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Topping the list of new gear highlights for the 2007-2008 season are: across the board women-specific gear lines, a full array of poles, and greater penetration by the NIS integrated and the Pilot systems into mid-tier equipment offerings.

Not to be outdone by the Nordic Integrated System, Salomon introduces the SPS - Smart Plate System. It’s been a quieter year in the merger and acquisition department – there’s not much, it would seem, that could still be done. Rossignol is settling into its new digs in Utah as Salomon has pulled up stakes in the Pacific Northwest and sets up shop in Ogden, where Atomic is also now based. Madshus jumps coasts to parent company K2’s hometown in Vaushon, Wash., where Karhu also now resides.

As is our tradition, our 2007-2008 New Equipment Special Feature tries to overview the gear you will find on the shelves of your local ski shop this fall. It is our position that pages of pages of sizes, sidecuts and similar specs belong in a catalog, not a consumer magazine or website. But, by offering this year’s New Equipment special on-line, we are able present considerably more details and photos than would appear in a print version.

Sometimes it seems that manufacturers simply remake their gear every year to have something new to sell. The fact is that most are on a two-year cycle of developing new features and improvements to their existing lines. In the in-between year we often just see cosmetic changes.

But these are exciting times in the equipment world. New materials, techniques and cutting-edge science like nanotechnology have worked their way into the fabric of Nordic ski equipment and we are all the beneficiaries.

Think back 20 to 25 years and compare what you are skiing on today to then. Three-pin bindings still work, but so does a 486 processor and who wouldn’t prefer the latest Pentium V. If you haven’t upgraded your gear in a while, try some of the new stuff and see what you think. Look for demos around the region, at some of the bigger events or maybe just rent some for a day. You’ll be impressed.

As another season draws near, here’s hoping you’ll find some new gear in your future to help make your skiing an even more enjoyable experience.