Sustainable skiing ändern

1. Why skis from wood?
2. Production process
3. Packaging
4. Why are old wooden skis not suitable for skiing?
5. Why are wooden skis not just ‘timber skis’?
6. How does ski recycling work?
7. What should I look out for when buying sustainable skis?
8. History of wooden skis
9. Production of wooden ski
10. Innovations and technologies in the field of skis made of wood
11. Types of woodski
12. Care and maintenance of skis made out of wood
13. Practical experience and tips for wooden skis
14. Sustainability and the environment
15. Brands and manufacturers of wooden skis

1. Why skis from wood?

Wooden skis have the advantage that no microplastic abrasion is produced during use. Should you ever ride over a stone and tear out a large piece of the base, it will decompose in the environment and won't stay there forever. At the end of their life, wooden skis can be composted and therefore do not produce any waste.

Ski surface:

The entire surface of the skis is made of ash wood. This should be regularly treated with hard wax oil (of natural origin and biodegradable). The oil protects the wood from moisture penetration (there are even oiled wooden bathtubs) and intensifies the colour of the wood. Skis with a wooden surface are also an eye-catcher when skiing, so you can quickly strike up a conversation with other people.

Ski bindings

The choice of binding naturally depends on the use of the skis. Our skis are designed as all-mountain skis, i.e. you can ski with them both on the piste and in deep snow. As the skis are very light, they are also suitable for ski touring. With a pin binding, you are always well prepared and can use the ski anywhere. If you don't go ski touring, a frame binding is also suitable. This is a little heavier than a pin binding, but also offers more stability and control.

Advantages of our touring skis:

  • do not cause any waste in production
  • do not cause microplastics
  • 100% recyclable
  • made from renewable wood (we plant a tree for every ski sold)
  • C0² positive (help and plant the ash seeds from the packaging)
  • Shipping with used packaging material
  • Lifelong right to return the material to us (free of charge)
  • 5 year guarantee
  • 3% of the turnover is donated

2. Production process

The ski components, such as the wood core, flax fibres, veneer and biodegradable plastic, are glued together with an equally biodegradable adhesive to form a ‘blank’ in a heatable press. A 5-axis CNC milling machine then gives the blank its final shape. The surface is then sanded and the logo, serial number and type stamp are branded in collaboration with a workshop for the disabled. In the next step, the ski is oiled twice with a hard wax oil and the steel edge and front and rear protectors are fitted. In the final step, the wooden ski is given a final polish in the ski service, waxed, the edges are sharpened and the binding is attached. Last but not least, the ski is lovingly packed and is then ready for sale.

3. Packaging

We deliver the finished wooden ski in a reusable wooden deposit box. The packaging material is wood wool. This means that no waste is produced during shipping.

4. Why are old wooden skis not suitable for skiing?

Historic wooden skis have three disadvantages compared to modern skis. The first disadvantage is the shape of the ski. Nowadays, skis are strongly waisted and have a pre-tension, making it easier to carve in the snow. The second disadvantage is the gliding behaviour on snow. As the old wooden skis have a wooden running surface, they do not glide as well as skis with a plastic running surface. The third disadvantage is the poor resistance of the wooden running surface to abrasion. Plastic running surfaces made of UHMW-PE, currently used in conventional skis, or biodegradable plastics, which are used in our wooden skis, are much more abrasion-resistant, more durable and can therefore be used in all snow conditions.

5. Why are wooden skis not just ‘timber skis’?

Many wooden skis consist of components such as glass fibres, epoxy resin and various plastics. Although the visible surface of the wooden ski is a veneer, if the other components are included, it is not a real skis made out of wood for us. This is because the so-called ‘wooden skis’ would not rot in the forest, but would simply remain there forever as hazardous waste.

6. How does ski recycling work?

Conventional skis:
Until now, skis have been made of ABS sidewalls, foamed cores, two layers of glass fibre, plastic coating, rubber bands to protect against impacts, steel edges and a decor glued together. Old skis cannot be recycled. Nevertheless, you have to ask yourself what happens if one day nobody wants these skis any more because they have gone out of fashion? What remains is waste, which is either incinerated and the slag sent to landfill or, if the waste contains carbon fibres, it is sent straight to landfill. Conventional ski production is a one-way street of resources. Finite resources are consumed and then one day end up in landfill. If we imagine that mankind will continue to ski for the next 2000 years, you can imagine how big the mountain of waste from old skis will be by then. Frightening!

Alternative wood skis:
We need real alternatives so that we as a society can offer future generations the same opportunities that we had in our lives. Our skis are made from wood, flax, biodegradable plastic and glue. All made from 100% renewable raw materials. And steel, which is recycled. The two materials are joined mechanically. Should a pair of wooden skis fall out of fashion, they can be 100% recycled by screwing them apart again. The steel edges become new steel edges again; a functioning cycle. The wood is either incinerated or can be composted in your garden. The resulting C0² is stored by the forest and the cycle starts all over again.
At the end of its life, no waste remains.

7. What should I look out for when buying sustainable skis?

  • the wooden ski does not produce microplastics or macroplastics during use
    Are all components of the ski biodegradable?

  • the wooden ski can be completely recycled at the end of its life
    Can all components of the ski be dismantled?

    Can all components of the ski be returned to either a biological or technical cycle?

8. History of wooden skis

Development and origin:
The history of wooden skis stretches far back into the past and is closely linked to the Nordic peoples, in particular the Sami and the Vikings. The oldest finds of wooden skis are over 4,500 years old. The origins of wooden skis can be traced back to primitive snowshoes made from natural materials such as alder or birch wood, which were used thousands of years ago by indigenous peoples in snow-covered regions of northern Europe. These simple wooden planks were mainly used for travelling over snow and ice.

Historical significance and use:
Over time, wooden skis evolved and became an important tool for hunting, transport, military and communication in the snowy regions of northern Europe. They also played an important role in the culture and mythology of the Nordic peoples, who saw the ski as a symbol of speed, freedom and adventure. Over time, ski races and competitions became increasingly popular, leading to the development of specialised ski shapes and techniques.

Evolution of ski technology:
During the 19th and 20th centuries, ski technology progressed rapidly, with wooden skis being mass produced.New manufacturing processes and materials such as Hikory, aluminium and steel helped to improve the stability, durability and performance of skis.The steel ski edge was also developed at this time.However, with the advent of plastics, development of composite structures such as fibreglass and adhesive resins and other modern materials in the 20th century, the decline of wooden skis began as these new materials were lighter, more durable and offered better performance on snow. Today, however, wooden skis are experiencing a renaissance as more and more skiers and outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the traditional craftsmanship, sustainability and natural aesthetics of this ski shape.

The renaissance of wooden skis:
With the development of new technologies and materials in the field of biopolymers, it has become possible to produce biodegradable adhesives that meet the requirements for skis, but ski bases made from degradable plastics are now also coming onto the market.Flax, hemp and jute fibres are experiencing a renaissance as technical textiles in natural fibre-reinforced plastics or composites.Modern production methods such as robots, CNC milling and CAM enable the series production of skis that can be dismantled.A transfer to other areas such as bicycles, wind turbines, ski poles and surfboards is possible.

Experience history:
The history of skiing can be experienced in ski museums and books.You can find your nearest ski museum at skiinghistory.org.
The DSV book ‘Internationale Skihistoriographie und deutscher Skilauf’ provides a brief outline of the history.

9. Production of wooden ski

Selection of the wood:
The production of wooden skis begins with the careful selection of high-quality, i.e. knot-free or knotless, slow-grown woods with dense annual rings that are known for their strength, flexibility and durability. Local woods such as ash or oak are often favoured as they offer an optimum balance between weight and stability. In Nordic countries, birch is also widely used. In the USA, mainly hickory. The choice of wood is decisive for the quality and handling characteristics of the finished ski.
Nowadays, many poplar-beech cores are used, which are inexpensive and light. The lightness comes from the poplar wood. Alternatively, balsa wood is also used, which is even lighter. But Paulownia, originally from Asia, is also grown today, especially in Spain, and used for wooden cores, as it is very light, has high strength and grows quickly. Robinia, also known as acacia, has a high tannic acid content and is therefore very weather-resistant and well suited for side panels and top veneers.

Craftsmanship and techniques:
Making wooden skis is a traditional craft that requires skill, precision and attention to detail. Experienced craftsmen use tried and tested techniques such as steam bending, carving from a whole piece, using bent wood and traditional tools such as axes, saws and planes to carefully shape, sand and finish the wood. Each ski is individually handcrafted with a focus on high quality and attractive design. The use of natural materials and traditional craftsmanship give each ski a unique personality and character.

Modern versus traditional manufacturing methods:
While conventional ski companies use modern production methods, such as CNC milling, and materials, such as fibreglass, foams, plastics, epoxy resins, to produce skis more efficiently and cost-effectively, sustainable ski companies often use the same production methods, but the materials used differ, as these are predominantly biodegradable. Although the traditional production of wooden skis can be more time and labour intensive, it makes it possible to produce unique skis that were used until around 1950.

How are skis made?
Processes and technologies behind the production of fibreglass skis:
Fibreglass skis, also known as composite skis, consist of various materials. First, the ski core, usually wood, but also foamed plastic in the case of touring skis, is processed and given a thickness gradient. It is therefore thinner at the front, thicker in the centre and thinner again at the back. The contour of the ski is milled out and the sidewalls made of ABS, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, are glued on. The ski base, made of UHMW-PE, an extremely long form of polyethylene that is very abrasion-resistant and glides well, metal inserts, usually Titanal, steel edges, fibreglass mats and rubber bands are cut to size. In the next step, everything is coated with 2-component epoxy resin and then placed in a mould. This mould is then pressed together in a heatable ski press at approx. 100° for 20 to 60 minutes. The excess material is then cut off with a band saw and the ski is sanded. The ski base and steel edges are then polished. Wax is applied and the bindings are fitted. Sometimes the skis are also shrink-wrapped.

10. Innovations and technologies in the field of skis made of wood

New materials and construction methods:
The continuous development of materials and construction methods has revolutionised the wooden ski industry. Modern wooden skis rely on a variety of innovative materials such as natural fibre-reinforced plastics, biodegradable ski bases and biodegradable technical textiles. These materials offer improved performance and durability while being more environmentally friendly. In addition, advanced manufacturing techniques such as CNC milling and laminated constructions enable precise and efficient production of wooden skis.

Integrating modern technologies into traditional designs:
Traditional craftsmanship and modern technology merge in the latest wooden ski designs. By integrating modern technologies such as 3D modelling, computer-aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis (FEA), manufacturers can create complex designs that offer optimal performance and durability. Automation of production processes combined with craftsmanship ensure an ideal interplay in terms of cost, feel, look and quality.

Future prospects for wooden skis:
The future prospects for wooden skis are promising, as interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly skiing equipment is constantly growing. With increasing awareness of environmental issues and sustainable production, more and more skiers are opting for wooden skis as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic or composite skis. In order to improve the performance, durability and sustainability of the products, three-dimensional or multifunctional technical fabrics and scrims are currently being researched in the area of fibre reinforcements. Ski bases made of steel could make waxing superfluous in the future. Biodegradable ski bases will eliminate the abrasion of microplastics. Biodegradable adhesives will prevent the generation of waste. By combining traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, wooden skis will once again play an important role in winter sports in the future.

11. Types of woodski

Alpine skis:
Alpine skis or downhill skis are designed for skiing on steep slopes and pistes. They are generally wider and more stable than cross-country skis and offer better control and stability at high speeds and on difficult terrain. Compared to cross-country skis, they are also much shorter and much more waisted. The wooden alpine skis currently on the market are either historical skis that are over 70 years old or fibreglass-epoxy composite skis, which have a wooden core and a wooden veneer on top, but are actually quite a mix of materials.

Cross-country skis:
Cross-country skis are skis specifically designed for running on flat surfaces and are often narrower and longer than other types of skis. They are characterised by their lightweight construction and narrow track, which allows the skier to glide efficiently on flat terrain and trails. Cross-country skis also sometimes have a so-called ‘climbing zone’ on the underside. In this area, either structures, scales or special waxes are attached to enable the skis to master smaller inclines.
Cross-country skis made only of wood and glue can be purchased from the Norwegian company Rønning. Unfortunately, these are not completely sustainable, as the adhesives and lacquers are not biodegradable and therefore cause microplastics during use. At the end of their life, the skis are unfortunately also waste and have to be incinerated.

Telemark skis:
Telemark skis, which were developed for the skiing technique of the same name, in which the skier is tied to the ski with the forefoot and the heel remains free. These skis are often slightly wider and have a special binding that allows the skier more freedom of movement and flexibility. As a result, the ski is subjected to greater stress in the area of the toe. Basically, the shape of telemark skis is comparable to touring skis.
Telemark skis, which consist only of wood and glue, can be purchased from the Norwegian company Rønning. Unfortunately, these are not completely sustainable, as the adhesives and paints are not biodegradable and therefore cause microplastics during use. At the end of their life, the skis are unfortunately also waste and have to be incinerated.

Fjellski:
Fjell skis are specially designed for cross-country skiing in untracked terrain away from groomed pistes. They are characterised by their versatility and their ability to cope with different snow conditions and types of terrain. These skis are often slightly wider and shorter than conventional cross-country skis and offer improved stability on uneven terrain and more contact surface, i.e. they do not sink in as deeply.

Hike and fly skis:
Hike and fly skis are specially designed for paragliders who like to hike up and fly down in winter. These skis are light, compact and easy to transport, they resemble snowshoes, yet offer good performance when skiing in demanding terrain. In appearance they could be confused with big foot skis, but they have more surface area, a different shape and sometimes even permanently mounted skins.

Touring skis:
Touring skis are designed for running up steep mountains and skiing down. All touring skis are as light as possible. The spectrum ranges from ascent-orientated, very narrow and light, to big mountain skis, extremely wide and complete rocker. The skis have a special binding so that the ski boot can move up and down when going uphill, the heel is fixed for the descent and removable ski skins that prevent sliding back on the snow and are removed before the descent.
You can find sustainable touring skis made of wood in our online shop.

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12. Care and maintenance of skis made out of wood

Storage and preservation:
Storing your wooden skis correctly is crucial to prolonging their lifespan and maintaining their performance. Store your skis in a dry and well-ventilated place, ideally in a heated cellar or storage room. Avoid direct sunlight, high humidity and extreme temperatures, as these can damage the wood.

Repair:
If your wooden skis are damaged or worn, a timely repair is essential to ensure functionality and safety. Small scratches or dents can be repaired with wood filler or wax. Major damage such as cracks or breaks may require professional repair by an experienced ski service, carpenter, model maker or restorer. Make sure that the repair work is carried out carefully and promptly to protect the skis from moisture penetration.

Care tips:
Regular care is essential to keep your wooden skis in top condition.Clean the skis thoroughly after each use to remove dirt and moisture. Use water and a cloth to do this. Then dry the skis carefully with a cloth and allow them to dry completely before storing them.Regularly check the bindings, edges and bases for wear or damage and carry out a ski service if necessary.When servicing skis, they should only be sanded dry and not wet.You can maximise the service life of your wooden skis with regular and careful care.
We recommend sanding and re-oiling the surface of wooden skis once a year. You can find a care set in our shop.

13. Practical experience and tips for wooden skis

Skiing with wooden skis:
Skiing with wooden skis offers a unique and authentic experience on the piste. The natural flexibility and responsive behaviour of wooden skis enable smooth and controlled skiing on a variety of terrain. Basically, it can be said that skiing on modern wooden skis is no different from skiing on plastic skis. However, skiing on historical wooden skis is very different, as they have different parameters such as radius, shape or resilience. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with the handling of wooden skis and develop the right technique to get the most out of the experience.


Courses and learning resources:
For skiers who want to improve their skills and learn more about skiing with wooden skis, various ski schools and organisations, such as Naturefriends and the DAV, offer special courses and learning resources. These courses cover a variety of topics, including technique, safety in alpine terrain and tour planning. In addition, there are a variety of online resources, including videos, tutorials and forums, that can help skiers expand their knowledge of wood skiing and improve their skills.

Communities and forums:
Chatting with like-minded people is an important part of the skiing experience. In communities and forums such as Reddit, skiers can share their experiences and tips about skiing with wooden skis, ask questions and network with other skiers. In the Skibuilders forum, interested parties can exchange ideas on the subject of ski building. These online platforms provide a valuable resource for skiers of all experience levels to expand their knowledge, discover new ski areas and keep up to date with the latest developments in the world of wooden skiing.
The nostalgic ski race that takes place every year in Zell am See or the Nostalski in Krün in Bavaria are also a highlight.

14. Sustainability and the environment

Environmental impact of wooden ski production:
The production of wooden skis has a lower environmental impact compared to conventional plastic skis. The production of wooden skis uses less fossil fuels, releases less CO2 emissions and generates less waste. In addition, the use of sustainable forestry practices enables the protection of forests and the preservation of biodiversity. By using locally sourced and certified wood, the environmental impact of wooden ski production can be further minimised. If the components of the ski are biodegradable, it can be composted at the end of its life and thus becomes food for microorganisms and fungi.

Sustainable sourcing of materials:
Sustainable sourcing of materials is crucial for the environmental friendliness of wooden skis. Manufacturers should ensure that the wood used comes from local sustainably managed forests and that the environmental impact of material sourcing is minimised. In addition, other materials such as adhesives, paints and coatings should also be environmentally friendly and non-toxic. By working with suppliers who are committed to sustainable production practices, ski companies can ensure that their products meet the highest environmental standards.

Contributing to environmentally friendly winter sports:
Wooden skis make an important contribution to environmentally friendly winter sports. Thanks to their sustainable production and their lower environmental impact compared to plastic skis - they do not produce microplastics during use - they offer environmentally conscious skiers a sustainable alternative. In addition, wooden skis sensitise skiers to environmental issues and help to raise awareness of sustainable consumption and environmental protection. By choosing environmentally friendly ski equipment, skiers can actively contribute to the protection of nature and the environment and make their contribution to sustainable winter sports.

Environmental impact:
The ecological footprint of wood and fibreglass skis
How should the sustainability and environmental compatibility of wooden skis be assessed in comparison to fibreglass skis? Wooden skis use more natural raw materials, whereas fibreglass skis tend to use more fossil raw materials. In a life cycle assessment, wooden skis perform a little better, as more CO2 is bound in them than in composite skis. In the overall assessment, however, this makes almost no difference. According to the study by Mountain Wilderness, travelling about 100km by car causes just as much CO2 as manufacturing the skis. If you don't live in the mountains, you've quickly caused that in terms of mobility.

Durability and maintenance: Which type of ski lasts longer?
Normal skis are designed to be as durable as possible. This is good for skiing, but if parts break off and lie around in the environment or particles rub off and remain as microplastics, then they will be there forever. And that is rather bad. Wooden skis, on the other hand, are biodegradable, i.e. they don't last quite as long and require more care, but the parts that are left lying around somewhere unchecked are not there forever as they decompose over time.

Cost analysis: price comparison of wooden skis vs. fibreglass skis
When analysing the cost factors of both types of skis in detail, it is important to take a closer look at the manufacturing costs of wooden skis. If we are talking about weight and performance-optimised skis with a 3D surface, then the manufacturing costs for 5-axis CNC milling are significantly higher than for 2D wooden skis or normal skis. For 2D wooden skis and normal skis, the materials used and their availability and demand play a role. The natural materials used in wooden skis tend to be a little more expensive than the fossil materials used in standard skis.

How are skis constructed? (from top to bottom)

  • Top layer, as protection against scratches, usually polyamide printed with sublimation printing
  • Glass fibre layer or carbon layer, either as fabric or scrim, with 2 or 3-axis alignment
  • Titanal, sometimes used to better distribute the forces of the ski binding and to control the vibration behaviour of the skis
  • Wood core, either one or more types of wood
    Fibre layer, made from glass or carbon fibres
  • Rubber bands, above the steel edges to protect against impacts
  • Steel edges
  • Ski base, made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

Sidewalls made of ABS plastic are often attached to the sides of the wooden core and at the front and rear.

How are wooden skis constructed? (from top to bottom)

  • Wood veneer, as top layer
  • Natural fibres, such as flax, jute or hemp, as fabric or scrim, with 2 or 3-axis alignment
  • Wood core, ash wood
  • Natural fibres
  • Ski base, made from biodegradable plastic

    Steel edges are still screwed to the side of the ski.

15. Brands and manufacturers of wooden skis

Well-known brands and their history:
There are a number of well-known brands that specialise in the production of high-quality wooden skis, such as Fischer, Völkl and Atomic. Each of these brands has a unique history and tradition in the ski industry. With the advent of plastics in the mid-20th century, all the major ski companies switched production from wooden to composite skis and now use a mix of materials including various plastics, wood, steel, aluminium and epoxy resins for the construction of skis. Gemsjaeger.ski, on the other hand, specialises in the development of innovative designs and technologies in the field of wooden skis and aims to make the ski industry more sustainable through this pioneering role.

Smaller workshops and their products:
In addition to the well-known brands, there are also numerous smaller workshops and craftsmen who specialise in the production of individual wooden skis. These workshops are characterised by their craftsmanship, small quantities and the use of veneer as the surface of the ski. Nevertheless, as in normal ‘plastic skis’, glass fibres and epoxy resins are also used here. Thanks to their close cooperation with customers and their customised production, partly through ski building courses, these workshops offer unique and high-quality products that stand out from mass production, but are unfortunately not sustainable. A good video on manufacturing is the SWR Handwerkskunst: Wie man Ski aus Holz baut.

Comparison and evaluation of wooden ski providers:
When choosing a wooden ski supplier, it is important to take a critical look and evaluate various aspects. The biodegradability of the running surface plays an important role here, as this is where most microplastic abrasion occurs when skiing. However, the other components of the ski also wear out and cause abrasion, so these components, such as adhesives, fibres and paints, should also be biodegradable. It can also be helpful if wear parts such as the steel edge or ski base can be replaced again and again. Through careful comparison and thorough evaluation, skiers can find the best wooden ski supplier for them and ensure that they get a product that meets their requirements and expectations in terms of sustainability and skiing enjoyment.