Venture Snowboards is relocating to Silverton, Colorado. Started in 1999 by the husband and wife team of Klemens and Lisa Branner, Venture is an independent snowboard manufacturing company with a dual mission: to build superior performance snowboards while minimizing environmental impact. Since its inception, the company has received accolades for its use of sustainably harvested hardwoods and cloth topsheets (including organic cotton and hemp), and for converting its entire operation to wind power. The next step is a manufacturing space that embodies the companys conservation ethic.
“Weve been making due with a cramped space in Bayfield for the last several years, and now were at a point where the size of our workshop is a limiting factor,” explains Klemens, who heads up design and manufacturing for the company, which makes everything from scratch, including its cores. “Building our own, larger facility will not only allow us to keep pace with an increased volume of orders, but will enable us to take our environmental commitment to the next level.”
Design plans for the new 4,000 square foot building include passive and active solar features, as well as the use of sustainable, recycled, and reclaimed materials throughout. The building will house the companys production facility, as well as administrative offices and a small showroom.
Situated at 9,318 feet above sea level, Silverton (population 500) is surrounded by the rugged peaks of the San Juan Mountains. The town is also home to the extreme ski area, Silverton Mountain. “We've always dreamed of small town mountain living, and the fact that Silverton Mountain is just a few miles up the road and there are limitless options for backcountry riding all around makes Silverton an ideal testing ground for our boards,” says Lisa. The San Juan Mountains are Colorados largest mountain group. Outside of Alaska, no other mountain range in the U.S. has a higher average elevation. “Where better to locate a grassroots snowboard company than in the very heart of the most incredible mountains in the lower 48?” she asks with a grin.
Groundbreaking on the Venture factory is planned for early spring of 2007. In the meantime, the company has rented a 2,500 square foot storefront on Silvertons Greene Street. “Were excited to be up there starting this winter,” says Klemens. “Well move later this fall and prep the space for our needs through the winter. Come spring well be ready for our first Silverton production run.”
