K2 Sports
Elevate Outdoor Collective · United States
K2 Sports is a US maker of skis, snowboards, boots, bindings and related equipment, founded in 1962 on Vashon Island, Washington, by Bill and Don Kirschner. Wikipedia reports that Kohlberg & Company bought its winter sports business from Newell Brands in 2017. It matters as a major American name in winter sports.
| Founded | 1962, Vashon Island, Washington |
|---|---|
| Founders | Bill and Don Kirschner |
| Headquarters | Seattle, United States |
| Owner | Kohlberg & Company, from 2017 (2026 status unverified) |
| Segment | Skis, snowboards, boots, bindings |
| Website | k2snow.com |
What is K2 Sports?
K2 is an American winter sports equipment brand whose products include skis, snowboards, ski and snowboard boots and bindings, apparel, inline and ice skates, snowshoes and backcountry safety accessories. It is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, after moving from Vashon Island in 2006.
History
According to Wikipedia, the brothers Bill and Don Kirschner founded the company in 1962 and named it K2 in 1967, after the world's second highest mountain and the two founders. Cummins Engine Company acquired it in 1969 and a group of Northwest investors followed in 1976. Management bought the company in 1982 and focused on alpine skiing. Anthony Industries acquired it in 1985 and renamed itself K2, Inc. in 1995. Manufacturing moved to Guangdong, China, in 2001, and Jarden agreed to acquire K2, Inc. in 2007.
Ownership
Newell Brands sold the winter sports business to Kohlberg & Company in 2017. The page does not confirm ownership as of 2026, so this profile reports the 2017 transaction as the latest verified event and names Elevate Outdoor Collective, the group Wikipedia connects to the Kohlberg purchase, as the group.
Why it matters
K2 is a long running example of a Pacific Northwest brand passing through industrial conglomerates, public ownership and private equity. Its parent also includes Völkl. The source describes distribution only as worldwide, and it provides no revenue figures or documented digital programmes, so none are stated here.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns K2 Sports?
Wikipedia states that Newell Brands sold the winter sports business to Kohlberg & Company in 2017. It does not confirm ownership as of 2026.
Where is K2 Sports from?
K2 is from the United States. It was founded on Vashon Island, Washington, in 1962 and is now headquartered in Seattle.