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10/18/2007
SIA Releases 2007 Intelligence Report
This week, SnowSports Industries America (SIA) will make available the 2007 Intelligence Report – a compilation of 10 unique research studies on the snow sports industry. Celebrating its 30th annual update, the Intelligence Report provides valuable insight into trends, sales, participation and demographics for the snow sports market. For the first time, the 2007 report will include details on Internet sales in addition to specialty retail shops.
The comprehensive report also includes several enhanced highlights along with new stand-alone Intelligence Report chapters for alpine, snowboard, Nordic and apparel categories.
While the Winter of 2006-07 will be remembered for its warmer temps and lower-than-average snowfall in many regions, snow sports continued to thrive and trends were apparent. Heres just a sample of information that can be found in the 2007 Intelligence Report:
Winter 06/07 Sales
$2.1 billion in sales of snow sports equipment, apparel, and accessories from specialty shops and Internet sales. Category breakdown:
$629 million in equipment
$813 million in apparel
$680 million in accessories
All mountain snowboards were the hot trend, with an increase of 24 percent in units sold and 31 percent in dollars spent.
Winter 06/07 Internet Sales
$341 million total Internet sales were recorded
13% of all snowboard equipment was sold online
Winter 06/07 Demographics/Participation
Approximately 5 percent of Americans (7 years or older) participated in winter sports more than once a year – this is equal to 13.3 million
53 percent of snowboarders reported riding outside of resort areas at least once
40 percent of snowboarders also ride a skateboard
A free copy of the 2007 SIA Intelligence report is available to all SIA members; non-members will pay $425. Members of the press can contact the SIA PR department for specific requests regarding information from the report. For more information on this and other research available through SIA, log onto snowsports.org and click on the "Industry Resources" button.
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10/17/2007
McGee to Coach PSIA Nordic Team
Scotty McGee of Jackson, Wyo. has been given the nod from the Professional Ski Instructors Association (PSIA) to become the coach of the elite 2008 PSIA Nordic Demonstration and Education Team. The teams purpose is to inspire members personally and professionally, and make contributions to the research, development and delivery of PSIA information and messages to the industry. Candidates for the Team must be first nominated by their Division, although no Division quota exists during selection. Candidates then go through a selection process that generally includes Division try-outs. PSIAs goal is to select "the best in the nation" for its four-person Nordic Team and coach. Individuals serve a four-year term on the Team. The PSIA Nordic Team currently consists of: Craig Panarisi-Team Coach, Tor Brown, Dan Clausen, Ross Matlock and Scotty McGee.
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9/18/2007
Karhu Re-Launches Web, Introduces Blog
Karhu has redeveloped its web site, Karhu.com, to provide detailed information on its line of ski equipment and in-depth profiles of its athlete team. The site also includes links to other backcountry skiing web sites and an events calendar with telemark and backcountry festivals and Karhu demos.
The company has also launched a new ski blog, Where Will You Ski Today (http://wherewillyouski.blogspot.com). The blog will feature contributions from Karhu employees, athletes, ambassadors and friends.
"We are passionate skiers, dedicated to making gear that is reliable and enjoyable for exploring winter," says Graham Gephart, marketing manager for Karhu. "Where Will You Ski is simply our place to interact more with our users and share some of that passion with the ski community, through Karhu news, initiatives, trip reports, contests, photos, videos, stories and much, much more."
Karhu focuses on Nordic touring, telemark and alpine touring ski equipment.
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9/18/2007
SnowSports Industries Announces New Chair
SnowSports Industries America (SIA) has appointed Mike Carey as its chairman of the board position. Carey owns Seirus Innovative Accessories and holds five of the eight company patents. He is also a referee in the National Football League.
SIA also announced two new board members: Jake Jacobs, president and CEO of Spyder; and Mike Adams, general manager of Atomic USA. Both will serve one-year terms.
Jacobs started with Spyder as production manager and set up the companys quality control office in Hong Kong while managing production and development in 11 Southeast Asian factories. He has served as Spyders director of merchandising, vice president of merchandising, senior V.P. of product, and president/COO.
Adams was named general manager of Atomic USA in April 2007 and recently relocated the company from Amherst, New Hampshire, to Ogden, Utah. Prior to that, Adams had spent 11 years with Salomon North America, most recently as the senior VP and director of hardgoods in Portland, Oregon.
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9/11/2007
Toko USA introduces Toko eBlasts
Starting immediately, Toko USA will be sending out Toko eBlasts to those who sign up to receive them. A Toko eBlast is an informative email that includes Toko news, tech tips and product highlights. They will be sent out at regular intervals during the season. A winter sport enthusiast can sign up to receive any or all of Alpine, Cross Country or Snowboard specific eBlasts. To sign up for Toko eBlasts, please visit www.TokoUS.com and fill in the box at the bottom of the page.
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8/24/2007
Sports Law Conference Addresses the Globalization of Sports
On Friday, September 28, 2007,the National Sports Law Institute of Marquette University Law School will host a conference titled: "The Increasing Globalization of Sports: Olympic, International and Comparative Law Business Issues." The conference will take place at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Four conference panels will address the latest legal and business issues related to the globalization of sports. Panelists will include leading sports lawyers, sports law professors and industry professionals.
Topics will include implications of the global expansion of sports, global sports marketing and legal protection of intellectual property, resolution of international sports disputes, and a comparative analysis of sports league structure, governance and player restraints.
The conference will also feature the presentation of the Master of the Game Award to Michael Conley, an Olympic gold medalist (1992) and executive director of World Sport Chicago.
Conference registration includes a continental breakfast, conference lunch, attendance at each conference panel, and a reception after the final conference panel. Details are http://law.marquette.edu/jw/2007conf.
Address any questions to Paul Anderson, associate director of the National Sports Law Institute, at (414) 288-5816 or paul.anderson@mu.edu. Conference sponsors include Foley Lardner LLP, Greenberg Hoeschen, LLC, and the Sports Entertainment Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin.
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4/27/2007
K2 Sold to Jarden Corp
Jarden Corporation and K2 Inc. announced they have signed a definitive merger agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Jarden will pay $10.85 per share of K2 common stock in cash and will issue 0.1086 of a share of Jarden common stock for each share of K2 common stock outstanding as of the closing.
The cash and Jarden stock to be issued in the transaction has a combined value of approximately $15.50 per K2 share, based on the closing price of Jarden common stock on the date of signing the merger agreement. The total enterprise value of the transaction, including the assumption or repayment of indebtedness, is approximately $1.2 billion.
The transaction is expected to be accretive to Jardens earnings and to close early in the third quarter of this year.
K2s portfolio includes Adio, Ex Officio, JT, Karhu, K2, Madshus, Marker, Marmot, Penn, Rawlings, Ride, Sevylor, Shakespeare, Stearns, Volk and Worth.
K2s strength in the specialty and multi-store sporting goods, marine, and outdoor retail channels and proven international presence, combined with its focus on new product introductions and market innovations, would provide Jarden with significant growth opportunities and the ability to expand into adjacent markets. K2s primary business lines would be reported through Jardens Outdoor Solutions segment upon closing of the transaction.
Commenting on the transaction, Martin E. Franklin, Jardens Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are enormously excited about todays announcement as it marks another important step in our planned and disciplined growth strategy as a world class, diversified, niche oriented consumer products company. Adding K2s broad portfolio of leading brands to our portfolio would create cross selling opportunities both domestically and internationally, would expand our presence in specialty channels, would further diversify our products, revenues and earnings, and would create additional scale to leverage in our supply chain, distribution, manufacturing and sourcing networks."
Richard J. Heckmann, K2s Executive Chairman of the Board, said, "We believe that Jarden is the perfect strategic partner for us. Combining our world-renowned brands with Jardens scale and innovative resources should bring tremendous value to our employees, retail partners and customers. I am extremely proud of our employees accomplishments over the last five years, and I am excited about the road ahead for K2 as part of the Jarden family."
The boards of directors for both companies have unanimously approved the transaction, which is expected to close during the third quarter of 2007, subject to Hart-Scott-Rodino approval, the approval of K2s stockholders and other customary closing conditions.
While it may not exactly be a household name, Jarden’s stable of brands includes Mr. Coffee, Sunbeam and Coleman among dozens of other household name brands. The company is presently ranked #585 on the list of FORTUNE 1,000 largest corporations in the U.S. With Jarden Corp.s announcement that it will acquire K2, Inc., for $1.2 billion, thereby taking a major step into sporting goods, it should no doubt move further up that list. The announcement also showed just how much the little ski company from Vashon Island, Wash. (now based in Seattle) has grown.
Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden has over 20,000 employees worldwide. Heres a quick list of the ski industrys newest parent companys other brands:
Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Crawford®, Diamond®, First Alert®, Forster®, Hoyle®, JavaLog®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Loew-Cornell® and Pine Mountain®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Harmony®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain™; and Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Berkley®, Campingaz®, Coleman®, Fenwick®, Gulp®, Mitchell®, Stren® and Trilene®.
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4/27/2007
AMER WINTER & OUTDOOR AMERICAS, CITY OF OGDEN AND PRIVATE DEVELOPERS TURN INDUSTRIAL EYESORE INTO ECO-FRIENDLY BUSINESS CAMPUS
For some Ogden residents, the historic American Can complex looked like a candidate for the wrecking ball. Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey, however, viewed the abandoned factory as the cornerstone of Ogden’s downtown renaissance. Godfrey’s vision got a boost last October when Amer Winter & Outdoor Americas announced its move to Ogden and expressed interest in becoming the complex’s anchor tenant. Working with developers, the City of Ogden and Amer Sports—which has agreed to lease 59,000 square feet—are now turning the abandoned factory into a regional showcase of green redevelopment.
“As a wintersport and outdoor business, we moved to Ogden to be close to these incredible mountains,” explains Mike Dowse, President and General Manager of Amer Winter & Outdoor Americas. “As a responsible member of the community, we want to preserve and enhance the quality of life here. We’re starting with the green redevelopment of the Wasatch Mountain Center, and we’re continuing with green initiatives that will improve the way our employees work and live.”
By revitalizing existing structures, the project is minimizing the need for new building materials, while preventing thousands of cubic yards of old material from becoming landfill. Many materials that can’t be reused are being recycled. Workers, for instance, are salvaging several tons of sheet metal from the factory’s floor.
To mitigate heat loss and absorption, crews are painstakingly replacing old windows throughout the complex with Low-e double-insulated glass. Heating and cooling efficiency will be further improved by an intelligent climate control system, automated interior solar shades, and high R-value blow-in cellulose insulation (made of recycled newspaper).
In the department of wise water use, xeroscaping will emphasize drought-tolerant plants, with water sparingly dispensed by drip irrigation. Thirsty sod grass will have at most a token presence on the Wasatch Mountain Center campus.
“Thanks to Amer Sports’ leadership, the new Salomon, Atomic and Suunto headquarters in the historic American Can building will stand as a model for green development,” says Mayor Godfrey. “This city could not ask for a better environmental partner.”
Amer Winter & Outdoor Americas will begin operating from the Wasatch Mountain Center in August 2007. The business unit was founded in August 2006 to provide a shared infrastructure for Amer Sports’ U.S.-based winter and outdoor brands including Salmon, Atomic and Suunto. Ogden is located on the west side of the Wasatch Mountains, 40 miles north of Salt Lake City International Airport. The city boasts a vibrant historic district and quick access to world-class skiing.
Founded in 1950, Amer Sports Corporation is the world’s leading sports equipment company with internationally recognized brands including Wilson, Atomic, Suunto, Precor, Salomon and Mavic. Employing more than 6,600 people worldwide, Amer Sports companies develop and manufacture technically advanced products that improve the performance of active sports participants. The Group’s business is balanced by a broad portfolio of sports with a presence in all major markets.
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4/27/2007
Backcountry to Merge with Couloir Magazine
Backcountry Magazine publisher, Height of Land Publications (HOL) has announced its merger with Couloir, combining both titles into a bigger, better Backcountry Magazine.
Couloir Publications founding publisher Craig Dostie will joins John Dostal as Senior Editor at the new Backcountry.
"This really will be the best of both worlds for the reader," said Backcountry Editor Adam Howard. Couloir, founded in Los Angeles in 1988, and Backcountry, founded in Arvada, Colo., in 1994 have featured some of the best ski writing and photography published.
"Were looking forward to combining specific concepts and content from each magazine to provide a truly superior product that will better serve both the reader and the industry," said Howard.
“Not only does this merger combine editorial talents. But it also creates a publishing team with new owner enthusiasm and bootstrap entrepreneurial experience,” says Dostie.
Previously both titles published five times annually. The merger will allow the new Backcountry to grow to six issues. All existing Couloir subscriptions will be fulfilled with the new Backcountry. Additionally HOL will re-launch Telemark Skier Magazine, which Couloir Publications founded in 2002. The first issue of which will be available in October, followed by four more in 2008-2009.
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4/6/2007
Jay Cown Receives Hirsch Award for Magazine Writing
Jay Cowan of Snowmass, Colorado, was one of two recipients of the Harold S. Hirsch Award for Excellence in Snowsports Journalism for his work in Magazine Writing. The journalism awards are given out each year by the North American Snowsports Journalists Association (NASJA) during their annual meeting which was held at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado.
Judges scored his work a tie with equal judging scores in the Magazine Writing Category in this annual journalism competition named after the creator and founder of White Stag ski clothing company. The Harold S. Hirsch Awards are sponsored by HEAD Ski & Snowboard Company and Sport Obermeyer.
Cowan, is the Editor-in-Chief for Aspen Sojourner Magazine and a regular contributor to SKI, Mountain Gazette, Cross Country Skier, The Preferred Way, LINKS, Cowboy & Indians, and others including authoring the book The Best of the Alps. Cowan is a four time winner of the Harold S. Hirsch Awards.
Judging the Harold S. Hirsch Awards were a distinguished panel of 12 judges comprised of newspaper and magazine editors, columnists, broadcast news bureau chiefs and other professional journalists.
Cowan received a trophy awards, and a certificates for his choice of equipment from Head Ski & Snowboard Company and his NASJA annual meeting conference fees reimbursed. The other tied award winner in the Harold S. Hirsch Awards for Excellence in Snowsports Journalism for the Magazine Writing category was Christopher Solomon from Seattle, Washington, who is a freelance writer with work appearing in the New York Times, OutsideMagazine, Men’s Journal, SKI and Skiing.
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4/3/2007
Jules Older Recipient of Harold S. Hirsch Award
Jules Older of San Francisco, California, was one of two of the recipient of the Harold S. Hirsch Award for Excellence in Snowsports Journalism for his work in Columns Writing. The journalism awards are given out each year by the North American Snowsports Journalists Association (NASJA) during their annual meeting that was held at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado. For the first time, judges scored equal points and a tie in this annual journalism competition named after the creator and founder of White Stag ski clothing company. The Harold S. Hirsch Awards are sponsored by HEAD Ski & Snowboard Company and Sport Obermeyer.
Older is a five-time winner of this prestigious journalism award. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Ski Press USA/Ski Press Canada, which is a winter monthly publication distributed throughout North America and as well as online. He also writes adult and children’s books, produces articles, editorials and columns for many publications including radio and video commentary.
Judging the Harold S. Hirsch Awards were a distinguished panel of 12 judges comprised of newspaper and magazine editors, columnists, broadcast news bureau chiefs and others. One commented, “…This writer had by far the strongest voice of any of the columnists who entered. Each column has a strong, almost in your face point of view.”
Older received a trophy award, a certificate for his choice of equipment from Head Ski & Snowboard Company and his NASJA annual meeting conference fees reimbursed. The other award winner in this category was Bob Cox, Ski Columnist for The Daily Breeze in Torrance, California. Honorable Mention Award went to Marty Basch, a syndicated columnist with the Boston Globe who has authored several books including Winter Trails Vermont and Hew Hampshire, and Winter Trails Maine.
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12/14/2006
SIA WORKS WITH CONGRESS TO REDUCE TARIFFS ON SNOW SPORTS PRODUCTS
"SnowSports Industries America notches another success in its efforts to reduce tariffs on imports of manufactured snow sports products. In cooperation with the SIA's law firm, DLA Piper US LLP, SIA worked with members of Congress to extend duty breaks for snowboard boots, which were set to expire this year, until the end of 2009. Additionally, the duty was further reduced from 4 percent to 0 percent. Products included in this duty reduction are snowboard boots, ski boots and cross country ski footwear."
"Footwear that fit the following description may now be imported free of duty: ""Ski boots, cross country ski footwear or snowboard boots, the foregoing valued at over $12/pair, with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and uppers of textile materials (provided for in subheading 6404.11.90)."" All other ski and snowboard boots and cross country ski footwear (i.e., those with uppers of plastic or leather) already enter duty-free."
"This duty reduction means that all snow sports footwear may now be imported into the United States duty-free. SIA members who manufacture snow sports footwear with textile uppers overseas will save hundreds of thousands of dollars on duties. Last year, importers spent $235,000 on duties for snowboard boots, ski boots and cross country ski footwear with textile uppers. SIA points out this may be a good opportunity for cross country ski footwear makers to explore making more products with textile uppers in order to take advantage of this significant duty break."
"SIA would like to acknowledge the continued support it has received from Chairmen Grassley and Thomas, Senator Leahy, and their respective staffs on this bill. We would also like to express our appreciation to the Outdoor Industry Association for supporting our efforts."
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11/16/2006
Minnesota-Made Ski & Snowboard Bags
"zebulonUSA.com is pleased to announce the introduction of a line of American-made Ski and Snowboard bags manufactured by Battle Lake Outdoors. Battle Lake Outdoors is known for their durable products constructed from high quality American-made materials. Located in the heart of Minnesota, Battle Lake Outdoors is a family-owned business dedicated to crafting high quality packs and bags. They practice environmentally conscious manufacturing through minimal waste generation, little or no packaging and by designing and producing intentionally long-lived products. Based in Shakopee, Minn. zebulonUSA.com is an online retailer selling items made in the U.S. in an effort to promote American manufacturing and the employment it provides. Current product lines include apparel, bags, luggage, toys and games."
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11/16/2006
The National Snow Industries Association and the Canadian Ski Council Join Forces with Winter Trails Organizers to Promote Venues in Canada
"Organizers of Winter Trails, the National Snow Industry Association and the Canadian Ski Council are collaborating to better promote existing and new Winter Trails sites in Canada. Winter Trails is the annual international event that introduces children and adults to snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Since its inception 12 years ago, Winter Trails venues have grown from 11 sites to more than 100 sites in 2006. Winter Trails is spearheaded by SnowSports Industries America (SIA) in partnership with the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) and the American Hiking Society (AHS)."
"In 2006, there were eight Winter Trails sites in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia and at least that many are expected to participate in Winter Trails 2007. ""This seemed like a natural fit, considering the synergy between SIA in the states and NSIA in Canada,"" said Anna DiMeglia, president of NSIA."
"""We have wanted to work more closely with the National Snow Industry Association to promote snow sports in North America and Winter Trails is an excellent program on which we can collaborate,"" said David Ingemie, president of SIA. ""The Canadian Ski Council has an extensive media relations outreach effort and established resources that can strengthen the credibility of Winter Trails throughout North America."""
"""We are pleased to be working with SIA and CCSAA in Canada and we look forward to collectively introducing children and adults to snow sports,"" said Colin Chedore, executive director of the Canadian Ski Council."
"Winter Trails will take place in North America on January 6, 2007. For locations and more information, visit www.wintertrails.org."
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11/16/2006
"TSL Snowshoes Sets Up Shop in Williston, Vermont"
"In 2004, Tubbs snowshoe company was acquired and all Vermont production was relocated to China. This move not only left a void in the Vermont economy, but it left several former employees to contemplate their next move. These employees decided to join forces taking advantage of their vast knowledge of snowshoe design, manufacturing and distribution to start their own innovative snowshoe company, TSL Snowshoes."
"In 2005, Arnaud Claude, an industry veteran, created Vermont Snowshoe Ventures, LLC in preparation for the launch of TSL Snowshoes, LLC. With the recent exodus of wintersport companies from Vermont, Claude and TSL Snowshoes were awarded substantial tax "
"In January 2006, TSL Snowshoes, LLC unveiled its first line of aluminum snowshoes made in Vermont, including 20 models in four different series at the outdoor retailer show in Salt Lake City. The product was well received and orders were placed"
"Throughout this time period, Claude has been building one of the finest and most knowledgeable teams in the business. Lee Jobin, Production Manager, and Fran Mahoney, R&D Manager, with 20+ years of snowshoe experience were hired early on to design, build and produce prototypes and samples for display at the Outdoor Retailer show. With the success of the show, they now are deep into the process and logistics of coordinating the mass production of TSL products. Ted McGuinness has signed on as the Director of Sales and Operations. McGuinness, formerly Vice President of Operations with Trak Sports USA, will be responsible for building the U.S. sales team as well as day to day operations at TSL's U.S. headquarters in Williston."
For more information please contact Arnaud Claude at arnaud@tslsnowshoes.com or Ted McGuinness at ted@tslsnowshoes.com or (866)342-5579.
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