Kreislaufwirtschaft

Winter sports are running out of time, but the ski industry is not running out of ideas. Right after ProWinter in Bolzano, the Ski Industry Climate Summit 2026 brought brands, researchers, recyclers and NGOs to the same table to discuss what real climate action looks like beyond glossy sustainability claims. From modular skis designed to be taken apart, to recycled high-performance materials, one message stood out: the biggest lever might be the least glamorous—making skis last longer, proving it with data, and building the systems that keep products in use instead of in storage.

The market for outdoor clothing is booming. This is understandable, as our equipment accompanies us on many mountain adventures. However, this is precisely why it is worth taking a sober look at the origin of the materials, how they are produced and what impact they have. Issues such as animal welfare, resource conservation and climate protection should not be "fun brakes", but are part of a responsible approach to our environment. Sustainability does not mean doing without, but making conscious choices. If you are out and about in the mountains, you can also make sustainable choices when buying. And no, this is not about doing without and pointing fingers, this is about buying and using wisely!

As established in the two previous articles – recycling skis isn’t easy or, in many cases, not yet possible. But what other options exist for avoiding the landfill? Or at least for extending the lifetime of our equipment? Circular production can be divided into 9 Rs, with recycling way down at the bottom together with incineration of materials, as the two least circular options. Before the two there’s rethinking, reducing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, remanufacturing and repurposing (upcycling). These are actions that we as individual consumers can take to slow down resource loops, extend product life and reuse products. At the same time, companies can contribute to closing and narrowing resource loops by capturing value from waste through recycling, as well as through product design and resource efficiency.

The second article of the series takes a look into the struggles of choosing materials for more circular skis and snowboards, as well as the recycling of equipment at the end of it‘s lifespan.

This article is the first in a three-part series diving into the current state of circularity in the industry, the challenges of recycling skis, and innovative possibilities for the future. But before we get into all that, let’s start things off with a quick guide to circular economy and what it means for snow gear.

Outdoor and mountain sports fans know that the right equipment can make or break the success and safety of a tour. But do you really have to buy every piece of equipment needed for a particular adventure? We posed this question to the Alpine Club a few months ago. Today we present Eddy's Adventure, who have a clear answer: No! Because with its rental model, the company offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for anyone who enjoys being out in nature.

During last year's ISPO 2024 in Munich, over 180 industry experts gathered at the second Ski Industry Climate Summit to work together on solutions for a more sustainable future for the winter sports industry. The event, largely organised by Atomic, was an impressive demonstration of how collaboration and innovation can drive climate protection forward. With a 25% increase in participants compared to the premiere in 2023, the summit proves that sustainability has become a key part for the industry.

Martin is a member of POW and from time to time publishes articles on PowderGuide that deal with sustainability issues. After dealing with the contradiction between structural problem solving and the individual responsibility of skiers last winter, he is now focussing on the concept of the economy for the common good. Can this vision of a sustainable economy change our approach to nature and mountain sports forever and, above all, how does it actually work?

PLUM was founded in 2005 in the heart of the Chamonix Valley and has continued to develop ever since. The passionate family business has its roots in the mountains and combines the expertise of precision mechanics and wood tuners with a deep connection to skiing and snowboarding.

Skis, boots, clothing, emergency equipment: the sharing economy has arrived in winter sports. But how do the services work and when does renting make sense? And can it be a sustainable alternative to buying?

Recycling is an ongoing trend in the outdoor industry. Be it in the area of clothing or equipment. What is currently happening in this area with winter sports equipment?

Christmas is just around the corner and with it the question of presents: this year, we want to focus on used clothing and equipment or even borrowed products and have summarized the Snow of Tomorrow top 5 ideas here.