5 Sustainable Ski And Snowboard Brands You Might Not Know
As winters get warmer and snow seasons get shorter, skiers and riders should be doing everything we can to help make our seasons last as long as possible.
By purchasing and using sustainably made snow gear, you can support a business that is actively trying to help our planet and slow down climate change.
- Icelantic Skis
Icelantic is based in Golden, Colorado and was started in 2003 when their founder, Ben Anderson started prototyping skis in his garage. They create a variety of mens and women’s skis, apparel, poles and skins. The business’ mission statement is “Return to Nature”, meaning they went to inspire people to go out into it, while they also feel responsible for protecting it.
Icelantic is Climate Neutral certified, giving them the opportunity to quantify their carbon emissions and set actionable reduction targets. This is then used to make operations more efficient.
2. Arbor
Arbor was founded in 1995 with the idea to create “more mindfully crafted” snowboards and skateboards. Three factors that matter to Arbor are sustainability, performance and durability. They manufacture the unique snowboards with wood, eco plastic, flex fiber and recycled steel using 100% solar energy. Arbor’s number one goal is to lessen their environmental impact.
Arbor donates a portion of every sale to the restoration of Hawaii’s Koa Forests.
3. Lib Tech
Every Lib Tech board is manufactured by Mervin Manufacturing in Huntington Beach, California. Mervin has an eco process that involves a water based sublimation process rather than a silk screening one which is incredibly toxic. This alternative process does not create any hazardous waste. They are not only concerned about protecting our planet but also protecting their employees by not exposing them to any hazardous toxins.
4. Mons Royale
Mons Royale is an outdoor apparel brand that uses Merino wool from an ethical chain. Merino wool is from the Merino sheep, that is softer and thinner than a regular wool. This is done through an ethical supply chain, spinning and sewing their products. The brands packaging is sustainable as well, coming in plant based compostable bags and FSC certified paper.
5. Ortovox
Finally, Ortovox is another outdoor apparel company that will have you ready for any conditions. They are dedicated to “Protecting What We Love”, which is the snow and mountains. All of their products of free of PFC, which means they aren’t spreading harmful chemicals from the clothing into the groundwater. And for the 2022/2023 season, their whole collection will be climate neutral.
These brands have helped to show that it is possible to make products we love and leave a smaller environmental footprint. Even if your thing isn’t skiing or snowboarding, a lot of these brands have products and apparel that go beyond those activities, and can be used to get out and have fun and support a brand that is trying to support the earth.
