Ski Industry Innovation
From Sales Rep to Product Visionary
Stefan Kaelin’s career in skiing didn’t stop at racing gates or retail counters—it evolved into something even more impactful: reshaping the ski industry from the inside out. With firsthand knowledge of what athletes needed on the slopes and a sharp eye for quality and design, Stefan naturally transitioned into leadership roles in gear innovation and apparel manufacturing.
Early Industry Roles
After his Olympic racing years, Stefan’s first major step into the business side of skiing was in 1969, when he became the Rocky Mountain regional sales representative for Head Ski and Sportswear. It was a perfect fit—he knew the gear from an athlete’s perspective and could speak to performance like few others.
His success in that role led to a promotion in 1972 to General Manager of Raichle-Molitor USA, the American arm of the respected Swiss ski boot company. There, Stefan helped bridge the gap between European innovation and the growing U.S. ski market. His responsibilities ranged from marketing to product testing and development, honing his skills in both strategy and execution.
K-Sport International – A Vision Realized
In 1984, while still managing his Aspen retail operations, Stefan co-founded K-Sport International, Ltd. with his business partner, Stuart Keiller—former president of Head Ski & Sportswear. Their goal: to create a new standard for ski apparel, merging form and function through superior design and technical materials.
Stefan took the lead on product development, drawing from his global experiences as a skier and retailer. He worked closely with designers and production teams, traveling to seven international manufacturing sites to ensure every product met his standards for quality, performance, and style.
During this time, Stefan spent significant time in Europe, including at Peter Steinebronn’s headquarters and model room in Munich, learning the intricacies of production at a high level. As Vice President and head merchandiser, he helped guide collections from concept to completion—an experience that rounded out his full-circle journey in the ski industry.
Outfitting the Pros
One of Stefan’s proudest accomplishments was designing and producing the official ski and snowboard instructor uniforms for Aspen and Snowmass. These uniforms weren’t just stylish—they were praised by instructors for being the most functional and durable gear they had ever worn. Many still cite the “Kaelin uniform” as the best they’ve ever had.
By focusing on technical performance without sacrificing aesthetics, Stefan cemented his reputation not just as a merchant—but as a true innovator in mountain apparel.
A Lasting Impact
Whether advising on boot construction, guiding global production teams, or collaborating with elite ski schools, Stefan Kaelin has always brought deep integrity, hands-on expertise, and a commitment to excellence. His work behind the scenes has touched nearly every corner of the ski world—and continues to influence the industry today.
Even as the Kaelin brand now focuses on visor ski helmets, Stefan’s holistic understanding of the industry—from the athlete’s needs to product innovation—remains at the core of every decision he makes.