Ski manufacturers present their products at Ispo in Munich

As numerous as in previous years, but more unusual than ever, manufacturers of skis and other winter sports products are presenting themselves at this year's International Sports Fair in Munich. Ispo, which will host nearly 2,000 exhibitors from around 50 countries worldwide, takes place from February 1 – 4 at the Neue Messe exhibition grounds in Munich-Riem. Alongside internationally renowned manufacturers such as Rossignol and Atomic, manufacturers from countries that might seem exotic in connection with skiing and winter sports, such as Pakistan and China, are also expected at Ispo in Munich.

Most of the ski manufacturers' innovations are aimed at improving environmental protection, which is also becoming increasingly important in winter sports. One of the latest innovations, offered by several ski manufacturers, is skis, snowboards and ski boots made from natural materials such as bamboo, cork and cotton. The ski industry is also making greater use of so-called bioplastics, which are made from castor oil instead of petroleum. Water-soluble paints are also in high demand, increasingly replacing the environmentally unfriendly finishes used on skis and boots.

A frequently cited downside of winter holidays is the seasonal cold. In the future, a heated ski jacket from Texsys could help address this issue; it will be unveiled to the public for the first time at Ispo in Munich. Visitors can look forward to this and many other innovations and developments at this year's Ispo at the Neue Messe in Munich.