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  Salomon is one of the many brands owned by Amer Sports

Finland-based Amer Sports, which owns several winter sports and outdoor brands including Salomon, Atomic, Arc’teryx, Nikita and Bonfire, said revenue from January through March grew 6% in local currencies to €501.5 million.

The growth came despite unfavorable weather in several markets and challenges in Russia.

Despite softness in cross country skiing due to snow conditions in Europe, the company said the winter sports equipment division overall proved resilient during the period, and even grew in parts of the portfolio.

Gross margins improved slightly to 44.3%, while the company’s reported net profit declined to $8.2 million vs. $14.8 million the same period last year. Amer said the bottom line results were impacted heavily by currency fluctuations.

For all of 2014, the company expects net sales growth of a minimum of 5% in local currencies. EBIT excluding non-recurring items is expected to improve from 2013.

Amer is focusing this year on softgoods growth, consumer-driven product and marketing innovation, commercial expansion and operational excellence.