2024 Atomic Boot Brand Profile

It’s unlikely that Atomic management foresaw just how much its boot brand would come to depend on a modest line of recreational boots it launched some 15 years ago. Called Hawx, its unique feature was vent-like creases on both sides of the forefoot, perceived as a fit...

2025 Nordica Boot Brand Profile

No other leather boot maker profited more from the transition to injected plastic shells than Nordica. During most of the 1970’s and 80’s, Nordica’s unit share of the world market was so dominant the only competition was for second place.  It responded to the surge in...
2024 Völkl Brand Profile

2024 Völkl Brand Profile

Völkl didn’t actually invent the concept of quality control, but denizens of our little corner of the universe can be forgiven for thinking so.  It set the standard for base finish for so long, if someone gave a trophy for the best QC they’d have to name it the Völkl...
2024 Salomon Brand Profile

2024 Salomon Brand Profile

Overview Salomon was riding a string of ridiculously successful product introductions when the brand introduced its first ski in 1989. The monocoque shell was the big story, creating such a groundswell of demand that all the ski brands that came before had to re-tool...
The 2022/23 Season in Retrospect

The 2022/23 Season in Retrospect

It snowed again in Reno last Monday night, an unnecessary reminder that this season might never end. But while skiing in these parts continues unabated, it’s time for Realskiers to wrap up the current year with a recap of all the Revelations and podcasts I’ve recently...