[By Kara DiCamillo]
Constantly checking the weather for the next big winter blizzard so you can strap on and hit the park? Unfortunately for us snow-lovers, companies within the snow sport industry are suffering due to the lack of fluffy stuff we heart most. The good news is many have stepped up and started researching new green technologies. A recent article from The New York Times reports the trend is just beginning: "Boards made with sustainable materials account for just 2 percent of the $140 million board market, according to SnowSports Industries America, a trade group."
These six snowboards are both green and sporting some of the most innovative technology in the industry. Get ready to carve consciously.
Why We Like It: Referred to as a "chick stick," Arbor's Push is flexible, versatile—and only for women. Imprinted with Japanese art from an ancient silk scroll, it's designed as an all-mountain board and performs well in various conditions. As the cheapest board on this list, it's also a great value.
Eco Factor: Arbor has been making eco-friendly boards from sustainable wood like Koa, cork, and bamboo since 1995. Push is made from lightweight poplar wood, known for its durability and availability. Instead of fiberglass, the board's surface is made from bamboo veneer, a mod touch that is also easy on the eye.
Terrain: This board is perfect for exploring almost everything—powder, trees, groomers—you name it. The slightly tapered edge is perfect for those who hit the park on a regular basis and stick some huge landings.
Where: Outdoor stores around the country, including Eastern Mountain Sports and REI.
How Much: $430
Image courtesy of Arbor
Why We Like It: A former pro rider for Arbor, Mike Basich (a.k.a. Mikey B) decided to launch his own snowboard design, and the Basich Pro Model from Smokin' Snowboards was born. This board is for serious riders who like to breathe in the fresh, backcountry air.
Eco Factor: Known as the "tree board," this board is made from wood hand-milled by Basich himself from a 400 year-old, 80-foot pine tree that fell on his property. Sidewalls are made from recycled material. It's also toxin-free and comes with reuse suggestions to extend its lifecycle.
Terrain: Attention serious powder hounds—the Basich Pro Model is for you. It's designed to tackle any adventure, and even includes a list of important avalanche safety bits like a compass and avalanche awareness info, as well as a back country survival checklist.
Where: Supplies are limited, but we found it at PortersTahoe.com.
How Much: $600
Image courtesy of Smokin Snowboards
Why We Like It: Designed by pro rider Nicholas Muller, the newly launched Eco Nico from Burton is a major step by a big-time manufacturer. On the slopes, it's a great all-mountain board with a stable ride.
Eco Factor: This board is filled with a slew of eco-materials, making it Burton's most sustainable design. The wood core is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the top-sheet is lacquer-free. Additionally, a ton of recycled material is used: The steel edges are 90 percent recycled, the sidewalls are 100 percent recycled, and the base is 50 percent recycled. It's also a milestone for Burton, which plans to use a whopping 50 percent eco-friendly content in all upcoming boards.
Terrain: The Eco Nico is a great board for bombing down groomers and staying in control. It responds quickly, meaning less effort is needed for those wide turns.
Where: Online stores, including SierraSnowboard.com and Coloradoboarder.com.
How Much: $630
Image courtesy of Burton
Why We Like It: According to K2, their Zero board is the lightest and most advanced snowboard ever produced. Its "Harshmellow" technology reduces the harshness of impact and vibrations, allowing us to go big and ride fast for nothing but a smooth, buttery ride.
Eco Factor: The board is built from the ground up using minimal amounts of materials and all of the core wood is made from sustainable aspen and bamboo. Resin is reduced with an ultra-high-quality fiberglass and a fabric-based finish instead of a top sheet. Plus, for every Zero produced, K2 will purchase pollution-offset credits.
Terrain: Any speed in any condition: K2's "Hyper Progressive" sidecut mellows out transitions and allows experienced riders to fine tune their skills.
Where: Outdoor stores around the country, including Eastern Mountain Sports and online at Backcountry.com and Skis.com.
How much: $700
Image courtesy of K2
Why We Like It: Despite being lightweight, Salomon's Sick Stick provides more snap without that unnecessary stiffness thanks to a "Popster" core.
Eco Factor: The winner of the 2008 Volvo SportsDesign award for Eco Design, this board is made from lightweight bamboo and topped with aluminum for durability. The smooth ride is in part due to an eco-friendly, non-petroleum based wax.
Terrain: This board is for those who like it fast. With a slightly tapered tail, the Sick Stick glides through fresh backcountry powder and holds tight even in the sticky spring, keeping you turning without hesitation, with minimal effort.
Where: Outdoor stores around the country and online at Backcountry.com and BasinSports.com.
How Much: $600
Image courtesy of Salomon
Why We Like It: Venture Snowboards believes sex shouldn't be the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a board. Instead they offer three different widths in each unisex model they make, and focus on height, weight, boot size, and riding style. With clean minimal graphics, the Helix is built to last with a sturdy yet elegant deck designed to take a beating.
Eco Factor: Each Venture board includes only the essential components and an FSC-certified wood core. The company has an extensive recycling program, experiments with low impact materials, and recently converted their entire operation to wind power. Venture will break ground on a new facility this spring, and the design plan includes passive and active solar power, as well as sustainable, recycled, and reclaimed materials.
Terrain: Built with a twin tip, the Helix is designed for advanced freestyle riders who both enjoy shredding in the park and off the trail. It's a snappy ride with great flex, allowing for easy aggressive turns and solid kickers with incredible control.
Where: Outdoor stores around the country
How Much: $545
Image Courtesy of Courtesy Venture Snowboards
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