Stefan Kaelin – A two-time Olympian for the Swiss National Ski Team, was born and raised in Einsiedeln Switzerland, a small mountain town near Zurich. After traveling the world for ski competitions, Stefan was enticed by the opportunity he saw in the USA and in 1969 he accepted the position of Rocky Mountain Region sales representative for Head Ski-Sportswear. Wanting to expand his area of expertise, in 1972 Stefan became General Manager of Raichle-Molitor USA, a subsidiary of Raichle of Switzerland.
In 1975, Stefan and his wife, Stascha moved to Aspen, Colorado where they founded Kaelin Enterprises and Kaelin Corporation, Inc, operating leading ski specialty stores in Aspen and Snowmass. In 1983, the Kaelin’s were honored by being voted “Ski Retailer of the Year” by their peers of Ski Industries of America. Stascha is still at the helm of their flagship store, Stefan Kaelin’s, acting as Vice-President, buyer and merchandiser.
Stefan’s natural progression within the ski industry has gone full circle from Aspen retail business, to fashion importer to designing and manufacturing his own skiwear line.
For winter recreation, as well as skiing, Stefan has developed a love for snowboarding. After taking a board out for one day, he was hooked and can now be found shredding the slopes as often as skiing down the mountains. During the summer months, the elements change from snow to water as Stefan keeps a Hobie ready to race in the US Virgin Islands, where he has a home. Golfing in Europe and the USA as well as mountain biking the Aspen Vistas round out an active lifestyle.
Stefan and Stascha Kaelin have two wonderful children, Nadja 22, and Sandro 18, who are both avid skiers as well. Sandro is finishing up High School this year, 2003-2004, and getting ready for college. Nadja is engaged and is expecting her first child in February 2024. She is the assistant to Marketing and Networking for the Newport Beach store.