Every fall the Jans sales force and Jans.com content team assemble dutifully for a couple of weeks of learning. Bagels and coffee are passed around along with catalogs, photos, and pamphlets of all the latest products and technologies that we will have on our floor. Manufacturer representatives show up with new skis, boots, bindings, poles, outdoor apparel and accessories so we can see the new products up close and personal. We hear from the likes of The North Face, Smith Optics, Scott, and Fischer. Product is given away and sales contests are established. Fun mixed with education, this folks, is our 2013 Clinic Season Recap!
Clinic Schedules
Clinic season is broken into two modules: Hardgoods and softgoods. If you aren’t familiar with these terms, hardgoods pertains to skis, boots, bindings, and ski poles. Softgoods encompasses ski jackets and pants, gloves, scarves, helmets, ski goggles, and everything else underneath the skiing sun. These clinics take two weeks since Jans carries so many products and the amount of information can sometimes be a little overwhelming.
My Favorite Winter Gear for 2013
On the hardgoods side, Atomic continues to kill it. Their new lineup of ski boots will satisfy virtually anyone no matter their ski discipline. To start, the Hawk 100 has seen some upgrades to make it more foot friendly for all mountain shredding, but still retains a progressive flex for true all mountain performance. And their skis continue to evolve and get better and better. New to the Atomic Vantage line are the Panic skis. These skis are the little brother of the Atomic Theory and feature a slimmer waist but with all the same technology that makes the Theory skis so great. And here is a little teaser: For winter 2014/15 and beyond, Atomic will have an apparel line made in the same factory as Arc’Teryx. Be sure to check back with us next fall to get the inside scoop on this new line of skiwear.
Softgoods wise, Scott features clean looking, functional apparel that won’t break your bank. The Scott Armory ski jacket is a cool piece that features DRYOsphere fabric and fully taped seams. Basically, you will stay completely dry in blower powder and wet snow alike, but won’t get too hot thanks to the excellent breathability of this advanced fabric.
On the accessory side, Hestra continues to make high-performance gloves that keep your hands warm and dry. Their leather gloves will literally last a lifetime if properly taken care of. And their attention to detail, high-quality manufacturing techniques, and advanced insulation goes above and beyond what most other glove manufactures are doing, while still keeping their prices competitive.
What’s What and Why
All of the Jans leading brands send their reps to give our staff very detailed clinics. Jans team members are encouraged to question the reps about their product and squeeze every last bit of detail out of them. Park City locals voted Jans the #1 sporting goods store in town for good reason; we have a well-educated staff that focuses on helping each customer make the best purchase for their needs and ability level. And, of course, because we carry such a broad range of ski products. I encourage you to come into one of our Jans locations and check out our gear offerings. One of our Experts will be happy to help you pick out the ski equipment and apparel that works best for you.
Paul Boyle, Marketing Specialist