“We were really excited about our pre-season sales and the way the brand spread among skiers. We knew relatively early that we could start thinking about the 08-09 season. When we started this thing, we had no idea if that would happen,” said co-founder Jared Richards.

The early start on thinking has paid off for Bluehouse. They have big plans in development, including two new ski models and more lengths in previous models. Bluehouse also plans on putting its customers first by creating a Web site that encourages user interaction and feedback. And it will continue its tradition of unique promotional offers for the involved skier.

“Whatever we do, we think about the skier,” comments Hepworth, “all of our energy goes toward two objectives: skis our skiers want and prices our skiers can afford. That’s tough at times, but we rely on our independence and creativity to pull it off.”

Co-founders Jared Richards and Adam Hepworth and two other partners, Dan Nebeker and Shane Larsen, manage Bluehouse Ski Co. Jared, Adam, Dan, and Shane are skiers and were born in Utah.

For more information or for publications interested in doing a story, please contact Shane Larsen: shane@bluehouseskis.com, 801-440-4053.

Bluehouse is looking for On-Mountain Representatives to take our skis to the “Skier Community” in

To indicate your interest and get more information, please email your resume and cover letter to dan@bluehouseskis.com no later than June 30.

 Later.     

Bluehouse is looking for On-Mountain Representatives to take our skis to the skier-community in Colorado, California, Pacific Northwest, East-Coast, Montana, New-Mexico, Idaho, and Wyoming. We’re looking for enthusiastic skiers who want to be part of a brand new company. Qualifications include previous or future 08-09 season plans of involvement in the ski industry i.e. ski schooler, liftee, ticket sales, terrain park crew, or mountain host. Other qualifications include advanced skiing ability, avid social skills, high-energy, and some college experience or sales experience.

To indicate your interest and get more information, please email your resume and cover letter to dan@bluehouseskis.com no later than June 30.

Today is the official announcement of the season-end Bluehouse Photo Contest. We invite you to share your most captivating photos of your Bluehouse skis in action. The contest will run through May 20 and the winners will receive a pair of new prototypes we tested during the season in creating our ‘08 - ‘09 ski line. We know the season has been epic for us, so we can’t wait to see how it has treated you.

Visit the Photo Contest page to view and vote on the current submissions or login and begin uploading your own shots.

Thanks for sharing!

In 1984, Sarajevo was home to the winter Olympic Games. On the eve of the opening of the games, the mountains were bare. There was no way the downhill events were going to take place on the dirt trail outlined for the various events. Without snowmaking capabilities, the Muslims, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians all prayed a united prayer — they prayed for snow. Somehow, someway the snowgods heard their pleas and it went on to snow so that no event was canceled. Many have dubbed this the Sarajevo Miracle.

Skiing in Sarajevo has not changed much since those Olympics. The price of skiing is about the same and the mascot of the 1984 games can still be seen all over the town. Many of the ski facilities that were built specifically for the Olympics remain today with few if any repairs or updates, despite being having been subjected to a major war. In fact the Olympic venues of Igman and Bjelasnica were major battle areas that were heavily mined during the war. There are an estimated 900,000 mines that still splatter the Bosnian landscape. Many just on the edge of ski boundaries. This make for some very interesting backcountry touring, that requires a very experienced guide who can make sure you don’t get blown up. My guide and friend Dejan is just such a person to have around. In the last three weeks in Bosnia 6 people including mine experts have been killed by mines. The other Olympic mountain Jahorina was a Serb stronghold during the war. Several military facilities there were subjected to NATO bombings at the end of the war. The skeletal remains of these buildings provide a haunting reminder of the country’s recent past.

Like most of the chair lifts and hotels around the ski areas, the ski culture here is something reminiscent of the 1980s. Rad multicolored one pieces, skinny skies, and icey bumps are a favorite of many of the locals. This makes a perfect scene for anyone in search of fresh tracks. I’ve been 4 days late from a storm and have skied fresh tracks all day. For most here, powder is a chore, not a delight - the mindset seems crazy, but being at the receiving end of infinte pow, I’m not complaining.

Here are a few pics:

Serb military installment bombed out by NATO bombing campaign.

Cyrillic sign next to a pizzeria that does not serve pizza but which covered its walls with nudie pictures of Balkan women. Surprising in so many ways.

The most recent addition to Jahorina: a few boxes and rails. . . I’ve yet to see anyone hit any of them.

One of my favorite things about skiing here, is seeing capitalism at its best in this former socialist nation. At each of the lifts several vendors sell an assortment of items from soft drinks, energy drinks, candy bars, beer, shots of rakija, and plum brandy to gloves and goggles. One vendor even posts a sign that his plum brandy will not give you a head ache.

My buddy and guide Dejan. He has become a huge fan of Bluehouse. Notice the traditional Serbian pose.

Pre-registration for the event is $15 and can be completed by emailing dan@bluehouseskis.com. Day-of registration is $20.

We hope to see you there.

Picture of la Mongie ski resort in France. Sad.

These snowshoers were determined to get their money’s worth out of the snowshoe rental. It was close to 50 degrees that day. At the ski resort Pont D’Espagne.

This is a view of the ski map for Pont D’Espagne. Clearly no snow.

I’m glad to be back in Sarajevo where has snowed 8 inches in the valley today. Now all I have to do is avoid land mines while skiing in the Bosnian backcountry.