Eddie Bauer is expanding its First Ascent Guide and Athlete team with the addition of pro skier Andy Mahre. With deep roots in Washington, Mahre brings a unique creative angle to the world of pro skiing and is a true veteran in the field having been sponsored since the age of 15.

Mahre grew up surrounded by a family with a deep history in downhill skiing; his father and uncle, twins Steve and Phil, are famous for winning gold and silver medals in the 1984 Olympics. With such roots, it’s no wonder why Andy Mahre has grown to become a key influencer for the current generation of skiers. Breaking away from his ski racing background, Mahre is best known for his role in pushing the sport through creative form, progressive flow and showing that whether forwards or backwards, and often without poles, that the mountain is a venue for individual free skiing expression.

“Stemming from a long lineage of skiers, Andy is at the forefront of progressive skiing and is a prolific name within the discipline,” said Mike Egeck, Chief Executive Officer for Eddie Bauer. Egeck goes on to say “with family roots in Washington, specifically within the skiing and mountaineering circles, Andy really is the perfect addition to our Eddie Bauer First Ascent Guide and Athlete team.”

Mahre spent this past summer skiing and testing out some of the new pieces from Eddie Bauer First Ascent’s 2014 Fall/Holiday Collection. His top picks: the Neoteric Bibs and Propellant Jacket, winner of the 2013 Apex Award from Polartec®. “The Neoteric Bibs deliver the best of hard shell waterproof technology with soft shell-type breathability. Not only is this kit windproof and waterproof, but the level of breathability was impressive as it kept me drier no matter how hard I was charging. The Propellant is also awesome. I wore it all summer skiing at Mt. Hood. Rain or shine, it was perfect for the temps we dealt with on the glacier. It’s like a hoodie, but only better because even piercing wind is no match for it.”

Mahre will find himself at home amongst several other renowned world-class skiers on the Eddie Bauer First Ascent Guide and Athlete team including Zach and Reggie Crist, Lexi Dupont, Lel Tone and Lynsey Dyer. In addition to Eddie Bauer, Mahre is also sponsored by Dakine, EVO, K2 Skis and MARKER, and has filmed with Poor Boyz Productions, Nimbus Independent and most recently appears in Warren Miller’s newest ski movie, Ticket to Ride.

To learn more about the Eddie Bauer Guide and Athlete Team and view the entire collection of expedition-quality apparel, gear and outerwear, visit www.eddiebauer.com.

Image courtesy Amanda Stelling/ Eddie Bauer