MEC launches first resort ski and snowboard collection after decades in backcountry snowsports

Olympian Roz Groenewoud and pro-snowboarder Mark Sollors partner with Canadian outdoor retailer to launch new resort-focused collection and bring awareness to climate change

Vancouver, BC (October 14, 2015) MEC, Canada’s leading outdoor retailer, is launching its first ever resort-focused ski and snowboard collection with two elite Canadian winter athletes and climate change advocates: MEC Ambassadors Mark Sollors and Roz Groenewoud. Region-specific ski and snowboard collections and services will be available at MEC stores across Canada on October 14, 2015. MEC is merging over 40 years’ experience serving Canada’s backcountry skiers with the needs of today’s resort rider. As part of this milestone announcement, MEC is proud to introduce Canadians to the non- profit, Protect Our Winters (POW). POW partners with winter sport athletes like Mark and Roz to raise awareness of climate change via the POW Rider’s Alliance. On top of an extraordinary career in freeskiing, Roz Groenewoud is also known for her stand-out slope style. The Olympian and X Games medalist mixes bright red lips with unexpected patterns and bright accessories. Still, as temperatures change at resorts across the continent, function is paramount to personal style. “It isn't as cold at Halfpipe competitions anymore. Over the last few years I’ve struggled with being too hot at the top of the course rather than being too cold,” explains Canadian Olympian and X Games champion, Roz Groenewoud. “The unpredictable weather makes features like waterproof-breathable fabrics and layering systems important for keeping comfortable.” The MEC downhill apparel includes non-insulated resort-style pieces that were inspired by MEC’s backcountry apparel and adapted for the resort rider with features like soft fleece linings and a relaxed fit. MEC has also developed lightweight insulated downhill apparel designed to withstand eastern Canadian cold but stylish enough to wear in the city. The full MEC downhill collection includes jackets, pants, midlayers, baselayers and other gear from brands including Helly Hansen, Burton, Solomon and the exclusive in-house MEC brand. Pro snowboarder Mark Sollors has seen the evolution of slope style firsthand. “During my career I’ve continually seen slope style influenced by street style, so the jacket you wear in the city is now technically built to wear on the hill as well.” The men’s MEC Syncronis Jacket and the women’s Sweet Shot jacket are standout examples of a multi-purpose winter jacket. There would be no slope style or snowsports without snow. Accordingly, MEC has partnered with POW to help ensure winter activities can be enjoyed for generations to come. Here’s how you can help: tag a ski or ride photo with #live4snow and @mec on Instagram, and we’ll donate $2 to POW (up to $10,000). POW is one of the hundreds of deserving non-governmental organizations MEC supports through our commitment to 1% for the Planet. Since 2010, MEC has invested over $500,000 in non-profits that support winter activity in Canada. The 2015 downhill collection is available in brights and earth tones. Use the ski style mixer to create different outerwear looks and craft your ultimate winter set-up before you buy. MEC-brand resort-ready ski and snowboard apparel is available exclusively at all MEC stores across Canada and online at mec.ca. Burton and Helly Hansen apparel is available at select locations and online. Region-specific resort ski and snowboard collections, including gear, will be available at our , , and stores

1 MEC as of October 14, 2015. As always, the entire collection is backed by MEC’s price match policy and Rock Solid Guarantee.

About MEC Canada’s leading outdoor retailer, MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) is passionate about inspiring and enabling everyone to lead active outdoor lifestyles. From city streets and yoga studios to backcountry trails and pristine waterways, MEC matches people with the expertise, experience, enthusiasm and gear they need for camping, snowsports, watersports, cycling, climbing, hiking, running, yoga and fitness. Through our commitment to 1% for the Planet, every year member purchases allow us to donate one percent of sales ($3 million in 2014) to Canadian non-profit organizations that help conserve ecologically and recreationally important areas. MEC has over 4 million members across Canada. Become part of MEC with a $5 lifetime membership and visit us at our 18 stores, at www.mec.ca and our Shop MEC iPhone® app.

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Scott Taber Media Profile [email protected] 416-342-1840 (direct) 647-888-9857 (mobile)

Andrew Sutherland MEC Public Relations [email protected] 604-707-3304 (direct) 778-320-4291 (mobile)

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