Starting a Ski Company from Scratch w/ Ellis Skis

Starting a Ski Company from Scratch w/ Ellis Skis

Author: BLISTER May 22, 2026 Duration: 59:38
There’s no shortage of skis on the market these days, yet we’re still seeing new brands pop up. So what does it take to start your own ski company, and why do it in the first place? In this episode, Luke Koppa gets the story behind one of the newest brands out there, Ellis Skis, from their founder and engineer, Kevin Schaefer. We discuss why he started Ellis; how he went about prototyping the skis he thought could fill gaps in the market; what he has planned for the future; some misconceptions about ski design, and more. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS: Get Covered: BLISTER+ Enter Our Weekly Gear Giveaway See Our Blister Recommended Shops Ellis Skis CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: From Longboards to Skis (6:27) Why Create Your Own Ski Company? (8:26) Origins of the “Ellis” Name (11:06) Prototyping Process (11:30) Feedback From Testers & Customers (12:30) Ellis Sabr 100 (26:27) Ellis Meraki 112 (34:10) Ellis Kanso 106 (40:52) What’s Next? (48:46) Clearing Up Ski Design Misconceptions (54:04) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
Luke & Jonathan: More Reviewer Reports from Blister Summit 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:15
Luke and Jonathan compare notes on a number of skis they got on at the Blister Summit; confess some crimes; and offer one public service announcement. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, t…
Reviewer Reports: 'Closing Day + Luke's a Father!' Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:51
Luke’s a dad! Our patron saint of GEAR:30, Hoji, will be back at the Blister Summit! You can win custom skis at our Summit Dinner! Plus, you’ll hear lots of talk from Luke and Jonathan about the skis they tested to close…
Blister Summit ‘26 Preview, Big Announcements, & Reviewer Reports [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:12
Monoskis! Snowblades! Price Drops! Jonathan talks with Luke Koppa and Kristin Sinnott about some big announcements about our upcoming Blister Summit, and Otto Solberg joins us to give an up-to-date conditions report from…