The Swiss ski manufacturer received the prize, named after Doc DesRoches, a long-time industry leader who helped form SIA and led it for two decades, at the SIA Snow Show in Colorado.

The company, who signed on as a USSA partner in 2014, were given the award for their promotion of the US ski team and its athletes, including Turin 2006 Olympic giant slalom gold medallist Julia Mancuso and Stacey Cook.

Stöckli has established a prominent marketing plan in a bid to increase exposure to USSA competitors.

This has included advertising in ski publications, with the “Quality is the Difference” campaign featuring in Ski and Skiing Magazine.

“There is such an opportunity to show America what great skis they are and the Swiss precision they put into every ski,” Mancuso, whose Olympic medal collection also includes two silvers and a bronze, said.

“Having Stöckli’s support and keeping me going through hard times was everything I needed to get back on snow.”

Cook, 11^th in the downhill event at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, also praised the company for their work with the USSA team.

“From the very first day I fell in love with the skis but even more so the family feel of the company,” the 32-year-old said.

“As an older athlete you crave the interaction with the company and Stöckli provided that from day one.

“You really feel like a team and that was so positive, as an athlete, to have that relationship and interaction."

The award was presented to Stöckli, a leading ski manufacturer for over 80 years, by USSA President and chief executive Tiger Shaw.

“Our suppliers, like Stöckli, are vital to the athletic success of our ski team athletes,” said Shaw.

“But what has really set Stöckli apart is its marketing support to showcase our athletes to fans across our nation."