CB Vaughan Rejoins CB Sports

Charles Bird “CB” Vaughan Jr. was foremost known for his incredible abilities on skis. Skiing was a sport CB valued and enjoyed and in 1965, he sped down the mountain in Portillo, Chile at 106.89 mph, breaking the world record for the fastest human on skis. CB’s remarkable skiing career and thirst for sleek and functional ski gear led to him to launch his historical ski brand: CB SPORTS.

Now owned by Vertical Brands, the company’s CEO Christopher Neary has announced Vaughan is coming back. “We are stoked to have CB Vaughan Jr. back on board to add his excitement to the relaunch of his brand we all know and love,” Neary said.

In 1969 Vaughan, Jr., launched his eponymous brand with a single item, the “Super Pant,” which he sold out of the back of his car. CB’s dream of sleek and functional skiwear for athletes hit a market need - the original style and function combo. Over the next thirty years, the brand grew by leaps and bounds, developing distinct, classic pieces and an in-demand CB ‘look’ that was soon a fixture on ski slopes all over the world. 

During his time on the mountains his unique style and personality cultivated an energetic and “fun” following where he got the opportunity to bring his ski apparel visions to life through iconic styles and colors.

During the company's heyday, nearly 500 people were employed in four different manufacturing plants in Vermont and New York, including the 210 South St. mill in Bennington. The company had about a dozen retail outlets and its ski wear was carried in retail stores around the country, with sales totaling in the tens of millions of dollars.

But after its rapid ascent, the company hit the ground hard. Disputes with creditors led Vaughn to relinquish control of C.B. Sports in the late 1980s, and the company's assets were soon liquidated at auction. 

CB Sports was and continues to be, a beloved and influential ski brand that has inspired and brought together multitudes of devoted fans from all demographics. It’s a brand that holds a special place in ski history and we at Vertical Brands are very excited to expand our offering with Special Markets to include team sports as well as resort apparel. “We are stoked to have CB Vaughan Jr. back on board to add his excitement to the relaunch of his brand we all know and love” says Vertical Brands CEO, Christopher Neary.