The North Face Launches Mountain Athletics Collection with Virtual and In-Region Training Programs

ALAMEDA, Calif., Feb. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Face today officially launched a digital training platform in tandem with its new Mountain Athletics training apparel and footwear collection. The Mountain Athletics Collection, which is now available at retail stores and www.thenorthface.com, offers the durability and full range of motion necessary for intense functional training exercises.

The Mountain Athletics Training Program (www.thenorthface.com/mountainathletics) helps everyday athletes and weekend warriors alike establish a goal within three sports: running, climbing and skiing. Based on a six-week timeline, athletes get a playlist of instructional videos led by The North Face Athlete Team members along with a downloadable training plan that will help them accomplish their outdoor goals.

"One of the insights we got from our Athlete Team is that when they're training for an outdoor pursuit, whether racing 100 miles or climbing Mt. Everest, they're spending more time training than actually doing their sport," said The North Face President Todd Spaletto. "Now we're able to offer the same level of training that our Global Athlete Team members are using to prepare for their expeditions in the world's most extreme environments to all outdoor athletes."

The North Face partnered with Mountain Athlete gym in Jackson, WY to inform product development for the Mountain Athletics line of apparel and footwear, and to build the personalized sport-specific online training programs. Mountain Athlete is also an official facility that helps advise members of The North Face Global Athlete team on how best to train and prepare for their expeditions and competitions.

The North Face will also debut an original Train Smarter web series that will document the journey of four weekend warrior athletes in pursuit of personal goals through the help of Mountain Athletics and The North Face athletes. The series will feature ski mountaineer Kit DesLauriers training a former ski-bum turned nine-to-fiver who hopes to ski a peak in the Cathedral Range of Grand Teton National Park; ultrarunner Dean Karnazes mentoring a marathon runner preparing for his first 50-mile race; and rock climber Cedar Wright preparing a couple of climbing buddies for a first ascent in Yosemite Valley.

The North Face will also host a series of regional events to provide everyday athletes with a preview of the Mountain Athletics Collection and training program beginning in March 2014. Each stop on the eight-city tour will feature a one-hour outdoor training session led by a certified trainer and The North Face athletes, and a festival atmosphere. Registration for the first four events opens today:

• March 9 – MOUNTAIN ATHLETICS: SAN FRANCISCO
• March 15 – MOUNTAIN ATHLETICS: WASHINGTON D.C.
• March 22 – MOUNTAIN ATHLETICS: SAN FRANCISCO (PRESIDIO)
• March 29 – MOUNTAIN ATHLETICS: BIRMINGHAM
• April 5 – MOUNTAIN ATHLETICS: KALISPELL*
• April 12 – MOUNTAIN ATHLETICS: DENVER*
• April 19 – MOUNTAIN ATHLETICS: OKEMOS*
• April 26 – MOUNTAIN ATHLETICS: BOSTON*

*Registration opens March 1

To find out more about the Mountain Athletics Collection, watch training videos and find event dates, please visit www.thenorthface.com/mountainathletics.

About The North Face®
The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1966. Headquartered in Alameda, California, the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, snowsport athletes, endurance athletes, and explorers. The company's products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking, running, and snowsport retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains.

Press Contacts:
Jessica Hollister
The North Face
510.239.1253
[email protected]

Pat Burek
Finn Partners for The North Face
212.715.1542
[email protected]

Video: http://youtu.be/tLcp2pAGP3M
Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140224/MM70461

SOURCE The North Face