Bigbend Skis brings hand built skis to the Kootenays

Photo from bigbendskis.com

The Big, Small Idea

My coffee is local, fair trade and organic. So is my fav chocolate. Pom pom toque bought at the farmer’s market - check. But can I buy my skis the same way? Actually, yes. “Organic” might be pushing the definition, but there’s a movement out there of small, handmade ski builders creating performance skis using an open source manufacturing process pioneered by 333 Skis in Mammoth Lakes, CA. 333 even manufactures in an off-grid trailer built from recycled trash.

Photo from 333skis.com

Every pair is custom – designed to the buyer’s specs. The aim is to create custom skis at a “working person’s wage”. And teach other “ski smiths” their methods, taking a democratic approach and demystifying the ski making craft.

The Local Connection

Daryl Ross of Bigbend Skis is diving in – tips up. From a studio in Revelstoke’s Visual Arts Centre, Ross is bringing open source manufacturing to the Kootenays – a perfect fit for this powder-focused community. Ross apprenticed in McCall, ID with Ullr Skis owner/ski smith Matt Neuman, who learned the process from 333.

The Mission

Bigbend was born from Ross’ passion for… well, skiing of course. But the most important thing to him is that the business model fits – it’s local, custom and affordable.

Revelstoke is the perfect place to make that happen. “Revelstoke has this mystique about it, with Rogers Pass, huge snowfalls and an epic ski hill,” Ross notes. “This town really nurtures local efforts and hand-crafted, quality goods."

The Process

The process starts with a questionnaire, where you fill out your weight, turning radius and ski style: back country or slope style? Powder pig or parabolic? He’ll work with you to develop the perfect fit. Graphics? They’re wide open. Design your own or work with a local graphic designer to fit your personna to your boards. Ross plans to build 50 pairs this fall, offering screaming deals to family and friends to get the skis out in the marketplace. They’ll be on display at a December art show event at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre.

What’s in a name?

Bigbend has a history. The Columbia River “big bend” cradles the Selkirk Mountains, providing a protective geographical barrier that guards the stash. Revelstoke itself has a long history of skiing, with the longest running ski club in Canada.

D.I.Y. Skis? Check out skibuilders.com