It’s no surprise that Central Oregon, with its pristine powder and breathtaking Cascade Mountain views, is home to a number of ski and snowboard companies. From high-performance gear to cozy outerwear, these innovative Bend-based brands draw inspiration from the Northwest’s snowy winters and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. Whether you’re carving down the slopes or shopping for a winter-loving adventurer, these local companies offer unique gear perfect for the snow-filled mountains and beyond.
BlackStrap
Founded in 2008 by Abe Shehadeh, BlackStrap began with a simple goal: to enhance mountain adventures with comfortable, durable winter accessories. Over the years, it has grown into a full-fledged outdoor apparel company offering headwear, neckwear, base layers and more — all designed with the ultimate mountain experience in mind.
One standout product is the Hood Balaclava, built for breathability, warmth and all-day comfort. For those braving the cold, BlackStrap’s base layer crewnecks and hoodies offer extra warmth while staying lightweight and versatile.
Hood Balaclava: $37.99, available in 10+ colors
Men’s Therma Base Layer Hoodie: $89.99, available in 4 different colors
SnoPlanks
Born in Bend in 2012, SnoPlanks is a passion project turned standout brand, founded by James Nicol and Ryan Holmes to bring surf-inspired craftmanship to the slopes. Their snowboards are handmade with precision and creativity with designs like the Asym Twin and Asym Fish offering unforgettable rides tailored for diverse mountain terrain.
In a nod to the community, SnoPlanks was recently donated to Oregon State University-Cascades, providing students with hands-on experience in running an outdoor products company. Alongside the unique boards, SnoPlanks also offers stylish apparel such as T-shirts featuring topo maps of Mt. Bachelor and Mount Hood.
Mt. Bachelor T-Shirt: $30, Black
Asym Twin Snowboard: $799
Asym Fish Snowboard: $999
Crab Grab
Since 2010, Crab Grab has been adding fun and functionality to the world of snowboarding. Known for its quirky branding and practical products, this Bend-based company specializes in gloves, mittens and traction pads that keep snowboarders secure and stylish on the mountain.
The Crab Trap traction pad is perfect for customizing gear, while the Champ Mitts offer warmth and a grippy surface for handling boards mid-air. Locals can find Crab Grab products at Powder House, Tactics, Mt. Bachelor’s pro shop and 4 Seasons Recreational Outfitters in Sunriver.
Crab Trap: $23, available in 2 patterns
Binding Bag: $38, available in 7 different colors
Champ Mitt: $100, available in 2 colors
This article appears in Source Weekly December 12, 2024.
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