COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR UNVEILS OLYMPIC FREESTYLE SKI TEAM UNIFORMS
Oregon-based Columbia Sportswear has unveiled the freestyle ski team uniforms that will be worn by athletes from the U.S. and five other nations – Canada, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Brazil and Ukraine – who will be competing next month in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang.
At the heart of the 2018 freestyle ski team uniforms is OutDry Extreme, Columbia’s solution for maximum waterproof protection and exceptional mobility. The ground-breaking membrane places a durable, permanent waterproof layer that actively repels water to ensure the athletes stay completely dry and comfortable. The uniforms feature four-way stretch to ensure the skiers have a complete range of motion and are lined with a fresh application of Omni-Heat Reflective, designed for lightweight, breathable warmth.
Additional technical features include a unique snow camouflage pattern designed to help mask body movement—a key judging component—for moguls skiers. The technical trims package also includes a Columbia-designed, ultra-lightweight and low-profile Light Rail zipper, which is bonded directly onto laser-cut fabric.
The uniforms also are highlighted by fresh graphics, prints, and trims that capture the energy and history that have been a part of the games for decades, while also taking into consideration each country’s distinct iconography. Customizable components like knee patches, nameplates, and removable features allow the athletes to make the uniform their own without compromising the cohesive look of their national team.
“Olympic athletes are among the world’s most elite competitors. Columbia’s partnership with these teams has not only inspired our designers to create the most technical, innovative, and best-performing products, but it has also provided insights throughout our winter collections,” said Columbia’s president Joe Boyle. “We are proud of this collaboration and wish each team great success in PyeongChang.”
Added Troy Murphy, a member of the U.S. Ski Team, “It’s a unique opportunity to work closely with a brand and see your input come to fruition. We spend countless hours on the mountain in a wide variety of conditions. It’s awesome that we can give our feedback to Columbia and have them hand us a uniform the next season that reflects our input.”
