World’s largest consumer wintersports show set for Earl’s Court
By Mark Sutton
THE SKI and Snowboard Show will take place from October 31st to November 4th this year, with over 30,000 people expected to attend. Organised by VOS Media, the five-day exhibition last year drew 237 exhibitors from the snow industry and generated a £5.2 million spend at the 2011 show – an average of £168 per person in attendance. Consumers who do attend will be able to ice skate, brush up their skiing technique on a skills slope, try curling, watch live ice sculpting and if they pre- register online, be eligible for a free lift pass valid at selected resorts worldwide. For those in the business, The World
Snow Awards partner the show and will take place on Friday November 2nd at the Novotel London West. Categories will include the best European resort, North American resort, ski and snowboard brands, airline, and specialist and mainstream tour operators. Ski and
snowboard brands will be judged using the Ski & Snowboard magazine’s extensive results from annual gear testing weeks.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Caroline Spelman axed as Environment
Secretary Cabinet minister Caroline Spelman, who was recently involved in a row over the future of England’s forest land, has been replaced in the Government’s latest reshuffle. Former Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Paterson has now been placed in the role. A keen horse rider, who reportedly lists trees among his interests, will now take on the responsibility for decisions based on recommendations from the Forestry Panel, set up by his predecessor following a U-turn on sell off plans touted last year. The panel has argued that Forestry
Commission land should be placed in a ‘trust’ to protect its future. It also suggested that the area of England covered by woodland should rise by ten to 15 per cent, as well as tabling an idea for private woodland owners to be rewarded for opening up access.
Northern Ireland to be
If you’re interested in booking exhibition space, contact Nico Stanford at Vos on 0207 370 8543. www.skiandsnowboard.co.uk
HELLY HANSEN
HELLY HANSEN has added two gloves to its winter sports line, both featuring ‘On Tip Smartphone’ technology that enables the user to answer their phone, text and email, adjust an MP3 player, or use any touch screen device without exposing skin to the freezing elements.
The Enigma Ski Glove (SRP £80) and Softshell Glove (SRP £55) have been manufactured using On Tip technology, providing fast-as-fingers sensitivity when using any touch screen device. On Tips have been strategically placed on the ends of the thumb and forefinger of each hand. The On Tip material and its specific placement enables visual alignment of the tip to the keypad, whilst the thumb tip makes swiping the screen easy.
In addition to being touch screen compatible, the Enigma Ski Glove is crafted with Primaloft insulation and a protective gaiter for warmth and comfort, whilst its leather palm help to keep grip steady. www.hellyhansen.com
granted national parks? As the only remaining area of the United Kingdom to yet have an expanse of land labelled a national park, Northern Ireland could be set to complete the picture. Environment Minister Alex Attwood is seeking to legislate for two areas in the region to be named national parks by 2014. The Ulster Farmers Union currently opposes the idea, claiming issues over land use will arise. The shortlist of possible national park destinations includes the Mountains or Mourne, the Antrim Glens, the Giant’s Causeway and adjacent coast, plus the Fermanagh Lakes.
BMC launches
climbing survey The British Mountaineering Council has called on climbers to answer a short survey on whether or not they check restrictions on climbs prior to turning up with their gear. Restrictions are often put in place as birds nest on the crag, among other things, and the BMC now wants to create a way for mountaineers to check the status of a climb prior to making the journey. One place where the BMC will be able to assure its members of plenty of access is the Gower Coast in south Wales. It is holding a climbing festival there on the weekend of September 14th-16th.
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