Boulder-based Salewa North America, the leading mountain sports company founded in the Italian Dolomites, today announced plans for its inaugural Thru Hiker project which will give ten lucky thru-hikers exclusive Salewa products and free shoes for a year while they hike the most iconic U.S. trails this summer, according to a press release from the company.

Salewa seeks enthusiastic thru hikers that plan to hike either the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, or the Appalachian Trail this summer. Ten winners will be selected to receive a head-to-toe product kit from Salewa, including apparel, headwear, their new Alptrek backpack, and free shoes for a year.

“The Thru Hiker Project is the biggest campaign we’ve done yet in the U.S.,” said Ross Herr, Sales and Marketing Manager for Salewa North America. “We’re rolling out some really exciting new products this spring and we want to get it in the hands of the core users first. Anyone making the commitment to complete one of the major thru hikes in the U.S. is clearly committed. We want to make their trip that much more special and give them the opportunity to pay it forward along the way.”

In addition to the gear they’ll receive for themselves, each winner will also become an official #SALEWASHOEANGEL, giving shoes to fellow hikers along the trail. Salewa also plans to update each hiker’s progress on the trail, giving other hikers the opportunity to connect with the shoe angels and potentially pick up a pair of free shoes for their own adventures.

To learn more about the project, or to apply, visit www.salewa.com.

