OIA Catalyst Conference Sets Agenda for Outdoor Industry’s Next Sustainability Challenges on Oct. 26

Boulder, Colo. (October 9, 2026) – The outdoor industry is navigating a rapidly changing sustainability landscape – from new regulations and climate commitments to circularity, supply-chain risks, artificial intelligence and the growing need to connect sustainability with business value. On October 26, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) will bring the industry together in Portland, Ore., for the 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference, presented by GORE-TEX® Brand, serving as Day 0 of Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®. 

Known as the summit for sustainable outdoor business leadership, Catalyst brings together sustainability practitioners and business leaders from across the industry for candid conversations, practical strategies and peer-to-peer problem solving.  

“The outdoor industry is facing challenges that no company can solve alone,” said Kent Ebersole, OIA President. “Catalyst is about bringing the right people together to connect the dots, share what’s working, be honest about what isn’t, and turn those conversations into meaningful action. OIA’s role is to help our industry navigate what’s ahead and give businesses the tools and connections they need to lead.”  

EXPERT TALKS 

Featured conversations will include leaders from Brooks Running, REI Co-op and MAS Holdings sharing strategies and lessons from their progress toward climate targets; Patagonia, Bemis Worldwide, Matereal, and Alante Capital exploring the opportunities and tradeoffs of AI; and executives from W.L. Gore & Associates, KEEN and Lenzing examining how sustainability leaders can secure budget and executive buy-in.  

Attendees will also hear from chemistry experts from bluesign and Burton Snowboards explaining the critical importance and opportunities related to solvent use in supply chains; key stakeholders from CalRecycle, Landbell USA, and Columbia Sportswear will break down implementation of and preparation for California’s textile extended producer responsibility (EPR) law; and experts from Gore-Tex and Red Wing Shoe Company will explain how durability is a cornerstone of circularity. A host of regulatory experts will facilitate discussions about sustainability regulations worldwide. Some of these sessions will encourage discussion and collaboration, some will educate and inspire, and some will launch new industry resources. 

DAY 0 OIA CATALYST CONFERENCE 

The Catalyst Conference takes place Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland and is presented by GORE-TEX® Brand, with support from Hyosung TNC. Functional Fabric Fair takes place Oct. 27-28, making it easy to pair both events in one trip. 

REGISTRATION 

Register now to join the Day 0 OIA Catalyst Conference and be part of the conversations shaping the future of sustainable outdoor business. Early-bird registration ends Sunday, October 11. 

About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org. 

About Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS® 

Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS® is a trade-exclusive event and platform showcasing the latest trends in textile development for the apparel industry. In addition to a curated marketplace dedicated to the responsible sourcing of high-performance functional fabrics and accessories, Functional Fabric Fair provides expert-led education, supplier recommendations, and a university program that exposes students to textile and apparel developers. FunctionalFabricFair.com 

Big Agnes Announces 2027 Thru-Hiker and Bikepacker Sponsorship

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (October 9, 2026) – Big Agnes, Ridge Merino and Mountain House are teaming up in 2027 to sponsor three thru-hikers and one bikepacker on long-distance routes across the U.S. and Canada. The program will support one hiker each on the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, plus one bikepacker riding an established long-distance route in the U.S. or Canada.

Founded by people who live and breathe the outdoors, the three brands share a belief in the power of time outside to inspire, challenge and connect. The 2027 sponsorship supports hikers and bikepackers who share that passion while encouraging responsible trail use, stewardship and a more welcoming outdoor community.

About the 2027 Sponsorship

Now in its third year, Big Agnes’ thru-hiker sponsorship program continues to support people taking on some of North America’s longest trails. For 2027, Mountain House joins Big Agnes and returning partner Ridge Merino to give four hikers and bikepackers the equipment and support they need for months on the trail.

“Spending weeks or months on the trail changes the way you experience the outdoors and builds a deeper appreciation for the landscapes and communities you pass through,” said Bill Gamber, co-founder and president of Big Agnes. “We’re excited to welcome Mountain House and continue our partnership with Ridge Merino for 2027, and to support hikers and bikepackers who not only love being outside but also care about protecting these wild places and making them welcoming for everyone.”

Each participant will receive a complete kit from all three brands. Big Agnes will provide a full backpacking or bikepacking setup, including a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack and other camp essentials. Ridge Merino will provide a layering system built for changing conditions, and Mountain House will supply meals for the start of the trip, followed by food drops at resupply points along the route. Participants will also receive ongoing support from the brands throughout the season.

Who Should Apply?

Applicants should be planning to thru-hike one of the following trails in 2027:

  • Appalachian Trail
  • Pacific Crest Trail
  • Continental Divide Trail

Bikepackers planning an established long-distance route in the U.S. or Canada are also eligible.

The brands are looking for hikers and bikepackers who care about the places they travel through. Applicants should practice and promote Leave No Trace principles and welcome all trail users, including members of LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and other underrepresented communities. Ideal candidates will also be excited to share their journey through social media, photography or other storytelling avenues.

Applicants must be based in the U.S. or Canada and be 18 or older at the time of application.

Apply Now

Applications are open now through Oct. 31, 2026. Anyone planning a qualifying thru-hike or bikepacking route in 2027 can apply here.

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About Big Agnes
Named for a peak in the nearby Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, Big Agnes®, Inc. is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and was founded there in 2001. The company produces award-winning sleeping bags, pads, tents, packs, insulated apparel, camp furniture and backpacks. For more information, visit www.bigagnes.com or call 1-877-554-8975.

About Ridge Merino
Founded in 2014 and based in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., Ridge Merino develops Merino wool apparel you can rely on for all of life’s adventures. Surrounded by high desert, deep snow and towering peaks, Ridge Merino tests its products in the most demanding conditions. Independent and family-owned, the company is committed to using natural, renewable and biodegradable fibers as much as possible, creating gear that reflects the strength and simplicity of nature. From day one, Ridge Merino has invested in the outdoors donating to environmental nonprofits as a member of 1% For The Planet. For more information visit www.ridgemerino.com.

About Mountain House
Named after an Oregon restaurant on the slope of the Cascades that once welcomed outdoorspeople with warm meals after full days of adventure, Mountain House is the freeze-dried meal category leader. With its great taste, ease of use and reliability the brand has been helping backpackers, hikers, anglers and hunters stay out longer and go out further since 1969, offering comfort under any condition. Mountain House has a 56-year legacy proudly serving wholesome, delicious meals to the US military. All of its products are backed by a Taste Guarantee and a proven shelf life of 30 years. For more information and a complete list of products, visit www.mountainhouse.com.

eFormed Ventures Acquires Outdoor Life, Bringing New Technology to a 130-Year Outdoor Legacy

Outdoor industry veterans and commerce executives pair Outdoor Life’s trusted editorial authority with a new platform for discovering, evaluating and buying gear

BEND, Ore. — (Oct. 7, 2026) — eFormed Ventures, an investment fund focused on building media marketplaces for passionate enthusiast communities, today announced it has acquired Outdoor Life from Recurrent Ventures. For five generations, Outdoor Life has been a trusted voice, inspiring and equipping readers for outdoor adventures. eFormed will draw on that legacy to take the Outdoor Life user experience to a new level by integrating an AI-native marketplace built to connect readers with engaging content and best-in-class products from the top retailers and brands. Effective immediately, Outdoor Life will be owned and managed by eFormed. The company intends to retain all existing editorial and operations staff.

The acquisition will leverage one of the industry’s most storied outdoor brands under a proprietary commerce-and-content platform, providing outdoor audiences with quality products that meet their needs and valued stories they rely on.

“A combined community of 183 million Americans hike, fish and hunt every year, powering our nation’s outdoor retailer economy,” said Tom Beusse, managing partner at eFormed Ventures. “Now, they’ll have an innovative digital platform that caters to all of their needs combining the breadth of an outdoor marketplace, with the expertise, content and trust that help people choose the right gear, apparel and accessories to get outside.”

The new retail business will be powered by Resonance 2.0, eFormed’s proprietary AI search, discovery and pricing technology, which uses seasonality, location, online activity, and buying habits to better pair audience interests with qualified product recommendations at a competitive price.

“The best gear advice has always come from the guy behind the counter who has personally used everything in the store,” said Lance Reese, managing partner at eFormed Ventures. “Our AI builds on that expertise and brings it to a whole new level of value, incorporating 130 years of Outdoor Life’s field testing behind everything we do.”

Mike Morford, Tom Beusse, Scott Blackwell and Lance Reese will lead operations for eFormed Ventures, bringing decades of expertise across media, retail, outdoor and e-commerce brands. Beusse previously stewarded Outdoor Life as president of Time4 Media, giving him firsthand knowledge of the brand’s editorial legacy and audience. Blackwell spent decades building gear for the outdoors, with leadership roles at Beretta USA, Mountain Khaki and Remington. Together with Morford and Reese, the team’s experience spans companies including Altrec.com, GreatOutdoors.com, Golf.com, Motorsport Network, Rodale, Sharper Image and UPS. Managing partners Justin Phillips, formerly with Les Schwab Tires and Target, and Dan MacKeigan, formerly with Tudor Investment Corporation and Spring Lake Equity Partners, are also leading eFormed Ventures, working closely with the team on strategy, corporate finance, capital formation, and the overall growth and development of the platform.

eFormed Ventures intends to expand the current affiliate-based shopping experience to include an expanded wholly owned marketplace. The editorial and content team at Outdoor Life will continue to play an important role in creating engaging content, as product reviews and storytelling are core to the company’s strategy.

“Outdoor Life’s legacy sits inside a much older American story, one first shaped by the people who gave us a love of wild places,” said Mike Morford, managing partner at eFormed Ventures. “Amelia Earhart, Zane Grey, Ernest Hemingway, Aldo Leopold and Theodore Roosevelt are all among the icons whose stories and adventures are chronicled in pages of Outdoor Life. The brand has earned its readers’ trust one season and one honest story at a time. We’re here to build on that with an investment in the future and a focus on engaging the next generation.”

About Outdoor Life

Founded in 1898, Outdoor Life is one of the “Big Three” names in American outdoor publishing, alongside Field & Stream and Sports Afield. Outdoor Life delivers field-tested gear reviews and storytelling across hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and the outdoors at large, reaching over 37 million viewers a year across generations of American outdoor enthusiasts.

About Recurrent

Recurrent is a digital media company whose content from trusted brands aims to foster generations of passionate audiences across enthusiast verticals. Recurrent is focused on optimizing and growing trusted digital media brands within five key categories: Automotive, Home, Military and Defense, Science and Tech, and Outdoors. Its titles inspire and inform more than 70 million unique visitors each month.

About eFormed Ventures

eFormed Ventures is an investment fund focused on building media marketplaces for passionate enthusiast communities, headquartered in Bend, Oregon. Led by a team with decades of experience across media, retail, product and technology, the company pairs iconic media brands with modern commerce infrastructure, giving consumers and industry partners a better way to discover and buy the products they trust. Learn more at eFormedVentures.com

Snowsports Participation Reaches 32 Million as Snowboarding Drives Growth, SIA Study Finds

PARK CITY, Utah — October 7, 2026 — Almost 32 million Americans took part in snowsports during the 2025-26 winter season, according to the 2025-26 Participation Study recently released by Snowsports Industries America (SIA). That is about three percent more than last season and the highest total in six seasons, even though snow conditions were mixed across the country.

For most winter sports, participation jumped after the pandemic, when Americans took up outdoor winter recreation for the first time, engaged in a new and different winter sport, or came back to a sport after having taken time off. For winter sports as a whole, that interest has kept growing season after season specifically driven by sledding, snowshoe and nordic. Participants rose from 30.97 million in 2024-25 to 31.96 million this year. The share of Americans aged six and older who take part reached 10.3%, up from 10.0%. That means snowsports are growing faster than the U.S. population, not just keeping up with it.

Snowboarding leads the gains

In the 25-26 season, Snowboarding is the main story of the season. The sport grew about nine percent to 10.6 million participants, up from 9.7 million the season before. It has grown in seven of the past eight seasons, up from 7.1 million in 2017-18. There are nearly 30% more snowboard participants in 2025–26 than there were in 2021–22.

That growth comes from both new and returning riders. Some are trying the sport for the first time. Others are coming back after a season or more away. Together, they numbered 4.2 million this season, far more than the 3.3 million who lapsed.

SIA’s analysis points to two reasons for the growth: who is snowboarding, and how many people want to.

The first is age. Snowboarding has 20% fewer participants than alpine skiing, yet it has almost as many participants under 25: 5.3 million, compared with 5.5 million skiers. Snowboarding is also becoming more diverse. Hispanic participation rose for the third straight season to 2.2 million, up from 1.8 million in 2023-24. As SIA notes, younger generations in the U.S. are more diverse overall, so the sport is growing along with the audiences that will shape snowsports for decades. In fact, one in four female snowboarders is now Hispanic.

The second is interest. Snowboarding is often the way people first get into winter sports. Twenty-nine percent of all winter sport participants say it was their first winter sport, compared with 16% of alpine skiers who say skiing was theirs. Among people who didn’t participate this year, more say they will “definitely” snowboard next winter (1.8%) than say the same about skiing (1.1%).

“Americans kept coming back to winter this season, even when the snow didn’t cooperate,” said Nick Sargent, president and CEO of Snowsports Industries America. “Snowboarding’s growth, especially among younger and more diverse participants, shows where the next generation of snowsports is coming from. Our industry’s job now is to continue to grow the pipeline of new participants, and to expand the key learnings from snowboard in effort to build a similar pipeline for skiing ”

Skiing holds steady

Alpine skiing tells a different story. Participation was flat at about 13.2 million, roughly where it has been for four seasons and still below its 2018-19 peak of 14.9 million.  The number of new and returning skiers (6.0 million) matched the number who lapsed (6.0 million). And while it may look like skiing is flat, it is actually losing ground as it is not keeping pace with population growth. The question for skiing is where its next generation will come from. First-time skiers have declined year over year the past 4 or 5 years, and the sport skews older: 1.9 million skiers are 55 or older, compared with 0.3 million snowboarders. As older skiers age out, skiing needs a steady flow of new and diverse participants to hold its ground.

Fewer days on the snow, but people found a way

Weather shaped how often people went out more than whether they went. Self-reported skiing days fell nearly six percent, and snowboarding days fell nearly three percent. The drop was sharpest in the Mountain region, where the season brought poor snowfall. There, the share of skiers who went seven or more times fell from 45% to 38%. Other regions, many of which had better conditions, saw little change. This is interesting to note that the positive weather conditions did not result in greater frequency.

Many participants adjusted instead of staying home. Outings rose for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, alpine touring and snowboard touring. People sought out good snow where they could find it, sometimes away from the lift line. Off-resort activities such as snowshoeing, sledding and cross-country skiing have grown significantly since the pandemic, which shows how many different ways Americans now spend time outside in winter. It could also indicate more accessible and cost effective ways to participate.

The full 2025-26 Participation Study covers skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, fat-tire biking and touring, with demographics, regional data and crossover activity. SIA members rely on this research to make business decisions, and SIA commits significant resources each year to make sure it’s rigorous and accurate. SIA partners with the Physical Activities Council,  a partnership of nine major trade associations in US sports, fitness, and leisure activities. 15,000 surveys were carried out with a nationwide sample of individuals and households during late 2025 and the beginning of 2026. The total panel is representative of the US population for people aged six and older and  provides a high degree of statistical accuracy. Access to benchmark industry data including participation, winter consumer insights and wholesale sales and orders are some of the most valuable benefits of membership. For more data and insights, contact research@snowsports.org or visit www.snowsports.org.

About Snowsports Industries America (SIA)

Snowsports Industries America (SIA) is the trade association of the winter outdoor industry. Through SIA membership, brands, destinations, retailers, service providers, and nonprofits solve immediate business problems, adapt to business challenges, and grow. SIA spots trends that matter, and resources its membership to be proactive through industry-wide strategies and solutions built to ensure the winter outdoors thrives for future generations. Learn more at snowsports.org.

Norrøna Debuts Its First Film Tour in North America, Premiering Three Ski Films from Norway’s Most Remote Terrain

OSLO (Oct. 6, 2026) — Norrøna, the Norwegian outdoor brand regarded for its sustainably built, premium outerwear, is bringing its own film tour to North America later this October. On October 29, the Norrøna stores in New York City, Boston and Boulder, Colorado will each host an evening premiere of three new ski films. Shot across some of Norway’s most remote terrain, the films range from a roadless fjord village to the islands of the Arctic Ocean, and they celebrate the people who live for winter.

“Norrøna’s story began in the winter and these films capture the spirit that has guided the brand for nearly a century,” says Jørgen Jørgensen, CEO and fourth-generation owner of Norrøna. “We’re excited to bring these films to our North American consumers and invite the larger community to experience the landscapes, the athletes and the sense of adventure that define our brand. It’s a chance to come together before the season starts and share what keeps us chasing winter, year after year.”

In “Trandal,” Norrøna ambassador and professional snowboarder Emil Leenderts gathers a crew of close friends and heads into Norway’s Hjørundfjord. There, a tiny village with no road in or out sits beneath mountains that emerge straight from the sea. The film follows their search for steep lines and deep snow, and it’s a celebration of friendship, freedom and the possibilities waiting beyond the map.

Fien van Zwieten grew up skiing in Norway’s Sunnmøre region and traded ski racing for freeskiing, a move that has made her one of the sport’s most original voices. In “A Derailed Human Dream,” the Norrøna ambassador explores what it’s like to live and ski with ADHD, pairing that story with some of her most creative skiing yet. It’s a raw, beautifully filmed reminder that seeing the world differently can be a strength.

Rounding out the program is “VARG,” which documents the first winter expedition aboard Norrøna’s restored expedition sailing yacht. In February 2026, a team of elite skiers and snowboarders sailed the Arctic Ocean to a group of remote Norwegian islands that few people have ever explored in winter. The trip unlocked first descents in terrain that can’t be reached any other way but boat. Beyond the film, the expedition is an adventure audiences can experience for themselves through [Norrøna Adventure / booking details].

Each premiere begins at 7 p.m. local time and includes light refreshments. Guests can register for the New York City, Boston and Boulder, Colorado premieres through their respective event pages. For questions or media inquiries, please contact corinne.baud@rygr.us.

About Norrøna: In 1929, Jørgen Jørgensen, a Norwegian outdoor enthusiast, began his search for durable outdoor equipment to perform in Norway´s harsh and rugged land. Starting with simple innovations such as leather straps, canvas backpacks and cotton clothing, he set Norrøna’s direction: To search for the best in technical advancements and to create the ultimate performance products. Today, four generations later, Norrøna is still a family-owned and run company and a leader in the growing market of sustainable sportswear. www.norrona.com

WHITESPACE Launches F26 Performance Collection: Styles Built for the Whole Mountain

Los Angeles (Oct. 6, 2026) — WHITESPACE, the performance equipment brand founded by Shaun White at the intersection of athletics, design and technical outdoor, today launched its Performance Collection, a 41-style lineup spanning men’s and women’s outerwear, baselayers, goggles, accessories and eight snowboards, all designed to work together as one system on the mountain and off it.

Informed by White’s experience and engineered for the way riders actually ride, the collection brings advanced materials, precision construction and distinct design to outerwear, snowboards and essentials built for demanding days on snow. Across the outerwear, an eVent AlpineST membrane pairs waterproof, breathable protection with PFAS-free construction, while each snowboard is engineered for responsiveness with hybrid camber profiles, carbon-reinforced cores and sintered bases. The palette moves through grounded, mountain-ready neutrals such as Caviar and Olive Night, alongside brighter accents including Mineral Red and Pink Lady, carried consistently across apparel and accessories.

“As we look ahead, our team is focused on pushing the envelope, evolving our brand and products to bring our vision to life,” said Shaun White, founder of WHITESPACE. “This collection marks our biggest leap forward yet. Every piece earned its spot on the hill: We built the boards, the shells and the layers to work as one kit, so riders can stop thinking about gear and just ride.”

Performance Outerwear Highlights

  • Men’s 3L eVent® Performance Shell Jacket + Climate Cargo Vest — A versatile waterproof, breathable system with removable warmth and storage. Wear the jacket and vest together or separately as conditions change. MSRP: $599
  • Women’s 2L Performance Jacket — Technical shell with grid fleece insulation and adjustable hood, waist and cuffs. Its 20K/15K stretch shell and 120 gsm recycled insulation provide weather protection and warmth, while seam-taped construction, a storm flap, and PAS® ventilation help manage changing conditions. MSRP: $399

The WHITESPACE Performance Collection is available now at whitespacesnow.com and select retailers. Prices range from $34 to $999. High-resolution images are available here.

ABOUT WHITESPACE

Founded by Shaun White, WHITESPACE is a performance equipment brand at the intersection of athletics, design, and technical outdoor. Shaun’s experience shapes what the brand builds: equipment for athletes who never stop looking for the next line.

Turtlebox and Mossy Oak Reunite for a Limited-Edition Collaboration in Bottomland and Fall Foliage

HOUSTON (October 6, 2026) – Turtlebox, the maker of rugged, waterproof outdoor speakers, is teaming up again with iconic American outdoor brand Mossy Oak for a new iteration of their popular collaboration.

Launching today, Mossy Oak’s iconic Bottomland pattern will span Turtlebox’s entire speaker lineup, including the Original Gen 3 ($480), Grande ($780), Ranger ($280) and Cub ($360). The collection will also introduce the Original Gen 3 ($480) and Grande ($780) in Fall Foliage, available exclusively through Turtlebox’s website.

“Mossy Oak has been part of the outdoor world for generations, and there’s a familiarity with these patterns that’s hard to replicate,” said Will Bradley, Co-Founder at Turtlebox. “Bottomland carries the kind of history you inherit, not buy off a shelf. Getting to put that history on a Turtlebox is an honor.”

This collaboration brings together two brands rooted in the outdoors and a shared appreciation for the experiences, traditions and stories that come with it. First introduced in 1986, Mossy Oak Bottomland was designed to reflect the natural textures and tones of the woods and has since become synonymous with generations of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Known as the “uniform for woodsmanship,” Bottomland continues to represent Mossy Oak’s enduring connection to the outdoors nearly four decades later.

“There’s a common thread of energy and community running through Turtlebox that reminds me of our early years,” said Toxey Haas, Founder of Mossy Oak. “They’ve become a household name for all the right reasons. Great product, great people, and we’re excited to continue what’s been one of our favorite partnerships in company history.”

The Mossy Oak Bottomland Turtlebox speakers will be available starting today, October 6, 2026, at select retailers and on turtleboxaudio.com. The Fall Foliage Original Gen 3 and Grande will be available exclusively at turtleboxaudio.com starting October 6, 2026, while supplies last.

About Turtlebox

Turtlebox was born out of necessity after breaking every so-called “loud” speaker on the market during outdoor adventures. Originally built in a garage for personal use, it became clear that nothing else could handle the elements and deliver the volume needed for environments like beaches, boats, and ATVs. Recognizing the demand, Turtlebox set out to create the world’s loudest, most rugged outdoor portable speaker — built to go anywhere and be heard everywhere. For more information, visit TurtleboxAudio.com.

POC Unveils New Winter 26/27 Ski Goggle and Apparel Collection

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Oct. 5, 2026) — POC, the Swedish protection brand known for its reputation for safety, innovation and design, is proud to unveil its new 26/27 winter season collection. At the center of the collection is a new lineup of ski and snowboard goggles developed with a host of new lenses that ensure enhanced visibility and control regardless of the conditions. The all-new Ciasma and Tarsal goggles join the refined Vitrea and Vitrea Mid goggles, alongside a broadened range of insulated jackets and new additions to the Race Collection.

Born and based in Stockholm, Sweden, POC has been innovating, inspired by its safety mission, for two decades. It’s this mindset that runs through the new collection, as explained by Oscar Huss, POC’s Chief Product Officer: “Most of us are longtime skiers, and being in Sweden we know that weather in the mountains can change quickly and that clear vision is one of the most important safety and performance details there is. When your vision is at its sharpest, you react more quickly, whether that’s choosing the right line for a winning run or avoiding an accident. That’s POC’s thinking behind its goggles and the Clarity by POC lenses, which filter light with precision to enhance contrast and reveal the terrain details so easily lost.”

Clear Vision, Complete Control

Conditions rarely stay the same for long, and the new goggles are designed with that in mind. The all-new Ciasma is built for the days when the weather is in constant flux, with an advanced magnetic lens system that makes lens changing easy, fast and effortless, so a change in the light never has to mean a compromise in vision.

The brand-new Tarsal takes on the same problem but with a different solution. It uses its oversized frame, which extends down over the cheeks for extra coverage, to provide a bigger field of view. It’s a precision piece for the whole mountain as the shallow-angle toric Clarity lens delivers crisp, enhanced vision across the entire field of view.

The Vitrea and Vitrea Mid are new and improved and feature a new quick changing system. The light can change from one turn to the next, as you drop from open slopes into the trees or cloud rolls across the sun. Having the right lens, not for the day or the hour but for the moment, is a necessity, and the new lens changing system can be operated with one hand while the goggles are still on your face.

The foundation of all POC goggles is unique lens technology, Clarity by POC. This season sees a significant change to the range with a host of new tints and color curves all built around one simple question: how to get the best out of the light that day?

Every lens offers complete UVA and UVB protection and is matched to the conditions it’s made for, from bright sunshine (Cat 3) through partly sunny and cloudy skies (Cat 2 and Cat 1) to Artificial Light for floodlit slopes, while the Clarity Photochromic lens adapts across Cat 1–3 as the day unfolds. Within each condition, skiers and snowboarders can choose how hard the lens needs to work, from Universal tints for all-around comfort to Intense and Highly Intense tints that push contrast further.

Warmth Without Bulk

A day on the mountain will rarely be at one stable temperature. There are also intense and active downhill runs which swiftly turn into cold chairlift rides, as well as the early starts, long pauses and falling into shadow. In these conditions it’s important that what you wear keeps up with whatever the mountain wants to do. This season’s broadened jacket range is designed for exactly that. The new Lite Padded Jacket and Lite Padded Vest pair a streamlined silhouette with Thermore® Evodown™ insulation to deliver warmth without bulk, working as a warming mid-layer while skiing or riding and as an outer layer for life between the lift rides.

When the weather really closes in, the new Loft Jacket comes into its own. An evolution of POC’s classic Race Loft Parka, the shorter Loft Jacket has been optimized to be the ultimate protection in bad weather, giving usable warmth for long days on the slopes while always allowing you to move freely. And at the foundation of it all are POC’s merino base layers, crafted from carefully selected merino blends that wick moisture, lock in warmth and keep body temperature steady as conditions shift.

Race Collection – When the Margin is Milliseconds

Racers need to trust their equipment completely, so nothing distracts from their choice of line and race focus, and this season the Race Collection gains new protection, backpacks and cut-resistant layers.

POC created the original, award-winning cut-resistant base layer for ski racers, and the new Layer Cut Resistant Tights are not only the next generation, but an evolution in protection. With a four-star rating in FIS CRG 2021, their all-over UHMWPE-based knit is engineered for maximum safety yet shaped for comfort and freedom of movement, so protection never costs the performance that ski racers need.

Modern ski racing is about technique and taking the fastest line, which often means through, rather than around, a gate. Developed with input from athletes, the new Shins and Forearms Race Guards fit precisely with a race suit and offer trusted protection with a refined geometry optimized for the way skiers race today.

The brand-new VPD Max Race Vest builds on POC’s renowned VPD material and technology and utilizes a thicker composition in the center of the back, reaching up to 30 mm at the spine before tapering outward to the thickness of the standard VPD Max backplate. This V-shaped profile enhances flexibility and allows the vest to sit closer to the body, creating a smoother, more stable fit. It is perfect for racers who need more protection and more flexibility.

And because race day starts long before the start gate, the robust, water-resistant Race Backpack, in 60L and 90L, keeps a full day’s gear protected, organized and easy to reach, with space for boots, helmet, goggles, lenses, warm gear, gloves so everything is well placed and packed.

POC SEASONAL COLORS

Products are available in a range of new colors, including Granite Grey, Rhos Red, Bronzite Brown Matt and Olivine Green.

AVAILABILITY:

POC’s new 26/27 winter season collection is available online and in-store now.

ABOUT POC

Born and based in Stockholm, Sweden, POC is a safety and performance pioneer on a global mission: protect lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one. Creating all types of protection for cycling and snow sports, POC uses research, scientific methods and rigorous testing in its pursuit of innovation.