SOL | First-Of-Its-Kind Program Brings Snowboarding to the U.S. Military

First-Of-Its-Kind Program Brings Snowboarding to the U.S. Military

LAKEWOOD, Colo., April 16, 1996 -- The National Ski Areas Association and the Military Resale System are announcing a first-of-its-kind national military ski campaign, Operation Ski and Snowboard (OPSKI). The program is designed to bring the exciting sports of skiing and snowboarding to the entire military. OPSKI will be open to all authorized patrons of the military exchanges and commissaries including: active duty, retirees, reservists and family members, a total of more than 11 million people.

"We're proud to be a part of this program that encourages people to get out and ski or snowboard," said Stacy Gardner, spokesperson for the National Ski Areas Association.

"There are a number of events planned for this 1996-97 winter extravaganza including: learn to ski and snowboard programs starting in January 1997, a national sweepstakes, guest appearances by top Olympic athletes, military ski races, skiing concept stores at top base exchanges, and transportable virtual and artificial ski slopes brought to bases for recreation and demonstration. The OPSKI kick-off is scheduled early November in Washington D.C.," said Joel Bourassa, OPSKI project director.

OPSKI offers a variety of marketing opportunities including: a national program magazine with coupon opportunities, military TV coverage, in-store banners, on-site posters, product sampling, and a national public relations campaign.

"We've been sending our troops off to resolve conflicts. Now let's thank them by sending them off to play," added Bourassa.

Operation Ski and Snowboard is a joint effort of the Military Resale System, the National Ski Areas Association and Burnieika Bearfield Emerson & Associates, Inc., a Boston-based advertising, marketing and public relations firm. The program seeks to provide a truly significant recreational opportunity for military customers and drive sales for the CONUS Military Resale System. For more information call Joel Bourassa at (603) 745-3400.