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June
2, 2008
Black Diamond Granted 2008 Zions Bank Global Pacesetter Award
August
3, 2007
Black Diamond Strengthens Team to Meet Continued
Growth
July
18, 2007
Black
Diamond Launches Chinese Website
April
19, 2007
Black
Diamond Commits $10,000 to Help Preserve Skaha Bluffs,
Canada
March
19, 2007
Black Diamond’s 5th Annual
Wasatch PowderKeg Race Results
January
2, 2007
Black Diamond Opens Demo Center
in La Grave and Adds Staff to
Award-Winning Marketing
Team
September
2,
2008 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Black Diamond Goes Deep with
Ski and Boot Awards for Winter 08
BD primed for 15th Annual Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) Fundraiser
September
2, 2008 (Salt Lake City, Utah) – Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd., a
global leader in the climbing and freeride ski markets,
announced stacks of
Winter 08 awards for their skis and NEW Freeride Boot collection
as well as
their continued support of the UAC Fundraiser scheduled
for September 18th,
2008.
Treasurer
of Friends of the UAC, Colleen Nipkow comments, “We
are proud of
our body of work and support of the UAC. Federal funding
cuts force the
Center to run on a season-by-season basis, and fortunately
the Center has
been able to operate for the past fourteen years due to
the positive
community response by backcountry users and local and national
businesses.”
Over 800 people attended the event last year, which will
be hosted this year
by Uinta Brewing, food by Rico and music by the bluegrass
band Cold Creek .
The party and silent auction are considered by many the
unofficial precursor
to ski season in the Wasatch. For more information go to
http://www.bdel.com/scene/events/index.php
Coming off of a record snowfall year for much of the nation,
BD is equally
thrilled about Winter 08/09. Specifically, BD won Editor’s
Choice from
Backcountry magazine in both boot categories with their
new Freeride boot
the Factor, and Push telemark boot. BD also hauled in Editor’s
Choice from
Backcountry for the Women’s Joule Ski, and O1 telemark
binding.
Complementing this coverage the Verdict won Best Buy Freeride
Powder Ski in
SKI, the powder specialist Megawatt ski won Editor’s
Set Up in Freeskier,
and a total of five skis won Powder magazine’s Skier’s
Choice Award
(Megawatt, Zealot, Verdict, Kilowatt and Joule) along with
the Factor
Freeride boot, Custom telemark boot, Fritschi Freeride
Plus and O1 telemark
binding.
“Now we just need it to snow,” comments
Ski Hardgoods Director Thomas
Laakso. “The overwhelmingly positive reception
to the debut of the boot line
is due to listening to consumers and understanding the
shifting needs and
performance demands of skiers. It is not dissimilar to
digging a snowpit –
you have to work hard, understand the conditions and look
for the subtleties
in terms of the trends in snow.”
To coincide with the annual UAC Fundraiser and the debut
of an entirely new
boot line, BD has also launched a microsite that explores
the back story and
details of their new Freeride alpine-touring and telemark
boots –
www.skiBDboots.com <http://www.skiBDboots.com> Featuring
360 spins with
zoom views of each boot, the site offers deep insight into
the vibe,
personality, new technologies and feature sets of the nine
new styles of
boots.
Winner
of the Outside magazine 2007 Gear of the Year Award
for the Verdict Ski, Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. is
an employee-owned manufacturer of equipment for rock
climbing, alpinism and freeride skiing. By consistently
building innovative, standard-setting products and
actively preserving the mountain environment, Black
Diamond has assumed a leadership role in the international
outdoor community.
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August
4,
2008 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Black Diamond Orbit Lantern
Wins OutDoor INDUSTRY Award
August
4, 2008 (Salt Lake City, Utah) – Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd., a global leader in the climbing
and freeride ski markets, primes the pump for the North
American OR Summer Market with a Silver Medal Award for
their new Orbit lantern at the recent Friedrichshafen
OutDoor INDUSTRY show.
The
Orbit is a more compact, ultra-lightweight version of
the standout Apollo lantern, tipping the scales at mere
82 g, while utilizing efficient dual reflectors to capture
and maximize the 1-watt LED light output. The Orbit runs
on four AAA batteries or can be powered by BD’s
new Orbit-specific NRG2 Rechargeable Battery Kit.
The
Orbit lantern leads a pack of innovative new products
from Black Diamond, including the Ozone, Aura and Chaos
harnesses, Stormtrack and Squall double-wall mountaineering
tents, Livewire Quickdraws, and Raven Pro and Raven Ultra
mountaineering axes. All can be viewed at the Black Diamond booth
(#8026).
In
other BD News, CEO Peter Metcalf has been named Vice
Chairman of the OIA Board of Directors, and BD Marketing
Director Adam Chamberlain has been appointed to the Conservation
Alliance Board.
Metcalf
comments, “It is an
honor to serve the industry at this level and represent
our common goals on a national level.”
To
further strengthen Black Diamond’s
marketing efforts, two newly created positions have been
filled with Sandra Gnandt as the Photo Editor and Mike
Tea as Technical Illustrator. Sandra, formerly the Photo
Editor for Skiing magazine, will work closely with Content
Manager Jonathan Thesenga to craft the BD image. Salt
Lake artist and designer, Mike Tea, will coordinate with
Kasie Kubilius, Black Diamond Packaging Supervisor, on
a wide range of graphic design and illustration projects.
Tea’s artwork
has graced the pages of Climbing, Alpinist and The Drake.
Chamberlain
explains, “As Black
Diamond continues to thrive in core and emerging markets
globally, we are thrilled to add the expertise that Sandra
and Mike bring. Both are creative, talented and active
in the communities that BD serves.”
Lastly,
Black Diamond will host an Outdoor Alliance film hour
with beer at their booth #8026, Sunday at 5PM. Among
other shorts, the mini-film-fest will feature a trailer
for Chris Alstrin’s latest
effort due out in Spring 2009. “Luxury Liner” delves
into the story behind Supercrack, the icon of Indian Creek,
UT crack climbing.
Winner
of the Outside magazine 2007 Gear of the Year Award for
the Verdict Ski, Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. is an employee-owned
manufacturer of equipment for rock climbing, alpinism and
freeride skiing. By consistently building innovative,
standard-setting products and actively preserving the
mountain environment, Black Diamond has assumed a leadership
role in the international outdoor community.
Back
to top
June
25, 2008 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Black Diamond and Beal Ropes End Distribution Partnership
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd., a global leader in the climbing
and freeride ski markets, announced the amicable end
of their formal partnership with Beal Ropes (FRA) in
June 2008. The termination of this partnership is due
to market factors, the changing retail environment and
is viewed by both parties as a necessary and logical
step.
“The
Beal line has been an integral part of Black Diamond
over the years and we have enjoyed a strong relationship
with them, “ explains Chris Grover, VP of Sales
and Marketing. “That said, changes in the market
dictate ongoing business decisions and joint evaluation
of our work together led to the decision for Beal to
work toward a direct sales platform in the future.”
Grover
continues, “We have great respect for Michel Beal
and his products and BD will help facilitate a smooth
transition toward a direct model with Beal warehousing
product in North America and interfacing with key retailers
moving forward.”
Black
Diamond has been the North American distributor of Beal
Ropes for twenty five years with Beal having space within
the Black Diamond booth at the OR tradeshows. At the
coming OR show, Beal will have their own booth so those
interested in Beal products should look for them.
Michel
Beal, President of Beal Ropes comments “Beal and
Black Diamond reached this decision as trusted business
partners and both sides view this direct program of business
as a positive and progressive step that will better service
key retailers.”
Winner
of the Outside Magazine 2007 Gear of the Year for the
Verdict Ski, Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. is an employee-owned
manufacturer of equipment for rock climbing, alpinism
and freeride skiing. By consistently building innovative,
standard-setting products and actively preserving the
mountain environment, Black Diamond has assumed a leadership
role in the international outdoor community.
Back
to top
June
2, 2008 (Salt Lake City, UT)
Black Diamond Granted 2008
Zions Bank Global Pacesetter Award
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd., a global leader in the rock climbing,
alpinism and freeride ski markets, announced that it
was granted the 2008
Zions Bank Global Pacesetter Award,
an award given in conjunction with the Zions
Bank International Trade and Business Conference.
“On behalf of the employee-owners of Black Diamond
we are pleased to accept the Zions bank Global Pacesetter
Award as we work toward a global platform and extending
our brand in to the European and Asian markets,” states
Peter Metcalf, Black Diamond CEO and Co-Founder.
The
Zions Bank Global Pacesetter is awarded to a Utah based
company that demonstrates leadership and courage by exploring
opportunities in global trade. In addition to their world
headquarters in Salt Lake City, Black Diamond has offices
Europe and Asia. Their European sales, marketing and
distribution office is based in Switzerland and accounts
for a third of their overall sales. Black Diamond Asia
is based in Zhuhai, China and serves as a manufacturing,
sourcing and development hub for BD’s offshore
manufacturing efforts. Both BD Europe and BD Asia are
run by Black Diamond employee-owners, add great flexibility
to their manufacturing and distribution capacities and
facilitate the delivery of superior products with a high
level of performance, quality and value.
Attendees at the event included business executives and
entrepreneurs interested in learning more about opportunities
for expansion in dynamic foreign markers. Among the highly
noted list of speakers at the award ceremony were John
Winston Howard, former Prime Minister of Austrailia, and
Christopher Padilla, U.S Under Secretary of Commerce for
International Trade.
Winner
of the Outside Magazine 2007 Gear of the Year for
the Verdict Ski, Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. is
an employee-owned manufacturer of equipment for rock
climbing, alpinism and freeride skiing. By consistently
building innovative, standard-setting products and
actively preserving the mountain environment, Black
Diamond has assumed a leadership role in the international
outdoor community.
Back
to top
April
7, 2008 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Black Diamond Bolsters Team
To Keep Pace With Growth
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd., a global leader in the climbing
and freeride ski markets, announced a new round of hires,
athletes and general growth coming off a nationally strong
winter.
“This winter marked a record year for the BD ski
business unit,” states Peter Metcalf, Black Diamond
CEO. “We are excited about the path of our freeride
boot project, the achievements of our athletes and momentum
on the marketing side of our program. Overall, the state
of Black Diamond is reflected by the numerous small core
successes we are seeing simultaneously in multiple markets.”
Climbing
Team News: Black Diamond has added Cedar Wright, Alex
Honnold and Katie Brown to their climbing team. All share
a blend of vision and commitment to their climbing and
are enthusiastic about working with BD to tell their
stories and inspire consumers. To see the complete group
of BD athletes go HERE.
Ski
Team News: Andy Jacobsen joins BD’s young chargers
who have been consistently stepping up onto the IFSA podium
this season, with Bret Crabtree winning in Crested Butte,
Mark Welgos stepping onto the top step in Jackson and Kate
Cardamone taking the top spot in Aspen (competing on telemark
gear against alpine skiers). Drew Stoeklein and Mark Welgos
have added multiple Top 5 finishes. Tele skier Nick Devore
won at Telepalooza in Alyeska last week and Will Cardamone
has consistently placed in the Top 20 competing free heel
versus alpine men. Overall, Crabtree sits in first on the
Freeskiing World Tour with Welgos currently in fourth.
Go to www.freeskiers.org or www.nickdevore.com for more
information.
New
Hires: Black Diamond has hired Andreas Schmidt as a Graphic
Designer and promoted Matt Law to the position of Creative
Director. Schmidt comes to BD from Washington State and
is an accomplished climber and skier. His recently completed
freelance projects include gigs with Alpinist, Cascade
Designs and Patagonia. Law, previously serving as BD
Art Director, has been a key driver of Black Diamond’s
look and feel for the last eight years. In particular,
Law is credited with strong work on the Fall 2007 ski and
Fall 2008 boots graphics and associated marketing collateral.
On
the design side, BD has recently snatched Paul Oddou
from the waves of Southern California, Pete Gompert from
the doldrums of the aerospace industry, Dale Krantz from
Cannondale’s clutches, and saved Tom Franke from “doing
his own thing.” This group of talented Mechanical
Engineers and Industrial Designers will bring to bear a
wide variety of experience on BD’s product line.
Powder
Keg 2008: Black Diamond hosted the 6th Annual Powder
Keg Ski Mountaineering Race the weekend of March 15.
Considered the premier backcountry ski race nationally,
the Powder Keg delivered with new snowfall to complement
the festivities. Overall winners for the Race Alpine
Touring category were Brandon French of Kalispell, Montana
for the men, and Wendy Wagner from Salt Lake City for
the women. For complete results and images go to : www.bdel.com/powderkeg/results.html
Winner
of the Outside Magazine 2007 Gear of the Year for the
Verdict Ski, Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. is an employee-owned
manufacturer of equipment for rock climbing, alpinism
and freeride skiing. By consistently building innovative,
standard-setting products and actively preserving the
mountain environment, Black Diamond has assumed a leadership
role in the international outdoor community.
Back
to top
November
1, 2007 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Black Diamond Freeride Ski
Boots Set to Launch Fall 2008
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd., a global leader in the climbing
and freeride ski markets, announced the timeline and product
mix for its much anticipated ski boot line set to debut
for Fall 2008.
“We
just completed Boot Camp with our North American reps,
the BD Boot team and European management and are excited
for the snow to fall and get the boots out on retailers'
feet on the hill,” states
Thomas Laakso, Ski Category Group Director. “Skiing
has changed dramatically in the past few years and being
able to build boots from the ground up with state of the
art technologies and a modern skier’s perspective
has enabled us to meet the exacting needs of the boundary–free
skier.”
The
BD Boot program reprises the award-winning launch of
the Fall 2007 ski line and will be aimed at the emerging
market that demands full-time, high performance combined
with unbounded access in a single pair of boots. The
boots blend alpine-inspired technologies with backcountry
functionality that is synced up with BD’s Efficient
Power technology platform, an integral part of their Freeride
Ski line.
“Skiing
is all about the down,” explains Laakso. “Our
alpine touring (AT) and telemark boots have design elements
that are both power and efficiency based so consumers
may choose the model that best fits their personal style
while maximizing their downhill control. All our boots
are focused on uncompromising performance, which means
exceptional fits, true alpine progressive flexes and
ultimate hiking access to the goods.”
BD
will debut three AT models in the Power Series—the
paradigm-breaking, four-buckle Factor, a softer flexing
Method and the Women’s
Shiva. Each boot blends alpine overlap construction with
lightweight touring functionality combining the performance
an alpine skier demands while providing a highly articulated
walk mode for access to the backcountry.
On
the telemark side, BD will break out with two collections
geared around its Power and Efficiency platforms. The Power
Series is built around the Custom, Push and Women’s
Stiletto. All three boots raise the bar with progressive
flex, torsional power and alpine-inspired fit technologies.
The Efficient series adds the Seeker, Women’s Trance
and Axis, blending smooth, predictable bellows with high
torsional stiffness in a lightweight versatile package.
All
boots introduce solutions for achieving a proper and
comfortable fit, with modern engineered lasts, unique
and customizable boot boards, strobled and true lasted
liner constructions, stock custom thermoformable foot
beds and an exclusive Boa closure system that enables
fit and performance advantages.
“As
the largest, most expensive, complex development project
we’ve ever undertaken, it’s hard to contain
my enthusiasm about these boots,” adds Peter Metcalf
CEO of Black Diamond. “They represent
the best of BD today, exemplifying our design philosophy
in terms of innovative product. BD Boots will fully meet
the demands of today’s freeride skier.
We set out to build a better boot for the skier who wants
one boot to rip all terrain and our design team has delivered.”
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd. is an employee-owned manufacturer
of equipment for rock climbing, alpinism and freeride
skiing. By consistently building innovative products
and actively preserving the mountain environment, Black
Diamond has assumed a leadership role in the international
outdoor community.
Back
to top
October
1, 2007 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Black Diamond Skis Win Awards
in Outside, Skiing and Powder Magazines
Additionally BD raises record amount for Utah Avalanche
Center
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd., a global leader in the climbing
and freeride ski markets, rolls into the coming winter
stacked with new hardware to accompany the new 10-ski
line up. Specifically the new BD Verdict ski won Outside
Magazine’s
Gear of the Year for a Backcountry Ski, as well as the
Killer Value Award in the alpine ski category for Skiing
Magazine which is a testament to the disappearance of
the performance barrier between traditional alpine and
backcountry skis. Additionally, the BD Zealot, Verdict,
Kilowatt, Havoc, Women’s Joule and Fritschi Freeride
Plus binding all took home the Powder Magazine Skier’s Choice
Award.
“The
secret is out,” whispers Thomas Laakso,
Ski Line Category Director. “In developing the new
ski line we got great feedback from our athletes and testers.
It is very rewarding to receive these accolades from the
ski reviews. Debuting a new 10-ski line based on the principles
of power and efficiency was ambitious. All those dawn patrols
and the last two years spent refining the line were worth
it.”
Other
notable mentions include a Design Award from I D Magazine
for the Deploy shovel, and various accolades in Skiing
Magazine’s
Gear Guide for products such as both the 01 Telemark Binding
and Fritschi Freeride chosen as the One Ski Quiver binding
of choice for their respective categories. The Zealot,
the fattest ski ever made by BD won the Killer Value
award as a Powder Specialty Ski in Skiing as well.
Riding
the momentum of the coming ski season, Black Diamond
also hosted the 14th Annual Utah Avalanche Center Party
(UAC) on September 20, raising a record amount of over
$38,000 for the center. Over 800 backcountry enthusiasts
attended in support of their local center forecasts and
assist in funding their educational programs.
Colleen
Nipkow, Friends of the UAC Treasurer and Marketing Manager
for Black Diamond comments, “We had near record
turnout and meaningful participation from all. It is
gratifying to be a part of the community and assist the
UAC as they are at the core of Freeride skiing.”
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd. is an employee-owned manufacturer
of equipment for rock climbing, alpinism and freeride skiing.
By consistently building innovative products and actively
preserving the mountain environment, Black Diamond
has assumed a leadership role in the international
outdoor community.
Back
to top
September
5, 2007 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Black Diamond Hosts 14th Annual
Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) Fundraising
Party
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd., a global leader in the climbing
and freeride ski markets, Uinta Brewing Company and the
Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center invite you to an
evening of music, dancing and Mexican food to benefit
the Utah Avalanche Center. The festivities will begin
at 6 PM Thursday, September 20, 2007, with food by Rico,
and music by Red Top Wolverine Show.
“The
UAC Fundraiser is an annual get together for the Wasatch
backcountry community,” explains Colleen Nipkow,
Friends of the UAC Treasurer and Marketing Operations
Director at Black Diamond. “It
brings the winter backcountry community together in a friendly,
positive atmosphere and benefits a great cause.”
A
benefit for the UAC, the annual fundraiser is an important
initiative, explains Bruce Tremper, Director of the UAC. “This
event is an integral source of funding for the UAC and
a successful model that has been adopted by other regional
avalanche centers and Friends groups. The fundraiser has
contributed significant dollars to the Friends of the Avalanche
Center, which in turn funds forecasting and educational
programs for local backcountry users and avalanche awareness
programs.”
The
UAC provides daily avalanche advisories for Utah. Federal
funding cuts forced the Center to run primarily on non-federal
money and on a season-by-season basis. Despite challenges,
the Center has been able to operate for the past thirteen
years due to the exceptional community response by backcountry
users and local and national businesses.
Tickets
are $30 per person if purchased by September 15th ($35
at the door). All advanced purchased ticket holders will
be entered in the raffle. Buying tickets in advance enters
participants into the raffle. Advance tickets are available
at the Black Diamond Retail Store (2092 East 3900 South).
All proceeds will be donated to the Utah Avalanche Center.
For additional information, contact Colleen Nipkow at Black
Diamond Equipment at 801-365-5522.
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd. is an employee-owned manufacturer
of equipment for rock climbing, alpinism and freeride
skiing. By consistently building innovative products
and actively preserving the mountain environment, Black
Diamond has assumed a leadership role in the international
outdoor community.
Back
to top
August
20, 2007 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Mugs
Stump Award Expands For 2008
Prestigious climbing grant announces
increased budget and a new sponsor
Great
news for the climbing community. In 2008 the total grant
money for the Mugs Stump Award will increase to $30,000
from the current level of $12,000. The extra funds are
a result of the addition of PrimaLoft as a sponsor and
larger contributions from existing sponsors Black Diamond
Equipment, Ltd., Climbing Magazine, Mountain Gear, Patagonia,
Inc., and W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Created in 1992
in memory of Mugs Stump, one of North America’s most
visionary climbers, the award will now allow even more
teams achieve their dreams of fast, lightweight, leave-no-trace
ascents in the world’s high places. To accommodate
the new expansion the deadline for applications has been
moved up to December 1, 2007.
More about the Mugs Stump Award
All
grants awarded embody the spirit of the late Mugs Stump,
best known for his first ascent of the Emperor Face on
Mount Robson in the Canadian Rockies and a triptych of
brilliant Alaskan climbs – the East
Face of the Moose's Tooth, the Moonflower Buttress on Mount
Hunter, and a one-day solo of Denali's Cassin Ridge. Mugs
saw climbing as a celebration of boldness, purity, and
simplicity, and sought out striking and highly technical
objectives, preferably first ascents, in some of the most
remote mountains of the world.
The
Mugs Stump Award was founded in 1993, and over the past
15 years has given out grants totaling $187,000 to over
70 climbing teams. Sponsors are Black Diamond Equipment,
Ltd., Climbing Magazine, Mountain Gear, Patagonia, Inc.,
PrimaLoft, and W.L. Gore & Associates,
Inc.
Winning applications further the legacy of Mugs Stump
and propose objectives in the spirit of adventure and
exploration, emphasizing light, fast, leave-no-trace
climbing. Award applicants are evaluated on the significance
of their objective, the strength of their team, and whether
their objective redefines possibilities in alpinism today.
For more information on the award, past trip reports,
and applications, visit www.mugsstumpaward.com.
Teams and individuals from North America and climbs taking
place between March 1, 2008 and February 28, 2009 are
eligible. Applications are due by December 1.
Contact:
Michael Kennedy, 970-309-4651,
mkennedy@sopris.net
Sponsor contacts:
Dan Cauthorn, W.L. Gore. 206-726-3369, dcauthor@wlgore.com
Kristo Torgerson, Patagonia. 805-667-4675, kristo_torgerson@patagonia.com
Bill Belcourt, Black Diamond. 801-278-5552 ext. 143, billb@bdel.com
Paul Fish, Mountain Gear. 800-829-2009 ext 200, paul.fish@mgear.com
Mark Crowther, Climbing/Skram Media. 212-691-2921 X101, mark.crowther@skrammedia.com
Tom Mendl, PrimaLoft. 518-445-2266, Tom.Mendl@albint.com
Back
to top
August
3, 2007 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Black Diamond Strengthens Team to Meet Continued
Growth
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd., a global leader in the climbing
and freeride ski markets, announced several key personnel
changes to strengthen their team and meet continued strategic growth
objectives.
In
the past two years, Black Diamond has made major investments
in its infrastructure, opened BD Asia in Zhuhai China,
and won the prestigious REI Vendor of the Year Award.
For fall 2007, Black Diamond will launch their critically
acclaimed new ski line and for 2008 is tracking with
the debut of a complete line of telemark and alpine touring
ski boots.
“We
continue to see exceptional growth overseas, as well
as domestically in hardware, tents, packs and trekking
poles to name a few,” comments
Peter Metcalf CEO. “The success of several major
initiatives in the past year has added to the dynamic atmosphere
here at BD. With this momentum, we are proud to tap some
strong players to bolster our team and help us achieve
even more success.”
Black
Diamond has hired Bill Crouse as International Sales
Manager and Jonathan Thesenga as Content Manager. Crouse
comes to BD with over 30 international expeditions under
his belt including summits on Everest, Ama Dablam, Vinson
Massif, Aconcagua and Denali, multiple aid routes in
Yosemite and Zion and sales experience as an independent
rep for Movement Skis, Hestra Gloves and The North Face.
In his new role, Crouse will guide BD’s growth in
Asia, Oceania, Latin America and beyond.
Jonathan
Thesenga joins BD from his former position as Editor-in-Chief
at Climbing Magazine. In 21 years of climbing, Jonathan
has conquered big wall, boulder and trad/sport routes
in every continent except Antarctica and also authored
a guidebook to Smith Rock. He will be the point person
for Black Diamond storytelling, leading the charge on
website and catalog content development.
Additionally,
the next year will see Black Diamond’s
continued focus on investments related to its carabiner
manufacturing. In particular, by combining the strengths
of BD in SLC with BD Asia, Black Diamond carabiners will
continue to exceed expectations. Nick Rueff, who has
been the Process Engineer for Carabiners will be heading
up this project with the goal of
significantly increasing efficiency, decreasing production
time, minimizing waste, maximizing strength and manufacturing
the most innovative carabiner line possible.
Metcalf
adds, “As carabiners increasingly become
a more global commodity, Black Diamond needs to stay on
the cutting edge of manufacturing. Hardware and carabiners
in particular are the backbone of BD manufacturing and
authenticity. We are committed to developing new standards
and streamlining manufacturing systems with the end result
being a more efficient process and the best performing,
highest value product for the consumer.”
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd. is an employee-owned manufacturer
of equipment for rock climbing, alpinism and freeride
skiing. By consistently building innovative products
and actively preserving the mountain environment, Black
Diamond has assumed a leadership role in the international
outdoor community.
Back
to top
July 18, 2007 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Black
Diamond Launches Chinese Website
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd., a global leader in climbing and
skiing markets, announces the launch of a Chinese language
version of its website www.bdel.com.cn.
Following the creation of Black Diamond Asia in Zhuhai
last year, the launch of the Chinese BD website is a
commitment to the growing climbing community in Asia.
The initial phase of the site includes both product
and company information. In the months to come, BD
will add Chinese descriptions of its ski line plus
China-specific rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering
event and scene content.
“China has the perfect combination of landscape and
strong motivated climbers,” states Ryan Gellert,
BD Asia’s Managing Director. “BD is excited
to support the continuing growth of climbing in this
part of the world. Climbers and outdoor retailers have
been asking for more technical information translated
into Chinese; our website is just one way we plan to
provide it.”
China is one of the largest and most geographically
diverse countries in the world and possesses established
world-class rock, ice and alpine climbing routes plus
nearly unlimited potential for more. From the remote
peaks of Xinjiang and Sichuan Provinces in Western
China to the steep limestone sport climbing of Yangshuo
and Qing Yuan in Southeast China’s
Guangxi and Guangdong Provinces, interest in climbing
and outdoor sports continues to grow at a healthy pace.
Peter Metcalf, Black Diamond CEO adds, “The role
that BD Asia plays to Black Diamond’s overall global
growth and health is significant, and establishing the
Chinese website is foundational to this process.”
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd. is an employee-owned manufacturer
of equipment for rock climbing, alpinism and freeride
skiing. By consistently building innovative products
and actively preserving the mountain environment, Black
Diamond has assumed a leadership role in the international
outdoor community.
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April
19, 2007 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Black
Diamond Commits $10,000 to Help Preserve Skaha Bluffs,
Canada
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd., a global leader in climbing and
skiing manufacturing, has agreed to pledge $10,000 (CAN)
in a joint effort with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC)
to help preserve Skaha Bluffs near Penticton, British
Columbia. Skaha is not only a rare desert eco-system
but also one of Canada’s premiere climbing destinations.
“Skaha has justifiably become an iconic crag in
the North American climbing landscape and Black Diamond
is excited to partner with MEC and The Land Conservancy
of British Columbia to help provide permanent public access
to this area,” states Peter Metcalf CEO, Black Diamond.
Metcalf continues, “The active leadership role that
MEC is taking to preserve Skaha Bluffs is an honorable
one that deserves immediate attention to preserve this
land for all future public access.”
“Skaha Bluffs is a jewel of Canadian ecology and
a place of important recreational value. It epitomizes
what MEC stands for,” said MEC CEO Peter Robinson.
MEC has led the charge with a $250,000 grant to ensure
permanent public access to all recreational users. In addition
to the land acquisition grant, MEC has also initiated a
donation program among its members that will match individual
donations dollar for dollar up to $100,000.
“This joint effort is indicative of the resolve
both MEC and Black Diamond have in terms of the activities
we support,” Metcalf continues. “It is an example
of an extraordinary business relationship that is bridging
beyond providing innovative products to consumers and working
to forever preserve valuable access to a unique recreational
ecological area.”
MEC’s grant and Black Diamond’s
donation will go to purchasing a piece of privately held
land, sub-lot 18, which will provide a new permanent
point of access to Skaha Bluffs. The deal must be completed
by June 30, 2007 or sub-lot 18 could be sold to another
party for development purposes and access would likely
be lost. For more information go to: http://www.conservancy.bc.ca/news_view.asp?id=735&ref=todays_news
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd. is an employee-owned manufacturer
of equipment for rock climbing, alpinism and freeride
skiing. By consistently building innovative products
and actively preserving the mountain environment, Black
Diamond has assumed a leadership role in the international
outdoor community.
MEC
is Canada’s leading retailer
of outdoor clothing and equipment, providing quality
products and services for self-propelled activities like
hiking, climbing and skiing. Established in 1971, MEC
has more than 2.5 million members throughout Canada and
around the world. Widely recognized for its commitment
to community and sustainability, MEC recently joined
One Percent For The Planet, an alliance of some 500 companies
in 20 countries that annually allocate one percent of
their total revenues towards environmental initiatives.
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March
19, 2007 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Black
Diamond’s 5th Annual Wasatch
PowderKeg Race Results
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd., a global leader in climbing and
skiing manufacturing, celebrated St. Patrick’s
weekend in the Wasatch under banner blue skies with a
host of events for the avid adventure skier.
The 5th annual PowderKeg race hosted alpine touring (AT)
and telemark skiers in two divisions, Race and Recreational,
on Saturday March 17 and served as a qualifier for the
Untied States Ski Mountaineering Association (USSMA) National
Team. On Sunday, the first sanctioned USSMA relay in North
America took place in Alta, UT bringing together teams
of racers in a short track, exciting venue. Sunday evening
wound down with the Wild & Scenic
film festival hosted by Patagonia as a fundraiser for the
Winter Wildlands
Association.
Official
results for the Race AT Men’s category
posted Ethan Passant (Crested Butte, CO) 2:02:44 winning
the event by a mere 3 seconds over former winner Chris
Kroger (Jackson, WY) 2:02:47; with Pete Swenson (Breckenridge,
CO) finishing third 2:03:50. In the Race AT Women’s
category Karen Kingsley (Ophir, CO) 2:32:55 clinched
the top spot with Monique Merrill (Breckenridge, CO)
2:39:03 placing second and Amy Fulwyler (Jackson, WY)
2:41:58 taking third. For full results go HERE.
Official
results of the Relay Race Sunday found team Ski Trab
comprised of Pete Swenson, Grant Guise, Monique Merrill
and Ethan Passant winning out over Team Die Guido and
Team One Pregnant Lady and Three Guys Denying Responsibility.
In an exciting four-person format, each team member did
two laps on a short uphill/downhill course amongst ringing
cowbells and cheers from the crowd.
“We
changed a handful of elements in the PowderKeg this year
and expanded the event to a weekend of activities to
meet the growing demand in this sector of the ski market,” explains
Colleen Graham Nipkow, Black Diamond’s PowderKeg
Organizer. “The PowderKeg course changed,
becoming more technical, and bringing the finish back to
Alta was a great success. Also, the addition of the fun
and festive relay and the Wildlands film component made
it a great spring weekend for all.”
The Black Diamond PowderKeg is presented by Patagonia,
Alta, Uinta Brewing, Ski Utah, Couloir Magazine, AirMed
and Protech Skin Care.
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd. is an employee-owned manufacturer
of equipment for rock climbing, alpinism and backcountry
and freeride skiing. By consistently building innovative
products and actively preserving the mountain environment,
Black Diamond has assumed a leadership role in the
international outdoor community.
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to top
January
2, 2007 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Black Diamond Opens Demo
Center in La Grave and Adds Staff
to Award-Winning
Marketing
Team
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd., a global leader in climbing,
ski and backcountry gear, announces the opening of a
Demo Center in La Grave, France; hiring key staff in
its marketing department and recognizes Colleen Graham
Nipkow, BD’s marketing
manager, for winning the 2006 Wasatch Outdoor Volunteer
Award.
Black Diamond’s new Demo Center, opening this winter
2006-2007, is located in La Grave’s storied Edelweiss
Hotel. One of the steepest ski areas in the world, and
the cradle of freeriding, ski mountaineering and alpinism,
La Grave is a prime locale for testing BD equipment.
European retailers and consumers are invited to demo
both ski and alpine climbing equipment. For more information,
contact the Auberge Edelweiss at 0033.47679.9093 or visit www.hotel-edelweiss.com.
Laurel Hunter, Black Diamond’s new graphic designer,
will focus on web and print design. A former college
art teacher and freelance designer, Hunter’s work has appeared in Artweek, the Oakland Tribune and in numerous
exhibitions. When she’s not designing, Hunter enjoys
racing her road bike, riding her backcountry snowboard
and climbing.
Black Diamond’s new Athlete and Event Coordinator,
Charlie Lynch, comes to Salt Lake City from the North
Face, where he supported the sales team, coordinated
events and participated in product testing. At BD, Lynch
will focus on supporting and expanding the athlete team
and promoting the Black Diamond brand through grass roots
sponsorship and core outdoor events. Lynch is a passionate
freeskier and triathlete.
Colleen Graham Nipkow, BD’s marketing manager,
has been recognized by REI and regional non-profit organizations
for her work with the Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center
(FUAC). “Colleen was an ideal choice for our Wasatch
Outdoor Volunteer Award,” comments Eric Spreng,
REI community outreach coordinator. “As president
of FUAC, she has contributed countless hours directing
the fundraising efforts required to keep the Utah Avalanche
Center operating at a high standard, and she has done
so selflessly, without ego or expectation of recognition & reward.
Not only does Colleen epitomize the spirit of volunteerism,
I sincerely believe that her personal contribution has
helped save lives in the backcountry.”
Black
Diamond Equipment Ltd. is an employee-owned manufacturer
of equipment for rock climbing, alpinism and backcountry
and freeride skiing. By consistently building innovative
products and actively preserving the mountain environment,
Black Diamond has assumed a leadership role in the international
outdoor community.
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to top
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