ABOUT SNOPLANKS
Our Mission
“At the heart of SnoPlanks lies a dedication to crafting high-quality boards for a diverse set of riders. We are committed to fostering academic and professional growth among those in the student-led team while carving paths in the snowboarding industry and cultivating a community where relationships flourish and equity prevails. We seek to unite all under our shared passion for snowboarding.”
Founded in 2012 by James Nicol and Ryan Holmes in Bend, Oregon, SnoPlanks began as a passion project born from a desire to craft unique, surf-inspired snowboards that would excel on the slopes of Mt. Bachelor. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, James and Ryan were naturally drawn to Bend for its vibrant outdoor culture and community spirit, significantly shaping our brand’s ethos.
Starting in James’ garage, the two experimented with various woods like maple and birch until discovering the exceptional potential of bamboo. Lightweight, flexible, and sustainable, bamboo became the cornerstone of the SnoPlanks design, leading to boards that offered the fluid, responsive ride they envisioned. This commitment to innovation and craftsmanship soon caught the attention of the snowboarding community, earning SnoPlanks the $15,000 Early Stage Award at the Bend Venture Conference.
As SnoPlanks grew from a small operation into a respected name in the outdoor industry, it remained true to its roots—emphasizing innovative design, unparalleled riding performance, and sustainable natural beauty in every handcrafted board. Despite their success, James and Ryan stayed deeply committed to their Central Oregon community of riders and causes they supported.
In 2023, Nicol and Holmes made a remarkable decision to gift SnoPlanks to Oregon State University-Cascades, ensuring that their legacy would continue through the hands of students. This extraordinary donation led to the creation of the SnoPlanks Academy, a program that offers us—the students of OSU-Cascades—a hands-on opportunity to build a premier winter sports brand, and run a best-in-class Outdoor Products company, while we pursue our undergraduate education.
At SnoPlanks Academy, it’s about more than being a student; we’re innovators and entrepreneurs. We’re actively engaged in research and development, constantly pushing boundaries to design new snowboards and improve existing models. As a fully student-run enterprise, we’re creating a completely new busines model which can serve as an example for other universities. By focusing on sustainability through our partners and materials, and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, we’re working to ensure that SnoPlanks remains at the forefront of the small-batch snowboard industry.
Beyond product development, we’re also committed to engaging with the Bend community. Whether through collaborations with local businesses, hosting events, or participating in community outreach, we’re dedicated to upholding the values that James and Ryan built into the company.
The SnoPlanks brand embodies the adventurous spirit of Bend, with a strong focus on sustainability, community involvement, and continuous innovation in every board we produce. As we take SnoPlanks into the future, we’re proud to carry forward the legacy of award-winning design, craftsmanship, community support, and environmental stewardship that has defined SnoPlanks from the beginning.
The SnoPlanks story is still being written…