Mark Draper season edit

Brand overview and significance

FlatLand Decals is a Canada-based micro-brand focused on designing and producing skiing-themed decals for riders, crews, shops, and events. The company presents itself publicly as an unconventional small business serving the ski industry, offering direct-to-rider ordering and small custom runs through its official channels (also visible via its @flatlanddecals presence on Instagram). Rather than hardgoods, FlatLand Decals builds identity—lettering, logos, and iconography that riders apply to skis, helmets, vehicles, water bottles, and shop windows to show crew affiliation and mountain culture.

The brand’s niche is clean, legible designs with a freestyle/all-mountain sensibility. Early community activity around the mid-2010s highlighted die-cut skiing stickers promoted on core freeski forums, and the handle still appears in credits and tags around park content. For skiers who want to personalize gear and support a small, scene-driven business, FlatLand Decals fills a clear gap with accessible pricing and low minimums compared to traditional print shops.

Product lines and key technologies

FlatLand Decals focuses on two practical buckets: ready-made ski culture graphics and small-batch custom work. Ready-made designs are typically die-cut (a decal format where only the graphic remains after application), which keeps visuals crisp on curved ski topsheets and helmets. For custom jobs, the brand works with names, numbers, crew marks, and simple logos sized to common use-cases (topsheets, helmet sides, tail blocks, vehicles, shop doors). While the company does not publish a detailed materials spec sheet, quality ski decals generally rely on outdoor-rated vinyl with weather-resistant adhesive and clean release liners; FlatLand Decals’ long-running focus on die-cut work aligns with those proven norms in the snow industry.

Because the output is graphic rather than hardware, “technology” here is about design process and cut quality: vector artwork for sharp edges, appropriate stroke/letter-height for readability at distance, and weeded/transfer-taped delivery so riders can place complex shapes in one pass. Customers seeking color-rich art can ask about printed-vinyl options, while minimalist crews typically choose high-contrast die-cuts for visibility on dark or light skis.

Ride feel: who it’s for (terrains & use-cases)

Decals don’t change ski flex or dampness; they change expression and recognition. FlatLand Decals caters to park and all-mountain skiers who want their setup to reflect crew identity, humor, or a project name, as well as shop owners and event organizers who need simple, durable branding. Expect use across terrain parks, chairlift lines, and parking-lot meetups, plus on travel cases and tuning benches. On big-mountain boards, riders often add low-key tail or tip marks that show up in photos and help distinguish identical skis in group trips.

Team presence, competitions, and reputation

FlatLand Decals is a grassroots brand rather than a formal race or World Cup sponsor. Its name surfaces in community media credits and tags around park edits and photo posts, reflecting a rider-to-rider network rather than top-down endorsements. This word-of-mouth footprint—especially within the Ontario park scene—has kept the brand visible among freestyle crews that value small-batch creativity and quick turnaround for a new sticker idea.

Geography and hubs (heritage, testing, venues)

Operating from Canada, FlatLand Decals’ community ties are most apparent around Southern Ontario freeski hubs, where park culture is strong and sticker traditions run deep. Names frequently associated with that scene include Mount St. Louis Moonstone, Hidden Valley Highlands, and Horseshoe Resort. Decals show up on lift towers, park features (where permitted), helmets, and shop windows—essentially the visual glue of a local scene. Riders in other regions can order remotely; the brand’s output is small enough to accommodate custom one-offs for trips and premieres.

Construction, durability, and sustainability

In decal work, longevity depends on vinyl grade, adhesive, surface prep, and application temperature. Industry-standard best practice is to clean with isopropyl alcohol, apply at moderate temperatures, avoid waxing over graphics, and allow adhesive to set before wet riding or roof-rack transport. Die-cut formats reduce background film and tend to wear cleanly; high-contrast colors remain readable after scuffs. From a sustainability standpoint, decals are light on materials and extend the aesthetic life of scuffed gear—useful if you plan to keep skis multiple seasons and simply refresh the topsheets’ look.

How to choose within the lineup

Start with placement: ski tips/tails want smaller marks; mid-ski or binding-adjacent zones can fit bolder graphics; helmets usually take 6–12 cm widths on the sides and a smaller mark on the back. Pick contrast against your topsheet or helmet color so photos and chairlift sightings read instantly. Select format: die-cut for minimalist, logo-forward looks; printed vinyl if you need gradients or illustrations. Size it to surfacing: flat zones take larger pieces; curved zones do better with smaller decals or multiple simple shapes. For custom commissions or to confirm current options, contact the brand through its official site at flatlanddecals.com.

Why riders care

FlatLand Decals offers a straightforward way to show identity on the hill: crew, shop, event, or inside joke—no big-brand gatekeepers required. The designs are built for the realities of ski life—cold temps, snow, roof racks—and the small-batch model means ideas can move from concept to on-snow quickly. For skiers who value community markers as much as kit performance, this is a simple, affordable upgrade that keeps local culture visible from the lot to the lift and through the park lap.

Brand overview and significance

Roxa is a family-owned Italian ski boot specialist based in Asolo, in the Montebelluna bootmaking district at the foot of the Dolomites. The company emphasizes Made-in-Italy manufacturing, rapid prototyping, and material science to deliver light, precise boots with a strong focus on fit. Originating as an OEM manufacturer for larger names in the region, Roxa has evolved into an internationally distributed brand known for modern cabrio (three-piece) designs and refined two-piece overlap shells. For freeskiers, all-mountain riders, and tourers seeking low-mass boots with progressive flex and dependable hold, Roxa has become a credible alternative to the industry’s biggest players.

Roxa’s identity blends classic Veneto craftsmanship with CAD-driven design and 3D-printed prototyping. The result is a lineup that tends to feel lighter on the feet without giving up stiffness where it matters. From park laps to big-mountain days and hut-to-hut tours, the collection covers the spectrum with clear model families and consistent sizing logic.

Product lines and key technologies

Roxa’s range clusters into four main categories:

Freeride (R3) – Next-gen 3-piece cabrio shells with a ski/hike mechanism aimed at big-mountain skiers who may mix alpine and tech bindings. Models such as the R3 130/120 include features like adjustable forward lean, long walk-mode range of motion, GripWalk soles, and optional tech inserts. Grilamid shell construction keeps weight down while preserving torsional integrity, and BioFit CM allows qualified bootfitters to heat-mold shell zones for targeted space.

Freeski (Element) – Fixed-cuff cabrio boots built for park, pipe, and playful all-mountain skiing. The Element family uses Roxa’s 3-piece architecture to deliver a smooth, progressive flex with shock absorption that riders appreciate on rails, jumps, and firm landings. Models span a wide flex window and include women’s-specific options.

All-Mountain High-Performance (R/Fit MV) – Two-piece overlap shells for skiers who prefer the classic four-buckle feel with precise power transfer. These boots pair Roxa’s “Next Gen” overlap design with a medium-volume BioFit last and liners tuned for a balanced blend of comfort and edge drive. The broader All-Mountain (including HV options) extends fit coverage to higher-volume feet.

Touring – Lightweight cabrio shells purpose-built for human-powered days, combining walk-mode efficiency, tech-binding compatibility, and supportive downhill performance. Carbon-reinforced cuffs, waterproof gaiters on select models, and Roxa’s long-stride mechanisms help on big approaches without feeling flimsy on descents.

Across these families, hallmark tech includes the three-piece cabrio layout (separate shell/cuff/tongue for a more linear, “elastic” flex), Grilamid injection for stiffness to weight, adjustable flex hardware on select models, and BioFit CM shell-molding zones. Many freeride/freeski models offer I.R. (Intuition/Roxa) heat-moldable liners—developed with Intuition—to fine-tune hold and warmth.

Ride feel: who it’s for (terrains & use-cases)

Cabrio freeride/freeski boots suit skiers who want a progressive, damp feel with a clear “ramp-up” in support as you flex deeper into the turn. They shine in variable snow, soft landings, and playful skiing where smooth rebound matters. If you split your time between inbounds steeps, sidecountry hikes, and the occasional skin, the R3’s hike mechanism and available tech inserts make it a versatile daily driver.

Overlap all-mountain boots are ideal for skiers who prioritize immediate power transfer and a familiar four-buckle closure. Expect a more “on/off” response that grips the ski edge quickly—great for carving groomers, hard-snow precision, and aggressive all-mountain laps. Higher-volume (HV) versions cater to wider feet without sacrificing stance and leverage.

Touring models target skiers who count grams on the uphill but refuse to accept a flimsy feel on the down. With long walk-mode ROM and supportive liners, they’re built for long approaches, technical traverses, and storm-day tree laps where a light, warm boot still needs to drive real skis.

Team presence, competitions, and reputation

Roxa supports a mix of iconic and emerging athletes across freeride, freestyle, and adventure skiing. Names like Glen Plake and members of an international freeski roster contribute feedback that shows up tangibly in shell tweaks, tongue profiles, and liner shaping. The brand’s reputation revolves around comfort-first fit, modern flex behavior, and surprising downhill authority for the stated weights. Independent reviews consistently note that R3-series boots ski to their flex ratings and handle big skis in unpredictable conditions without feeling harsh.

Geography and hubs (heritage, testing, venues)

Design and production are rooted in Asolo, Treviso, part of the historic Montebelluna sports-footwear district. The area’s deep bench of plastics expertise, tooling, and bootfitting culture is unique; many renowned ski-boot companies call this zone home. Asolo’s proximity to the Dolomites enables quick prototyping-to-testing loops on real terrain—think early-morning hardpack, storm-day powder, and spring corn within a short drive. For context on the district’s legacy, Montebelluna’s municipal hub is here: Comune di Montebelluna, while Asolo’s official portal is here: Comune di Asolo.

Construction, durability, and sustainability

Roxa’s construction playbook centers on advanced polymers (notably Grilamid where appropriate), strategic wall-thicknessing, and hardware that balances weight with serviceability. BioFit CM shell-molding zones give bootfitters surgical control over hotspots, which can extend product life by solving fit issues without resorting to premature replacements. GripWalk soles and replaceable components on many models add practical longevity. While the brand leads with “Made in Italy” quality and traceability, its sustainability profile is primarily implicit—lightweight shells use less material, and heat-moldable liners/shells support keep-and-tune ownership rather than churn. Riders focused on durability will appreciate the combination of rigid cuff spines, resilient tongue materials, and robust buckles/straps across the higher-end lines.

How to choose within the lineup

Start with architecture: if you like a smooth, progressive flex for freeride and park, look at cabrio (R3, Element). If you want an immediate, locked-in race-adjacent feel for carving and all-mountain charging, consider the overlap R/Fit MV (and HV for wider feet). Then match fit volume via Roxa’s BioFit lasts and women-specific cuffs where relevant. Finally, dial features to your use-case: need tech inserts and long ROM for sidecountry tours? Prioritize R3 freeride models with ski/hike mechanisms. Mostly lift-served laps and hard-snow precision? The R/Fit MV high-performance boots with four-buckle closures will feel familiar and powerful. Park-first? The Element series offers cabrio smoothness with fixed cuffs that favor switch landings, rail work, and repeated impacts.

Why riders care

Roxa occupies a compelling niche: Italian-built, athlete-validated boots that feel notably light without skiing “lightweight.” The cabrio models bring progressive flex and rebound that flatter playful styles, while the overlap boots deliver the snap and precision that strong all-mountain skiers demand. Add in I.R. heat-moldable liners co-developed with Intuition, practical walk modes and tech compatibility where needed, and fit-friendly shell molding—and you get a lineup that speaks to comfort, performance, and longevity in equal measure. For skiers who value real-snow testing, Veneto craftsmanship, and a clear, easy-to-navigate range, Roxa is an excellent brand to have on the shortlist.

Brand overview and significance

SCOTT Sports is a Swiss-based multisport brand with deep ski DNA. The company’s origin story begins in Sun Valley, where engineer and racer Ed Scott introduced the first tapered aluminum ski pole in 1958, a small but pivotal shift that helped modernize equipment across resorts. Decades later, SCOTT’s wintersports line has grown to include freeride and touring skis, goggles, helmets and technical apparel, while the global HQ in Givisiez, Switzerland, anchors design and product testing in the Alps. In freeski culture, the brand is best known for big-mountain tools (the Pure series), lightweight touring platforms (Superguide), and optics/helmets that show up everywhere from storm-day tree laps to expedition footage.

Product lines and key technologies

SCOTT’s ski range is organized around clear use-cases. The Pure series covers freeride and all-mountain—think stable chassis with metal and carbon reinforcement for high-speed composure—while Superguide models prioritize uphill efficiency without giving away downhill confidence. Construction themes recur across the lines: poplar/paulownia wood cores, sandwich sidewalls, and targeted layers of Titanal or carbon. Two shaping ideas matter for how these skis feel: the brand’s multi-radius “3Dimension” sidecut concept (shorter radii at the ends for easy initiation, paired to a longer/straighter section underfoot for stability) and freeride-specific shaping in Pure models designed with steep, fast faces in mind.

Beyond skis, SCOTT is a category leader in vision and protection. LCG goggles popularized a glove-friendly lens-change slider and use “Amplifier” contrast-boosting optics. On the helmet side, models like Symbol 2 Plus D combine a low-profile shell with impact-management stacks (MIPS, energy-absorbing inserts) and ear-pad designs that preserve situational awareness. The net effect is a consistent ecosystem: skis that track confidently in rough snow, goggles that hold contrast in flat light, and helmets designed for both comfort and real-world safety.

Ride feel: who it’s for (terrains & use-cases)

Freeriders who chase storm cycles and film-worthy terrain will gravitate to the Pure family. The ride is damp and directional with enough rocker/splay to stay loose when you need to slash or shut it down. On chalk or wind-buff, the longer effective edge underfoot reads predictable and calm; in deeper snow, the tapered tip and tail make course corrections easy. If your winter mixes lift laps, traverses and tours, Superguide models are the daily driver: light on the skintrack, torsionally honest on refrozen exits, and forgiving enough to pivot in tight trees.

Resort all-mountain skiers who want one pair for groomers, bumps, side-hits and storm leftovers should look at the narrower Pure Free/Mission widths. They carve with authority on morning cord, stay composed at speed, and are still playful enough for cut-up bowls and sidecountry laps. Pair any of the above with SCOTT goggles and you’ll notice the optical package on low-viz days—contrast stays readable when the sky goes to milk.

Typical venues that show off the intended ride feel include the maritime rolls and parks of Whistler-Blackcomb, the long fall-line steeps and trees around Revelstoke, and pre-season jump lines on Austrian glaciers like Stubai Glacier and Kitzsteinhorn.

Team presence, competitions, and reputation

SCOTT’s image in freeskiing leans steep and fast. Collaborations with marquee big-mountain athletes helped shape the Pure concept—long-radius stability for straight-line authority, with just enough tip/tail support to pivot and reset on consequential faces. The wider culture piece shows up in films and trips—from powder pilgrimages to Hokkaido to dealer/test events in places like Lech Zürs—where the brand’s optics and helmets are as common as its skis. The result is a reputation for hard-charging tools that still feel intuitive for strong everyday skiers.

Geography and hubs (heritage, testing, venues)

Heritage is split between the American birthplace in Sun Valley and modern operations in Givisiez. That map matters: R&D and athlete feedback flow through Alpine venues in Austria and Switzerland—glaciers, early-season parks, and Föhn-polished chalk—while the products remain grounded in the practical demands of storm skiing and big-mountain lines across North America. When you see a Pure or Superguide on edge, you’re looking at a ski shaped by both worlds.

Construction, durability, and sustainability

Most SCOTT skis use full-length wood cores with layered laminates to tune flex and damping. Pure models add Titanal and carbon in the right places to keep chatter down without turning the ski into an unforgiving plank; Superguide trims mass with lighter cores and precise carbon layups so uphill feel improves while downhill edge hold remains credible. Factory tunes arrive with sensible base/edge geometry, so a fresh mount often means you’re ready to ski without immediate shop work.

Durability signals carry over to protection and eyewear: goggle frames and lenses are designed for repeated swaps and hard use; helmets feature modern impact-management systems and ventilate well enough to avoid “wear it or stash it” dilemmas on variable days. On the responsibility front, the brand’s ongoing “Re-Source” initiative focuses on reducing harmful chemistries in durable water repellents, increasing recycled/renewable content where performance allows, and making incremental material choices that scale across categories. It’s pragmatic rather than flashy, and that tracks with the rest of the line.

How to choose within the lineup

If your winter is 70% lifts / 30% hikes with a bias toward bowls, chalk and storm days, start with Pure in the upper-90s to low-110s waist range. Pick the narrower end if you carve hard and ski firm snow often; go wider if you live where storms stack and you draw clean lines in soft snow. For mixed resort/tour weeks or hut trips, choose a Superguide width you can drive when conditions get refrozen or cross-winded; size by terrain rather than by ego so you can hold an edge when it matters. If most days are groomers, bumps and side-hits, look to the mid-90s Pure Free/Mission shapes for a single-quiver answer that still behaves when a front rolls through.

Goggles: match lens to light more than to brand marketing. SCOTT’s contrast-enhancing tints are versatile; carry a second lens if your mountain flips from milk to blue regularly. Helmets: prioritize fit and ventilation on the head you actually have; the safety story only works if the shell sits correctly and you keep it on when the pace heats up.

Why riders care

SCOTT’s ski program blends two core ideas that matter to real skiers: predictable edge behavior when speeds climb, and a smooth, pivot-friendly feel when you need to make decisions in tight or 3D snow. Add optics that make flat light less punishing, helmets designed for the crashes you hope to avoid, and a design language informed equally by Alps testing and North American storm culture. From Stubai to Kaprun, from Whistler to Revelstoke, the through-line is the same: trustworthy tools that reward commitment without punishing everyday laps. That’s why SCOTT keeps showing up in the kits of skiers who value speed, clarity and calm skis underfoot.