There’s little doubt that what the ski industry has dubbed “rockers” – and there are as many spins on that definition as there are “rockered” products – will star at rental shops across the alpine world next winter.

That became evident during the recent Snowsports Industries America (SIA) Snow Show in Denver as virtually every ski company touted rocker technology in their exhibit booths. But a special panel presentation hosted by veteran SAM Magazine Editor Rick Kahl made it clear that rental shops will play a big role in fanning the rocker’s flames.

Elan’s Bill Erwin told the audience, primarily made up of resort rental shop personnel, that “we’ve lost touch with the guest in terms of convenience and retention.” He said the “early rise tips” in skis (making the the contact point for turn initiation closer to your boot) is “as radical as the shaped ski introduction was.” Elan has tested it with clinics and with guests.

“The lower level skis give just enough rise to edge into the fall line.” He said there is no “East/West thing” and learning just progresses faster on these products on any snow surface.

Georgie Bremner, manager of Buttermilk’s Ski and Snowboard School and a member of the Aspen Divas, agreed, particularly for how rockers help ease beginners into round turns.

“There’s a bit of parabolic to the skis that make them valuable and rounder turns provide more time for balance,” she said. That all plays into the key retention factor of beginners coming back for more.

There are some statistics that were cited noting that 50 percent of renters never come back for a second day. That fact, panelists noted, is likely equipment related.

Rocker technology is also important on the snowboard side of things. A representative from Burton Snowboards said his company’s rockered boards are beveled one edge to the other, creating a more natural stance. “When most falls are eliminated, people get stoked,” he said.

One shop manager from Durango, Colo., said the new technology makes it easy for instructors to interact with guests. “People come into the shop and it’s rockers they want. They say its making learning fun.”

What It Means: Ski shops on the mountains will be stocked with plenty of early rise products next season. Retention is the key element in getting people “into” the sport. The only question still asked by some: “Is it too easy?”