Algae-based ski maker looks to share its secretes

In California, WNDR Alpine Skis has agreed to share its technology for incorporating algae-based materials into its products to help lift the sustainability profile of the entire sport. 

WNDR’s skis incorporate algae oil developed by its parent company, Checkerspot, into the core and sidewalls. Checkerspot has also been working with DPS, another ski maker, to use the material in DPS’s Pagoda skis, with 62% biobased content achieved and tested in Utah and New Zealand. 

“Working with our partners at Checkerspot, DPS has accessed [Checkerspot’s] WING Platform to co-develop sidewalls around DPS’s specified performance demands. This has allowed us to produce more sustainable products and improve the performance of our Pagoda Tour and Pagoda skis,” Thomas Laakso, VP of Product at DPS, tells Gear Junkie. “This project is bigger than DPS, however. We hope this work can inspire and instruct other manufacturers in what’s possible when it comes to reducing carbon footprint.”