Snow Shepherd
A Case Study
Snow Shephard
A Case Study
The Origin
SnowShepherd was born in the heart of the ski industry. In 2009, Tim Shepherd specialized in avalanche rescue equipment. Brandon Shepherd, who now runs SnowShepherd, grew up around the industry and understood the problems within the market.
SnowShepherd is primarily a glove brand, an idea born out of a severe lack of good-quality equipment in the market. In 2011, Brandon discovered the ‘classic lifty glove,’ a simple tanned leather glove with fur lining the inside. After talking to locals, he found out they came from a garden center in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. After using these gloves for three consecutive seasons, Brandon was convinced of their quality and began planning how to create and mass-produce a similar product for a wider audience.
SnowShepherd represents the idea of quality, usability, and design with its products. They prioritize their customers’ experience to ensure that you get the exact product that will suit you best. They hold the brand ethos: “Don’t be a sheep”—a motto long used in the Shepherd household. This epitomizes the brand; they bring a popular product to people with a unique twist to make it different.
‘Don’t be a Sheep. We don’t follow any one, we lead the way.’
Brandon Shepherd – CEO
The 'lifty' glove
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reimagined
The 'lifty' glove...
Reimagined
This glove (pictured first) was a prototype created by a local supplier, featuring some of the first SnowShepherd branding. This marked the beginning of what would become one of the market leaders in gloves. Over the past 13 years, SnowShepherd has fine-tuned their design to develop a product that outperforms the competition. They use a Hiproa membrane which allows for breathability while also providing warmth. They don’t stop there instead of heat drying the leather. They sun dry it keeping its quality to the very highest level. Additionally, their special factory treatment ensures the leather remains waterproof without requiring any wax. SnowShepherd prides itself on the quality and ruggedness of their products, staying true to their roots by offering the best quality at an affordable price.
This glove (pictured first) was a prototype created by a local supplier, featuring some of the first SnowShepherd branding. This marked the beginning of what would become one of the market leaders in gloves. Over the past 13 years, SnowShepherd has fine-tuned their design to develop a product that outperforms the competition. They use a Hiproa membrane which allows for breathability while also providing warmth. They don’t stop there instead of heat drying the leather. They sun dry it keeping its quality to the very highest level. Additionally, their special factory treatment ensures the leather remains waterproof without requiring any wax. SnowShepherd prides itself on the quality and ruggedness of their products, staying true to their roots by offering the best quality at an affordable price.
The Community
SnowShepherd also does extensive work within the community. They sponsor numerous riders of varying ages and disciplines, with some notable names being Kendall Goodman, Taylor Doybns, and Holden Samuel. These athletes have competed on the biggest freeride stages in the world, showcasing SnowShepherd’s equipment and quality globally. What’s truly commendable is SnowShepherd’s support for young and upcoming athletes looking to break into their respective disciplines, like Kai Watson, Palmer Parish and Deja Parker, who is excelling in the freestyle ski scene in the UK, and other local riders trying to make their mark in racing.
Behind the Brand
We interviewed the owner Brandon Shepherd to find out more about the brand and what they represent. From right to left. Tim Shepherd, Brandon Shepherd, Martin Elliott, Adam Friend
What does SnowShepherd represent as a brand?
“Snowshepherd is a standout UK brand that does things differently. We think outside the box with our manufacturing, using only the best materials and creating our own when necessary. It would have been easy to follow the crowd, but where’s the fun in that? We stand at the forefront of innovation in snowsports wear.
Behind the Brand
We interviewed the owner Brandon Shepherd to find out more about the brand and what they represent. (Second from the right)
What does SnowShepherd represent as a brand?
“Snowshepherd is a standout UK brand that does things differently. We think outside the box with our manufacturing, using only the best materials and creating our own when necessary. It would have been easy to follow the crowd, but where’s the fun in that? We stand at the forefront of innovation in snowsports wear.
From sourcing the finest leather in the world and meticulously caring for it throughout the manufacturing process to creating the most waterproof winter sports outerwear with our Lotus range, we are committed to excellence. At Snowshepherd, we combine top-tier materials and innovative design to deliver exceptional performance and quality in every product. Don’t be a sheep!”
What is your story in getting SnowShepherd to where it is today?
“Tim Shepherd started Snowshepherd in 2009, pouring immense hard work and dedication into the brand. He focused on providing the best gloves and mittens on the market, designed by riders for riders, and built a strong audience from the ground up.
In 2011, Brandon Shepherd, who now runs the business, discovered the classic lifty glove in the Alps while working there. Frustrated with buying new gloves every winter that neither kept him warm nor lasted, he asked locals where they got their gloves. He found out they came from a garden shop in Bourg-Saint-Maurice and lasted three seasons of daily skiing. We started selling the classic Venitex French Work gloves, popular among locals, ski guides, resort workers, and lift operators in France.
It has been incredible to see how far the brand has come and its potential for future growth. Snowshepherd now stocks shops all over the world and equips the most trusted professionals in the Alps, cementing its reputation for quality and reliability. 13 new products dropping this upcoming winter.”
The History
Ski gloves have become a mass-produced moneymaker for many ski brands over the years, with new technology being recycled and reused under different brands to boost sales. Historically, the people who spend the most time wearing ski gloves are the workers, like lift operators, who are outside constantly moving snow. Traditionally, lift operators have avoided many mainstream brands during colder months, favoring good quality, warm, and waterproof gloves instead. Across Europe, insulated leather gloves bought from hardware stores, treated with leather wax for waterproofing, have been popular for many years. These gloves, while not designed specifically for skiing, have long been as effective as market leaders and much more affordable. Recognizing this demand, SnowShepherd developed their first glove based on this style.
Their work has impressed many over the years, leading to collaborations with companies like ESF and stocking the majority of the French Ski Patrol. They have successfully brought a tried-and-tested style into the modern age.
The Design
SnowShepherd’s design style embodies a blend of functional minimalism and rugged elegance. Each product is meticulously crafted to meet the highest standards of durability and performance, ensuring it withstands the harshest outdoor conditions.
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The designs are sleek yet practical, focusing on lightweight construction without sacrificing strength or weather resistance. With a keen eye for detail, SnowShepherd incorporates innovative materials and cutting-edge technology, resulting in gear that performs exceptionally in real-life scenarios and exudes a timeless aesthetic appeal. Every piece reflects their unwavering commitment to quality, functionality, and sophisticated design.
The Future
SnowShepherd is rapidly expanding. After already becoming a staple brand in France with their gloves, they are beginning to expand into other forms of outerwear. They have developed a new fabric for their Lotus jackets, which has a waterproof rating of 50,000 mm but remains breathable. This is a product I have personally tested against some of the market leaders, and it has more than stood up to the test, often surpassing the competition.
Be sure to follow SnowShepherd as they pioneer outerwear and expand into new countries.
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