SIA.04 SnowSports Show Update — Tele Debate
New to SIA this year is the Tele/Backcountry World section (Booth A1455), similar in format to the traditional Nordic Village, dedicated to what SIA states is the "re-emergence" of the telemark and backcountry scene.
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Tele/Backcountry World
New to SIA this year is the Tele/Backcountry World section (Booth A1455), similar in format to the traditional Nordic Village, dedicated to what SIA states is the “re-emergence” of the telemark and backcountry scene. Never mind that most of us who’ve been carving turns on Tele skis for decades wonder where SIA has been to suddenly dub this a “re-emergence,” but regardless, we’re happy to see the focus finally at SIA on a category that has been relatively strong in the outdoor market for quite some time. And SIA has lined up a powerhouse list of exhibiting sponsors as well: AK Skis, Alpina, Atomic, Erik Sports, Fera Intl Corp., Fischer Skis, Goode Ski Technologies, K2, Karhu, Leki, Lowa, Mountain Hardwear, Rossignol, Volkl and DaKine.
Of course, what really turned our head is not the exhibit, though that is cool. No, what we’re penning into our calendars are two events that will be held in the Tele/Backcountry World booth, sponsored by Backcountry Magazine and Couloir (which also publishes Telemark Skier Magazine) that promise nifty entertainment and, as important, good brew to quaff.
The Great Debate — This could be hugely entertaining, or hugely disappointing, but with the personalities of both Mike Hattrup of K2 and Craig Dostie of Couloir going head-to-head, we’re betting the former. Hattrup and Dostie have agreed to out on the verbal boxing gloves to engage in intellectual combat debating the future of Telemark skiing. Hattrup believes that what will drive the market will be the development of boots, but Dostie insists it’s simply the bindings. They can’t both be right, can they? The spit will be flying we’re certain. Grab a brew and saddle up Jan. 27, Tuesday, at 5 p.m.
Preview Backcountry Magazine TV’s “Chamonix: The Cradle of Alpinism,” Jan. 28, Wednesday, at 4:30 p.m. The documentary-like show highlights the history of mountaineering on the Mont Blanc Massif, and goes on to explore why Chamonix remains at the center of the alpine world.
