European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 21, 1985, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Expensive equipment in t necessary for a fun trip to the slopes but it can be a perk me up. Feet first ski show offers new Boot idea baking Cruger . Bureau if what was on display at London s International ski show is anything to go by. There sure in t much that s new on the ski scene this year. A visitor to the show billed As the world s largest that has just wrapped up its 13th-annual run at Earl s court found Only one innovative and exciting product on offer. For the most part ski gear and ski Wear had Only undergone slight cosmetic changes. In effect Bright colors substituted for Bright ideas. Every few years or so a new product comes along that revolutionizes skiing or ski Comfort. Safety bindings helped set skiers free High and stiff plastic boots moved Breaks up the leg a few inches the Moon Boot and its Many Kindred soles kept millions of is toasty and rear entry ski boots made pre slope preparation a snap. Now along comes another product that May either set the ski world on its collective Fanny pack or die a quiet death. The Bataille system appears to represent a technological breakthrough that May change the kind of equipment people buy and More importantly the equipment rented to them. The system developed Over the past four years in France where it won a prestigious design award this year was on display in Britain for the first time at the International ski show. The system combines the Comfort of an acres ski Boot with the technical demands of a modern Day ski Boot. It does away with today s Bulky and often agonizing when rented ski Boot employing instead Light weight warm and comfortable acres ski Type boots. The idea is that the skier in oys a comfortable walk to the slopes in the boots and then slips them into Frame like Light weight plastic Boot shells that Are attached to the skis with Standard bindings. The shells use Shock absorbers in their front element to allow Forward flex and backward flex is said to be ensured by a front Stirrup and various supports. One Fastener secures the Boot within the Shell. Those marketing the Bataille system claim that it allows various degrees of flex and that its adjustments in three places will ensure Good fit and the desired skiing position. They claim their boots Are Waterproof and that the system does away with pressure Points and pain. The boots themselves Are designed for walking climbing and skiing and Are made to match the safety Over binding. They see a big Market for the Boot lying with hirers of equipment who they feel will be attracted by its Comfort ease of fitting and relatively Low Cost. The two part system will be for Sale at several Hundred outfits throughout Europe this Winter. In the . It Sells for a total of just under 95 pounds about $137. Lange displayed a pair of boots to warm the cockles of any skier s heart. The boots Are centrally heated. Put them on overnight electric charge and you be got a dozen five minute heating boosts for the next Day. The boots retail for 129 pounds about $186 at ski shops in the . Help in keeping skiers and other outdoors people warm was promised by War packs Flat pads that give off heat by a simple chemical reaction Between a solid substance in them and the oxygen in the air. Three War packs Are made. The hand Heater and the foot Heater both give off six hours of continuous heat and the body warmer promises to deliver 20 hours of continuous heat to soothe muscular aches and pains. The products Are said to be Safe and non toxic. The hand and foot warmers retail for around 30 Pence about 43 cents and the body warmer for 58 Pence 84 cents. They or similar products can be obtained at outdoor specialist shops nearly everywhere. Finally the ski Snow looks set to be the big ski fashion accessory on the slopes this season. The ski Snow a combination Scarf and Hood that makes everyone look like Lawrence of Arabia was featured with most outfits in the show s fashion Parade. Chris Morris demonstrates he Bataiff Boot system. November 21,ims stripes Magazine