K2
For over 60 years, K2 has been redefining what’s possible on snow, with innovative designs, game-changing technology, and a distinctive style. The industry pioneer creates gear that allows skiers and snowboarders to push their limits. At Oberson, you’ll find K2 skis, snowboards, ski boots and snowboard boots, and helmets online and at our Laval and Brossard locations.
History
K2 began with a bold experiment in 1962, when brothers Bill and Don Kirschner started working with fiberglass in their Vashon Island factory in the Puget Sound. Originally used in their workshop for veterinary splints and animal cages, the material soon transformed skiing. Lighter, more responsive, and more fun than the metal skis of the day, their prototype launched a revolution. They named the company K2 as a nod both to their last name and to the world’s second-highest mountain, evoking the heights of their ambition and their love of challenges.
By the late 1960s, K2 was already making waves in the racing world, becoming the first American ski brand to win a World Cup title. From there, the company never looked back. It helped usher in the era of shaped skis with the now-legendary K2 Four. Back in the mid-eighties, it was one of the first major brands to manufacture snowboards. In 1999, K2 was among the first brands to specifically design skis for women. Today, K2 continues to push boundaries in ski and snowboard design with a signature mix of irreverence, creativity, and engineering savvy.
Innovative Design, Splashy Aesthetics
K2 stands out with fresh aesthetics and a technical edge rooted in decades of innovation. From eye-catching graphics to groundbreaking design, the brand has always defied convention to make skiing and snowboarding more dynamic, more fun, and more progressive. K2’s high performance levels and unmistakable flair speak to skiers and riders around the world.
Ski Collections
Mindbender
These freeride skis deliver a smooth, stable glide with just the right mix of power, agility, and playfulness. Designed to shred in unpredictable conditions, they bring K2’s progressive spirit to life.
Disruption
These precision-engineered piste skis are built for powerful carving, impeccable edge control, and confident performance, even when the corduroy turns to crud. Featuring advanced damping and Titanal construction, Disruption skis bring speed and stability to frontside skiers who love going all out on the slopes.Reckoner
These playful all-mountain freeride skis are made for skiers who treat the whole mountain as their playground. With twin-tip shapes, a surfy feel, and a durable construction, the Reckoner line is designed for slashing powder, hitting butters, and landing huge jumps. These skis are energetic, stable, and fun from first chair to last run.Wayback
These lightweight touring skis are built for long days in the mountains, whether you’re chasing summits, powder stashes in the woods, or lapping the skin track at the resort. Engineered for uphill efficiency and downhill confidence, they offer a smooth, responsive ride wherever you roam. Omen With bold graphics by Berlin-based artist Julia Schimautz and proven K2 tech underfoot, the Omen Collection brings a fresh look to freestyle. Perfect for hitting jumps, rails, or side boxes, these twin-tip skis are built to pop, press, and take a beating with enough versatility to tackle the whole mountain.Snowboards
Landscape Collection
Freeriding isn’t just a style—it’s a way of seeing the mountains. K2’s Landscape collection brings that mindset to life with a full range of directional snowboards that cater to all freeride approaches. The Alchemist is the flagship of the collection. It’s aimed at advanced riders who want precision, speed, and power when dropping into big terrain. The Antidote is a directional twin for advanced to expert snowboarders combining freeride and freestyle riding. The Excavator carves trenches on groomers (hence the name!) yet floats effortlessly in pow. The Instrument is laid-back and surfy, with a directional camber and extra float in the nose. The Manifest is a quiver of one, balancing freeride stability with freestyle playfulness in all conditions. The unisex Passport is your agile, floaty, supremely versatile ticket to ride.
Deep Collection
Built for powder days and backcountry lines, K2’s Deep Collection brings innovative shapes and splitboard tech to riders chasing untracked snow. The Special Effects is an ultra-fat powder board with a huge 3D-contoured nose for maximum float. The Niseko Pleasures combines carving power with playful surf vibes. The Tree Splitter is a binding-free pow surfer for blissful backyard laps. For splitboarding, the Freeloader is a top-tier option that’s light, fast, and designed for deep pow. The Isolator borrows its shape from the Excavator for a powerful touring performance, while the eco-friendly design of the Marauder delivers flowy backcountry riding.ATV Collection
The all-mountain ATV Collection is designed to explore the whole mountain. These boards are up for carving corduroy, finding some side hits, or weaving through tight glades. The Almanac is a fast, nimble, volume-shifted daily driver. The Embassy is a directional board made to handle backcountry bootpacking and groomer laps with equal aplomb. The Extravision is a playful, intuitive women’s board for intermediate and advanced riders, with combination camber for smooth turn initiation.Key K2 Technologies
Ski Tech
Titanal Y-Beam — Y-shaped titanal prongs inside the ski for powerful turn initiation and a damp, stable glide.
Titanal I-Beam — Tip-to-tail metal beam for race-level stability and precision.
Spectral Braid — Variable fibre weave that reinforces the ski for precisely tuned flex and torsion for a lively yet stable feel.
Carbon Boost Braid — Carbon stringers add pop and rebound for dynamic turns.
Dark Matter Damping (DMD) — Edge damping layers that reduce chatter and improve edge grip.
PowerWall — Oversized ABS sidewalls for extra strength and durability.
K2 Snowboard Technologies
SpaceGlass™ — Lightweight tip insert that reduces swing weight and improves stability.
Recess3D — Material is removed from low-stress areas on the topsheet to lower the swing weight and make the board more agile.
Carbon DarkWeb™ — Carbon stringers underfoot boost pop, grip, and edge hold.
Volume Shift™ — Wider, shorter boards for easier maneuvering without losing float.
Carbon Torque Forks™ — Added carbon reinforcement that enhances responsiveness and stability.
K2’s Commitment to Sustainability
K2 is taking real steps toward a more sustainable future to protect the planet and the places we ski and ride. From eco-friendly materials to renewable energy in its factories, the brand is working to shrink its footprint while making gear that lasts. Here are some of the measures they have taken:
- Targeting a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030
- Using solar energy and energy-saving systems in manufacturing
- Designing long-lasting products with end-of-life solutions
- Replacing packaging with 95% sustainable alternatives by 2025
- Recycling ski boot materials and partnering on research for circular production
- Encouraging employee commuting by public transportation and bicycles and maintaining an Energy Star–certified HQ
Questions?
Not sure which K2 product is right for you? Our team of seasoned skiers and riders is here to help. Stop by our stores in Laval or Brossard or reach out online. Whether you’re into carving fresh corduroy, floating in backcountry powder, or pulling off tricks in the snowpark, our expert sales consultants will help you find the perfect setup.