By Jenna Lebovits
Skiers and snowboarders can at least agree on one thing: Few feelings rival the rush and total freedom of carving down a snow-covered mountain. With over 125 million enthusiasts worldwide, snow sports foster a vibrant outdoor community—but one that comes with an environmental cost. Energy-intensive manufacturing, petroleum-based materials and short product life cycles leave their mark, while ski resorts themselves consume large amounts of energy for snowmaking, grooming and infrastructure upkeep. Now, as the demand for more sustainable practices rises, a new wave of innovators is reshaping the industry—offering alternatives that soften the industry’s carbon footprint.
If your gear isn’t fitting quite like it used to, consider shopping secondhand (especially smart for fast-growing mini shredders) or trading in last year’s setup for something new. Fan-favorites like Arc’teryx, Burton, Patagonia and REI all make it simple to swap out old gear and keep it in circulation, rather than letting it end up in a landfill.
A unique project idea for the creatively inclined: Repurpose well-loved gear into funky furniture pieces, like colorful snowboard benches or Adirondack ski chairs. And when it comes time to buy new equipment, support brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials, ethical labor and sourcing practices, and carbon-neutral production. From zero-waste snowboards to recycled fiber ski jackets, these forward-thinking companies are setting a new standard:
NICHE
Concerned about the impact of snow sports on the environment, friends and co-founders Kirsten Kolter and Ana Van Pelt set out to redefine the industry with a bold vision: to create the world’s first zero-waste, fully recyclable snowboards. Leading the charge in sustainability, Niche’s boards are crafted from alternative materials including bio-resin, wood cores and basalt stringers, carefully designed to neutralize waste and reduce environmental harm. The female-founded and operated brand is committed to ensuring that “nothing we ever produce ends up in a landfill,” a promise upheld by its innovative Recyclamine technology, a unique resin that allows the boards to be fully recyclable by breaking down materials without any harmful chemicals. Pair your board with the brand’s Rune bindings for a total eco-friendly setup. nichesnowboards.com
PATAGONIA
No sustainable gear guide would be complete without mentioning this outdoor adventure house. Beloved for its environmental leadership, Patagonia broke headlines in 2022 when founder Yvon Chouinard transferred ownership of the company to a trust committed to fighting climate change, a move that now funnels around $100 million a year into land conservation and restoration efforts. For more than five decades, Patagonia has garnered a cult following thanks to a perfect balance of high-performing durability and planetary stewardship. From recycled polyester to organic cotton and hemp, Patagonia continues to lead the way with its use of innovative materials and responsible sourcing—holding certifications like GOTS (verifies the organic status of fibers, textiles and finished products), Bluesign (ensures that products are made with minimal environmental impact, safe chemicals and responsible manufacturing processes) and RDS (incentivizes humane treatment of ducks and geese used for down and feathers). patagonia.com
STRAFE
Sixteen years ago in the heart of Aspen, Colorado, twin brothers and professional skiers Pete and John Gaston merged their mountain expertise with a passion for durability and sustainability to create Strafe Outerwear, a brand dedicated to crafting high-performing outdoor gear that lasts. One of the brand’s latest pieces, the Highlands Shirt Jacket, embodies this commitment. Free of intentionally added PFAS—persistent “forever chemicals” linked to environmental and health risks—this jacket delivers next-level warmth with a lower impact and is constructed with 100 percent recycled nylon. strafeouterwear.com
FACTION
Swiss-born and skier-run, Faction is making waves not just for its top-tier alpine gear, but also for its commitment to sustainability. The Dancer 2 skis—a fan favorite due to its sharp precision, versatility and power both on- and off-piste—are crafted using responsibly sourced wood, recycled materials from production scraps and eco-friendly resins. And the best part? All Faction products are made in a state-of-the-art facility powered entirely by renewable electricity. us.factionskis.com
STROBE
Committed to reducing the planetary toll of the garment industry, Strobe prides itself on its use of innovative materials, ethical production practices and zero-waste approach in creating stylish, high-performance ski and snowboard apparel that makes a statement. Several of the brand’s most popular garments—including the Aura and Lynx Ski Jackets and Terra Snow Pants—are crafted with 100 percent recycled polyester Taslan shell fabric. With a focus on empowering individuals to express themselves through fashion without compromising the planet, Strobe is ideal for the modern (and mindful) consumer. strobebrand.com
TREW GEAR
Stay dry and ride responsibly with this 100 percent recycled, Bluesign-certified nylon shell bib with PFAS-free waterproofing. Traditionally used in outdoor gear, PFAS can seep into snow, polluting nearby waterways and drinking sources, and building up in ecosystems. Built for durability and breathability, it minimizes waste and harmful chemicals while maximizing performance on the mountain. trewgear.com