Archives: Press Releases

PARK CITY, Utah (Sept. 24, 2024) – Rossignol, industry leading manufacturer of winter sports equipment for 117 years, walked away from this season’s media ski tests with a sweep of awards, including across-the-board accolades for its all-new Sender Soul 102.

Drawing on the heritage of the brand’s legendary 7 Series skis — and the instantly recognizable Soul 7 — the new Sender Soul 102 incorporates the accessibility of its extremely-popular predecessor with the modern freeride DNA of its award-winning Sender Free 110. The result has been met with resounding accolades, winning “Best in Test” in SKI, Outside, Powder, and Freeskier, among others, and ranking it the #1 all-mountain wide ski (100-110mm underfoot) in every test it was entered into for the 2024-25 season.

In addition to the success of the Sender Soul, its women-specific counterpart, the new Rallybird Soul 102, also topped its field as the #1 women’s all-mountain wide ski, winning “Best in Test” across SKI, Outside, Powder and Freeskier as well.

“As overused as the term may be, the original Soul 7 was a legitimate ‘game-changer’ for both North American skiers and the industry at large,” said Nick Castagnoli, Brand Marketing Director for Rossignol North America. “With its iconic yellow Air Tip, it changed what a freeride ski could be and opened the mountain up for skiers of all levels. We aimed to improve upon that formula by leveling up performance for a modern ‘do-it-all freeride ski’ that retained its accessibility. By all accounts we seem to have accomplished just that with the new Sender Soul.”

Other notable category-winners include:

• The all-new Arcade 88 (Best in Test, Frontside, SKI and Outside)
• The all-new Nova 14 Ti (Best in Test, Women’s Carving, SKI and Outside)
• Sender Free 110 (Best in Test, Newschoolers and Powder; Editor’s Choice, Freeskier; Best Of, BLISTER)
• Escaper 105 (Editor’s Choice, Backcountry), Escaper 97, 87 (Gear Guide Selects, Backcountry)

“Skiers today want products that address their problems, and the new Rossignol collection does exactly that,” added Jake Stevens, Rossignol Alpine Category Manager. “From carving to all-mountain, freeride to freetouring, our goal is to pair high-end performance with designs that — simply stated — are just easier to ski, making the barrier to ripping turns in a variety of conditions more accessible while elevating the skiing experience for experts at the same time.”

For more information on Rossignol’s winter 2025 collection, please visit rossignol.com.

– X X X –

GROUP ROSSIGNOL: Headed by CEO Vincent Wauters, Group Rossignol designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of winter sports and outdoor equipment. The Group’s brands provide a continuous, year-round experience accompanying consumers in every moment of sporting effort and leisure, from elite-level athletes to amateurs, from the mountains to the city. The Group’s global headquarters is located in the French Alps near Grenoble with five different industrial sites (Sallanches, Nevers, Saint Etienne de Saint Geoirs, Artès, Montebelluna) across western Europe and a U.S. headquarters in Park City, Utah. The Group houses a strong portfolio of complementary brands: Rossignol – the iconic brand for winter sports, and ready-to-wear fashion and apparel; Dynastar – the specialist ski brand; Lange – the iconic ski boot brand; Look – the long-standing premium manufacturer of ski bindings; Risport – the reference for ice-skating; Kerma – specialized in ski poles and technical equipment; and Dale of Norway, an iconic Norwegian brand known for its high-quality wool-based knitwear. Each has built their own unique identity and draws their inspiration from the mountains. Rossignol is majority owned by Nordic Private Equity fund Altor since 2013.

 

San Clemente, Calif. – September 24, 2024 – Nomadix, a social purpose corporation and makers of The Only Towel You Need®, made from post-consumer recycled materials, is proud to announce it has earned The Climate Label, building on its 2022 Climate Neutral Certification. This achievement highlights the company’s commitment to impactful initiatives like lower-carbon materials and renewable energy, as it accelerates efforts to reduce emissions and collectively tackle climate change.

“At Nomadix, we believe in the power of innovation to drive positive change,” said Mia Helminiak, director of community engagement for Nomadix. “As an early adopter of The Climate Label, we are dedicated to redefining our impact on the environment and leading the charge toward a more sustainable future. By investing in our supply chain, we can develop solutions that benefit our planet and inspire others to join us on this important journey. Together, we can create a lasting, positive impact for generations to come.”

Nomadix is committed to bridging the gap between climate commitment and tangible progress. In 2023, the brand focused on the following four areas: investing in lower-carbon materials, establishing a dedicated role for community and sustainability initiatives, advocating for climate action, and purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). RECs are tradable certificates that represent proof that one megawatt-hour of renewable energy has been generated and fed into the grid. They are used to track and verify the use of renewable energy, allowing businesses and individuals to claim the environmental benefits of using green power.

“As our business grows and we continue our commitment to climate neutrality, we recognize that we are a work in progress,” said Zack Helminiak, CEO and co-founder of Nomadix. “Our emissions increased slightly last year, but we’re addressing the issues and remain committed to refining our strategies to further meet our climate goals. For comparison, our emissions in 2021 were measured at 3,892 tCO2, in 2022 those decreased by 80% to 776 tCO2, and in 2023 our annual emissions were 886 tCO2, a 77% decrease from our baseline year.”

Nomadix has achieved significant progress toward its goal of cutting overall emissions in half by 2030 through the hard work of its team on the brand’s Roadmap to Sustainability, which was established in 2022. The Nomadix Roadmap to Sustainability includes six action items for change: reduce air freight shipping emissions by 50% within the next two years, transition to at least 50% renewable energy at Nomadix HQ office and warehouse, eliminate 100% of virgin plastic from production within the next year, transition from 2-day air to ground shipping across all D2C shipments, switch 3PL warehouse equipment from LPG to electric, and expand end-of-life solutions for its products.

In 2023, Nomadix partnered with The Change Climate Project to pilot its new climate action framework. Beyond its greenhouse gas (GHG) assessments, the company set a climate transition budget to fund emissions-reducing projects across its operations and supply chain for meaningful global change. Additionally, the brand partnered with the following organizations for offset projects: Envira Amazonia, Gansu Wind Project, Promise The Pod, West Coast Tree Planting, and Tribal Renewable Energy Fund.

ABOUT NOMADIX

California-based Nomadix launched in 2014 with The Only Towel You Need® – a multi-purpose towel that performs for any activity, including travel, yoga, boating, and at the beach. Nomadix understands that the environmental footprint of the products people buy will have an impact on the planet that lasts longer than we will. A commitment to discovering durable, multi-purpose, responsibly manufactured solutions that will leave the planet better than we found it is part of its ethos – Own less. Do more. Nomadix is a member of 1% for the Planet and is Climate Neutral Certified. Today, Nomadix is carried in major retailers in the United States. Visit www.nomadix.co for more information.

ABOUT CLIMATE NEUTRAL CERTIFICATION

Wherever you see the Climate Neutral Certified label, it means the company is accountable for its greenhouse gas emissions. To earn the label, a company must annually measure cradle-to-customer emissions, implement specific action plans to reduce emissions, and invest in high quality, verified carbon credits. The certification requirements are detailed in the rigorous, peer-reviewed Climate Neutral Certified Standard. Each company’s application is reviewed for compliance by Change Climate’s certification team.

 

ÅRE, Sweden (September 24 , 2024) — Peak Performance, the renowned apparel brand celebrated for innovative outdoor and ski wear, launched this week in the United States market. The expansion into the U.S. builds on recent growth in Canada, including the opening of a brand store in Vancouver in Fall 2023 to showcase its pairing of progressive design with technical leadership.

In the U.S., the Scandinavia-based brand will introduce its cutting-edge 2024 Ski Collection, a category where it is well-known through its partnership with the Freeride World Tour. The collection will be available through a newly established e-commerce platform, offering American consumers access to high-performance gear designed for both adventure and style.

Known for seamlessly blending high-performance functionality with Scandinavian minimalist design, Peak Performance has earned a dedicated following across Europe and beyond. Founded by skiers in the mountain town of Åre, Sweden in 1986, the brand was born out of a desire to create apparel that could meet the rigorous demands of extreme weather conditions while offering more stylish, progressive aesthetics. Over the years, Peak Performance has evolved into a versatile lifestyle brand, delivering innovative gear not only for skiing but also for a wide range of outdoor sports such as hiking, mountain biking, and golf, as well as for everyday urban wear.

Peak Performance takes great pride in its deep roots in skiing, showcased by its presenting partnership with the Freeride World Tour (FWT), and the brand’s impressive roster of riders that includes FWT champion Hedvig Wessel, as well as two USA-born Alex Hackel and Svea Irving. With its launch in the U.S., Peak Performance is adding  to its roster, and will continue to  expand its team to support more riders and ambassadors in the US and gain further insights into the North American market.

“The USA’s global influence within fashion and style, alongside a growing community of new outdoor adventure seekers, makes it an ideal destination for Peak Performance,” said Sara Molnar, CEO of Peak Performance. “We couldn’t be more excited to finally offer North American skiers the chance to shop Peak Performance online. This marks a significant next step in our ongoing efforts to bring Peak Performance to the North American consumer, and we look forward to sharing more updates in the near future.”

Along with performance, innovation, and style, Peak Performance remains deeply committed to sustainability. The company develops and incorporates eco-friendly materials and production practices in many of its products, ensuring that consumers can enjoy premium apparel while also making environmentally conscious choices. With a growing demand for premium, versatile apparel that seamlessly blends outdoor performance with urban style, Peak Performance is positioning itself to growing numbers of outdoor consumers with a bold, progressive assortment.

To learn more about Peak Performance and the FW24 collection, please visit: https://www.peakperformance.com/us

About Peak Performance

Born in the Swedish mountains out of a love for skiing in remote, untouched terrain, Peak Performance’s passion for adventure and nature runs deep. Our purpose is simple: we bring the freeride spirit to the world. As for our products, they embody the same purpose — to empower the freedom for adventure to create your own line. Whether horizontally or vertically, on skis, by bike, or on foot, Peak products meet at the intersection of style and performance. Our Scandinavian heritage is ever present and our commitment to doing better things, in a better way, is our adventure. For more information, please visit www.peakperformance.com.

Media Contact

Charlotte Courville

Charlotte@RosePR.ca

617-515-5121

 

– X X X –

 

September 24, 2024 – Since 1989, The Conservation Alliance (TCA) has awarded over $32 million to support community-led conservation projects throughout North America. In its latest summer grant cycle, TCA awarded $410,000 to 12 organizations working with local communities to conserve land, water, and wildlife.

This round of funding supports projects across nine U.S. states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Montana, Texas, Vermont, Washington) and in British Columbia. Individual grants range from $20,000 to $50,000, with three organizations receiving TCA grants for the first time and four of the organizations identifying as BIPOC-led.

“At this crucial time, we are committed to protecting the natural spaces that hold significance for communities, individuals, and ecosystems,” said Kim Paymaster, Grant Program Director at The Conservation Alliance. “Our latest round of grants, which include both long-time partners and first-time recipients, include a number of campaigns that are lifting up tribal leadership and voices, including buffalo restoration efforts in Texas, land management planning for the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, and IPCA designation and management in British Columbia. We are deeply appreciative of TCA’s engaged membership, whose contributions support our funding and advocacy efforts.”

The Conservation Alliance collaborates with over 270 member companies to identify impactful conservation projects aimed at protecting wild and outdoor spaces. Member companies contribute annual dues to a central grant fund, which is distributed through discretionary opportunities.

Grantees are nominated and voted on by TCA member employees. After the nomination process, TCA staff and board members thoroughly review the proposals, before moving forward with the voting process.

For more information about the Summer 2024 grantees, visit the links below. For more information about TCA and becoming a member, visit www.conservationalliance.com.

 

 

Organization Name	Project Name	Location	Amount
Alaska Wilderness League	Protecting the Western Arctic	AK	$50,000
American Rivers	Upper Verde Wild and Scenic River	AZ	$35,000
Colorado Wildlands Project	Dolores River Canyon Country Protection Campaign	CO	$40,000
Columbia Land Trust	Klickitat Oaks, Phase 1	WA	$30,000
Dena Kayeh Institute	Dene K’éh Kusān – Land Guardian Network	British Columbia	$40,000
Gallatin River Task Force	Permanently protecting rivers in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem	MT	$20,000
Greater Yellowstone Coalition	Yellowstone Boundary Gold Mine: Protecting Yellowstone and creating public land	MT	$45,000
Indiana Forest Alliance	Protecting Wilderness in the Midwest	IN	$25,000
Methow Valley Citizens Council	Great NW Forests Campaign	WA	$35,000
Texas Tribal Buffalo Project	Homecoming: Land Rematriation and Buffalo Restoration in Texas	TX	$35,000
Trust for Public Land	Hazen’s Notch: Protecting Recreation and Wilderness in Vermont’s Green Mountains	VT	$30,000
Tuleyome	Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Management Plan	CA	$25,000

 

About

The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries from outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – take bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $32,600,000 in grants and helped protect over 96 million acres and 4,570 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves.

conservationalliance.com

Please direct media inquiries to Kim Paymaster, Grant Program Director, kim@conservationalliance.com.

COALVILLE, Utah. (Sept. 23, 2024) — Escapod, manufacturer of high-performance off-road teardrop trailers designed for adventure seekers, retained Verde Brand Communications as its PR agency of record, effective immediately. Verde will work with the Escapod team to tell the story of how the brand has evolved through innovation to lead the way in the small camper and overlanding categories.

Founders Jen and Chris Hudak created Escapod in 2016 when they couldn’t find anything on the market that checked the boxes they required — a camper that was nimble, could get them outdoors at a moment’s notice, and was up for the challenge of tackling the rugged places they wanted to go.

Since then, Escapod’s TOPO2 has undergone constant iteration, including creating the patented single-piece molded fiberglass shell it uses on its TOPO2 model. The resulting benefits are a teardrop trailer that is ultralight, ultra-durable, and has larger usable space without substantially increasing the camper’s footprint. The proprietary Freeride Suspension System on the TOPO2 is a custom-designed, high-clearance independent, off-road suspension that affords superior off-road handling to allow for access about anywhere a four-wheel drive can go.

“Our mission is simple — build the best damn camper known to man,” said Jen Hudak. “We know we’ve hit on a winning formula based on the upward trajectory of our demand. But we’re also excited to have Verde help us show more people the simple joys of being able to get out quickly and easily for the weekend or a week, and not have any limitations on where they can go.”

Thanks to its size, the Escapod TOPO2 also fits easily in garages, which has attracted more customers who live in urban areas — often with HOA restrictions around campers — but desire to access the backcountry on the weekends.

As it has ramped up production based on demand, Escapod has grown into a 20,000-square-foot manufacturing space east of Park City in Coalville, Utah. Its facility allows it to strike a balance between creating a quality handcrafted product and operating with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to efficiently meet demand.

“You don’t have to be deep in the outdoor industry to know there are many more people visiting national parks and forests in recent years. And while it’s great that more people are getting outdoors, campground space is at a premium and reservations are hard to get. So a design like Escapod that helps you access more rugged, off-grid sites easily and comfortably is a welcome tool,” said Dave Simpson, partner at Verde. “We’re excited to help people learn more about the innovation Escapod has brought to this category.”

About Escapod

Escapod Trailers builds high-performance off-road teardrop trailers designed for adventure seekers who crave freedom and exploration. Using advanced fiberglass molding for a durable, lightweight body and the patented Freeride Suspension System for superior off-road handling, Escapods are built to tackle any terrain. With an industry-leading 5-year warranty, our trailers offer unmatched durability, while their compact size and easy towing capabilities make them just as convenient on the road or when fitting into your garage. Built in Utah, Escapod is more than just a trailer — it’s an invitation to join a community of adventurers, ready to explore wherever the journey takes you. Visit escapod.us for more information or follow the adventures on Instagram.

About Verde Brand Communications

Verde Brand Communications is a woman-founded, woman-led agency focused on brand communications and strategy, media relations, digital marketing and affiliate management. We specialize in serving the outdoor and active lifestyle industries as well as adjacent specialty markets. Our market-driven approach stems from a nimble, close-knit team of creative thinkers along with proven industry experience since Verde was founded in 2002. We have offices in Durango and Boulder, Colo., and Jackson, Wyo. For more information about Verde, please visit www.verdepr.com or follow our adventures on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Verde Brand Communications

(307) 235-0268

escapod@verdepr.com

 

CEDAR CITY, Utah (Sept 20, 2024) – Outdoor Vitals, the Utah-based performance outdoor brand, announced the release of their newest version of the StormLoft® ultralight down sleeping quilt for backpacking. This release will be on Sept 23, 2024. The StormLoft® Down Topquilt is the next installment of the top-selling quilt the brand has been promoting for years – they have released regular updates as they’ve developed new innovations. These new top quilts weigh about half the weight of a comparable full sleeping bag & pack down much smaller while providing the same amount of warmth & comfort.

“This last decade all the rage has been around DWR coatings on down insulations. I’ve tested all types…water based, waxed based, this brand vs that brand. I’ve even tested many options of synthetic imitation downs! All of these were created to try to get down to perform as well as possible when faced with moisture.” comments Outdoor Vitals.

“Now we’ve found that ExpeDRY™ Down out-performs DWR treated down in pretty much any real-world test. The gold nano-particles attack the hydrogen bond of water molecules & prevent droplets from forming, which allows for more rapid evaporation. The gold treatment is permanent & chemical free, & won’t wash out like DWR down treatments. In the end, you get a quilt that maintains full loft day after day, even if you’ve got lots of condensation in your tent or crawl into bed wet & sweaty.”

Designed with extensive input from thru-hikers and runners, the $350 StormLoft® Down Quilt offers unmatched comfort, dry times, and packability for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to lighten their load without giving up warmth at night. These quilts also boast a unique tapered design & baffle layout that wraps intuitively around the user, and keeps down exactly where you’d want it.

They outperform other models by naturally reducing cold drafts, maintaining full loft after days of use, & keeping total pack weight down.

An insulated draft collar, a precise anatomically shaped footbox, and drawcord retention loops enhance your ability to sleep comfortably in the backcountry. You can seal in heat much more effectively without a drawcord dangling in your face or uncomfortable bunching. This, combined with the fact that the fabrics & DWR treatments are PFAS free make the new StormLoft® Down Quilt an excellent choice for outdoor adventurers.

To learn more, visit www.outdoorvitals.com

###

About Outdoor Vitals

Unencumbered by price points or corporate strategies, Outdoor Vitals is passionate about helping others to live ultralight, and its sole mission is to provide gear that makes backcountry travel easier. Outdoor Vitals is committed to designing innovative products that make the outdoors more comfortable, cutting out everything that is unnecessary without impeding function or durability. The result is a line of carefully constructed products that are ideal for backcountry travel. Today, Outdoor Vitals offers a wide array of unique products, including backpacks, jackets, tents, pants, baselayers, sleep systems, and more.

Media Contact:

Nerissa Cannon, Outdoor Vitals nerissa@outdoorvitals.com

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Sept. 19, 2024 — Selkirk Sport, the leading pickleball paddle and accessories manufacturer, has selected Backbone to lead its public relations efforts. As Selkirk’s agency of record, Backbone will reinforce Selkirk’s position as the premier brand in the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, and drive awareness and relevancy with new audiences.

Founded in 2014, Selkirk is a family-owned business synonymous with high-performance pickleball paddles and accessories. With a commitment to innovation, Selkirk is focused on supporting athletes of all skill levels, from professional competitors to recreational players, while promoting the sport’s inclusivity and growth.

“Backbone understands our passion for the sport and how to connect authentically with our target consumers,” said Mike Barnes, co-founder and co-CEO of Selkirk Sport. “Their proven track record of success supporting challenger brands makes them the ideal partner to help us expand our market presence.”

Selkirk encompasses five distinct brands, each dedicated to expanding the reach of pickleball to a broader community. Selkirk Sport serves as the flagship brand, offering premium, made-in-the-USA pickleball paddles. Other brands include SLK, AvaLee, Selkirk Labs, PlayPickleball.com, the premier online destination for pickleball players looking to learn the game, and Selkirk Pickleball TV, the original and only free pickleball app.

“Pickleball is our favorite lunch break activity at Backbone so we’re thrilled to partner with a brand that aligns with our enthusiasm for the sport,” Ian Anderson, VP of Public Relations at Backbone. “As pickleball continues its meteoric rise, and the landscape gets more and more competitive for pickleball brands, we are excited to work with a family-owned industry leader that shares our company values.”

To learn more about Selkirk Sport, or to shop available products, visit www.selkirk.com.

Please direct media inquiries to Meg Herrington at meg.herrington@backbone.media.

About Selkirk Sport
Selkirk Sport, a made-in-the-USA manufacturer of pickleball paddles and accessories, is a family-owned and operated company. Selkirk Sport is based in Hayden, Idaho, in the shadows of its namesake, the Selkirk mountain range. Founded in 2014, Selkirk Sport was born from a passion for sport and the Western outdoor leisure lifestyle that was afforded to the company’s founders, Rob and Mike Barnes, along with their father Jim, who is Selkirk’s production manager. Backed by the philosophy of always pushing the limits, Selkirk Sport is committed to manufacturing products that deliver the highest performance with unmatched quality and service. Selkirk Sport has become one of the industry’s fastest-growing companies, with paddles used by many of the game’s premier players, such as Jack Sock, Catherine Parenteau, Dylan Frazier, Mary Brascia, Maggie Brascia, James Ignatowich and a host of others premier players and national/regional champions.

About Backbone

Backbone is the country’s leading active lifestyle media agency. For over 27 years, Backbone has partnered with brands big and small to develop and execute effective, integrated media strategies. Backbone has consistently been included on Outside Magazine’s “Best Places to Work” list with offices in Carbondale and Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit www.backbonemedia.net.

Contact

Meg Herrington
Backbone Media
meg.herrington@backbone.media
970.963.4873 ext. 1240

SOUTHPORT, Conn. –  (September 17, 2024) – Dermatone, a leading skin and sun care brand since 1981, today introduced the Anti-Chafe Body Stick, joining its product line of sun protection and skincare. The natural, antibacterial and fragrance-free balm protects skin from rubbing, irritation and friction during a variety of outdoor activities including endurance sports like running, cycling, triathlons, marathons, hiking, mountain-biking, swimming, and surfing, as well as everyday use. The Anti-Chafe Body Stick is available in two sizes, 1.5 oz. ($11.99) and .45 oz. ($7.99), at dermatone.com and at select retailers in-store and online.

“Our Anti-Chafe Body Stick builds upon our legacy of bringing expertise to a new, important category enhancing the outdoor enthusiast’s experience,” said Doug Metchick, president of Dermatone. “We have developed a specialized formula safeguarding skin from friction and irritation to help adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts make the most out of their outdoor experience.”

Specifically, the Dermatone Anti-Chafe Body Stick’s clean, non-greasy and long-lasting formula creates a barrier on your skin yet keeps pores clog-free ensuring that skin breathes. The natural ingredients soothe, moisturize, and protect skin while preventing painful chafing. It can be applied to areas where friction is often an issue including feet, thighs, chest, groin and armpits. It is non-greasy and goes on clear with ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, and sunflower seed oil.

For more information, visit dermatone.com

###

About Dermatone

Since 1981, Dermatone has been the trusted choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers seeking high-quality skincare solutions. Our specialized, science-backed formulas are designed to be effective in all types of extreme conditions including sun, wind, dry, cold and frostbite. Crafted with clean, premium ingredients, Dermatone’s innovative products protect, hydrate and restore your skin all year long. After more than 40 years, Dermatone still maintains a reputation as the go-to brand for those committed to maintaining healthy skin and who demand high performance, quality and reliability in their skincare routine. Dermatone products are proudly made in the U.S.A.

Media Contact:

Charlotte Daher de Garcia, CGPR

charlotte@cgprpublicrelations.com