Powderpalooza
Combining World Cup-skiing speed, rebel acrobatics, and live music, the four-stop SKI TOUR aims to turn competitive snowsports into legitimate spectator fare, rather than a once-every-four-years novelty act. It's been tried before in the U.S. The 1972—98 Pro Ski Tour enjoyed moderate early success before eventually folding due to lack of interest. But with $500,000 in prize money; stars like Daron Rahlves, Erik Schlopy, and Tanner Hall battling in spectator-friendly skiercross and halfpipe competitions; musical support from the Wailers and Michael Franti and Spearhead; and the ascendant
X Games zeitgeist, this one could stick like Sierra cement. Check theskitour.com for dates and locations.
Suh-weet!
Olympic snowboard champ and native Vermonter Hannah Teter has bottled her favorite color for charity. Proceeds from
HANNAH'S GOLD maple syrup will go to African children affected by AIDS. 8.5 oz.,
$15; hannahsgold.com
Going Back to Cali
Last year's inaugural Tour of California lured more than one million fans to its 650-mile route, by far the largest-ever turnout for a cycling event in the U.S. While defending champ Floyd Landis may not be back, the world-class field will be, blazing down the same stunning Pacific-coast backdrop, from San Francisco to Long Beach. February 18—25; amgentourofcalifornia.com
Electric Glide
Pedal SCHWINN's CONTINENTAL for a few strokes and a hidden 400-watt motor takes over to power you along at 14 miles an hour for up to 60 miles per charge. Should you run out of juice, a seven-speed hub and internal
driveshaft (read: no greasy chains) save your legs and your khakis. $2,000; schwinnbike.com
Double Diamonds
KNEISSL's new CRYSTAL SKI comes embedded with millions—yes, millions—of glittering Swarovski crystals and crystal shards. Should that be too subtle, there's also a Euro-only version inscribed with phrases like
"I am so free!" in German. "I am shamelessly tacky" isn't an option. But people will know. $5,000 (includes poles, bindings, travel bag, and theft insurance); kneissl-luxury.com
