Klaus Obermeyer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Klaus Obermeyer
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Obermeyer (left) with former Colorado State Senator Jean White in 2011
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Klaus F. Obermeyer
December 2, 1919 Oberstaufen, Germany
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Klaus F. Obermeyer was born on December 2, 1919. He is a German-born American businessman. Klaus is famous for starting his own company, Sport Obermeyer, Ltd. This company makes ski clothing and gear.
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Klaus Obermeyer's Early Life and Business
Klaus Obermeyer moved to Aspen, Colorado in 1947. His friend, Friedl Pfeiffer, had started the Aspen Ski School there. For twelve years, Klaus worked as a ski instructor on Aspen Mountain.
While teaching skiing, Klaus learned a lot about what ski clothes needed. He used these ideas to start his company, Sport Obermeyer. He began the business in the attic of his own home.
Making New Ski Gear
One of Klaus's first big ideas was a warm ski parka. He made it by sewing together his own goose down comforter! This was just the start of many new inventions.
Later, he created high-altitude suntan lotion and special turtlenecks. He also designed nylon wind-shirts and mirrored sunglasses. In 1961, the first Sport Obermeyer factory opened in Aspen. Klaus kept inventing things like "soft-shell" jackets and goggles with double lenses. He also made the first waterproof, breathable fabrics for skiwear.
Awards and Recognition
Klaus Obermeyer has received several important awards for his work.
Ski and Business Hall of Fame
In 1997, Klaus was added to the U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes people who have made a big difference in skiing and snowboarding.
In 2015, he was also inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame. This award celebrates successful business leaders in Colorado.
Still Working at 98
In December 2017, The Aspen Times newspaper reported something special. Klaus Obermeyer was still working as the CEO of his company. He had just turned 98 years old!
Klaus Obermeyer's Key Inventions
Klaus Obermeyer is known for many inventions that changed ski gear. Here are some of his most important ideas:
- The quilted down parka: He made this warm jacket from his own comforter.
- Mirrored ski sunglasses: These were the first sunglasses with a special coating.
- The first nylon windshirt: This shirt helped protect skiers from the wind.
- High-altitude suntan lotion: He created this with his friend Friedl Pfeiffer.
- Dual-layer ski boots: These boots had a warm inner liner and a strong outer shell.
- Turtlenecks with elasticized collars: These collars fit better and stayed in place.
- 2-prong ski brakes: These helped skiers stop safely.
Celebrating 100 Years
On December 2, 2019, Klaus Obermeyer turned 100 years old. The City of Aspen threw a big birthday party for him.
The party was held at the Hotel Jerome. It started with a private gathering, then opened to the public. Many people came to celebrate with Klaus. The Aspen Times reported that people wanted to shake his hand and take selfies with him. He was one of the first ski instructors on Aspen Mountain.
