Lead Photo Credit: WNDR Alpine
What do you think of when you hear the word algae? Most likely, the mucky green plant that sits on the surface of water immediately pops into your head. What probably does not come to mind are your skis. Why would they? Your favorite winter accessory has nothing to do with this simple aquatic plant, right? They do now.
WNDR Alpine Unveils New Ski With Algal Core
Photo Credit: Jay Dash Photography
WNDR® Alpine, – the pioneering outdoor brand launched as part of advanced materials company Checkerspot – unveiled its new ski lineup today, complete with improved material properties, increased biobased content, and a new, powder-focused backcountry shape: the Reason 120.
By combining ski manufacturing with biotechnology, WNDR Alpine has placed themselves firmly at the top of innovative product design. How? Their partnership with Checkerspot is the key. Checkerspot grows microalgae which is then used to create biobased oils that fulfill the role in skis that petroleum would normally. This ultimately produces an environmentally friendlier ski that delivers against the unique performance demands of backcountry athletes.
Biobased Skis Backed by Pep Fujas
Photo Credit: WNDR Alpine
New for the 21/22 season is the Reason 120, which WNDR Alpine positions as its most powder-oriented ski yet. With a 120 mm waist, heavily rockered tips and tails, and a 20 m turn radius, the ski is engineered to provide effortless buoyancy and response in soft snow. The performance offered by the ski’s unique shape is amplified by an increased proportion of performance-focused biobased materials in the ski’s layup.
“As soon as I joined Checkerspot, I always knew I wanted to create a ski like this,” said Pep Fujas, professional skier and WNDR Alpine’s VP of Marketing and Product Development. “Although it may look like a one trick pony to the uninitiated, I have personally been amazed by the capability enabled by the materials in the ski, whether it’s a deep powder day or not. So I’m incredibly proud to unveil a ski that I’ll be skiing day-in, day-out through the middle of winter.”
Algal Core Results in Greater Performance
Photo Credit: Jay Dash Photography
The Reason 120 is the third in a line of skis from WNDR Alpine that includes their Vital 100 and Intention 110. Each features their proprietary Algal Core. Made from domestically sourced aspen and the aforementioned high density algal foam, the composite material is designed to improve the torsional stiffness and strength to weight ratio of the skis. The end result is a backcountry ski that performs at a higher level than those made with traditional materials.
“The 21/22 Algal Wall is a big step forward in our mission to optimize our materials for greater ski performance and longevity, while simultaneously reducing our products’ reliance on petroleum inputs,” said Dr. Charles Rand, Checkerspot’s Manager of Material Science and Applications Development.
Photo Credit: WNDR Alpine
There is no doubt that WNDR Alpine is on the cutting edge of ski production. Armed with increased biobased content and a new ski design they are proving how moving away from petroleum is not only good for the environment but can also make skis perform even better. Innovation like this is crucial to the industry as we strive to keep our favorite activity going on for years to come.
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres