Summer ski testing updates

By Published On: June 14th, 2020Comments Off on Summer ski testing updates

Given restrictions surrounding COVID-19, summer testing in 2020 looks a bit different than summers past. Across the U.S., each ski brand has opted to handle their regularly scheduled testing in ways unique to their company. Some will be making the trek out to the recently reopened Timberline Ski Area, while others have worked out deals with local retailers to accommodate athletes nationwide.

For information specific to each ski brand COVID-19 testing updates, including contact information for retailers and reps, check out the list below.

Atomic

Photo: GEPA pictures/ Andreas Pranter

With the opening of Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, OR, Atomic looks ahead to the summer ski camp season by today announcing its Summer Test Schedule for 2020.

Atomic currently plans to have its race products available for testing throughout the summer in partnership with the Mt. Hood Alpine Racing Center in Government Camp, OR. Additionally, Atomic will also service alpine racing programs across the country through its premiere Atomic Pro Centers and national race dealer network.

“As the mountains begin to open up, we wanted to share an update on where we will have 2020/21 Atomic product available for our Alpine racing programs to test over the summer,” said Paul ‘Gui’ Guimond, Atomic’s Senior Community Marketing Manager.

“For those who will be skiing at Timberline Lodge this summer, racers can conveniently visit the Atomic Pro Center which will be located at the Mt. Hood Alpine Racing Center. Racers should contact Bob Olsen directly at 541-399-2382 for an appointment,” Guimond added.

If any alpine racing club are interested in following up on any Atomic racing information they are encouraged to reach out to Gui at gui@atomic.com.

To preview Atomic’s 2020/21 FIS collection and to find a dealer in your area, visit atomic.com.

Arctica

Arctica continues to support the growth of ski racing by offering innovative products at a great value that are designed with ski racers in mind. In stock and ready to ship to summer campers (adult and kids):

  1. Side Zip Pants
  2. Side Zip Shorts
  3. Arctica GS Speed Suits
  4. Gloves and Mittens
  5. Windbreakers and Shells
  6. Down Vests and Jackets

Arctica manufactures high quality, performance apparel for alpine skiers and racers worldwide. Born at the base of the Midwest’s most popular ski racing courses, the action-sports apparel brand creates premium functional outerwear instilled with racing heritage. Known for innovation, Arctica has been providing full side zip race pants in a rainbow of colors 365 days a year to the world of alpine ski racing since 2008. Arctica’s mission is to offer quality products with excellent service at an exceptional value. The tenets Arctica lives by are: Quality. Service. Value.

Head

For the 2020-21 season HEAD skis is excited to reveal an entirely new race line that incorporates new energy management technology into their skis. In addition, Head is adding new boots, bindings, helmets, and goggles to their line-up.

The 2020/21 World Cup Rebels racing equipment collection is currently available for athletes to test.  HEAD has once again partnered with Mt. Hood Alpine Racing Center in Government Camp, OR to give athletes the opportunity to make their equipment selections on the slopes of Mt. Hood for the upcoming racing season.

“Timberline has worked very hard to get their slopes open for training and we cannot thank them enough for their Herculean efforts.  With everything going on, it’s thrilling that athletes of all ages have the opportunity to not only train on US snow this summer, but also to test HEAD equipment” said Jon Rucker, President of HEAD/Tyrolia, USA.

HEAD is pleased to continue its multi-year partnership with Mt. Hood Alpine Racing Center (MHARC), and its owner Bob Olsen, where athletes can find a strong fleet of HEAD racing equipment to test.  “With Bob’s constant support, we are able to offer athletes the tremendous opportunity to test our fastest collection to date.  Having not only our brand new Raptor WCR boots, but also our new skis with EMC technology, the test center is filled with new equipment that’s ready to make every racer faster,” said Cameron Smith, Competition and Team Manager of HEAD/Tyrolia, USA.

Reservations for testing can be made by calling Bob Olson, the owner of MHARC, at 541-399-2382. For further information regarding testing equipment this summer or placing an order, please contact Cameron at csmith@us.head.com.

Leki

With passion and highly-qualified employees with many years of experience, LEKI has the goal of producing unbeatable products. Combining safety and comfort with an appealing design is their priority. LEKI products are manufactured in their own production facilities in the Czech Republic in accordance with state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly methods.

The result is well-thought-out products which our customers can rely on and will enjoy for years to come. With over 250, LEKI holds more patents and is responsible for more innovation than nearly any other manufacturer in the outdoor sports and skiing industry.

Nordica

For those athletes looking to test out Nordica’s entirely revamped line of racing gear, equipment will be available at Mt. Hood this summer. Nordica’s test center will be located at Vallians Ski Shop in Government Camp, Oregon. Their athletes can find a full fleet of adult and junior skis for testing between the hours of 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Test skis will be available for pick up at Vallian’s Ski Shop. Nordica asks that the skis come back waxed and tuned as service will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.

For links to Nordica’s full product offering for the next season, click here.

Vallians Ski Shop complete address is 88510 Government Camp Loop, Government OR 97028. Contact at (503) 272-3525.

For special requests for camps and/or athletes, please contact Pearson Neal at pearson.neal@tgroupusa.com or pearson.neal@nordicausa.com.

POC

Swedish protection company POC is built on the mission to protect lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one. This season, POC has revamped its race line, introducing new technology to the sport that will transform racer safety. These products range from helmets to base layers to armor, but all were born from innovation and are the first of their kind.

One such product is the Skull Dura Comp SPIN featuring the first-ever ‘Race Lock’, an integrated precision adjustment system in which racers can tune for exact feel and fit to ensure the utmost safety even at extreme speeds.

Another notable addition to the POC Race closet is their Base Armor collection. These jerseys and tights feature one of the world’s strongest fabrics that allow for extra protection from injury while still having a stretch and compression giving the racers full flexibility during a run. These are just two of POC’s new products, but their entire line up is set to change the way we race this season. 

*All race products will be available on our site as well as through our retailers, including Race Place, Bend OR and Vallian’s Ski Shop, Government Camp OR in July.

Rossignol/Dynastar/Lange

After careful consideration in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Rossignol Group North America, home to brands, Rossignol, Dynastar, Lange, and LOOK, has officially suspended all test centerplans at Mount Hood for summer 2020.

This will mark the first time in over 30 years the Group’s brands will not have a presence at Mount Hood during the summer ski camp and testing season.

“The time spent on-snow with racers, coaches, and clubs during the summer is always invaluable,” said Connor Farrow, U.S. Alpine Race Manager. “So while it’s especially disappointing that we have to cancel, especially during my first year with this incredible group of race brands, the safety of the ski racing communities we service and that of Government Camp are ultimately much more important. I am optimistic we’ll be able to get back to doing what we love next season. In the meantime, I plan to adapt our approach to continue supporting the ski racing community however we can and in the most responsible manner possible.”

This measure is the latest in a comprehensive response from Rossignol Group’s North American management team, including the closure and/or strict monitoring of offices and distribution centers in the U.S. and Canada, the cancellation of events, restrictions on business travel, and the self-quarantine of any employees deemed at risk in accordance with national, state, and local guidelines.

“We believe corporate social responsibility during a public health crisis means making decisions proactively and out of an abundance of caution,” said Nick Castagnoli, Brand Marketing Director, Rossignol Group North America. “In light of the fluid and unpredictable situation we still currently face, we’ve determined the potential risks of operating our Mount Hood test center this summer are risks that we are not willing to take. Our focus remains on mitigating major health risks amongst our employees and the community at large.”

For more information please contact:

Connor Farrow, U.S. Alpine Race Manager cfarrow@rossignol.com

Volkl/Marker/Dalbello

Even with the shortened season, MDV athletes gained five World Cup podium finishes, including two GS wins and a 5th place in the overall GS standings by New Zealand’s Alice Robinson. Despite the early end to competition, the MDV team is looking forward to a great season in 2020-21. MDV plans to carry that momentum forward with a by complementing that season’s success with brand-new skis, boots, and bindings that are sure to propel athletes to even greater success in the future.
 
Although MDV couldn’t wait to give the racing community the chance to try all this new gear in person, the company has decided the health and well-being of its employees and athletes remain paramount. Therefore they will not participate in any U.S. based on-snow activities through the month of July. This means MDV will not have test center facilities at Mount Hood or Mammoth Mountain this summer. In addition, MDV office staff are currently working remotely, and ski and boot service and fitting facilities in Claremont, NH are closed. We are, however, open for product shipments.
 
Despite the inability to offer on-snow testing, MDV wants to give its athletes the opportunity to see and learn about our new skis, boots, and bindings. For updates, tune in to their new Instagram account @mdvracing_usa, as well as skiracing.com.

If the situation improves by August, MDV plans to support on-snow training and testing from then onward. At that time, MDV racing service staff will be available to help with equipment needs.

For athletes on the East Coast, MDV recommends contacting your local race retailer for any boot work or other equipment needs. Matt Mckenna will be available for athlete services as normal, but in the East Coast only due to travel restrictions.

For more information, please email info@mdv-usa.com.

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About the Author: Mackenzie Moran

Born and raised in Metro-Detroit, Michigan, Mackenzie grew up ski racing all over the Mitten.​ She moved out west in search of mountains and attended the University of Oregon, where she achieved degrees in Journalism and Environmental Science. She raced USCSA and was captain of the UO Alpine Ski Team.