From the FasterSkier archive — posts syndicated from athletes’ and coaches’ own blogs between 2004 and 2012, kept online as published. Current coverage is at fasterskier.com.
Swix Sport USA is proud to announce the US release of its branded line of rollerskis. “We’re no stranger to the rollerski world,” described Swix director of marketing, Andy Canniff, “but with the acquisition of Swedish brand, PRO-SKI, the Swix rollerski collection has a trusted name to support this new Swix-branded effort.”
Swix Brand rollerskis feature integrated NIS plates standard on all models. The line includes the Classic Roadline Seies, an all-around classic rollerski with medium rolling resistence, the Skate model with an S5 wheel, also a medium rolling resistance ski and a durable alloy shaft for each ski to maximize power transfer. Swix rollerskis are available through Swix dealers beginning in July.
HAVERHILL MA- Swix Sport USA is proud to announce a two-year commitment as title sponsor to the American Birkebeiner Ski Events beginning in the winter of 2014. “ The American Birkebeiner is this country’s premier Nordic event and it is a dream to partner for a title sponsorship,” explained Steven Poulin, President and CEO of Swix Sport USA. This sponsorship includes the Birkie’s ski events in February, a limited collection of Swix / Birkie Technical Apparel, a full merchandizing program, jackets for event volunteer chiefs, and an exclusive Swix Concept Area within the Birkie Exposition.
2013 American Birkebeiner (ABSF photo)
“We are very excited about this partnership with Swix. It is an exceptional company and very forward thinking. We both see great potential for new ways to support our skiers and grow the reach of the sport,” said Ben Popp, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Foundation.
Started in 1973, the American Birkebeiner has grown over four decades to include more than 12,000 skiing participants, 20,000 spectators and complimentary, seasonal mountain biking and running events. “It’s more than a single event,” continued Poulin, “The Birkie is a culture in this country and we’re thrilled to marry that culture with the progressive ski focus that comes from Swix’s Norwegian origins.”
With registration open and the summer trappings of Birkie Fever® beginning, plans are underway for skiing outreach, technical education, training tips and new products for the skiers that will line up on February 22, 2014, representing 48 states and 21 countries.
About SwixThe Swix Sport Group is the world’s leading supplier of ski wax under the brands Swix and Toko. Further, the company is also the market leader for ski poles under the brand name Swix. The company is a significant supplier within textiles for the sporting goods industry under the brand names Swix, Bavac, Ulvang and Lundhags. The mother company, Swix sport AS, is situated in Oslo and at Lillehammer. The pole production is located in Lithuania. The Norwegian daughter company Original AS is the leading supplier of team wear in Scandinavia through the brands Kalas and Swix. The products are distributed through daughter companies in Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, the US and Japan. Sales to other markets are handled through distributors. Swix Sport AS is 100 % owned by Ferd AS.
About the American BirkebeinerThe Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race–the legendary American Birkebeiner–The Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 88-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite, international superstars. Located in Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the Birkie is now an outdoor sports mecca, a series of great races, a fitness destination, and a lifestyle.
HAVERHILL, MA – Snow sports industry leader, Swix Sport USA has signed Press Forward PR as its agency of record. The collaboration will focus on extending brand awareness for Swix ski wax, ski poles and sportswear through traditional and digital campaigns.
“It’s a natural partnership for us,” explained Andy Canniff, marketing director for Swix Sport USA, “We know that Press Forward has expertise in our category and can support our media goals.”
Swix Sport was founded in 1946 as the first producer of modern ski wax and has been a worldwide leader in ski service, a leading ski pole manufacturer and a cultural bellwether for the ski industry in the decades since.
“Swix is an iconic brand with an incredibly loyal following,” explains Andrew Gardner, founder of Press Forward PR. “The progressive nature and unparalleled performance of Swix as a company puts them in a category by themselves and we’re thrilled to partner with them.”
About Swix Sport USA:
Swix Sport USA, based in Haverill, MA, is the American partner of Lillehammer-based, Swix Sport. Swix Sport is recognized as the worldwide leader in ski wax, ski poles and ski sportswear. For more information, visit www.swixsport.com.
About Press Forward PR:
Press Forward PR is a Vermont-based, strategic communications firm with a focus on sport, sustainability, health and wellness. Press Forward offers client support in public relations, content creation, media management, and social media strategy. For more information, visit www.pressforwardpr.com.
Our next stop at the SIA Snow Show was at Swix USA, where we got a look at new features on next year’s carbon-composite poles, new formulations in Swix’s klister line, and tried on their new gloves.
Swix Sport USA’s Andy Canniff captured some great moments in the 2011 American Birkebeiner with his camera. Here is a selection for you to enjoy.
Tore Martin Gundersen (NOR) celebrates his 2011 American Birkebeiner victory.
Caitlin Compton (CXC) holding off Morgan Smyth (APU).
Caitlin Compton (CXC) charges down the final stretch.
Main Street in Hayward welcomes home the top men in the skate race.
Tore Martin Gundersen pumps the air in celebration.
Caitlin Compton (CXC) comes to the line to please the Birkie crowd.
Caitlin Compton (CXC) raises her arms as Birkie skate champion.
Jennie Bender celebrating her Birkie classic victory. Photo: Andy Canniff.
Tore Martin Gundersen in post race interviews.
Women’s Podium: Morgan Smyth (USA/APU, 2nd place), Caitlin Compton (USA/CXC) and Evelyn Dong (USA/XC Oregon).
The 2011 American Birkebeiner men’s podium (from left to right): with France’s Benoit Chauvet in second, Norway’s Tore Martin Gundersen in first and Russia’s Andrey Tyuterev in third. (Photo: Andy Caniff/Swix Sport USA)
2011 American Birkebeiner champion, Tore Martin Gundersen, poses for pictures.
You can be cold and still feel good, as seen here at the 2011 American Birkebeiner.
![VisTechRollerSki](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/07/VisTechRollerSki.jpeg")
![RSCR2 Swix Classic Rollerski](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/07/RSCR2.jpeg")
![RSSS5 Swix Skate Rollerski](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/07/RSSS5.jpeg")
![ABSF-swix-2013-3v4ac](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2013/07/ABSF-swix-2013-3v4ac.jpg")
![2013 American Birkebeiner (ABSF photo)](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2013/07/PressRelease-Photo-Swix-Birkie-7-10-131.jpg")
