January 2020 Archives

31Jan 2020 by DS News Team

ISPO As Reflection Of Where Industry Is Going. And Not Going

What do you want to hear first, good things or bad? Let's start with good: - There were some notable product unveilings e.g. Redline 3.0 by Madshus, Triac 4.0 by Swix and all-new SK Course boots & S1/2/3 skis by Rossignol. - Budding Russian label Spine brought its 3D foot scanner and had Petter Northug bare his extremities to demonstrate how Custom Fit technology works in practice. - Northug himself had a very lively stand featuring just his glasses so far, but ambitions to expand into textiles etc. are clearly there. - Kaestle is burgeoning on cash injection and market expertise of its new Czech owners. - KV+ had a large (but rather fortress-like designed i.e. lots of walls with one entrance) segment indicating company's robust health. ...But you know,…

30Jan 2020 by DS News Team

Sustainability, ISPO and XCSkiing

Gear News, Newsfeed

The world of cross country skiing is insular. No more is it evident as in place where it has a rare chance to come into contact with "other universes" under one roof. What's ISPO? [caption id="attachment_14573" align="alignnone" width="1920"] it's a gigantic exhibition roughly half of which is taken by the stands of various, mostly Chinese, enterprises advertising their ability and willingness to produce anything for you in any quantity & about three times as fast anyone else ( the key word - advertising)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14572" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The other half is entirely different. It's taken by huge, glitzy pavilions of leading alpine and outdoor clothing and accessories manufacturers one look at which tells you where the money are in winter sports.[/caption] Cross country skiing firms exhibit on the fringes of…

29Jan 2020 by DS News Team

Åge Skinstad, Quick Portrait

Leaders, Newsfeed

There are captains of industry - and there is a " captain of the captains of industry" Meet Åge Skinstad. It would be hard to find a person who had and continues to have a bigger impact on the development of the Norwegian cross country skiing in this century ( and the international skiing by extension). Norwegian national team coach, television commentator, top lobbyist - and now CEO of Brav, a multi-million dollar corporation that owns Swix and Toko among the others. " Acting CEO" Mr.Skinstad likes to stress - he only agreed to fill the shoes temporarily, while the owners are searching for replacement for a previous boss, who abruptly resigned last year. But he will stay with Brav once that task is accomplished and stir Swix and Toko…

29Jan 2020 by DS News Team

Alfa Boots: Don’t Fix What Ain’t Broken

Gear News, Newsfeed

Some things are forever. Like Alfa ski boots. The Norwegian company had long stopped sponsoring World Cup-class athletes - and basically haven't changed the look of its boots since what? 2005? They still sport the same color and NNN sole that was ultra-hip back in 2010. Boot upper, however, is very different/updated. Alfa is the only ski bookmaker using expensive Gore-tex insulation,for instance. Design? Timeless! Alfa still moves several thousand pairs each year, so it must be. Characteristically, Alfa is the only ski bootmaker that was exhibiting at ISPO very much apart & away from the rest of " xcski crowd" - with other Scandinavian fashion labels, known for functionality, traditions - and steep price tag. Alfas retail in Norway for just under 400 euros in equivalent.

28Jan 2020 by DS News Team

Alex Bolshunov – New Face Of Swix . And That’s Bigger Deal Than You Think

Newsfeed

Alex Bolshunov is a face of Swix' new line of eco-friendly waxes. It's quite a big deal, actually. And Swix representative who specifically pointed it out to us also seem to think so. With all the rumors, conversations, accusations swirling around the Russian skiers since about 2016, it's a bold step for one of the worldwide leaders in xcski industry to choose a Russian - any Russian - to be the face of their international promo campaign. Of course, Bolshunov was a teenager during the Sochi Olympics and nobody ever suggested any impropriety on his part - but for some he is " guilty by association" . Our message box here at Dailyskier.com has quite a few of angry letters demanding "all Russians be banned!" ( and all Norwegians too,…

Month: January 2020