You read it right. Marker of the Duke, F12 and F10 alpine touring bindings is getting into the protective snow equipment market with the creation of ski goggles and helmets to be launched this winter at the SIA show in Denver. This is the same show that we here at Backcountry Skiing Canada HQ  will be attending for a few days in early February so stay tuned for more details and first peaks at the products.

Here are all the details straight from the horses mouth (as they say):

MARKER TO LAUNCH NEW PROTECTIVE SNOW EQUIPMENT COLLECTION

Initial product line to include snow sports helmets and goggles with advanced safety features 

Lebanon, NH. (December 7, 2012)– Known for producing innovative, high tech snow sports products, Marker is set to enter the protective equipment category with its new Marker Protective Snow Equipment collection. First to launch will be a complete range of snow sports helmets and goggles, featuring advancements in protection technology, comfort, and styling for men, women, and kids.

In developing completely new helmets from the ground up, Marker has partnered with Ortema® to create an innovative impact absorption system, providing increased protection in the key impact zones to the head. Integrated in its in-mold and ABS hybrid shell construction, this system is featured in the all-new Ampire Otis helmet.

Complementing the helmets is a complete goggle collection highlighted by several all-new frames, mirrored and polarized spherical lenses, all with superior comfort, fit and styling.

“Our entry into the protective equipment category will build on Marker’s sterling reputation as a supplier of products that help skiers perform better while helping to keep them protected. In launching this new division, I am thrilled to have the full support and backbone of Marker Völkl USA in Lebanon, NH,” says Mike Noonan, President of Marker Völkl USA.

Marker will support the introduction with a team of pro skiers, most notably having signed well-known big mountain skier Dash Longe to ride with and endorse Marker Protective Snow Equipment effective immediately.

Marker Protective Snow Equipment will be officially launched at the 2013 SIA Snow Show in Denver, Colorado January 31 through February 3, and at the SIA on-snow Demo on February 3 & 4.

About Marker

A leader in ski binding technology since the 1950s, Marker’s hallmark is innovation, and the company continues to design and produce the highest quality binding components in the industry for freeskiing, backcountry skiing, racing, junior, and rental binding categories. Marker also supplies system binding technology for leading brands such as K2, Nordica, and Blizzard. To learn more, please visit: http://www.markerusa.com