Sean Pettit, an icon of the freeski scene, suddenly became interested in snowboarding. His collection with K2, "K2000," went beyond a simple collaboration; it was a bold challenge to the "common sense" and "identity" of the winter sports world.
The K2000 is not just a collection of skis and snowboards, but the perfect solution for satisfying his pure desire to "have the most comfortable snowboarding experience."
Behind this lies a turning point in his career and the struggles he had with his identity as he forged ahead on the path to becoming an elite. First, let's begin by looking at his upbringing and discover why he abandoned his identity as a "skier" and came to this "dual-wielding philosophy." This is more than just a gear introduction; it's the story of Sean Pettit, who looks to the future of the snow scene.
A boyhood on the track to becoming an "elite"
Sean started skiing at the age of two on the east coast of Canada under the guidance of his mother, a former professional alpine skier. He says skiing was like a "given rail" to him.
Then, in 1999, at age seven, he moved to Whistler and everything changed. His life revolved around the mountains, and he soon found himself on the professional path, appearing in a Tanner Hall film. At age 14, he got his hands on K2's first kids' pro model and, to support his single mother, he pushed himself to earn more and improve more.
However, his roots were not limited to the snow. In Whistler, he became obsessed with skateboarding. Through skating, he learned about street culture and interacted openly with snowboarders. His style was naturally influenced by street culture.
The awakening of the 20-somethings: Breaking away from robots
As he continued to make life-threatening video parts every year, Sean hit a wall when he entered his twenties.
"I reached a point where I couldn't take on high-level, high-risk challenges like flips and jumping off huge cliffs. I started to ask myself, 'Am I just scaring myself?'"
He says that his daily pursuit of extremes made him feel like a robot. Faced with this feeling of stagnation and the reality that people daring to attempt high-level performance were losing their lives, he sought salvation in another world: snowboarding.
Snowboarding, which he quickly picked up after his skating experience, helped him rediscover the pure joy of riding in the mountains and having fun with friends, which he had almost lost. This reshaped his career and his identity.
"I realized that I had been tying my identity to being a skier, but then I realized that it didn't define me."
He came to the conclusion that he was neither a "skier" nor a "snowboarder," but "just a person," and realized that neither of these things defined him.
K2000's philosophy: "Select the right tool for your mood and purpose"
After this awakening, he decided to clearly separate the "purpose" of skiing and snowboarding, and the K2000 is the embodiment of this philosophy.
"When you look at the mountain, skiing and snowboarding are 99% the same. But it's that last 1% that's crucially different that determines your approach that day."
He came to the conclusion that gear selection should be based on purpose, not emotion or pride.
[Snowboarding] : A "skate style" gear that specializes in playfulness and flow. "Freestyle gear" for making full use of the terrain and side hits, and for relaxing and having fun with friends.
[Skiing] : A "sports car" gear that specializes in extreme speed and control. "Aggressive gear" that dominates the snowy mountains and sharpens your concentration at high speeds.
The K2000 concept is designed to give all skiers the freedom to choose their gear based on what they want to do on the mountain today, rather than who they are.
K2000 Product Line: Purpose-built for the purpose
Each item in the K2000 collection is designed specifically for a specific purpose set by Sean, with a unified design and materials, resulting in a high-end finish that never compromises on performance.
AT99S Ski & AT130 Ski Boot: Speed and Precision
AT99S
The AT99S is Sean's signature ski, shaped like the legendary K2 Mindbender 99Ti, but tuned for high-line, high-speed approaches. It features an aspen core and a biaxial carbon weave running from tip to tail, with a Titanal Y-Beam construction. High-speed stability and edge response are prioritized, allowing for cutting through rough snow and keeping the edge engaged throughout the entire turn arc.
AT130 Ski Boot
Size: 24.5-28.5cm (6 sizes available in 1cm increments)
¥163,350
Based on Sean's trusted Mindbender silhouette, the boot integrates the BOA® Fit System into both the inner and lower shells for uncompromising precision fit and all-day comfort. Featuring tech inserts, Walk Mode, and a GripWalk outsole, it's also highly practical for even the toughest hikes.
ATSB Snowboard, AT92 Snowboard Boot & ATSB Bindings : Flow and Freestyle
The ATSB is a snowboard that caters to Sean's "skate style," with the versatility of freeride but a focus on freestyle functionality.
Aito Ito, a contract rider for K2 Snowboards, participated in the K2000 photoshoot and is featured in the collection's visuals.
ATSB Snowboard
The Manifest shape, combined with a full-length Carbon Backbone™ and ICG™ 20 Triax Carbon Glass, dramatically improves response and maneuverability. From powder to parks, and side hits, this versatile freeride board is fun to ride anywhere.
AT92 Snowboard Boot
Size: 26-28.5cm (0.5cm increments)
¥77,000
Durable and refined, the Vibram® Mountaineer outsole provides superior grip on the mountain. The Intuition® Pro Foam liner and K2's Conda™ heel retention system work in conjunction with the dual BOA® TX3 system for hold and ankle support.
ATSB Binding
K2000 ATBND ｜ Size：M｜￥66,000
The K2 bindings combine all of Sean's favorite K2 binding elements in a clean, responsive package. The modular chassis (base plate) is molded from 50% fiberglass for precise energy transfer and smooth lateral flex. Crafted from sustainable plant-based polymers, the design maximizes riding control and connectivity.
Sean's conclusion: "Your gear shouldn't determine your riding."
Sean came to this philosophy after a painful experience in the past when he was tied to the identity of "I'm a skier."
"I'm not a snowboarder or a skier—I'm just a person, and these are two things I do. I don't let others define me. I love the balance of these differences."
The K2000 is not just a project to release new gear. It is a message from Sean that truly great things can be created by freeing yourself from "common sense" and "identity" with "creativity" at its core.
Information
K2 SKIS
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