Feeling Nostalgic

It all began for me in Summer 2006 when my kids went crazy for the movie "Cars". The root of the story lies in how times were simpler before superhighways, fast food and expensive coffee. The film is full of animated classis cars, leaving the viewer feeling nostalgic for times when life was more about the journey than the destination. This feeling of nostalgia is certainly rippling through our ski world.

Guys, be sure to check out our vintage classic tees from Mountain Chalet, and Besson (Italy) resort sweaters featuring Wengen, Kitzbuhel, Val D'Isere, Lake Louise and Austrian Team designs. Great for sporting while having a cold one at the end of your day. What a great conversation starter at the bar-wink wink, nudge nudge.

Ladies can choose from a wider selection of Mountain Chalet vintage ski tees and handbags this year. We have even expanded the selection to include barware, picture frames and other home décor. Demand was so great last year that we couldn't keep up!

So this winter, after a day on the slopes, while your iPOD recharges, forget about the raspberry mocha frappuccino at the internet cafe. Relax with some hot chocolate, a fire and good friends to share those 'remember when' stories with.

Spacecraft Has Landed

Notice a big "space" theme in fashion this year? Not your standard sci-fi material, mind you. It's what people thought the future was going to be. This season, 'Spacecraft' clothing from Seattle is available exclusively in Ontario at Skiis and Biikes. This hits the retro-future nail on the head with ultra bizarre images combining sci-fi and retro snow cats. The same images are replicated on some limited edition Smith goggles. When they're gone, they're gone.

From Gondola to GO train

Last winter as I drove through a snowstorm downtown, I couldn't help noticing the freezing Bay Streeters running, shivering as the wind blew right through their wool overcoats. With the outerwear technology available to us in the ski and snowboard industry, it makes sense that many of our manufacturers are now creating multipurpose products suitable for urban use.

The ski shop is, possibly, the last place the fashionistas come to find the "it coat", but look again. Our women's department offers beautiful long coats which are just as at home on Bay Street as they are in Aspen . Technical, windproof, waterproof/ breathable fabrics combined with efficient, low-bulk insulations equal the warmth and comfort you love on the slopes now in your everyday city coats.

The price tag? Not as much as you might think! A ladies ¾ length glen check hooded carcoat by The North Face starts at under $300. Take that, Beancounters of Bay Street!!

An Unusual History of Phenix

Phenix's founder, Kazuo Tajima, has unparalleled knowledge and experience of the world ski-market, reaching from the slopes of Japan to the pistes of Europe and the United States .  He has dedicated his whole life to creating top-notch skiwear, but how Kazuo got to know and develop his endless enthusiasm in skiing is definitely an interesting story to tell!

The story started with his work assignment to go to the Duke Hosokawa's resort house to deliver tennis balls in the summer of 1924. While he was waiting at the entrance of the house, Kazuo then a 16-years-old boy was fascinated by a skiing movie that was playing on other side of the hallway. His attention was drawn by the lovely snow scenery and the beautiful movement of the sport, though he had no idea it was called skiing.

Skiing was not well known by the general public . No skiwear even existed in Japan at this time. When Duke saw Kazuo at the entrance, he was amazed to see this young boy's great excitement over the movie. He explained to him that it was actually a European skiing movie which he had invited his guests to come to see later that day. The boy said he had never seen such a beautiful sport and he would definitely try it himself when winter came. The Duke was very much moved by his enthusiasm and offered to teach him skiing in the upcoming winter.

The Duke never went back on his promise and just when the winter started, he called up Kazuo's company's vice-president to let Kazuo take 5-day off to ski. The Duke also prepared everything Kazuo needed for the trip such as skis, boots and skiwear. Since then, Kazuo fell in love with skiing and started to devote his life to skiing. He loved skiing, so much and always had a desire to set up his own ski business.

Kazuo's dream came true 29 years later ! In 1953, Ohtori Co., Ltd. was established, the former Phenix (Ohtori means Phenix in Japanese!).

You can check out the 2008 Phenix collection at Skiis & Biikes.