Born from a middle-school science project, Gilson Snow makes handcrafted snowboards and skis at its Pennsylvania factory. Founded in 2013 by teacher Nicholas Gilson and fellow educator Austin Royer, the company applies fluid-dynamics ideas from surfboards and sailboats to snow gear, including its distinctive 3D base designs. Gilson uses locally sourced Pennsylvania Poplar and ships its rider-built equipment to more than 50 countries.
NorthSide CustomsBorn in 2007 from the Bozeman basement workshop of custom woodworker Matt Sebren and engineer Rob Morgan, NorthSide Customs designs and builds made-to-order skis tailored to each rider. The company combines custom wood cores with carefully engineered composite construction, and can finish skis with everything from wood veneer to original graphic topsheets. NorthSide also supports the Gallatin Valley community by sponsoring charitable raffle events at local businesses.TOLEDO, OH
Bomber SkiBomber Ski handcrafts performance skis in limited runs at its own boutique factory in Cossato, Italy, where Italian artistry, engineering and carefully selected materials come together one pair at a time. Acquired by Robert Siegel and KT Bren in 2013, the company takes about three days to build each pair and tests new models for two years across varied snow and terrain. Bomber also applies its alpine design approach to helmets and other ski equipment.New York, NY
Deviate Board CoBrooklyn’s Deviate Board Co. handcrafts solid-wood longboards that translate New York surf culture into street-ready rides. Founded by surfer and woodworker James Petitto, the company builds each board one at a time in its Brooklyn workshop from personally selected furniture-grade hardwood, using vertical lamination and traditional hand tools rather than industrialized production. Deviate also collaborates on custom boards and plants a tree for every handcrafted board sold.BROOKLYN, NY
Squirrel Hill Design and CraftSquirrel Hill Design and Craft is a Pittsburgh maker of handcrafted maps and local-landmark goods, founded by Erin Cridlebaugh in 2017 in Rochester, New York, before she returned to her native Pittsburgh. Cridlebaugh combines traditional woodworking with cartography and GIS experience to create maps and accessories that celebrate local places. The studio emphasizes domestically sourced FSC-certified wood, recycled wood, and ethically printed non-wood accessories.PITTSBURGH, PA