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The world of alpine skiing has undergone massive changes in the last 10 years. With the advent of wider and stiffer skis, a whole new market has emerged that focuses not only on technological advancements, but also on the type and location of the snow. Enter local ski manufacturers.
Local ski producers are having a huge impact on the ski industry and are changing the way consumers view skis and the way they use them. Manufacturers now have unprecedented access to local conditions and terrain, as well as the activities that local skiers are looking for. These small businesses can offer boutique products that are highly focused on the local market and provide consumers with a distinctive option when it comes to equipment.
Local ski manufacturers are taking technology previously only available to large companies and applying it to small production runs that encompass the needs of the local rider. Is your home hill steep and receives hundreds of inches of annual snowfall with low moisture density? There is a ski manufacturer for that. Are you a park rider looking for that perfect weight pop and swing for park and pipe? There is a creator for that.
Take, for example, Seneca skis from Bozeman, MT. This young company has helped drive a new market in this ski town by providing skis that are made specifically for the hometown ski resort, Bridger Bowl. Bridger Bowl is located in the northern Rocky Mountains, receives massive amounts of arid snow, contains expert terrain, and provides off-limits side field access. Now when considering new gear for skiers, you can find gear that was created with them and their hometown hill in mind from a local source. This hyperlocalized product was considered unattainable even 5 years ago, but in today’s market with available technology, these products are no longer a pipe dream.
The local ski manufacturer is the latest move in an industry that continues to evolve and change. But the increase in available technology has provided an unmatched competitive advantage to small boutique producers who represent not only the terrain and local conditions, but are also an integral part of the local economy. Local producers are rooted in their particular markets by participating in community ski education and efforts, sponsoring events, and creating a market for other regional producers. From bindings and poles to soft goods and boards, local manufacturers are creating an entirely new movement in the ski industry that is driving a revolution.
