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.”
Foundations and Growth
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.
Passing the Brand
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.
Creating New Opportunities
At SnoPlanks Academy, it’s about more than being a student; we’re innovators and entrepreneurs. 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.
Starting in James’ garage, he and Ryan experimented with various woods like maple, birch, and bamboo. Lightweight, flexible, and sustainable, bamboo became the cornerstone of the SnoPlank’s design and is still gives heart to the ASYM Fish we sell today. As SnoPlanks grew from a small operation into a respected name in the outdoor industry, it remained true to its roots of emphasizing innovative design, unparalleled riding performance, and sustainable natural beauty in every board produced. These same roots stand today as we craft and produce the future of SnoPlanks. Just as James and Ryan stayed deeply committed to the community of central Oregon, we hold true to that commitment through collaborations with local businesses, hosting events, and participating in community outreach to ensure those values are held.
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.”
Foundations and Growth
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.
Passing the Brand
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.
Creating New Opportunities
At SnoPlanks Academy, it’s about more than being a student; we’re innovators and entrepreneurs. 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.
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Starting in James’ garage, he and Ryan experimented with various woods like maple, birch, and bamboo. Lightweight, flexible, and sustainable, bamboo became the cornerstone of the SnoPlank’s design and is still gives heart to the ASYM Fish we sell today. As SnoPlanks grew from a small operation into a respected name in the outdoor industry, it remained true to its roots of emphasizing innovative design, unparalleled riding performance, and sustainable natural beauty in every board produced. These same roots stand today as we craft and produce the future of SnoPlanks. Just as James and Ryan stayed deeply committed to the community of central Oregon, we hold true to that commitment through collaborations with local businesses, hosting events, and participating in community outreach to ensure those values are held.
