New connections forged, knowledge shared, and orders organised, Slide & OTS Winter 2024 proved to be fruitful week for all in attendance. Big thanks go out to our new organisers, MCS, for taking the reigns and running their first show without a glitch.
Highlights from the week included a well attended post-show drinks mixer on the Tuesday and the Sustainability Breakfast first thing on the Wednesday morning. As we munched through bacon sandwiches, attendees enjoyed three thorough sessions full of information on how why, where and how their businesses can become more environmentally friendly.
The Slide & OTS Winter Awards were announced at the AGM on the Wednesday night recognising exhibiting brands for technical innovation and excellence. This year, there were seven different categories including: Accessories, Outdoor Clothing, Outdoor Hardware, Snowsport Clothing, and Snowsport Hardware. There was also a ‘Fresh Brand’ category, open to first-time exhibitors and/or brands at the show, and an ‘Eco Award’ for brands that showed environmentally friendly credentials, which was judged by Protect Our Winters UK (POW UK).
The award entries were on display at the show and were independently voted by retailers and the media. Check out the winners below:
Accessories (Joint Winners)
Boot Bib, No More Boots
Protect your liner, get into your boots with ease. The Boot Bib is a simple cost-effective solution to a problem many skiers face. We love this lightweight and fully recyclable bit of kit that helps you slide into and out of your boots. Easy to pack and made with recycled PP (10-30%), it’s something simple to make life much easier whether you’re a World Cup racer or a holiday skier.
Launcher Goggle, Julbo
This multi-tasking hero won the award for its ability to adapt to all conditions. Fitted with the only lenses in the world that instantly adapt to all weather conditions, from UV category 0 to4, the Launcher goggle makes a turbulent day on the mountain that bit easier. The SUPERFLOW PRO system keeps performance fog-free and is easy to open and close with a simple flick of your glove-covered finger.
Eco Award
100L Wheeled Black Hole Duffle, Patagonia
Built with an industry-first recycled TPU which saves ~36kg of waste per 1km of material, theBlack Hole Duffle continues to offer durable gear carriage in an even more environmentally friendly package. It comes with replacement axles integrated into the bag lining with a QR code to DIY repair instructions. The latest redesign also enables Patagonia repair centres to fix the body of bag within 30 minutes and the collapsible construction halves the shipping and storage footprint against older models.
Fresh Brand
Winter Snow Sport Leggings, Imbrace Snow
Ski all day with more confidence and less fatigue. These high-performance ski base layers are designed in collaboration with Chemmy Allcott. Cleverly engineered with knee support panels, they offer the support of a mid-level compression knee brace without compromising comfort or flexibility. Built with77% recycled fabric, they have a high waist band for lower back protection and core boost straps to help you engage your abdominal muscles for added stability. A potential game-changer for those with sore and unstable knees.
Outdoor Clothing
Cirrus Ultra Hoody, Rab
The new Cirrus Ultra Hoody takes synthetic insulation to the next level.Utilising Primaloft Thermoplume+, the 100% recycled material mimics down's lifting properties, while expertly dealing with damp and cold conditions.Coupled with Rab's heat-reflective Thermo Ionic Liner Technology (TILT), theCirrus Ultra Hoody is an extremely warm layer without added weight or bulk.Ideal for layering under a shell on deep winter days.
Outdoor Hardware (Joint Winners)
Downburst 36 Pack, Osprey
Excelling in rain or shine, Osprey's innovative Downburst packs are convenient, comfortable, and fully featured waterproof packs. Theyare built with modern hiking pack features like an adjustable ventilated harness and pocketed padded hipbelt, 100% recycled bluesign® fabrics and IPX5waterproofing. Downburst is available in Men’s and Women’s fit.
LYNX ModularCrampons, Petzl
These super versatile modular crampons are designed for ice-climbing, technical mountaineering, and mixed climbing. The new LYNX still offer modular front points (long or short mono-point, dual-point, or asymmetrical dual-point) but are now fully integrated into Alpen Adapt, switch bindings, toe sections or heel sections to suit your boots or the conditions.
Snowsports Clothing
Khroma Converge Jacket, Rab
The new Khroma Converge jacket provides comfort and protection wherever you're making tracks. Built with a 3-layer GORE-TEX with the PFC-free ePE membrane and warm backer technology, it offers weather protection and warmth in a lower impact package. This versatile, all-mountain ski jacket also has ample pocket space and pit zips for dumping heat.
Snowsports Hardware
Haute Route Helmet, Mammut
The Haute Route is a triple-certified ski helmet which meets the standards for skiing, mountaineering/climbing and cycling, making it ideal for today's multi-sport adventurer. Lightweight at 375g, it’s highly ventilated with internal air channels and large vents. The partial hardshell provides durability and the EPS foam is made from recycled materials