 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi All Snow Heads.
My wife and I are in the early days of launching a new ski and snowboard clothing brand. We are effectively looking to introduce something that's stylish but at an affordable price point. Keep you warm and dry, suitable for European resort skiers who spend a few weeks a year on the piste, look the part and not break the bank. We see this as a problem that has arisen in recent years and are therefore looking to offer a solution.
We are normal people with normal jobs as well. We are looking for some kind volunteers who can assist with initial marketing shots of early brand samples. Hence looking here.
Trips booked for Cortina in March and VT in April if people wish to meet up.
Below is our 'advert' we currently have on instagram and Facebook accounts. It would be great to hear from anybody who can help.
Help Wanted - New Brand
**Calling All Ski Seasonaires!**
Are you spending the season shredding the slopes and hitting up the best après spots? We’re looking for skiers and snowboarders aged 18-35 to test out some of our Carve Collective après clothing and accessories before we officially launch!
We’ll send you a free pack of samples from our stylish après range – think hoodies, tees, beanies, and other accessories designed for kicking back after a day on the mountain. In return, we’d love you to send us photos and short videos of our gear in action, especially in lively après environments.
The best content will feature in our first marketing campaigns, and if you're comfortable, you could even appear in our ads! Of course, we'll tag you on Instagram and Facebook if that’s your preference.
Next season, we’ll be launching full technical ski and snowboard apparel, and we’d love to build lasting partnerships with talented riders who can help represent the brand both on and off the slopes. If you’re a regular seasonaire with strong skiing or boarding skills, we’d especially love to hear from you!
We welcome couples, groups, and even ski-loving families to get involved—whether you're carving up the pistes by day or soaking up the après vibes by night, we want to see you in action!
We’re excited to introduce a stylish, affordable ski brand to the European market, and we want you to be part of it from the start.
Drop us a DM or comment below if you’re keen to join the Carve Collective!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Snowboarders spending the season in the Haute Maurienne. Happy to test stuff out and provide feedback.
Normally live in the highlands and we have a lot of outdoor experience in different sports and with gear.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@CarveCollectiveApparel,
See your research didn't extend to finding out how to spell 'seasonnaire'. 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@CarveCollectiveApparel, welcome to SH's.
I know it's not what you asked but...
"We are effectively looking to introduce something that's stylish but at an affordable price point. Keep you warm and dry, suitable for European resort skiers who spend a few weeks a year on the piste, look the part and not break the bank. We see this as a problem that has arisen in recent years and are therefore looking to offer a solution."
It's already a crowded market with plenty of affordable options. How do you expect to compete? And what problem do you think has arisen? Do you have any USP? Any experience in the industry?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@under a new name, well unless you’re an investor you don’t need to. Its not dragons den 
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| Kenzie wrote: |
@CarveCollectiveApparel,
See your research didn't extend to finding out how to spell 'seasonnaire'. |
As an anglicisation of a French word your preferred spelling might make some sense. Trouble is it's not actual a 'real', as in dictionary-defined, word in either language, so complaining about its spelling is just a bit silly. We all knew what was meant.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Quote: |
complaining about its spelling is just a bit silly
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Completely agree. It's not a word, so there's no "correct" way to spell it. If you're going all French, it's "saison", not "season".
Sorry, I can't help. Well outside the required age range.  But good luck!
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| MAthert wrote: |
Snowboarders spending the season in the Haute Maurienne. Happy to test stuff out and provide feedback.
Normally live in the highlands and we have a lot of outdoor experience in different sports and with gear. |
MAthert- Will be in touch by DM.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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To be fair it's what White Stuff and FatFace started as and they did alright when they sold.
Best of luck.
When can we see the product?
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Good luck. Planks did this and then became silly expensive. Gap in the market.
Also I'd help but I a) am too old and b) have a face made for radio.
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Also to be fair, ski resort demographic is getting older so maybe you should be selling pipes, slippers and trousers with elasticated waistbands.
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You know it makes sense.
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@CarveCollectiveApparel, I’m a little too old for you, but I live in a ski area all year round. Most of my skiing mates are younger and my lad’s a ski instructor. We could easily get your samples tested and some photos for socials.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| Layne wrote: |
@CarveCollectiveApparel, welcome to SH's.
I know it's not what you asked but...
"We are effectively looking to introduce something that's stylish but at an affordable price point. Keep you warm and dry, suitable for European resort skiers who spend a few weeks a year on the piste, look the part and not break the bank. We see this as a problem that has arisen in recent years and are therefore looking to offer a solution."
It's already a crowded market with plenty of affordable options. How do you expect to compete? And what problem do you think has arisen? Do you have any USP? Any experience in the industry? |
Appreciate the question. The market is full of affordable and unaffordable gear, but most of it falls into two camps: cheap and uninspired (Trespass) or stylish but overpriced. We’re here to change that.
Carve Collective is for skiers and snowboarders who want to look as good as they ride—at a level of performance to meet the requirements of your average European resort dweller for a few glorious weeks a year. Too many brands either dial back the style or sacrifice it all together to hit a price point. We don’t intend to do that. Our gear is built for the kind of riders we are: those who spend weeks in the Alps every season, carving hard and standing out while doing it.
We see the truly affordable brands as part of the problem. Ever heard the words "Can't wait to see what Trespass or Decathlon have out for next season" at the same time it's not their fault, they are serving a price point and a market. At the opposite end things are super expensive and or technical, Moncler, Spider, Canada Goose, Prada Ski, Arc'teryx. All looks great and super tecnical do people need that for a few weeks a year?
Then there is the position where mid market brands used to be, North Face, Burton, Planks. Then more recently (and we think they got a lot right) Montec and Dope.
Somewhere between the lower and the mid markets we think there lies an opportunity, with the right product mix, not just technical gear but resort wear too! We might just might make something happen over the next 5 years if we give it a fair crack. We do need to start somewhere tho and hear we are on Snow Heads.
Experience... Nahhh none at all we are just winging it... We do have a little guidance on hand tho 
Give us a shout next time you are in resort and we will hook you up.
Last edited by Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name: on Mon 10-02-25 23:58; edited 1 time in total
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Poster: A snowHead
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| Thick As wrote: |
To be fair it's what White Stuff and FatFace started as and they did alright when they sold.
Best of luck.
When can we see the product? |
We have early samples of non technical, Beanies, Tees, Hoodies, Sweaters, Sun Glasses making its way to Europe between now and the end of the season.
Sales of this gear will be for the start of next season as the samples we have are not quite good enough for sale. We have a proof of concept and the range is starting to look the part.
We have had a set back on some of the technical jackets, coats and trousers and hoping these will be available for some slush in April. If not then somebody might have to volunteer for a trip to NZ.
Targeting range reveal in the off season and launch in time for Christmas presents next year on limited quantities.
Please follow our socials and you should start to see the range in action from April onwards as we grow brand awareness.
The reaching out is literally to get some people wearing it ion resort and some start-up marketing collateral.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Thick As wrote: |
| Also to be fair, ski resort demographic is getting older so maybe you should be selling pipes, slippers and trousers with elasticated waistbands. |
I'll add those to the accessories category!!
We are looking to to be ski lifestyle as well as technical....
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| Quote: |
| We welcome couples, groups, and even ski-loving families to get involved...But have absolutely no interest in clothing any snow sports enthusiast who is on the waiting list for a hip or knee replacement, who needs to declare existing medical conditions, or who may be on their last mountain holiday before retiring from the slopes and entering a care home - ie those aged over 35 need not apply. |
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| mountainaddict wrote: |
| Quote: |
| ie those aged over 35 need not apply. |
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Probably excludes 90% of posters here then?
Way to target your market.
@CarveCollectiveApparel, how old are you kids?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| hammerite wrote: |
| @CarveCollectiveApparel, I’m a little too old for you, but I live in a ski area all year round. Most of my skiing mates are younger and my lad’s a ski instructor. We could easily get your samples tested and some photos for socials. |
Thanks for your help ill drop you a direct message later on today.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| ster wrote: |
| mountainaddict wrote: |
| Quote: |
| ie those aged over 35 need not apply. |
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Probably excludes 90% of posters here then?
Way to target your market.
@CarveCollectiveApparel, how old are you kids? |
We do need a target market to start with.... Buy hey you are as young as you feel and its a free world. Hope you like our stuff enough to become a customer someday.
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@CarveCollectiveApparel, you say you've got early samples "making its way to Europe." Where are they being manufactured? Are you comfortable you have adequate line of sight to ensure ethical production?
You mention Dope and Monte. I've been impressed with the work they're doing on sustainability and ensuring ethical production. Are you doing anything similar?
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@CarveCollectiveApparel, you know there is a clothing brand called Carve already don't you?
https://carvesport.com/
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@CarveCollectiveApparel, Totally get where you're coming from even though I'm far too old for your offer. Only 1 question...Tees, what material? Cotton or merino?
BTW Love the name. Good luck guys.
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Your messaging is already all over the place - you want to target people who do a few weeks a year but then you say seasonnaires. Those 2 groups are not the same. And good luck finding lots of 18-35s who do the multi trip winters unless they are courtesy of the bank of Mum and dad.
I'm pretty sure the world doesn't need another Chinese sunglass slapped with another name. And "resort wear" isn't that just clothes? By all means you mind establish a niche brand there but every man and his dog can get hoodies and t shirts printed.
So then technical wear, you want to hit a price point between Trespass and Montec. I'm sure it's doable but I suspect you'll only end up with Trespass quality of materials etc at a low volume. And then you have to worry about faults and durability.
I assume you've read up on the problems with Montec kit too like this https://femignarly.com/2023/02/06/montec-brings-fast-fashion-to-snowsports/.
They seem to own the market you want so how are you going to do it cheaper and more ethically?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Morning, I may have missed something in skimming through this but as I believe "a picture paints a thousand words" ........ would it not be wise to post some images up (even just on this closed forum so that your competitors can't see it if you are worried............. I found your website and all I came away with was "that's a nice dog, I wonder if they are van-lifers?"
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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You know it makes sense.
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| kiteman69 wrote: |
| Morning, I may have missed something in skimming through this but as I believe "a picture paints a thousand words" ........ would it not be wise to post some images up (even just on this closed forum so that your competitors can't see it if you are worried............. I found your website and all I came away with was "that's a nice dog, I wonder if they are van-lifers?" |
I think there's a lot of truth in this. I have a couple of friends who are both in your target audience, but are unlikely to choose to wear gear that they have never seen!
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Clearly I am toooo old for this brand as I never thought about replacing one of the o's (letter) with a 0 (number)
I like the way you have designed the word "carve", but I don't see why this hoodie would be any different to any of the other hoodies/fleeces I have in my wardrobe that my wife insists I have too many of.
To me a good USP would be a jacket I could wear for 1-2 weeks skiing, then 50 weeks (you know what I mean) walking the dogs.
But good luck 
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Dave of the Marmottes, I shared that article you've linked to with Dope, as it was very much at odds with my experience. My Dope jacket arrived fully labelled up with their sustainability credentials and ethical credentials, which are explained on their website. Dope were surprised and disappointed by the article. They admit they're not perfect but are very much moving in the right direction:
https://www.dopesnow.com/sustainability/
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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It does seem like a crowded market. Just a quick search of mens waterproof ski jackets on a couple of sites brought up good options from Oakley, Planks, Picture, Volcom, 686, Burton, Quicksilver and Armada all under £250. That being said if you think there's a market gap to fill then well done for going for it! Wishing you all the best. Would echo some other comments about trying to emphasize some sort of sustainability/ethical aspect into the brand and production.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| kiteman69 wrote: |
| Morning, I may have missed something in skimming through this but as I believe "a picture paints a thousand words" ........ would it not be wise to post some images up (even just on this closed forum so that your competitors can't see it if you are worried............. I found your website and all I came away with was "that's a nice dog, I wonder if they are van-lifers?" |
I think there's a lot of truth in this. I have a couple of friends who are both in your target audience, but are unlikely to choose to wear gear that they have never seen!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Finally, before I go and have a coffee and walk the boys, I'm intrigued what your price point would be?
My wife and I follow religiously a pair of vloggers on youtube called "Campervibe". These are a pair that 99.9% people would never have heard of yet they flog their merch and I assume do quite well out of it.
Here is a link to their shop so you can have a rough idea what would be the extreme limit of what I would pay for an item of clothing that most people would not understand
https://campervibeshop.com/
(I have no links to the pair I am just hoping to help the OP).
Now if it was branded item (lets say ASICS (I am also a runner)) then the skies the limit on what I would pay as I know the quality that I am buying.
As said before, good luck
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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https://www.instagram.com/carvec0llective?igsh=MWFjZHZsbW9uZDNrMQ%3D%3D
It looks quite cool, and the models are cool and gorgeous. Seems like a good start! (I'm not your demographic; and I wouldn't have been at 18 either. That's another matter!)
Whether one would *want* to get into technical gear I have some doubts. A few failed taped seams and you're bankrupt.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@James the Last, I don't think that's them. Which was kinda my point.
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@CarveCollectiveApparel,
For southern hemisphere skiers/boarders try asking here https://www.ski.com.au/xf/
For rest of 24/25 season
https://www.facebook.com/groups/670519632962525
https://www.facebook.com/groups/149257458481247
(note spelling!).
Quick tip "In return, we’d love you to send us photos and short videos of our gear in action, especially in lively après environments." You'll need the permission of the owners of the apres ski spots to use their premises in advertising. From past (seasonnaire) experience many of these places do their own branded kit (t-shirts, beanies, sweatshirts hoodies) for sale, and will not welcome the competition using their businesses as photo backdrops.
Also from past experience I expected all my kit (except skis and gloves) to last for multiple 23 week seasons, so I never said "Can't wait to see what Trespass or Decathlon have out for next season" or any other brand - I only replaced what could no longer be repaired with gafa tape.
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| Dave of the Marmottes wrote: |
| @James the Last, I don't think that's them. Which was kinda my point. |
Yup - the problem with original ideas is that they can be very difficult to discover, and the chances are that someone else has got there before you. Looks like https://www.carvecollective.co.uk/ is a work in progress but matches the details provided so far and is UK-based where the Instagram account is for a company in Salt Lake City and their link to a sales outlet is also in Utah.
Question for @CarveCollectiveApparel - are you operating as a company, or not? The website really needs to have something to provide your company name and registered address if you are, or if not, it would be useful to know that.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Chaletbeauroc wrote: |
| Kenzie wrote: |
@CarveCollectiveApparel,
See your research didn't extend to finding out how to spell 'seasonnaire'. |
As an anglicisation of a French word your preferred spelling might make some sense. Trouble is it's not actual a 'real', as in dictionary-defined, word in either language, so complaining about its spelling is just a bit silly. We all knew what was meant. |
+1 with pedantic knobs on!
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@CarveCollectiveApparel, my freeriding kids have both recently got Dope kit and love it. I’m sure they’d happily try some free kit if it’s similar style.
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FAQ
