We are back with one final blog update from the SIA show in Denver, CO. Here are a few more highlights showcasing a grip of new gear for the upcoming season.

CW-X

CW-X has some of the most innovative base layers on the market. The compression tights with built-in reinforcements mimics kinesio taping to provide support right where skiers need it. They support the knees, IT band and lower abdominals. The 3/4 length boot cut is ideal for being worn with ski boots, and they made of a material that tightens above 77 degrees and loosens below 77 degrees to regulate heat.

ON3P

ON3P skis are handmad in Portland, OR, which already makes them pretty cool in our book. The fact that they have a full line up of freestyle and freeride skis that are all rockered, and are all made with a bamboo core just seals the deal. All the skis feature an extra thick 1.8mm sintered base and beefy edges for durability. ON3P offers something for everyone from the 101mm underfoot tip and tail rockered Jeronimo, to the flat tailed supercharging Wrenegade. Their bigger powder skis feature a reverse elliptical sidecut that features the benefits of a reverse sidecut without the terrifying wobbly effect when things firm up. For the weight-conscious folks out there, the Billy Goat and Vicik are both offered in tourlight versions that feature a thinner milled core.

Smartwool

Adding to their collection of merino wool baselayers and socks, Smartwool is now offering Smart Loft midlayers that feature the baffled look of down but are more durable since they are filled with wool that has high heat retention properties. Smartwool is also intoducing new baselayers made of a wool and synthetic hybrid that features better wicking properties than synthetics and are more durable than wool alone.

Lib Tech

Lib Tech's Magnetraction has made waves for a few years now as the serrated edges provide better edge hold on firm snow. New offerings for next year include tapered tips and tails. All models are rockered except for the pipe ski, the Tranny Nas.

Faction

The big news from Switzerland's Faction is the recent signing of legendary skier Candide Thovex. Candide's pro-model ski, the Candide 3.0, is a 112 mm underfoot ski with rockered tips and tails and camber underfoot that features a core made of recycled plastics that skis just like a wood core but is over 20% lighter. The ski is remarkably light, and it should function well as a freestyle ski or a a lightweight touring ski. There is also a Candide 1.0, a park-friendly freestyle ski.

Scott

Scott is making nearly everything skiers need these days. Their full array of outerwear, goggles and poles nicely compliments their impressive ski line. The Tom Wallisch pro model the TW jib is a park ski with a race base that has a proven competition record. The new and improved Punisher is a rockered powder ski that is strong but playful, and the Fly Air is a super-light search and destroy touring ski.

POW

Seattle's POW gloves recently licensed with Gore-Tex to improve and already strong line of gloves and mittens. All of the gloves feature no snag velcro on the cuffs and most feature a great under-the-cuff design. The new Assault and Sniper (a Gore-Tex trigger mitt) are the real highlights of the line, but POW also offers a mitten for photographers named the Transfilmer. All of the new products feature very competetive pricing compared with similar models from other companies.

DPS

DPS is still offering their line of versatile skis in both hybrid and ultra-light all carbon versions. New to the line this year are the Wailer 99 and its female counterpart the Nina 99. At 99mm underfoot with generous tip rocker and slight tail rocker, the new 99's are a perfect compliment to the bigger Wailer 112 and Lotus 120. For the truly powder hungry, the new Spoon still features a convex base, but it is a bit mellower and now has six cleats of positive camber to help the ski perform in harder conditions.

Thule

Thule makes all of their products in the US, and their new sliding ski rack is no different. The innovative ski rack slides all the way out so that it is easier to load skis into it even on a tall truck or SUV. The new rack is also a bit wider and comfortably holds five pairs of skis that are all over 100mm underfoot. A new stainless steel band attaches easily to any shape of bar including the new aerodynamic bars from Thule that are supposed to be the quietest and most effecient bars available.

Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research has really entered the sidecountry/freeride market with a bang. Their new outerwear line — which has grown by 65% in the last year —  is extremely functional, but with new models featuring a more relaxed fit and more modern styles, it will work great in the resort as well. They also are introducing a new line of gloves with undercuff styling including one model that has a bottle opener integrated into the finger. Some of the highlights from the outerwear are the Vanguard, a Gore-Tex softshell jacket, and the Inertia, a Gore-Tex pro shell jacket.

Scarpa

Scarpa has updated the look of T2 Eco for both women and men with a slick new colorway. They also introduced a new look for the TX NTN boot that still boasts all of its impressive tourability features.

-Tony Gill

Photos by Kjell Ellefson