K2 Sports gathers over 250 retailers from 18 countries in Kleinwalsertal, Austria

A K2 dealer incentive event is always something special. But no one realized the lengths to which the American Ski and Snowboard manufacturer was prepared to go to reward retailers for their commitment to the brand and their work on the frontline with customers. From April 11-14, 2010 K2 took over the whole Ifen ski resort in Kleinwalsertal for the occasion and transformed the parking lot into a huge event compound complete with outdoor hot tubs, mini ramp, snow park, entertainment and sleeping tents.

For the past three events the retailers, K2 employees, pros and friends gathered under the name of “Kamp K2” at Mt. Baker in the United States. Now it was time to move this exclusive event to Europe. “We deliberately chose Ifen in Austria’s Kleinwalsertal because of its amazing terrain and its popularity with freeriders. Ifen also held a legendary banked slalom, just like the one at Mt Baker, and was home to Europe’s first half-pipe back in the ‘80s so it was a natural choice.””, explains Black, Marketing Director K2 Sports Europe.

Ski, snowboard, party

Over 250 dealers and media representatives from 18 countries around the world were invited to take part in this rather unique event. At registration, participants were handed a pair of limited-edition Kamp K2 skis or a limited-edition Kamp K2 snowboard. The following three days were all based on the motto: ski, snowboard and party. Right from the start K2 made it clear that the whole event was going to be about having a great time and making new friends! There were no dry product presentations, no speeches about strategy or sales figures and no implicit obligation to increase orders – just loads of great riding and plenty of fun!

Sunny spring conditions for riding with the K2 pros on the mountain, skating on the mini ramp, relaxing in the hot tubs and numerous team events including bull riding, Coca Cola bobby car racing, Vibram Capture the Beer, a Marker Chinese Downhill race and a flip cup tournament for the legendary Kischner trophy guaranteed a great atmosphere. The event was rounded off in true K2 style with an “I wanna rock’n’roll all night and party every day” party featuring a tent-burning performance by the Kiss Forever Band.

“Kamp K2 shows what K2 is all about – being in the mountains and having fun with like-minded souls. We are not trying to convince people with phoney marketing or complicated product and sales stories, we just want to show first-hand what the brand and the people behind it are really all about – a true passion for skiing and snowboarding.” Black adds. “Kamp K2 was created to have as many people as possible from all over the world experience what we believe in – having fun sliding on a mountain, whether it’s sideways or not and drinking as much of this K2 CoolAid as possible. Three days in perfect spring conditions, slush riding, good times, good people and great memories to take home. Everyone at Kamp K2 left with a smile on their face; and that’s all we wanted.”

Guests review

Guests of Kamp K2 described the event with words like “incredible, unbelievable, crazy, amazing party, non-stop fun” or simply as the “best three days ever”, all proof that K2 succeeded in showing their great appreciation for retailers’ commitment to the brand over the years. And Pat Bridges from Snowboarder Magazine USA perfectly summed up the three days at Ifen with the words: “Kamp K2 is heaven on a hill!”

The brand

K2 has proudly lived and supported the mountain lifestyle for 48 years. The brand’s products encourage millions of consumers in more than 60 countries to stop working, stop worrying and head to the mountains. The K2 Ski and Snowboard divisions are part of Seattle-based K2 Sports family, a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of like-minded winter and summer recreational products. The K2 brand and businesses are world renowned as leaders in design, production, marketing and sales.

Photo Credit: Christian Stadler