Fort Lewis CollegeStudent's Family Startup Set to Disrupt the Slopes with ‘Ski Pole for Snowboarders’

If you’ve ever snowboarded at Purgatory Resort, you know exactly why locals affectionately (and sometimes frustratingly) nickname it “Traversatory.” The mountain’s flat sections and long traverses are notorious for stealing a snowboarder's momentum, forcing riders to unstrap, skate, or awkwardly hop to the next decline.

But a new family-run startup with deep roots at Fort Lewis College (FLC) is looking to change the winter sports landscape forever with the Pow Paddle—essentially, a ski pole designed specifically for snowboarders.

The Anatomy of the Pow Paddle

The concept bridges the gap between snowboarding and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). While traditional ski poles don't accommodate a snowboarder’s sideways stance, the Pow Paddle is built from the ground up to maximize horizontal movement while allowing the rider to stand up straight.

The Shaft: Crafted from premium, lightweight carbon fiber.

The Tip: A unique, wavy stainless steel blade mounted at the base.

The Powder Effect: In deep snow, the paddle acts like a shovel, compacting the powder behind it so riders can effectively propel themselves forward.

“The paddle allows for you to... go and use your horizontal movement a little bit more, while standing up straight, as a snowboarder would,” says Ashton Black, FLC student and company co-founder.

From a Mexico SUP Trip to the Slopes of Purgatory

The idea struck lifelong snowboarder Ken Black during a stand-up paddleboarding trip to Mexico. Wondering if the same upper-body propulsion could translate to the snow, Ken built a crude prototype out of an adapted paddleboard paddle and hit Purgatory for the 2023-24 winter season.

His son, Ashton—a skier who initially met the idea with skepticism—was instantly converted after watching his dad effortlessly navigate flat zones, cruise up to the chairlift lines, and use the paddle to rest without sitting down in the snow. Alongside Ken and his wife, Sandy, the family quickly filed for a patent.

Winning Over the Durango Community

Ashton took the reins of the business side, bringing the invention to FLC’s Hawk Tank—the college's version of Shark Tank. The pitch was a massive success, earning the team second place overall and a $2,500 cash prize.

The validation didn't stop there. Immediately following the presentation, local entrepreneur Bo Maloney, owner of J. Bo Pizza & Rib Co., bought a prototype straight off Ashton for $400 in cash.

Pow Paddle Snapshot:

• Target Launch: Winter 2026-27

• Anticipated Retail Price: $329

• Material: Carbon fiber & stainless steel

• Key Focus: Premium durability, adaptive sports, and beginner progression

Looking Ahead to Winter 2026-27

The family is currently focusing on creating a custom manufacturing mold to transition away from adapted paddleboard parts. To maintain total creative control, they are planning to self-fund the next phase through a home-equity loan rather than taking on outside investors.

The Pow Paddle is already generating buzz ahead of its official Winter 2026-27 launch. Local outdoor retailers like REI Durango and Backcountry Experience, alongside adaptive sports organizations, have already expressed strong interest.

Snowboarders looking to try the paddle firsthand can look out for the family’s demo tent at Purgatory Resort this upcoming season, with online sales launching via Shopify shortly after.