A new-and-unique approach to brand access and the backcountry
Boulder, CO (October 2010) – Dynafit, the leader of the light-and-fast backcountry ski revolution, is proud to announce the introduction of its flagship Competence Center and Test Center programs to North America. These partnerships are all about increasing consumer accessibility to backcountry skiing and supporting demand for Dynafit products and information. Starting in November, backcountry consumers looking for a deep-and-comprehensive Dynafit brand experience will have six new destinations to fuel their desire to go farther-faster-lighter.
Created in partnership with key Dynafit retailers, four new Competence Centers will be unveiled this fall. This group of retailers all specialize in mountain and outdoor sports and have a deep knowledge of, and commitment to, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. More than just a product resource, these retailers will guarantee the best selection of Dynafit product while also providing valuable knowledge, boot fitting and outfitting expertise, backcountry skiing advice, and other in-store resources. Based in core and strategic backcountry communities, Dynafit’s new Competence Centers will include Bent Gate Mountaineering in Golden, CO; Mammoth Mountaineering Supply in Mammoth Lakes, CA; Marmot Mountain Works in Bellevue, WA; and Mountain Outfitters in Breckenridge, CO.
“Dynafit is the only brand in the world with an exclusive focus on the backcountry, and a head-to-toe product offering to prove it” said Chris Sword, President of Dynafit North America. “We promise no-compromises in delivering the lightest and most powerful products available, just as these retailers promise no-compromises in delivering world-class knowledge and service, and that’s why we’re partners.”
For the avid Backcountry skier or the first-timer, Dynafit is also introducing two new Dynafit Test Centers, aimed at bridging the gap between education, demonstration, and recreation. Dynafit is proud to team up with Aspen Expeditions in Aspen, CO and The Escape Route in Whistler, BC. In both locations clients can test a wide selection of Dynafit products and further their understanding of Dynafit’s commitment to ski mountaineering.
Dynafit is confident its new Test Centers will help break down barriers surrounding backcountry skiing, and act as a step to get more people outside and enjoying Dynafit’s world-class backcountry gear. Competence Centers and Test Centers will be an integral part of Dynafit’s on-going dedication to customer service and core users.
Please visit www.Dynafit.com
Chris Sports North America (CSNA), distributor of the specialty ski apparel brand Powderhorn, is pleased to announce several new moves within the company, each aimed at reinforcing the brand’s market position and offering better support to its specialty retail base.
Effective today, CSNA and Powderhorn will be basing all operations in Colorado, with new administrative offices located in Lafayette and warehousing/distribution in Denver. The move puts the Powderhorn brand closer to the mountains and its largest retailer base while also offering a more centralized distribution center. The fact that the national snowsports trade show has moved to Denver and the general ease of doing business with associated companies in the region also lead to the company’s decision to relocate.
“The move to Colorado was an important decision for us,” said Christian Baettig, owner of Powderhorn and Chris Sports Systems. “Being here on the Front Range will allow us to focus on our primary objective as a brand, which is to offer the best support for snowsports specialty accounts.”
Powderhorn also announces a new senior management team today, with the appointment of Doug Saunders and Kate Saunders as managing directors for the company’s operations in the US and Canada. Both long time members of the snowsports industry, the veteran husband and wife team comes to CSNA and Powderhorn with a wealth of experience and industry knowledge, having formerly worked with Spyder under various roles – Doug most recently as V.P of Operations and Kate as V.P. of Merchandising. In their new roles, the Saunders’ will manage all aspects of Powderhorn’s North American sales and operations for Powderhorn.
“We really appreciate that Powderhorn is a true specialty brand and our goal is to support retailers with the type of product that is designed for their customer and positioned to be sold through their store,” said Doug Saunders. “We believe Powderhorn offers something that the industry has been missing for the past few years and we’re excited to get behind a brand that has its roots in specialty.”
True ski brand people, the Saunders aim to bring their high level of professionalism and focused talent to the original ski brand.
Also in Powderhorn news, CSNA has strengthened its Board of Directors with the appointment of Brian Cousins, co-founder and former president of Cloudveil Mountain Works, Inc.
“I am very proud to be working together with this group,” said Baettig. “The Saunders’ are true performers in the specialty sales arena and I believe this new team will make a big difference for Powderhorn in the US and Canada,” he added.
Powderhorn’s new Lafayette, CO address is:
CSNA/ Powderhorn USA 808 S. Public Road, Suite #102 Lafayette, CO 80026 phone: 303-568-9711 fax: 303-568-9867
### Founded in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 1972, and originally staking its claim in the world of ski fashion with its
western-inspired, down-filled, shoulder-yoked ski parkas, Powderhorn had a legendary following for its classic styled ski jackets. Loyal to its roots, for 2010 Powderhorn combines true ski fashion with the latest fabrics and textiles for a comprehensive collection of base layers, mid-weight, and outerwear tops and bottoms that is truly inspired by the allure and mystique of the mountains.
Introducing the new high performance Fall 10 Glove Collection. Arc’teryx Hardgoods designer Dan Green talks fit, function, and the design and technology journey of creating the NEW shell and liner system.
Held under the beautiful sunny Utah skies, the Salewa North American team and brand communications firm Denny, ink. recently teamed up to host an exclusive footwear preview event for select media and retailers attending the 2010 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, Utah. Held for two days prior to the trade show, Salewa North America hosted 15 journalists and several key retail buyers for two days of product and brand presentations. The event also provided guests with some hands-on experience on the iron ladders of Waterfall Canyon’s Via Ferrata in Ogden, UT and the chance to discover the real performance benefits of Salewa footwear. Editors and writers from publications like The New York Times, Backpacker Magazine, Outside Magazine, Backcountry Magazine, Elevation Outdoors, USA Outdoors, and the Examiner all attended the event and had the chance to learn more about the Salewa brand and products. For two days, the guests were surrounded by Salewa representatives and the alpine heritage the brand represents. When not scaling vertical walls or testing the merits of the 3F technology, guests enjoyed fine italian cuisine and wine, good conversation, and a few spirited games of bocce. Word spread quickly that everyone was having such a great time that even the Mayor of Ogden, UT stopped by to see what all the noise was about.
NUUN, which turns every water source into optimal, balanced hydration, is excited to announce a new partnership with communications firm, Denny, ink. NUUN’s new public relations agency of record.
Effective immediately, Denny, ink. will oversee all public relations initiatives for the company’s electrolyte-enhanced drink tablets, including media relations, strategic communications counsel and marketing support for NUUN’s category leading hydration formulas.
“We selected Denny, ink. because of their experience with helping exceptional brands connect with media, consumers and specialty retail partners alike,” said Tim Moxey, founder of NUUN. “We are excited to be working with the Denny, ink. team as we move into the critical next phase of our brand.”
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About NUUN* & Company NUUN & Co is based in Seattle, WA and has created a new category of tablets that turn water into electrolyte drinks without the sugars and plastic waste profile of traditional ‘sports’ drinks. Founded in 2004 and used by the worlds best professional athletes and enthusiasts everywhere, nuun is in over 2,000 stores in the US and available in 9 countries. Learn more and check out stores in your local area at www.nuun.com *pronounced “noon”
This is quite possibly the coolest thing we have ever seen. Kari Medig’s Pillow Line.
Pillow Line from Kari Medig on Vimeo.
Held annually in Jackson Hole from February 23-26, Powder Week is always one of our favorite weeks of year. It’s when Powder Magazine invites product managers of ski companies to go shred on next year’s products. More than just a ski test, it’s an awesome way to get to know fellow members of the industry by sharing in the activity we’re all most passionate about. This year we got to ski some great powder with some great people on some great product. Check out Hende’s video for the proof.