Philosophy
1
Our Roots in Swiss Wood
2
Embracing Green Materials
3
The Power of Open Source
Our Roots in Swiss Wood
At Barbagiazz, our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship begins with the materials themselves. We believe in honoring the rich natural heritage of Switzerland, which is why we meticulously select Swiss wood for the core of our skis. Each piece of oak, larch, beech, ash, or poplar is chosen not only for its superior performance characteristics – its flex, durability, and lively feel – but also for its sustainable origins. Sourced from responsibly managed local forests, our use of Swiss wood supports our regional economy and minimizes our environmental footprint. It's more than just a material; it's a connection to the very mountains we ski, ensuring that every turn you make carries the authentic spirit and strength of Switzerland.
Embracing Green Materials
Innovation, for us, goes hand-in-hand with responsibility. Our dedication to the environment extends beyond our wood choices to every component of our skis. We are constantly researching and integrating green materials that push the boundaries of performance while significantly reducing our ecological impact. For instance, our ski sidewalls are made of wood rather than conventional ABS plastic, and our tip and tail spacers are also crafted from cork instead of ABS. Our core composite material is AmpliTex from Bcomp, which uses natural fibers to provide exceptional damping and performance. This is bonded with GreenPoxy from Sicomin, a bio-based epoxy resin. These choices contribute to a ski that not only performs at the highest level but also significantly reduces its ecological footprint. Our aim is to craft skis that contribute to the preservation of the pristine alpine environments we cherish. Skiing is about experiencing nature, and we're committed to ensuring those experiences remain for generations to come.
The Power of Open Source
Innovation thrives on collaboration and transparency, principles that are at the heart of our design process. That's why Barbagiazz proudly integrates Open Source software into our research, development, and manufacturing. For the precise geometry and structure of our skis, we use FreeCAD, a powerful parametric 3D modeler. This allows us to design and refine every curve and dimension with complete control and flexibility.For our manufacturing, we rely on the collective intelligence of the open-source community as well. Our CNC machine, based on the V1 Engineering LowRider 4, is a testament to this philosophy. This approach allows us to utilize cutting-edge tools without proprietary limitations, fostering a nimble and adaptable design and production environment. It empowers our engineers to constantly refine and improve, benefiting from a shared knowledge base that drives innovation forward. By embracing Open Source, we ensure that our skis are built with the most advanced, transparent, and community-driven technology available, reflecting our belief in shared progress and continuous improvement.