Ski gear that is as green as it is fashionable.
A great option for a multitude of snow activities, the Madison is a three-quarter-long down jacket made of 100 percent recycled polyester. Madison Jacket, Upon Request, nevedesigns.com
Park City Mountain Resort has vertical wind turbines. Stevens Pass has a commitment to offsetting 100 percent of its energy use with renewable energy credits. Sugar Bowl Ski Resort uses recycled or compostable food service products. Aspen Highlands Ski Resort features four LEED-certified buildings. No doubt about it, ski lodges have become even more eco than ever. Add this to the National Ski Areas Association’s (NSAA) Sustainable Slopes grant being awarded to five areas this year, and things are looking bright for a greener ski industry.
With all these efforts, it stands to reason that other aspects related to having fun in the snow follow suit, apparel being one of them. “There are plenty of examples of renewable production happening now,” says Kelly Davis, director of research of SnowSports Industries America (SIA). California-based Patagonia, for instance, “makes sustainability, including recycling and repurposing, part of their brand identity.” Davis cites Zeal Optics as another example, “producing all of their goggles and glasses from plant-based or recycled materials.”
[divider]
Here are six great brands that have embraced a more eco-focused approach to their winter clothing and gear:
FSC Certified
Grip and rip snow with this award-winning ski board made with an FSC-certified full bamboo core. It has an early-rise tip, a strong tail, and is best-shaped for one ski quiver, half in pow, half on groomers. Groundhog 2014, $619, rampski.com
Natural Warmth
Cozy up at the ski lodge’s fireplace with this sweater made of 100 percent ultra-fine merino wool after a long day at the slopes. A Stripe in Time Sweater, $130, krimsonklover.com
Recycled
This freeski brand’s jackets are manufactured using recycled insulation, lining, snaps and stoppers. Other pieces from their line also have recycled 3M Thinsulate insulation, as well as outershell fabrics made from recycledplastic bottles. Scaffold Suspender Pants, $169.98, eiraski.com
Insulation
Equal parts style and substance, the Ridgeline Jacket is inspired by vintage Canadian outdoor looks, and will keep you warm with its PrimaLoft ECO insulation. Ridgeline Jacket, $179.99, rpzn.com
Waste Reduction
These boots have a broken-in feel to them from the moment you lace up. The outsole is made of Vibram EcoStep, which reduces waste and use of virgin materials by up to 50 percent. Imperial Snowboard Boot, $299.95, burton.com
Sustainable Production
The company’s Quiksilver Initiative continually looks at green and sustainable ways on their approach to product development, whether it’s recycling raw materials or spearheading a less-wasteful production line. Travis Rice Roger That Jacket, $250, quiksilver.com
Photo courtesy of Steven Stone