What is it? What is all the hype behind EMPIRE? Finally, the much anticipated launch has arrived, at the 3rd annual Icer Air festival in San Francisco this November. EMPIRE presented the public with its first product, the “Glove.” The glove fills a two-fold need that we’ve noticed in skiing. More than just a company, EMPIRE and it’s products and riders represent a lifestyle that we have carved out of our niche little sport. The Glove is a tangible means to our collective ends of wanting to be a part of something larger. From a conversation to the drawing board to full product materialization, EMPIRE is beginning to come to fruition. The amount of thought and care that has gone into this; from the lawyers, business executives, investors — and of course athletes — all backing this new company to form something unique, is incredible.

It’s these incredible athletes giving EMPIRE its core; its drive. We want to take the time to announce the final two ahtletes that will round out the EMPIRE roster. Joining Simon, Peter Olenick and Colby West is the young Kiwi phenom, Jossi Wells. Jossi’s competition presence was felt this past year, breaking out on several podiums all the while fighting through an injury at the X Games. The 17-year-old jibber has values in line with EMPIRE’S core mission. Dedicating himself to progressing the sport, living the skiing lifestyle and creating an image of an ambassador to the greater public, allows Jossi to become yet another quintessential EMPIRE athlete.

EMPIRE is also proud to represent Candide Thovex. He’s been at the forefront of every major park-and-pipe movement in the past 10 years, pioneered a reputation doing things the way he saw fit and created a career as one of the greatest freeskiers and EMPIRE couldn’t be more ecstatic about Candide becoming a rider and part-owner. Just as Candide has pushed our sport, he will undoubtedly help EMPIRE make its mark on the skiing community, bringing the company to an international audience.