winter sports

Aspen Fashion Week 2011 to Begin March 13th

Aspen, CO, the epicenter of winter luxury, has announced plans for the the 3rd annual Aspen Fashion Week (AFW) taking place from March 13th to 16th in various locations around the
top-drawer town. The destination fashion event, designed to showcase and market winter
resort, ski and technical outerwear in the country's most stylish mountain playground, will feature daily après ski fashion shows, in-store presentations, on-mountain events and late night fashionable soirées. Participating brands include Authier, Rossignol, Dannenmann-Pure, NUMBER: Lab, Obermeyer and Burton.

Heidiskis will serve as the ofﬁcial ski partner, while FEED will serve as the ofﬁcial charitable partner, featuring their AFW FEED bag exclusively on-site. Proceeds from the FEED bag will beneﬁt the foundation, and Founder Lauren Bush (recently engaged to Ralph Lauren's dashing son David) will be on hand to host events in conjunction with The Feed Foundation. In addition, William Grant & Sons will serve as the ofﬁcial spirits partner. "Aspen Fashion Week has an intensely exciting schedule this year and an amazing follow up to last yearʼs event," says founder Lisa Johnson. " Weʼre looking forward to an exciting future with the event becoming stronger each year."

Gallery: Aspen Fashion Week

Tags: Aspen, Aspen Fashion Week, fashion shows, Fashion Week, FEED, Lauren Bush, Ralph Lauren, ski, ski resort, skiing, William Grant Sons, winter, winter sports

Starwood Sponsors First Skating Rink at Boston's Prudential Center

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Sports

Starwood Sponsors First Skating Rink at Boston's Prudential Center

Luxury hotel megabrand Starwood is sponsoring the first-ever ice rink at the Prudential Center in Boston, now open through the end of March. Starwood's Boston properties – Sheraton Boston Hotel, The Westin Copley Place, The Boston Park Plaza Hotel, W Boston, and The Westin Boston Waterfront – dedicated the rink to the Boston community in the hopes that Bostonians will take the time to connect with one another on the ice. "This rink speaks to our commitment to give back to the community that has been home to the Sheraton Boston for more than 45 years," notes Colleen Keating, Sheraton Boston's Marketing Manager. All opening day proceeds went to the Bruins Foundation. In celebration of the occasion, the Sheraton Boston (above) is offering two "Share the Ice" value stay packages:

Tags: Boston, hotel deals, ice skating, sports, Starwood, W hotels, Westin, winter sports

Continue reading “Starwood Sponsors First Skating Rink at Boston's Prudential Center”

Carbon Ski Concept by Audi and Head

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Sports

Audi has culled its experience from motorsports and its partnership with the German Ski Association to design a fresh take on the downhill ski.

Built around a wooden core, sandwiched with aluminum and titanium and coated in carbon fiber, the Audi Carbon Ski concept is said to be some 200 grams lighter than a comparable conventional design. And though the design remains a concept for the time being, Audi and sports equipment firm Head are testing the skis for production potential.

Tags: audi, audi carbon ski, head, ski, skis, winter sports

Killy, Luxe Ski Wear from a Stylish Olympic Champion

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Sports, Men's Style

Killy, Luxe Ski Wear from a Stylish Olympic Champion

Jean-Claude Killy won all three ski events at the 1968 Winter Olympics, worked as a stuntman in James Bond films, appeared in Rolex ads, raced sports cars and was tapped as one of GQ's 50 most stylish men of the last 50 years. Until now we didn't know that he also has an eponymous line of luxe ski wear. Born in the French Alps, elegance, comfort and performance are the key focuses of the Killy brand. French designers, cutting edge fabrics, sporty laser cuts and color hits adorn what are otherwise very practical weatherproof garments for both men and women. The quality and style of each Killy ski piece is designed to "embody the exacting demands and spirit of Killy, the man himself." Recently merged with the leading French outdoor group Lafuma, which also owns the famed Le Chameau boot brand, look for Killy to make even more of an impression in the future.

Gallery: Killy Ski Wear

Tags: clothing, France, GQ, Jean-Claude Killy, Killy, Le Chameau, Olympics, Rolex, ski, skiing, sports, winter sports

Audi Wins World Snow Polo Championship in Aspen

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Sports

Audi's team of aces beat out the Beluga Vodka squad from Russia to capture the World Snow Polo Championship in Aspen the other day after a fierce battle. The conditions at Aspen's Wagner Park were not ideal this year; thin snow cover prevented organizers from being able to properly pack and groom the field with heavy equipment, the Aspen Times reports. "Players spent much of the day at a standstill, trying to dig the ball out of the snow or muffing shots as the half-buried ball refused to budge, even after a hard strike," the paper notes. "Several point-blank scoring opportunities were lost as players were unable to get a clean strike." Bombardier Jets' team took third place. Meanwhile, competition is heating up for the St. Moritz Polo World Cup (above) taking place later this month in Switzerland, which will no doubt offer better conditions.

Tags: Aspen, Audi, Bombardier, equestrian, horses, polo, Russia, Snow Polo, sports, St. Moritz, winter sports

Swiss Ski Maker Zai Unveils the Nezza

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Sports

The last time we heard from zai they had just completed a new set of skis in conjunction with Bentley. But the seven-year-old maker of hand-built skis that works out of a centuries-old monastery in the Swiss alps has its own range, and the latest to join is called the Nezza. Called "a black blade to tame the mountain" – "nezza" means blade or sword – the carbon fiber composite ski has been specifically developed for hard slopes.

Even with that, zai's unique construction with the composite material it calls zaiira means that you can tailor the flexing behavior of the ski to your liking – so although hardpack is the Nezza's specialty, deep powder won't slow you down. The 173-centimeter skis weigh 3.1 pounds, and they're available now for 6,900 Swiss Francs, about $6,934. No, that's not exactly cheap, but the best never is. Yet it's almost guaranteed you'll see them on slopes sooner or later: zai was recently named the official supplier to the 2011 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Gallery: Nezza skis by zai

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Tags: nezza, ski, skiing, skis, winter sports, zai, zai nezza

EXCLUSIVE: Aspen Fashion Week Founder Lisa Johnson's Ten Essential Luxuries

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags, Wine, Events, Sports, 10 Luxuries

Click above to see Lisa Johnson's 10 Luxuries

The innovator behind Aspen Fashion Week, Lisa Johnson had a hunch that a fashion event combining the chic of skiing, winter and resort with the high energy appeal of Aspen would be a huge hit. As the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, managing the destination marketing funds on behalf of the City of Aspen, Lisa worked with major events and productions like ESPN Winter X Games, HBO U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen and Luxury Spa Finder's Aspen Spa Day. Also as part of her six year tenure with the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Lisa managed the media relations efforts and served as a de facto film commissioner assisting on film, television and commercial productions of all sizes.

"Aspen is the most recognizable mountain town and the undeniable center of the winter lifestyle," Johnson, pictured above, center, with Lauren Bush and Ellen Gustafson from FEED, tells Luxist. "Most of the major fashion and luxury brands have boutiques here because it caters to a very high-end consumer and has some of the most influential buyers in winter and ski. I strongly felt that Aspen could support a fashion event in which designers and outerwear / ski brands could show collections in a fun, relaxed, high energy format to a consumer with the ability to walk into the stores to buy. And having Aspen Mountain as a backdrop is never a bad setting!" In the gallery are images of Johnson's essential luxuries, from skis to wine to books and bags, along with quotes about what makes them a must.

Gallery: Aspen Fashion Week Founder Lisa Johnson's 10 Luxuries

Tags: Aspen, Aspen Fashion Week, Colorado, fashion, fashion show, FEED bags, Lisa Johnson, resort, skiing, winter sports

The Macallan Winter Scotch & Ski Escape at Ritz-Carlton Aspen Highlands

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spirits, Sports

Famed Speyside distillery The Macallan and the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club at Aspen Highlands (above) have teamed up on a tantalizing Scotch and ski package combining the ultimate in single malt whisky, luxe accommodations, and winter sports - The Macallan Winter Escape. Eden Algie, The Macallan's Brand Ambassador, is inviting fellow enthusiasts to enjoy one last ultra-premium adventure both on and off the slopes before the snow melts, from March 20-26. The Winter Escape Package Includes: a private one-on-one Macallan tasting experience with Algie; luxurious accommodations at the Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands; ski in / ski out access to Aspen Highlands; personal 24-hour concierge service; unlimited use of all the Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands amenities; a decadent progressive dinner experience featuring limited-edition expressions paired with The Macallan-infused food pairings from Executive Chef Jami Flatt; and more. A four night package including one complimentary night is available for $3,036 and a seven night package including two complimentary nights is available for $4,585; both get you a two-bedroom Club residence. Click here for more info.

Tags: Aspen, Ritz-Carlton, Scotch, single malt, skiing, The Macallan, whisky, winter sports

Laphroaig Celebrates Scottish Heritage with Curling Partnership

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits, Sports

Talk about "Scotch on ice" - with the excitement of the 2010 Winter Olympics upon us, Laphroaig single malt Scotch is kicking off a year-long celebration of Scottish heritage with its official sponsorship of the United States Curling Association (USCA). At an event to kick off the partnership, bringing together two of the greatest traditions from Scotland – Laphroaig and curling – Scotch Malt Master Simon Brook (right) engaged guests in a Laphroaig tasting while Jessica Schultz (left), 2006 Winter Olympics Curling Team Member, led a hands-on curling demonstration.

Rich, smoky Laphroaig, established in 1815 on Islay, holds a Royal Warrant from the Prince of Wales and bears his heraldic three-feather badge on its label. "There are few brands out there that have as deep a Scottish history as Laphroaig," notes USCA President Leland Rich. "We are honored to have such a respected brand sponsor the United States Curling Association. This truly brings the spirit of the winter games to new heights." Often referred to as "chess on ice" or "winter golf," curling originated in Scotland in the 16th century.

Tags: curling, Islay, Laphroaig, Olympics, Prince of Wales, PrinceOfWales, Scotch, Scotland, single malt, United States Curling Association, UnitedStatesCurlingAssociation, Winter Olympics, winter sports, WinterOlympics, WinterSports

Cartier Captures Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Sports, Wealth

The team fielded by famed French jeweler Cartier beat back rivals Brioni, Maserati and Swiss banking house Julius Baer to capture the 26th World Polo Cup on Snow in St. Moritz the other day. 15,000 well-heeled spectators cheered on during the four-day event, culminating in a nail-biting finale where Cartier and Julius Baer were tied 3 - 3 up until the very last minute when Cartier won a penalty shot with only 8 seconds remaining on the clock. A team of seven well-known Swiss star chefs with a combined total of 118 Gault-Millau points catered to the guests on the chic resort's frozen lake where the matches are staged. In snow polo the ponies are shod with special cleated shoes to provide better traction, and the ball is larger, lighter, and painted bright red to accommodate winter conditions.

Tags: Cartier, equestrian, Maserati, polo, snow polo, SnowPolo, sporting, St. Moritz, St.Moritz, Switzerland, winter sports, WinterSports

Go Snowboarding on Chanel

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Sports

For you brand loyalists out there here's a way to indulge your Chanel addiction that's especially appropriate for this time of year: snowboarding. Simple, clean cut, and uber-stylish. And also perfectly coordinated for the slopes in natural woodgrain and crisp white.

This snowboard is my personal fav (if only I knew how to snowboard) but if it's not striking your 'gotta have it' chord take a look at some of Chanel's other winter sports offerings, like boards and skis in darker shades of woodgrain, black instead of white, and coordinating poles and goggles.

Gallery: Chanel Winter Sports Accessories

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Tags: chanel, skiing, skis, snowboard, snowboarding, sports, winter sports, WinterSports

Wally Carbon Fiber Superyacht Skis

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Sports

Monaco-based boatbuilder Wally, known for its avant-garde yacht designs, has expanded its range of high-tech, high-performance skis made using carbon fiber technology borrowed from seagoing craft. The collection now includes six different models engineered for a range of expert skiing styles and conditions. Wally's skis are 30% lighter than conventional ones and combine exceptional grip on ice with high performance on powder. The carbon fiber is accompanied by cores of ash and birch wood, titanium accents and steel edging. The models in the range are the Original, Tradition, Magic, Freewally, Minipowder and Wallypowder. At 176 cm long, the new Wallypowder is one of the widest skis ever produced and the only full carbon ski specifically developed for off-piste runs.

[via Duncan Quinn]

Tags: carbon fiber, CarbonFiber, Monaco, skiing, skis, Wally, winter sports, WinterSports, yacht

Luxe Skis by Bentley & Paul Smith

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Sports

The sport of skiing gets a luxe boost this season from the automotive and fashion worlds thanks to new collaborations between Bentley, Paul Smith and high-end sporting good firms. Bentley has partnered with Swiss firm Zai on a "Supersports" set (top) comprised of handmade skis, poles and a ski bag worthy of bearing the famed British marque's moniker, limited to 250 pairs. The skis are fashioned from a special carbon fiber material called "Zaiìra" with a natural rubber core, and chromium-steel-infused carbon fiber for the flexible components backed up by Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites.

The Zai Supersports poles use the ExoGrid tech usually associated with the world of golf clubs. Each pair is priced at $9,800, making them some of the priciest skis on the snow. British designer Smith meanwhile has collaborated with Austrian experts Edelwiser on a pair of skis decorated in his signature multicolored stripes (above). Dubbed the Paul Smith Swing 162, at $1,000 a pair they're far more reasonable than the Bentleys. Every pair of Edelwiser skis is hand-made and built with state of the art materials like wood cores, laminated sidewalls and graphite bases for optimized flex and torsion characteristics.

Tags: Bentley, carbon fiber, CarbonFiber, Paul Smith, PaulSmith, ski, skiing, skis, snow, Switzerland, winter sports, WinterSports, Zai

Winter Sports for Thrill-Seekers

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Sports

Heading off to a ski resort and alternating snow on the slopes with hot drinks in the lodge might be the epitome of a dream winter vacation for some, but for others it just won't do. Some need a little more excitement, a little more danger, and a lot more of something different.

If you're already a proficient skier then there are several ways you can step things up a notch. KiteWing is a large 'kite' that you hold above your head so it catches the wind and pulls you along on your skiis (or snowboard) at incredible speeds and over outrageous jumps. Heli-skiing (a helicopter drops you off) is an option for those loving deep powder in inaccessible locations that may never have been skied before, or if you don't mind climbing then ski mountaneering might be for you (climb up, ski down).

If skiing isn't your thing you can still enjoy the slopes by flying down them on a snow mountain bike instead. Or you can go Olympian and try your hand at flying down Cresta-Run faster than fast via toboggan, the luge, or the skeleton. Ice diving (brrrrr!) is a magical, thrilling way to experience the arctic, and for those who prefer to be on the ice instead of under it climbing up a waterfall is another way to go.

Whatever winter-thrill you decide to embark on this snowy season just be sure to plan ahead, stay safe, make sure you know what you're doing (or have an expert along with you who does), and pack an emergency kit just in case.

Source

Tags: winter, winter sports, winter-travel-pedia, WinterSports, wintertravel-pedia

Moncler Opens in Gstaad

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Sports

While many luxury labels are in the dumps these days, luxe French sport line Moncler is bucking the trend and opening new stores instead of shutting them. They recently opened their first freestanding US boutique in Aspen, and also just opened an impressive new shop in another ritzy ski resort, Gstaad. The Gstaad boutique features a luxurious alpine chalet theme with bluestone floors, pinewood ceilings and walls designed to evoke downhill skiiers in motion. Moncler, founded in France in 1952 and now based in Milan, has collaborated with the likes of Balenciaga, Yohji Yamamoto and Fendi, and is a favorite with stars such as Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Victoria Beckham and Kanye West. It's high-end Gamme Rouge line (above) is designed by Italian fashionista Giambattista Valli. Last summer we reported that private equity firm The Carlyle Group acquired a 48% stake in the company.

Tags: Aspen, entertainment-awards, Gstaad, Kanye West, KanyeWest, Moncler, Ski resorts, Skiing, SkiResorts, Switzerland, Winter sports, WinterSports

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