November 05, 2012 (Auburn, NH) – Today, Fischer Skis announced it has hired Rick Halling as Nordic promotions and customer service specialist. In the newly created position, Halling will work directly with Peter Ashley, vice president of the Fischer Skis U.S. Nordic Division, to grow and support American sales of the world’s winningest cross country ski and boot manufacturer. Rick brings 30 years of Nordic ski experience to Fischer, having most recently spent 20 years as Nordic product category manager at Atomic.

“We are truly excited to welcome Rick. His passion for the sport, technical insight and rich history working in key markets are just what we need to spur sales growth and popularity of cross country skiing”, said Peter Ashley.

Halling begins at Fischer today and will be based out of the company’s U.S. headquarters in Auburn, N.H. His broad range of responsibilities includes providing support for Fischer’s Nordic sales representatives and dealers as well as Nordic marketing and promotions efforts.

“I look forward to working with Peter to show Americans the new face of cross country skiing. From the technology and innovation that powers world-class athletes to the exercise and overall enjoyment afforded by the sport, Fischer truly offers something for everyone” said Rick. “It’s great to be joining the industry leader and to have this unique opportunity to grow the sport.”

During his 20 years managing Atomic’s Nordic division, Halling managed sales, marketing and racing, and helped turn an obscure Austrian brand into a major Nordic supplier in the U.S. Prior to that Halling sold Nordic equipment at Hanover, N.H., ski retailers Omer & Bob’s Sportshop as well as Art Bennet’s. In addition, he previously managed the Nordic ski retail shop at Royal Gorge in Donner Summit, California, America’s largest cross country ski area. He has also worked at Scandinavian, a Nordic ski retailer in New York City, and worked in various functions at Telemark Resort in Cable, Wisc., home of the American Birkebeiner.

February 20, 2012 (Auburn, NH) – Fischer Sports, the world’s leading cross country ski manufacturer, today announced it is sponsoring six-time Norwegian Olympic medalist Vegard Ulvang’s participation at the 39th American Birkebeiner. Ulvang, who raced on Fischer skis throughout his exceptionally successful career, will serve as Research Ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at the Birkie to support fundraising for the organization. Skiers will have the opportunity to meet and ski with Ulvang throughout the three-day event taking place in Hayward, Wis., February 23-25.

“From his race-winning legacy to his leading role today with the International Ski Federation’s cross-country committee, Vegard brings a wealth of experience and passion to Birkie participants and the public alike,” said Peter Ashley, vice president of the Fischer Sports U.S. Nordic Division. “We are excited to support Vegard’s special participation and fundraising efforts at North America’s most popular cross country skiing event.”

Ulvang will be available to skiers and the public through numerous appearances. Highlights include a Fischer poster signing event at the Birkie Expo on Friday, Feb. 24, from 10-11 a.m.; the Birkie Torch Lighting; the Worldloppet breakfast; an appearance at New Moon Ski & Bike; and the Birkie 50K skate race. Ulvang will also host a live presentation titled, “800 Miles to the South Pole … on Skis,” during which he will provide a first-hand account of his recent expedition celebrating the centennial of Amundson’s South Pole expedition in 1911. A complete listing of Ulvang’s appearances is available online HERE.

The Birkie’s popular Ski for the Cure pin will once again be available for $20 at the expo and online at www.wisMS.org. Those wearing the pin on their Birkebeiner or Kortelopet race bib when crossing the finish line will be eligible to win randomly selected prizes, including a pair of Fischer skis autographed by Ulvang.

Vegard Ulvang has a long history of winning on Fischer skis, including three Olympic gold medals at the 1992 Winter Games in Albertville, as well as silver and bronze medals at the 1988 and 1994 games. He won the Holmenkollen 50K in 1989, 1991 and 1992, and the World Cup in 1990. Since 2006, Ulvang has served as executive director of the International Ski Federation’s cross-country committee.

The Birkie is North America’s largest cross country ski marathon, with more than 11,000 participants across its events. This year’s fundraising will once again be led by Skiers for Cures in support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Last year the program raised more than $62,000 for the same organization, bringing the total three-year Skiers for Cures donation to the cause to more than $220,000.

www.fischersports.com