Arriving at Munich at 9:30 am, paying for parking lot 8 euro and with full of enthusiasm and energy entering the first pavilions. From the North entrance we had to pass through the pavilion of CHINA,'' which offers you all the goods which can be afterwards found in further pavilions, but under different brands”, if you know what I mean. This year ISPO showed us many new brands, especially clothes and skies. SNB retreat was obvious. Most of the SNB producers gradually putting it their portfolio skis. If you wanted to see all the kiosks at Ispo, you would need at least a week. Therefore, we focused on the latest individual brands.

Pieps introduced a whole new beacon, called “Vector”. It has 4th pull out antenna that increases the reach of the signal up to 80m. This range is increased by GPS functions which as the only producer of the beacons offer. The search mode can be switched between a direct path (vector triangulation) to the victim or thru ellipses. Full synchronizing with PC, via USB is obviosity. Coordinates:  for emergency calls. GPS-map: for precise overview of the searched areas. The first beacon: with researchable batteries.  The smart transmitter: to be found faster with IPROBE support and automatic switching of transmitting antennas.

Arva has improved its software, especially in multiple burials and together with Ortovox expanded their range of backpacks. Ortovox is moving further and goes into clothing and other accessories.

Snowpulse, which was introduced us by Lubos comes with another new system. It is triggered and inflated just behind neck, not around shoulders. It is a system with a bag, valve and a rod that can be theoretically install into any backpack. At this moment a direct support for this system offers Mammut. The change also occurred in the valve rod. Of course there is an extension of existing systems, which we know from last season. ABS extends its range into all sizes and colors. Each base unit can be combined with other producers of backpack such as Quiksilver, Millet, Arva, Rossignoll etc. We also had an opportunity to test the avalanche backpacks from the only producer in U.S. called Backcountry Access B.C.A., which stands out especially for its weight and can be purchased this year in Europe.

We have to say that the product which would mean a revolution in our world of freeskiing, have not been seen. Experiments in ski shapes such as spoon-shape (see photo), or a new type of trackers are not definitely a big revolution.

I was surprised with the number of new brands, both in terms of skis, and especially clothing. There were a really lot of them and describing all these changes for each brand is unrealistic. I would like to mention a few new things that stuck in my memory. One of them is GoPro HD in 3D. What they did is just putting these two cameras together. That are mounted next to each other in a combined case and attached to the helmet. This is a classic high-definition camera in the shape we know today. However, you have to be forceful in your neck muscles. It can be quite hard work to bear it on the helmet. Other news that I noticed is in Oakley. Have a SKI /SNB Airbrake model of goggles, which are very similar to Splice model. Dakine produce backpacks with FWT logo which seems to be a successful business. CoreUpt showed new non-traditional shapes mainly in the ski tips and feet. 4FRNT brand showed new types of skis with a limited edition dedicated to the memory CR Johnson. Technica demonstrated a new system in their ski boots. It’s basically an air system which works on inflating an airbag around the ankles so the feet is perfectly sealed. So these are the innovations that stuck in my memory. Many more can be seen in the photo gallery, which is really comprehensive.

Finally, I´d like to mention special events where you can spend all day. Such as jumps into the inflatable mattress, slack line, shows, the opportunity to try new products and ultimately meet freeskiing stars, Kay Zakrikson, which we managed to catch and many others. The photo is the evidence :-).

GALLERY: 1st part HERE

GALLERY: 2 st part HERE

Text: Martodejv