Archives: Press Releases

VUARNET UNVEILS NEW HORIZONS 

From the slopes of the French Alps to the decks of sailors, Vuarnet has long been synonymous with performance-driven eyewear. The new HORIZON collection reimagines this legacy, drawing inspiration from the brand’s  ARCTIC collection while embracing the cutting edge of contemporary design.  

With a commitment to precision, craftsmanship, and high-performance materials, Vuarnet once again proves that innovation and heritage go hand in hand. HORIZON blends sharp, contemporary aesthetics with everyday wearability. This collection refines striking designs into timeless classics—ideal for daily adventures. Debuting in two distinct silhouettes— HORIZON 01, a rounded pilot shape, and HORIZON 02, an angular rectangle—each frame is crafted from Japanese titanium, offering exceptional lightness and durability. Each is equipped with adjustable temples for the perfect fit. These designs seamlessly blend sharp aesthetics with practical versatility,  making them an ideal choice for every endeavor.  HORIZON will retail from $480 to $540. 

ICE 01: NOW FEATURING THE GREY BLUELYNX™ LENS  

For decades, VUARNET has stood for adventure and high performance, a heritage intrinsically linked to the sea. From our pioneering sponsorship of the 1995 America’s Cup to today’s partnerships with 2024 Olympic sailors Lara Dallman-Weiss and Tim Mourniac, our commitment to maritime excellence remains unwavering.  With the launch of the new ICE 01, we continue to merge cutting-edge design with the spirit of the ocean, offering unparalleled protection and clarity for those who navigate both the waves and the elements. 

The ICE collection continues to push the boundaries of outdoor performance. ICE 01 receives a cutting-edge update with the all-new Grey Bluelynx™ lens, designed to enhance clarity and protection in high-glare environments. 

The Grey Bluelynx™ lens is a grey base for a neutral tone and perfect color rendering with a blue bi-shaded mirror treatment. The Bluelynx™ treatment increases protection from the sun. Ideal for mountain and ocean environments. Offering Category 3 protection against 100% of UV light, 90% of infrared light, and 93% of harmful blue light. 

This refreshed model features a translucent frame, inspired by the pristine beauty of glaciers, and accented with bold red details for a dynamic contrast. Equipped with removable side shields for adaptable protection, comfort-driven temple tips, the ICE 01 is the ultimate companion for any outdoor pursuit. ICE 01: GREY BLUELYNX™ will retail for $395.

GLACIER 02 ECLIPSE: BUILT FOR EXTREMES 

A true industry icon, the GLACIER 02 reinforces its legendary status with the introduction of ECLIPSE—a model designed for the brightest, most demanding environments. Vuarnet’s Eclipse mineral glass lens provides  Category 4 protection, filtering out 95% of visible light, making it one of the most protective lenses on the market. 

For over six decades, Vuarnet has been at the forefront of high-altitude eyewear innovation, building upon a legacy that began with the earliest pioneers of glacier sunglasses. While specialized alpine eyewear emerged in the mid-20th century, it was in 1974 that Vuarnet revolutionized the market with its own GLACIER model.  Designed with cutting-edge mineral lenses and a bold aesthetic, the GLACIER quickly became the standard for adventurers. In 1978, Jean Afanassief wore the frame as the leader of the first French team to conquer  Everest. Today, that pioneering spirit continues with the GLACIER 02 ECLIPSE—an embodiment of Vuarnet’s unwavering commitment to innovation, protection, and timeless alpine style. GLACIER 02 ECLIPSE will retail for $715.

NEW LOW LIGHT PHOTOCHROMIC MINERAL LENS TECHNOLOGY 

For its Spring 2025 collection, Vuarnet introduces a groundbreaking mineral glass lens—Photochromic Pink  Lynx™. 

Staying at the forefront of lens innovation, these state-of-the-art lenses are crafted from premium mineral glass,  delivering unmatched optical clarity and durability. They incorporate advanced in-mass photochromic technology,  allowing them to seamlessly adapt to changing light conditions (Category 1 to 2) for optimal vision and eye comfort. 

Available in Pink, these lenses are specifically designed to enhance contrasts in low-light environments and protect against harmful blue light. 

About Vuarnet : 

Jean Vuarnet was a free-spirited, legendary champion. He was constantly pursuing improvement, leading him to create the VUARNET brand. 

Jean Vuarnet pioneered such innovations as inventing the “egg” or “tuck” position and was the first skier to compete on metal-edged skis, helping him win the gold medal in downhill skiing at the 1960 Winter Olympic  Games. He is known for creating Avoriaz, the first car-free resort, and Portes du Soleil with an avant-garde approach to the mountains. 

Since 1957, VUARNET has relentlessly pursued excellence, preserving its “esprit sportif” by developing the highest performing products with an impeccable sense of style. Today, VUARNET still produces its mineral glass lenses in its own French factory, using traditional manufacturing methods unchanged since its inception.  This unique savoir-faire is recognized by the label “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” by the French government.  VUARNET mineral glass lenses are unparalleled in clarity and durability, and provide the best protection against sunlight and sunflection thanks to Lynx™ technology. 

VUARNET is an invitation to enjoy the outdoors, IT’S A VUARNET DAY TODAY. 

About Thélios: 

The name “Thélios” is the synthesis of the names of the Greek gods Theia, goddess of light and sight, and Helios, god of the sun. Born from the will of LVMH Group, world leader in luxury, to establish itself in the eyewear sector, Thélios designs, produces, and distributes sunglasses and optical frames for some of its most prestigious Maisons: Dior, Fendi, Celine, Givenchy, Loewe, Stella McCartney, Kenzo, Berluti, Bulgari, Tag Heuer and Fred. In addition, Thélios owns two proprietary brands, Barton Perreira and Vuarnet. With its Manifattura, located in Longarone, Italy, Thélios blends the distinct identity of each Maison with Italian craftsmanship to create exceptional luxury eyewear. Thélios offers its own “enlightened look” on the sector, providing the highest level of quality and excellence both in its products and service.

April 10, 2025 – Albany, OR – Backcountry dining gets a flavor boost with Mountain House’s two new protein-packed recipes: Cheesy Beef Enchilada Bowl and Korean-Inspired Beef. Known for convenient, high-quality freeze-dried meals, Mountain House brings bold, global flavors to adventurers and preparedness pros alike, providing nutritionally rich meals with an industry-leading shelf life of 30 years.

The Cheesy Beef Enchilada Bowl delivers the soul-satisfying taste of a classic enchilada in a convenient, just-add-water pouch. Made with real corn tortillas, seasoned beef, fluffy long-grain rice, black beans, and smothered with melted cheese and a smoky, spicy red enchilada sauce, this meal provides 32g of protein and 660 calories per pouch to fuel even the most demanding expeditions. Made without artificial flavors or preservatives, this freeze-dried enchilada offers the authentic taste of your favorite taqueria in a convenient, trail-ready form.

“This flavor development started with the sauce, perfecting the spices and heat level,” said Drew Heubsch, Research and Development Director at Mountain House. “Our team cooked countless enchiladas in the lab to dial in the best flavors and textures as our gold standard throughout development.”

Inspired by consumer input, the Korean Inspired Beef with Rice and Vegetables entrée is a bold and savory meal option featuring tender cuts of beef, crunchy zucchini and carrots, and perfectly textured basmati rice, all simmered in a sweet and savory Bulgogi sauce with a touch of heat. Infused with fragrant ginger and garlic, plus a little depth from soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds, this meal delivers a delicious balance of umami flavors. With 22g of protein and 580 calories per pouch, it delivers a satisfying, home-cooked taste, offering comfort after a long day outdoors or a sense of normalcy in an emergency.

“After months of researching and testing to create an authentic, on-the-go Beef Bulgogi experience, our team worked closely with suppliers to develop a custom beef ingredient with the right flavor, cut, and texture and chose basmati rice for its nutty flavor and firm bite,” said Drew Huebsch, Research and Development Director at Mountain House. “Our mission is to elevate your time outside with every tasty spoonful. Both Cheesy Beef Enchilada and Korean Inspired Beef bring exciting entrées to our lineup and provide fuel for adventure through balanced and nutritionally rich recipes our consumers trust– because great food belongs in the wild.”

Mountain House has been a leader in the freeze-dried food industry since 1969, providing outdoor enthusiasts, emergency preppers, and the U.S. military with delicious, high-quality meals. Crafted with simple, whole ingredients, each meal is freeze-dried to lock in taste and nutrition and is backed by a Taste Guarantee.

Both the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Bowl and Korean Inspired Beef are now available in two-serving pouches with an MSRP of $11.99, expanding Mountain House’s offerings to 29 flavorful meals. Find them online at www.mountainhouse.com or in select specialty retailers and REI this June.

For more information on Mountain House and its latest meal offerings, visit www.mountainhouse.com or contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

ABOUT MOUNTAIN HOUSE

Named after an Oregon restaurant on the slope of the Cascades that once welcomed outdoorspeople with warm meals after full days of adventure, Mountain House is the freeze-dried meal category leader. With its great taste, ease of use and reliability the brand has been helping backpackers, hikers, anglers and hunters stay out longer and go out further since 1969, offering comfort under any condition. Mountain House has a 56-year legacy proudly serving wholesome, delicious meals to the US military. All of its products are backed by a Taste Guarantee and a proven shelf life of 30 years. For more information and a complete list of products, visit www.mountainhouse.com.

 

Bloomington, Minn. (April 10, 2025) – Salsa Cycles will launch four new mountain bikes and eMTBs at the 2025 Sea Otter Classic in Monterey this week. The brand is proud to introduce the Spearfish Carbon endurance XC, Blackthorn Carbon 125 trail and145 all-mountain and Notch Carbon eMTB.

The launch is a continuation of the brand’s 44 years of mountain biking evolution with significant engineering and design updates to four platforms. This will be one of Salsa’s largest mountain bike releases ever, with something new for a wide range of riders, from XC racers and trail riders to all-mountain and e-assist categories.

“Salsa is pleased to share revamped Spearfish, Blackthorn, and Notch platforms,” said Salsa Product Manager Joe Meiser. “Spearfish is back and built for the world’s toughest single and multi-day races. Blackthorn 125 and 145 are highly tunable trail bikes that can take on nearly any trail, anywhere; they’re also the only trail bikes with two bottle mounts. Notch C is a monster of a carbon enduro eMTB with travel adjustment from 160–180mm; it harnesses the power of e-assist for lap after lap of skill-building trail experiences. Together, these bikes represent Salsa’s continued excitement in the rapidly evolving mountain bike space.”

Salsa will reveal these bikes on April 10 as part of their activation at Sea Otter Classic, an annual bicycling festival held in Monterey, California. Salsa will build on the launch with a months-long “For the Love of Dirt” campaign featuring reviews, athlete stories, demos at regional events, and more.

Riders will be able to find these new mountain bikes at their local Salsa retailers this spring;  Notch C is available at retailers now.

Spearfish:

Spearfish is Salsa’s 29” Endurance XC bike. It’s built to thrive in the world’s toughest single- and multi-day races, from Marji Gesick to the Arizona Trail Race. Spearfish is lightweight, efficient, and capable – a formula that makes all the difference in the 11th hour. This rig is in its element on long, rugged courses with endurance XC geometry for sharp handling and speed, whether climbing or descending. The Spearfish is adaptable to multiple trail types and rider preferences.

• Spearfish C Deluxe XO AXS Transmission: $10,999
• Spearfish C Deluxe GX AXS Transmission: $6,499
• Spearfish C Eagle 90 Transmission: $4,999
• Spearfish C Deore 12: $3,999
• Spearfish C Deluxe Frame: $3,499

Blackthorn 125:

Salsa’s latest trail bike, the Blackthorn 125 is a well-balanced machine for riders who want the speed and agility to handle anything the trail may bring; it’s fluid  in the tight sections and precise when navigating techy descents. It is designed to bring everything riders need for the long ride without weighing them down.

• Blackthorn 125 C GX AXS Transmission: $5,999
• Blackthorn 125 C Deore 12: $3,499

Blackthorn 145:

Salsa’s latest all-mountain bike, the Blackthorn 145 is a rugged rig that’s ready for backcountry trails and rowdy lines. It’s most at home on the steep and techy terrain – both up and down the mountain. Built to be capable, confident, and cargo-friendly without being a handful, Blackthorn 145 brings the fun to big days on the trail.

• Blackthorn 145 C XO AXS Transmission: $7,999
• Blackthorn 145 C GX AXS Transmission: $5,999
• Blackthorn 145 C Deore 12: $3,499
• Blackthorn 145 C Frame: $2,999

Notch Carbon eMTB:

Notch is Salsa’s electric enduro bike. It’s a balanced platform that’s inspired by extra laps, big backcountry miles, and the thrill of exploring new trail systems. With geometry poised for stability at speed, a Bosch Performance Line CX Class 85nm 1mid-drive motor is powerful and compact, efficient Split Pivot suspension and on-bike storage features, it’s versatile enough to roam far on rowdy terrain or battle between the tape in an eMTB enduro event. Take on vast singletrack adventures with Notch.

• Notch C GX AXS Transmission: $7,499
• Notch C Deore 12: $5,499

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About Salsa Cycles

Salsa Cycles is the Adventure by Bike brand. Started in 1981 and based in Bloomington, Minnesota, our mission is to build the best possible bikes and accessories for adventure. Through products and stories focused on ingenuity, inspiration, and inclusivity, we seek to lead riders to new places, people, extraordinary achievements, and unforgettable experiences. Please visit SalsaCycles.com to learn more.

 

 

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. and CARRBORO, N.C. (April 9, 2025) — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of run specialty stores, today announced the opening of its newest store in Jacksonville, N.C., on April 16. Fleet Feet Jacksonville is located at 1154 Western Blvd., in the Westwood Village Shopping Center. This marks the third Fleet Feet store for franchise owner Michelle Fogle.

Fogle opened her first Fleet Feet store at the Forum Shopping Center in Wilmington 10 years ago, followed by a second Wilmington location two years ago. Her stores have seen impressive growth, expanding from a staff of five to 42 employees. Fleet Feet Wilmington has trained more than 350 community members for races ranging from 5Ks to marathons, and hosts two popular fun run groups with more than 250 participants.

“Fleet Feet is more than just a running store—we’re a place where people come to find solutions, achieve their goals and connect with a supportive community,” says Fogle. “Jacksonville is a thriving city, and I’m excited to bring Fleet Feet’s personalized outfitting experience to this area.”

Fleet Feet Jacksonville will celebrate its grand opening on May 10 with a community run, raffle giveaways, and gifts with purchase. The store will feature a curated selection of performance footwear, apparel and accessories from top brands like Brooks, New Balance, Vuori and rabbit. Customers will have access to Fleet Feet’s exclusive fit id® outfitting process, which uses 3D foot scanning technology to assess foot shape and gait for a customized shoe fitting experience.

Conveniently located in Jacksonville’s bustling Western Blvd. shopping corridor, Fleet Feet Jacksonville will serve as a hub for the local running and walking community. While training programs will not launch immediately, the store plans to introduce group runs and community events in the future.

“Michelle has built a reputation for outstanding service and community engagement,” says John Moloznik, vice president of franchise operations and development at Fleet Feet. Her dedication to helping customers move comfortably, combined with her proven success in Wilmington, makes her the perfect leader to bring Fleet Feet’s personalized experience to Jacksonville.”

Fogle’s commitment to community extends beyond her stores. She actively supports charitable organizations in the Cape Fear region, with a focus on youth enrichment, military families and individuals experiencing housing instability. Her four-year-old daughter, Harper, is already a familiar face at Fleet Feet fun runs, enthusiastically pulling raffle tickets and dreaming of working alongside her mother one day.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jacksonville residents into the Fleet Feet family,” says Fogle. “Whether you’re training for a race, looking for all-day comfort or just starting your fitness journey, we’re here to help you find your perfect fit.”

For 49 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.

About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 275 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

 

 

 

Talamona, Italy (April 8, 2025) – MET Helmets, the Italian-based helmet manufacturer founded in 1987, is unveiling three new mountain bike styles for Spring/Summer 2025 with a focus on superior ventilation, safety, comfort, and design. The marquee helmet in the lineup, which launched in mid-March, is the new MET Revo helmet (MSRP: $239 USD | CAD$300), meticulously crafted to elevate ventilation and safety standards beyond its predecessor, the MET Roam. The new Revo takes safety one step further with the acknowledgment that safety is never static. This evolution is achieved by combining linear and rotational impact standards, the Revo helmet design has been optimized to perform across a range of impact energies.

The trio of helmets were tested in MET’s proprietary in-house wind tunnel—The Tube—which creates the ability for the team to refine and advance the ventilation performance of its helmets. The Revo’s internal ventilation channels deliver a 23.5% increase in cooling efficiency compared to its predecessor. The shell of the Revo also has more impact-tested coverage around the two most sensitive brain areas: the back and the temples. The helmet is tested at 21% more impact speed and can dissipate up to 43% more impact energy, adding 10% extra impact-tested coverage in these two areas.

MET Revo Helmet Features & Specifications (images here)

New mountain bike helmet for trail, enduro, and E-MTB featuring Mips AIR

• Safety: Mips AIR rotational management system: reduces rotational impact forces; 5-star Virginia Tech rating and NTA 8776 certification*; extended back head and temple coverage; certifications: NTA 8776 | CE | US | AS-NZ
• Strap fastening system: A Fidlock magnetic buckle makes securing the helmet simple, even while wearing gloves.
• Adjustable visor: Features a safety-release system that makes the visor detach in case of a crash; flexible, preventing changes to the helmet’s position on the head during impacts.
• Comfort: Safe-T Heta fit system for a precise, comfortable fit that offers exceptional balance and stability on the head; 360-degree head belt and 3 vertical adjustments ensure no pressure points on the skull and easy adjustment.
• Ventilation: Improvement of 23% compared to its predecessor; 23 vents; internal, engineered air channeling system.
• Materials: In-mould polycarbonate shell with EPS liner; strap anchors embedded in the EPS shell.
• Weight: 390g (size M) | Sizes: S (52-56cm) | M (56-58cm) | L (58-61cm)

The other two mountain bike styles launching this year are the Shelter helmet (embargoed until May 6; MSRP: $100 USD | CAD$120) and the Terrae helmet (embargoed until June 25; MSRP: $160 USD | CAD$200).

The Shelter helmet (images here) was designed to offer an accessible, affordable, and versatile option for the everyday mountain biker, welcoming more riders to elevate their riding experience with confidence and style. The Shelter is lightweight and well-ventilated and thanks to the internal air channeling, it stays comfortable on the head. The visor is designed to seamlessly integrate into the helmet shell and it features the MIPS® brain protection system, allowing the helmet to slide relative to the head in case of a crash, redirecting damaging rotational motion.

The Terrae helmet (images here) offers a perfect balance of quality and value, with advanced ventilation, impact testing, and a lightweight design, offering more riders the same level of performance and protection found in top-of-the-line helmets. NTA-certified for superior impact energy dissipation, the Terrae provides added protection for the back and temples. The Safe-T Heta 360° retention system ensures a secure, customizable fit, preventing discomfort on long rides while staying stable on rough terrain.

The Revo helmet is available now from select retailers throughout North America, and the Shelter and Terrae helmets will launch later this year. All three new styles will be on display at Sea Otter (booth #Y63) – swing by the MET booth to check them out!

To learn more about MET Helmets, please visit: www.met-helmets.com/.

*The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab tested the MET Revo and it received the highest rating of 5 stars. The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab provides an objective assessment of helmet safety. It gives a rating based on both linear and rotational impact energies, going above and beyond the state of the art of helmet safety standards. The NTA 8776 is the only safety standard created for speed e-bikes. Being NTA-certified, the MET Revo can dissipate significantly more impact energy.

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About MET Helmets

Founded in 1987, MET offers the most comprehensive cycling helmet range on the market to protect all bike riders, regardless of discipline, age, or budget. Designed to provide top-tier protection, comfort, and style for riders of all levels, MET combines cutting-edge technology, advanced materials, and sleek design to create helmets that deliver superior performance for both competitive athletes and everyday cyclists. With a focus on innovation and safety, whether racing, mountain biking, or commuting, MET Helmets ensures you ride with confidence, knowing you’re protected by world-class engineering. For more information, please visit www.met-helmets.com.

Beginning in July 2021, MET Helmets established a partnership with Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) as its exclusive U.S. distributor, to deliver cyclists with greater access to MET and Bluegrass helmets in both the best shops and top-tier online retailers in the U.S. QBP’s unparalleled market reach and strategic focus on premium brands will firmly establish MET Helmets as a must-have brand in the U.S. cycling market over the next decade.

Media Contact: Verde Brand Communications | Alexa McRoberts | alexa@verdepr.com | 717.808.9653