Presenting a very rare vintage pair of K2 Competition Four snow skis, measuring 195cm in length. These skis feature the iconic red, white, and blue top-sheet and base design, a hallmark of K2’s classic racing era. Each ski is engraved with the serial number 195 IV 36206 and bears the name W.H. HAWKINS CALGARY, adding provenance to this collectible set. Originally designed for competition, these skis remain fully functional and can still be skied today.
Brand and Model Context
K2 was founded in 1962 by Bill Kirschner on Vashon Island, Washington. The company quickly became a pioneer in American ski manufacturing by introducing fiberglass and foam-core construction techniques that revolutionized ski design. The Competition Four model belongs to K2’s celebrated red, white, and blue era, which is highly sought after by collectors due to its distinctive graphics and association with K2’s racing program that helped establish American skis on the international stage.
K2’s innovation in fiberglass ski construction set new standards in performance and durability, influencing both racing and freestyle disciplines. The Competition Four skis represent a significant period in K2’s history when the brand was at the forefront of ski technology and American ski culture. These skis are part of a broader collection of vintage K2 models that showcase the company’s legacy from its early experiments on Vashon Island to its status as a major name in skiing worldwide.
Condition and Details
This pair of K2 Competition Four skis is pre-owned but in nice condition. The skis measure 195cm in length and retain their original red, white, and blue top-sheet and base graphics. The serial number 195 IV 36206 is clearly engraved, along with the name W.H. HAWKINS CALGARY, which may indicate previous ownership or a custom marking. Despite their vintage status, these skis remain skiable, making them suitable for collectors who appreciate functional historic equipment or those looking to experience a piece of skiing history firsthand.
Edges, base condition, and overall shape have been documented in a detailed video walkthrough available below, providing a close inspection of the skis’ current state. These skis are no longer available for sale but are archived here for reference and historical interest.
Browse our full K2 collection to explore more vintage models and learn about the brand’s influential history in American ski manufacturing.
Explore the Museum Archive
Discover more from our curated collection of vintage alpine skiing history:
- Brand Collection — Explore the full OTHER archive.
- The Evolution of Alpine Skiing — Understand the historical context of this ski.
- Famous Alpine Ski Poster Artists — Discover the art that shaped ski culture.
- Related Poster — Vintage ski history.
Alpine Ski Posters & Vintage Skis | LongSkisTruck™ Ski Archive
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