Sustainable Ski Gear When we think about skiing or snowboarding, we often picture fun trips with friends or locals hitting the slopes regularly. However, many people overlook the environmental impact of ski and snowboard gear. For example, jackets and pants are often made with “forever chemicals”, also known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals don’t break down easily and can persist in the environment and human bodies for decades, contaminating water, soil, air, and living organisms.

Although the ski and snowboard industry has taken steps toward eco-friendliness, navigating these options can sometimes be confusing. So, what can you do to help?

Start by supporting eco-conscious brands. Arc’teryx has made significant strides in sustainability, using more sustainable fabrics like “bluesign® certified” materials, which reduce harmful chemicals during production. Brands like K2, Salomon, and Lib Tech are also moving toward greener options.

K2 uses eco-friendly resins in many of its skis and snowboards, reducing the environmental impact compared to traditional petroleum-based resins. Salomon is minimizing waste by switching to 100% recycled paper and cardboard for packaging, reducing their footprint in shipping and retail processes.

Lib Tech is another leader in sustainability, known for using FSC-certified wood in their snowboard and ski cores. This ensures the wood is responsibly sourced without contributing to deforestation.

These brands, along with others, are actively working to reduce their environmental impact. By choosing gear from these eco-conscious companies, you can help support more sustainable practices in the winter sports industry. It’s important to do your research and support brands that prioritize sustainability!

By Uliana Moshina