Capturing the Spirit of Ski Legend Klaus Obermeyer

A German ski legend and founder of Sport Oberymer winter clothing company, Klaus Obermeyer epitomizes the ski culture he has come to outfit over the last 65 years. With a yodel in his voice and no thoughts of retirement, 94-year old Obermeyer still reports to his Aspen office nearly every day, but only after a few runs on the slopes or laps in the company solar-heated pool. His entrepreneurial spirit has proved as unwavering as the mountain peaks that surround him.

In 1947, Obermeyer immigrated to Colorado from Germany after WWII. Although an aeronautical engineer, Obermeyer was unable to find work in his field. It was at this juncture he made the decision to move to Aspen to pursue his passion for snowsports as a ski instructor. “At that time there were more dogs than people in the town. Most people left when the mining industry collapsed.” remembers Obermeyer. “I was drawn here because we had the longest single chair lift in the world. I remember the snow being like champagne powder. It was so easy to ski on.”

Despite world-class skiing, the fresh snow did come with one major drawback, extreme cold. Determined to overcome the elements, Obermeyer repurposed a down comforter into a parka. When offered 250 dollars for the makeshift coat, his entrepreneurial senses were ignited. “At the time, you could buy a new Buick with radio for $1,250. Realizing that gave me the courage to go back to Munich and have 75 parkas made,” recalls Obermeyer. “I came back and they sold like hot cakes.”

Parkas were the first of many Obermeyer products that took Aspen by storm. The ski industry pioneer also engineered the first mirrored ski sunglasses, turtlenecks with elastic collars, and the dual-layer ski boot. Today, Sport Obermeyer continues to drive innovation through use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials, such as recycled bottles and coconut shells, in its outerwear line. For Obermeyer it’s not just about reinventing products, but also yourself. “You never have it made. You are always making it.”