Abstract: An improved composite ski structure comprising a core with a successful layering of at least two alternately diagonally offset composite layers, covered by two outer longitudinal layers. Both the top and bottom surfaces of the core are layered in this fashion, and the composite layers are preferably applied as a multi-layered outer laminate wrapped fully around the core. In a preferred form, a multi-functional epoxy is applied to bond the inner surface of the composite laminate to the core. In a further form of the invention at least the tip, and preferably also the tail of the core are formed from composite inserts, and at least the tip section of the outer laminate is cut in a herringbone pattern to be wrapped around a curved/angled tip without stress cracking. The invention also comprises a method for making a ski structure as described.

Abstract: A method for decorating a composite fiber/resin ski pole, by applying a pre-printed transfer sheet of sublimation ink graphics in a conforming fit around the resin surface of the shaft, heating the transfer sheet to transfer the graphics from the sheet to the surface of the ski pole shaft, and subsequently removing the decorated shaft. In a preferred form, the transfer sheet is a sleeve having a pole-receiving slot whose inner surface contains the sublimation ink graphics and which conforms to the surface of the ski pole shaft when the shaft is inserted in the slot. In a most preferred form the sleeve defines multiple slots so that multiple poles can be inserted and simultaneously decorated by placing the sleeve in a suitable heating die.