September 22, 2004 – Kicking off the second year of its
‘Winter Feels Good’ campaign, SnowSports Industries America (SIA) will
again partner with W.L. Gore & Associates, the inventor of GORE-TEX®
fabric technology, to sponsor women’s ski expert Jeannie Thoren’s Ski
Clinics (<http://www.jeanniethoren.com>www.jeanniethoren.com) for the
2004-2005 winter season. Beginning
this October, Thoren will travel to more than 15 resorts and 30 retail
operations to provide expert counsel to women about choosing the right
products for skiing and to share her expertise on the fitness and health
benefits of snow sports.

“Winter Feels Good is the only national initiative that showcases why going
outside in the winter is good for the heart and soul,” noted Doug Graham,
Gore snowsports business development leader. “Our products are an important
part of the experience because we keep winter devotees protected, warm and
dry. We know that the women’s segment is one of the fastest growing winter
sports participation groups. Jeannie plays an important role in this growth
and we are pleased to be associated with her efforts.”

Thoren brings her unique blend of superior hard goods knowledge, now
combined with soft goods acumen and genuine presentation skills, to an
increasingly influential consumer marketplace — women. Specifically, her
program will include critical information that women should know to make
wise buying decisions in hard goods and soft goods purchases and how
keeping warm and dry is key to a positive experience.

Thoren has been cited by SKI and SKIING magazines as one of the most
influential skiers in the last century. She is listed as a top 100
instructor in America three out of the last five years by SKI magazine; is
a veteran ski and boot tester for SKI magazine; and she is the recipient of
the North American Snowsports Journalists Association’s “Golden Quill
Award”, which recognizes individuals who have made outstanding individual
contributions to the advancement of snow sports in North America.

Gore will arm Thoren with consumer-friendly tips on the value of layering
and why GORE-TEX® and WINDSTOPPER® fabric in apparel can make a big
difference in the enjoyment of outdoor winter activities. The company also
will provide GORE-TEX® branded product to use in Jeannie’s promotions.

“This three-way partnership makes so much sense because staying warm is the
first step to having a positive snow sports experience and proper dress is
a key message of the ‘Winter Feels Good’ campaign,” said Mary Jo Tarallo,
SIA Director of Education and Special Programs. “Jeannie is the perfect
spokesperson because she is articulate, passionate and people trust her
advice.”