By Jenna Lebovits
Skiers and snowboarders can at least agree on one thing: There are very few feelings that rival the rush and total freedom of riding down a snowy mountain. With around 125 million enthusiasts worldwide, snow sports foster a vibrant outdoor community, but one that comes with an environmental cost. Energy-intensive manufacturing practices, petroleum-based materials and short product life cycles all leave their mark, with ski resorts also consuming massive amounts of energy for snowmaking, grooming and infrastructure upkeep. Now, as the demand for more sustainable practices rises, a new wave of innovators are offering fresh alternatives that help soften the industry’s carbon footprint.
One of the best ways to be an eco-minded consumer is to simply consume less. But if your gear isn’t fitting quite like it used to, consider shopping secondhand first (especially smart for fast-growing mini shredders) or trading in last year’s setup for something new. Many top brands, including Arc’teryx, Burton, Patagonia and REI, make it easy to swap pre-loved gear, keeping it in circulation so last season’s kit doesn’t end up in a landfill.
When the time comes to purchase something new, prioritize brands that utilize 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:
PATAGONIA
No gear guide of this kind would be complete without mentioning this outdoor adventure house. Known for its longtime environmental activism, Patagonia broke headlines in 2022 when founder Yvon Chouinard transferred complete ownership of the company to a trust, a shift that directly funnels around $100 million a year into land conservation and restoration efforts. Over the past five decades, Patagonia has built a devoted following thanks to its practical, durable products (backed by a lifetime warranty) and eco-sustainable ethos. From recycled polyester to organic cotton and hemp, the brand continues to lead with 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
NICHE
In 2009, friends and co-founders Kirsten Kolter and Ana Van Pelt set out to redefine the industry with a bold vision: create the world’s first zero-waste, fully recyclable snowboards. Leading the charge in sustainability, all of Niche’s boards are crafted from alternative materials—bio-resin, wood cores and basalt stringers—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 full eco-friendly setup. nichesnowboards.com
FACTION
“We started Faction as ski bums,” says The Faction Collective. “The things we made needed to be affordable, they had to last 100-plus day seasons, survive without servicing and be thrown in the cupboard for the summer.” Swiss-born and skier-run, Faction makes alpine gear with sustainability, quite literally, at its core. The fan favorite Dancer 2 skis are crafted from responsibly sourced wood, recycled production scraps and eco-friendly resins, while the brand’s entire facility runs on 100 percent renewable electricity. us.factionskis.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 rugged gear that lasts. One of the brand’s latest releases, 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
VENTURE SNOWBOARDS
Handmade in Silverton, Colorado, Venture Snowboards has been crafting its lineup of durable skis and snowboards from scratch for 25 years, with no outsourcing or prefab components. The brand’s ethos is simple: the most sustainable snowboard is one that lasts. All of Venture’s boards are defined by timeless shapes and graphics, repairable construction and bio-based epoxy that deliver high performance year after year (no seasonal style chasing required). Venture’s splitboards (like the Storm, pictured above) take eco-minded riding a step further—earning your turns in the backcountry reduces reliance on lifts, giving experienced riders a low-impact way to access untouched terrain. Each board is manufactured with minimal waste, 100 percent plastic-free packaging and production powered by renewable energy. venturesnowboards.com
STROBE
Committed to reducing the planetary toll of the garment industry, Strobe exclusively employs clean, innovative materials, all of which are fluorine-free, ethical production practices and a zero-waste approach in creating stylish, high-performance ski and snowboard apparel that makes a statement. From sleek monochromatic kits to funky mix-and-match layering, many of the brand’s fan favorites—including the Aura and Lynx ski jackets and Terra snow pants—are crafted from 100 percent recycled polyester Taslan shell fabric. strobebrand.com
TREW GEAR
Stay dry and ski or ride responsibly with this 100 percent recycled, Bluesign-certified nylon shell bib with PFAS-free waterproofing. Traditionally used in outdoor gear, PFAS can absorb through the skin, seep into snow, pollute nearby waterways and drinking sources, and accumulate in ecosystems. Built for durability and breathability, the cheery and cozy Charriot bib minimizes waste and harmful chemicals while maximizing performance on the mountain. Explore TREW’s Afterlife program for fun, upcycled pieces and trade-in deals that give old gear a second life. trewgear.com