CU-Themed Skis Now Available as Fundraiser for University of Colorado Ski Team and Athletic Dept.

Nov. 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Looking to show your CU spirit on the slopes?

CollegeSkis.com is the first-ever developer of officially licensed college skis and snowboards. Their initial CU-themed skis are beautiful representations of the Colorado Buff spirit that also raise money for the CU Athletic Department and Ski Teams. This offering will be followed up with skis and snowboards for several other universities.

Based in “Ski Town USA” Steamboat Springs, Colorado, CollegeSkis.com’s three founding partners are college and winter sports enthusiasts. The team has nearly a century of ski and snowboard experience between them.

For partner Don McLean the choice to create a limited edition University of Colorado ski wasn’t difficult. McLean is a 1977 CU graduate and proud father of Shane, a current CU Ski Team Member. That CU arguably has the richest collegiate skiing culture made the decision for CollegeSkis.com to launch their business with a CU-themed ski an easy one.

The idea to make these skis a fundraiser came from McLean’s understanding of the financial challenges at CU and other universities today, combined with his appreciation of college sports.

“I attended the CU Ski Team banquet last fall and watched Coach Embree

participate in raising money for fellow Coach Richard Rokos,” says McLean. “Their camaraderie inspired me to get involved. It seemed like offering a CU-themed ski would be a great way to raise money for CU sports while creating a new way for Buffs to show their allegiance to CU and get a great pair of skis in the process.”

That’s why CollegeSkis.com decided to offer 20% of the retail price of the skis to the CU Ski Team and Athletic Department – more than 4 times what is generally required when licensing products from CU. A pair adorns the office wall of Athletic Director Mike Bohn who shares, “CollegeSkis is going above and beyond the normal licensing agreement in this awesome endeavor and I encourage all Buff fans to check them out.”

The all-important search for the right skis led them to growing ski-maker SKILOGIK (http://www.skilogik.com) and their signature, top-rated Ullr’s Chariot and Goddess models. The crew at CollegeSkis.com required a ski for CU that would look great while providing high-performance for most skiers. Skis people would want to take out everyday, and that others would feel confident offering as a gift to their favorite Buff. Adds Mclean, “As lifelong skiers we understand that most people want to own just one pair of skis. And if we’re going to offer one men’s and one women’s model for a program, they had better be really versatile skis.”

The SKOLOGIK Ullr’s Chariot was awarded 2012 Ski of The Year by RealSkiers.com, as well as top accolades from POWDER, FreeSkier and Skiing. It’s available in lengths of 168, 178 and 188 centimeters. The slightly softer-flexing Goddess women’s model comes in 157 and 168 lengths. Both models feature full camber and 101 millimeter waists, providing smooth and solid carving on firmer snow while also excelling in the deep powder. Of the Ullr’s Chariot RealSkiers says: “This may be the elusive ‘universal’ ski.”

The skis design is an artistic representation of Boulder’s beauty, CU’s athletic legacy and the spirit of the University. It features inlaid wood graphics of the Flatirons, the CU athletic logo, and CU mascot Ralphie the Buffalo. “It’s common when someone sees the skis in person to remark that they are the most beautiful skis they have ever seen, and we’ve already sold a handful of pairs look like they’ll never make it to the snow!” notes McLean.

In addition to SKILOGIK making beautiful and durable, high-performance skis, the choice to work with SKILOGIK was made easier by their commitment to sustainability, carefully sourcing materials and ensuring responsible labor practices.

The first run of 100 pairs is selling quickly and can be purchased purchase online until supplies run out. In the near future CollegeSkis.com hopes to be able to satisfy requests they’ve received for CU snowboards as well.

CU Athletic Director Mike Bohn has been a key ally in getting this program off the ground. “I applaud the efforts of CollegeSkis to come up with a new and unique way to support the University of Colorado. Whether you’re an avid skier or collector of CU memorabilia, the skis are an excellent way to support your Buffs.”

Following on the CU program Collegeskis.com is creating skis and snowboards for several other universities, as well as for fundraising and branding campaigns.  

For more information visit www.collegeskis.com