Skiing's Hot Gear: SIA 2014

Volkl goes bigger with a 136-mm waist width. Optimistic? Maybe.

Atomic joins the custom fit fray with memory fit, incorporated into the Hawx line. Molds cuff, shell, and liner to your foot in 12 minutes, they say. Hawx 2.0 also features a customizable flex from 110-130.

Dalbello adds a 110 flex to its Lupo line. More humane, more affordable, more accessible for people who don’t ski like Sean Pettit.

The all-new Cham 117 is an important, lighter weight addition to the award-winning Cham freeride series.

Fischer expands its successful Vacuum Fit technology to touring boots, so this could make for all-day comfort in the backcountry.

The new Bentchetler boasts horizontal rocker—edges rolled up from the snow to create more surface area to surf the deep.

Women-specific leather freeride gloves and mittens. What more could you want?

At 4.6 pounds, it’s among the lightest airbag packs on the market. And, with the inflation system located ergonomically at the bottom, it’s the most comfortable. Inflates with two cartridges—CO2 and argon.

A resort jacket that can handle out-of-bounds detours with HH’s ventilating H2Flow technology and body mapping insulation.

The new Mantra offers an even wider range of performance, thanks to a new sidecut shape with early taper in the tip, combined with full rocker. Even with a new width of 100 mm under foot, the new Mantra promises to perform well on firm snow, with improved performance in powder and variable snow, thanks to the early taper tip shape and full rocker design.

Double dose of technology with Marmot’s Nanopro for waterproof/breathable properties and Polartec’s Alpha insulation.

The popular helmet now has Beats by Dre headphones built in. Great jams, and great protection.

Freeriders use shorter ski poles. Which suck for touring or on the long skate back in bounds. Scott’s new poles have a button on the top that extend the shaft 10 cm. (Yes, we said “shaft.”)

Black Diamond completely reimagined the avalanche airbag pack with the Jetforce. Instead of compressed gas, it uses a high-powered fan to propel ambient air into the bag. It will stay inflated with up to a seven-inch tear in the bag, and runs on a rechargeable battery that’s easy to travel with and easy to test. This is disruptive technology in an incredibly important category. The Jetforce is one of the most exciting new products of 2014.

The Balfour is the first 3L Gore-Tex Pro Shell jacket to feature patterned fabric. Its camo-print sleeves bring youthful style to the high-performance shell category. It’s hard to believe it took this long for a company to explore this idea. And as the Millennial generation supplants Baby Boomers as the largest snowsports demographic we expect to see more of this trend. Super techie, a little flashy: What’s not to like?

The new Stash Lite is all about versatility. Driving to the hill, skinning up it, holding a cold Pabst, the glove offers a sweet weight-to-warmth ratio. It’s touch-screen friendly, and the rip-stop glove stuffs into a built-in pocket half the size of a Twinkee for easy stashing.

Along with featuring TNF’s 3-layer HyVent Alpha waterproof technology, the Brigadine sports a new durable weaving process called FuseForm.

Developed by Aspen, Colo., locals, this minimalist shell is waterproof/breathable and features Polartec’s Neoshell for high heart-rate junkies.

The brand’s first-ever ski-specific base, using a blend of several different fabrics.

Flylow hit it big with its Tough Guy work gloves. Step two was the Ridge, a full-leather natural version of the popular product. Step three is this year’s expansion into the world of cool colors. Great example of smart product extension by Flylow.

Imagine a tech binding with a toe that releases like an alpine binding. Oh wait, that’s what Fritschi did, and it looks rad. It could become a pretty big contender in the touring market.

A portable wireless speaker has become standard gear for skiers on the road. Skullcandy’s Air Raid hits the trifecta for wireless speakers: small size, serious sound (great bass) and rugged durability (it’s water resistant). Power is rechargeable and plug-in. Air Raid’s tagline is “party-in-a-box.” That’ll do.

BE Headwear is introducing an audio-enabled beanie. Powered by two small bluetooth speakers and controlled via panel stitched over the ear, the beanie can provide fresh tunes day and night.

Boasting a suite of features, including a side panel LCD screen, remote applications from both iOS and Android, and easy sharing online, the Adixxion is set to capture your best moments on the slopes.

The ICEDOT sensor works with your cell phone to relay geographic and medical information in the event of a crash. The three way accelerometer and gyroscope housed inside the yellow casing triggers an alarm when large impacts occur, and can send out SMS messages to both family and friends. The wristband can also be linked to the same account, and relay additional personal information to first responders.

Just try to say it three times fast, but the super-light Slingsbytind Down Jacket is windproof and water repellent thanks to techy Pertex shield.