Company Overview
Poet Snow Sports is more than a snow-sports company; it is a mission-driven movement devoted to creating lasting impact through craftsmanship, experiences, creativity and connection. Rooted in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and inspired by the transformative power of nature, Poet Snow Sports offers handcrafted, made-to-order skis, snowboards, apparel, accessories, artwork and events for individuals who value authentic expression, artistry and environmental stewardship and who seek a deeper connection to themselves, their community and the natural world.
We are far more than a gear brand. We are a storytelling platform for poets, videographers, photographers and artists to share their work. To give them an opportunity to transform their art form onto a new canvas, to showcase their art to a new audience, and to create new revenue streams. Through artist collaborations, we transform our skis, boards, apparel, and accessories into living canvases, giving poets, illustrators, and creators a space to share their work, earn revenue, and inspire others.
We also operate the Poet Snow Sports Entrepreneurship Academy & Accelerator, which empowers the next generation of marketers, makers and operators through real-world, hands-on training. The Academy blends online learning, live mentorship and immersive apprenticeships to prepare participants to lead within our company, launch their own impact-driven ventures, and build localized production hubs around the world.
Our work is guided by a commitment to inclusivity, artistry, sustainability and personal growth. Whether it is carving a line of poetry into the snow, hosting community-driven events, or helping an emerging artist share their vision with the world, Poet Snow Sports exists to inspire peak experiences, foster deep connections and empower authentic self-expression both on and off the mountain.
Mission & Vision
Mission: Inspire peak experiences, authentic expression and human connection through bespoke snow-sports equipment, artistic collaborations and inclusive programs.
Vision: A world where individuals freely express themselves, connect deeply with nature and each other and where the pursuit of flow is universal and accessible.
Leadership Team
Poet Snow Sports is led by a team of passionate innovators who combine deep experience in snow-sports, entrepreneurship and social impact.
Chad Weir - Co-Founder, Project Manager, Marketing Lead, Financial Lead
With over 20 years in the ski industry, Chad has worked as a ski instructor, events director, sales rep, boot fitter, FIS technical coach and program director for one of Alberta’s largest ski clubs. He held leadership roles with Canada Ski Cross, Alpine Canada, Freestyle Canada and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Beyond skiing, Chad is a 13-time entrepreneur, corporate project manager and business consultant. His passion for mountains, craftsmanship and the pursuit of flow drives Poet Snow Sports’ vision. Chad leads the brand’s mission to inspire peak experiences, authentic storytelling and sustainable craftsmanship.
LinkedIn Profile
Lee White - Co-Founder, Creative Director & Director of Adventure Therapy & Impact Programs
A lifelong skier, wilderness guide and social impact entrepreneur, Lee has spent over 30 years designing transformative outdoor experiences. His work with Outward Bound, two years in post-Apartheid South Africa and ongoing adventure therapy programs in BC reflect his dedication to personal growth through nature and embodied experiences. As an Ashoka Fellow, he also leads ChinookX Technologies, advancing clean energy transition and Indigenous data sovereignty. At Poet, Lee brings his creativity, guiding expertise and commitment to fostering flow states.
LinkedIn Profile
Zaman Forootan, PhD - Operations
An experienced leader in operations, education and technology, Zaman manages Poet Snow Sports’ production, fulfillment and process optimization. He leads global AI initiatives in industry, teaches graduate-level courses in data-driven decision making and is a certified ski instructor. His blend of strategic insight, hands-on leadership and love for skiing ensures Poet’s growth remains rooted in craftsmanship, community and sustainability.
Linkedin Profile
Our leadership team brings together expertise in brand building, product innovation, operations, and social enterprise, united by the belief that skiing and snowboarding can be powerful vehicles for personal growth, artistic expression and environmental stewardship.
For more information, visit our Team Page to learn more about the people behind Poet Snow Sports.
Products & Services
- A media/story telling platform for creators and artists.
- Handcrafted Skis and Snowboards: Sustainable, made-to-order equipment designed for performance and artistic expression.
- Artist Collaborations: Limited-edition gear blending poetry and visual art, creating moving canvases.
- Workshops and Events: Festivals, ski improvement clinics, poetry and self-expression workshops, community-driven backcountry adventures and development programs for underprivileged and adaptive communities.
- Art Market Place where we showcase art that inspires flow, inspires us, connects us, or is related to mountain culture.
- Unique Limited Edition Apparel & Art: Artist-curated, high-performance and stylish clothing and accessories. Every once in a while we will collaborate with an amazing artist to produce a limited edition piece of art work, apparel or both. Those drops will happen on a preorder basis and will be available in limited quantities for short durations.
There Are 3 Three Ways To Get Your Gear
#1 Order your skis or snowboard as you would from other companies anytime from our existing designs with our poem/ski top sheet, a visual tribute to our passion and craftsmanship. We’ll ship them to you as soon as they’re complete so you can experience the artistry in every turn.
#2 Order during our annual limited edition artist collaboration series and be a part of a truly unique offering. Each year, we will launch a new ski/snowboard & apparel package that is the collaboration of artist and poet. This collaboration will include your skis or board in addition to limited edition gear, such as a hoodie, hat, stickers, art pieces and a hand-crafted wall mount to display your skis or snowboard as the art piece it is. You will also be invited to our winter kick off event bringing our community together, getting a chance to meet the poet and artist and crafts people, where you can pick up your gear in person. Don’t miss out on this unique and exclusive experience.
#3 Want to express your own artistry? Be your own designer, and let us help you create a Custom Top Sheet or a Fully Bespoke set of skis or snowboards. Note: Custom orders require a deposit and full payment before production begins and are non-refundable. If you want to start your custom order head on over to our https://poetskis.com/pages/contact page and drop us a line.
Market Opportunity
- Total Addressable Market (TAM): $15.9 billion in the winter snow-sports industry.
- Serviceable Available Market (SAM): $8 billion, targeting eco-conscious and customizable outdoor gear.
- Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM): $3 billion, representing Poet Snow Sports' immediate opportunity.
Competitive Advantage
Poet Snow Sports stands at the intersection of customization and sustainability, leading in social impact and accessibility while maintaining high-quality craftsmanship. Unlike mass-market competitors, Poet Snow Sports focuses on bespoke, eco-friendly production and community impact.
Competitive Advantage Unlike mass-market ski brands, Poet Skis & Snowboards stands out with:
Made-to-Order Production - No excess inventory creates lower risk compared to traditional ski manufacturers.
Sustainability Focus-Uses eco-friendly materials and a responsible supply chain, aligning with modern consumer preferences.
Artistic Collaboration-Unique designs created with poets and artists, transforming each ski into an exclusive work of art.
Premium Handcrafted Quality-Superior durability and ride performance, appealing to discerning skiers who prioritize craftsmanship.
Traction
- Achieved organic growth without advertising, generating revenue through word-of-mouth sales.
- Sold multiple batches of apparel and skis, validating strong product-market fit and a loyal community.
- Strategic partnerships with organizations like Power To Be amplify social impact and inclusivity efforts.
2025 Roadmap
- Launch a new website and digital marketing campaigns.
- Begin organic outreach and remarketing efforts.
- Host product demo tours and community events.
- Surpass $20k in online revenue by year-end.
- Complete $1.5M seed fundraising round.
- Define share structures aligned with company values and B Corporation criteria.
- Establish 2-3 key retail partnerships in each major city and ski town.
- Hire an Operations and Fulfillment Coordinator.
- Research and test eco-friendly materials for sustainability.
- Expand production capacity.
- Expand international market reach into Japan, Korea, and China.
- Launch major campaigns to establish brand presence.
- Expand event-based revenue streams, including CAT skiing trips and brand-sponsored adventures.
- Launch Creator/Influencer Program.
- Host poetry slams, backcountry ski touring trips, and international adventures.
- Launch first season kickoff event and first CAT skiing trip with Power to Ski.
- Establish partnerships with Power to Be and expand Lee’s adventure therapy practice.
- Grow experiential community events such as art shows, poetry slams, and ski meetups.
- Add GS Race, Carving, and Park Skis to the product lineup.
- Launch an annual limited-edition collection and move collaborative hoodies to monthly drops.
Social Impact
Poet Snow Sports integrates inclusivity and accessibility into its core operations. Through partnerships and initiatives, it supports youth, First Nations, and adaptive recreation organizations. A portion of sales funds programs that provide transformative outdoor experiences.
For more information or to join the journey, contact:
connect@poetskis.com
www.poetskis.com