We just completed Boot Camp with our North American reps, the BD Boot team
and European management and are excited for the snow to fall and get the
boots out on retailerıs feet on the hill,² states Thomas Laakso, Ski
Category Group Director. ³Skiing has changed dramatically in the past few
years and being able to build boots from the ground up with state of the art
technologies and a modern skierıs perspective has enabled us to meet the
exacting needs of the boundary­free skier.²

The BD Boot program reprises the award-winning launch of the Fall 2007 ski
line and will be aimed at the emerging market that demands full-time, high
performance combined with unbounded access in a single pair of boots. The
boots blend alpine-inspired technologies with backcountry functionality that
is synced up with BDıs Efficient Power technology platform, an integral part
of their Freeride Ski line.

³Skiing is all about the down,² explains Laakso. ³Our alpine touring (AT)
and telemark boots have design elements that are both power and efficiency
based so consumers may choose the model that best fits their personal style
while maximizing their downhill control. All our boots are focused on
uncompromising performance which means exceptional fits, true alpine
progressive flexes and ultimate hiking access to the goods.²

BD will debut three AT models in the Power Series ­ the paradigm breaking,
four-buckle Factor, a softer flexing Method and the Womenıs Shiva. Each boot
blends alpine overlap construction with lightweight touring functionality
combining the performance an alpine skier demands while providing a highly
articulated walk mode for access to the backcountry.

On the telemark side, BD will break out with two collections geared around
its Power and Efficiency platforms. The Power Series is built around the
Custom, Push and Womenıs Stiletto. All three boots raise the bar with
progressive flex, torsional power, and alpine inspired fit technologies. The
Efficient series adds the Seeker, Womenıs Trance and Axis blending smooth,
predictable bellows with high torsional stiffness in a lightweight versatile
package.

All boots introduce solutions for achieving a proper and comfortable fit,
with modern engineered lasts, unique and customizable boot boards, strobled
and true lasted liner constructions, stock custom thermoformable foot beds
and an exclusive Boa closure system that enables fit and performance
advantages.

³As the largest, most expensive, complex development project weıve ever
undertaken, itıs hard to contain my enthusiasm about these boots,² adds
Peter Metcalf CEO of Black Diamond. ³They represent the best of BD today,
exemplifying our design philosophy in terms of innovative product. BD Boots
will fully meet the demands of todayıs freeride skier. We set out to build a
better boot for the skier who wants one boot to rip all terrain and our
design team has delivered.²

Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. is an employee-owned manufacturer of equipment
for rock climbing, alpinism and freeride skiing. By consistently building
innovative products and actively preserving the mountain environment, Black
Diamond has assumed a leadership role in the international outdoor
community. For more information on Black Diamond visit
www.blackdiamondequipment.com