The Cutting Edge: Emerging Trends & New Products in Snowsports Gear

In this episode of Gear 30, host Jonathan Ellsworth convenes a dynamic panel at the Blister Summit in Snowbird, featuring industry leaders Hoji (ZipFit), Jeff Colt (ZipFit), Shane Chappell (Burton), and Will Ritter (Spark R&D) to explore emerging trends in snowsports gear. The conversation begins with a candid discussion on inclusivity and culture in outdoor sports, highlighting the persistent issue of exclusionary behavior toward women and the importance of allyship, while celebrating brands and individuals actively fostering equity. The core of the episode then shifts to innovation, with key trends including the rapid evolution of quick-entry snowboard bindings—now a collaborative standard across Burton, Nitro, and Union—alongside advancements in boot technology like Boa systems and alternative closure mechanisms. The panel also discusses the resurgence of splitboarding post-pandemic, the push for standardization in skin attachment systems, and the growing focus on user-centric design, such as customizable inner boots and rethinking ski boot geometry. Cross-pollination between disciplines is a recurring theme, exemplified by collaborations between ski and snowboard brands, and the emergence of region-specific gear like Burton’s Family Tree boards. The episode closes with a forward-looking vision: a future where innovation is driven by collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared mission to improve the experience for all users.