Blizzard-Tecnica: 10 Years of Designing Women-Specific Skis & Boots

Blizzard-Tecnica: 10 Years of Designing Women-Specific Skis & Boots

Author: BLISTER October 31, 2025 Duration: 51:49
Do “women-specific” skis need to exist? What about ski boots? In our conversation today, Leslie Baker-Brown shares her thoughts after leading Blizzard-Tecnica’s Women2Women program for the past 10 years. Few people have been as deeply involved with women’s ski gear — and the community of women in skiing — as Leslie. Today, she discusses what the landscape looked like 10 years ago; the details of how and why the Women2Women program designs truly women-specific products; the cases where a unisex approach makes more sense; why it’s so hard to find a 130-flex boot if you have small feet; how the industry has changed for the better; and more. RELATED LINKS: BLISTER+ Get Yourself Covered Women2Women Home Page Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Special Edition CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: BLISTER+ Members (1:36) Leslie’s History w/ Blizzard-Tecnica (3:15) Formation of Women2Women Initiative (4:41) Marketing to Women in the Early Years (8:45) Current Trends (13:12) Black Pearl Series (15:10) Graphics (19:49) Most Important Factors in Designing Women’s Gear (22:35) Ski Boots (25:10) Current Challenges (30:30) Education (33:44) Book and skis for kids, Hilaree, scholarship programs (39:21) Community (42:30) Unisex Gear (47:36) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
The Cutting Edge: Emerging Trends & New Products in Snowsports Gear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:40
Jonathan talks to our patron saint of GEAR:30, Hoji; Jeff Colt (ZipFit); Shane Chappell (Burton); and Will Ritter (Spark R&D) to get their sense of the most interesting trends and product developments across the ski and…
Luke & Jonathan: More Reviewer Reports from Blister Summit 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:15
Luke and Jonathan compare notes on a number of skis they got on at the Blister Summit; confess some crimes; and offer one public service announcement. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, t…
Reviewer Reports: 'Closing Day + Luke's a Father!' Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:51
Luke’s a dad! Our patron saint of GEAR:30, Hoji, will be back at the Blister Summit! You can win custom skis at our Summit Dinner! Plus, you’ll hear lots of talk from Luke and Jonathan about the skis they tested to close…
Blister Summit ‘26 Preview, Big Announcements, & Reviewer Reports [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:12
Monoskis! Snowblades! Price Drops! Jonathan talks with Luke Koppa and Kristin Sinnott about some big announcements about our upcoming Blister Summit, and Otto Solberg joins us to give an up-to-date conditions report from…