Columbia Sportswear First Global Apparel Company to Receive Seal of Recommendation

Columbia's Omni-Shade Product Earns Endorsement From The Skin Cancer Foundation

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 21, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Columbia Sportswear (Nasdaq:COLM), a global leader in the active outdoor apparel and footwear industries, today announced its partnership with The Skin Cancer Foundation and introduced a new Omni-Shade(tm) sun protective apparel line. Columbia is the first global company to receive The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, which is awarded to safe and effective sun-protective clothing with a minimum Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) 30. The new Omni-Shade line will be available at retailers globally March 15, 2008 and may be available earlier in some regions.

By providing built-in sun protection, the Omni-Shade line extends Columbia's existing apparel offerings to achieve year-round protection from the elements. All Columbia garments that meet specified criteria with a rating of UPF 30 or higher, carry the Seal of Recommendation and will be featured in global consumer education and marketing programs.

The Skin Cancer Foundation is the first organization in the United States to commit itself to educating the public and medical professionals about sun safety and is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer.

"Sun exposure is the main cause of irreversible skin damage including sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer. Because recent studies show that clothing may be the most effective way to protect ourselves from these potential health risks, we are partnering with Columbia Sportswear and awarding them our Seal of Recommendation," said Perry Robins, MD, President, The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Columbia's Omni-Shade apparel line includes more than 100 UPF rated products for men, women and children that ensure protection against damaging UVA and UVB ultraviolet (UV) rays. Many Omni-Shade products are also pre-treated with UV inhibiting ingredients. Omni-Shade offers protection ranging from UPF 15 to UPF 50.

"Our products at Columbia Sportswear are synonymous with weather protection. We are proud to enhance our Omni-Shade line for our consumers, allowing them to spend more time enjoying outdoor activities, while remaining protected from the sun's harmful rays," said Tim Boyle, Columbia Sportswear president and CEO. "We are pleased to have received The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation and to be promoting it globally."

About Columbia Sportswear Company:

Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear manufacturers in the world and a leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the company has developed an international reputation for quality, performance, functionality and value. The company manages a portfolio of outdoor brands including Columbia Sportswear, Montrail, Mountain Hardwear, Pacific Trail, and Sorel. To learn more about Columbia, please visit the company's website at http://www.columbia.com/.

About The Skin Cancer Foundation:

The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. For more information, visit www.skincancer.org, or call 1-800-SKIN-490.

CONTACTS:  Columbia Sportswear
           PR
           John Fread
             (503) 985.4287
             jfread@columbia.com
           Anna Sanford
             (503) 985.4237
             asanford@columbia.com
           Investor Relations
           Ron Parham
             (503) 985.4584
             rparham@columbia.com

Released February 21, 2008