Chris Sports North America (CSNA), distributor of the specialty ski apparel brand Powderhorn, said it will basing all operations in
Colorado, with new administrative offices located in Lafayette and
warehousing/distribution in Denver.
The company, which had been based in Jackson, WY, said the move puts the Powderhorn brand
closer to the mountains and its largest retailer base while also
offering a more centralized distribution center. The fact that the
national snowsports trade show has moved to Denver and the general ease
of doing business with associated companies in the region also led to
the company's decision to relocate.
“The move to Colorado was an important decision for us,” said Christian Baettig, owner of Powderhorn and Chris Sports Systems. “Being here on the Front Range will allow us to focus on our primary objective as a brand, which is to offer the best support for snowsports specialty accounts.”
Powderhorn also announces a new senior management team today, with the appointment of Doug Saunders and Kate Saunders as managing directors for the company's operations in the US and Canada. Both long time members of the snowsports industry, the veteran husband and wife team comes to CSNA and Powderhorn with a wealth of experience and industry knowledge, having formerly worked with Spyder under various roles – Doug most recently as V.P of Operations and Kate as V.P. of Merchandising. In their new roles, the Saunders' will manage all aspects of Powderhorn's North American sales and operations for Powderhorn.
“We really appreciate that Powderhorn is a true specialty brand and our goal is to support retailers with the type of product that is designed for their customer and positioned to be sold through their store,” said Doug Saunders. “We believe Powderhorn offers something that the industry has been missing for the past few years and we're excited to get behind a brand that has its roots in specialty.”
Also in Powderhorn news, CSNA has strengthened its Board of Directors with the appointment of Brian Cousins, co-founder and former president of Cloudveil Mountain Works, Inc.
“I am very proud to be working together with this group,” said Baettig. “The Saunders' are true performers in the specialty sales arena and I believe this new team will make a big difference for Powderhorn in the US and Canada,” he added.
