The continuing development of women's skis, snowboards, snowshoes and boots isn't just a fad or fashion. Women generally ski, ride and walk on snow better when their gear is women-specific. And now more than ever, ski equipment makers are factoring in a woman's lighter weight, lower center of gravity and need for slightly more forward binding positioning. Boards, meanwhile, are being made lighter and narrower, while boots are being designed to accommodate a woman's wider calf, slimmer foot and narrower sole, heel and ankle. And snowshoes makers address a shorter female stride.

What's the difference between boys and girls? Women have several anatomical differences from men that influence the design of equipment. Generally speaking, a woman's foot is narrower than a man's is. Women-specific alpine, snowboard and Nordic boots, as well as snowshoes, are created on a narrower last to fit the female foot. Women who strap on a wider man's boot typically sacrifice performance and comfort as their feet slosh around and their heels lift out of position. Additionally, a woman's calf muscles sit lower on the legs than a man's do. The upper part of a female-specific alpine ski boot is typically wider to accommodate the lower calf; any woman who has skied with a man's boot knows what it's like to have the cuff digging into the back of her leg.

Women tend to weigh less and have less muscle mass than men do. Without the weight and strength, many women can have difficulty bending and turning unisex alpine skis and snowboards. Women-specific skis are lighter in weight and softer in flex. Snowboards for women are lighter, softer and narrower; narrower boards are easier for riders with smaller foot sizes to operate. Because cross-country skis tend to be light, anyway, having gender-specific Nordic skis is less of an issue. Generally speaking, women have a lower center of mass than men do, and they tend to be less aggressive on skis; these two factors cause many women to sit back on their skis more than they should. In alpine gear, manufacturers have addressed this problem by lifting the boot heel at a specific angle, or by recommending that the binding be mounted farther forward on the ski, to move women closer to the front of the ski for optimal control.

For 2002-03, choices of snow sports gear continue to increase for women, according to SnowSports Industries America (SIA), the not-for-profit trade association that represents snow sports manufacturers. Trends for the upcoming year include higher-performance skis and boards, a cross-country boot with a hiking sole, ski boots that are easier to get into and out of and much more to make winter snow sports more fun and comfortable for women.

Snowshoeing, which has seen the biggest leaps in women's participation, is now at a point where women comprise 51 percent of snowshoers. Crescent Moon president Jake Thamm says the sport's attraction is that it's simple, rewarding, social -- or not, if need be – easy to learn and aerobically intense.Kathy Murphy, Tubbs Snowshoes' general manager, adds that snowshoeing "reconnects the family."

"Women have a shorter, more narrow stride," explained Thamm, adding that if women are forced to walk with their feet apart it can cause hip flexor irritation, resulting in discomfort or pain. Therefore, rather than the standard elongated oval, Crescent Moon's women's shoe has an exaggerated teardrop configuration, mimicking the shape of a woman's foot. "It feels as if you have no snowshoes on at all," Thamm says.

Coinciding with developments in other women's gear, ski companies have learned that women want a ski that helps them ski better. "We learned from Jeannie and others that before a ski can be light it needs to be stable, smooth and predictable," says Tait Wardlaw, product manager for Dynastar. The "Jeannie" he refers to is Jeannie Thoren, who's been campaigning for women's ski gear for many years and educating women (and men) about the need for better fitting gear for women in clinics around the country.

Dynastar's women's skis "are easy to ski but have all the performance anyone could want," Wardlaw says. Women are also taking a far greater role in the actual development of gear. Salomon works with its female pro athletes, Burton with its pro riders, and a "K2 Alliance" — six "everyday, real women skiers" — has unprecedented control over the development, testing, graphic design and marketing of the company's T:9 Series. "The K2 Alliance team is the backbone of development of this product line," says spokesperson Andy Luhn.

Highlights for Women's Gear for 2002-2003

ALPINE SKIING:   [Back to Top]
Alpina: New from Alpina Sports is the Lynnea boot in four women's models: the L6.0 for advanced intermediate skiers, the L5.0 and 4.0 for intermediates and the L3.0 for beginners.

An insole incorporates a volume reduction arch, which allows for adjustment of both the height of the foot within the shell and the overall foot volume. The shell design features a canting system and dial-up forward inclination adjustments as well as a power strap. A notch above the arch affects the ease of getting into and out of the four-buckle overlap boot.

Dynastar: Dynastar started from scratch, consulting with women's ski gear guru Jeannie Thoren and others, to build its lightest ski ever, the Exclusive 9 ($470) and Exclusive 8 ($400) with Autodrive Technology. Also new from Dynastar is the high-end Intuitiv 69L ($550), for strong women skiers. The Lady 7 and Lady 6 from the Agyl collection complete the women's lineup.

Fischer: Fischer presents three new women's skis: the S300 AirCarbon LX ($525), the S200 LX ($475) and the S100 LX ($425). All three are made of a reduced weight wood core coupled with Fischer's patented AirCarbon technology to strengthen torsional rigidity without sacrificing progressive round longitudinal flex. The skis also have a slight forward mounting position.

Head: Head introduces the new Edge family of boots for intermediate to advanced skiers and a pair of comfort-oriented "soft" ECT models to complement its returning R-Evolution and EZon boot families.

The Edge boot, with women-specific models at each level, features easy to close and open Double Power2 buckles, an easy-to-use shell design and a Drylex liner that pulls moisture away from the foot. The two ECT models maintain a flexible plastic structure along the top of the foot and lower leg, while using a softer material along the upper sides of the foot for comfort, support, foot hold and ease of entry and exit.

In skis, Head introduces Lightning, a new, full group of women-specific skis that have lighter core constructions and modified mounting positions and flexes. Two "Intelligence" models from Head's All Mountain group and one from the Monster series will be designed for women.

K2: K2 puts the icing on its T:9 Series skis with its most advanced ski for women to date, the T:9 Spire. Created by a group of expert female skiers and designed for advanced and expert women skiers, the series' new flagship ski is lighter in weight, softer flexing and has its binding mounting position moved forward.

Lange: Lange enters the high-end racing technical market for women with a top-of-the-line performance boot, the Comp 120 Lady ($600). Returning with improved fit and lower prices are the high-end RRS 90 ($500) and RRS 80 ($450) in the Venus collection, as well as the Venus 50, 60 and 70, priced from $250-$370, with all new liners, developed specifically for females.

The continuing RRS or Rear Release System is designed to help reduce the risk of ACL knee injury. The system is designed to enable the boot's cuff to release to the rear from its original forward lean to an upright position. The idea is for the skier to be able regain balance without losing control of the skis. When the correct posture has been regained, the system automatically resets.

Rossignol: Rossignol introduces a women-specific Soft boot in four models. "This is an extraordinary boot, women-engineered from the shell in," says Jeanne-Marie Gand, Rossignol, vice-president of marketing and communications.

"We think it'll be the hottest boot for women next season," she adds. The styles range from conservative black with quilted brown leather trim to fun designs and colors like a furry look Edelweiss to chartreuse.

Also new in boots are the Axium Super Women and the Axium Women, a new lightweight category with women-specific liners. In skis, a new Saphir collection is described as "short, quick, precise, forgiving and extremely comfortable."

Coupled with new, just-for-women Saphir bindings and a Saphir 90 X-Plate, the skis promise women what they need to conquer the slopes. Graphics range from conservative to a flowery, surf-inspired theme, based on input from a series of women's focus groups in Boston, Minneapolis and Denver.

Salomon: Salomon expands its soft-shell Verse line with the Verse CF W ($450) and the more affordable Verse W ($325); both have micro adjustable buckles and a new translucent look.

Also returning from last season are the Verse AF W and TF W. All of the Verse boots features specific tongues, cuffs and adjustable spoilers, a heel wedge and fleece for forefoot warmth. Verse boots also have a unique one-pull Speedlace lacing system, designed for even foothold and no pressure points.

Four X-Wave and five Performa models return for 2002-03, along with the new Performa Crossmax ($450), which adds a slightly stiffer flex, translucent shell and new buckles to the basic design of the popular Performa 7.0 W.

Tecnica: Ten women's boots return from Tecnica, including four with the option of a Hot Form liner for a customized fit. In the store, the liners are heated to form precisely to the customer's foot. The boot liners can be dried or heated before use, without affecting the custom fit. The liner is available as an option for the ICON DPZ and DP and the RIVAL RX and X9. In addition, Tecnica expands their successful Ultrafit liners into more models.

NORDIC:  [Back to Top]
Alpina: Joining Alpina's established 568, 540 and 314 boots is the women's 530, with the hinged cuff a direct descendant of the race series, with lots of lateral support but plenty of forward flex. Like the 568, the 530's PU cuff is removable.

In skis, Alpina addresses the entry-level woman with a lightweight Tour Model that offers support, comfort and warmth to neophytes.

Fischer: In the Sport boot category, Fischer upgrades its upper-end SL Vitalis to provide more support options and the SL Control, adding Thinsulate, speed lacing and heel support. New to the line is the SL Comfort, with a neoprene center zip lace cover.

Karhu: Karhu does not make products that are specifically designed for women, but all of its cross-country ski boots are made on a female-specific last. The Zoom (sizes 36-42) is an above-the-ankle style designed for active fitness enthusiasts. It features a supple and waterproof material that wraps smoothly around the foot for secure closure and a snug fit.

In skis, Karhu recommends the new Pyxis telemark ski. The Pyxis is a slim, lightweight ski designed for all-around touring efficiency and downhill performance. It has a cap design and full carbon steel edges for maximum edge-to-edge control. To achieve consistent performance for all ski sizes, Karhu changes the tip, waist and tail dimensions for each ski size.

"The result is that skiers of varying sizes and ability can enjoy the same backcountry skiing performance," comments Tracy Ferland, a product development specialist with Karhu.

Rossignol: The Evo Skate and the Evo Classic, compact skis that are 20 centimeters shorter than traditional skating or classic skis, join Rossignol's stable as the company's first women-specific Nordic offerings.

"We've never really targeted a cross-country ski to a woman before," said Nordic division manager Kurt Hoefler. He described the skis as lightweight and durable with a lot of shape for maneuverability.

Geared for recreational skiers, the Evos are modern and technical looking, with graphics based on input from women's focus groups.

In touring, Rossignol has a new line of women's boots: the Saphir 5, 3 and 1. They feature soft linings and all have a suede-leather look in anthracite black with silver linings.

Salomon: A new recreational touring boot, the Vitane, combines a hiking boot sole with the technology of a Nordic system. Salomon's Vitane B5 ($70), Vitane C6 ($80) and Vitane D7 ($100) feature the new SNS Profil mono-material hiking boot sole, which provide good grip while walking and good stability while skiing. The boots have Autofit self-molding foam in the ankle pocket to provide extra support, comfort and stability for a woman's narrower ankles and are designed with a female-specific last.

SNOWBOARD:  [Back to Top]
Burton: The newest board, Witchcraft, delivers a freestyle feel with stability and quick response at high speeds on trails, in trees and through chutes.

Returning are the freestyle Troop, Feelgood, Feather, Face and the Face S for aggressive powder and big-mountain riding by smaller riders.

In boots, Burton debuts the Sable (in sizes 4 to 10 in gray/slate/white and black/celery green), which features a four-part outsole that has retractable metal ice spikes. Several other women's boots return, updated.

Chorus: Chorus Snowboards for women builds on the success of its Cap line with the addition of sidewall construction boards in three sizes: 145, 149 and 155 centimeters. U.S.-made Chorus boards have lightweight, custom shapes for women, full-length aspen/maple wood cores and a two-year warranty.

Head: Head introduces the Jade, an all-mountain freeride board in two widths and three sizes. It features Head's freeflex insert rails and silicone fiber construction with a sintered base.

New to the Team series is the Pride, a high-end women's freestyle board that measures 22.3 by 150 cm.

Women-specific snowboard boots get a new G-String inner lacing system for a snugger fit.

K2: Joining the K2 fleet of boards for 2002-03 is the Kandi, offered in 129, 134, 138 and 142 centimeters.

In addition to the V-8 Plasma women's binding, K2 offers the all-new, responsive and lightweight V-10 Magma high-performance binding.

Ride: Placing more emphasis on high-performance equipment for women, Ride updates its Vista board with a new Versatility Core and carbon and Kevlar reinforcement for a lightweight, springy feel with added stability.

The Sierra boot gets all-new liner construction, a refined internal ankle-fitting component, a high performance footbed and a new outsole.

The new Aurora boot features a more aggressive ankle hold. The women's VXn binding adds the Response Base.

Salomon: Salomon extends its women's board line to include the Radiant ($339), an all-new series for the "newly addicted" rider.

The company enhances its returning Seek ($479) and Ivy ($399) models, introduces three new boots and debuts two bindings designed with the female rider in mind.

In bindings, Salomon introduces the advanced Poison ($240) and Vitane ($160) directed toward the new to intermediate rider. Last year's Antidote ($190) has also been updated.

In boots, the new top-of-the-line Optima ($279) is geared for expert female riders.

Also new: the Silk ($249) for the aggressive rider; and, for beginners, the Diadem ($149) and the Vigil ($129). Last year's Kiana and Ivy have been updated.

SNOWSHOEING:  [Back to Top]
Atlas: Two years of R&D have produced the Atlas Woman, the Atlas SnowShoe Co.'s first line of snowshoes targeted toward athletic women looking for maximum performance.

Designed for a woman's unique stride, there are two sizes in the entry performance level ($169) and two for ultimate performance ($249). Both feature new bindings with padding to eliminate pressure points and enhance circulation for warmer feet. The "ultimate" models are fitted with Atlas's patented Spring-Loaded binding system that allows natural footing on any terrain.

Crescent Moon: Going into its third season, the Crescent Moon 13 ($229) adds stainless steel claws for better traction, a secure, warm "foot glove" binding with a thicker foot plate and the new TGS (The Good Stuff) decking material, which is pliable, flexible and quiet. The snowshoe comes in one size that works for women up to 175 pounds. It has an exaggerated teardrop shape and has a metallic-flecked dark, rich purple graphic.

Redfeather: Redfeather's three Sport Women models with female-specific bindings get a contemporary new look and heat-transfer graphics for 2002-03. The 21-, 25- and 30-inch snowshoes sell for $139-$159, slightly lower than the current season. The company's easy-on, easy-off bindings reinforce the simplicity of snowshoeing.

Tubbs: Tubbs' popular fleet of women's shoes returns. In the Pinnacle series, frames are now made with a new Easton 7000 series aluminum, making them 10 to 15 percent lighter while increasing the strength to weight ratio by 25 percent. The Pinnacle's Bear Hug binding is designed for warmth and comfort.

— Courtesy, SnowSports Industries America