Powder Week 2010

POWDER WEEK 2010
New Skis, Old Friends, And Fresh Snow

By Sam Pelletier

The 10th annual Powder Week has officially wrapped up at Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Twenty-three ski manufacturers joined the Powder staff and the magazine’s most trust contributors—including former Powder editors Rob Story, Les Anthony, Tom Bie, and the infamous Jaded Local—for a week of trying out (no testing, please) next year’s equipment and enjoying Jackson’s endless terrain. Legs were burned, drinks were drunk, and friendships sealed by out-of-bounds laps. And, as always, Powder Week brought the snow. After two days of sun-soaked groomers, the clouds rolled in and blanketed the resort with 10 inches of the fresh stuff for one final day of perfect conditions.

Participants were not only treated to a variety of great conditions at Jackson, but also a commemorative slideshow by legendary photogs Wade McKoy and Bob Woodall, the Gelande Quaffing World Championships, and more après ski parties than you can imagine.

Powder Week isn’t all about skiing pow and drinking beer, though. All the fun is accompanied by the tricky task of putting together Powder’s annual buyer’s guide. See, we do all the legwork so when fall comes around you know exactly what to look for in your local shop.

And there’s definitely some cool stuff to look forward to. Rocker and early rise are here to stay, as these technologies are featured in more and more skis including a number of all-mountain boards. Will there be a renaissance of 94-100mm underfoot versatile ski? We’ll see. Also, look for more lightweight skis, boots, and bindings to aid in backcountry tours, and altogether more streamlined AT setups. On top of that, get psyched for the most creative and vibrant graphics you’ve ever seen on skis.

All in all it was a perfect week of skiing and a great chance for the industry to get together, let loose, and have a ball. Thanks to all the companies that were represented, the friends and coworkers who helped out and especially Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for once again playing host to another successful Powder Week.