Columbia Sportswear Goes Vertical; 2005 Presenting Sponsor of the Heug

    Business Editors

    PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 11, 2005--International outdoor apparel and footwear leader Columbia Sportswear Company (Nasdaq:COLM) goes vertical on mountains nationwide as the presenting sponsor of the 2005 Jimmie Heuga Vertical Express for MS. The Vertical Express for MS is the largest on-snow fundraising competition in the nation and is scheduled for Saturday, February 12 in 20 ski resorts across the country. The event benefits The Heuga Center, a charity MS organization based in Edwards, Colorado dedicated to improving the lives of people living with MS and their families.
    "As the presenting sponsor for the 12th consecutive year, we're extremely pleased with our continued support of the Heuga Center and its life-changing programs for individuals with MS," said Mike DeCesaro, Columbia Sportswear's Promotions Manager. "The event's camaraderie and relaxing atmosphere are a perfect fit for the Columbia brand and provides a great opportunity for us to showcase our authentic, outdoor apparel."
    Columbia is outfitting VIPs, the event staff as well as providing product for the event champions. Featured pieces include the Selkirk(TM) and Voulez Vous(TM) Parkas from the Company's premier Titanium(TM) collection as well as layering pieces; footwear; rainwear; and accessories.
    In celebration of the 20th anniversary, the Vertical Express aims to establish two new world records, while raising funds and awareness for The Heuga Center. The Heuga Center was founded by Jimmy Heuga, one of America's first Olympic skiing medal winners, who was later diagnosed with MS and revolutionized the management of MS with his approach of exercise and overall health. All proceeds will support The Heuga Center's proactive wellness programs that focus on educating people living with MS and their families on what they "can do" to live healthy, active and fulfilling lives. The Center's interactive CAN DO programs are the only MS programs of their kind in the world. For more information about the Vertical Express or the Heuga Center, please visit www.heuga.org or www.verticalexpress.org.
    Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of active apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear brands in the world and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the Company has developed an international reputation for quality, performance, functionality and value. To learn more about Columbia Sportswear, please visit the Company's Web site at www.columbia.com

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CONTACT: Columbia Sportswear Emily Petterson or Kim Schamp, 503-985-4000

KEYWORD: OREGON INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDICAL PHARMACEUTICAL SPORTS APPAREL/TEXTILES RETAIL SOURCE: Columbia Sportswear

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