I recently talked with Seneca Boards owner, Eric Newman to talk skiing, manufacturing, and all about Montana’s only custom ski company. What I got back was more than what I asked for, he reminded me why we ski and what skiing really means.

Why did you decide to start a ski company?

This is such a difficult question because there are really a lot of factors that went into starting this company. The long answer, as I usually tell people, is that Seneca Boards was born out of a relative disappointment with the ski industry. Really, what I mean to say is that there is so much potential in this sport that isn’t being utilized, and I wanted to build something unique with that potential, such as custom and handcrafted skis. As I started learning more about the ski industry, my reasons for continuing changed from wanting to build new and creative skis, to wanting to teach people the history of skis and how to build them, to hoping to build the highest quality skis possible, and so on… I could probably write a book on all of the reasons that led me to this point. Ultimately, the short answer is the most accurate answer. I love to ski. More than anything in the world. It has shaped my whole life; from the first day I skied when I was two and a half all the way until today. I hope to leave a lasting mark on the sport that has given me so much, and to pass on my passion for skiing and the mountains to the next generation.

What style of skis do you make?

Well, we actually make every type of ski you can imagine. We have built the widest powder skis on the market, the stiffest big mountain skis I have ever seen, park skis, tele skis, asymmetric skis, rockered skis, reverse camber skis, magna traction skis, race skis and even kids skis.

Really, we are a two-part company. You can purchase generic shop skis – of which there are three models to choose from; Powder, All Mountain and Backcountry, each made in three lengths. Or, you can completely customize your skis or board to create something entirely your own.

How long and how many people to make one pair?

A typical pair takes roughly 8 hours to build, excluding the finishing touches, sidewall trimming, stone grinding and hand tuning, which can take up to eight hours more. Many custom skis will take as long as 20 hours. However, as we have improved efficiency and tooling, we have been able to build skis in as little as 5 hours. Cure times for the cores and the epoxy layups are not included in this, but are usually done while we work on other skis so as not to be an issue. It typically takes 6 hours for a core to cure before it can be milled. Once the core is cured and milled, it is layed up in the ski press to press for another 24 hours under 20-60 tons of pressure with the rest of the layer of the ski. It then sits at room temperature for another 72 hours before being ready to ski.
With new equipment this winter, we anticipate production times to be as low as 2 hours per pair, and only need to press for 15 minutes at 60 tons and 180 degrees.

Where are the skis and snowboards available for purchase?

Our skis and snowboards are available for purchase online at; www.senecaboards.com. We try to keep sales very personal, and I continually encourage people to contact me personally if they are interested.

While I can’t name any of the shops until we have formal contracts written up, we have been approached by several shops to carry our skis and snowboards. We hope to have skis for sale in at least three shops this winter, and in all of the shops in Bozeman by next fall. It is an incredibly long process to bring all of the logistics together to compete with major brands, but our vision is to be a widely distributed brand across the country and in select locations worldwide. We have already sold skis in 12 states, ranging from Montana, Idaho, Washington and Utah to as far east as Maryland, Massachusetts and Vermont. We currently have one order pending for someone visiting from Spain.

Anything exciting for 2011?

I have decided to take this year off from the world freeskiing circuit to pursue ski building. This means a lot of time and energy to focus on new and exciting ideas. Horizontally laminated park skis and boards are in the works (think skate deck). As well as longboards and freestyle boards for this summer. Next fall we hope to be widely distributed around Bozeman, and will do our best to put on or sponsor some big events. For the hardcore skiers, we have a ski ready for demo that is stiffer than Rossignol’s now extinct pro series of the b4 (which was called the bsquad). As for backcountry enthusiast, we have a prototype for what will be one of the lightest backcountry skis to date.

In skiing news, I personally have my eyes on some really exciting first descents around Bozeman, as well as a few new lines up at Bridger. We are working to develop a blog on the website to keep all the skiers and riders informed of our plans, first descents and public news of Seneca and Seneca Skiers.

Any advice for young skiers?

Skiing and snowboarding are really hard sports. I grew up attending school with Danny Kass, Hannah Teter, Kevin Pierce and a slew of other really talented skiers and snowboarders. I have competed in US Nationals, and qualified second for the World Championships last year. I have been lucky to meet some of the world’s best skiers and snowboarders. What I learned from these amazing athletes is that to be the best doesn’t require you to have the most talent, but to have the most passion. If you go out there and enjoy everyday you are lucky enough to ski or snowboard, and have as much fun as you can while you do it, the rest falls into place. I see so many people do stupid things to gain attention. I have made my share of mistakes, and the only thing I am left with is a daily reminder that it isn’t worth it. A few years ago I broke my neck, my back and my sternum in a skiing accident. I spent 8 months in a back brace that I couldn’t remove. I lost feeling in part of my legs for 6 months, and was told I would never ski again. It’s easy to get caught up in the sport and mistake a talented skier or snowboarder for someone who is uncalculated or gutsy. The best athletes in the world get there because they are careful and calculated, and they are patient enough to wait because they know how to have fun in the process, that’s what this sport is really about.

What does Seneca Mean?

Seneca is an Iroquois word that translates roughly into ‘people of the big mountain.’ The name was chosen for a few reasons. First, Big Mountain skiing is my favorite aspect of the sport; it’s also the sports oldest roots. Secondly, I wanted to honor Montana’s rich Native American Culture. While the Seneca Tribe is actually located in upstate New York, the point is the same. Finally, I wanted to build a company that stood for more than great skis. I wanted Seneca to be about the experience of skiing and the passion that people share for the sport. I have traveled the continent skiing, and there is nothing quite like partying with a group of fanatic skiers. People who live their life around skiing, or around the mountains, seem to have something figured out about life. They live everyday like it’s their last, party late into the night, and wake up early in the morning to do it all over again. The Seneca tribe was named for the ‘big mountain’ they lived on and cherished, and Seneca Boards is named for the mountains that we as skiers and snowboarders live on and cherish.

If you would like more information on Seneca Boards, check out their Facebook or e-mail Senecaboards@gmail.com
http://senecaboards.blogspot.com