#1: New Smart Skis Introduced by Rossignol and PIQ Sport Intelligence:

---

If you caught our OR recap article earlier this week, then you already know that it's the trade show time of year. What you may not realize is that not only have SIA and OR just happened here in America, but another trade show called ISPO just happened in Germany. While the breadth of ISPO is a bit wider than OR or SIA, it's also a huge part of both the European and global ski industry. That's probably why Rossignol and PIQ Sport Intelligence decided to use this week's event to unveil their latest collaboration: a smart ski with built in tracking technology. But what does that even mean? Well, you have, or have at least heard of, those tracking apps that give you stats like how many runs you took, how fast you're going, elevation changes, or turns made, right? Well, this is basically that, but way more advanced (it can tell you stats like turn angle and G-forces) and built right into your skis. Not only that, but the skis also use an LED monitor to give you information in real time, eliminating the need to fumble around checking your phone on the chairlift. Sounds pretty cool right? The only thing that's unfortunate about it is that the ski is still just a prototype with no official release date. Still, it's exciting to see the emergence of smart ski technology.

#2: Patagonia Pulls Out of Outdoor Retailer Trade Show:

---

Speaking of trade shows and OR, Patagonia made headlines earlier this week then they decided to pull out of the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City, UT. The reason is about what you'd expect from a brand that's constantly pushing environmental stewardship: they're protesting Utah Governor Gary Herbert's decision to sign a resolution that voices support for Trump's rescindment of Utah's Bears Ears National Monument as a National Park, a designation made by Obama. In the eyes of Patagonia this decision isn't a direct shot at Donald Trump, but rather at Utah's government, saying, "Utah elected officials do not support public lands conservation nor do they value the economic benefits – $12 billion in consumer spending and 122,000 jobs – that the outdoor recreation industry brings to their state."

So how does the OR Show fit into all of this? It kind of feels like they're getting caught in the cross fire a bit right? Well, as it turns out, they too are offended by Utah's government and are actively seeking other cities for their event starting as soon as November 2018. It'll be interesting to see how this all shakes out, but it's hard to deny Utah's uncomfortable relationship with the outdoor industry at present.

#3: Significant Storm Forces Jackson Hole Closure:

---

Here's an update from out West: the snowy winter continues, especially in Jackson Hole where a recent storm has pushed their snow totals to over 400", roughly as much as it saw all of last season. Unfortunately though, this particular storm also came with heavy winds, resulting in significant damage as numerous electric poles were toppled, creating road blockages and power outages. The damage was so bad in fact, that Jackson Hole Resort has been closed since Wednesday, February 8th, with closures planned through the weekend. If that plan remains in place, it will be the longest forced closure that the resort has experienced since opening in 1964. While having to close the resort for nearly a week is surely a bummer, there's also a silver lining. As Jackson Hole's marketing department reminds us: when the resort does open again, skiers will be in for some amazing conditions. Hang tight all you Jackson skiers, a powder paradise is just days away!

#4: Snowboarder Rescued from Kicking Horse Side Country After 6 Day Ordeal:

---

Finally, we'll round out the week with a classic cautionary tale about getting lost in the backcountry. Earlier this week, a Quebec man was rescued from the side country of Kicking Horse in British Columbia after spending six nights in the elements. The story starts how you'd expect: a man ducks a rope to chase some fresh powder, presumably after seeing other tracks heading off in that direction. Unfortunately, this was not the decision to make as this particular bit of side country quickly became steep terrain that lead the man down a valley to a riverbed. It was here that he realized he'd separated himself from the resort and attempted to climb back up to where he'd started. That task proved to be too difficult and as night fell the man descended back to the river that he hoped would lead him back to civilization. For the next 6 days and 6 nights, the lost snowboarder continued to follow the riverbed, ultimately traveling about 8 km from the resort. Finally, on the sixth day, rescuers who had noticed that his car was still in the parking lot took to the air and were able to locate the man via helicopter. He was promptly rescued and treated for severe frostbite. The moral of the story? You've probably heard it before, but we'll say it again: don't follow tracks without knowing the terrain, know what you're getting into, and if you're planning to check out the side country at a new resort, always have emergency supplies with you.

#5: And Now, Your Edit of the Week:

---

Bonus Clip - An Aerial of Jackson Hole Post Storm:

---

Double Bonus Clip - Bode Miller Speaks

---

Triple Bonus Clip - How Much Would This Suck?

---

---

Written by Matt McGinnis on 2/10/17