TPR represented at SIA last week – we traveled from near and far to represent Obermeyer, Gordini & Drop at the most critical trade show in the industry. Although most of our waking hours were spent in-booth, we did get a chance to sneak peek some of the new trends for next season across the board. These include:

1.       Breathable technology – Breathability is the #1 key to staying warm and dry on the mountain. Obermeyer unveiled its Amplified Breathability technology and will continue its partnership with Cocona to make sure its outerwear is the most breathable on the market.

2.       Neon Colors – Just as neon colors are gracing the runway in high-fashion, snow apparel for next winter also features these vivid hues.

3.       Color Blocking – It’s not only about brights, it’s about brights next to other brights. Apparel showed a huge trend towards blocks of purples, greens and yellows.

4.       Mitts – In the glove industry, there is an increasing preference for mitts as they will keep hands warmer in extreme cold conditions. Gordini and Drop both featured a range of mitts in new and updated styles. They also unveiled a new technology called SmartThumb that allows one to use a smart phone without exposing the entire hand to the cold.

5.       Streetwear-inspired influences – Now that technology has come so far, why not have some fun with it? Brands across the board were showing plays on denim, corduroy, leather and lace. Obermeyer is even launching a new line of kids Varsity Jackets!

6.       Helmets – A rise in helmet brands and options were showcased, including Bern Unlimited which can be worn in all sports. The same helmet is made for skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing and biking.

7.       Eco – Most brands have made some sort of green effort, but it’s interesting to see all the different ways in which it can be done. Ski Logik features a sustainably harvested wood in their one-of-a-kind skis while Soul Poles constructs their product locally out of Park City using bamboo. Obermeyer returns with its eco-friendly Cocona fabrics, as well.

Turner PR’s clients are not slowing down with media coverage. Here is an overview of some of the best media coverage featuring our clients from last week:

• Cushe is featured on Practical Travel Gear! The editor posts a great review about the Boutique Delux, she mentions the easy to wear the style and super comfortable fit.

• Filson is featured on 7×7 Online. The Rucksack is included in an article highlighting rucksack styles as an alternative to the briefcase. 7×7 Online, the online counterpart to San Francisco-based magazine 7×7, features regular editorial content on food, style and culture in San Francisco.

• K-Swiss is featured in the February issue of SELF.  Readers can enter to win a Jillian Michaels Fitness Partner for Kinect and a pair of Blade Max Endure shoes! Another K-Swiss feature is shown in a “Prep once, lose all week” story, the K-Swiss shoes are worn by Tiffany Amber-Thiessen.

• The Obermeyer Leighton jacket was featured in the FabFitFun newsletter and in a stylish skiwear slideshow online! The slideshow gives a quick write-up, “This jacket is ideal for anyone looking to be noticed on the slopes while keeping warm. Plus, it’s available in cheetah print — score!”

• Palladium’s Waterproof Collection is featured on Encompass Life! Encompass Life is an outdoor fashion and news resource highlighting the latest products and adventure destinations.

• Park Hyatt Beaver Creek and Destination Hotels & Resorts were included in a roundup of ski deals in Colorado on TravelandLeisure.com Carry On blog.

• A Los Angeles Times story that included Four Seasons Resort Whistler as a luxury ski resort to stay at in Whistler was picked up by San Jose Mercury News, Contra Costa Times and the Oakland Tribune. Here is a link to the online version.

Melanie Dennig and I headed to Salt Lake City, Utah for Outdoor Retailer where thousands gathered to check out the latest and greatest Fall/Winter 2012 products and technology from hundreds of outdoor and lifestyle brands.

Cushe Footwear launched their trendiest men’s and women’s collections to date and will introduce 50 new styles across their collections: Coastal Supremacy, Universal Traveller & Urban Safari.

New designs, updated looks and continued Cushe comfort are all sure to receive attention in the Universal Traveller line with the launch of the women’s boot Allpine and Foot-On Futon lines and men’s Baja series. Coastal Supremacy is back with the ever popular Cushe Slipper program, look for a more feminized women’s slipper and Cushe Slipper Glow for both men and women. Finally, the Urban Safari range will introduce the women’s RFLX, a line of shoes designed to maintain healthy posture and the BLVD including a brand new urban pump for city style.

K-Swiss introduced the attendees to the Vertical Tubes Technology™, a unique outsole design that uses individual vertical pods to provide maximum shock absorbency. Lightweight and low-profile, the Cali-Mari provides runners with a barefoot ride. Featuring a zero-heel lift, 14mm drop from heel to forefoot, the Cali-Mari sock liner can be removed to discover sensory nubs in foot bed that stimulate the bottom of the foot.

The conference was full of energy and we were sure not to miss out on the daily happy hours and free food everyday! Overall the event was a huge success for both brands and we are looking forward to another great year ahead!

As The Winds Grow Cold…. The SIA Snow Show is Here from SnowSports Industries America on Vimeo.

After its long anticipated arrival, the SIA Snow Show is finally here! From January 26-29, 2012 the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver will be hosting the ski industry’s largest trade event to showcase the hottest new styles, gear, technologies, innovations and culture. With over 900 brands in ski, snowboard, AT/backcountry, cross country, snowshoe,apparel and accessories this event will determine what is in for next season.

For the individuals and brands lucky enough to take part in the SIA Snow Show, here’s a quick guide on where to get your eat and drink on while in Denver for the weekend from the Denver experts.

Leela’s European Café

• Open 24-hours a day, Leela’s European Café serves as a unique hang out spot where you can grab some of the best coffee in town. Aside from the coffee, Leela’s also provides the perfect place to relax and catch up some e-mails with their free wi-fi or to do some of your own research on the brands you’ll be checking out all day. Located at 820 15th St. Denver, CO 80238.

Jonesy’s EatBar

• Ranked as Westword’s “Best American Restaurant” in 2011, Jonesy’s Eatbar offers up a brunch spread that rivals some of the best we’ve had. Also, if you’re looking to get your morning started off right, treat yourself to some bottomless mimosas or a bloody mary. Be sure to call ahead though as spots fill up fast! Located at 400 E. 20th Ave. Denver, CO 80205.

The Brown Palace

• Every day from 4-8pm the atrium lobby of The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa turns into a vibrant atmosphere with drinks and live music. Move the party over to Ship Tavern and try some of their signature cocktails, micro-brews, champagnes, and wines. Visit here for a full drink list. Located at 321 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202.

Sushi Sasa

• As one of Denver’s hidden gems, Sushi Sasa is must-try place for dinner. The food is incredible and always fresh, just the way sushi should be. Plus its relaxed and inviting atmosphere is great for those looking to unwind after a long day of work. Located at 2401 15th St. #80, Denver, CO 80202.

Rock Bar

• End your evening with some drinks and music at Rock Bar. There’s always a good mix of people, the atmosphere is cool, and yes there is a dance floor that awaits. Located at 3015 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80206.

And while you’re at SIA be sure to check out some of our lovely clients who will be showcasing their new products, Obermeyer and Gordini.

It’s that time again – time for us to tell you how awesome our clients are! Take a look at this week’s best coverage from Turner PR’s coverage:

• WWD.com posted a slideshow previewing some of Fall 2012’s most on-trend boots. Cushe’s Allpine Fern boot was featured in the story titled Outdoor Fashion: Forest Rangers.
• The Wall Street Journal featured Travaasa Destinations’ Travaasa Hana in this week’s Off Duty section. The coverage highlights the famous Road to Hana Travaasa’s idyllic location in the small, quiet Hawaiian town.
• Sandos Hotels & Resorts was included in a feature article about all-inclusive resorts in Mexico in this week’s San Francisco Chronicle travel section. Sandos Caracol Eco-Resort and Spa was included as a trendsetter in eco-friendly all-inclusives.

• Palladium was featured in the February issue of Maxim! Fred Armisen the Saturday Night Live and Portlandia actor is pictured on two pages wearing the boots.
• A destination piece featuring Mexico’s Riviera Maya ran in this week’s Calgary Herald travel section.

• Canada.com posted the launch of Airwalk’s partnership with MMA star Jason “Mayhem” Miller

• Filson is featured on 7×7 Online,  the Rucksack is included in an article highlighting rucksack styles as an alternative to the briefcase.
• Boston.com featured Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole on the Ski Guru Blog with mention of its luxurious amenities and services.
• SKIMag.com posted a story about Four Seasons Resort Whistler’s Sidecut restaurant and Chef Edison Mays for having amazing steaks. The site also posted the chef’s recipe for endive and watercress salad.
• The Passport Blog on BBC.com highlighted the beekeeper at the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in an article, titled, “Worldwide weird: The oddest hotel jobs.”

FORTUNE Magazine recently dropped its annual ranking of the top places to work, and we are proud to share that our client, Recreational Equipment (REI), came in at #8. REI has been recognized as an employer of choice for 15 consecutive years now by FORTUNE, but this recent honor is their highest-ever ranking to date. FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list is based largely on employee feedback, meaning the companies that made the list are truly desired places to be employed.

REI, which is a Seattle-based outdoor gear and clothing retailer, offers unique benefits programs to its employees, such as healthcare options for full and part-time employees, generous retirement plan contributions, gear and apparel discounts, employee gear grants, free equipment rentals, a public transit subsidy, adoption assistance and paid sabbaticals after 15 years of service to the company. For a full list of REI’s employee compensation and benefits, visit their website here.

Rock on REI and keep doing what you do!

Here is Turner PR’s weekly recap of some of the great coverage our clients obtained last week:

• Alpha Industries is featured on Mile High Mamas! The Mini McGyver Jacket is included in a kid’s winter gear article. Mile High Mamas is a Colorado-based parenting blog. Check it out!!

• Filson was featured in The Wall Street Journal’s “Off Duty” section! The Tin Cloth Bush Hat was included in an article titled “What to Wear There” highlighting ideal fashion finds for a safari vacation. The piece was also included on The Wall Street Journal Online.

• Palladium was featured in the January 2012 issue of Footwear Plus, in their Boot Issue. The article is titled “Little Explorers” and offers a preview of Palladium’s FW12 Kids Collection

• Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole was included in a  Wall Street Journal roundup of exciting winter activities being offered by hotels around the world. The coverage appeared online and in the Off Duty print section.

• Four Seasons Resort Whistler was included in the Los Angeles Times in a piece about skiing and snowboarding in Western Canada as a fabulous luxury hotel in Whistler.

Obermeyer was the exclusive apparel sponsor of this year’s Winter House media event, put on by Deer Valley and Cercone Brown Company. This week kicked off the first session and was filled with bluebird ski days, gourmet meals and the best in outdoor gear. Editors got the chance to test out an array of Obermeyer product in the one and only place it belongs…the mountain. Whether coveting the latest in technology or in style, each editor left the event with a special place in their heart for the new collection. Special shout out to Lara, Nate, Rachel, Libba, Emily, Heidi and all three Jessicas for a killer time in Park City!

Happy New Year! We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and New Year! Our 2012 is off to a great start with some fantastic coverage for our clients!

• The Today Show featured Travaasa Destinations’ Travaasa Hana on its December 28 show. Travel + Leisure’s Digital Editor highlighted the resort as a great place to go in 2012!
• Filson was featured in the Winter 2012 issue of Beer West Magazine – the brand’s Mackinaw Blanket is included in a gear guide highlighting items that are perfect for an après-ski lodge party.
• Sandos Caracol Eco-Resort & Spa is featured in the February issue of ISLANDS magazine as one of the publication’s Best Resorts.

• Gordini and Drop were both featured in Monday’s edition of Newsday, a Long Island, NY daily newspaper. It was a winter style story featuring the GASP series Smooch goggles and the Simon gloves by Drop.
• Eater.com featured Park Hyatt Beaver Creek’s upcoming Silver Oak Celebrity Ski Weekend. The event will feature gourmet culinary pairings from 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill and Silver Oak Winery as well as special appearances by World-Class Extreme Skier, Chris Anthony.

• Obermeyer’s Radiator Mitten was featured in a winter story as essential gear for winter athletic activity in the newest Whole Living magazine
• The Estes Park Winter Festival is highlighted in the January 2012 edition of Colorado Parent. The annual festival will feature activities for the whole family and is a fun, exciting thing to do to ward off the cold.

• Palladium’s Neil Barrett Baggy is featured on Complex. The boot appears in a winter trend article highlighting shearling apparel and accessories!

This will be our last installment of Bragging Rights until 2012, so we want to wish all of you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! With less than a week to go before Christmas, Turner PR is excited that our clients are still getting oodles of client coverage to close out the year. Here are some of the highlights:

• Four Seasons Resort Whistler was included in a piece about the most extreme concierge requests that appeared on TheDailyMeal.com and JustLuxe.com
• The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa was featured in a special wedding piece about a couple that married there to celebrate the special things about their home state. The article included the Brown’s rooftop honey.
• Moonlight Basin was included in a piece about partying in Big Sky, Mont. The article mentioned the lodge at Moonlight as a great spot for apres ski drinks and dinning.