Columbia takes to the slopes, heads for the Olympics

PORTLAND, Ore. — Columbia Sportswear Company will sponsor three freestyle ski teams during the 2012-13 World Cup season and the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.



Russia completes the trifecta, having signed on with Columbia this year. It joins Canada, which signed up in 2008 and the United States, which signed on last year.



“We are honored to welcome the Russian freestyle ski team to the Columbia family,” says Columbia’s president and CEO, Tim Boyle. “Being represented by three teams of this caliber on world-class stages like the World Cup circuit and the 2014 Olympics not only makes us extremely proud – it also underscores how world-class athletes are embracing Columbia as a provider of authentic performance products that keep them warm, dry and protected during the extremes of competition.”



Columbia’s gear is especially suited to moguls and aerials, wherein athletes require outerwear that gives them mobility, breathability and comfort.



The U.S. moguls team will make use of the Wildcard IV Softshell, one of Columbia’s Cyberstretch styles, as their go-to competition jacket. Other pieces in the U.S. lineup include the Key Three Softshell, the Bugaboo Pant and Ridge 2 Run II Pant.



“We’re ready to jump into the World Cup competition and hone in our skills with the Olympics on the horizon,” said U.S. freestyle program director, Todd Schirman. “Columbia’s been extremely receptive to our feedback from last season and they have produced incredible uniforms that will help us get on the podium this season.”