SYNC is committed to supporting ski racing communities by providing top-tier, functional apparel and fostering the growth of teams across North America, including clubs with growing junior programs like Catamount Race Team. Through building relationships and offering tailored support, SYNC aims to empower teams of all sizes in the ski racing community.

SYNC Performance had the privilege of sitting down with Tara Mann, Team Administrator, at the Catamount Race Team to reflect on their partnership and the impact of SYNC’s Custom Program over the past six years. 

Catamount Race Team, nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, is home to a growing alpine racing program with nearly 250 young athletes. The club's mission is simple yet impactful: to impart the joys of skiing and the lifelong lessons of healthy competition to its diverse membership. With a mix of local athletes and athletes from the surrounding Hudson Valley area, Catamount’s team thrives on a shared passion for the growth and development of their ski racing community. 

“Many of our athletes return to coach after college or with their children years later. It’s always fun to see the athletes return! The bonus of being a small mountain is that you know or at least recognize most people. Seeing faces years later is the best.” 

Catamount’s partnership with SYNC began in 2016 when they discovered SYNC's innovative jackets during a pre-season trip to Copper Mountain. Impressed by the tailored fit and performance features designed for racers, Catamount partnered with SYNC for their team jackets, initiating a wave of enthusiasm among athletes and families alike. Since then, SYNC has become a staple in their racing program, offering high-quality custom gear that withstands the harsh weather of the Northeast while delivering optimal performance on and off the hill. 

“They [our team] had been wearing less fitted puffer jackets – the same jackets as our younger interclub racers. They wanted something more modern and cool. Our first order with SYNC was probably only a couple of dozen jackets. That winter, everyone who saw our jackets LOVED them.  Eventually, the younger kids also wanted SYNC jackets.”

Before partnering with SYNC, Mann mentioned, “Catamount faced significant challenges getting athletes their jackets before the season started.” With SYNC, the team can have athletes place individual orders delivered directly to their front door. “Families appreciate the convenience of ordering directly and the assurance of lasting gear, making hand-me-downs a testament to SYNC's quality.”

“What drew us to the brand initially was the awesome styling and the fact the gear was developed by and for ski racers.  It made sense for us to get gear specifically for racing. Our kids were tired of bulky jackets and wanted ones with more stretch and give. Of course, they had to withstand Northeast weather, rain, sleet, snow, freezing temps, and freezing rain - and they did!”

SYNC's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction aligns with Catamount’s long-term goals of developing a culture of excellence and inclusivity within the ski racing community. SYNC is thrilled to continue to partner with clubs like Catamount to continue supporting ski racing communities driven by passion, perseverance, and a love for the sport.