry riding, and all-year round backpack use. Black i o wi s ow se s ir o o te t i t eir i esi e or t e ee wit t e su ort o t ete stories o es o uses o t e ro o o o t eir i e s t e u te backcountry snowboarding packs. Rossignol will also communicate reeri i stories t rou t etes usi t eir b s o us es t e s ow tr e e r b s to et ou to our s ow es o wit e er t i ou ee or t e bi ou t i i e istributes t eir e orts betwee t eir i use s t eir ore te i backpacks, especially their athlete signature ones. Herschel rt ere wit rt ur o o to e e o t eir e so r e o te i b s wi ou t o is e i to us it rt ur o o s bee tes t e ro u t out be ore u i wi ro t our r e i s s se o carry these messages to the end consumer, brands use the synergy o si u t eous si o i e rese e i es e u in POS programmes and digital content. Ambassadors are a great sset or o te t re o eir tes o i s re ibi it to t e s es r u e ts i e ers e st tr i i to t e i or i it is so i ort t to ee s ste s si e to e b e e s or eri reor eri ro essi o w rr es
The technical snowpacks category feels the impact of unpredictable winters as much as other snow products, but brands have adjusted to the emerging needs wisely. eir o e o s o er so u o s to ee t e o su er e e t oo t specialty stores.
Visit our website to see in depth brand previews of this category.
BOARDSPORTSOURCE.COM
1 Focus on backcountry ready backpacks.
2 Weight and volume decrease.
3 New all year-round use designs.
4 Sustainability is an important factor in production.
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GIVING YOU THE INSIDE EDGE TO KEEP YOU AHEAD OF THE GAME
Splitboarding remains a unique segment of snowboarding, offering unparalleled access to untouched terrain. While the market experienced a significant boom during the COVID-19 era, it has since stabilised, presenting both challenges and opportunities for brands and retailers. Anyway, the ‘earn your turns’ motto is well alive in the industry and the brands will never stop to make the gear evolve for the sake of our pleasure, either going up or down. Ladies and gents, welcome to next winter’s Splitboard Hardware 25/26 Retail Buyer’s Guide, brought to you by Matthieu Perez.
o er w t t e t ri is s we i e o owi ete ri t ib e ots o u i so e i es e ts owe er t i eter uer otes t t e s itbo r r et s bee su eri ot ro t e ost o i er ere is s ots o ose out e r o t e r et ut ore s itbo r ers w t to u r e t eir e r wit i o o s t t means new high end splitboards are always sought out.” But Benedikt e i ire tor er isi t urto o e ts itbo r i is s o t e to e o ri i t e s itbo r o su er is ess ri e se si e or re t ro u t to e erie e t e ou t i si e ote ete ri er i s o e i te s us e re w ore o use o e o i o s t ri i tre s w s remember why you do it!
r s i e o es re su or ret i ers b i t i i rr o er models: “Our main line of splitboards has remained carry-over for the st ew se so s wi o so or wi ter s we e w t to su ort ret i ers b owi t e to o ue to se s its t t t e have stock of instead of adding pressure with new models”, says Ruairi o i s uro e r e er es ite t e sto sur us s itbo r i o ues to be i o o ub or br s s er i ier r i t ite es w o sees re t i o o wi ow or br s i e us e urre t e re t o er wit re t ri e point, and with team riders like Nick Russell, we will invest more in t t se e t or t e e t ew e rs s e o e bo e e e s o e ite e t o o re s i eo ri us i s e re as stoked as ever for human-powered adventures, and drawing lines on
“We’re as stoked as ever for human-powered adventures, and drawing lines on untouched slopes in the Alps and beyond, so we’ll continue to focus on making award-winning splitboards here at Korua.”
Geoff Brinkhaus, Korua
u tou e s o es i t e s be o so we o ue to o us o making award-winning splitboards here at Korua.”
ON THE DECKS
s ri ers o ue to riori se u it e r or bot u i e tures t ri i es e ts t e u o i se so is e wit e i i o o s t t ress er or e wei t re u o ur bi it i s w r wi i i i r re e es i twei t s itbo r i wit its ew eo etr rbo o stru o u w te o o t t e es t e o e o betwee bo r es e i o o i t s boosts ur bi it w i e its s rrow t i esi ensures superior buoyancy in deep powder.
it si i r ro urto u te t eir o stru o o splitboards. All splits feature a hole in the tail on each half of the bo r t t wi o o te t e t i i e to t e s i s t i stret er urto i tro u es t ree ew o e s t e i i e it it
bi ou t i s e t e is it urto s rst s itbo r wit s i e i o t i ow er t e i rie o etow ero
s it or e r bot br s re re i t eir i es wit
ew s es i o e t s r s uro ri o us
o i ter s t i s or i ro e u o it wit out o ro isi ride quality.
ossi o sw s ier e e ue s s i i si ture s itbo r wit
ew e er o e V s i i e s i i ters to ri ers see i s oot tur s e e o tro ers it ts ber ro e o ers st bi it ower it si i r ro o es o uses o t e re esi o its o u r ro er o e s re e er s itbo r s ot t ese o e s s re ew t ere ire o reeri e s e t t s ur ose u esi e to be e s to oeu re i o i o s o t i e re i ee ow e i s o i s
t oru t e e o e e tor is i ter ro i es be er u i ri i u es i o e si e ut or e e e e o o i tr erses s ow re e e t to s eet rou s out its e tures er e te si e tes e e o e t wit our su iers we e so ou w t we be ie e to be the most snow-repellent topsheet on the market. We are taking t ese ew i s ro t e e tor it to see ow we e our it i e o eri s e e urt er i t e uture e e o s ri us
BOOTIES GROOVE
oot i o o o ues to riori se sust i bi it er or e ori ei ee u e s r e er e bor tes i e o e s i t e ee u e r e t e s e o t e orer is e wit Rise by Bloom. Rise is a bio-based foam derived from algae harvested ro o ro ise e os ste s to t e e t o e ei o ues e r usio e tures s e i e e o e b ou tr i er o bi i so e o t e best e e e ts ro our i e i er wit outst i out o t e bo t i i o e o t es us t rou itro boots u te ur br ew Ver is ore t e o u o o our i r ise i e boot or re u e wei t t is u ise s itbo r i boot ow o ers ew Vibr utso e wit iteb se te o o o bi e wit Vibr re o o ou r ri or i ro e tr o ur bi it e boot is s u o b e wit se i uto r o s w i e t e ew ee iter keeps out the elements.”
BINDERS CHECK
or i to u t e re o i b se o t e r et is s tur te wit stores o i ot o sto ue to t e o i e e t o s e is ort es er oes urt er e r boots r et is be o i i re si r e e e t ou so boots s account for the majority of sales, but there is a strong appeal among insiders to this type of equipment.”
Bindings are evolving to provide lighter, faster, and more durable so u o s or s itbo r ers t urto t e e i o o i s itbo r bindings is the Step On® Split binding, expanding the Step On® technology to new use cases with the goal to make it available for all riders. Step On boots can now be used for On-Resort and Touring.
Gara brings up the Solo binding with a unique patented centre ring that prevents the skis from moving against each other and transfers maximum pressure from the binding to the surface of both skis, making t e s itbo r be e s ose to s owbo r s ossib e t s t e s e ro t r or t e i e o e is or ste orw r for the Washington based brand and in-house built split bindings. is i o o o ers re u e wei t i ro e s ow e ri enhanced force transfer between board halves, ensuring the board performs as close to a solid snowboard as possible. Its American ou ter rt r is wor i wit i usse o ro o e bi i is bi i wi be i ite e i o bri o t e w r wi i ur e r ro o e s e t so e u est e s e tures t tu e e sures i e r e er
DEALER’S LOVE
r s u erst t e ri ro e ret i s o s i o e wit usto ers bui i t e s itbo r i o u it i bert t est st tes t t t e wiss br is s e i t e ri t ou ts e adds: “They are looking for the right brands and not the mass brands.
e e ot o e o s itbo r s or t e to test be ore bu i t s si i r stor ro o or o esto ou tr e e bee ro i out its ree ou tr ro r s to e re u e b rriers or ew r i ts to t e s ort i o t e tr to o e t rou t e e o o i u ert i t o i bout o t e i e s rr o er r i s or t e se so et i ers re ei e e te si e su ort t rou r s e er ort w i i u es ro u t otos i eos re e i e tor u tes e br so e te s o er e t ter s or e r or ers e sures e s i i
o or bri ort r s o s u r or e our e customers to experience the unique vibe of snowboard stores. Their ro i i ts t e e er se o s o st t e u tur esse e of snowboarding. Pete Saari at Gnu claims, “We love shops and highly recommend you go in and smell the magic that only a snowboard shop can provide.” All hail retail!
LAST WORD FOR THE HIKE
e er e o ts ore er owbo r i e i itro ess e or is so true or s itbo r i e o ues itro rst i tro u e s itbo r to its i e i i us t e br wit t e ost e erie e e i o i t is e is so re e ts i our e orts to o st t i ro e ot er e o o e ts su s s itbo r boots and bindings.”
rou t e o o o ui t our i i s r or t es re t pride in the quality of products its dedicated team of snowboarders bui s ro o sour e teri s i t e oot i s o t e s es e se r e ire tor i ustr tes e t i t t i more customers asked the story of how their gear was made, in many categories even beyond snowboarding, the economy, the people and e iro e t wou be e t t e eo e or t e eo e
itbo r i is ore t s ort it s i est e t t o e ts ri ers wit ture e es si bou ries e ebr tes i o o or ret i ers osteri stro rt ers i s wit br s st i i or e bout ew te o o ies riori si usto er e u o wi be esse i i t is e o i r et to et er we o ue to inspire human-powered adventures and expand the reach of splitboarding into the future. Stride on!
Visit our website to see in depth brand previews of this category.
1 Carry-over
2 Innovation
3 All hail retail
4 Consumers teaching
CMP talks about its journey from its roots in the F.lli Campagnolo company to becoming a leader in highperformance outdoor apparel. Founded in 2010, the brand combines Italian design with functionality, prioritising accessibility, inclusivity, and stylish performance for outdoor enthusiasts.
did the brand start?
e re o o w s i s ire b t e ri erit e e er se o t e i o o o ou e b ri ise i t e ost w r erio i o use o bri s and haberdashery, the company grew under t e e ers i o ior io o o w o e e it i to t e te e rst re industry later on.
w s u e s br
e i te to out oor i es wi ter s orts and sportswear. The goal was to provide u o essib e out oor ot i t t o bi es t i esi wit r st e ui be e we re o ise brand, catering to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, from beginners to professionals.
e roots o ie i t e o o i s ee e i o to t eir r t eir eter i o to row t e br i to new markets while staying true to their core ues o u it r s s i
What are the core values that guide CMP?
s ore ues re roote i essibi it eo e rst o us i usi it s i ow e busi ess e sises t e i ort e o osteri stro re o s i s with customers and employees. The brand strives to make outdoor gear accessible not only in terms of pricing but also in u o it e suri t t t eir ro u ts meet the needs of a wide range of usersfrom beginners to professionals. Inclusivity is e o o e t o s i oso o eri e te si e r e o si es i u i us si es to e sure e er o e t e ri t t s eo e rst o us is re e te i its o it e t to re ur b e r e r t t eets t e e s
of diverse outdoor enthusiasts, all while i t i i or bi it
industry?
s ro u ts re u i ue i t e out oor industry due to their balance of performance st e i e o e tors w o riori se u o o er est e s o bi es t i esi wit i performance fabrics to create products that re ot o u o but so st is is b e ows usto ers to use re i riet o se s ro out oor i es to su i we r oreo er o uses o o eri ro u ts wit re t ue or money, ensuring that customers receive ur b e re i b e e r t or b e ri es e br s wi e ro u t r e or e wo e i re ou e wit ers e o our o o s e es its e to bro usto er b se s o it e t to re u u o e r urt er sets it apart, as customers can use the same clothing across various occasions and i es w i e e o i bot o ort performance.
This focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and st is u o it osi o s s is e er i t e out oor re market.
How Does CMP Distribute Its Products Across Europe?
ro u ts re istribute ross uro e t rou u e ro e br u ises bot si o i e e s This ensures that customers have easy access to a wide range of outdoor apparel and gear, re r ess o t eir o o
o obr stores i e uro e r ets ese stores o us so e o t e br o eri ur te s o i e erie e w ere usto ers e ore t e e re product range. This physical presence allows to i t i stro o e o s wit its customers and provide a personalised shopping experience.
et i tores ut orise e ers has a network of authorised dealers and retail stores i or uro e i es out oor
s or ubs ese stores s ow se t e u r e o ro u ts owi usto ers to e erie e t e u it rst
i e tore so o er tes robust e o er e or w ere usto ers ro rious uro e ou tries ur se products directly. The online store features t e e re ro u t r e ro outerwe r to accessories, and provides a seamless shopping experience.
ir rt i e et i ers i o to its ow o i e or rt ers with popular e-commerce websites such as o o ot er re io o i e ret i ers is ows to re bro er audience and ensures fast delivery across uro e
sees o ortu i es i t e rowi e or u u o ot i t t o ers bot er or e st e o su ers re i re si oo i or e r that can be worn both for snow sports and su se s b e i r it wit fashion. Another key opportunity lies in t e e sio o i usi e si i s ore o su ers see out oor we r t t ts variety of body types, from beginners to professionals. With its focus on accessibility i u it er or e ro u ts is we osi o e to ture ore r et s re s t ese tre s o ue to e e o
XTRATUF talks about its exciting growth in 2024, expanding its presence in the UK and Europe while connecting with outdoor and water sports communities. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and key partnerships like the RNLI, the brand is quickly becoming a standout in the footwear market.
s e erie e re t o e tu bot i t e i ter o t rou out ur o us or t e uro e s bee to o ue to ut e bui br w re ess i our ore r ets sur out oor i est e wi swi i w ter s orts rt eri with brands, ambassadors and retailers that share our ethos and who genuinely love our products. Key for us is listening to our o u it s ew br to the market we are reliant on feedback ro our o su ers ro e b ss ors ret i ers to i be er u erst i o e t w t our community wants from our boots and w ere t e i e to be b e to bu t e
Can you describe the design process for your shoes?
e br s isio is to be t e ob i o or u o re i bi it i ootwe r e designing our products, we are always u o rst e re o st t i s ire b our o u it we oo to our Pro Team for their honest opinions and feedback to develop products that live up to our o su ers e e t o s
How has expanding into the European ow s re rese t o i i wit er ot ou tries re er e territor s t e s ow s orts season approaches, we are excited to see t e res o se to our e u ur lined boot with GlacierTrek® Pro outsole
te o o s res s i boot oo i orw r to we re e ori e e t sponsorships, including ice swimming and downhill swim events as well as broadening our re io b ss ors e re ee to ee rowi our uro e distributor network as our range of ootwe r tru oes o er so et i or every market.
T RNLI?
is bui t or t ose w o o e t e water, and we felt it our responsibility to e sure t t our o u it enjoy the ocean safely. By partnering with t e we e s e i es t se t e we ire t o te er ir o our i est e r e so o our website as well as sharing water safety messaging i our ro u t bo es o t e site i our global social channels.
i o we i e i e u r s ross be es o wi e wit ir o bes o e re e ow s i ers The feedback from the lifeguards has been incredible and we are excited to work with t e or be o
What steps do you take to ensure
ur ro u t e e o e t te re w s looking for ways to infuse more sustainable, environmentally friendly materials into future products and we are currently tes se er i ere t o ou s or our upcoming product ranges. In our current r es we use o i performance, durable, biodegradable foam sour e ro bio b se rbo is use ross u e o e o s i u i t e ort r s is s i ers wit i the midsoles and outsoles. We have used i our o o e o wi be using our bio-based neoprene, Bioprene, i our ew ort ro u ts moving forward. We updated our packaging
i to e our bo es ssues ers re b e
excited about?
e e so e e i re e ses o i u or utu i ter wit so e br ew ro u t r es w i wi o ue to bro e t e s o e o t e br
e e see u e su ess wit our e w i s ow e i ew o ours or e wo e r u r s ost sur boot t s to its w ter roo e terior slip resistant outsole and cosy faux fur i i ri wi see t e u o collab boot that we are certain will make w es t rou out t e o u it Watch this space!
Why should retailers stock XTRATUF? s bee rou or e rs we have a rich brand heritage and products that are truly like no other. Our Ankle e oot re te its ow ootwe r category, which currently is only available in very limited retail. Our ethos is to work closely with likeminded retailers, to gain a be er u erst i o t eir o su ers su or t e w ere er we s is ew to uro e r ets it s i re ib e o ortu it or retailers to come on board and be a part of t e br s stor
Doubledeck Snowboards has grown over the past year, successfully entering into new markets in Japan, China, and the Middle East, with plans to debut in the U.S. and Canada next season. With exciting new products for the 2025/26 season and a thriving ‘Let-to-Rent’ program we hear it’s all systems go at the brand.
Since we spoke last year how has the
oub e e owbo r s s e e o e greatly since we last spoke. We have, besi es est b is i i ort t uro e retailers, successfully entered also the r et i i t e i e st e i r et wi be e tere next season.
How has retailer interest been?
et i ers re t i u oub e e ste b ste s it is ew owe er er t e e experienced the product themselves there is w s o ues o or t e t i t e boards into their sales program
What new products do you have in the line
Over the summer we developed new boards for freestyle, park and pipe as well as s e i re t bo r s or t e se so which will all be released at the ISPO show i e e ber t e t o s st r i u r
L T
is o e is b s e e t o s ot o
re t st o s too oub e e o bo r or t e se so
network in Europe?
urre t oub e e is i b e t se e te stores i er ustri wit er s we s i t r e o i o e i and Scandinavia. We have also opened a oub e e o e t store i t e i e o sbru ustri to et t e s e e ore i or e bout our i o e ro u ts
e re urre t ru i our oub e e o u o our wit o er sto s i t e s t rou out t e se so i o w s Hintertux Park opening in early October, with this tour end consumers can test our technology for free. The experience is weso e s o t e tes u ie e is o i e bout oub e e owbo r s becoming a game changing product inside the snowboard world.
T
urre t we re urbis bo r s o i b ro et o e t st se so is refurbishment includes not only running edges and base but also the top sheets. The outcome is a totally new and fresh bo r e use o t e s e i o stru o woodcore inside the board, plus the upper bow o stru o o ot ose t eir stre t but wi st wit t e s e e or t e st
t ree se so s er t e t ir se so use the boards will be dismantled at our factory u to o t e o teri wi be recycled and re-used for producing new boards
Why should retailers stock Double Deck? e ers t t sto oub e e wi e i o e ro u t t t t es e o ro t e e o su er er t e e consumer has tested the board, they will rob b bu o e so t e et o e t ro r o ers t e ret i er o s bi i ro r or e re t bo r s into their shop that show many advantages for beginners and pro riders. The retailer only pays a monthly fee per board. They can oose t e e t o re t b o t er the rental ends the boards will be sent back to us free of transport costs for the retailer. so s t ere is o o r b e ro u t t e ret i er se t e oub e e t wit out t e ee o ri e re u o and thus the retailer earns money again on snowboard hard goods.
Clover’s latest collection focusing on lightweight comfort and reliable protection, has resonated with riders. As the brand looks toward 2025/26, it aims to build on this success with new product additions, while continuing to prioritise simplicity, inclusivity and high-performance design.
ur rote tors r s ts o ue to e t e w ese ro u ts resonate because they deliver a blend of o ort rote o si i it t t our customers value. Riders appreciate t t our rote o e r is so i twei t and comfortable that they almost forget t e re we ri it e stro s es or t ese ro u ts re re e o o our usto ers trust in both the quality and design simplicity.
What new products are in the pipeline for e re e ite to e our o e o wit ee s to rou out our rote o o eri s ui t wit t e s e te o o and user comfort as our other products, t ese i o s wi ro i e ri ers wit even more ways to stay safe on the slopes wit out s ri i er or e
Have you had good feedback about your
Absolutely. Our genderless design approach has been a game-changer. Retailers love t e stre i e ture o t e o e o it si i es sto i se i si i Meanwhile, customers appreciate the i usi it et er ou re e or e e be i er or ro o er s rote o ts to t our bo s i e e st e se ess t s o e ess t i or eo e to worry about when they hit the slopes.
We focus on simplicity, comfort, and performance. While many brands may e sise o e te o o ies or s designs, our priority is to make products that riders can wear all day without is o ort or istr o ur se ess i te r o o bs te o o ows us to o er robust rote o w i e ee i t e ro u t e r i isib e uri use ou e t t wit e er ess str i orw r design and you have a product that appeals to both customers and retailers alike.
Our process starts with performanceevery material we choose must meet stri t st r s or i t rote o o ort e t t s est b is e we o us o esi est e s e riori se e i i is oo s t t e u i ers and all our products are constructed with durable, recycled materials where possible. or e e our b rote tor e tures e te et e ro e o o s ious fabrics that provide both breathability and sustainability, without compromising on style.
Have you had any partnerships or partner or collaborate with?
We have been working on internal projects or ow but we re o e to o bor o s i the future. A partnership with a progressive snowboarding brand or even an outdoor gear company would align well with our et os o bor o t t o bi es our u o esi wit br t t s res our ssio or e ture rote o wou be re t t
of materials and technology used, but we make sure to keep our products accessible. o re to ot er br s we o us o i i ore b or our bu to er rote o t o e e ri e is approach also allows retailers to maintain healthy margins.
Which is your best European country for sales and why?
Poland is our new top-performing market. t s re io w ere usto ers tru ue quality, technical performance, and ur bi it ore s e ts o o er s o eri s so ustri s e te si e snowboard and alpine community is a er e t t or our ers e e er ess designs that cater to riders of all levels.
We aim to sit in a mid-range price point, o eri i ue or bot ret i ers o su ers ur ri e re e ts t e u it
ur rr e re o es rou expansion. With our recent growth into i e ew territories i uro e we re t i o er to ore ri ers t e er be ore i o to our ro u t i eu we are emphasising our commitment to sustainability, gender-neutrality, and rote o te o o e o ue to ro ote e o use o e o t t is easy for retailers to sell and for riders to trust.
Snowshepherd has established itself in the UK winter sports market as a leading ski glove retailer and a premium leather ski glove manufacturer. Snow Shepherd talks about how they started, their expansion into outerwear and their distribution in Europe and beyond.
Please tell us the story behind the launch of S create the brand?
i e er ou e ows e er specialising in avalanche rescue equipment irb s ro i i o iste ourses i o i r o e er be e i t e o e i s ir o be i ows e er w s si e re te e r t t could keep up with their demanding lifestyles in the mountains.
rustr te wit t e o ur b e w r o es r o is o ere re or o es used by locals, ski guides, and resort workers. t r wit s sto t e ori i ssi model sold out quickly, leading Snowshepherd to become the primary ski glove retailer in the si i t re iu e t er s i o e manufacturer.
ows e er ro u ts re r e i ist w ere its o er o s re ue e by solar energy and handmade by master r s e e o er o su ies e ri i w ter to its o s e u o to its st families, enabling us to deliver premium quality products, empower a community and remain ethical.
ou e ro e o true ssio or t e mountains and the desire to create high-quality, durable gear that could serve both professional re re o users i t e rs est wi ter environments.
What is Snowshepherd’s USP? ows e er s u i ue se i ro osi o ies in providing highly durable, high-performance gloves and outerwear tailored for the ski, s owbo r i wi ter s orts o u i es designed by riders for riders. Their focus is on e re iu e t er o es t t o er
i u rote o ur bi it o ort catering to both amateurs and professionals who demand the best for extreme environments. eir b e o r s s i u it teri s and technical performance sets them apart.
What core values does Snowshepherd ows e er riori ses u it ur bi it and performance, ensuring that every product e i ers i e i o i o s e emphasise sustainability by using ethically sour e teri s riori si o e it to i i ise w ste o u it is ot er key value, as they focus on understanding and responding to the needs of winter sports e t usi sts ro essio s oosi to be a leader and not a sheep, when providing busi esses or is o s wit usto quality products designed to stand out and perform.
brand’s journey so far?
o e o t e si i t i esto es i u e t e i tro u o o our s i e t er s i o es which quickly became a favourite among professional free riders and ski patrol teams. Another key milestone was expanding the ro u t i e to i u e otus uterwe r w i s re e t wo ost i o e outerwe r i wit t e w ter roo breathability specs to back it up.
why?
e best se i ro u t is ows e er s ui e ro o es i e s ese wi ter gloves have become incredibly popular due to t eir u be t b e o bi o o ur bi it o ort w r t rote o i e or e i o i o s e e so r ere re ut o or o eri re t ue or t e o e o e re erre b i stru tors industry professionals for their longevity.
ere w s o e b e s i tow r s ur bi it and providing high quality products that last. usto ers re e u wit ro u ts t t o t st t e test o e o wit o us o products that promote greater sustainable s e ts re ro u ts ro et i sour e e t er u turi r es that elevate its community.
Do you have any new products set for release this year?
es we e ow u e t e otus uterwe r ets ibs i riet o o ours o wit t e er reeri e ro u s s ew o e o o Racka Racing Gloves and Park and Touring Glove models for inter seasonal use.
Europe?
ows e er s stro istribu o etwor ob ser i busi esses re e t rt ere wit orts ser i r e i uro e s se so e professionals in the winter sports industry, t e u erst t e s e i e s o professionals - from ski instructors to mountain res ue te s ou t i o u i es is e er se ri es our istribu o ro e suri t t ows e er s i er or e products are the trusted choice of those industry professionals.
ur istribu o etwor s s s e i t s orts ret i ers o i e or s owi or swi and seamless delivery. We collaborate closely wit e rt ers i se er uro e ou tries to ro i e usto ise so u o s or r er orders, ensuring that both wholesalers and direct customers receive the tailored support they need. This setup ensures that winter sports ro essio s ess t e ur b e u o e r t e re o o er t e e s o their environment.
Hexcel a global leader in advanced composites had long been a major supplier to the wintersports market and has recently launched its environmentally friendly new Nature range. Source sat down with Hexcel to hear all about its latest green initiatives.
to tell us how Hexcel supports the winter sports industry?
i e t e e r s w e it u ture t e rst o osite s is t industrial scale, Hexcel has been a trusted partner to the winter sports industry. e e su ies o re e si e or o io of products, including HexPly® prepregs, Polyspeed® laminates, and Modipur® polyurethanes, to industry leaders such as e is er st e t i e i rou i r or i V
for the winter sports industry?
Hexcel makes the bulk of its winter sports materials at Neumarkt, Austria. This central uro e o o is er e t or r i res o si e ee b o teri tes and development with manufacturers. Hexcel and its predecessors have produced high-quality composites at Neumarkt since wit t e test te o o s i bei t e su ess u tr si o o its wi ter s orts product range to the new HexPly® Nature bio-derived prepreg. This move includes t e u o ersio o e prepregs to the more sustainable HexPly® ture ersio re e t e o s ongoing commitment to reducing the environmental impact of key materials for the ski and board sector.
i s ess e e e t ue ro er es and short cure cycles. Now, with the ture r e we re oi t t i w that reduces emissions and improves the overall sustainability of their products. Our customers were clear that the long term test er or e o t e u teri esio w s ri tor s we s t e ee o the ski on the snow itself.
How easily can the Hexcel Nature range
e e o e u e ou t o wor o this, benchmarking performance and i e e e t i ow t e teri s perform and improvements we have made o er t e tr i o e s ste s e have decades of experience for the standard systems and have been working on the ture ersio s si e ow we ee to e r o u i te t e o o s to s i and snowboard builders, helping them plan their own environmental strategies based on the trusted data we provide. Hexcel has o issio e its ow t t ri es the improvements made for the HexPly re re s tur bres e so formed a large part of the development too, with the Hexcel team working to minimise the moisture content of the reinforcements before processing to maximise the mechanical performance.
performance or consistency of our skis in series ro u o out o t e ou t i
Hexcel materials add value to composite structures by delivering performance or processing gains. We have a long history in winter sports and the prepregs we supply e i er o st t bre o u e r o
We have great feedback on the new Nature r e ro u ts r u r o i t e swit si e t e i o t we re providing for environmental studies. Alberto ir e i rou s i “At Tecnica Group, we pride ourselves on delivering high-performance skis that meet the rigorous demands of our customers and the environment. Partnering with Hexcel to incorporate its Nature range of bio-derived re re s i to our series ro u o ro ess s bee se ess e e s e composite technology and commitment to sust i bi it e e b e us to tr si o smoothly without compromising the
snowboard builders in this area? is is ri issue or e e t e wider thermoset composite industry. The resins we create allow manufacturers to build incredibly light advanced composite structures. The chemistry we use forms e e o ur b e ro u ts t t o er e users o i e e o er or e skiing and snowboarding with no loss of ur bi it i st t e i ustr o ues to develop raw materials and recycling processes that can help to recycle the composite materials used in winter sports equipment, Hexcel is also focused on parallel improvements that can help establish the groundwork for recycling winter sports hard goods and achieve a closed-loop system. Hexcel is a member of t e u e i ters ort esour e ie ro e ir u r o o ro e t w i wi see s is other equipment collected at centres in Austria before disassembly before being passed to processing experts who will e u te t e re i o o s o et er with its industrial and research partners, Hexcel will help close the recycling loop for winter sports equipment.
Surfanic, a brand with 25 years’ experience in the wintersports industry was founded by two friends, Ian Barnett, and Marc Pang. Inspired by their own wintersports adventures around the globe, they created Surfanic, a leading brand in the UK wintersports industry to supply adventure travellers with a comprehensive collection of technical outerwear and wintersports related products including travel luggage.
ur i s i tro u e t e i t e latest and greatest version of their popular roller holdall luggage. This stylish and u o tr e o io o ers t ree s ious si es w i e maintaining a lightweight and manoeuvrable design. With a complete overhaul of the r e i u e ow e tures our new, stronger trolley system. The lightweight aluminium tubing has been si i t stre t e e t e re ssuri swis o o ee s e ort ess r e ro ur b e w ter roo e ut polyester, this bag is reinforced in all the right places.
e s it e e ro er esi o ers u erous t es o er tr i o r s e suitcases. It makes traveling outside of ir orts e sier e s or i e our e r keeps wet items away from dry ones, and se r tes e ro irt e so b be easily packed into transport, and the ers e o ressio str s se ure s er loads, ensuring your belongings stay in place rri e oo i e t it i ere t o ourw s i u i bo er s ssi so i o ours ou t e er e t b to match your personal style. To complement the r e ur i s so i tro u e board bag, a boot and helmet bag, and two b si es
tro u i t e ow ro e et bre t rou hybrid technology that delivers the deepest fit with unlimited customisation for supreme comfort and security. It starts with their most advanced slimmest profile shell design yet, wrapped with their newly esi e u urious i ers to u our e i e ou e e er e erie e be ore u erti ie or is ow ro e et is true revelation!
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tro u i t e s e ti e t
Backpack which is both spacious and practical, this durable anti-theft backpack secures essentials with ut resist t teri s se ur b e i ers b o i o et t i u es e to compartment, luggage slip, side pocket for a water bottle, and hidden storage for extra protection. The GO collection unlocks adventure and possibility with anti-theft security and effortless function, crafted ro ost o su er re e o ester r e u to sti bott es tre te wit ree w ter repellency.
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e ew o ro s ust e with a powerful combination of leading-edge tech and endless creative possibilities. Beyond best-inss r es er se o i eo er oot t bi i tio ore o ro r teristi s e ew ero s ew e tures su s i re ib e urst o o re esi e r er it ore ower e i ie t uro tter o eti t ou ti ster i i e o o ro essio e e bri o Vi eo
SNOWBOARD BOOT
tro u i t e it s ore t ust s owbo r boot it s e er etti ew st r i s owbo r boots t e combines ultimate performance and comfort with cutting-edge innovation. They are crafted with lightweight materials and feature Rapid React modular technology, this boot delivers a next-level riding experience across any terrain. With their ew uture e o stru tio t is boot e sures the perfect flex from day one throughout its entire lifespan, while providing unparalleled out-of-the-box comfort.
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SIGNATURE SOCK
Stance Snow continues its preparation for a full-on mountain assault this winter with the latest alle er si ture so ro u oet i er i s ustr te b i s oo rie e e roo i t is performance snow sock features a rowdy rat spitting out ti ets wit t e wor s ou et ut t ou ut e turi res e oisture o our control.
FRANCE
GERMANY
ITALY
SWISS
PORTUGAL
SPAIN
t o et be er t it is st wee s e t e s ro o e tors s i t s oi o it see s we re i the same boat.
ow s it bee or ou t s bee re torri e or ost everyone in the watersports r et e sorts o wor s to describe it but most are not printable so “challenging” appears to be t e ost t es ri o
t re is oi o oes o e ow is st su er ust be o e o t e worst o re or ot ust t i about the miserable weather! There does not appear to be one w ters orts ret i er t t s oo e o it ot o e t t is ee i osi e o e e o e o re t ire te i but t ere e rs to be obo t t s o e we o s es ost re s si o too u sto too much stock.
t we e e t ro t e uture w ters orts r et ou t e i i i u s orts ut it ow to s e i issues or e e w ebo r bo ts e si ot too e e si e t t s true t e e e w ebo r bo t r et is oi to o ue to retr t it is ow s ort or t e we t goodness for cable. But is it ever going to get back to where it use to be t i t e si e swer is o
we t e oo ews is t t i bo r s e i e e e t u i e oo o ri i bo r s t t see to e er ie o e u i wi ee re e e ts i ue ourse ut w t o u e o eo e wi re e is ow o u t e ut o ro u t s o e o e rs e wi e t usi sts tr e u i t e r et ere is so e osi e ews ro t e Southern Hemisphere where a key brand owner has commented to me that “watersports customers appear to be moving away ro t e b r i b se e t ro u t tr i u is iew is that we in the North will follow suit.
o e t w ters orts wi re o er but to w t e te t o w t o u e t e e o busi ess we i te or bo r w ters orts w e
o it s e to tur to o o t e se use t is t e be use o er t i i s is t e ow er ou er i t i s ters orts st b is e i e ou re t t ri t s oi stro to t ose e r s o wi sur use to r e i st t e o e t i e r re ro our e o t e w ter is t t w s e t to s w s w s ort ri t we re both similar in that regard.
is is t e ew or e i s o ost r e bee t t is or too e rs t i we e see ost t i s lived through the ups and downs of our boardsport. But this is i ere t e ost o i e t e ree es wou it greed - of silly companies who just simply think that they can keep growing year in, year out, has cost us all dearly. They simply do ot see t e ew or t e ew re it o t e situ o t e si o ue to t i rowt rowt rowt is ou st rts t t e tor wit o er o is ore sts Brands have to appreciate that those days are long gone. Retailers e to o ow suit ere s o oi t i us ust w i b i ow t e tr i tr s t i i t t e er t i wi sort itse out t i i t t e er t i wi be ere s tr i o i t the train has come!”
o ow re ou i t e situ o e re o usse o w t
we have today. On where we are today. Basing the business around that and if we get a growth year then that will feed t rou to so e e tr bo o i e e re oi b to b si s e out o t e w ter wit our usto ers i sure our st re e t use o te i o e i t e s orts t s o o er oo e ou to sit i ro t o o uter w it or t e i s t e re ot o i e u et out wit t e usto ers
s ri t s t is t e ew or ou we si e t t e ew si e o t e r et or w t it is w t bout t e is ou t o ortu i es ro su iers sure t e re too oo to iss o ue t oes it bri us is ou o t et e st rte o e rt o eo e o t t r t er ut t e ri es u t is ou t r t er o ri e be t e st o e to e t e s e t e st wi ut so e ro t i t e
So while I had Andy going, I thought I would throw another one i to t e ri t bout br s oi ire t to r et is t t t re t to is busi ess es ut ore so it s t re t to t eir
br s t e re i t e ri e e use to sto or bo r s ro we ow br we ow sto re e is w e we re re t s t e ew re it or t e
st wor s w s ee i bit bruise but t ou t s ou s i e ut our ow ot e it wor or ou ot or your suppliers”
As a supplier I felt a bit beaten up.
ot er o o t e se is re ore i e i s ro t e s e e er o s s si i r b rou wit a family business that goes back all those years. What does Ian e to s t s b oo i t re teres or sure
We usually sell loads of second-hand kit but the stock pile of new kit and the discounts simply means that people can buy new kit or t e s e ri e s our use it e re ust wor i our w t rou t e ou t i o sto er s e t e r wi be be er t ot be worse it re ot be worse
e troub e is e e r t t be ore oo b t t e st issue!
i to ot er e w ters orts ret i er w o w te to remain anonymous. “Given the current rate of sales we have enough neoprene to last us for 4 years. Or longer. And I have e ou ur o r s or or e rs t s is ster o t o e to me looking for pre-orders, there are none”.
Another bruising message for a distributor to hear and quite a sobering thought. How are the brands, the factories and the istribu o i oi to o e wit t is ew or e trouble is that there are only so many sobering thoughts that you can cope with.
ure it ot et worse it
t e ot er we re e o i to wi ter t ere is re o is bout ret i ers e bee i i sto e r and early season sales are happening. How the pendulum swings.
et s o e t t soo bri so et i osi e to t e es ou e so e iews osi e or ot e se o et i tou w s o t e oo out or ew eo e to t to or o ultrasporteu.com
oo u we ee it
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e re e o o i utu is t ri tur i oi t r e b internal and external challenges that weigh on its stability and development. o owi o er te ost V re o er r e is i e o o i rowt t t stru es to e ee i we be ow i i e e t o s is situ o is e i e b i o which, although decreasing compared to previous years, remains high at rou r u r e oo ser i e ri es ire t i t e ur si ower o re ouse o s e situ o re i s o er i or ower i o e sses w o re ee i t e e e ts o risi i i osts ute
e ob r et w i e re e st b e wit u e o e t r te o i e te ber o ues to e ibit si i t i b es The demand for skilled workers in sectors such as digital, energy tr si o e t re re i s stro but r e stru es to meet these needs.
ub i es re i ot er sour e o o er wit bu et e it es te t o i we bo e uro e t r ets e re o er e t w i e ursui i est e t ro e ts or e er tr si o i r stru ture o er is o is compelled to implement austerity measures to control spending.
e ris i s e er te ot b e e o o i be e ts r u r i touris os it it tr s ort o r millions of visitors to the country. However, high costs associated wit i r stru ture se urit r ise ues o s bout o ter ro t bi it e o er e t s e sise e o o i be e ts s or e but t e e e ts o ub i es re i u er s ru
su r r e s e o o i situ o i t e utu o i i ts o te t o o er te rowt te sio s i t e bour r et u ert i es i e to ob i ter challenges. The country is striving to adapt to a complex global e o o i e iro e t w i e ose o itori ob o i e e o e ts r u r i t e ite t tes e utu o t us e rs o e or r e e o o i r isi ues o s bout its i t o t e sur world.
etwee u ust tober t e sur r et i r e e erie e r u r i e erio r e b e o su er se so os i betwee oo b resu ts o owe b se so e te b u re i t b e we t er ur s o s esse ers i t is se tor s w t eir i es u tu te according to the weather, consumer behaviour, and the economic context. We interviewed two specialised shops to understand the i s o t is r et or e ur o i ri e b ierre es ur ru er ur o i V r ru b ri ri e ue
The summer season was characterised by varying fortunes or bot s o s ierre es ur ro or e ur o reported that the end of the season was “...good, but the fall se so s bee re we wit ro o o re to e ributes t is e i e to se er tors i u i t e o e tr o o tourist usto ers o er s ort erio s t e we t er s t re bee i our our is ee i is e oe b ri ue ro ru er ur o w o ote start to summer, despite a lack of good weather, before good we t er i u ust booste s es e t er o i o s e ru i ro e w i e so e se e ts i e sur wi oi i be e te ot ers stru e
e se so r u r r e b r i e te ber
i e e e ts o t e r et t or e ur o ierre es ur ote e re se i usto er tr wit ie t isits o e tr te uri t e su ier erio s is situ o or e the shop to adjust its inventory, which was deemed “a bit high” or t e e o t e se so owe er t e se so o w s ore our b e or ru er ur o w ere ri ri e ue obser e osi e e e t ro t e r i t e retur o w es i e te ber booste t e s es o wetsuits sur o r s The two managers are also pleased with the diversity of their ie te e es e i orei usto ers w i s o set t e e i e i ur si ower i r e ortu te our re io r ts we t ier orei ie te e w i e s us o we t e explain.
ter s o ro u ts utu s w r e tre or ert i ite s t ru er ur o wo e s te es wo e s eo re e er or e er we o e s ot i is oi re t t is e r wit br s i e i ur ei st i out s ri ue e e t usi s or o os r u r t ose ro t e br w s so ot b e t or e ur o the most in-demand range was similar, with strong demand for e s wo e s ot i s we s s e i sur wi oi accessories.
While some brands are thriving, others seem less favoured this e r t or e ur o i ur t e st out as the best-selling brands. “These are reliable choices, especially or ot i essories ri es ierre es ur contrast, some brands are experiencing a decline in popularity, i ue to i o su er e e t o s ru er ur o is obser i si i r tre s wit i ur e i i bot clothing and neoprene. However, wakeboard products are seeing r e e i e ebo r i is t st s t is se so e we t er s t e e t ere s ess i terest i t is t e o ro u t otes ri ue
utu s so bee i ue e b e ter tors su s t e e i e i ur si ower i r e ierre es ur re orts ore o er te o su o es e i re r i ess esse ro u ts usto ers re oo i or is ou ts ot t t e e o t is se so e st tes is tre is so re e te i t e ru er ur o w ere ri ue otes ie te e ore se si e to ri es r u r o re usto ers e e i e i ur si ower s i t usto ers w t advice and are looking for products with good value for money.”
Nevertheless, this period has also allowed for a return to more tr i o be iours wit ie te e e er to re ew t eir e ui e t usto ers re o i b or eo re e es e i t ose w o bou t it er V e i s ri o su ers re so see i i e re i te t e bi it to ro u ts i a physical store, a trend reinforced by the growing need for “the pleasure of shopping in-store,” which is increasingly felt.
te t e sur r et i r e t t e e o t e se so t e be i i o utu s bee r e b i u es re te to t e we t er t e e o o i situ o but also by a certain recovery thanks to the loyalty of enthusiasts t e t o o stores usi esses i e or e ur o ru er ur o o ue to r t o ie te e w i e us t eir o eri s to eet ew e e t o s e i ro u ts es e i wo e s te es eo re e re i high demand, while other segments, such as wakeboarding or skateboarding, are experiencing a slowdown. However, the sector remains dynamic, driven by passionate players seeking to meet t eir usto ers s e i ee s e o e t t w e s ow o i o s wi be our b e t is wi ter to ri e s es uri t e se so t is is situ o to w t
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e re st r t e o e ber e i o s w s wit t e ts ro er o i s is ot really one of our top topics, but unfortunately I have to talk about it er o ru s e e o s t e ew resi e t t i s also heated up in Germany, and the previous government fell apart. ortu te e er ret i er r e s s o e t t ot everything is running smoothly for us in Germany. The reluctance to bu is e r o e b e w i is ert i ue to t e e er uncertainty.
ere re t e ts o i er o ue to i o e ber is ow t er e t ow ro er e t i tober is is t e owest e e si e u e er ri es i r u r e e w i e oo rest ur ts ote o o o e be o e ore e e si e es ite e i i i o o su ers o ue to s e ess erts re i t urt er e re se i t e r te o ri e i re ses i wit u er e o rou er e t
ow or t e osi e ews we se w t we o e t e u o ri i t e wor s bo r s ot er u s e t we wit us et it s ow s ort be ore t e t i tertu r e i e oo w s orres o i osi e eo e were ust i t e oo s i u i e br e o r e t er i ibte u owbo r s e e r re set u s boards at the Tux Opening as we did this year. The atmosphere was great, on the mountain and in the valley.” What a successful start to the season.
t t s e t w t ret i ers s owbo r s es e i re se r but i or is ou te oo s is is rob b re te to t e rst oi t eo e re w t i t eir o e ore ose e ert e ess it is osi e t t eo e re ee o wi ter s orts er s ort o e wit ei o ro u bo i u wi sbur e t t e s e ee i or s er owner-managed shops. When I asked him how business was oi e si s i e e t e best tober i o e e re s e i ists eo e re to tr e two ours or our i e e re out o e s owbo r s t i t t to u it oo s i e wi ow be o e ore ore o u r e t is ee i uite o e i t e st ew s wit ot er e ers I have had on the phone.
However, it is also clear that there are always black sheep who o se t e ri es t us i ue e our r et ortu te t ere re so usto ers w o o e i s ut t t is ot er e er it s i b e wit or discount.” These customers then hold their mobile phone under our ose t e o ourse it s r ot to i e rou so u o s s r ro estsi e i ster t is se t e i ustr s ou e ite o ore to su ort t e oo ret i ers is is w t ou e r ro o ter or e e w o wor very cleanly here and will no longer supply some retailers in the future. “We sell a high-end product here, with an average retail ri e o euros e i t e ot t e ret i er and the end consumer should understand this,” says Robin Schmand, the new sales rep in Germany.
The topic of step-on, backdoor and quick-entry bindings is be o i ore ore i ort t owe er o s owbo r bi i s so re s st r bi i s is u ber is i e to i re se i t e o i e rs is wee io
introduced its version of the Burton Step-On, which will soon be i b e or ur se i i ite e i o o i io t is is e r si w e io urto e ter i to oo er o the two leading binding manufacturers worldwide. Of course, Nidecker has also brought a lot of movement to the market with t e u er ow t e ew bi i s ste wi be launched on 4 brands. We are excited!
te ro wit o r s o so e ebr te is t i ers r i tober o r tu o s ro us or i st r bi i s s ou t or i er s re o is busi ess ut t e e or ui e tr bi i s is e ite i re si ore ore t e st ro w t te so r i t e s ou se so e rs r s e i t e st ew e rs er o i t e e rs wit i e s ow ee it i teres ow re ou oi et s ut it t is w i ou o t o t i ot i e s t t es skate team trip, a skate contest, trips, social media campaigns, et t s e ore ore e us but it s s u we re oo i orw r to t e wi ter se so
e s r er ro i te ou t i or two bout t ese ro o o s e e u wit t e bri i t i e o or isi a snowboard test in which only owner-managed snowboard shops t e rt ow i it o e bout e b rou is si e myself have not been snowboarding enough in recent years, and t t s ust ot oo ourse we e w too u wor But it is just important that we convey this great feeling to our usto ers i t t s o ossib e i ou o it ourse t s e t ow t e i e e bout w t s o e o it now is just great. So many shops that come themselves, send t eir e o ees e e o er s owbo r tri s i e w o e thing was set up without a real budget, but with manpower. e t i is e r we o t o e t ou ers ou o s or e i resses ro t e se e te br s s is ow o o r e wit so e tests e o t w t busi ess or ire t s es w i u ortu te s ow be o e o o r e is is about the shops and their customers. We look forward to it and will report on it.”
Then there is the surf category. Of course, as a German it is re e e s to s t t we tu e t e er e t swe e er i ur ow but wit te er tures be ow ree i outsi e e rees w ter te er ture ou e ite o t o sur there in board shorts. We were invited on site with some retailers teste ew o e s t ere us ro ri bo r s w s ust t ri e wit ow oo it is t ere ris ro to o o i t miss the chance to ride a few waves either.
e s e t e w et er ur ow i ue es t e s e o sur o r s bot s i es e e ore ore usto orders, which of course can also be traced back to the wave in Munich. The surf skate ramp is now set up, and the courses start ere ur ow is re e ri e t or sur i er
ut ri er sur is so rowi rowi i re ib e u ber o r i ts t t e i ur i ei ri sse or r i ts ot o e se t e s o sors but so t e resi e t i e ir ew e e wi e ot o u here in the next few years and experience a lot,” was his feedback o t e
t s ot o ow u e e ber but rst t ere s ri t e r est i t e ret i e r or s ou we s o t
Ride on T BY A
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Portugal is showing signs of economic relief be use t ere s ree i t or t e ro o t e st te bu et or e o w ite o i st bi it is ere or at least a year from now. The government e e te st r e to e o te wit t e o osi o e er t i wor e out or t e best o e er te i tober to or i to t e o t s s s tute t e s e sour e oi ts out that the Portuguese economy grew i t e t ir u rter e r o e r be use o t e ri te o su o osi e o tribu o
In September and October, retailers experienced mixed feelings. Bigger stores located in shopping malls felt a sales drop with less customers i store er osi e su er se so t i ere t e ore stores complain that the summer was worse with few customers and lower sales, but ow it s e ore st b e ere re ret i ers t t ee resi e bout t e r et situ o e be o e use to i re it wit ower e e t o s it t e we t er s w r t e re w i to se o ts ets e s s soo s t e o rri es et re s e i wit t e e e e e ts o r oo s o ersto
er osi e u ust i ter s o s es e te ber tober were i u t o t s ue to t e e re se i o su o s i es o r s r s es ire tor e ro er es es o r is t e bi est ret i o i ortu ow er o ri eir ur te stores t t re rese t i ore t s o i s ross t e ou tr so
Surf stores that have a big range of hardgoods and are also present from ort to out es ite t is usto er re e o to t e ew i ter o e o s e bee er oo es ite so e e s i e i eries b so e br s osi e ote we i i t i bo V or re riu or ootwe r t e ot er V s is i
i u t e ri t ow e otes
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i s e o o i out oo e rs osi e o o e e et i r s i e use or e ebr o t erso level. This disparity can be explained b t e i ere e betwee t e bro er e o o i i i tors i i i u i re i es i ee s rowi si i t ore t t e rest o t e t s to o tribu tors e u ber o i ter o tourists i re se so i t eir s e i o e t is t i boos e orts ore eo e t wor e s ore ro u ts e i is so e or ore ser i es i e e i eeri o u i o s o su t i s ro essio s re we tr i e u e er t t eir uro e eers ow i o is i i o su o e er e i r owe er is ot ee i i o is s t e stru e wit u or b e ousi w es t t eir owest si e t e beginning of the pandemic.
is i set be e t i t e bo r s orts i ustr too o su ers re u ous ressi e o i e is ou ts see ore e i to t ou t ere is s ssio or t e s ort ue i s es o i te i products only found in specialised stores. “There are new wetsuit and essories i e e e t br s ro i i res ut e our to e r o eri s s ier o r ue ow er o ore ur s o i i i e t ou t e r et s st bi ise er t e e i boo and sales have slowed down, they remain steady. This could be explained b e t it s i tow r s ture o e te i est e t t bri s bo r s orts i to t e oi e e u o w s to ee t utu s es e
tr te wise t i oo oo i to t e usto er ro e is w s e to understanding what they want. “The strategy for dealing with the r et e es i o es ro o o se e t o i ter s o ro u t and customer type. Also noteworthy are the special days where they can et t e best o t eir usto er r s be e ts e re o e t t t t e i t o t e re ie e sures t e ro i uribor i terest r tes will start to be felt which will allow families to save money and use it in o su o tow r s t e e o t e e r t e be i i o e e o s
e ore store e o ur o o te i s is is stru i to t t ese e i es e te ber tober e i ro e i e er t e worst su er e er i our store s istor o i s t e ow er e i o Vi ur s es re ow o st e r tors su s t e w r t e o se ue t i re se i ri es wit i o ess usto er ur si ower re i i e i u t or us ur su iers re s o ersto e ro t e o i e i e is s e to o oi hardcore online campaigns with much cheaper prices than we have in our store e worst situ o is t e wetsuits i isio is s e er e e to us be ore it s bee orrib e usto ers o e to t e store tr o to t e ri t si e t e s t e t i bout it but t e tu bu o i e t ri es we t o ete wit e br s t e se es se t ower ri es o t eir websites e e er see t e r et i e t is be ore t i t e situ o is bout to et e e worse e s i es ite t ese r es t e e ro e u t eir s ee es to t e e bee o usi o ew ro u ts se i use sur o r s ur str te is to focus more on online and on our own clothing brand because i ter o re br s re so se i o i e rist s is e w e usu t ere re ore s es we re oi to o us o i is ou t i s ut o t see bi osi e es i t e r et
b t e e o t e e r e o u e o et s see w t t e e o t e e r s i store or us er o e is i i t eir best to ose out t e e r on a high note.
NUNO PRINCIPE
been steady and the wrap up of the year looks good enough, although r et st o ou ee it be ow t e esire e e t o s re sells well, although consumers are choosing technical clothing that mix u o it urb esi o i t t t is ers it wi ue to t eir ur se etsuits sur o r s s es ures oo osi e ost ret i ers e t eir ow o i e store but t is is ore er o i e re t o s es i e ri es re o o e o to t e e o er e sites o br s but s o s t e re b e to re o su ers we be o t eir eo r i re e e i ot er uro e territories. The bulk of their sales come from their brick-and-mortar spaces, where clients seek the personalised experience for their more expensive purchases. “The expert advice and deep product knowledge adds value that goes well beyond a purchase based only on price”, says oe Vi e te ow er o i er i e i t bri i e o e o stands out as the main concern of retailers, who struggle to keep a healthy ro u t rot o o su er bits re i but t e busi ess o e re i s t e s e s e es o e i s oe ee t e ee to ret i t e o bor o betwee br s ret i ers see s o er ue e we wou ee b e o bor o so we row ee ue i t e ssio or bo r s orts s s ier e best w or ret i ers to t t e o i e o e o is to o us o re iu products that are rarely found online, and to strengthen their service to t e e o su er is so bri s t e t eir bi est s s o t e opportunity to see their clients enjoy their rides with the perfect gear that t e e ert e e t e is o e o to t e o u it is w t br s s ou su ort t e ost s it is t e esse e o t e s orts rowt s e e o su ers ee ri i ee bu i
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t s e o o e erio of modest growth, driven primarily by its strong manufacturing sector and a rebound in tourism, which reached pre-pandemic e e s owe er t e ou tr o ues to struggle with structural challenges, including i ub i ebt s u is ro u it
o w i e e si o re to t e e see i re i e o er s e er ri es u tu te i eo o i te sio s The government pushed for reforms aimed t boos i it is o i r stru ture su orte b re o er u s but o i u ert i es ose ote ris s to o ter st bi it e re i te rowt o i is er re is wit o rowt re i o i
This comes more from internal growth as exports seem to be more i u t seei t e o er ob situ o osi e ote is t t t e e o e t r te is i but busi ess ow ers s stru e to e ou e o ees s e i t e ret i eisure se tor stru e to e ou o te e o ees s it see s es e i ou eo e tr to obs w ere t e e oo wor i e b e wit e ib e wor ours t e ossibi it to wor w ro t e o e usi ess ow ers also complain about high tax pressure on employees which makes it very tough to raise salaries as tax pressure does not allow them to pay more o te eo e
s i o is e si eo e ee so e re ie but s t e o er e e ses re s i er t usu ot i streetwe r bo r s ort i ustr s sees e i i tur o er u bers tore osi s s o ue i t e st two u rters o wit so e istori we res e te s te bo r s ort streetwe r stores osi ow e e t e r eor e s tes o ro Vero or sure o e o t e i est tes o s t s ever seen, has said they will close their doors permanently soon, go check
t e out i store or o i e s o s t e ee o e i
t s o bi o o re so s t t sees t ese ret i ers ose ew usto er e er o w o is ot t t o to ert i store ore ore ob o e o ro o i e ret i ers ess ur se ower are the main reasons. When talking to retailers from North to South it becomes clear that owning a boardsport or streetwear store over the last ou e o e rs s be o e er e i to so u o s o ow to improve the business.
e bo r s ort se tor i is i o e r et s e marked by evolving consumer preferences and global economic u ert i es ur s tebo r i s owbo r i e see u tur s i s store ow ers br s ee to t er ui to be o e e s t e o i e r et e s stru es wit ot o stock being on sale. Snowboarding increasingly has its challenges due to u re i t b e we t er er s i e to i te e wit e tr t becoming the capital of snowboarding as the very northern part of the country is being more involved with skiing once again.
oo i i e s tebo r er is or sure t e bi est tre or e but u ortu te o s er e t e o t e e is e ste i o bo r w i is er s s ore tr i o s orts re i o i t e e is resu ts i i r oo s sto e e s or stores istributors o see s to re ie b t e e o
ow is s ot i si t bei i i o e ber but t e st o er temperatures have kicked in which gives hope for a successful winter and x-mas season.
e e i out see ou o t e streets i t e w ter or o t e ou t i s
FRANZ JOSEF HOLLER
EU
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Shop Manager (m/w/d)
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Als Shop Manager:in bist du für die Leitung deines Shops und dessen wirtschaftlichen Erfolg zuständig. Du verantwortest die Gestaltung der Abläufe, den optimalen Einsatz des Personals und die Mitarbeiter:innenführung. In deiner Rolle als Coach entwickelst du dich und dein Team ständig weiter. Du erkennst Probleme und findest rasch die passende Lösung.
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Das bieten wir dir Commitment Respekt, persönliche Weiterentwicklung sowie Empowerment und Recognition werden bei uns groß geschrieben. Wir teilen die Leidenschaft für unser Business, schätzen die zugehörigen Lifestyles, entwickeln uns ständig weiter und feiern Erfolge gemeinsam. INTERESSIERT? blue-tomato.com/jobs
Blue Tomato ist der führende Omnichannel Händler in den Bereichen Snowboard, Freeski, Surf, Skate & Streetstyle. Neben unserem Online Shop sind wir inzwischen mit über 80 lokalen Shops in Deutschland, Österreich, Schweiz, Schweden, Norwegen, den Niederlanden, Italien Belgien und Finnland vertreten und beschäftigen mehr als 850 Kolleg:innen.
We are looking for sales reps and distributors in: Slovenia, Czech Republik, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark & Finland CONTACT TIMOTHY AT OFFICE@APHEXGEAR.COM
HYDA , formerly Simba Surf Helmets, is rebranding and relaunching for 2025. New leadership, new products, and new opportunities.
We are looking for distributors and agents in the UK and across Europe focused on the watersports channel - Waves, Wind, and Whitewater.
Our new flagship COANDA helmet range drops 1 February, with CE EN 1385 Certification and class leading safety technology designed to protect athletes and perform in the water.
Contact: Greg@HydaHelmet.com
Kicking Horse, Canada | 7 - 13 February
