Five driven SOS alumni teamed up with Nordica and Christy Sports to learn the entire commercial process of bringing a ski to market, with all profits from this limited-edition ski benefitting SOS Outreach. These skis were refined and enhanced based on key insights from the initial collaboration in 2022. Using Nordica’s top-selling model, the Enforcer, the alumni maintained its core design while making subtle, yet important modifications to incorporate the spirit of SOS Outreach.
Over the course of a year, these five alumni met monthly to shape the design and marketing strategy, gaining behind-the-scenes access to the manufacturing and sales processes.
Aaron Chaussignand
“By choosing SOS Outreach, Nordica, skis, you’re not just investing in top-tier ski equipment, you’re investing in the future of countless young individuals.”
Aaron joined SOS Outreach in elementary school as a mentee, ultimately graduating from SOS as a Junior Mentor his senior year. While pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace and Software Engineering, Aaron jumped at this opportunity. Participating in this project has allowed Aaron to see the ski industry’s inner workings, which few are accustomed to. Despite his years of competitive skiing in Freestyle and Skier Cross resulting in ranking 1st in the nation for Skier Cross Aaron had yet to see the ski industry from this angle. Aarons’ proficiency in Cross-Country Nordic, Alpine, Telemark Skiing, Snowboarding, and a deep passion for all things outdoors has made him eager to share his experiences and knowledge with others. Aaron looks forward to competitively training his younger brother in Biathlon and Cross-Country Nordic Skiing at the national level.
Amelia Atencio
“Through SOS Outreach, I developed confidence, connected with a supportive community, and uncovered new opportunities that have profoundly influenced my journey. These skis teach courage, provide community, and stand for inclusivity.”
Denver SOS alum, Amelia, never imagined she would participate in winter sports, but decided to give it a try as a first-generation skier. Overcoming her fear of heights, she vividly remembers the apprehension of getting on the chairlift for the first time. While learning the sport was challenging, the sense of community she felt with her peers and mentor is what kept her coming back. After attending Colorado College and Wharton School of Business, she completed her MBA at Duke University. Now living in DC, she is pursuing a career in climate technology. Despite being across the country, Amelia has managed to stay engaged with SOS through events and hopes to volunteer more when she returns to Colorado in the future. She was excited that this was an opportunity to stay involved and give back to an organization that meant so much to her.
Fernanda Landeros
“I am a first-generation Latina skier, whose parents never got on the mountain. By offering a chance to SOS kids like me, who are the first in their families to hit the slopes, these skis are making a significant impact on their lives.”
Fernanda joined SOS in Eagle County when she was in elementary school. She participated for 8 years in both the Mentor and Junior Mentor programs. She is currently studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Colorado Mountain College, while working as the SOS Alumni Liaison. Fernanda is inspired by giving back to her community and fostering meaningful opportunities for youth and SOS alumni throughout the program, like the opportunities that were given to her during her time as an SOS participant. She was excited for this opportunity to learn more about the business side of bringing a pair of skis to market.
Jamie Rosales
“Being the only one like me on the mountain was intimidating, but thanks to SOS Outreach and this incredible ski, I’ve found the courage to push past my fears and embrace challenges. These skis aren’t just equipment—they’re helping me break barriers both on and off the mountain.”
Jamie began skiing in elementary school and started SOS Outreach in 2015 when it was first launched in Park City. Despite a busy schedule, she eagerly jumped at the chance to learn what it takes to design and manufacture Nordica skis- who could say no? As a first-generation student at the University of Utah, she is studying nursing with minors in Ethnic studies and Chicano studies. She reflects on her SOS Outreach Industry Day where she learned about different career opportunities in the outdoor industry, particularly feeling drawn to ski patrol. After graduation, she hopes to combine her education in nursing with her passion for the outdoors. Now with younger sisters in the program, she continues to stay involved as a mentor.
Vicente Flores
“My family was never a winter sports family, but I’m making sure it slowly turns into one”
Vicente started his SOS journey as a Freshman in high school in Park City, where he quickly became an avid snowboarder. Now, as a mentor to younger participants, he aims to share the joy of the sport just like his mentors did for him. Currently an engineering student at the University of Utah, Vicente works at a local snowboard shop and also had the opportunity to intern with Armada Skis through the SOS Career Development Program. He was thrilled to learn more about the industry through this project and hopes to continue combining his studies and his passion for the mountains. He is grateful for the sport, as it allows him to better connect with his sister, niece, and nephew.
