Research Summary

RESEARCH SUMMARY

Market Research

Characteristics of a 'backcountry ski'

- Built with lighter woods and composites

- May have a squared-off tail and/or rivets for climbing skin attachment

- Directional flex

- Designed for those who care as much about the uphill as they do the down

- Essentially all people want is a lightweight ski, that can rip downhill

Why there is a rising demand for backcountry equipment

With the evolution of gear allowing for more entry level skiing, and monetization/popularity of skiing rising so much, it has become an increasingly different experience to go skiing at a resort. In addition, due to climate change, resorts are getting less snow every year, resulting in early closures etc.

There used to be a sense of disconnection from society when you went skiing, even with the lifts. There were no cell phones on the slopes, no go pros attached to people heads. There was just you, the mountains, and like minded people. The upside of all this new technology and popularity is; now you can rendezvous with friends, check the snow report immediately, and share your experiences with social media right as it's happening.

The downside to this is that the connection with you and nature is lost. That feeling of just you and the mountain is increasingly hard to find now a days skiing at a resort. There are far too many other, societal distractions.

For these reasons, skiers are transitioning, and there is a noticeable, rising demand for backcountry gear in the industry right now.

Competitor Analysis

DPS Skis

When buying touring skis/researching what you want to ride in the backcountry, many sites will point you in the direction of a variety DPS skis. They have created a very successful niche for themselves in the industry; making the most advanced skis. They are known for their extremely lightweight, revolutionary and high-tech touring designs. But they are also known to be extremely overpriced, and many people do not like the way DPS rides in variable conditions – a feeling of the skis being to 'weak' and chattery at high speeds is a common discussion among avid backcountry skiers. 

Simply put, DPS skis are not for everyone. They are for those who can afford it and maybe want to show off. They are for the skier who likes a lightweight ski for putting in miles on the ascent. They are for the older demographic who enjoys simple powder turns. They are not for people who want to charge at high speeds in variable conditions. They are not for people who want to hold an edge, make quick turns and take air and high impacts.

https://rootsrated.com/stories/how-skiing-has-changed-over-the-years

https://www.powder.com/stories/climate-change/climate-change-study-2090/

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-42110566

https://futuretravel.today/the-changing-face-of-the-us-ski-industry-and-what-it-means-for-skiers-and-boarders-a4a42977093f

https://www.onthesnow.com/news/a/588553/skiing-changed-significantly-have-you

https://www.outsideonline.com/2246196/best-backcountry-skis-and-bindings-2018
https://backcountrymagazine.com/gear/2018-editors-choice-awards-mountain-skis/
https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-backcountry-skis
https://www.skimag.com/gear/gear-guide-2018-backcountry-ski-reviews#gid=ci021497ef0000245d&pid=1718_backcountryski_g3_roamr100elle_promo