K2 Returns To Deadhead Groove With Collectors' Line Of Rockin' Skis

Drivin' that train, alpine terrain . . .

Grateful Deadhead skiers who missed out on K2's experimental "Lightning Rose" skis, which feature otherworldly Grateful Dead graphics, will get another chance. K2's "Lunatic Fringe" division will offer a new line of Dead skis nationwide in 1993, the company announced.

Last year's limited-edition skis, the "Dark Star" and the "Panther Dream," went fast. K2 produced only 1,500 pairs of the sleek, black skis, which actually were K2 TNC racing skis in disguise. The numbered, limited editions were snapped up by ski enthusiasts and collectors - although don't expect to see many on the mountain.

"They're limited editions that will never happen again," says K2's Bonnie Crail. "It's a lot like owning a balsa-wood surfboard. You sort of hate to get it wet."

The new Lightning Rose line includes a new Grateful Dead ski, the "American Beauty" (actually a stylized version of the popular K2 5500 all-mountain recreational ski), and two new collector snowboards: the "Legend" snowboard (with graphics honoring late reggae star Bob Marley), and the "Scarlet Fire," another Deadhead design. It also includes an interesting first-ever venture for K2: "The Other One," a Grateful Dead telemark ski.

Look for the first ones on store shelves in March, after an unveiling at the annual Las Vegas Ski Show. Suggested retail price for the skis should be slightly more than $500, which isn't substantially more than the same ski with traditional graphics.

Like the initial models, all will be limited to batches of 2,000 or fewer. Graphics will be designed by new-age artist Stanley Mouse. A portion of proceeds from the line will be donated to environmental groups.

Credit for all this imagination at K2 goes to Tim Petrick, the new VP and general manager who moved over from Olin, K2's weaker sister in the Anthony Industries family.

"He has a really good vision about things like that," Crail said. "It brings a little bit of fashion and rock 'n' roll to something that until now has just been sport."

NOTES -- It hasn't taken K2 long to strike back at industry rival Salomon, whose recent "monocoque" brand skis with a molded cap top drew unprecedented raves from ski testers - and healthy sales from ski buyers - this year. K2 is making three cap skis of its own at a Norwegian plant, and cap designs soon will begin shooting out the doors at Vashon. On the drawing board at K2's island plant is a new line of cap skis, including the Extreme FX, a high-tech version of the already popular K2 Extreme. Early word from K2 testers is that the FX has all-new guts and a silky smooth internal suspension system that literally "sucks the snow." -- Pick up the current Outside magazine, turn to page 24 and admire a color photo and short article about Seattle climber Ed Viesturs, whose '93 resolutions include this minor venture: a fall solo attempt of Everest's North Ridge. -- Honored at the Seattle International Boat Show recently were Gretchen and Chuck Hurter of Bellevue, who have taught boating safety to hundreds of Eastside youngsters. State Parks officials seek more boat-safety volunteer instructors. A training session is set for Feb. 13 in Lynnwood. Details: 771-4030. -- State parks plans a public meeting Feb. 11 to discuss park planning for property known as the "Haley Site," on Key Peninsula five miles southwest of Key Center. It's from 7 to 9 p.m. at Gig Harbor City Hall, 3105 Judson Street. Details: (206) 753-2017.