Ski Press World Inc. - Index

Ski Press World Inc. - SIA Day 3 - Index

top trends/alpine boots
Build a matrix. That may be the best advice we can provide alpine boot buyers during this SIA show. With the US dollar’s
considerable slide against the Euro since SIA 07, European-based manufacturers are under considerable pressure to increase
prices or reduce model manufacturing cost at traditional retail price points.
While some manufacturers — notably Salomon — say they will forego increases in carry-over models to build market share,
expect to see net increase from 5 to 13% on many models and line repositioning with declined features and materials in
some models slotted in key $49 and $99 price points. At $499 you may not be comparing all apples anymore. And while
most specialty retailers won’t mourn their disappearance, adult price point boots below $199 have virtually disappeared.
Category-wise, freeride and new school continue to experience the greatest growth as big-mountain off-piste skiing and
twin-tip park riding soars. With a strong nationwide snow year and inventories at both the retail and manufacturer levels
reportedly cleaner than in many years, boot sales volume is expected to ramp up this show cycle. Here’s a sneak peak at
what to look for from suppliers.
ATOMIC
Originally designed for Austrian slalom ace Marlies Schild,
Atomic has added a women-specifi c shell to its Race Tech line.
It’s available in a limited size range of 22-25. The men’s Race
Tech gets a leather patch on the instep to ease entry/exit.
New 120 designation models have been added to headline
both the Hawx and B Tech collections. The M Tech, formerly
a hand-me-down chassis from Atomic’s old race collection
is all-new, both last (a 102 mm forefoot) and mechanics.
It has greatly improved geometry for easier opening and
entry. A unique cuff adjustment device changes both height
and diameter. The boot board ramp angle is adjustable with
screws from outside. A Soft component is positioned toward
the outside so it opens easier and smoothes entry.
Electra 10
Axion 11
DALBELLO
Dalbello sold to the walls with its highly customizable
Krypton series and returns it with small updates. The allnew
Axion series targets meat-of-the-market all-mountain
performance skiers. It features a three-piece Cabrio
architecture and bi-injected dual density construction
for optimal fit, handling and performance. Continuing
the Dalbello tradition of high-value construction, Axion
includes personalization features like fl ex and forward lean
controls, cuff alignment and heel inclination. In a continuing
foray into expanded pro marketing, Dalbello pro team
riders including Glen Plake, Tanner Hall, Brad Holmes and
Kim Reichhelm will take center stage in a new freeride/
freestyle advertising and promotional campaign.
28 SNOWPRESS DAY 3 skipressworld.com/snowpress
Hawx 100 M Tech 100
DOLOMITE
Stop wandering the aisles. If you’re looking for Dolomite, the
venerable brand has suspended US operations. The company
said “unprecedented weakness” of the dollar made Dolomite’s
North American long margin strategy unviable. Dolomite will
continue distribution throughout the rest of the world. All
warranty issues should be directed to Nordica USA.
Hot Dogger
FULL TILT
The company that resurrected the Raichle Flexon threepiece
shell tongue design last season returns it intact with
some model additions and bold cosmetic designs. The
focus is exclusively on the freeride, freestyle and women’s
segments. The strategic focus is on maximum customization
through heat-moldable liners, seven easily interchangeable
fl exing tongues, and an assembly that makes most parts
swappable and replaceable by consumers. All parts are
available as aftermarket items.
HEAD
With some already well-accepted innovations in important
areas such as toe-box sizing, women’s freeride boots and
even rentals already under its belt, HEAD steers out-ofbounds
with a boot to help take area skiers anywhere the
powder goes. The Peak, offering luxe in-bounds features
RC4 WC Pro 98 such as Superheat fl eece lining and micro-adjustable buckles,
also has a lacing option and a Vibram sole for hiking.
Downhill performance is a focus for the in-bounds crowd,
but a deep walk-ski mechanism makes it easier to start
boot-packing or skinning where the lifts aren’t running.
In the one-boot quiver category, look for the Peak to lay
a big bet down.
Progressor 120
FISCHER
Finally, an RC4 World Cup for the non-pencil-footed. Still a true plug, a 98 mm version joins the trim 95 mm
last in a boot tabbed the Pro 98. It’s available in both a 130 and 110 fl ex. A junior version in a 100 fl ex also
joins the line in sizing 22.5-27.5 (making it ideal for smaller-footed women). A new 100 mm last boot joins
the race-inspired Progressor line. The X-120 is a brand new Freeride boot in a 98 mm last with a full-length
shock-absorbing zeppa and radical buckle that resembles a jet fi ghter. The abducted foot-position SomaTech
concept has been extended down to the kids’ line. �
Peak
VOLVO — OFFICIAL CAR OF