The Bærntal by Lothar Hofer is a unique, customizable loden one-piece winter suit, handmade for any snowy adventure.
The Bærntal one-piece by Lothar Hofer offers a seamless blend of traditional Austrian craftsmanship and modern functionality. Crafted from loden fabric produced by Lodenwalker, Austria's oldest loden manufacturer, the suit combines timeless durability with all-weather adaptability. Whether skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying a winter walk, the Bærntal provides reliable protection by keeping snow out and warmth in. With just one zipper, it’s easy to wear and practical for long days in the snow. This innovative approach ensures that even outdoor enthusiasts who value simplicity and efficiency can enjoy unparalleled performance. Each suit is handcrafted in the Alps, reinforcing the product’s regional roots and commitment to sustainability. As Hofer explains, “For me, a very important step was to create a suit that was not made in China, using regional, sustainable materials.”
The Bærntal one-piece stands out not only for its craftsmanship but also for its emphasis on individual expression. Customers can customize their suit by selecting colors for the hood, pockets, and zippers, making each piece unique. Hofer, a former telemark pro and freerider who extensively tested the one-piece suit himself over four years, recalls: “The first suit had a few small improvements to make, but by the second, it was perfect.” This customization, paired with the loden’s versatility, allows the suit to adapt to a range of winter activities, from skiing and snowboarding to bobsledding, ice fishing, or even après-swim warmth. Sustainability is at the core of the design, with materials sourced within a 150-kilometer radius of Hofer’s hometown. Lodenwalker’s centuries-old expertise ensures that the fabric is both durable and environmentally responsible. Hofer even found an Austrian zipper manufacturer producing in Belgium, further solidifying the suit’s eco-friendly credentials. This dedication to thoughtful production recently earned the Bærntal an ISPO Award. Hofer reflects, "When my mother-in-law and I brainstormed the first prototype a few years ago, I never would have dreamed of this."
The Bærntal one-piece caters to outdoor enthusiasts who value sustainability and functionality. Its all-purpose design makes it suitable for activities like skiing, curling, winter gliding, or even hunting. Former professional athletes, including Skidoo Freerider Wolfgang Hauser, have praised the suit for its warmth and versatility. Whether tackling icy slopes or enjoying a snowy stroll, the Bærntal ensures performance with style.
The OC Channel Relief Insole from The O.C. Channel features a patented technology that provides therapeutic relief for both plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.
With both plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, walking is extremely painful and feels like stepping on a sharp object. This intense pain, especially with the first steps in the morning, lasts throughout the day and often leads to avoiding walking altogether. The quality of life is significantly affected. With the OC Channel Relief insole, inventor and biomechanic expert Marc Cormier presents an affordable solution for heel pain relief.
The patented concave channel of the insole including the three arches supports offer a biomechanical solution to reduce strain on the fascia (flexus hallux longus) and optimize foot mechanics. It provides immediate pain relief of 90 per cent when walking or standing, improves flexibility and reduces the risk of injury, while external supports stabilize the heel, enabling peak performance in sports. “My goal with The O.C. Channel insoles is to provide lasting relief from severe heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs, proving that true relief is within reach. Built on patented biomechanical technology that I’ve successfully tested for over 20 years with professional athletes on the PGA Tour and NHL, these insoles have demonstrated real results. Knowing the impact they can have, I set out to make this revolutionary solution accessible and affordable, offering millions a reliable, pre-molded option for effective relief,” says Marc Cormier. “My mission is to ensure that those suffering from intense heel and fascia pain benefit from a proven, highly effective solution that delivers guaranteed results.”
In addition, the insole structure with TPU provides firm but comfortable support, ensuring stability and structural reinforcement while also providing comfort.
The OC Channel Relief Insole not only offers immediate therapeutic relief, but also benefits for competitive sports: on the one hand, it reduces the risk of injury and, on the other, it also enables an increase in performance. The insole was developed on the basis of a detailed analysis of foot dynamics and ensures correct alignment throughout the entire kinetic chain. This holistic approach helps to maintain optimal posture from the feet up, promoting a more upright posture that can relieve tension in the back and shoulders. This correction benefits the entire body mechanics and reduces fatigue.
Its effectiveness has not only been proven by years of experience with top athletes but has also been clinically verified by a leading surgical podiatrist using electronic data. Physiotherapists have also been able to confirm the results in the treatment of patients and professional athletes from various sports.
The sole is available in different sizes and with three different arch heights and can be integrated into a wide range of shoes. It has been available since October 2024.
Viking’s Constrictor Warm SC GTX merges NASA-inspired warmth, top grip, and sustainability, earning its place as an ISPO Award winner.
The Constrictor Warm SC GTX by Viking Outdoor Footwear is designed to tackle extreme winter conditions with ease. Engineered for both outdoor enthusiasts and professional users, this high-cut winter boot incorporates groundbreaking Solarcore technology. Inspired by NASA’s Aerogel insulation, Solarcore is a proprietary material that provides exceptional thermal efficiency even under compression. Unlike traditional insulation, it achieves high warmth without bulk, making it ideal for demanding cold-weather activities. Adding to its functionality, the boot features a PFAS-free GORE-TEX membrane made of ePE, ensuring waterproofing and breathability. This combination of technologies keeps feet warm, dry, and comfortable in deep snow and frigid temperatures.
To ensure stability and durability on snow and ice, the Vibram MegaGrip outsole with Traction Lug offers industry-leading grip, while a stability plate in the midsole enhances comfort. Reflective panels on the lateral sides provide visibility in low-light conditions, improving safety. “With our close collaboration with GORE and Vibram, this boot exemplifies Viking’s commitment to creating advanced footwear by leveraging our trusted partnerships,” says Ludvig Fauske-Palmér, Product Manager at Viking.
The Constrictor Warm SC GTX recently earned an ISPO Award, underscoring Viking’s reputation as a leader in technical footwear. “With a heritage spanning over 100 years, this award confirms that we remain at the forefront of innovation while inspiring us to pursue future projects that integrate cutting-edge technologies,” says Fauske-Palmér. Solarcore, a key highlight, uses NASA-inspired Aerogel technology, offering unmatched insulation without the weight or bulk. This zero-bulk approach not only improves performance but also expands its utility across various fields like aerospace, defense, and apparel.
Sustainability is another hallmark of the Constrictor Warm SC GTX. Viking has prioritized recycled materials, including recycled EVA for the midsole, as part of its effort to create more eco-conscious products. By balancing high performance with environmental considerations, the brand sets a new benchmark for sustainable outdoor footwear.
Viking Outdoor Footwear’s Constrictor Warm SC GTX is not just a winter boot—it’s a testament to over a century of expertise in crafting footwear for all conditions. Combining state-of-the-art materials and sustainable practices, this ISPO-winning product continues Viking’s legacy of pushing the boundaries of innovation. For retailers, it represents a reliable and sustainable choice, and for end consumers, it’s a promise of warmth, grip, and comfort in even the toughest environments. It offers both retailers and end consumers a compelling package of warmth, stability, and reliability.
The climate crisis has reached a tipping point, with 2024 marking the first year exceeding the 1.5°C threshold. The need for urgent, unified global action has never been clearer. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and their devastating impacts on ecosystems and livelihoods demand immediate solutions (1).
At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, significant strides were made in international climate policy. Key achievements included the establishment of robust standards for a centralized carbon market under the UN framework (Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement (2)), aimed at improving transparency and integrity in carbon credit trading, and the launch of the COP29 Hydrogen Declaration, which commits to expanding renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production as part of the global energy transition. However, significant challenges persisted, particularly in climate finance. Developing nations voiced frustration over inadequate commitments from developed countries, both in scaling up the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and ensuring sufficient contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund to address climate-induced catastrophes. The conference also drew criticism for the notably low participation of industrialized nations, which weakened efforts to advance global cooperation and ambition.
This underscores the pressing need for stronger collaboration. Our industry must embrace innovation to accelerate progress and align with the 1.5°C target, advancing decisively and consistently to secure a sustainable future for everyone (3,4,5,6,7,8).
One of the key challenges in achieving meaningful progress is the ability to measure and track impact. Tools that assess carbon footprints, supply chain sustainability, and resource efficiency are vital to ensuring accountability and driving improvement. These technologies empower everyone—consumers, brands, and service providers alike—to make informed decisions and contribute to a coordinated climate movement. By understanding and measuring impact, individuals and organizations can align their actions with global climate goals (9).
In the evolving landscape of climate action, organizations that proactively integrate sustainability into their core strategies are poised to lead. The Exponential Roadmap Initiative emphasizes that businesses adopting circular models, reducing emissions, and investing in green technologies will not only mitigate environmental risks but also unlock new economic opportunities. Conversely, those neglecting these imperatives may face regulatory challenges, reputational damage, and financial setbacks. As the global economy shifts towards sustainability, the distinction between future winners and losers will hinge on the commitment to and execution of robust climate strategies (10).
The transition to a sustainable future requires everyone’s participation. Consumers drive demand for sustainable products and services, brands set standards for innovation and responsibility, and service providers deliver practical solutions that make sustainability both affordable and economically beneficial. Together, we can form a powerful, coordinated movement that can turn ambition into action. Collaboration, transparency, and shared responsibility are essential to delivering systemic change.
The task ahead is daunting, but actionable solutions already exist. At ISPO 2024, the Sustainability Hub will showcase nine transformative approaches designed to empower individuals, businesses, and policymakers to take meaningful steps forward. For anyone ready to act, these solutions offer tools, insights, and pathways to make a real difference.
Learn more about International Down and Feather Bureau (IDFB).
References for placeholders:
The icebreaker MerinoVent™ 3L Waterproof Peak Hooded Jacket is a waterproof outer layer crafted from 96.8% petrochemical-free fabric featuring merino wool, pushing the boundaries of natural materials in a technical 3L jacket.
icebreaker believes that nature has the answers and we are on a mission to become plastic-free, hence we push the boundaries of natural materials to match the functional requirements of the modern outdoors consumer«, Jordi Beneyto-Ferre, Director of Materials and Innovation, Smartwool and icebreaker explains when talking about the innovative product that the brand has created with their MerinoVent™ 3L Waterproof Peak Hooded Jacket. So the brand set out to »deliver a highly functional waterproof, breathable and windproof fabric which has minimum reliability on petrochemical inputs, hence showing that there is a better way to create outdoors materials with no performance compromises.
The icebreaker MerinoVent™ 3L Waterproof Peak Hooded Jacket combines three different materials, two of which are fully natural - merino and cotton,. The third material is a partially bio-based membrane containing 48% bio based nylon grown from castor beans. The outcome: a highly functional waterproof, breathable, and windproof laminated fabric with little reliability on petrochemical inputs or, in other words minimal input of synthetic fibers. By implementing this technology, icebreaker wanted to prove that reliance on petrochemical synthetics is not the future of our industry. Hence, innovation is the way to deliver the ultimate responsible choice in ski outerwear garments. The ISPO Award jury liked the approach of the brand, to include as much natural material in a shell jacket as possible, as this category is usually based on composite synthetics for reliable performance.
“We wanted to create the most natural waterproof snow jacket, with all the features you need to endure a day on the slopes. We created a jacket which is designed to be the last piece of the natural layering system, built with meticulous function that offers all the features you need for zero distractions while adventuring in the snow. This jacket has been designed to move with the body, built out of design lines and pattern pieces that create articulation and freedom of movement,« says Martina Ruggero, Global Product Designer. Features include Aquaguard zips, fully seam sealed seams, a ski pass pocket or an adjustable hood. The jacket also has offset shoulder seams and alpine hand pocket placements ensuring backpack compatibility and comfort. Adjustable velcro cuffs and dipped hems offer more coverage and a powder skirt and internal dump pocket made from 100 percent cotton ripstop material gives additional comfort. With comfort and durability in mind, the jacket comes in a regular fit for snowsports and icebreaker also offers matching MerinoVent™ 3L Waterproof Peak pants.