SOS Outreach, the Edwards, CO-based not-for-profit that organizes snow sports programs for underserved youth, has announced its plans to open a Pacific Northwest office in September. SOS, formerly known as Snowboard Outreach Society, will reside in the K2 Sports global headquarters in Seattle.


SOS, founded in 1993, offers snowboarding and skiing programs for underprivileged youth to build character and self esteem through adult mentoring, community service opportunities and life skills workshops. All programs integrate the five SOS core values of: Courage, Discipline, Integrity, Wisdom and Compassion.

“K2’s spirit always has been inspired by the youth movement in winter sports,” said Robert Marcovitch, K2 Sports president. “Our relationship with SOS is a perfect fit. The work that SOS is doing is vital to the future of our industry and a true benefit to the youth that go through their programs. It’s a privilege to assist them as they grow their outreach programs.”  


K2 Sports moved out of its Vashon Island, WA, home in 2007, into a 310,000-square-foot facility in Seattle that houses its 220-member U.S.-based product development, sales, marketing, distribution and operations team.


“SOS has managed programs in the Pacific Northwest for the past decade,” said Arn Menconi, executive director for the organization. “It’s exciting for us to team up with K2 which has a history of leadership and commitment to serving youth and growing winter sports participation. With K2’s support we anticipate we’ll grow our programs to 4,000 participants on snow at 40 ski resorts nationwide this season.”


SOS recently hired Lindsay Davis to run the Seattle SOS office. She will start on September 8 and focus on growing the organization and its programs in the Northwestern states. SOS anticipates expansion from 300 participants to 750 in Washington and Oregon during the 2008/2009 season. Participants will be served at Summit at Snoqualmie, White Pass, Mt. Spokane, Meadows, Timberline, Ski Bowl and Hoodoo.