The VBSR team recently attended the Snow Sports Industry America Snow Show (SIA) and Ski Demo Day at Copper Mountain. As luck would have it, the Rockies were in the midst of an epic snowstorm. Many attendees were stuck on the wrong side of the pass or in Atlanta during an ice storm, making the mountain wide open to test the latest and greatest gear for the 2014-12015 market season.
As most of you know, Vista Bahn Ski Rentals (VBSR) lives and breathes skiing and we thrive on having new knowledge of this ever-changing industry to share with all of you! Here are trends we see coming in the 2014-2015 season:
Ski Styles:
- Companies seem to be moving away from the twin tip and moving back to a flat tail. Why? Because when you wash out on a turn, it’s not as stable with a twin tip on the end of the turn. This will allow skis to be more like a traditional GS for a quicker release between turns, giving it a more traditional feel, while keeping the rocker tip. It affords you the ability to float in the powder still with more ease and bust through the crud.
- The skis are getting longer, because the running surface of the ski is actually shorter. With a full rocker ski you are able to ski on a longer ski, but still getting all the benefits of being on a rocker.
- Companies are pushing the AT marketing making light skies but still rigid enough for hiking up the mountain. The Scott brand is super light overall.
Ski Materials:
- Paulownia Wood: It’s a softer and lighter wood, but strong like poplar. Dictionary reference.
- Carbon fiber is frequently being used for lighter weight. While this is not a new trend, it is becoming more prevalent in skis.