Whistler Trip

Some of our riders will be testing models in Whistler this week. (Skier: Mike McCabe)

Ski Manufacturing and the Environment

Folsom Customs is going to do all that we can to reduce our environmental impact, yet we humbly know we will always have one. One of the biggest problems in manufacturing is that for many industries we are forced to use materials that have a higher environmental cost. Currently, soy/bio based resins and plastics are not ready for the abuse skiing places on them, so we are still tied to petroleum based components.

However, the epoxy we use is as low impact as we can get and is 99% non-toxic. The plastics we use are recyclable and the manufacturing process we created was honed to produce as little waste possible. We are using only poplar and bamboo for our cores (no foam or composite cores which which rely on more petroleum and complex manufacturing). We have also decided not to use lacquers, topcoats, and silk screen inks because of their toxic composition.

Reducing the impact our manufacturing process is only part of our responsibility. For too many industries, the focus seems to be on how cheaply their products can be made with little regard to the impact of the actual product. One of the the worst, least friendly bi-products of ski manufacturing is the ski itself. They will be around for a while. So what can we do about that? The first step is to focus on making a product that has the longest useful lifespan as possible. Then, when that lifespan ends we need to usher that product into a new role, so it lives on. At Folsom Customs we will be actively involved in reusing our skis for outdoor furniture, sleds, track lighting fixtures, art, and whatever else we can think of. We cannot merely manufacture responsibly, we need to use and reuse responsibly.

I encourage all of you to read Yvon Chouinard's book "Let My People Go Surfing." He wrote a great chapter in which he articulates the dilemma environmentally-minded manufacturers face. We are planning on joining One Percent For The Planet, the organization Yvon founded, as our tithe to the earth.

Let's ski hard, but tread lightly.

Testing, Testing, Testing.

Testing has been underway all season. We have a team of incredible riders testing 12 ski designs on mountains across the country. Their mission is to ride hard and put these skis to the test, and so far they are the burliest anyone has ridden. We are all stoked on the way these skis are riding and are excited about next season's offerings. (Skier: Chris Peters)

About Folsom Custom Skis

Folsom Customs was born from the idea of a small freeski company that was not concerned with volume, but a custom-made product. We wanted to be based right here in the USA and provide skiers with the opportunity to be part of the design process. Instead of trying to find a ski that appears to meet your criteria, you tell us your criteria and we build a ski to match you.

We specialize in pure freeride and freestyle specific skis of uncompromising performance and durability. Skis are handcrafted one at a time and in limited quantities right here in Boulder, Colorado. We use only the finest and most durable materials available and we operate with an environmental conscience. Folsom skis are performance custom freeskis, not luxury custom skis. These skis are for pushing the limits and not merely for showing them off in the lodge. They're a skier's ski.

It has taken us three years, but each ski we offer has been thoroughly field-tested with multiple flex patterns. So when we build a ski for you, we not only fit you to a shape but also to a tested flex pattern. This flex pattern will then be tailored to your personal goals as a skier and based off your personal input. We don’t start building your ski until we take your order- they really are one of a kind. It may take a little longer to get a pair, but it will be worth it.

The benefit of ordering from Folsom Customs is that you not only get a custom-made ski, but you get a partner for the future. We are all evolving as skiers and our requirements for a ski often change as we evolve. What is unique about Folsom Customs is that your next pair can be built off of your personal notes from your current ski. Your ski can evolve as you evolve as a skier. It is an ongoing process.

Folsom is also committed to environmental sustainability. As a small custom shop, we are able to make the right choices when it comes to our waste and energy use. By selling local, using sustainably harvested core materials, recycling and working on ways to keep old skis out of landfills (ski picnic table anyone?), we strive to leave a small footprint. We want the next generation to enjoy skiing as much as we do.

Thank you for stopping by. We look forward to working with you soon.

Folsom Customs- Handcrafted. Durable. Sustainable.

-Jordan Grano, Founder and Principal Designer