Summer at a ski shop is pretty blissful.
While we at Powder7 stay busy with summer projects, it’s nice to take a load off from the winter season. We’re able to move a little slower, spend some quality time together in the sun, and have the silliest conversations. One of those conversations? What TV personality matches popular sitcom characters? Leslie Knope? What about Chandler Bing? Is there anyone like Larry David? This is no earth-shattering ski review or gear commentary. But, it is critical for ski culture for us to settle this once and for all.
Blizzard – Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation
Steadfast belief in tradition and systems. Constant striving to make things better. Leslie’s passion, dedication, and work ethic endear her to other characters and audiences alike. No matter what challenges she faces, she’s willing to work harder than everyone else to reach her goals. So which ski brand blends tireless crafting and forward thinking with deep history and passion for the sport? It had to be Blizzard. Each pair of mainline skis they build is touched by a slew of people. They tailor their core constructions to each size in each model. They regularly nod to the past while designing the future. And yeah—we would elect them to local government.
Not to mention: Blizzard’s commitment to its Women 2 Women program, powered by the Black Pearl, exemplifies Leslie’s passion for her women heroes and the badass matriarchy (Looking at you, Michelle Obama). And if you can imagine the discussion inside Blizzard HQ when some skiers called for, say, replacing the Brahma or overhauling the Black Pearl, it might have sounded something like Leslie’s famous line, “What I hear when I’m being yelled at is people caring really loudly at me.”
Head – Chandler Bing from Friends
Chandler is steady. He’s perhaps the most consistent and responsible of the Friends, even though we’re not totally sure what he actually does. I mean, do we even know what Graphene actually is? Head skis are reliable. They work for lots of people. The Head Kore is a venerable classic, “every man’s” ski, that’s adaptable to a variety of skiers. Just like Chandler shows up for his friends by reading lines for Joey (even if he does it with a little sass). And while Chandler is a great friend and endlessly supportive, he’s also got a strong sense for no-nonsense. And if you’ve seen Head’s graphics, you’ll get what we’re saying.
Armada – Charlie Kelly from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Big wildcard energy. After all, Armada spells one of their trademark technical features with a number in the middle. W3dgewall. Charlie keeps all of us on our toes with his characters and superstitions. Charlie is one to dress up for an occasion to commit to a bit, and there’s no other brand with a band of wild characters. All their pro models are essentially skis that are dressed up as characters of their respective pros. Crazy ski idea? Let’s make it. Funky graphics? Let’s go. No one can tell Charlie what’s right or wrong — he’s committing to the bit and making sure his point is heard. Just like Armada disrupts the status quo.
Icelantic – Jessica Day from New Girl
Is there a TV character who is more the heart and soul of their program than Jess is to New Girl? Follow-up question: Does any brand better exude the soul of skiing than Icelantic? Jess and Icey are both endlessly creative. They’re good hangs. They care—hard. They bring levity and laughter when others are too serious. And they’re never afraid to be themselves. Whatever Jess does, whether she succeeds or face-plants, she does with heart. The brain trust at Icelantic, meanwhile, won’t necessarily claim that theirs are the top-performing skis on the market. But everything they do is powered by enthusiasm and heart (plus a keen sense of style, as seen in their topsheets).
The kicker? Throughout New Girl, you come to expect that Jess could break out in song at any moment. And if you’re ever lucky enough to hit karaoke night with the Icelantic crew, you will see that the similarity runs deep.
Line – Cosmo Kramer from Seinfeld
Google has described Kramer as a “lovable rogue”, and frankly, I’m not sure if I can think of a better way to describe Line skis. You’re never really sure what Kramer is going to say or do, but you’re always excited when he’s on screen. Much like you might not expect what skis Line is going to release next year. Will it have a swallow tail? Will it have an extreme sidecut with wild metal framing? Who knows what will come next with Line skis. All we know is that even though they enter unannounced and eat all the food in our kitchen before disappearing again, we love having them around.
Nordica – Michael Bluth from Arrested Development
In a family of delusional and outlandish Bluths, Michael is just trying to keep things on the rails. He’s the one who has a sense of responsibility to the family and company. When other ski companies are making noise with wacky shapes and constructions, Nordica sticks to the stuff they know works. Metal in the right places, a versatile all-mountain shapes, and a ski in every size you could want. He wants to show up, be steadfast, and consistent. The Nordica Enforcer has been one the most reliable skis in the all-mountain market. And one of the most lovingly referred to “dad” skis.
Black Crows – Barney Stimson from How I Met Your Mother
“Legen—wait for it—dary.” Barney is an iconic sitcom character, due in large part to his no-holds-barred sense of fun and adventure and his memorable one-liners (not to mention, his womanizer status, which hasn’t aged great). Still—it didn’t take us long to think of the ski industry’s comp: Black Crows. Stamping each of their sidewalls with a cheeky quote (ie, “The size does matter” and “Still on mute”), the Chamonix-based brand has forged its identity around bright colors and freeride flair. Much like Barney’s fierce devotion to wearing suits for every moment of his life, Black Crows has always sought to make a statement. To stand out. To be the life of the party.
To that end: It won’t be surprising to see a future Atris sidewall that reads: “Suit up!”
Salomon – Jim Halpert from The Office
Everyone knows Jim, and (mostly) everyone likes Jim. He’s a charming guy who many characters get along with. That matches Salomon’s general likability. Their skis look good, make sense, and ski well. For nearly a decade, the QST collection has gotten along with all types of skiers, from budding intermediates to experts. But likable shouldn’t be confused with bland, in either case. Whether it’s Jim’s relationship with Pam and eventual entrepreneurial leadership or Salmon’s desire to dominate each category—skis, boots, and bindings—you’ll find plenty of ambition below the surface.
You’ll also be constantly entertained. While Jim relentlessly pranks Dwight and offers sarcastic commentary about the absurdity of Dunder Mifflin, Salomon chuckles at some ski industry “norms.” Red and black colorways and gendered constructions come to mind. When faced with the opportunity to break the absurdity and have a laugh, you can imagine Salomon using Jim’s line: “I am about to do something very bold in this job that I’ve never done before: try.”
