Volkl and Marker Team up with Gibson to Collaborate on Guitars

Lebanon, N.H. – (October 28, 2009) Marker Völkl USA, distributor of Völkl skis and Marker bindings, has partnered with Gibson Guitar Corporation to produce a series of unique electric guitars. Marker and Völkl themed guitars will be produced in Gibson’s Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Völkl guitar is a black Les Paul Custom featuring graphical elements from Völkl’s newly redesigned Gotama ski model. The new Gotama is a “rockered” ski that combines incredible performance in powder snow with everyday versatility.

The Marker guitar is a Flying V model displaying Marker’s “Rule the Mountain” logo. The aggressive design of the Flying V fits well with Marker’s popularity in the youth & freeride binding markets.

“We’re incredibly proud to be associated with Gibson,” said Chris Adams, Marker Völkl’s Promotions Director. “Their craftsmanship has always set the benchmark in quality, so to partner with them on one-of-a-kind instruments is really exciting, especially because the guitars will ultimately help some good causes.”

The guitars will be on display at events throughout the fall and early winter. After being shown at the SIA Show in January, they will go up for auction.

Proceeds from the Gotama Les Paul auction will support Protect Our Winters, an organization of Snowsports athletes and industry professionals dedicated to raising awareness of climate change. Proceeds from the Marker Flying V auction will go to the family of Shane McConkey, the professional skier and ski industry icon lost in a fatal accident this past March.

“These guitars are stunning,” said Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz “We know there has always been a strong association between music and skiing, particularly in the ski films, so to be part of this with another top tier manufacturer like Marker Völkl is very exciting for us.”

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Völkl and we’re grateful for the opportunity to raise contributions for POW with it. The money raised will be re-directed toward a number of climate change initiatives we’re supporting this year”, said Jeremy Jones, Founder of POW.

Pictures can be seen at www.volkl.com, www.markerusa.com, and www.gibson.com. Auction details will be available after November 1. Details will also be posted to Facebook Fan pages. Please visit:

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