Archives: Press Releases

BOULDER, Colo. (October 10, 2023) – ORTOVOX, a leading provider of avalanche safety equipment and outdoor gear, is proud to announce its partnership with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). The collaboration aims to further the mission of avalanche education and safety within the Colorado backcountry community through its new Mobile Avalanche Education Trailer and continued support for the Trailhead Outreach Program.

The new CAIC Mobile Avalanche Education Trailer will travel to various outdoor events, trailheads and popular outdoor destinations throughout Colorado, providing valuable resources and educational opportunities to the community. It will serve as a hub for educational initiatives, featuring ORTOVOX avalanche equipment demonstrations, Safety Academy Guidebooks (SAG), and the innovative Safety Academy Mountain 3D technology (SAM3D). This partnership will enable CAIC to expand its outreach and deliver crucial avalanche safety information and training to a broader audience.

The partnership between ORTOVOX and CAIC is also a cornerstone of the Trailhead Outreach Program, designed to bring avalanche education and awareness to outdoor enthusiasts where they play. The collaboration has allowed CAIC to install more than 200 educational signs since 2020, as well as six beacon checker signs across the U.S. Forest Service’s Dillon Ranger District last winter. During Winter 2022/23 CAIC visited 150 trailheads and led over 4,000 conversations surrounding avalanche safety.

ORTOVOX has also donated gear for the fundraising endeavors of CAIC. The 11th Annual Ski Season Kick Off Party, put on by Bent Gate Mountaineering, is scheduled for Thursday, October 12th. This event will take place at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, Colorado, from 5–9 pm and will feature live music, food trucks, raffles, and a silent auction. Admission is free.

For more information, please contact Senior PR Account Manager Andrea Green at andrea.green@rygr.us.

About ORTOVOX: ORTOVOX is a four-season mountain brand headquartered in Germany known as an expert in avalanche rescue equipment and wool apparel designed specifically for ski touring, freeriding, mountaineering, alpine climbing and alpine touring. Since its founding in 1980, ORTOVOX has stood for a sophisticated approach to protection and comfort in the mountains, characterized by the responsible treatment of people and nature. As pioneers in avalanche rescue, ORTOVOX has played a key role in the development of emergency equipment and targeted training measures for mountain sports, with protection as the brand’s most important value. This protective ethos extends to include safe and fair working conditions for its employees, setting the highest standards of animal welfare on the brand’s Tasmanian merino farms and ensuring environmentally friendly manufacturing of its products. www.ortovox.com 

About Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC): The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is a program within the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Executive Director’s Office. The program is a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Transportation (CDOT), and the Friends of the CAIC (FoCAIC) a 501c3 group. The mission of the CAIC is to provide avalanche information, education and promote research for the protection of life, property and the enhancement of the state’s economy. https://avalanche.state.co.us/?

 

 

 

SEATTLE (Oct. 6, 2023) — Reflecting a brand heritage built on innovation and athlete-led design, Outdoor Research unveils its new Deviator Collection for Fall 2023, a seven-piece line that excels at stop-and-go activities in cold weather — times when warmth is critical for stopping but you also need the ability to shed heat and moisture on the go.

Created by pairing hybrid-materials construction with emerging fabric technologies and athlete feedback, the Deviator line includes tops, bottoms, gloves and mitts that offer high performance for everything from winter running to hiking, fat biking to nordic and backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing to alpinism.

“Our goal was to build a versatile collection for cool and cold temperatures that are the kinds of multi-purpose layers you reach for again and again on your way out the door,” said Charlie Berg, outerwear product manager for Outdoor Research.

Outside Magazine, which reviewed the Deviator Hoodie in its Fall 2023 Buyer’s Guide, said: “Bottom Line: The only jacket you’ll need for high-aerobic activities on 15-degree and warmer winter days.” The Deviator Hoodie also earned an Editors’ Choice Award this Fall from Backcountry Magazine.

The Deviator collection uses a range of new technology, including VerticalX Octa insulation in the hoodie, an open-structure insulator that’s 50 percent lighter than traditional polyester insulation, has an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio, is superb at wicking moisture, and is soft against the skin. The Deviator Pro Gloves use a new insulating technology called Y-Warm, a fabric that offers warmth similar or even superior to Aerogel, but — because it’s a fabric and flexes easily — can be integrated much more effectively into apparel.

Outdoor Research has been an originator in the “active insulation” category for nearly a decade with pieces like the Ascendant and Uberlayer jackets, and the Deviator collection moves the category forward yet again. The line includes:

Deviator Hoodie — The Deviator Hoodie is a chameleon that retains critical warmth yet breathes and sheds heat when on the move, thanks to VerticalX Octa insulation technology paired with hybrid-mapped fabrics. VerticalX Octa is more effective for active use because it doesn’t require an interior liner fabric and has an open structure, both of which allow it to breathe more effectively, and it pairs well with truly breathable exterior fabrics. It’s 50 percent lighter than traditional polyester insulation, has an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio, is superb at wicking moisture, and is soft against the skin. A bi-component synthetic insulation, VerticalX Octa is created by pairing an eight-sided, hollow-core polyester fiber in the center surrounded by a loftier polyester. The Deviator uses VerticalX Octa insulation inside the front-of-body panels, shoulders, sleeves and hood. A 20D stretch-woven softshell fabric on the front, shoulders, sleeves and hood provides weather resistance. On the back, side panels and under the arms, the Deviator uses a more breathable polyester/spandex grid fleece. All fabric and insulation materials are bluesign® approved. $229.

                                                         VERTICAL X OCTA INSULATION

Deviator Wind Pants — Pairing perfectly with the Deviator Hoodie for comfort during aerobic activities in cold conditions, the Deviator Wind Pants are tailor-made for activities like cold-weather running, hiking, fat biking, snowshoeing, or nordic skiing, balancing wind protection with breathability. The front of the legs and ankles use a knit fabric that integrates a wind-blocking membrane for weather protection. On the back of the legs, a polyester spandex fabric with a brushed knit interior provides stretch and breathability. $139.

Deviator Pro Gloves, Deviator Gloves/Mitts — The conundrum: lightweight gloves often aren’t warm and weather protective enough, but stepping up to something warmer comes at the expense of dexterity. The solution: the new Outdoor Research Deviator Pro and Deviator Gloves. The Deviator Glove program offers breathability and dexterity more akin to a lightweight glove, harnessing key technologies to add serious warmth. On the back of hand, X-Reflex technology, combines multiple layers of heat reflective material with synthetic insulation, a design that reflects heat from the wearer back into the glove while still allowing for breathability. X-Reflex specializes in warmth without bulk, and is paired with breathable stretch fabrics. The Deviator Pro uses another key technology called Y-Warm, offering warmth that’s similar or even superior to high-performing Aerogel, but — because it’s a fabric and flexes easily — can be integrated much more effectively in gloves. Critically, Y-warm is highly breathable, unlike Aerogel which doesn’t breathe at all, so it allows moisture to escape. The Deviator Pro Gloves use Y-Warm on the palms and palm side of the fingers. The Deviator uses goat leather overlays on the palm, while the warmer Pro version uses a full goat leather palm. Both are touchscreen compatible. The regular Deviator is also available in a mitt version. $119 and $69.

About Outdoor Research

Since 1981, Outdoor Research has created trusted apparel, accessories, and equipment for you to thrive outside. Our award-winning outdoor gear is meticulously researched and tested for outdoor enthusiasts and military users around the globe. Grounded in our values of curiosity, passion, innovation, collaboration, and community, we strive to create space for all in the outdoors. We celebrate wins outside at every level together with our ambassadors, non-profit partners, and employees. For more information, visit www.outdoorresearch.com.

 

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SALT LAKE CITY (October 5, 2023) — Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd., a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative, high performance outdoor equipment, apparel and footwear, proudly announces two strategic additions to its North American sales team. Desiree Lindemann joins as Director of Key Accounts, while Roger Strong takes on the role of Director of Specialty Sales. These appointments reflect Black Diamond’s commitment to elevating its North American sales efforts.

Desiree Lindemann brings a wealth of sales leadership experience from companies including Arc’Teryx, Marmot and most recently Seirus Innovation, where she served as Vice President of Sales. In her new role, Lindemann will focus on crafting tailored sales strategies for Black Diamond’s key North American partners.

Roger Strong, returning to Black Diamond from Waypoint Outdoor, where he managed regional sales for several prominent brands inclusing Helly Hansen, Arc’teryx, Keen, NEMO, BioLite, Vasque and Sunski, will now lead Black Diamond’s specialty retail efforts in North America. With prior experience as a Black Diamond sales representative, Strong brings a deep understanding of the brand’s heritage and mission.

Both Lindemann and Strong will report to Heath Christensen, Vice President of North American Sales at Black Diamond Equipment, who rejoined the company earlier this year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Desiree and Roger to the BD team,” states Christensen. “Their expertise and passion for the mountain sports we serve, make them ideal leaders to shape the future of the BD brand.”

Lindemann expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Black Diamond’s innovative products and rich climbing heritage resonate with partners and consumers alike. I look forward to bringing our brand vision to life.”

Strong, a seasoned climber and skier, shared his excitement saying, “Returning to Black Diamond is an honor. BD is North America’s most iconic climbing and backcountry ski company, and I’m eager to be part of our new brand momentum.”

Strong is the latest addition to a growing list of former Black Diamond employees who have returned to the brand in recent months. This includes Christensen, as well as Doug Heinrich, who assumed the role of Vice President of Product, Julie Hirsch as Business Unit Director for Apparel and Josh Dees as Vice President of Information Technology.

Lindemann and Strong’s shared passion for mountain sports further aligns them with Black Diamond’s mission to be one with the sports it serves.

Black Diamond Equipment is a manufacturer of equipment and clothing for climbing, skiing and mountain sports. By consistently building innovative, standard-setting products and actively preserving the mountain/canyon environment, Black Diamond Equipment has assumed a leadership role in the international outdoor community. For more information on Black Diamond Equipment, visit BlackDiamondEquipment.com

 

Expert-led education sessions offer strategic insight into the future of the outdoor business, highlighted by sustainability, consumer and market insights, and advocacy.   

BOULDER, CO (October 5, 2023) – A member-led collective and the outdoor industry’s catalyst for meaningful change, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced its diverse lineup of education sessions at the Outdoor Retailer Winter show, held at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah, November 14-16, 2023.

Featuring experts in their field, OIA education sessions are uniquely programmed to serve the outdoor industry as it drives business into the future, addressing critical topics like sustainable business practices, advocacy issues, and consumer and market trends. A source for trusted guidance, verified research and pragmatic approach, OIA’s education lineup ensures that outdoor businesses continue to thrive in an ever-changing economic, political, and social landscape.

“As we evolve the business of the outdoors into the future, our industry will continue to be met with a multitude of challenges,” said OIA President, Kent Ebersole. “The goal of the OIA education sessions at Outdoor Retailer is to identify the most important issues facing the industry, address them with expert research and intelligence, and supply our business community with guidance and the required skills and tools to confidently adapt and grow.”

One of the most pressing issues confronting the outdoor industry is the imperative to phase out PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, from the supply chain. Launched in July of 2023, OIA’s new industry-wide sustainability program, Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition, is a consulting service and working group designed to help member companies balance financial and product management risks with new and existing sustainability legislation. PFAS Phase-Out: The trail to sustainable product development will provide guidance on how to best approach PFAS compliance standards, led by OIA’s CCMC legislative advisor, James Pollack.

A $862 billion economic engine accounting for 2% of US GDP, the outdoor industry supports over 4.5 million American jobs. From climate, conservation, and equity in the outdoors to international trade, there is an urgent need for outdoor businesses to engage in advocacy to protect the future of outdoor recreation economy. OIA’s Director of Government Affairs, Rich Harper, will lead a robust conversation on the key issues facing our industry, why it is so important to participate in advocacy, and the tools businesses can use to engage policymakers at the state and federal level in Lobbying 101: The tools for effective advocacy for your outdoor business.

The definitive authority on outdoor participation trends, research, and data, OIA’s Research Director Kelly Davis will explore the state of the outdoor market and the latest trends in outdoor recreation participation in How to Adapt to the Evolving Outdoor Consumer. Davis will share valuable insight into economic conditions impacting the outdoor industry, consumer confidence and sentiment, trends in consumer spending, and a full view of the evolving and emerging outdoor participant base.

The Path Ahead: How the Emerging Outdoor Consumer and Sustainability Will Shape the Future of Our Industry will provide a deep dive on outdoor recreation participation and consumer behavior, delving into critical market issues such as demographic shifts and the influence of sustainability issues on outdoor recreation, consumer behavior, and the industry at large.

To view the complete lineup of educational opportunities at the Outdoor Retailer Winter show, please visit OIA’s website.

 

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 and climate positivity 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.

OGDEN, UTAH (October 5, 2023) — Ahead of the 2023-24 winter season, Salomon is introducing a new shift in its technical outerwear apparel designs with the launch of the S/LAB QST GTX Pro kit, Moon Patrol GTX kit and the Elixir line of insulated jackets. These outerwear items and Salomon’s entire collection of snow apparel are currently available for purchase at Salomon.com.

“Salomon has made a significant investment in the development of its snow apparel line this winter and the product truly speaks for itself,” shares North American alpine marketing manager, Joe Johnson. “We’re thrilled to finally offer a premium-level GORE-TEX kit, the S/LAB QST GTX Pro, and other products with cutting-edge, modern designs to better serve our community of skiers and riders.”

Salomon’s new premium snow kit, the S/LAB QST GTX Pro, is ideal for hunting deep powder on adventures into ungroomed, untracked zones. The kit includes the S/LAB QST GTX Pro Jacket and S/LAB QST GTX Pro Bib, developed and tested with athletes from Salomon’s freeride team.

The S/LAB QST GTX Pro Jacket (MSRP $700) and S/LAB QST GTX Pro Bib (MSRP $600) use a GORE-TEX Pro bonded membrane engineered for maximum durability and performance in the most severe conditions, while remaining water repellent, windproof and breathable. The Motion Fit™ patterning is built to follow every move through tough, technical terrain while remaining exceptionally lightweight. The jacket features bold, aggressive design lines and vibrant colors, along with a 3D adjustable hood. Technical jacket details include a fully seam-sealed design with a powder skirt, air vent system and cuff adjustments with strategic hand, chest, goggle and lift pass pockets. The bibs also feature fully seam-sealed details along with DWR treatment, size adjustments, suspenders, ski cut hem protection, a buttoned ankle adjustment, zipped side vents, plenty of storage, a beacon pocket and more.

“As our consumer evolves and snowsports continues to break barriers in the industry, Salomon has revamped our Snow Apparel to provide exciting new product that delivers on technical innovation, without sacrificing style,” says Alison Stayart, apparel and accessories director at Salomon North America.

Salomon’s Moon Patrol GTX Jacket and Bib make up Salomon’s progressive, edgy freeride shell kit with all the technical bells and whistles young skiers and snowboarders need to stay protected against winter conditions. The Moon Patrol GTX Jacket (MSRP $550) and Moon Patrol GTX Bib (MSRP $450) are engineered with three-layer GORE-TEX, offering maximum waterproof and windproof protection, while still delivering comfort and breathability. The  MotionFit 360° patterning is engineered to move fluidly with the body for maximum freedom of movement that makes it feel exceptionally light. The jacket uses a progressive design and colors with large, easy-access pockets and a hood with 3D adjustment for personalization. Technical bib features include a large easy-access chest pocket, fit adjustments, inner air vent system, three-quarter side zip opening and a zipped thigh pocket.

Also new for this winter is the Elixir series, a line of three ultra-light, ultra-warm hooded jackets that can be easily packed away for any adventure. The Elixir Hybrid Hooded Insulated Jacket, Elixir Micro Down Jacket and Elixir Ultra Down Parka utilize a new advanced HeiQ XReflex™ technology that reduces weight and bulk by 25% while maintaining the same level of warmth. The Elixir Hybrid Hooded Insulated Jacket (MSRP $250) is a great layer for touring with PrimaLoft® Cross Core™ insulation, while the Elixir Micro Down Jacket (MSRP $350) and Elixir Ultra Down Parka (MSRP $400) use fill power goose down for ultimate warmth.

“The Elixir Hybrid Hooded Insulated Jacket is my favorite insulated jacket I’ve ever worn,” says Salomon freeride athlete, Cody Townshend. “I need reliable, practical gear when I’m in the backcountry and this jacket is a must-have for me on any tour.”

The Elixir Hybrid Hooded Insulated Jacket features body mapped insulation technology designed for any winter adventure. The insulation locks in air where you need it most, making it ideal for layering up or down. The jacket is made from water-repellent stretch knit fabric that allows for freedom of movement without overheating, as well as moisture wicking technology.

These and more snow apparel pieces are currently available for purchase on Salomon.com and at select North American retailers. For more information, contact senior account manager Corinne Baud at corinne.baud@rygr.us.

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About Salomon: Born in the French Alps in 1947, Salomon creates premium footwear, apparel, gear and winter sports equipment that is superior in function, radical in design and obsessive in style. At the Annecy Design Center, engineers, designers and athletes collaborate to write the future of sports by creating products that transform outside sports experiences and enable a deeper connection with nature, allowing people to unleash the best version of themselves so that they might positively impact the world.

 

 

Bentonville/Bella Vista, Ark., (Oct. 5, 2023) – Olympic mountain bike champion, Tom Pidcock, and multi-time national champion, Savilia Blunk, will headline the elite fields at Life Time Little Sugar MTB on Sunday, Oct. 15. The world’s top mountain bike racers, many of whom are contenders in the Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda, make up the impressive fields.

Pidcock made the journey to North America to complete the last two races in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup series after competing in the Tour de France and winning the UCI XCO World Championships earlier this year. He will be joined at Little Sugar MTB by Ineos Grenadiers teammate, Cameron Wurf. It’s fitting that Pidcock returns to Northwest Arkansas, as he won the UCI Cyclocross World Championships in 2022 when they were hosted in Fayetteville.

Blunk is a multi-time US national champion who focuses on World Cup XCO racing for most of the season, racing to a career-best 4th place finish in the Snowshoe, West Virginia, World Cup recently. In 2022, Blunk won the Life Time Chequamegon MTB Festival presented by Trek and placed 10th at Life Time Big Sugar Gravel presented by Mazda.

The men’s elite field will also feature Leadville Trail 100 MTB record-holder, Keegan Swenson, Cape Epic winner, Matt Beers, marathon MTB national champion, Cole Paton, Big Sugar Gravel winner, Russell Finsterwald, Canadian marathon MTB national champ, Andrew L’Esperance, and former marathon MTB national champion, Payson McElveen.

In the elite women’s field, Blunk will be joined by marathon MTB national champion, Alexis Skarda, Leadville Trail 100 MTB winner, Sofia Gomez Villafane, marathon World Cup winner, Hannah Otto, and Canadian marathon MTB national champion, Haley Smith.

View the full elite women’s and men’s start lists here

Racers will tackle 100 kilometers (approximately 61.5 miles) with around 7,000 feet of elevation gain as they race through grinding climbs, rolling descents, rough and rocky limestone, and views of caves, waterfalls and iconic ledges on the trails of Bella Vista. The courses use a point-to-point format, starting at the Homestead in Coler MTB Preserve and finishing in Bentonville Downtown at the Square. Additionally, the event offers a 50k race with approximately 3,700 feet of elevation gain, along with a 20k race with approximately 1,250 feet of elevation gain for athletes who don’t want to bike off more sugar than they can chew.

Life Time and OZ Brands are offering a $65,000 prize purse to be equally split between the top five men and top five women finishers, as follows:

• 1st Place: $12,000
• 2nd Place: $8,500
• 3rd Place: $6,000
• 4th Place: $4,000
• 5th Place: $2,000

The Life Time Little Sugar MTB race will kick off the Life Time Big Sugar Classic week, which will culminate with the Life Time Big Sugar Gravel presented by Mazda in Bentonville, Ark. on Oct. 21. The final off-road cycling event of the year is the Stages Cycling Austin Rattler MTB on Nov. 4.

While the Life Time Little Sugar MTB has sold out, spaces remain available through the Life Time Foundation. For more information, please visit leadvilleraceseries.com/little-sugar-mtb. To view all Life Time athletic events, visit my.lifetime.life/athletic-events.

About Life Time

Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of 170 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The Company’s healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all aspects of healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more than 35,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events and comprehensive digital platform.

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BOULDER, Colo. (Oct. 4, 2023) – Earning accolades from testers for Outside, SKI and Backcountry magazines, SCARPA, maker of high-performance footwear for mountain sports, is releasing a completely re-tooled Maestrale and Gea alpine-touring ski boot collection for Fall 2023/24. The new models continue the category leadership of what have become the best-selling AT boots in the world, offering high-performance for both the climb up and the ski down, paired with sustainably sourced plant-based construction.

In addition — in the lightweight ski-touring category — SCARPA is also releasing the new F1 XT in North America, a boot that provides astoundingly powerful downhill performance given its feathery weight.

Of the fully redesigned Maestrale RS, Outside and SKI testers called out that they were “impressed by its versatility as a do-it-all AT tool.” As for the F1 XT, the same testers said it “blew our minds with both its blissful walking abilities and its capacity to drive any ski we threw at it.”

The Maestrale RS and F1 XT — along with the SCARPA Quattro XT, a more freeride-oriented AT boot introduced in Fall 2022 — also earned Backcountry Magazine’s 2023-24 Editors’ Choice Award.

Backcountry Magazine’s editors said the updated Maestrale RS (women’s version is the Gea RS) is “the ultimate do-everything AT boot.” The called the F1 XT made for “efficient travel without having to sacrifice downhill performance.” The Quattro XT, meanwhile, offers “a perfect blend of downhill performance with overall lighter weight and a solid walk mode.”

Fully redesigned for Fall 2023, the SCARPA Maestrale and women’s Gea alpine-touring boots offer more power for downhill skiing while simultaneously improving fit and features across the board. Long considered best-in-class AT ski boots, the Maestrale and Gea have stayed ahead of the pack thanks to ongoing evolutions to continually optimize their uncompromising performance for both climbing uphill and skiing down. For Fall 2023, new innovations include Carbon Core inserts in the upper cuff of the RS versions, which already offer SCARPA’s innovative Carbon Core construction in the lower shell. Carbon Core construction uses U-shaped carbon inserts co-molded into the shells that surround the lower foot and the upper ankle. This design optimizes torsional stiffness, directing power to the skis while still allowing for the progressive forward flex that’s so important to the movements in skiing. Third-party testing validates that SCARPA’s Carbon Core design results in less sidewall boot deformation than competitors, instead translating that power to the ski edge and facilitating the ability to drive wider skis. The regular Maestrale and Gea now also have a Carbon Core insert in the lower shell, while shedding 60 grams per boot (size 27). Other improvements on the Fall 2023 new models include:

• More precise fit. Compared to their predecessors, the new Maestrale and Gea are slightly wider in the forefoot at 102mm, slightly narrower in the back part of the boot, and feature reduced volume in the instep. This evolved shape provides a more precise fit for the majority of skiers’ feet.
• Lower stand height, putting skiers’ feet closer to their skis and to the ground for improved skiing precision.
• Improved lower boot construction thanks to SCARPA’s Alpine Axial Hybrid construction. This design employs a boot tongue that is fixed on the medial side of the lower boot shell but floats over the other for excellent volume control, providing the power of an alpine boot in a much lighter-weight design. A new floating strap increases closing force over the instep.
• An extra layer of insulation underfoot for added warmth.
• First to market with Vibram’s new Traction Lug Technology, which features 25 percent better traction and increased surface area compared to the previous sole.
• A new Wave Lite closure system on the lower boot shell, which is lighter and more adjustable, and provides better adjustment for a wider range of foot shapes.
• An integrated, more powerful Booster strap on the stiffer RS models.
• An updated Heel Retention Strap design that is field-replaceable.
• A wider, beefier Speed LTM ski/walk mechanism that doesn’t increase weight and has 61 degrees of cuff range (16 degrees forward lean +/- 2 degrees).
• Updated Intuition thermoformable liners provide the warmest, most durable inner boot option on the market.

SCARPA also continues to build these market-leading boots using plant-based plastics, helping reduce its carbon footprint. The Maestrale and women’s Gea come in four models: Maestrale RS, 125 flex, 1460 grams (27); Gea RS, 120 flex, 1300 grams (25);  Maestrale, 110 flex, 1380 grams (27); Gea, 100 flex, 1220 grams (25). $949 and $849.

In the ultralight AT-boot category, the 1145-gram F1 XT offers the ultimate combination of touring efficiency and downhill performance, Ideal for multiple-lap days, long ski traverses or steep couloir skiing. The 95-flex boot uses a Carbon Grilamid LFT cuff paired with a Cam Buckle Power Strap for power transmission. Underneath the buckles, SCARPA’s Overlap Shield Tech gaiter allows easy entry and excellent protection from the elements. On the lower boot, a Grilamid Fiberglass shell features a full-length Lambda Frame for torsional rigidity and power to the skis without excess weight. The buckle on the lower shell engages SCARPA’s Wave Lite Closure system for a secure uniform fit over the entire instep without pressure points. The Speed Light LT ski/walk mechanism is time-tested and provides an exceptional 72 degrees range of motion in walk mode. Inside, the Intuition liner is thermoformable and guarantees a warm, precise, comfortable fit. $899.

About SCARPA and SCARPA North America 

Founded in 1938, SCARPA builds performance footwear for climbing, hiking, skiing, mountaineering, trail running and other outdoor pursuits from its headquarters in Asolo, Italy. SCARPA has been owned and operated by the Parisotto family since 1956. In 2005, SCARPA opened its North American headquarters in Boulder, Colo., staffed and directed by veterans of the North American outdoor industry, to oversee sales, marketing and distribution in the U.S., Canada and South America. For more information about SCARPA footwear, visit www.scarpa.com.

 

STOCKHOLM, Sweden. (Oct. 4, 2023) – RECCO, manufacturer of rescue technology that makes backcountry travelers more searchable, has partnered with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) to support the institute’s Women’s Mentorship Program. The partnership will enhance AIARE instructor and student awareness of RECCO technology and how to incorporate the technology into safety planning for backcountry travel.

AIARE’s Women’s Mentorship Program, now in its third season, is a three-pronged community-focused program that aims to support women in avalanche education with opportunities and resources in order to grow and sustain careers. Women currently make up just 20% of AIARE instructors, and the organization’s mentorship program aims to increase representation and mentorship in a heavily male-dominated industry.

As supporting partner of the Women’s Mentorship Program, RECCO instructors will participate in a webinar for AIARE instructors, educating them on the RECCO system, which is made up of a Detector and a Rescue Reflector. Reflectors will also be sold in the AIARE online store.

“In order to stay as safe as possible in the backcountry, we want to educate our students about all tools that make them searchable in an emergency situation, both to their companions and professional rescue teams,” said AIARE Executive Director Vickie Hormuth. “Our partnership with RECCO helps to further our mission of saving lives through avalanche education.”

RECCO is well-known worldwide as an advanced technology that can help locate people in the case of avalanche burials. With the introduction of the brand’s helicopter-mounted detector in 2015, the RECCO system has grown into a tool to assist in four-season rescue operations to locate a range of outdoor users such as hikers, bikers, and runners.

“We’re excited to not only be able to support AIARE’s impressive ongoing avalanche education efforts, but specifically to support a program that helps get more women educators out in the field,” said Julia Granhed, head of marketing for RECCO.

The RECCO system is used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries, including by top resorts and rescue organizations in the United States and Canada. Its reflectors are embedded into products from more than 150 outdoor gear brands such as Helly Hansen, POC, Patagonia, Black Diamond, and Arc’teryx.

About RECCO

RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com.