Our Story
It was during a ski trip to the heart of the French Alps, in the storied mountain town of Chamonix, that the idea for UpSkins first took shape. As snow fell steadily outside, I found myself in a modest hostel room—one without trash bins to keep clutter at bay. I had just trimmed a new pair of climbing skins, the fresh pieces scattered around me with nowhere to go.
Pausing to talk with fellow travelers about the impending storm and the deep powder it would bring, I absently began folding one of the skin trimmings, sticky side to sticky side. As it took shape in my hands, I noticed it resembled a key fob. That simple act sparked a thought: What if these adventure-worn skins could be reborn, crafted into something that preserves their spirit? What if waste could become something beautiful, useful, and built to endure?
And so, UpSkins was born—a brand where sustainability meets the thrill of the outdoors, and where each piece is a testament to the journey it’s already traveled. Today, we’re proud to offer handcrafted collars and leashes made from upcycled climbing skins, bringing the rugged elegance of the mountains to you and your four-legged companions.