K2 Skis

K2 Skis is a pioneering American brand in the skiing industry, founded in 1962 by Bill and Don Kirschner on Vashon Island, Washington. Originally known for being the first to introduce fiberglass technology to skis, the brand revolutionized the sport by creating lighter and more responsive equipment compared to the traditional wood and metal skis of the era.

Over the decades, the ownership of K2 rebranded and expanded into K2 Sports, encompassing a wide range of outdoor and winter sports gear. While the brand maintains its creative and engineering roots in Seattle, Washington, the majority of its manufacturing processes were transitioned to a high-capacity facility in Guangzhou, China, several years ago to optimize production for global distribution.

Currently, K2 is part of the Elevate Outdoor Collective, a conglomerate that focuses on performance outdoor products. The brand remains a staple in the skiing community, known for its innovative designs and heritage as an American winter sports icon, while operating under the umbrella of a private equity-backed management structure headquartered in the United States.