Sometimes it can be difficult to navigate through the massive monster that is the snowboard marketplace as a rider or a company. Since 2009 Niche snowboards has been steadily carving out its own cubbyhole in the industry. Soon you’ll see why IzzitGreen took some serious notice, for reasons other than Niche’s steller mascot choice.

Based in Salt Lake City, UT Niche Snowboards is set apart from the masses through its complete and ground-up dedication to environmentally friendly construction materials. Niche is on a crusade to de-toxify the snowboard industry and is leading by example with a line of minimal impact snowboards.

Aether

The Aether, for example, is Niche’s answer for the all-mountain freestyle rider. This versatile board has a sustainably harvested poplar core for a mid-stiff flex. It also uses Niche’s Snappy-Sap(TM) bio-resin that, as you might imagine, is made from bio-renewable materials as opposed to the commonplace petroleum-based epoxies. Not only does this resin have a much lower environmental impact, but its incredibly strong bonding ability saves your board from the horror of delamination. Awesome.

Minx

This tricksy Minx park board was made just for the ladies, but don’t worry, no need to be gentle. Niche’s Magma Fiber (TM) is constructed from basalt, which as we all know from seventh grade science class, forms when volcanic lava cools. Magma Fiber (TM) provides a huge improvement over fiberglass. Not only is this magic material stronger, more elastic and lighter, but it is non-toxic, much easier to recycle and avoids the greenhouse gases that are released during fiberglass processing. So start hitting the boxes with this awesome eco-ride, and stop contributing to the bra tree.

Hoodie

Although primarily a hardgoods company, I had to throw in the Niche Hoodie. Available in either a hemp and organic cotton or bamboo and organic cotton blend, these long-fit hoodies are perfect for a little apres board and could even double as a dress for the ladies. The selective vertical branding and thumb holes are details that are as refreshing as they are full of attitude.

So much to say, such little space. So, make sure to check out all of Niche’s ecological know-how on its technologies page. Even though this awesome company is triumphing in its own eco-corner, I can only hope that the rest of the industry will smarten up and follow suit. We are in for a long, snowy winter. Trust me, I have a knack for these things. Time to grab your board (or sticks if that’s your thing) and pray for pow.

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Image Credit: Niche Snowboards