Study Focuses on Ski Waxing Technicians' Exposure to Chemicals

A study by Swedish researchers suggests that ski waxing technicians have elevated levels of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) from fluorinated wax fumes. The time trend study also suggests that "continued exposure may contribute to elevated levels in ski technicians compared to the general population." The study is published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology. The abstract is available here.

There are several companies that sell "environmentally friendly ski wax" on the Internet.

Climbing Shoe Reviews Website Launches

A new website aims to help climbing enthusiasts choose footwear that is best suited for their needs. Climbing Shoe Review is a site "by climbers, for climbers." Climbers from around the world are invited to create a login and offer reviews of shoes that they've tried. The site also promises to keep readers informed about sales, discounts and information about new shoes.

Climbing Shoe Review.com rates rock climbing shoes in a variety of areas, including value, comfort, durability and trad climbing. Style categories include velcro, lace-ups and slippers. At the time of our visit, the website had reviews of many different shoes such as La Sportiva Solution, Five Ten Dragon, Evolv Pontas and Scarpa Mago.

Winter Camping Gear Article: Backpacker.com

Backpacker.com has produced an informative article about winter camping for beginners. Writer Steve Howe offers tips for protecting your head, torso, feet and hands, and he gives some great ideas regarding shelter and sleeping bags: "You can save a lot of money on winter sleeping bags by simply inserting a summer bag inside a three-season sleeping bag, but the combination weighs about two pounds more than the equivalent winter-specific mummy." We recommend the article, "Gearing Up for Your First Winter Overnight."

Black Diamond Unveils New Backcountry Skis

Black Diamond is rolling out the "Efficient Series," a new line of backcountry skis and boots. The lineup features six new styles of backcountry skis, and four new kinds of touring boots. The term "efficient" refers to designs that focus on lighter weight without sacrificing performance. The new ski line offers options for both men and women.

Click here for more coverage from Examiner.com.

Click here to visit the official Black Diamond website.

2010 Olympic Stamp Debuts in Utah

The U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix in Park City, Utah, provided a scene for the unveiling of a new U.S. postage stamp commemorating the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia. The stamp features an airborne snowboarder.

The 44-cent stamp was illustrated by artist Steve McCracken, and is now available nationwide.

Click here to view an image of the stamp from Sportsfeatures.com.

Kids & Ski Helmets: Bill Introduced in California

A bill introduced in California would require skiers under age 18 to wear protective headgear, or their parents would face a $25 fine. The legislation introduced by Senator Leland Yee, D-San Mateo, who says that safety is the chief concern. Discussion of the bill by lawmakers is still weeks away. The California Ski Industry Association pledges to support the bill as it currently written.

Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Expo 2010 Underway in Utah

16,000 manufacturers, retailers and suppliers of winter sports goods are in Utah to participate in the 2010 version of the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Expo. Many of the event visitors are store owners and managers who are looking to stock shelves with the latest winter gear. The main event runs through Sunday at Salt Lake City's Salt Palace Convention Center.

Many outdoor recreation companies have operations in Utah, among them: Rossignol, Ogio, Backcountry.com and Chums.

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