Winter Sports Gear Trends Coming in 2017

The year 2017 is right around the corner and it’s time to start looking for new gear. And with manufacturers having been hard at work thinking about ways to enhance the winter sport experience, the latest ski and snowboard wear just gets better, sleeker, and smarter.

Next year is all about gear with a retro edge – ‘70s inspired alpine knits, narrower skis, surfboard-like snowboards, and custom boot fitting options.

Bold and Tonal Color Blocking

The ‘70s vibe is making its comeback across all items on the hill, as bold and tonal color blocking is on-trend in 2017. So, dip back in time with colorful down insulated jackets in various, puzzling – but stylish – construction, and complement them with earth-toned palettes of brown, slate, and rust.

Narrower Skis

Almost every brand and manufacturer are trimming down on the waist width of powder ski lineups. Last year, the biggest skis were 120+ in width, but next year, many brands won’t be going over 115. The skis will likely be made with materials that have high strength-to-weight characteristics, such as carbon, which lightens the weight without sacrificing performance.

Snowboards Mirroring Surfboards

The snow and water sport industries are working together, as snowboards that look like surfboards are becoming the trend. Some of the brands are introducing 3D concave noses into many of their boards, which take a nod from surf designs. Others incorporate pointed tips, “fins”, and natural wood aesthetics to get the surfing feel.

Lighter and More Comfortable Ski Boots

Many winter sports enthusiasts hate ski boots. After all, no one wants to walk around in a hard plastic shoe. As 2017 approaches, many manufacturers are reinventing the ski boot with the help of new materials, better designs, and improved liners. Brands are also working on customizing footwear for improved comfort.

You’ll likely see these overarching gear design trends in action as you look for gear in 2017. Leading the way are companies like Nordica, Atomic, and Scarpa – brands that we carry here at American Ski Exchange. So, when you go for skiing or snowboarding next year, rent from us to experience what’s new.