Leather, used textiles and food are replacing glass and carbon fibres in these skis
After three years of development, Finnish ski manufacturer Pusu presents a new, natural fibre material. This is made from wood or waste from leather, old textiles and food without harmful chemicals and with a minimal CO2 footprint. This makes the use of glass and carbon fibres in the ski structure superfluous.
Finnish ski manufacturer Pusu is a prime example of how companies from two different industries can benefit from each other's expertise and thus jointly advance new technologies. The designers at Pusu were looking for alternatives to the glass and carbon fibres used in ski construction, which are neither environmentally friendly nor sustainable in their production. During their research into materials, the product developers then made contact with the Finnish textile fibre producer Spinnova.
Source: Patrick Bardelli
A few years ago, the German sporting goods manufacturer Alpina and Lavalan, a Bavarian wool producer, demonstrated how such cooperation can be mutually beneficial:
Innovative ski technology with natural materials
According to ski designer Ilkka Helenius, sustainability and the maximum use of natural materials are just as important as finely tuned performance. Pusu is proud that these fundamental parameters are reflected in the new Loska ski.
"Loska" is the Finnish word for spring snow, which is characterised by highly changeable and varied conditions. According to Helenius, the ski design is also derived from this: sufficient width to guarantee flotation and skiing stability in choppy snow, generous rocker and a narrower tail for the most agile and forgiving skiing behaviour possible.
Not only is the inside of this ski special, the design of the Loska is also striking. The striking wood veneer gives the all-mountain ski its vintage look and, according to the manufacturer, emphasises the Finns' claim to integrate a maximum of natural materials into ski construction.
The Pusu Loska Spinnova ski is available in three lengths: 172 centimetres (127 - 100 - 120 mm), 180 centimetres (131 - 100 - 125 mm) and 188 centimetres (135 - 100 - 127 mm). Cost: 1300 euros without bindings.
Source: Pusu
From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.