The ski industry is in its downfall imao

Not entirely wrong but let's be real k2 topsheets have been mid at best for years now. nothing wrong with minimalism, doesn't mean it can't still stand out. And to an extent I don't really give a shit what the bigger brands are doing. Like I have to buy boots, helmets, and bindings from bigger companies, but i can source everything else from companies where I can actually name the people running them, who are people you can actually see in the park. I'm pretty hyped on that. Fuck all the influencer shit though

Christian_BaleNot entirely wrong but let's be real k2 topsheets have been mid at best for years now. nothing wrong with minimalism, doesn't mean it can't still stand out. And to an extent I don't really give a shit what the bigger brands are doing. Like I have to buy boots, helmets, and bindings from bigger companies, but i can source everything else from companies where I can actually name the people running them, who are people you can actually see in the park. I'm pretty hyped on that. Fuck all the influencer shit though

frankly i'm completely fine with buying my 'critical' gear from large companies with sizable R&D budgets, a ski or piece of clothing breaking is annoying, but it's not as severe as a binding malfunctioning, a ski boot cracking, or a helmet not protecting my head sufficiently (mips is the goat)

While I agree on some fronts, I disagree on others. I think the world in general (corporate and personal) is becoming rather disimpassioned, I think skiing is not more so than other aspects, maybe less so even. I am not saying we are in the heyday, certainly not. K2 graphics have almost always, ahem how do I say this, sucked balls. This comes from a guy whos first park ski was K2 public enemy, and now rides mindbender Ti's. There are still companies out there rocking it, think of ON3Ps videos for stoke level, or travelling circus that is still rocking. And I screenshotted a couple graphics that came to mind as still interesting

I quite like these 4frnts, that is a cool, bold topsheet, from a company I admittedly have not bought from since before J bought them, but I had 4 pairs of 4frnts back in the day.

I feel like I do not even have to say anything for these as a defense... however, the first line ski that makes me want to buy a line ski.

I actually saw a pair of armadas on the mountain the other day and said damn, those are so old! But they were brand new, I feel like Armada has gone back to its roots topsheetwise, and I am so here for it, so rad.

Admittedly quite simplistic, but pretty retro too. I am a far cry from a black crows fan, but I gotta hand it to them. They fall under Lines motto of "keep skiing weird." They are definitely keeping their spirit alive.

So this got a bit long, but TLDR everything is becoming soulless in the world, including the people bit by bit, but look at the latest VW logo, or the newest pringles logo, 2D is the trend - simplicity. We are not alone, and we will get out of the trend. I hope.

And then you have companies like JSkis that are trying to bring things back to the golden era. Shit - they opened a bar for skiers in Btown. The CEO answers emails and phone calls and is super stoked to talk to customers.