Responsibly Made Ski Gear | The Technologies behind the Performance
November 07, 2021
3 min read
Our most innovative technologies to date, LIFA INFINITY PRO™, and LIFA INFINITY™ are paving the way for professional grade ski gear in responsibly made designs.
Skiers face a dilemma, we need gear to stay warm and dry on a cold snowy mountain, but we don’t want to damage the nature we love. From Mono Material to responsibly sourced wool, solution-dyed fabrics, and more, we have introduced a range of initiatives to reduce our impact on the environment. Understand the technologies that are now available in a variety of our ski gear, built for the backcountry guide or the weekend warrior.
THE INFINITY EVOLUTION
Launched in a single men’s ski jacket in Fall/Winter 2020, LIFA INFINITY PRO™ changed the world of hardshell jackets: for the first time, a durable shell jacket required no DWR reproofing. Both its production and maintenance resulted in a lower environmental impact. Since the launch, we’ve worked to make this technology available in more colors and styles, including mountain apparel and women’s styles. Aware of the limitations in terms of color and construction to maintain uncompromising durability, we spotted an opportunity that would pave the way for our second innovation.
Keeping the same membrane (LIFA INFINITY™), LIFA INFINITY™ offers more pliable designs. Featuring recycled face fabric with PFC-free DWR, this technology delivers a wider range of color stories and favorite styles that can be enjoyed for years of skiing to come.
THIS IS LIFA INFINITY™ PRO TECHNOLOGY
Challenging the industry norm, LIFA INFINITY PRO™ is our most responsible and ambitious technology to date. Launched with a single ski jacket for the 2020/2021 season to worldwide acclaim, we now expand LIFA INFINITY PRO™ into our freeride and ski touring gear.
ONE-OF-A-KIND MEMBRANE FOR PERFORMANCE
At the heart of LIFA INFINITY PRO™ is the microporous polypropylene membrane. This highly breathable membrane consists of nearly 75% air by volume with nanoscale pores (very lightweight 4 g/sq.m.). This unique structure is formed through extrusion in a solvent-free, ‘melt-blown’ or ‘dry’ process. The membrane is then stretched in different directions through a series of different temperature zones. This unique membrane is responsible for the waterproofness, wind resistance, and the great breathability you feel in the jacket.
A NATURALLY WATER-REPELLENT FACE MATERIAL WITH NO ADDED DWR
The other innovative component in LIFA INFINITY PRO™ is the LIFA® woven face material with its inherent water repellency properties. The purpose of a face material is to protect the membrane from mechanical damage and also keep it dry. To achieve this repellency, standard materials are treated with perfluorinated compounds (C6) or hydrocarbons (C0). In LIFA INFINITY PRO™, the face is made of LIFA® fibers which, compared to polyester and polyamides, have a much lower surface tension, lower moisture absorption, and low water retention. These factors enable long-lasting and high-performing repellency with no added chemical DWR finish.
Both the fabric and yarn structure (such as yarn count and density) are designed to enhance performance. The face material is also solution-dyed, which requires no water during the coloring process and uses approximately 90% fewer chemicals, 50% less energy, and 60% less CO2 emissions compared to conventional dyeing.
Men’s Elevation Infinity Shell 2.0 Ski Trousers
Men's Odin Infinity Insulated Jacket
Women's Odin Infinity Insulated Jacket
Women's Odin 9 Worlds Infinity Shell Trousers
Men's Odin 9 Worlds Infinity Shell Trousers
My outerwear is my first line of defense against wind, snow, rain, and cold. I am loving my Lifa Infinity Pro Shell Jacket (W Elevation Infinity Shell Jacket). Without any added chemicals it provides unmatched waterproofness and breathability which makes it not only my most high performing shell, but also my most environmentally conscious one.
THIS IS LIFA INFINITY™ TECHNOLOGY
Having launched in Spring 2021, LIFA INFINITY™ technology sprung to life in our outdoor collection and now joins our range of freeride and resort ski gear. Also featuring the LIFA INFINITY™ membrane, the face fabric is slightly different.
Using recycled polyester as the face fabric, LIFA INFINITY™ generates less waste and longer-lasting durability. The same face fabric is then treated with a non-pollutant (PFC-free) DWR coating, making it kinder to the environment than standard PFC DWR.
Just like in LIFA INFINITY PRO™, the LIFA INFINITY™ membrane is achieved without the use of chemicals via a ‘melt-blown’ or ‘dry’ process. The one-step process is more efficient as it produces both fabric and fiber at the same time. LIFA INFINITY™ demonstrates our commitment to use less energy and in turn, generate less waste.
Infinity - Responsibly made Ski Gear
These two technologies are expanding into more and more of our ski gear. Featured within all three of our ski collections, the Infinity movement is available for every type of skier.
May 15, 2025 3 min read
Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive Team partners with Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen partners with Canada Ocean Racing as Official Clothing Supplier for The Ocean Race. Learn more here.
May 14, 2025 4 min read
SailGP 2025 New York City: A must-watch sailing spectacle
Experience the thrill of SailGP 2025! Don’t miss New York’s iconic stopover on June 7-8 with high-speed sailing, stunning views, and world-class competition.
April 22, 2025 6 min read
RNLI Mayday Fundraising Partnership
We're working with the RNLI to raise funds to keep brave lifesavers kitted and trained to deal with emergencies.
April 11, 2025 4 min read
The Vendée Globe 2024 – raising the bar
Wrapping up The Vendée Globe 2024 – The human stories behind the challenge.