The 5 Top Sustainable Snowboard Brands For The 24/25 Winter Season

Here we are at the dawn of the eagerly anticipated 24/25 winter season. So far we have seen significant snowfall around the European Alps and have even dusted off our split boards, enjoying a few early turns. Prepping our legs for what promises to be a great season.

Whilst looking forward to what is to come, we must also look back and consider a difficult few winter seasons, plagued with little snowfall and a freezing level that goes fluctuates faster than the price of Bitcoin. The climate has changed, affecting not only the amount of snowfall but also the safety of the snowpack, negatively impacting the snowsports industry as a whole.

In a world where glaciers are shrinking at an unprecedented rate and winters are becoming increasingly unpredictable, the snowboarding community is recognising the need for change.

Sustainable snowboard production is not just a trend; it's a crucial step towards preserving the winter landscapes we cherish and ensuring the longevity of the sports we love.

Join us on a journey as we explore the innovative and eco-conscious approaches of the top 5 sustainable snowboard brands for the 24/25 winter season, proving that it's possible to shred the slopes responsibly and with a deep commitment to the planet. 

1. Korua 

KORUA, an up-and-coming snowboard brand, has been dedicated to sharing their love for the sport through their unique snowboard designs and the Yearning For Turning video series. However, with the impact of climate change evident in their region, leading to melting glaciers and shorter snow seasons, the company has taken steps to give something back to the mountains. 

They are now a proud member of 1% For The Planet, committing to donate 1% of their annual sales, reflecting their dedication to environmental stewardship as a business and as individuals.

KORUA collaborates with Protect Our Winters Switzerland through 1% For The Planet, supporting initiatives that educate the community and advocate for environmental policies. Additionally, they back the Save Paradise Forests campaign, addressing illegal logging in Europe's last old-growth forests.

Acknowledging their use of wood as core material, the company is committed to giving back and safeguarding the resources that bring them joy, emphasising a responsible approach to their environmental impact.

With some unique snowboard shapes and simple colourways, a Korua board stands out on the slopes, both in its performance and design. 

You can find out more by clicking here

2. Lib Tech And GNU

Mervin Manufacturing, the producer of Lib Tech and GNU boards, proudly operates in the world's most environmentally friendly board factory in Sequim, WA, USA.

With over 30 years of experience, Mervin emphasizes eco-friendly materials and processes, leaving zero hazardous waste behind. Founded by Mike Olson and Pete Saari, the company is known for innovative technologies like Banana Technology and Magne-Traction®.

Mervin fosters a community of passionate individuals from various backgrounds, united by the common goal of creating exceptional, environmentally conscious boards. They work with some of the biggest names in snowboarding such as Travis Rice to create sustainable boards that shred! 

The company's dream factory embodies a commitment to better manufacturing practices, community bonds, and a vision beyond simply creating boards.

Some of the Mervin Factorys eco-friendly processes are: 

• Zero waste construction 
• Eco Materials
• Eco Powered 
• Sawdust to soil scheme
• Water-based sub inks 
• Recycled sidewalls
• Non-toxic lacquer

DID YOU KNOW...

We wrote this blog to shamelessly sell you sunscreen! Thats right! We want you to find a unique snowboard for the upcoming season and support sustainable snowboard brands, but we also want you to stay protected from UV rays whilst out there shredding! 

This is why at Palm & Pine Skincare we have developed the ultimate sunscreen for mountain use. Whether it be carving up the pistes or hiking deep into the backcountry, our SPF50 was designed to not only protect you from sunburn but also from the harsh, freezing conditions that your skin is exposed to.

Made with natural, vegan and fragrance-free formula nourishes the skin, whilst staying on, even when sweating...or brushing off those face shots. That's right, no more stinging eyes, nasty chemicals or smelling like a coconut! Just long-lasting, eco-friendly protection. 

Oh, and we forgot to mention, that Palm & Pine is completely plastic-free!

Sound good? You can buy some right here 

Anyway, thanks for reading. Let's get back to the featured presentation.

3. Jones 

Jones Snowboards, created by the legendary Backcountry ninja Jeremy Jones embody a performance-focused, eco-conscious approach in their manufacturing and design. Balancing performance, durability, and sustainability.

The ECO-Performance design philosophy guides their commitment to testing new materials and production processes against criteria that prioritize sustainability without compromising performance. 

In their snowboards and splitboards, Jones has implemented various eco-friendly processes including:

• Non-toxic sidewall finishing solutions
• Eco packaging
• Basalt fiber stringers.
• Recycled edges 
• Using wood veneer top sheets

They have also made changes to their production processes, such as using sustainable graphics printers and introducing Fusion Tech to reduce material use. 

Along with the tech side, Jones Snowboards are designed to be durable and with proper care will last for many seasons to come. Reducing the amount of outdated or broken snowboard waste. 

If you want to know more about Jones Snowboards click here

4. Arbor 

Arbor, established in 1995, is committed to crafting environmentally conscious snowboards using sustainable forest products. With a focus on mindfully crafted boards, they utilize a 100% solar-powered production process.

Arbor's dedication extends beyond manufacturing, as they have contributed to the restoration of indigenous forests, planting over 500,000 trees through their foundation. 

Their sustainability cycle involves renewable woods, Forest Stewardship Council practices, minimalism, clean production, sustainable components, and the use of Entropy Super Sap Resin.

Through the Returning Roots program, Arbor donates to organizations like the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, actively rebuilding forests rather than just planting trees. This initiative aligns with Arbor's mission to give back to the places that inspired surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding.

Arbor collaborates with groups like the Arbor Day Foundation, Surfrider Foundation, and Grades Of Green, supporting tree planting, ocean and beach conservation, and environmental education.

I´m sure that you can agree that Arbor Snowboards is a great example of how Snowboard companies should be run to protect our winters. 

To learn more about Arbor Snowboards click here

5. Nitro 

The Nitro brand is deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility in all facets of snowboarding. The company emphasizes quality to extend product lifespan and avoids excessive overproduction, opting for sustainable strategies to reduce energy and carbon emissions in shipping.

Going deeper, The brand´s decentralized structure minimizes long commutes for employees, encouraging walking, biking, or remote work. 

Nitro's snowboards are certified as 100% carbon neutral, achieved through collaboration with ClimatePartner. The company actively measures and offsets its carbon footprint, investing in climate change projects to achieve carbon neutrality. The wood used in snowboards is sourced from well-managed forests, emphasizing respect for the planet's future.

In terms of resource-saving materials and production, Nitro uses water-based inks, with a significant percentage for top-sheets and bases. Top sheets are often uncoated or finished with a solvent-free lacquer. Over 85% of their bases are made from recycled raw materials, and board edges consist of 50% recycled steel.

The board factory operates with 100% solar power, achieved through a 700 KW solar power station.

Nitro's presses are heated with water, and a closed water circuit with integrated filtering systems is employed in the grinding system to save energy and resources. Additionally, the company has adopted thinner top sheets to conserve raw materials and reduce weight.

Nitro's sustainability efforts showcase their dedicated approach to environmental and social responsibility in the snowboarding industry. A big Bravo from us at Palm & Pine 

If you want to know more about Nitro Snowboards click here