VOLANT Brand Snow Skis:
VOLANT: American Innovation Meets Stainless Steel
Founded in 1989 by brothers Hank and Bucky Kashiwa in Colorado (Boulder-based, with early manufacturing in the Denver/Wheat Ridge area)
Volant skis are a rare American chapter: Colorado-built engineering, stainless steel cap construction, and a McConkey-era powder legacy that helped change ski design.
Browse our current VOLANT listings below—or email photos if you have a pair to identify, date, or appraise.
TL;DR — For Collectors
- Founded in by brothers Hank and Bucky Kashiwa in Colorado.
- Revolutionized ski construction with stainless steel cap skis—durable, damp, and unmistakable on the rack.
- The Chubb (mid-1990s) helped lead the rise of wide skis with bulldozer confidence in soft snow and crud.
- The Spatula (circa –) was one of the first fully rockered skis, designed with Shane McConkey.
- Acquired by Amer Sports in ; discontinued in .
From Stainless Steel to the Powder-Rocker Era: The VOLANT Story
Colorado Origins and the Kashiwa Brothers
Founded in by brothers Hank and Bucky Kashiwa in Colorado (Boulder-based, with early manufacturing in the Denver/Wheat Ridge area), Volant Ski Corporation revolutionized ski construction with a technology no one had seen before: stainless steel cap skis.
While European brands dominated the ski world with traditional construction methods, Volant brought engineering principles influenced by aerospace material science and American innovation to the slopes, creating skis that looked different, performed differently, and captured the imagination of skiers seeking something beyond the ordinary.
The Stainless Steel Revolution: How Volant Skis Were Different
Volant skis looked like nothing else on the mountain. The polished stainless steel topsheet gleamed in the sun, and skiers either loved them or were deeply skeptical. But those who tried them quickly became converts.
Stainless Steel Cap Construction: A thin, durable stainless steel topsheet bonded to a foam core. This design provided exceptional vibration damping, edge hold, and durability—especially on ice and hardpack.
The Chubb and the Rise of Wide Skis
Among Volant's most influential models was the Chubb, introduced in the mid-1990s. With a waist of around 88–90mm underfoot—wide by the standards of the era—the Chubb anticipated the coming shift toward wider, freeride-oriented skis.
The Shane McConkey Era and the Spatula
But the most revolutionary ski to come from this partnership was the Spatula, designed by McConkey and engineer Peter Turner in the early 2000s (circa –). The Spatula was one of the first fully rockered (reverse camber) skis on the market, featuring extreme tip and tail rocker that made it incredibly playful and floaty in powder.
The End of Independence
In , Amer Sports officially discontinued the Volant brand. The Colorado factory closed, and the era of American-made stainless steel skis came to an end.
Iconic VOLANT Models: A Collector’s Guide
For vintage ski collectors, Volant skis represent a unique piece of American ski innovation. They're not just collectible—they're still skiable decades later, a testament to the durability of stainless steel construction.
| Model | Era | Why It Matters | Collector Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spatula | Early 2000s (circa 2002–2003) | One of the first fully rockered skis; designed by Shane McConkey and Peter Turner. | Revolutionary modern-era ski; extremely collectible. |
| Chubb | Mid-1990s | One of the first “fat skis,” around 88–90mm underfoot; charged soft snow and crud. | Cult favorite; highly collectible. |
| Machete | Early 2000s | Shane McConkey signature ski; wide, powder-minded design. | Iconic freeskiing artifact; strong collector demand. |
| Fat Bastard | Early 2000s | Wider iteration in the Machete series; part of McConkey’s line. | Rarest of the Machete line; extremely collectible. |
| Power Ti / Power V | 1990s–2000s | All-mountain carving skis showcasing the stainless steel cap concept. | Still skiable; prized for damping and durability. |
Why Collectors Care About Vintage VOLANT Skis
American Innovation: Volant was one of the most ambitious and visible American-owned ski brands of its era.
Stainless Steel Construction: The only ski brand to use stainless steel cap construction.
Shane McConkey Legacy: The Machete series and Spatula are tributes to one of freeskiing's greatest pioneers.
Powder Revolution: Volant played an early role in the development of wide and rockered powder skis.
Still Skiable: Volant's stainless steel construction means these skis can last decades—they're not just collectibles, they're functional artifacts.
Got Vintage VOLANT Skis?
Here at LongSkisTruck.com, I'm passionate about preserving the history of American ski brands—especially those that pushed the boundaries of innovation. If you have vintage Volant skis—especially from the 1990s through the 2000s—I would love to see them.
Email me at: mike@longskistruck.com — include the model, length, bindings/plate details (if applicable), and any story you know. A few quick photos from your phone are all I need.
Every pair has a history—and I'm here to help you tell it.
Provenance & Authenticity
This page is collector-authored and maintained as part of the LongSkisTruck™ brand archive. It is non-sponsored and built from physical artifacts, industry documentation, and community provenance.
For stainless-steel-cap Volants, authenticity is usually obvious: the mirror-polished steel topsheet is a structural element, not a cosmetic wrap.
Check for model markings, length labels, and any factory or distributor stickers; photograph them before cleaning or remounting.
Inspect for delamination at the steel-to-core bond line, edge separation, compressed foam core zones, and corrosion around fasteners or plates.
McConkey-era skis (Spatula, Machete series) carry premium collector interest—document graphics, mount pattern, and any original paperwork or shop receipts.
If you're unsure, email photos (tops, bases, tips, tails, sidewalls, and any stamps) to mike@longskistruck.com for a free, no-obligation appraisal and dating help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most collectible vintage VOLANT skis?
The most sought-after include the Spatula (2002–2003 reverse camber pioneer), Chubb (mid-1990s fat ski), Machete series (McConkey signatures), and early Power Ti/Power V models with original stainless steel caps.
How can I identify authentic vintage VOLANT skis?
Look for the mirror-polished stainless steel topsheet, VOLANT logo markings, foam core construction, and 'Made in USA' or early Colorado markings. The Spatula is unmistakable with extreme reverse camber.
What makes VOLANT skis different from other American brands?
VOLANT was the only production brand to use patented stainless steel cap construction for unmatched durability and damping—combined with Shane McConkey's freeskiing innovations that helped launch the powder/rocker era.
What should I look for when buying vintage VOLANT skis?
Prioritize intact steel topsheets (minimal scratches), no delamination, original edges/bindings, and documented provenance. McConkey-era models (Spatula, Machete) in good condition are especially valuable.
Sources & Further Reading
- VOLANT Skis — background and timeline — Overview of Volant’s founding, stainless steel construction, and corporate timeline. (Wikipedia contributors, Wikipedia)
- Shane McConkey — athlete biography — Context on McConkey’s impact and the era that produced the Spatula and Machete line.
- International Skiing History Association — industry history reference
- LongSkisTruck™ archive — VOLANT listings and collector notes
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