OGDEN -- Officials with Hart Ski Corp. announced Tuesday the company plans to introduce an innovative program this winter to get more kids on the slopes.
Chris Farni, chief executive officer of Hart, unveiled the "Let's Go Ski" program after a news conference to discuss the recent relocation of his company's headquarters and distribution operation from Minneapolis to a warehouse at 159 23rd St.
The program would likely involve partnerships with local companies to provide ski gear for 50 to 100 kids ranging in age from 6 to 12, Farni said.
The kids would be shuttled to Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Wolf Creek ski resorts where they would receive lessons and be allowed to use the slopes, said Farni.
"We are trying to find a way to get them out of the house and into the sport (of skiing)," he said.
Kids involved in the Let's Go Ski program also would likely be allowed to keep ski gear and would be provided discount passes so that they could return to the slopes, Farni said.
In addition to introducing kids to skiing, the program could be a smart business move for Hart, said Farni.
"If we get kids on Hart skis when they are young, hopefully they will continue with us," he said.
Mayor Matthew Godfrey said during Tuesday's news conference he's pleased that Hart, which plans to have as many as 10 employees in Ogden by the end of the year, has relocated to the city. Godfrey also predicted that other outdoor sports companies and related vendors will follow Hart's lead in moving to Ogden.
The city has provided Hart a $25,000 small-business loan to assist with its relocation, he said.
Johann Furr, national director of sales and marketing for Hart, praised Ogden officials for smoothly facilitating the company's relocation. The move will further Hart's commitment to being a leader in the ski industry, he added.
Hart skis are handmade in Colorado, Washington state and Italy. However, the company's goal is to eventually have all of its skis manufactured in Ogden, Farni said.
Hart outfitted all four men and one woman on the 2010 U.S. Olympic mogul team with skis. Team member Bryon Wilson won a bronze medal during the games.
Comments