29Jan 2020 by DS News Team
Åge Skinstad, Quick Portrait

Åge Skinstad, Quick Portrait

Leaders, Newsfeed
There are captains of industry - and there is a " captain of the captains of industry" Meet Åge Skinstad. It would be hard to find a person who had and continues to have a bigger impact on the development of the Norwegian cross country skiing in this century ( and the international skiing by extension). Norwegian national team coach, television commentator, top lobbyist - and now CEO of Brav, a multi-million dollar corporation that owns Swix and Toko among the others. " Acting CEO" Mr.Skinstad likes to stress - he only agreed to fill the shoes temporarily, while the owners are searching for replacement for a previous boss, who abruptly resigned last year. But he will stay with Brav once that task is accomplished and stir Swix and Toko…
Read More
29Jan 2020 by DS News Team
Alfa Boots: Don’t Fix What Ain’t Broken

Alfa Boots: Don’t Fix What Ain’t Broken

Gear News, Newsfeed
Some things are forever. Like Alfa ski boots. The Norwegian company had long stopped sponsoring World Cup-class athletes - and basically haven't changed the look of its boots since what? 2005? They still sport the same color and NNN sole that was ultra-hip back in 2010. Boot upper, however, is very different/updated. Alfa is the only ski bookmaker using expensive Gore-tex insulation,for instance. Design? Timeless! Alfa still moves several thousand pairs each year, so it must be. Characteristically, Alfa is the only ski bootmaker that was exhibiting at ISPO very much apart & away from the rest of " xcski crowd" - with other Scandinavian fashion labels, known for functionality, traditions - and steep price tag. Alfas retail in Norway for just under 400 euros in equivalent.
Read More