
Sustainable Skiing: Materials, Technologies and Conscious Choices for a Greener Future
Ski equipment, especially skis, represents a major sustainability challenge. Traditionally made from materials such as microplastics, fiberglass, resins, and metals, skis require resources and manufacturing processes that have a significant impact on the environment.
Today, however, more and more manufacturers are experimenting with new materials and production methods to reduce the environmental impact of skis.
Let's discover together the main problems related to the sustainability of skis and the emerging solutions.
1. Traditional materials and sustainability issues
Skis are mainly made of layers of non-biodegradable materials, such as fiberglass, polyurethane, carbon fibers, with a central core of wood or foam. These materials are difficult to recycle and many cannot be incinerated, so once they are no longer used, they end up in landfill. The production of skis also requires the use of synthetic resins and glues, the residues of which can be harmful to the environment. Practical and concrete solutions are therefore:
- Recycled and biodegradable materials : several manufacturers are experimenting with the use of recycled materials, such as Salomon's “Trash is Gold” project, created to give new life to waste materials and use them in the sidebands of skis.
- Use of wood : for the core of their skis, more and more companies have started to use wood, such as the “Essential” model launched by Rossignol, to make the skis not only recyclable, but also ecological.
- Natural resins and eco-friendly glues : many brands and brands are replacing synthetic resins with plant-based resins, thus reducing the use of petroleum derivatives and limiting emissions of volatile organic compounds. The new “Alga Tech” technology introduced by WNDR Alpine is an example.
2. Durability and repairability of skis
One of the problems related to sustainability is the limited lifespan of skis, which in many cases are replaced after just a few years. The sports equipment industry has in fact long encouraged the purchase of new models, leading to a direct consequence of too high an environmental cost . From this perspective, the following are therefore necessary:
- Stronger, Longer-lasting Skis : Investing in reinforced, more wear-resistant materials can extend the life of your skis.
- Modular and repairable skis : the modular design allows you to replace only the damaged parts , such as edges or bases, avoiding having to buy a new pair of skis.
3. Towards a circular economy: ski recycling and reuse
Once they reach the end of their life, skis represent a significant problem for disposal. There are therefore several options that can be taken into consideration to make a sustainable choice before purchasing a pair of skis:
- Recycling Programs : Many companies and organizations are launching used ski collection and recycling programs , where recyclable materials are separated and reintroduced into new production cycles.
- Second-hand skis : buying used skis is an ecological and sustainable choice, even ****in terms of price. More and more online platforms , one of these Weply , offer second-hand skis in excellent condition and at convenient prices.
- Upcycling projects : In some locations, discarded skis are transformed into furniture, art or decorations , giving them a new life rather than sending them to landfill.
Choosing sustainable skis is therefore possible and represents a fundamental step towards a greener future for the winter sports industry. From ecological materials, to low-impact production processes, through a prolonged life cycle and recycling solutions, every step , however small, can contribute to the preservation of our mountains.
With a little more attention to sustainable options, such as second hand , we too can make a small difference:
CHOOSE THE ENVIRONMENT, CHOOSE WEPLY .