Backcountry Access
K2 Sports announced today that it has acquired Backcountry Access (BCA), makers of the Tracker avalanche transceiver and Float airbags and an assortment of snow safety gear.
According to a statement from K2, with the acquisition of BCA, K2 Sports will be able to reach a wider spectrum of wintersports enthusiasts; from in-area and out-of-bounds, to mechanized and human-powered recreation.
“BCA fits perfectly within the K2 Sports family of brands and rounds out our portfolio as we continue to grow our leadership in winter sports,” said Anthony De Rocco, President and CEO of K2 Sports. “BCA is a leader in research, engineering and snow-safety education and has pioneered landmark backcountry safety equipment such as the Tracker avalanche transceiver and Float airbags, among other important innovations.”
Bruce “Edge” Edgerly and Bruce “Bruno” McGowan
BCA was founded by Bruce “Bruno” McGowan and Bruce “Edge” Edgerly in 1994. Along with beacons and airbags, its products include avalanche shovels, probes, snow study tools, backcountry packs and climbing skins.
McGowan said K2 Sports is committed to keeping BCA operationally intact and that the acquisition will not change BCA’s core market focus.
“There’s not much of a boundary now between lift access and backcountry. There are so many people chasing powder now who don’t understand the risks of skiing or riding in the backcountry,” McGowan said. “K2 Sports gives us a platform to innovate further on a product level while concurrently casting a wider net with our scientific research and snow-safety education efforts.”
