Snowboarder Guide » Colorado

Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act passes

Chris — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:30:03 +0000

The “Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act” passed the US Senate last week, following its passage by the House of Representatives. The bill affects how the US Forest Service regulates the use of public land by ski resorts and allows for new recreational uses like zip-lines, mountain biking, and ropes courses.

This is a pretty big deal for our mountain communities, and we’d like to offer a personal word of thanks to Senator Mark Udall who championed the bill, Congresswoman DeGette and Congressman Bishop of Utah for helping push it through, and President Obama, who is expected to sign it.

Show Press Release

Vail Resorts Announces Passage of Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act in U.S. Congress

BROOMFIELD,Colo.—Oct. 18, 2011—Vail Resorts today announced that the United States Senate unanimously passed the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act, which follows passage by the House of Representatives by a vote of 394-0. This bill updates the statutes governing how the U.S. Forest Service regulates the use of public land by ski resorts and permits new year-round recreational uses, such as zip-lines, mountain biking and ropes courses.

The bill was first introduced into the House of Representatives by then Congressman Udall during the 110th Congress (July 2008) and subsequently reintroduced in the House by Congresswoman DeGette during the 111th Congress (2009-2010) and Congressman Bishop of Utah during the current 112th Congress. The Senate companion has been championed in the Senate by Senator Udall during both the 111th and 112th Congress. The bill is expected to be signed into law by President Obama in the upcoming weeks.

“The passage by the Senate of the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act marks a major milestone in the ability for ski resort operators across the country to offer appropriate, year-round recreational activities on U.S. Forest Service lands. The bill will allow ski resorts to add new jobs during the summer and will help increase employment in rural mountain communities across the country. This opens up new opportunities for the entire ski industry,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. Katz added, “We are incredibly appreciative of the outstanding leadership shown by Senator Mark Udall in shepherding this bill during the last three-anda-half years in both houses of Congress. We are also thankful for Congresswoman DeGette and Congressman Bishop for their sponsorship of the bill. It is heartening to see the leaders in our nation’s capital working together in a bipartisan manner to create jobs and help so many local economies. We hope the Forest Service will act quickly to craft regulations that allow for the full realization of the benefits of this bill, while ensuring that we protect the spectacular natural environments which serve as the backdrops for mountain resorts. We look forward to expanding our partnershipwiththe USFS to create new recreational opportunities for kids and families that encourage engagement in outdoor activities.”

About Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading mountain resort operator in theUnited States. The Company’s subsidiaries operate the mountain resort properties of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone mountain resorts inColorado, and Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort in theLake Tahoearea of California and Nevada, and the Grand Teton Lodge Company inJackson Hole,Wyo.The Company’s subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resort hotel company, manages casually elegant properties across theUnited Statesand in theCaribbean. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New YorkStock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and the consumer website is www.snow.com.

Burton “Standing Sideways” premiere goes all out in Denver

Chris — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 07:47:39 +0000

Burton brought the party to Denver’s Ogden Theatre on Thursday night for the global premiere of Standing Sideways. The house was packed with Burton pros and snowboarders from all over Colorado.

The world tour begins now, with riders touring through Europe before bringing the movie stateside in early October.

If you missed the premiere you can still join the party and grab Standing Sideways on iTunes for $5.99: Burton Snowboards: Standing Sideways

Read the full press release after the break

Show Press Release

Win a Lifetime Epic Pass

Chris — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 23:49:41 +0000

Feeling lucky? Want a lifetime Epic Pass to Vail Resorts? This might be your chance. Anyone who purchases an Epic Pass prior to Sept. 25 is in the running for a lifetime Epic Pass.

With the early season price of $649 for adults, the Epic Pass is already a pretty smoking deal (Vail likes to make note of the pass being equal to paying $0.03 per accessible acre), but this offer sweetens the pot a bit more.

Better hurry, the offer is only good for another 9 days. To purchase your pass and enter to win visit www.epicpass.com

Check the full press release for more details.

Show Press Release

Buy a Vail Resorts Epic Pass Now Through September 25 and You Could Win an Epic Pass for Life

Vail Resorts Epic Pass Gives Skiers and Riders Access to Seven World Class Ski Resorts, 20,000 Acres and 19,000 Vertical Feet All for $649

The Epic Pass is an Unprecedented Value at Roughly Three Cents Per Acre

BROOMFIELD, Colo.– Sept. 16, 2011 –The first snow has fallen in the Colorado mountains this year and season passes are on sale now for the 2011-2012 ski and snowboard season. To celebrate the upcoming season, Vail Resorts is giving away an extraordinary opportunity: Buy your 2011-12 Epic, Epic Local, Epic 7-Day, Summit Value or Tahoe Value Pass by September 25, 2011 and be automatically entered to win an Epic Pass for the rest of your life. This opportunity also automatically includes anyone who has previously bought their 2011-2012 Season Pass. To enter to win visit www.epicpass.com

Currently priced at $649 theEpicPassoffers the greatest value in the ski industrywithseven world-class mountains spanningColorado,CaliforniaandNevada. With theEpicPassskiers and riders have unlimited unrestricted access at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone andArapahoeBasininColoradoand Heavenly and Northstar inNevadaandCalifornia. Vail Resorts has also invested more than 100 million dollars across all six of its resorts to continue to enhance the guest experience. From updated lifts at Northstar and Beaver Creek, new restaurants at Vail and Northstar, new terrain at Northstar, an ice rink at Keystone and more. With anEpicPassskiers and riders have access to an extraordinary experience at all Vail Resortswiththe greatest amount of terrain any other ski season pass can offer. Here’s what skiers and riders can access on the mountainwiththeEpicPass:

Seven world-class resorts
20,410 skiable acres
19,796 vertical feet
19 Bowls
14 terrain parks
Combined elevation for all resorts: 67,093

Vail Resorts isn’t raising season pass prices just yet. However, skiers and riders should buy their passes as soon as possible in order to lock in the best fall rate at www.epicpass.com

“At Vail Resorts we want to provide our guestswithan experience of a lifetime when skiing and riding at our resorts and we are excited to literally offer one lucky individual an Epic Pass for life so they can continue to explore and discover all 20,000-plus acres for the rest of their life,” said Kirsten Lynch, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Vail Resorts. “At $649, allEpicPassholders receive the best value in the ski industry because it gives skiers and riders unlimited and unrestricted access to the best ski resorts in the world.”

In addition to theEpicPass, Vail Resorts offers several different pass options for the needs of different guests:

The Epic Pass™, the best season pass deal in the ski industry offering unlimited, unrestricted skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar-at-Tahoe andArapahoeBasin is now available at $649 for adults.

The new Epic Local Pass™ (formerly theColoradoPass), now at $499 for adults is perfect for locals who can navigate a few more restrictions. TheEpicLocalPass offers unlimited and unrestricted skiing or riding at Breckenridge, Keystone andArapahoeBasin and includes 10 restricted days at Vail or Beaver Creek. New this year, it also includes skiing or riding at Heavenly and Northstar-at-Tahoe,with limited restricted days. Pass holders can purchase access to Heavenly and Northstar-at-Tahoe on restricted days for $50 per day.
Epic 7-Day™ is ideal for people who don’t plan to ski more than seven days. The Epic 7-Day gives skiers and snowboarders a total of seven unrestricted days of skiing and riding at any one of Vail Resorts’ six mountain resorts plusArapahoeBasin anytime during the season, now at $499 for adults.
Summit Value Pass™ is a great option for people who only plan to skiSummitCounty. TheSummitValuePass is now available at $409 for adults and provides unlimited and unrestricted lift access to Keystone andArapahoeBasin, as well as access to Breckenridgewith limited restrictions. Pass holders can purchase access to Breckenridge on restricted days for $50 per day.

For more information on VailResortsSeasonPassesand the EpicPassfor a Lifetime visit www.epicpass.com.

Shaun White Limited Edition Epic Pass

Vail Resorts also recently announced a worldwide multi-year partnership agreement withtwo-time Olympic gold medalist, professional snowboarder and skateboarder Shaun White, who will represent all six of Vail Resorts’ world-class mountain resorts (Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado and Heavenly and Northstar in California/Nevada). As part of the launch of this new partnership, Vail Resorts will donate $5 for each Epic Season Pass sold to White’s chosen charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In addition, White will be designing a limited edition Epic Season Pass, which will be available toEpicSeasonPass holders this fall through a Facebook promotion.

What’s New With EpicMix
Vail Resorts announced the next generation of its popular ski and snowboard application, EpicMix™ which will revolutionize how guests take and share photos at all six of the Company’s mountain resorts when it launches this season. Upon request, the Company’s photographers will take portrait and action photos and automatically deliver the images to the guest’s EpicMix account by quickly scanning a guest’s RF-enabled lift ticket or season pass. Using this RF technology, EpicMix photographers will seamlessly deliver an image to everyone in a group picture and kids’ photos will be sent to their parent’s secure account. The most revolutionary part is that Vail Resorts will provide these professional photos free to guests, in a “low-res” format for sharing on Facebook and Twitter, while a high-resolution image can be purchased online allowing guests to print unlimited copies at the vendor of their choice or on their own. In addition to professional images, guests will be able to take their own photos and combine them in one place together with their vertical feet, digital pins and memories of other special moments of their visit through the new EpicMix platform. They’ll also be able to create a “Remix” collage, a singular snapshot (or jpeg) customized with their digital information that captures their entire mountain experience. Also new this year, Vail Resorts is replacing nearly all paper lift tickets with durable and reusable “smart” lift passes at all six mountain resorts to make it easier for all guests to use EpicMix. For more information visit www.epicmix.com

Season Pass Insurance Option
Vail Resorts encourages its guests to purchase pass insurance. All of its pass products are non-refundable. However, pass insurance covers pass holders in the event of unexpected events including sickness, injuries and job loss. Pass insurance is $20 for adults and $10 for children (ages 5-12). Coverage applies for all season passes and the Epic 7-Day valid for the 2011-2012 ski and snowboard season. For more information, visit www.epicpass.com.

Special Pass Holder Benefits
AllEpicSeasonPass, Epic 7-Day, Epic Local Pass, Summit Value Pass and Tahoe Value Pass purchasers will receive exclusive offers and promotions on lodging, dining, ski rentals, equipment, ski school and special events for the 2011-2012 ski and snowboard season through their Season Pass Club membership.

Labor Day Events at Colorado Resorts near you

Press Release — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:59:23 +0000

If you’re in Colorado and looking for something to do this Labor Day, look no further! Most resorts have Labor Day events going on, check the full press release after the jump to see what’s going on.

Show Press Release

End of Summer Heats Up With Resort Labor Day Festivities

Concerts, Chili Cook-offs & Racing Events Promise to Entice Visitors

11 Reasons to head to the Colorado High Country this Labor Day

Denver, Colo. – August 17, 2011 – Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) resorts are celebrating Labor Day Weekend with live music, bike races, and other amusing activities sure to lure visitors over the holiday weekend. Calendars are packed with activities including gondola rides, mountain biking and hiking, giving guests a myriad of options for entertainment. Below are some of the holiday highlights happening during this Labor Day Weekend in Colorado Ski Country USA.

Aspen/Snowmass
At Snowmass Town Park in Aspen, the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival will be held September 2-4. The Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival is one of the largest music festivals in the Colorado high country. In addition to headline performances on the main stage, two side stages keep the live music going and feature a mix of established bands and emerging artists. For more information please contact http://www.jazzaspen.com.

Another event being held in Aspen/Snowmass during Labor Day Weekend is the 39th Annual MotherLode Volleyball Classic. In an unprecedented move, Colorado’s premier beach volleyball tournament, Aspen’s MotherLode Volleyball Classic, has invited the best of beach volleyball’s up-and-coming stars to compete at the annual Labor Day Volley Fest. The tournament will start on September 1 and conclude on September 5. For more information please visit www.motherlodevolleyball.com.

Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain Resort’s Copper Country has become a Labor Day tradition for guests. A free Labor Day festival, Copper Country celebrates the best of the American spirit. Live music, an arts festival, kids’ crafts, the Copper Kids’ Corral, mechanical bull rides, a petting zoo and pony rides come together to make a great Labor Day event for the entire family. For more information please visit www.coppercountryfest.com.
Crested Butte
Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend mark the return of The People’s Fair in downtown Crested Butte. Community members and visitors alike can stroll along Elk Avenue on Sept. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to take in this homespun cultural experience and soak in the last weekend of the high-country summer. The People’s Fair features an eclectic mix of approximately 70 booths showcasing a multitude of items, including regional arts and crafts, collectibles and antiques, and preserved foods from local gardens. Nonprofit organizations will be selling books, CDs, baked goods and more, while live music and tasty fair food will also be on display. For more information, contact the Paragon Gallery at (970) 349-6484 or visit http://www.paragongallery.org/.
The 11th Annual Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-off will take place at the base area of Crested Butte on Saturday, September 10. Breweries from all over will be on hand with their finest brews to take the heat off the chili prepared by Crested Butte locals. In addition to beer and chili tasting, attendees will be able to enjoy live music while taking in the beautiful backdrop of Mt. Crested Butte. The event starts at 12 p.m. and awards for best beer and chili will take place at 6 p.m.
During the month of September, guests can save 20 percent off all Crested Butte Mountain Resort lodging. Reservations can be booked through Crested Butte Vacations online or by calling (800) 600-2803.

SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch

SolVista Basin will turn into a mountain biking Mecca as the Mountain States Cup rides into town for Labor Day. The Sol Survivor bike races will take place Sept 2-5 and feature final races in all disciplines of mountain biking: cross country, downhill, 4-cross, short track and super-d. Please call 1.888.850.4615 or visit www.GranbyRanch.com/Bike for more information.
Steamboat
This Labor Day Weekend brings exciting events to Steamboat including the 6th Annual Martini Fest on September 2. Participants can take in views of the Yampa Valley at the top of the Steamboat Gondola while enjoying specially created cocktails, appetizers, live music and prizes.

Steamboat’s Labor Day Celebration includes the Stock Dog Challenge, Downtown Hoe Down and Chuck Wagon Chili Challenge and the 7th Annual Wild West Air Fest, featuring vintage aircraft displays, classic cars, radio controlled airplane shows, Wings Over the Rockies Kid Space and much more. Guests can add to the experience with a ride on a B-25 Bomber or Douglas C-47.

Additional weekend activities include the Rocky Mountain Bull Bash Productions with top professional bull riders riding 40 top-ranked bulls, the Downtown Sidewalk Sale, the Steamboat Springs Stage Race and the 10k at 10,000 feet. For more information on everything happening in Steamboat for Labor Day Weekend, visit http://www.steamboat.com/laborday.aspx

Winter Park Resort

Labor Day Weekend at Winter Park Resort starts early on Friday with extended Trestle Bike Park hours until 7 p.m. during Freeride Fridays, and a free family movie on the Village lawn at dusk. On Saturday, guests can ride Colorado’s longest Alpine Slide and kids can enjoy free face painting and acrobatic shows with the Salida Circus performers.

Visitors are invited to check out the Labor Day Block Party, Street Dance and Sidewalk Sale in downtown Winter Park, which will have live music and horse-drawn carriage rides, KidsZone crafts, and a huge sidewalk summer blowout sale. For more information contact www.winterparkresort.com.

# # #

Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing Colorado’s 22 ski & snowboard resorts. CSCUSA is the global voice of the Colorado ski industry. The Association’s primary functions are concentrated in marketing, public policy and public relations. Information about CSCUSA and its members can be found atwww.ColoradoSki.com, on Twitter @ColoradoSkiUSA and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ColoradoSkiCountryUSA. This release and other press information can be found in the online press room at http://media-ColoradoSki.com.

First snow in Crested Butte, Colorado

Press Release — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:33:23 +0000

And like that, there is new snow in Colorado… Picture and a message from Crested Butte arrived in our inbox this morning.

We woke to snow on the peaks in Crested Butte this morning. These photos, taken by local photographer Rob Pennie, were shot from Crested Butte South looking toward Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Winter is on its way!

11th Annual TransWorld Riders’ Poll Awards

Chris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:11:02 +0000

Friday night went off huge with the 11th Annual Transworld Riders’ Poll Awards at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver.

After all sorts of shenanigans on Thursday night, the Riders’ Polls went off without a hitch. We arrived a little on the early side, found a booth in the VIP section upstairs (thanks TW Snow!), and settled in with a few drinks.

Riders Poll Award Winners

Rookie Of The Year: Halldór Helgason (DC)

Men’s Rider Of The Year: John Jackson (Forum)

Women’s Rider Of The Year: Annie Boulanger (Salomon)

Men’s Video Part Of The Year: John Jackson (Forum Snowboards’ Forever)

Women’s Video Part Of The Year: Annie Boulanger (Absinthe Films’ Neverland)

Video Of The Year: Forever (Forum Snowboards)

Standout Of The Year: Xavier De Le Rue (Standard Films’ Black Winter)

2010 Legend Award: Tom Burt (Winterstick)

Men’s Reader’s Choice: Eiki Helgason (Rome)

Women’s Reader’s Choice: Marie-France Roy (Rome)

If I were able to I would add a SIA Party of the Year award to Transworld and the event sponsors: New Era, Matador, Vans, Aerial7, POW, Keystone, Breckenridge, Ball Park, Red Bull and Zumiez. Great night, looking forward to next year.

Industry Finds a New Home in Denver at 2010 SIA Snow Show

Press Release — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:48:15 +0000

Up next: heading up to the mountains for On-Snow Demo/Free Ride Fest

DENVER, CO (January 31, 2010) – SIA’s inaugural Snow Show in Denver brought together plenty of A-list media, athletes, personalities and politicians to the halls of the Colorado Convention Center. Finding their way around a new city and convention hall took a little practice for longtime Show attendees, but it was hard to resist the friendly city that holds the number spot for urban snow sports purchases. People on the street, elevators and at bars were asking– “Are you with the Snow Show?” And, the industry took notice.

“There’s more community here. We’re all into the same thing. It’s more laid back. You don’t have the Vegas attitude and the bar scene is easy to get into,” commented Alex Albers from Line when asked about coming to Denver for the first time.
“I’m looking forward to the On-Snow Demo where people can actually get on our boards. Plus, it’s just more professional — people are here to look at the boards instead of just party,” Alex Masterson and Liezyl Ribeiro Bitch Boards

New product buzz on the Show floor included cutting edge products heading to the Olympics and the continuing story of rocker or reverse camber technology for both skis and snowboards. Outerwear fashion could hardly be pinned down at the Show – with as many styles and color schemes to match the diverse personalities that love snow sports. There was plenty of bright (even neon) colors, plaids, geometric shapes and creative prints bringing alive outerwear and apparel collections.

OLYMPIC TECHNOLOGY
Many companies were gearing up for the upcoming 2010 Olympic Games, less than two weeks away. In fact, some were heading up to Vancouver right after the Snow Show. Official team suppliers include Spyder’s Slippery Race Suit, Burton’s official US Snowboard Team Uniforms and Under Armour’s uniforms for the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team and base layers for the U.S. Ski Team. But there were plenty of Olympic stories throughout the Show.

U.S. Olympic ski racer Julia Mancuso will be wearing the POC Skull Comp 2.0 Julia Signature helmet during the 2010 Olympics –the ultimate ski race helmet. The POC Skull Comp 2.0 was developed with an EPP (multi-impact liner) that is able to endure multiple, repetitive impacts.

The weight of Rossignol’s X-ium Skate package (including ski, boot, and binding) has decreased by 230 grams for athletes. Olympic Nordic Athletes on the X-ium Package include Torin Koos and Elizabeth Stephen and Biathlon Athletes on X-ium include Lowell Bailey, Tim Burke, Jay Hakkinen, Haley Johnson.

SmartWool is a sponsor of the U.S. & Canadian Ski Teams and athletes will be using SmartWool’s highest level of performance socks – PhD with 4 Degree Fit, WOW Technology™.

Members of the U.S. Aerials ski team will be wearing Full Tilt boots in Vancouver, B.C. Full Tilt created an American flag graphic for them that resembles the boot Bill Johnson won gold in 20 years ago.

FASHION
For snowboard, there were a lot of statement-making prints and motorcycle, gangster or Hollywood-inspired bling, but function was winning out as a determining design factor this season.

“We are seeing a demand from the progressive riders for longer jackets to keep them covered while they are riding in the park, but still with the same flattering silhouettes,” says Katie Bedwell, senior product manager for Burton women’s outerwear.

Cappel upgraded their insulation by using PrimaLoft Sport and Infinity in the high-end pieces. And Ride featured a new printed application look that appears transparent though it’s printed on the backside of the fabric.

Backcountry’s little sister, the relatively new lift-served sidecountry category, demands highly technical—yet stylish—outerwear that accommodates all of their technological needs.”In the past decade, we have seen snow sports gear become more and more ‘featured out,’” says Tara Latham, Arc’teryx product designer.

Marmot showcases a collection built specifically for sidecountry users called the Coombs collection after legendary big-mountain skier Doug Coombs with Intelligent Shock Absorption. Salomon introduces the S-Line, a 3:1 jacket which combines mobility and waterproofness. And Mountain Hardwear introduces portable power jackets enabled by Ardica Technologies that can generate nearly 9 hours of heat.

ROCKER/REVERSE CAMBER
‘Rocker’ or ‘reverse camber’ technology has electrified the ski and snowboard markets and continued with the trend at the 2010 SIA Snow Show. By working with varying degrees of ‘early rise’ in the tips and tails of skis and snowboards – picture the rise in the bow of a ship – manufacturers can create better float in powder, easier turn initiation in any condition, and more fun for everyone on the slopes.

In snowboards, Burton’s Custom Flying V for dudes and Lip Stick for ladies maintain the “pop” of traditional camber but also integrate the more laid-back ride of rocker. Lib-Tech’s banana technology is a big splash for the T. Rice pro model splitboard called the “Voila.” Ride’s OMG features new proprietary “ProRize” shapes with a long flat zone for landing stability and pop. And Palmer’s FLF(Feels Like Flying) Rocker design is featured in the redesigned Burn, Pulse, and Halo.

In skis, K2 unveiled BASELINE Technology, with six different camber tech stories from the groomed to the backcountry to the halfpipe. Völkl’s Extended Low Profile (ELP) debuted for big mountains and freestyle, Salomon got stiffer on all-mountain in the Sentinel and Enduro, as did Nordica’s Fire Arrow, Rossignol’s Avenger espouses all-mountain ease, and HEAD’s Carlos, Elan’s Olympus and Atomic’s Atlas tune rocker to a backcountry beat.

ACCESSORIES
In a tough economy the snow sports industry can count on accessories to carry them through – a pair of new goggles, sunglasses or hat can make anyone feel like they’ve updated their look for the season. Helmet and goggle technology is always improving in safety and many were also integrating freestyle style and performance.

“Accessories have been strong. That pretty much sums it up. With the recession people want to re-accessorize rather than buy a whole new outfit,” Alex Beane and Michael Matthewsfrom The Backpacker in Los Angeles.

Next, the industry will head up to the mountains for the first international On-Snow Demo/Free Ride Fest (February 1-2) at Winter Park Resort and Devil’s Thumb Ranch, where the industry will get together to demo the gear they’ve just seen at the Show and to ski, ride and slide together. Over 150 brands will be involved in this industry only, two-day event filled with demos, races parties and catching up with industry friends. The industry will meet next year in Denver for the 2011 SIA Snow Show, January 27-30, 2011 and for the On-Snow Demo/Free Ride Fest, January 31-February 1. Contact Anovia Daniels, ADaniels@snowsports.org with questions.

– SIA –
SnowSports Industries America (SIA) is the national not-for-profit, North American member-owned, trade association representing the snow sports industry. Established in 1954, SIA annually produces the SIA Snow Show, the largest snow sports industry trade show, on-snow demo and networking environment globally, while delivering invaluable data/research reports including the Snow Sports Market Intelligence Report, the SIA Retail Audit and Executive Market Summary. SIA also develops marketing products, programs and services such as logistics and Government affairs that help our Members operate more efficiently and increase participation in snow sports. For more information, check out snowsports.org. SnowSports Industries America, 8377-B Greensboro Drive, McLean, VA 22102-3587. Phone: 703.556.9020, Fax: 703.821.8276, Email: SIAmail@snowsports.org.

Highlights from SIA 2010 Snow Show

Snow Fashion Show
The music was loud, the lights were bright and the snow sports fashions were anything but demure with bright colors, prints and lots of style at SIA’s Snow Fashion Show. The fashion event was the official kick-off for the very first SIA Snow Show in Denver’s Colorado Convention Center. The Snow Fashion Show was held at the Wells Fargo Theatre, where over 1,000 Show attendees and a select group of consumers previewed the hottest on/off the slope fashions for Winter 2010.11.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Local officials including Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper performed an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony welcoming the snow sports industry to Denver. The Ribbon Cutting crew also included officials from VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau and Colorado Ski Country USA and SIA chairman of the board Mike Carey.

National Youth Summit
Hundreds of Denver students, who participate in winter sports programs, gathered to listen to leaders from SIA and the National Ski Areas Association, who presented efforts by the snow sports industry to get kids involved in winter sports. The Recreation Outdoor Initiative (ROI) group hopes to get one million youth involved in winter sports by 2020. At the Summit, SOS Outreach (a member of ROI) recognized Mike Carey (SIA Chair) with the humanitarian award and K2 Sports with the corporate social responsibility award.

ShmoozaPalooza Job Fair
The first job fair and networking event created specifically for the snow sports industry. SIA member companies used the event to scout for new talent and “shmooze” with job candidates for present and future needs. Ranging from eager entry-level job hunters to seasoned executives, ShmoozaPalooza provided a casual environment for company reps to meet candidates with relevant experience in design, development, marketing, sales and administration.

2010 Retailer of the Year
A list of twenty-six U.S. and Canadian SnowSports Retailers and Reps were acknowledged for their consistent efforts at making an impact in the snow sports industry at the Retailer and Rep of the Year Award ceremony.

Doc Des Roches Award
U.S. Ski Team supplier Under Armour was the recipient of the seventh Doc Des Roches Award — the recognition is made annually by SIA and the U.S. Ski Team to recognize a SIA member and Team supplier for its promotion of the Team’s brand and athletes.

SIA.10 Denver

Chris — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:18:16 +0000

After 37 years in Denver, the annual SIA snowsports tradeshow has finally moved to a snowier location.

We’ll be on-site for the entirety of the show, with full coverage, including 2011 product previews, interviews, event coverage, and giveaways. Immediately after the show we’ll be headed up to Winter Park for the on-snow portion.

You can follow our adventures in Denver by checking out posts tagged SIA10 or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also check Product Toss for giveaways.

Volcom Store Party in Boulder

Chris — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:38:24 +0000

We were already hanging out in Boulder this afternoon, so when we got the heads-up about the party at the Volcom Store on Pearl Street, we made our way over to check out the festivities.

Out front Volcom had a hat making booth set up, and visitors could get a free hat, pressed with their choice of Volcom labels on them. Inside there was pizza, an array of free posters and a couple of Volcom pros hanging out. Twitter user jjwingate won a free snowboard for finding Gigi Ruf and tweeting a photo to @volcom.

The store had a pretty good-sized crowd gathered at the back to rock out with Kandi Coded and ASG. There were probably 50 people that stayed the whole time, but quite a few more milled in-and-out.

Thanks for a fun night Volcom!

—
For more coverage of the SIA Snowsports Tradeshow in Denver, check out posts tagged SIA10 or follow us on Facebook or Twitter

SIA Snow Show Will Take Over Denver from January 28-31

Press Release — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:32:33 +0000

MCLEAN, Va. (Jan. 25, 2010) – After being in Vegas for 37 years, this week SIA will head to a city that truly embraces snow sports. From January 28-31, the 2010 SIA Snow Show will take over downtown Denver and deliver the hottest snow sports trends, innovations, educational seminars, product presentations, personalities, events, concerts, meetings and parties. The sold-out Snow Show will feature over 3,100 exhibitors representing over 800 snow sports brands, including over 125 new exhibitors. After the Show, the industry will head up to the mountains for the first international On-Snow Demo/Free Ride Fest (February 1-2) at Winter Park Resort and Devil’s Thumb Ranch, where the industry will get together to demo the gear they’ve just seen at the Show and to ski, ride and slide together. Over 150 brands will be involved in this industry only, two-day event filled with demos, races parties and catching up with industry friends.

“The city of Denver has rolled out the red carpet for the entire snow sports industry and we’re encouraging members to take advantage of everything the city and state of Colorado has to offer,” said David Ingemie, SIA President. “Our industry is excited for the trade show doors to open on January 28th, but even more, we’re excited to get out and do what we love later this week at Winter Park and Devil’s Thumb Ranch for our On-Snow Demo/Free Ride Fest.”

The SIA Snow Show will showcase product lines and styles, for ski, snowboard, cross country, AT, telemark, snowshoe and winter fashions. Full color-lines from the winter collections for 2011.12 will be presented under one roof to over 18,000 attendees. These four days will be powered by the passion and culture of snow sports with suppliers, retailers, buyers, reps, athletes, industry professionals, media and celebrity personalities all in attendance. Attendees will be conducting business that can only happen at the Show –viewing upcoming trends and meeting with key principals and networking with the industry face to face.

“As a buyer I like to attend the SIA Show so I can see all the brands (complete lines) within a few days of each other. SIA also gives me the opportunity to meet with most of the Sales Managers to discuss both our business and their business,” said Tracy Gibbons, Owner of Sturtevant’s, Bellevue, WA. “I am happy to see the Show move to Denver after all these years, it will be refreshing to be in a new environment and especially nice to be in a community where we are really wanted.”

Some highlights of events that will occur at the Show include the Premier Snow Fashion Show, the official announcement of the 2010 SIA U.S and Canadian SnowSports Retailers and Reps of the Year, brand events, parties, a full line up of free seminars for Show attendees, The World’s Largest Après Ski + Ride Party hosted by The Denver Post and more. Show attendees will able be able to catch live feeds of the X Games during the Show at the Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) Central Lounge and Food Court. INNOVATIONS, NOW, an exhibit that will highlight over 200 of next season’s latest innovations and hottest snow sports trends, will make its debut at the Show. The Show will also host a Winter Olympic exhibit that will feature one-of-a-kind photos, equipment and memorabilia from: Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum and Hall of Fame, Michigan U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame, New England Ski Museum, ISHA and Vintage Ski World and uniforms from Burton, Spyder and Under Armour.

SIA is providing a full line-up of free seminars for all Show attendees – each conveniently held onsite at the Colorado Convention Center. Seminar/clinic topics include: Snow Sports Market Overview, International Sales 101: Take Your Brand Worldwide, Connecting with Youth, Twitter and More, Rockerboards, the Latest in Sales, 2011 Trends and more. Click here to see a complete of seminars/clinics and their descriptions.

The YARD will also return as a place for the industry to gather. Like previous years, the YARD will be dedicated to emerging art, entertainment and image into one cultural zone that emanates the lifestyle of the snow sports industry. Show attendees can stop by The Yard, for FUEL TV their shows and photo booth, art installations by I AM SNOWBOARDING and Asymbol, “Generations”; a film presented by The North Face, Teton Gravity Research and Protect Our Winters (POW), a hangover breakfast, sign up for the Ruby Hill VIP Tour, beer and music by DJ Evil Ian & DJ Klaw.

“For me, SIA means an opportunity to show my lines to my best accounts in a professional setting while being able to rely on my senior management to be present and help with key retailers when needed,” said Mike Saras, Industry Sales Rep, Dakine, Arbor, Sports Accessories, Intervale, NH. “It is at SIA that I can show all the colorways for gloves, packs and bags. Denver represents an exciting change for the whole snow sports industry and sets a new back drop for this ever changing market.”

The SIA Show brings the industry together for business and the time of a lifetime. Events at the Show will range from bands, happy hours, athlete signings and more. Check out the Interactive Floor Plan/Show Guide to learn about all of the events at the SIA Snow Show. For more information on the Show, visit siasnowshow.com. Also, you can download the new Snow Show App (iPhone/iTouch/Blackberry) to help navigate Downtown Denver bars and restaurants with a Google Maps listing and the Show floor with GPS tracking onsite. Follow SIA insiders on Twitter. We’ll be sending highlights during the Show to keep you in the know! Also, when tweeting about the Show, please add #sia10 to join in on our Twitter feed. And, if you’re not already a “fan” of SIA on Facebook, join the SIA Facebook page.