Snow Safety F/W 2025/26 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Higher altitude snowfall lures snowboarders to the backcountry, sustaining demand for safety gear, while brands expand their offerings with all year-round use products. By Rocio Enriquez.
The unpredictability of snowfall is forcing snowboarders to climb to higher altitudes. This has an impact on the development of snow products, albeit different depending on the category. Riders that previously stuck to resorts are now looking to access the backcountry which keeps snow safety products relevant. Nevertheless, most brands apply long-term thinking, expanding their offering with all-year round use products. This is not a bad decision, if we consider the much lower financial risk that products that are not snow dependent offer. We could say that climate change is inviting a re-branding of snow safety labels to mountain safety ones. Sales reports validate this trend. Multi-seasonal products top the bestselling charts, along with lightweight electric airbag systems, and everything indicates that these are the segments that will grow the most.
FW25/26 offering
Avalanche backpacks have benefitted from the lighter weight and ease of use that electric systems offer. The LiTRIC system developed by Ortovox has produced very good sales thanks to their focus on lightness and ease of use, such as securing the handle with a simple rotation, or repacking the airbag by simply stuffing it in. “In many aspects, this will improve the safety situation for the user. If it is easy to train, you will probably train”, says Safety Product Manager, Patrick Wesch. They expect their AVABAG LiTRIC to remain a solid seller.
ABS keeps their successful A.Light E on offer. The combination of the electric E2 system and their in-house developed ZipOn principle offers a flexibility of size options that users appreciate. BCA adds a new 15L size to their Float E2 range. “That pack is made for sidecountry adventures without the bulk of 20L+ airbags”, says Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Simon Allwein. Other noteworthy avalanche products are Ortovox’s transceiver with voice navigation, one of its kind, and their two new price-friendly shovels. To achieve this, they have focused on only essential specifications, without having to sacrifice materials or features.
In the non-avalanche equipment section is where we find the expansion to all year-round use backpacks and tools. Ortovox keeps pushing their Ravine series of backpacks for every freeriding practice throughout the year. ABS will release the new Rift backpack in two sizes, 25 and 35 litres. “They are specially developed for use on high-altitude tours and shorter day tours well beyond the winter months”, announces Marketing Manager, Max Haberstroh. BCA’s BC Link Mini radios proved to be an exceptional tool for group communication. They are now promoting their use for summer guided biking and hiking as well as freeride snowboarders, guides and patrollers in the winter. Recco has a growing focus on trail running for the use of their reflectors.
Retailer Support
Marketing budgets will be distributed in three main areas: electric airbag systems, mountain safety tools, and all year-round use products. BCA will focus on their E2 airbag collection, and their BC Link Mini radios and new Tracker S. Recco will push multi-seasonal use of their reflectors, especially with lighter and more flexible ones that can be integrated in packable garments. ABS will concentrate efforts on their new Rift touring backpacks. Although content creation will remain consistent, the main form of support will be retailer education. Retailers can only sell what they understand, so with such highly technical products, education is key.
BCA offers clinics and avalanche courses with the help of mountain guides. Recco relies on their RECCO Academy e-learning course. “This is a short and simple 15-minute course to educate retailers on how to include safety into the conversation with the customer”, says Head of Marketing, Julia Granhed. ABS also offers product training to retailers’ staff. While climate unpredictability limits the capacity to forecast sales as accurately as it was once possible, the snow (or mountain) safety category remains an important area to promote, to ensure the safety of those who venture further in search of lines.
Brand Previews
