Kappa, U.S. Ski & Snowboard launch climate change-themed race suit

Italian sportswear brand Kappa announced on Monday the launch of a climate change-themed race suit created with Protect Our Winters (POW) and U.S. Ski & Snowboard, for The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team. 

The race suit is designed by Kappa and produced in Italy with 100% Italian fabrics in a factory certified in terms of environmental sustainability. It features large chunks of icebergs sailing in the ocean, based off a satellite photograph of an expanse of ice breaking due to high temperatures. 

The suit also bears a POW logo on the neck, showcasing the fight against the warming climate, as well as an illustration of the POW snowflake logo on the leg. The design aims to draw attention to climate change and the existential threat to the future of skiing. 

“From the initial vision and concept to the product in hand, we at U.S. Ski & Snowboard, POW and Kappa have created a suit that represents and brings attention to a warming climate,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, president and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. 

“Although a race suit is not solving climate change, it is a move to continue the conversation and show that U.S Ski & Snowboard and its athletes are committed to being a part of the future.”

“POW and U.S. Ski & Snowboard are aligned on the urgency of uniting the snowsports industry and community on meaningful advocacy on climate,” added POW executive director Mario Molina. 

“This World Championships suit designed by Kappa makes a statement that athletes, brands and winter enthusiasts worldwide can get behind. By coming together, we can educate and mobilize our snowsports community to push for the clean energy technologies and policies that will most swiftly reduce emissions and protect the places we live and the lifestyles we love.”

Earlier this year, Kappa established a 10-year partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard. As part of the partnership, the brand will provide support for all U.S. domestic and FIS World Cup events through the 2032 season. 

The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team will wear the suit in front of the world during the 2023 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Mereibel-Courchevel, France February 6 to 19, 2023. Suits will be sold at auction after the World Championships with proceeds going to POW.