Columbia Sportswear Company Announces Management Changes

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 11, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Columbia Sportswear (Nasdaq:COLM), a global leader in the active outdoor apparel and footwear industries, today announced that Paul Gils, General Manager Europe, has resigned his position for personal reasons.

The Company announced that European operations will be overseen by a transition management team led by Mick McCormick, Vice President of Sales. Mr. McCormick previously served as Executive Vice President of Global Sales for Callaway Golf prior to joining Columbia Sportswear.

"I appreciate the contributions Paul has made to direct our European operations," said Tim Boyle, Columbia's President and Chief Executive Officer. "I also have great confidence in Mick's ability to oversee our European operations, as we leverage his international commercial experience. In the past year, Mick has assembled a team to direct our U.S. sales organization. Mick and the transition management team will now focus attention on directing European operations."

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, Mountain Hardwear, Sorel, Montrail and Pacific Trail. To learn more about Columbia, please visit the Company's website at http://www.columbia.com/

CONTACT:  Columbia Sportswear
          Public Relations
          John Fread
            (503) 985 4287
            jfread@columbia.com
          David Kiser
          Investor Relations
            (503) 985-4584
            dkiser@columbia.com

Released September 11, 2007