There are more and more companies popping up these days looking to make and sell a product with a conscience. Many people are concerned about the state of the environment and  are looking for those specific products that are made in a more sustainable way. And other people just like the products because they are awesome. RAMP sports, a manufacturer of skis and snowboards, has managed to do just that.

When it comes to the snowsports industry everyone knows that manufacturing skis can be very unsustainable—with the exception, perhaps, if they become adirondack chairs or benches after their skiable lifetime.

RAMP sports (Riders, Artists, Musicians Project) is a company around the concept of doing the right thing. Green practices are a foundation of the brand, and their core values around these sustainable, conscious practices. Check out some of their key initiatives:

ReUseable Bag: When you order skis or a snowboard, it comes with a FREE bag. They are shipped in padded ski and snowboard bags, which is great when you don’t have to deal with the giant box and recycling it you get a bag that can be used over and over again.

Buyback Program: Skis and snowboards are designed to last a long time when exposed to the elements, which means that when they end up in a landfill they stay there. At RAMP sports, they give people a $50 credit towards new gear when they trade in any old skis or boards. And when the gear they receive is in good condition, they donate the equipment to junior programs or adaptive programs. When the skis and boards are no longer safe for use, it is made into furniture, with the proceeds from the sale of the furniture become a donation to NativeEnergy to help with carbon offset.

 Plyboo Bamboo Plywood: At RAMP sports, they are prideful about using environmentally friendly U.S. materials in thier skis. Using the Smith & Fong’s Standard Plyboo sustainable forestry bamboo as the core of their skis. The bamboo has little to no fertilizers or pesticides, and is four times harder than poplar wood—the most common wood used in skis and snowboards.

These are just some of the initiatives RAMP sports is taking to produce their products. To see the full list of their initiatives go here. 

Writer’s Note: What I liked about their skis is not only are they environmentally conscious but also a fun, playful and a responsive ski. My favorite ski was the Chickadee women’s skis. It was designed to carve turns on groomers but also transition into the woods and float through fresh snow.  The 90mm waist is the best shape for versatility and lots of fun.

If you get a chance check out one of the many RAMP sports demo’s all over the country and fall in love with fun skis that have a green conscience.

Buy RAMP Sports.