SIA News 4.9
|
SNOW SPORT COMPANIES SOLD ON GREEN
Eco-friendly ski and snowboard gear
The future of the snow sports industry relies on the health of our planet. Without the snow and cold temperatures, our passion and livelihood cannot survive. In honor of Earth Day, we are highlighting a few snow sport companies, among many, that do a great job implementing green practices.
A big part of being green is recognizing the importance of community. The snow sports community has always been comprised of environmentally-conscious people; it’s part of our heritage, our livelihood and passion for winter sports. Our passion depends on the health of the earth and the environment. It only makes sense for us to do all we can to ensure a healthy environment.
With climate change, environmental impact, economic shift and regulatory changes implemented by local government, it is important for snow sports companies to become eco-friendly and develop programs and green practices that help take away from the stress that we put on the earth every day.
SIA looks forward to the day when environmental responsibility is a constant, not just a statement.
 Cocona, Inc. is a privately held Colorado company focused on developing innovative technologies from natural sources. Cocona® is the consumer brand name. It was chosen for apparel applications of this natural, quick dry, odor and UV managing fabric technology. Cocona, Inc. has developed a technology that incorporates natural ingredients into polymers. By using activated carbon made from coconut shells - a natural and renewable resource that outperforms other fabrics and yarns.
By combining multiple features and benefits into one environmentally friendly technology, Cocona fabrics provide both comfort and protection in a wide variety of products. This innovation makes fabrics perform distinctively and demonstrably better for a myriad of end uses. Cocona fabrics may be engineered to provide protection from UV light and odors while still providing accelerated moisture management and specifically faster dry times.
Cocona® technology utilizes recycled coconut shells that would have gone to landfills. Suppliers convert the coconut shells into activated carbon, primarily for the air and water filtration industries. Cocona purchases the particles that are too small to use in water and air filters, makes them even smaller, applies their patented process, and licenses the best mills to embed these active particles inside man-made fibers like polyester and nylon.
"The AATCC review just published an article detailing how Cocona fabrics reduce the amount of energy in drying clothes. The largest part of the carbon footprint of apparel is in the washing and drying. This shows the value of Cocona's functionality in regards to claims of reducing the carbon footprint of clothes using Cocona technology," said Brad Poorman, CEO of Cocona, Inc.
Cocona fibers and yarns can be used in a wide range of knit and woven fabrics as well as non-wovens that provide effective evaporative cooling, odor adsorption and UV protection. By using natural ingredients incorporated into yarns and fibers there are no harsh chemicals or topical treatments to irritate the skin.
Cocona customers include snow sports companies such as Marmot, Oakley, Mammut, Patagonia, Orage, Smith Optics, PolarTec, Scott, Spyder, The North Face, and Rossignol. To learn more about Cocona® and its natural technology™, visit CoconaFabrics.com.
 Liberty Skis is an independent, Colorado ski manufacturer that has made a commitment to use renewable energy and materials. They make all-terrain skis with a laminated bamboo core. The operation also runs on 100% wind power. Liberty believes that using renewable resources like bamboo in our cores and wind power for our energy needs sets a positive example for the skiing community and for manufacturing in general.
 Liberty was the first ski company to commit to 100% wind power and has been using bamboo for the last 5 years. They are still the only company to use bamboo in 100% of their skis. This is done not only as a performance enhancing feature, but one that makes sense in an industry so profoundly affected by the environment and weather.
Bamboo is a rapidly growing renewable material that can be sustainably harvested and requires no replanting or mechanized tending. Bamboo is also an environmentally friendly plant and net carbon sink, producing 35% more oxygen than wood. It is supremely well adapted to its environment and helps to control erosion and subsequent watershed pollution, as well as consuming excess nitrogen from farming and manufacturing. In addition, Liberty uses re-usable and recyclable packaging instead of shrink wrap for all skis. Liberty consistently looks for ways to leave less of an impact on the environment we depend on for our jobs and our recreation.
 “We know that ski manufacturing is not a benign process and we must still use plastic and other petrochemicals to ensure the highest quality products, but we are doing what we can to reduce our impact. We weigh all of our materials when they enter the factory and again when the finished products leave the factory to reduce waste, and use dense-pack shipping methods via highly efficient ocean shipping to reduce waste and fuel costs,” said Dan Chalfant, President of Liberty Skis. “For now, there is no way to manufacture quality skis without some impact, but Liberty is committed to reducing our impact on the environment while providing the best possible products."
Liberty shows us that being eco-friendly doesn't have take away from good design and performance. An eco-friendly approach embraces the complete lifecycle of a product. To learn more about Liberty Skis, visit LibertySkis.com.
 Venture Snowboards, one of snowboarding's most sustainable companies, announced that for the winter 10/11 season, Venture is replacing the conventional epoxy used in the manufacture of its boards with a more environmentally friendly alternative.
For Venture’s owners, Klemens and Lisa Branner, it seemed only natural to work to minimize environment impact while continuing to make superior performance snowboards.
 “As snowboarders and outdoors people, we feel compelled to help protect the wild places that inspire us,” said Lisa. “It’s always been a defining part of who we are and how we do business.”
The new alternative will deliver all the performance and durability you've come to expect from Venture while significantly reducing the company’s environmental footprint.
 Venture will now use a new pine-based formulation that is made with wood pulp from the industrial waste stream rather than the petroleum-based materials that are the sole components of traditional resins. It will reduce the petroleum content in Venture’s boards dramatically and replace it with a sustainably harvested resource. In addition, the production of the epoxy itself consumes less energy and water than standard petroleum-based epoxies, produces fewer harmful byproducts, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to this, Venture has instituted a number of “green” practices through the years.
- Using only sustainably grown and harvested poplar and ash hardwoods for our cores from day one (all wood is Forest Stewardship Council certified).
- Powering our factory and administrative offices with wind since 2004.
- Experimenting with fabric topsheets, including organic cotton and hemp, to reduce the use of plastic.
- Producing our boards in the USA and sourcing materials as close to home as possible to reduce petroleum intensive transportation.
- Building a green snowboard factory in Silverton, CO. Plans include passive and active solar features, as well as recycled, reclaimed and sustainable materials throughout.
- Maintaining membership in 1% For the Planet, and donating 1% of our annual sales to grassroots environmental causes.
- Printing all our collateral materials - everything from business cards to product catalogs – with soy based inks on recycled paper with high post consumer content.
- Seeking out creative uses for the waste generated in the production process. For example, we reclaim scrap wood from our core building process and use it to make POP signage for our retailers.
- Utilizing pine-based bio resins to produce our boards rather than traditional petroleum-based epoxy.
- Since founding the company in 1999, the husband and wife team have pursued a dual mission: to handcraft superior performance snowboards while minimizing environmental impact.
With a deep rooted conservation ethic guiding the company from its beginning, Venture continues to seek out low impact materials and methods while maintaining our focus on quality and performance. For more information call 970.387.5078 or visit VentureSnowboards.com.
|
SNOW SPORTS MARKET REBOUNDS IN FEBRUARY
Snow Sports market sales reached $2.59 billion in February with a 3% gain in dollars sold compared with August through February last season. The number of units sold has declined across the market this season as sales of carryover and some specific categories like fleece and sweaters have diminished. Warmer weather in states north of the Mason-Dixon line, less snow in the Rockies and wetter and colder weather in the South have contributed to shifting sales patterns this season.
Significant declines in the West and Northeastern region sales, particularly in snowboard equipment sold resulted in flat dollar sales results overall despite significant gains in the South. Reduction in carryover sales coupled with more purchases of current season model equipment and apparel kept dollar sales in the green even as the number of units sold declined 7% overall. However, the news in January was not all bad, customers were more likely to buy this season’s models rather than closeout models as inventories of closeout equipment shrank. Specialty shops increased their margins and saw significant declines in inventory through January resulting in improved cash flow and reduced risk of carrying extensive inventory at the end of the season, which would need to be sold off at or below cost. Weather patterns typical to El Niño drove sales in a colder and wetter Southern region, but hampered sales in the Rockies and in the warmer than average Northwest. Weather will continue to drive sales as late season snow returns to the atypically dry Rockies and the results of record snow in the South and Mid-Atlantic are realized in the market.
Quick Trends:
- Rocker – Not just for snowboards anymore. Rocker, also known as reverse camber skis, sales have increased from 2,697 pairs sold in 2008-09 to 6,967 sold through January 2009-10. Rocker snowboard sales have doubled since last season from 20,070 to 43,772 boards sold.
- Snowboard Equipment – Overall sales suffering with declines of 7% in units and 4% in dollars, coupled with increases in carryover sales while most current season snowboard equipment sales have declined – except for rocker boards.
- Backcountry – AT/Randonee ski sales up 48% in units and 49% in dollars sold.
- High Performance Alpine Boots – up 17% in units and 21% in dollars sold.
- Helmets – Record sales! More than 1.1 million helmets sold through February this season.
- Snowshoes – Sales up 7% in dollars with 117,887 units sold in snow sports shops.
- Alpine Tops – Up 4% in dollars sold compared to an 8% decrease in dollars sold for snowboard apparel tops.
- Fleece and Sweaters – Units sales in fleece are down 9% in units, a decline of 221,966 units and retailers have sold 51,960 fewer sweaters this season.
- Snowboard Apparel – Sales are down 6% in units and 5% in dollars sold. Snowboard apparel made for kids is down about 19% in units overall.
Click here to read the entire report.
PROPOSED MANDATORY HELMET LAWS
North American resorts have been wrestling with the idea of making helmets mandatory while skiing and snowboarding, motivated by recent incidents including actress Natasha Richardson's death, following a fall at the Mont Tremblant ski resort in Quebec. Some resorts have made it mandatory for all children and teens enrolled in ski and snowboard programs to wear helmets and also include helmets in all rental packages. Vail Resorts try to encourage younger skiers and riders to wear helmets by setting an example by requiring all employees to wear them while skiing or snowboarding.
In California two bills introduced by Democratic lawmakers Sen. Leland Yee of San Francisco and Democratic state Assemblyman Dave Jones of Sacramento would require minors to wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding. With Yee’s bill, parents would face a fine of up to $25 if their children didn't comply. Jones’ bill would extend to resort operations and force the resorts to enforce the mandate. Resorts would also be required to submit extensive monthly injury and death reporting, sign posting and file annual safety planning.
If the bills pass and are signed into law, they would give California the nation's most restrictive helmet laws for skiers and snowboarders and the most stringent requirements for ski resorts.
Lawmakers in New York and New Jersey also are pushing mandates for ski helmets. Felix Ortiz’s, D-Brooklyn, bill would compel resorts to "make (helmets) available to the public for sale or lease," and require individual skiers and snowboarders to wear a helmet on the slopes.
State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky, D-Queens, issued a bill identical to Ortiz’s is thinking of resubmitting the legislation to restrict the mandate to children under age 14 - the current state cutoff for mandatory bicycle helmet use.
Ski areas and organizations in both states have voiced opposition to the bills.
According to SIA research, this season's Helmet sales have already set records with 1.1 million units sold. Sales are up more than 25%, compared with the 2008.09 season, also a record setting helmet sales season.
GREATEST REWARD ONE CAN RECEIVE IS TO BE VALUED BY THEIR CUSTOMERS: ONE ON ONE WITH TOM BLAIR, MIDWEST SALES REP
SnowSports Industries America (SIA) was proud to award Tom Blair as the Midwest 2009 SIA U.S. SnowSports Regional Rep of the Year Award winner.
Tom, his wife, Ingrid, and their three boys are all avid skiers. He grew up ski racing at Afton Alps Ski Area in Minnesota and then worked in the ski shop throughout high school and college. In 1984, he formed Tom Blair & Associates, a manufacturer’s sales representative agency, representing hard goods, soft goods and accessory companies in the ski and sporting goods industry. Today his agency includes Gail Lund, Missy Junker and Vince Clemens. Tom represents Atomic, Descente, Ripzone, Leki, Neve, Zero, and Zeal.
Tom took some time out to give us some industry insight and his predictions for the future.
SIA: Why are you in this industry?
Tom: I fell in love with skiing at an early age. I started racing in local ski leagues when I was seven years old. I’ve always held that passion for skiing. I am grateful to be in an industry with people who have that same passion for the sport. Not everyone gets to make a living doing something this fun.
SIA: What does winning the SIA Rep of the Year award mean to you?
Tom: It’s an honor to be recognized by the retailers with whom I worked over the years. My goal has been to be a partner and an enabler of their success. I think the greatest reward one can receive is to be valued by their customers.
SIA: What can retailers, suppliers and reps do to do better business?
Tom: We have to better communicate to the consumer that this is the sport for them. Skiing is a sport that you can do for your entire life. It’s a social sport that is great for bringing families, couples and singles together. We need to emphasize its appeal to the full spectrum of ages and skill levels. It’s not just about jumping off a 100 foot cliff.
SIA: What are your thoughts on the current state of the industry?
Tom: No question about it, 2009 was a tough year for everyone. The good news is that the retailers’ inventory is very low and the orders for next year are looking up.
SIA: What value do you see in SIA?
Tom: SIA has done a great job creating a venue for retailers and suppliers to inter-act. It enhances the efficiency of both entities by providing a forum in which to do business.
SIA: How was your experience at this year’s SIA Snow Show in Denver?
Tom: It was a very positive one. I liked the floor lay out of the Show. I thought the people of Denver went all out to welcome us. The SIA show is the most important show for me because I can meet with all of my dealers at this Show. It is the only show you can go to where supplier management, product designers and other specialist are available for customers to answer all their questions and hear their needs first hand.
SIA: How do you feel about the upcoming season? Predictions?
Tom: Very positive. I think the inventory levels of retailers and suppliers will move back up to a more normal level.
SURVIVING STRONG
During the winter of 2009, 19 year old snowboarder, Garrett Plifka from Winchester, NH, was looking forward to finishing the first semester of his freshman year at Keene State College and riding as much as possible at Mount Snow.
Then, things changed quickly.
The migraines he had been having sporadically over the past eight months began to worsen and occur every morning. Each lasted several hours and were followed by vomiting. Garrett then began hallucinating and was scared of what could come next. He had no idea what was taking over his body but he knew that something was wrong. He and his mother sought help.
“I was told that it was allergies by some doctors, so I got allergy testing. Then I had problems because of a deviated septum. I went in for a CAT scan for that and they called us a half hour later to come back in because they found something different. We kind of knew that something was wrong with me. We knew it was bad news. They found a brain tumor,” he said.
That day Garrett scheduled surgery for the following week and took his semester finals a week early.
“I did well, thank God. But I missed a few days of school and I gave up my season pass because I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to really snowboard at all. That was tough.”
He had surgery to remove the tumor December 15th and was released the 19th, it was benign. He recovered well, but not without a lot of hard work and some frustration.
“I had to, kind of, learn to how to walk again and I didn’t work for awhile. I scheduled it during my Christmas break so I had time to recover, hoping I could make it back in time for second semester, which I did. That was pretty cool. I had to go to the gym, and I am not the one to work out, to get some strength back.”
Speaking with Garrett on his third day back snowboarding this season was inspiring. He was upbeat and very positive.
“I am feeling good; gaining some stuff back, plus some. This was a huge eye opener and big reality check. Definitely something I didn’t want, but I got it, so here I am. Its reality and something you just have to live with and move on the best that you can. I just have to think positively for the next check-ups and hope for goodwill for the future.”
Garrett would like to get into the industry and in the future open his own snowboard shop out West. He recently interned with Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA).
“Garrett epitomizes what excites me about the next generation in our snow sports industry. He's genuine, down-to-earth, enthusiastic, smart, friendly, warm, and giving,” said Chris Frado, executive director/president CCSAA. “Here's this die-hard snowboarder who asked to come work in the Cross Country Ski Areas Association's sedate one-person office and do absolutely anything so he could learn all he could about the industry. I predict that after college Garrett will find success running the boarding shop of his dreams. And without doubt his customers will love doing business with him.”
“I have always liked helping people out. I’m good at snowboarding, but not good enough to go pro.” he laughs. “So I would like to be around the industry as much as possible. To open up a snowboard shop would be pretty cool because, I mean, that is all there is to do - hang around snowboard shops in my town and city. I think it would be cool to have kids come into my shop in the future. Have them just kick it with me, help them out, set them up with new things ride and meet new people.”
Garrett hopes to bring more street riding to the industry.
“I love mountain riding, but I want more core kids to get out there and enjoy the streets. I know the cops won’t appreciate it,” he laughs. “But I really like street riding and taking it to a whole different level. Getting people off the mountain but keeping them on at the same time, add a different style to it. It is slowly growing. There are some people with the whole urban step-up and curving more and more people are doing it. I would really like the street kind of vibe that kids can bring.”
Overcoming bad things in life is something that everyone can relate to. Although it is common, not everyone handles it with such grace and courage, as Garrett did. He is a freshman at Keene State studying business management. If you would like to learn more or offer him an internship, hit him up at GPlifka@ksc.mailcruiser.com
More about Garrett…
SIA: When did you start snowboarding?
Garrett: In the third grade.
SIA: Why are you in the industry?
Garrett: It’s an ill feeling to learn new tricks and ride with my crew.
SIA: What is your set up right now?
Garrett: Technine team Rasta 153, Technine Timbro bindings, 32 lashed boots.
SIA: One of the best moments on snow?
Garrett: (Probably) has to be the first day back after my brain surgery. I was nervous as hell but it didn't take long to pick up where I left off last year. Such a trip.
SIA: Future goals?
Garrett: My plans consist of teaming up with former shop owner Ralph Farnsworth, move West with him and open a core shop just for snowboarders and skateboarders. We need more core shops for real riders.
SIA: Shout-outs?
Garrett: My friends and family inspire me along with riders I look up to. Magoon, Grenier, Bradshaw
2010 SIA SNOW SHOW SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
SnowSports Industries America (SIA) is proud to announce the fourth annual SIA Snow Show Supplier of the Year Awards. These awards recognize those suppliers who exemplify the best in the following categories at the 2010 SIA Snow Show. Retailers, who attended the Show, nominated the winners. Click here to view the voting criteria.
WINNERS:
Best Swag - Volcom
Friendliest Receptionist - Obermeyer
Best Line Presentation - Burton
Best Display - Burton
Best Catalog - Burton
Best Booth Staff - Spyder
LEARN A SNOW SPORT MONTH ORGANIZERS KICK-OFF 2011 PLANS AT NSAA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
New Advisory Task Force to be Announced
Organizers of the 2010 Learn a Snow Sport Month initiative plan to kick off the 2011 efforts at the annual National Ski Areas Association Conference, May 3 – 5 in Orlando, FL. The group estimates that nearly 30,000 children and adults took lessons during January 2010 and an additional 10,700 participated in Winter Trails events throughout the U.S.
A panel presentation entitled “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month – A Model for the Industry’s Future” will take place Monday, May 3 at 9:30A at the conference. Panel members include Raelene Davis of Ski Utah, Greg Sweetser of Ski Maine, Jim Tust of Pennsylvania’s Shawnee Mountain and Mary Jo Tarallo who will serve as panel moderator. Benna Cawthorn, director for the golf industry’s First Tee program, is also scheduled to provide an overview of what golf is doing to increase participation.
The group will re-cap the 2010 effort, outline preliminary plans for 2011 that will include research from NSAA’s Model for Growth and announce the members of a new Advisory Task Force that will provide leadership for the initiative. Industry professionals attending the NSAA Annual Conference are invited to the presentation.
WINTER FEELS GOOD GETS BOOST FROM PSIA-AASI AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Two members of the PSIA-AASI staff helped support the Winter Feels Good (WFG) information booth at last month’s national conference of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) held in Indianapolis. Earl Saline and Ben Roberts, of PSIA-AASI’s Education Department joined WFG director Mary Jo Tarallo to promote the inclusion of snow sports curriculum in schools throughout the U.S. The group collected nearly 400 names of teachers and recreation professionals interested in information about the program and about Winter Trails.
The Winter Feels Good initiative is part of the Lifetime Recreation Council that is part of the AAHPERD organization. The council’s goal is to involvement in recreational activities, such as snow sports, that can be enjoyed over the course of a lifetime.
Winter Feels Good has been supported this year through donations made by industry associations, through contributions from individuals who took part in the WFG raffle and individual SIA member companies. Special thanks goes to companies who gave to the “Super Fund” as well as Nation’s Best Sports (NBS), Sports Specialists Limited (SSL), Snowsports Merchandising Corporation (SMC), the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), National Ski and Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA), Professional Ski Instructors of America-American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association (PSAA), Eastern Winter Sports Reps Association (EWSRA), Midwest Winter Sports Reps Association (MWSRA), and Western Winter Sports Reps Association (WWSRA). WinterKids.com and Snow Crafters are WFG sponsors.
THE WORD ON THE SLOPES
What’s going on in your company? Keep SIA in the know. Send details, pictures, videos, press releases, etc to PR@snowsports.org.
Inspired by the movie “Hot Tub Time Machine”, checkout some retro pictures of SIA Regional Sales & Marketing Manager, Reddy Kennedy!
Official News: The Board of the Hans Saari Memorial Fund is pleased to announce the winners of its 2010 Ski Exploration Grants. Click here to view the winner…. Last week nine Utah resorts received a Monster Dump (12 inches or more of snow) within 24-hours, and many resorts reported more than 20 inches of snow this morning. Click here to read more… Willy Booker, previously General Manager of Nordica USA, has been named President of the organization, effective April 5, 2010. Click here to read more… After reporting its third snowiest season in early April, Whistler can now claim its second snowiest winter since records began in 1979/80 with a cumulative snowfall of 14.37m surpassing the annual average of 10.22m by over 4m. Click here to read more…. Olympic snowboarder Rebecca Sinclair, Queenstown ski racer Adam Barwood and longtime Wanaka snowboard coach Rachel Newton each captured top honors at the Trail Journeys Central Otago Sports Awards in Alexandra Friday night. Click here to read more…. Early results from the 2010 Winter Games in Whistler show that the resort’s role as Host Mountain Resort has led to significant gains in international awareness according to the Canadian resort, “…a critical element in growing visitation over the coming years.” Click here to read more….New Frisco resident Phoebe Mills got up bright and early Friday morning for a 7 a.m. interview with the Summit Daily News. Click here to read interview…. Working in tandem with the Snow Centre’s BASI Centre of Excellence school, the new adaptive snowsports school will use equipment provided by Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) to enable people with any sort of disability to experience snowsports. Click here to read more… New Sun Valley Resort Vice President/GM Tim Silva set a goal of hitting 400,000 skier days in his first year at the helm. Click here to read more… Winter Park Resort’s Coca-Cola® Spring Splash is one of the oldest traditions of its kind and on its 42nd year. Click here to learn more… According to SnowSports Industries America, ski manufacturers last season sold about 8 percent fewer skis in the U.S. than the previous year. It was a significant drop — 59,000 fewer skis, for a total of 675,000 — but given the way the economy swan dived into a snowbank leading up to the season, it wasn’t totally surprising. Click here to read more… Want a chance to intern with Gretchen Bleiler? Click here…. Protect Our Winters (POW) and Volcom V.Co-logical have teamed up to celebrate Earth Day, April 22. Click here to learn more… Mervin Manufacturing is relocating its head offices from Sequim to Seattle in the next three to six months (stay tuned for more on that) and Sales Manager Greg Hughes “has decided to remain in Utah with his family,” according to GM Ryan Hollis. Click here to learn more…. Quiksilver Inc. has reached an agreement today to sell its Raisins portfolio of swim brands to Breaking Waves International, a part of AOM Holdings, LLC, according to a press release issued by the company. Click here to learn more… La Jolla, California-based Web marketing company Clarinova has created a new software called Front Window, which creates search engine optimized Web sites that guide consumers to local retailers who carry the specific brands they are searching for. Click here to learn more… The fourth annual Red Bull Cold Rush is all said and done at the legendary cat skiing operation that is Retallack, BC. Click here to read more.
Sad news to report:
Roger A. Wiski
November 14, 1946 - April 10, 2010
Age 63 of Circle Pines
He was born and raised in Duluth. Preceded in death by his father, Walter. Survived by his wife of 30 years, Shawn; children, Erik and Laura; mother, Fern; brother, Donn; and many other dear family and friends. Roger was a loving and devoted husband, father, son and brother. He was an avid outdoorsman, fly fisherman, skier, camper and took pride in his yard.
*Obituary from Duluth News Tribune and Pioneer Press
Roger was a member of the MWSRA for over 30 years and was a long time board member. He started in the winter sports business at Continental Ski Shop in Duluth, MN, eventually becoming its manager. He began repping for Paul Vesterstein, a founding member of MWSRA, and eventually, took over the K2 brand in 1975. He remained with K2 for over thirty years. Always straight forward and positive, Roger was the model rep. His passion and spirit will be missed.
Roger's illness spanned the better part of eight years. Despite having full health insurance coverage, the family will be left with $30,000 medical bills. The obituary indicates that memorials are preferred. An account has been set up to help the family defray the medical bill balance.
To contribute money, you can make the check out to:
Shawn Wiski
Mail or wire to:
Acct # 6299926615
Routing number: 091000019
Wells Fargo Bank
4400 Hwy 61 N
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Send us your news, press releases and stories to PR@snowsports.org, SnowSports Industries America.
Please feel free to forward this message to anyone who is interested in the growth and further development of the snow sports industry, and continue to do your part. Let it Snow!
<< back