Amplid Snowboards 2024/25 Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Snowboards FW24/25 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Amplid
Interviewee: Peter Bauer
OVERALL
How would you describe the current state of the snowboard market? What big developments, changes, challenges, and/or opportunities are you seeing and how is your brand navigating them?
Obviously inflation, increasing material, labour and shipping costs are the most challenging factors for everybody, across all industries I assume. Also increasing lift tickets aren’t helping in developing wintersports. Winter tourism as being the scapegoat of all media is also something we have to deal with.
But Amplid has been growing strongly during the past 4 years, it seems there is place for a dedicated snowboard brand in the mid to high end market, even in difficult times.
Is e-commerce sales still strong since most brands have been put a lot of effort in physical retail?
E-commerce is as important as brick and mortar. It helps us, swallowing parts of the price increasement on the supply side, while not increasing the retail price at the same pace. On the marketing side, obviously we drive consumers to our website. But whether they buy it online or at one of our retailers – there is no difference, as long as the buy an Amplid product. The retailers still provide those “temples of stoke” , which we all need to keep the psych-level up, a cool store is an important brick in our culture.
Past last winter and the lack of snow in Europe, what’s your overall sales and production/inventory strategy for 24/25?
The winter in the Alps hasn’t been that bad! The season started punctual, with early snow and cold temps to make snow. And we had incredible snow until early June. It was perhaps not the season with many pow days from December to March, but all resorts were open, and slopes were in mint conditions.
SNOWBOARD SPECIFIC
Are you using any new materials in your hardware for 24/25? If so, what and why? We’re interested in anything new in inserts / edges / cores / sidewalls / glue / resin/ wood types / base material / top sheet / etc. here.
We launched our “Hollow Project” last season – making a superlight powder boards, with 80% of the surface area being translucent. Very likely we will launch a ltd. edition this season, depending on how quickly we reach the go-to-market stage with this new technology.
What is your top product marketing story for next season?
On the splitboard side, we are redesigned our famous Milligram. New shape, new moulds, modified construction. On the solid side the award winning Singular and Singular Twin are new, with new moulds, new lengths, and new construction features.
Best Sellers/Hero/Key products
Milligram:
Introducing the new Amplid Milligram Snowboard – where innovation meets performance. Building on the success of the classic Milligram, we’ve taken the best elements of the Millisurf and crafted the ultimate splitboard experience. The Milligram redefines lightweight splitboarding with its sleek carbon design and weightless core, making it perfect for extended backcountry adventures or quick trailhead dashes. Experience unparalleled responsiveness, as this board feels just as smooth in ride mode as a solid snowboard. The addition of Impact Pads ensures durability without the weight penalty, giving you confidence in any terrain. Inspired by the Millisurf, our new “gummy wall” technology in the center split eliminates unnerving crunching and enhances the connection between the board halves. This means more friction and control when it matters most, giving you the edge in deep powder. Holes in the tips and tail make skin fixing effortless, making your splitboard journey more convenient than ever before. Embrace the future of splitboarding with the Amplid Milligram – where weight, performance, and innovation converge to make your backcountry rides unforgettable.
Psychonaut
Introducing the Amplid Psychonaut Snowboard, where creativity meets versatility in the mountains. Designed to be a true all-terrain explorer, this board’s unique character combines the best of twin-ish powder performance with nimble, playful handling right out of the wrapper. Embodying the spirit of the FUTURE SHAPES family, the Psychonaut is a fun-loving do-it-all model that welcomes a wide variety of terrain and conditions. Its distinctive design, reminiscent of dadbod curves, is enhanced with carbon Pop Bands, offering responsive control and stability. The board’s Low Camber adds a playful touch, and its midwide shape ensures you stay in control when carving groomers. For deep powder days, the Psychonaut’s tail is tailored for surfy slashes, and the full-volume nose powers through the deepest pow. With a versatile, less directional shape and construction, riding switch is a breeze. Whether you’re seeking sky-high roosters, carving groomers, or exploring untracked powder, the 157cm Psychonaut guarantees a grin on your face throughout your mountain adventures.
Singular
Elevate your mountain experience with the Amplid Singular Snowboard, meticulously designed to be the pinnacle of versatility. It’s the ultimate Swiss Army knife for all-mountain performance, delivering excellence with virtually no compromises. Whether you’re carving groomers at breakneck speeds, mastering the park’s freestyle elements, or effortlessly gliding through waist-deep powder, the Singular excels in every terrain and snow condition.This wonderboard is more than just a promise; it’s a reality. With HEX02 honeycomb in the tip and tail for reduced swing weight, VISCO DAMP 2.0 for unrivaled vibration dampening, and a sintered base for maximum speed, the Singular sets a new standard for all-mountain boards. Choose from a directional or twin version to suit your riding style. The Singular is your One-For-All solution, allowing you to conquer the entire mountain with a single, high-performance snowboard.