October 04, 2010 (Jackson, NH ) – Two of the world’s leading ski companies are working with Gorham Bike and Ski Shop at the Jackson Ski Touring Center to create “concept shops” where skiers can experience for themselves the latest skiing innovations, from skis to ski wax to tuning techniques.

Swix, a Norwegian manufacturer of ski wax, poles and ski wear and Fischer, an Austrian ski company, will create an educational retail environment where skiers can view and compare an extensive range of companies’ product lines. This information-rich setting will foster a dynamic that lets skiers feel confident in their purchase decisions, share feedback with the manufacturers and maximize the performance of all their gear, new and what they already own.

Gorham Bike and Ski, will host the “concept shops” and commit staff and retail space to offer expanded product selections and skier-education opportunities.

Gorham Bike and Ski service technician Tim Corcoran sees the new partnerships as beneficial to skiers of all abilities. “Swix will help us provide ski tuning clinics for racers who like a ŒJulia Child’ approach to waxing, and quick tips for those who prefer to wax’n go; and Fischer will have an expanded line of demo gear which lets skiers make confident, informed product decisions based on real life experience.”

Fischer VP Peter Ashley stated, “There will be no where else in the country where the consumer can see and touch almost the complete line of Fischer skis, boots, and poles. This selection along with the expertise of Gorham Bike and Ski staff will provide the consumer with the knowledge to make the best possible decision on what equipment to purchase or demo”

Jamie Wright, founder of Gorham Bike and Ski, reflected that being selected by both Fischer and Swix to showcase their products and technology is “both a responsibility and an honor.” He added, “The opportunity this provides to our clientele is a tribute to the people who work here at our shop in Jackson and also to the ski foundation itself.”

Steve Poulin, President of Swix USA summed up the reason his company is excited to be in Jackson, “if there is half an inch of snow on the ground, you can count on finding groomed trails in Jackson.” He went on to say that Jackson’s grooming, “provides the best platform for skiing,” making it an ideal venue for teaching and demonstrating to skiers of all abilities the ways that Swix products can improve each day on skis.

Jackson is pleased with the prospect of skiers able to see, feel and in many cases demo a comprehensive selection of the products these two manufacturers offer. In addition, both Fischer and Swix will provide additional product training for GBS staff and skiers. Examples include planned demo days for skis and roller skis, plus ski waxing and race tuning sessions over and above Jackson XC’s already scheduled programs.

Fischer and Swix have their roots in the skiing villages of Norway and Austria their decision to invest in Jackson for this growth initiative is a tribute to the way Jackson’s residents, businesses and skiers have worked together over the past 30 years to become a world-class Nordic destination.