Park City, UT – John Paul Mitchell Systems chose a unique platform to announce the extension of its eight year partnership with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) last week. Paul Mitchell treated the U.S. Team’s ski and snowboarding medalists to an afternoon styling session at New York’s trendy Raika Salon. Amidst the cuts, color and styling of the athletes attending the Team’s annual New York gala, Paul Mitchell announced its four year extension as the official hair care product of the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding, strengthening its position that in art, sport and life, style points count.n”Paul Mitchell aligns with USSA because of its commitment to excellence. USSA athletes are focused, dedicated and give 100% in their effort to be the best in the world. They truly are great role models,” said CEO and co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems, John Paul DeJoria.

Paul Mitchell is the title partner of the USSA’s popular “Paul Mitchell Progression Session” series, a three event tour that pushes the envelope and progression of snowboarding. The brand is also an associate partner of all freestyle World Cups and U.S. Championships, snowboardcross World Cups and U.S. Championships and all U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix events.

“Paul Mitchell has been one of the most engaged brands in marketing to a young demographic through action sports, including our Paul Mitchell Progression Session,” said USSA’s Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Andrew Judelson. “Our U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Ski Team athletes and major events are a great platform for brands like Paul Mitchell, as evidenced by the brand’s long-term commitment to our action sports programs.”

“Our ‘What inspires you?’ campaign is about passion, creativity and personal experiences,” said DeJoria. “USSA athletes prove that if you follow your passion and believe that you can achieve, anything you dream of is within your reach. They inspire us all to dream big!”

Along with the USSA agreement, including media units and VIP hospitality, Paul Mitchell provides support to individual athletes. Olympic silver medalist Lindsey Jacobellis, who can be seen in many Paul Mitchell advertisements, is one athlete who has benefited from the special relationship.

“I’ve learned so much from them, especially how to give back,” said Jacobellis. “I’ve been working with Paul Mitchell for close to 10 years now, and I’m excited continue to work with them for the next four years.”

The Thursday afternoon Paul Mitchell Styling Session was a hit with athletes getting primped and pampered for the New York Ski and Snowboard Ball and Olympic Celebration that was held at the Hammerstein Ballroom that evening. With eight chairs and 13 athletes, the stylist worked hard to get the Olympians out the door in time. Athletes got their choice of color, cut and style, to look their best when they hit the red carpet and the start gate for the 2010-11 season.