SnowSports Industries America (SIA) presented the Industry Achievement Award to Klaus Obermeyer, a German native well known throughout the industry for his Aspen-based skiwear company, Sport Obermeyer.
The Industry Achievement Award acknowledges dedication to the snow sports industry, willingness to support and partner with industry suppliers, leadership and creativity within the industry. Obermeyer founded Sport Obermeyer in 1947 when the sport of skiing was new in the United States and there were few options for functional winter apparel to keep participants comfortable. Ever since he fashioned his first ski coat out of a down comforter, Obermeyer has been a pioneer in skiwear by developing functional systems that meet the evolving needs of skiers. Some of his best-known innovations include the quilted ski parka, precision-ground mirrored lenses, high-altitude sunscreen, the Garmisch double ski boot and the ski brake.
“I am just one of many who have brought about progress in making ski equipment and ski clothing,” said Obermeyer. My philosophy is to bring about win-win situations in your life and in business wherever you can, and make life a little bit better for everybody with the time you have here.
Hailing from a Bavarian village in the German Alps called Oberstaufen, Obermeyer studied to become an aeronautical engineer in Munich and passionately pursued rock climbing, ski mountaineering, ski jumping, ski racing and flying sail planes. He immigrated to Aspen, CO at age 27 where he started a grassroots business making European-style kugie ties. At age 93, he still regularly skis, swims, bikes and yodels.
Klaus passion for skiing and impeccable reputation for customer satisfaction has made him a snow sports success for that last six decades, said David Ingemie, president of SIA. He has a personal commitment to excellence that inspires everyone in the industry. In addition to the Industry Achievement Award, SIA also recognizes specialty retailers, sales reps and industry suppliers in the United States and Canada who have had a significant impact on the growth of the snow sports industry with the SIA SnowSports and Retailer of the Year Awards.
