Deviation

This Portland-based crafter focuses on big mountain and backcountry skis and snowboards, using purple heart and ash wood to hone the sweet spot in ride quality. Deviation’s totally customizable skis and boards are designed by a growing stable of mostly local artists, from mixed-media abstracts to landscape photography. “We never want a customer to say: ‘I really love your product, but goddam your artwork is hideous,’” says founding partner Matt Hilbert. “That’s been a central pillar that we organized around from day one.” 

ON3P

Bamboo cores, thick bases, and intense DIY ethos have earned the Northeast Portland ski maker a reputation around town, and accolades in publications like Powder. Founded in 2006, ON3P excels in the park and freestyle scene, hammers out custom skis, and gives factory tours upon request.

SnoPlanks

Bend-based SnoPlanks is a relative newcomer to the scene, using sustainable bamboo to craft what they call “surf-inspired” snowboards. Crazy, edgeless shapes, like the “asym fishtail,” float on top of deep powder with surprising agility.

Not ready to splurge on a hand-crafted, locally sourced board? Do your wallet a favor and rent in Portland, not on Hood, where you’ll pay around twice as much. Next Adventure sells the full package for $25 a day; Mountain Shop, $25–30 for two days.