Ogden, UT (Wednesday, July 5, 2006) -

The city of Ogden, Utah, as seen from atop Snowbasin ski area. City officials are hoping to attract European ski companies to Ogden to create 'The Hub' of the North American ski industry. (photo: FTO/Marc Guido)

In its effort to rebuild itself, the city of Ogden, home to nearly 80,000 residents some 35 miles north of Salt Lake City, is once again extending an invitation to the world much like it did during the Winter Olympic Games in 2002. But while the welcome in 2002 was extended to athletes and Olympic spectators, in 2006 Ogden is hoping to attract European ski companies to headquarter their operations at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains.

Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey is convinced that his city's close proximity to ski resorts and recreational areas, its civic and economic infrastructure, and local workforce will attract businesses in the ski industry to what Ogden is calling "The Hub" and invigorate Weber County's economy. Already Scott USA, Descente North America, Goode, Kahuna, and SnowSports Interactive call Ogden home, although Quiksilver Rossignol recently chose nearby Park City instead to consolidate its North American operations for all of its snowsports brands.

The design of "The Hub" project is to create a ski business cluster to serve as the hub of the ski industry, both nationally and internationally. Simultaneously, developer Chris Peterson, son-in-law of Snowbasin, Utah and Sun Valley, Idaho owner Earl Holding, is proposing a ski resort to be built above the city in Malans Basin, on the "backside" of Snowbasin, and Godfrey has been pushing a connection to the proposed resort from downtown Ogden via a municipal gondola. A separate gondola, funded by the resort owners, has been proposed to ascend the mountain to the pedestrian village and year-round resort. This would make Ogden the only urban center in the United States that is connected by lift to a ski resort, although Peterson faces a number of hurdles before his proposal becomes reality, most notably the purchase of land from Weber State University and some public opposition to developing the foothills above the city. Snowbasin officials have further dismissed the possibility of connecting Peterson's proposed ski area with their own resort.

Chief Financial Officer of Scott USA, Dave Stevens, explained the rationale behind his company's move to Ogden. "We've been looking actively since December (2005) for our distribution and production center. We looked at a number of locations in Utah, and Ogden really offers what we need," Stevens said. "It has strong growth potential, and the amenities are better than anywhere else we looked at. Ogden has biking, hiking and a host of outdoor recreation opportunities, the university, and access to ski resorts within 25 minutes. We're also excited about the plans for a gondola."

Steve Kenny, Managing Director of SnowSports Interactive said, "We've been actively looking for the past several months for a base of operations that would allow us to tap into the North American ski industry, and Ogden offers everything we need. It has substantial potential for growth, excellent amenities, and a diverse range of outdoor recreational opportunities. Additionally Ogden's relaxed atmosphere, the proposed gondola running from downtown to the mountain and access to ski resorts within 20-25 minutes are key components of our decision to base operations here. We're extremely excited about the prospect of being here and the long-term potential for both Ogden City and the company."

The city has recently engaged an international business development firm, Bridge Atlantik Corporation, to help extend its invitation to ski companies in Europe and encourage these companies to consider Ogden as an ideal location for their North American operations. "Ogden City has a far reaching vision in terms growth and economic development," said Bridge Atlantik’s Chief Operating Officer in Europe, Jeremy Whittaker. "'The Hub' project is just one aspect of this vision and we are excited that Ogden City has chosen Bridge Atlantik to represent its interests in Europe by approaching decision makers from European ski companies to come and see for themselves what Ogden has to offer. We believe in this project, Ogden is an excellent location for any company involved in outdoor recreation, especially snow sports."