2024 State of the Union Survey Results

WNDR Alpine is a B Corp, a brand of the people, and a brand of the planet. So naturally, we're all about getting real feedback from the people that matter the most: YOU, the backcountry explorer reading this.

For those reasons, we recently sent out our State of the Union Survey to our community of worldwide wonder-seekers. It was incredibly insightful. But also, you're a creative and often humorous bunch. We'd be lying if we said we weren't in it for a bit of entertainment as well. Grab a beverage and get in on a healthy blend of lighthearted amusement and some genuine insight as to how the our early adopters would like to see WNDR Alpine grow in the coming seasons.

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When we say "community-centric," this is what we mean. If you're part of our community of early adopters, you get to weigh in, shape product development, and steer our destiny.

Before we dive in, a quick caveat: we're a small team of biologists, materials scientists, engineers, athletes, and innovators. If it's mentioned here, don't expect that every item will drop tomorrow. But conversely - we do take these ideas into account, and much of the feedback we get from our community is already shaping current and future product development.

What softgoods technologies and products would people like to see us working on?

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Interest in DWR (Durable Water Repellent) technology remains high. Not surprising, considering many of the chemistry challenges the industry is currently facing. Maintaining high performance while freeing technical apparel of toxic PFAS chemistries is going to be the name of the game in the very near future.

"Hoping to see some outerwear in the future."

"Men’s long sleeve." 

"Wicking long sleeves for touring would be huge."

"More shirts and hoodies. Maybe make a more tech hoody. You could add backpacks and other packs." 

"Longsleeves for Men, Underpants, 3/4 pants to wear under the shell."

"I would really enjoy the good feeling of having clothes next to my skin in the winter that have your environmental philosophy behind them. So insulated base layers would be awesome."

Lots of great ideas above. Stay tuned...

What kinds of skis and boards do riders prioritize?

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An interesting spread for sure. We're all about the joys of the descent, but we seek out constructions (and binding choices) that keep far away objectives within reach.

What hardgoods items would people like to see us working on?

"Monoski! A split monoski would be even better."

"I visited the Nest recently and got to riff about top sheet art, owls (and owl symbolism), and visual design/marketing. First, I love the owl. Second, I was thinking about how there might be (as possible) "special" series of owl topsheets that take into account region. In other words, maybe there is a special series of topsheets for the PNW, featuring specific owl species in the PNW, and another for the Mountain West, et cetera. Maybe the series is developed in collaboration with wildlife protection organizations and the like?"

"Perhaps more size options. Maybe some more tail rocker to be a bit more true twin tip on the fatter skis. Maybe some interesting new shapes and designs, i feel like with Pep and Logan Imlach you guys could make some really cool asymmetric skis."

"More all mountain shapes, more twin tip shapes, more freestyle influence."

"Continued experimentation with materials and performance."

"More hoodie options n maybe spice up your graphics on your skis n boards, so many cool things you can do with your logo and owl."

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Hopefully this is the kind of spice you were asking for. Sonoran Avalanche Center, maybe this is more your wheelhouse?

In your own words, what is WNDR Alpine's mission?

It's always good to check in and see how people are resonating with what we're all about. To no surprise, you guys nailed it:

"Never use vowels!"

"To show that environmentally friendly materials can provide a better product. Being environmentally friendly doesn’t have to come at a cost of performance."

"To deepen relationships with environments, foster community, and feature innovation that enhances (and balances) backcountry experiences and care for biodiversity."

What does the community care about the most?

We do this out of an undying passion for the mountains and the planet we recreate on. It's good to see that we're aligned.

"Relationships, nature and exploration."

"Public access to wild lands, truly wild lands. To hell with the gondy."

"Honestly... my dogs."

"Fostering more expansive and caring ecological relationships, environmental justice, and community building/collaboration."

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