Atomic USA is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Benchetler to its team of athletes. Chris is a world renowned skier, who over the past several years has established himself as one of the most innovative and hard working athletes of our time. He has been featured in several magazines and feature length ski films including garnering the closing segments of both Warren Miller’s Playground and Poor Boyz Production’s Yeah Dude. He can also be seen on the cover of the current Photo Annual Issue of Powder Magazine.
When asked about why he chose to sign with Atomic, Chris said “I have been in the industry for a few years now, and the opportunity to be one of the primary international spokesmen for a leading ski company is something you just can’t pass up. Atomic is well known for creating the most technologically advanced ski equipment and I have the opportunity to be an integral part of the design process for a new ski, sharing my passion for skiing, and new technology.”
Atomic USA Marketing Director Jordan Judd adds “I am ecstatic to have Chris join us. He brings a fresh approach and style to skiing that will add huge value to our program. He is a true professional and a hard worker and I am stoked to have him involved with our company both on the athlete side, where he will be traveling the world gathering amazing imagery, and on the product development side, where he will help us continue to develop the world’s highest performance skiing products.”
We managed to track down Chris while he films in Japan, to get a few words in about his recent hardgoods switch.
Freeskier: You’ve been on K2 for a long time, why the switch?
Benchetler: The switch was a new opportunity, basically another chapter. Being with Atomic gives me the opportunity to be an integral part of the desgin process with skis, advertising, new technology, and creating a pro model ski.
Freeskier: Why did you choose Atomic?
Benchetler: For the new ideas, product development, and the push they are making in freeskiing now. They are taking a whole new approach, have a sick team and are on the same page to back my skiing.
Freeskier: How do you like the product?
Benchetler: So far the product is awesome. I am currently in Japan with JP for PBP’s new flick, and I had my first powder day on the new skis, and I couldn’t be happier.
Freeskier: How is Atomic supporting your future goals (Like the Nimbus Independent Project)?
Benchetler: They are 100-percent supportive. Jordan, my new team manager, completely understands and backs my views and take on skiing, so Atomic and the Nimbus crew will all be working collectively to make it happen. My year will stay the same as far as my filming schedule, etc. Aside from Hunting Yeti, I am still going to be very involved with Poorboyz Productions and Warren Miller.
