ISPO organized ski gear trial and evaluation activities in Chongli

　　Although the exhibition of the 2012 Asia Outdoor Sports & Fashion Expo (ISPO BEIJING) at the Beijing National Convention Center ended on the 25th, related activities continued. From February 26 to 27, under the organization of ISPO, brands such as NITRO, NORDICA, BLACK DIAMOND, K2, and ZEROFIT relocated to Chongli, Hebei, and held outdoor gear trial and evaluation activities at the Dolomiti Ski Resort.

　　The weather was clear over these two days, and both domestic and international participants in the ISPO ski gear demo event actively took part in the evaluations and trials. Their athletic figures were reflected against the snow-capped mountains of Chongli at an altitude of 2,000 meters. Reporters from Sina Outdoors enthusiastically tried out three different types of skis, including: NORDICA all-mountain twin-tip skis, BLACK DIAMOND backcountry twin-tip skis (note: this model has two movable bindings that allow the heel of the ski boot to lift and move freely, and when paired with anti-slip covers, make it easier to walk on snow), and a freestyle twin-tip ski.

　　Since the participating brands showcased their latest products, demonstrating their technical prowess and competitive advantages, the evaluators were almost unanimous in their praise. Of course, depending on skiing skill level and personal preference, skiers should still choose equipment based on individual needs. Additionally, both product managers and technicians from the various brands, as well as staff from the Dolomiti Ski Resort, repeatedly reminded skiers to wear helmets.

　　Due to the varying skill levels of skiers, coupled with some snowboarders preferring to sit on the slopes to rest, the risk of serious collisions cannot be ignored when less skilled skiers descend at high speed on intermediate runs such as Milan or Bologna. It is reported that recently, at a nearby ski resort, a 57-year-old skier had an accident while descending: the skier suffered fractures and was hospitalized, with a helmet that was cracked, and to this day, cannot recall the details of the incident. It is easy to imagine how much worse the accident could have been without wearing a helmet.

　　On the other hand, as long as essential safety gear such as helmets is worn, skiing can be quite safe. In this ISPO ski gear demo event, participants ranged from as young as 4 years old to as old as over 60. Children who looked around 5 or 6 years old were also occasionally seen on the intermediate slopes. The few minutes spent on the high-speed chairlift provided opportunities for conversation and interviews. From the conversations, it was evident that these skiers, regardless of age, were full of passion for skiing.

　　According to Wang Zhi, a skiing enthusiast who participated in the event and the snowboard champion of The North Face Extreme Freeride Challenge, skiing is “like an addiction.” He limits his skiing to weekends, but once he hits the slopes, he’s hooked. The joy visible among those veteran skiers is just as strong as that among children. Everyone gradually becomes addicted once they learn how to carve and control their turns.