ORTOVOX not only develops avalanche gear such as walkie-talkies, but also continues to provide safety knowledge and techniques for snowy mountains. We asked them about the 2024-2025 season at JSP SNOW EXPO JAPAN 2024 (held at Pacifico Yokohama on February 13-14, 2024)
Introducing "SWITCHBACK" for the new minimalist
Since producing the first avalanche transceiver in 1980, ORTOVOX has developed a series of innovative products, becoming a trusted brand among professional guides in the Alps. Its lineup not only includes avalanche gear, but also backpacks and apparel
The Auto Route series of backpacks is a popular flagship model, but a new backpack called the SWITCHBACK was released for the 2024-25 season
As it is a touring series, it has the same concept as the Haute Route, but it is a minimalist model that is lighter and has fewer functions. Compared to bags of the same size and capacity, it is 300g lighter. To compensate, the edge guards and side adjusters on the Haute Route have been significantly simplified. You can also see that the back panel has been simplified
While the Haute Route had attachments for snowboards and snowshoes, the "SWITCHBACK" is only for skis. It can be said to be exclusively for skiers. It comes in 25, 27, 30, and 32 liters. The colors are also unique, perhaps a bit European. The main color is "wild berry." A pro shop that stocked a lot of "Haute Route" last season gave it high praise, saying, "The colors are great, I'm drawn to them," so it looks like it's going to be a hit
The Light Trick Tour airbag was purchased in unexpectedly large numbers
A staff member at the exhibition booth told us, "Actually, airbags were a big seller last season." ORTOVOX offers an electrically powered airbag called the Lightlic series. "It was a bit unexpected that something at this price sold so well in Japan, and we're happy to see that it's a sign that Japanese users' attitudes towards avalanche airbags are finally changing."
The Lightrick series will continue into the 2024-2025 season. It has been highly praised for being extremely light compared to other electric airbags, which is its distinctive selling point. Its design is also highly acclaimed for its cool design. The stylish design, developed in collaboration with ARC'TERYX, seems to have attracted attention as well. It uses a lithium-ion battery that can withstand temperatures down to -20°C, and is rechargeable so it can be used multiple times. It's also great that you can practice using it
Information
handling: Magic Mountain Co., Ltd.
https://www.magic-mountain.jp/index.html
Home country site: https://ortovox.com/de-en
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