On the cover: Scott McMorris, Oakley Sports Marketing & Communications Manager North Europe above a snowy Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo Will Nangle.

It’s mid-December and winter deliveries have been affected much worse this year than last as covid-related supply chain and logistics problems have finally caught up with us. Even though 12 months has passed, there is still a similar uncertainty in the air that was also there last December. However, we now have 1.5 Covid winters experience under our belt and the vaccination roll-out is also on our side. Last year’s tentative pre-ordering by many retailers meant most brands under produced for this season, but this combined with late deliveries has seen opportunistic brands scoop up some early in-season orders.

Our very own oracle, Source Publisher, Clive Ripley contemplates the ramifications of ISPO moving its show from January to November. A concept, which at first seemed bizarre, has now been embraced by many as longer lead times become the norm. Head to page 34, where Clive takes a look at the future of trade shows in a digital world.

Highlights from our trend reports this issue include coverage on the booming splitboard market (p53) and it’s also interesting to see just how radically the binding sector (p23) is evolving. Mr Amplid, Peter Bauer pulls a pew for this issue’s Big Wig (p44) as we talk to the carve king on all things snowboarding and business.

If we spoke of pent-up demand last winter, this year it’s palpable. Personally, after being spoilt by living in the Alps for many years, surfing had become my go-to daydream. But having not snowboarded since January 2020 – my longest break in 18 years – I’ve now started dreaming of surfing on snow for the first time in a long time. These thoughts have without doubt been inspired by the slew of incredible snowboard content already released this winter with stand-out projects including Driven, Relapse, Elles, Chroma, Definitely Maybe and Oasen. And a notable mention goes to Ethan Morgan, Monster and the guys at Method Mag for creating the best season opener in recent memory. I couldn’t be there, but the coverage from the event was stellar and it felt like an event the whole industry really needed.

One thing’s for sure is those first turns on snow this winter are going to be sweeter than ever before. Never again shall I take a turn for granted, because you never know when it could be your last.
I never knew Marko Grilc personally, but this editorial is dedicated to all those who did and especially to his family. Gone too soon, but never forgotten. Rest In Powder, Grilo.

Always Sideways
Harry Mitchell Thompson
Ed-in-chief