ROSSLAND, British Columbia, Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Mountain Resort and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) are spearheading a program to promote the use of natural fabrics in technical performance environments. From the shuttle drivers to the bartenders to the ski patrol on the hill, everyone at Red Mountain has gone natural with 100% merino wool baselayer supplied directly from the Australian wool industry.
The initiative began last season when resort staff complained about the stench in their locker room from synthetic baselayers. As any skier knows, polyester fibers retain body odor after a hard day's work on the mountain. In response to this well-known predicament, Red management issued wool tops and bottoms to all 150 employees. Next-to-skin baselayer, a mandatory accessory in cold climates, came courtesy of Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and I/O Biocompatibles.
"Australian Merino is a natural fit," said Stuart McCullough, director of North American operations at AWI. "Red Mountain is the ultimate resort for serious skiers and snowboarders and Merino is the ultimate technical outdoor performance fiber. Together, they provide a one-of-a-kind experience that is unmatched in the industry."
AWI points out that merino is ideal for base layer apparel as it is durable, soft, breathable and keeps wearers warm in the winter and cool in the summer. No longer itchy, it wicks away moisture to keep adventurers comfortable at all temperatures and activity levels. As a natural fiber, it is well aligned with the values upheld by the environmentally-conscious community of outdoor enthusiasts.
In return for the wool apparel uniforms, Red employees provide feedback to 20 questions concerning fit, design, performance, and washability of the material, weighed against how the worker uses it. AWI then provides the information to members of the Australian wool industry so they can make the best quality natural products for the future.
Red Mountain Resort has been touted as a pioneer in the resort world for adhering to sustainability not just of energy and resources but of mountain culture, ethos, and experience. The wool initiative is a program of The Mountain Project at Red. The Mountain Project provides guests a diverse and meaningful year-round resort experience celebrating the mountain lifestyle. More info here: http://www.themtnproject.com/
Contact: Sally Murdoch
503-735-5943
sally@sallymurdoch.com
The Mountain Project
