SnowTrends ’16: What’s Hot This Winter

Fall temperatures might still a bit on the high side, but make no mistake – the 2016 ski season is about to pop off in a big way. And with it, there are plenty of hot new snowsports trends that will bring your slopes experience to the next level. Here are a few that we have our eyes on …

Activity Tracking for the Ski Set

Wearables with water resistant cases and advanced snow activity tracking features are changing how individuals are monitoring their rides. While there have been several recent snow-specific advances in the smart tech category — Apple, Casio, TomTom — no one is shaking up the scene quite like TURNER client Nixon.

The global watch and accessories brand released The Mission this month. Built as the world’s first ultra-rugged and custom action sports smartwatch, The Mission boasts a category first 10-ATM (100 meter) water resistance rating. The smartwatch also features a custom suite of applications, the namesake Mission app and Mission Pro features, powered by  Surfline and Snocountry, making live conditions information available at the glance of the wrist.

Additionally, the second application functions as a custom activity-tracking platform developed in partnership with  Trace (Trace device sold separately). Pairing this innovative software with an ultra-rugged, water-resistant design and standalone GPS allows individuals to enjoy The Mission’s technology and third party apps regardless of environment conditions. – Kimberly Rodgers

Street Style Hits The Slopes

A hot trend in skiwear right now is street-inspired style, made with top performance fabrics. These styles with more fashion-forward patterns and certain design features like fur and the right hardware on zippers bridge the gap between slope performance and street style. Customers gets a lot more bang for their buck, as these styles provide the performance they need on the mountain along with the style they want in town.

The “more street less slope” effect from wintersports brands is coming out of need. Brands need to extend their season from being winter only ski/snow outerwear to being Fall-then-Winter and frankly, even into spring. That is why another big trend we’re seeing is “shoulder season” items. Items that are cross-functional (i.e. lighter sweaters, hoodies, pullovers, jackets, etc.) and can be worn more throughout the year.  – Molly Early

Staying Fresh: Touch Up Spa and Grooming Treatments

How to keep fresh on the slopes? Long days of skiing and the harsh high-altitude climate can take a toll on skiers’ health and wellness. Enter the touch up spa experiences. Whether it’s a quick ski-in, ski-out foot massage or a full grooming makeover, these hotels have what you need to keep looking fresh.

• Aprés Blow-Out and Make-up Treatment at Waldorf Astoria Park City: Nothing is worse than getting off the slopes and going direct to the bar (hello, helmet hair!) to meet the rest of your group. This year, the Spa’s professional stylists will provide quick and convenient quick hair blow-outs and make-up applications to go from mountain to mingling in moments.
• Men’s Groomer Day Experience at Four Seasons Vail: This male specific spa offering is guaranteed to get men looking and feeling fresh and ready for a night out in Vail. The experience includes a day of grooming with treatments, a Bourbon-themed treatment and a Cut & Cold One haircut and shave in the Barbershop among other treatments. Following the spa, the guys hop into a Four Seasons Mercedes and are whisked away to a designer styling session at a store in Vail for new clothing for that evening, or a customized styling experience where men design their own clothing that is then sent off to Italy to be hand-made. Added bonus? The day also includes a tasting at either 10th Mountain Whiskey’s local distillery or Vail Brewery.
• Ski-in/Ski-Out Spa treatments at Viceroy Snowmass: Designed to re-invigorate and get you back out on the slopes as quickly as possible, these treatments include a hydrating hand and foot treatment and a warm foot bath for re-energizing feet for ski boots. Lunch from the spa menu and champagne cocktail are included!

Make Your Very Own Ski Epic

A backcountry ski adventure is one of the ultimate winter experiences. But it’s just a story you’ll tell friends back home without the proper documentation. And we’re not talking about iPhone snaps or shaky video grabs. This winter, Four Seasons Resort Vail has partnered with Paragon Guides to take guests up the mountain before the lifts start turning. Professional guides will take guests on a pre-sunrise ascent of Vail Pass followed by a gorgeous sunrise ski down, and culminating in a big (well-earned) breakfast back at Four Seasons. Best of all? A professional videographer will accompany each group to provide incredible video and photos to each guest. Warren Miller, move over. – Whitt Kelly