Hidden Gems: Meet Dan Russell of Hovland Snowskates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Russell.

Hi Dan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hovland started about a decade ago. We had some friends making snow skates in their garage, and once we tried riding them we were hooked. None of us were from the snow industry (just lifelong snowboarders), so it took a while to get everything going, but after a year or so we had prototypes. And the season after that we had snowskates for sale.

We focused on doing on-hill demos at resorts all over the country (and in a few other countries) to give people a chance to try it out. This helped us grow interest and start getting skates into shops. Today, we still focus on demos, as well as getting involved in snowboard comps and holding snow skate events. And we’re always working on making better media for the various social media platforms and YouTube.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think it’s ever a smooth road when starting a company. But we’re lucky to be in an industry we love doing an activity that’s super fun.

We’ve had pretty much all the normal issues (manufacturers, cash flow, deadline issues, etc.). But that’s all part of it.

The companies that figure out how to get through these things are the ones that succeed.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Hovland makes snowskates and flatdecks. Snowskates are resort-focused. They have a sub-deck (like a smaller narrow snowboard), a top deck (an oversized skateboard deck with specialty grip), and skateboard-type trucks to connect the two.

And there’s a coiled leash off the back to connect the rider to the snowskate, because there’s no bindings. Think of a mix of snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing…on the mountain. Pretty much anything you snowboard or ski, you can do on a snowskate. We have four sizes, from a 92cm sub-deck (for the terrain park) to a 152cm sub-deck (for powder).

Our flat decks are more focused on urban terrain. They are a skateboard style top deck with a grooved-out sintered base (like a snowboard) to help it slide on snow. These are best at local parks, your backyard, or anywhere that’s covered with snow. They’re not meant for the ski lift, but for around town they’re the best. Ruby Hill is a great place to ride one.

Hovland is bringing fun options to the snow, whether you’re resort-focused or an urban ripper.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
There are a number of great things about the city.

Being by the mountains is the obvious one. But there are so many rad restaurants and music venues in town. And there’s a ton of green space. The life-style is what brings and keeps so many people in.

Contact Info:

• Website: hovlandsnowskates.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hovlandsnowskates/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovlandsnowskates/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hovlandsnowskateco.9284

Image Credits
Hovland Snowskates