Dear friends,
Twelve years ago, I had the audacity to start Coalition Snow. Today, I have the audacity to close it.
I know that’s a heavy statement, but if you keep reading, I promise you’ll feel better by the end of this letter. And that’s because so much of what you love about Coalition is here to stay.
How I came to this decision
As many of you know, I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in July of 2025. While I have responded near perfectly to treatment, I don’t know how much longer I have on this earth—none of us do. That daily confrontation with my mortality has forced me to re-evaluate how I want to spend the rest of my time in this body.
It’s no secret that tariffs, inflation, low consumer confidence, and a dismal winter have created significant challenges in operating Coalition. The person I was before cancer would have pushed through at any cost to my mental and physical health. The person I am now is more discerning.
With 12 years behind me, I know exactly what it would take to pull Coalition through: raise another round, launch a crowdfunding campaign, push harder. And I don’t want to do that. I can’t do that.
I refuse to exist in a late-stage capitalist hamster wheel simply to sell a product, and that’s what this business has turned into. There’s so much worth fighting for, and, while this might be an unpopular opinion, the manufacturing of expensive, seasonal hard goods in a male-dominated industry that is facing multiple crises from climate change to rising and exclusionary costs, is no longer at the top of my list.
It was never about the skis
When I reflect on why I started Coalition, it wasn’t because I was passionate about manufacturing; I was passionate about creating change in an industry that forced people like me—and likely you too—into the margins. We were an afterthought at best, and I believed we deserved better. I still feel that way 12 years later. There is so much work that still needs to be done, and I don’t have to sell skis and snowboards to do it.
Let’s be honest: The world doesn’t actually need more skis and snowboards. The world needs people who have the capacity to encourage and contribute to the health, vibrancy, and vitality of our communities, of the collective. I wasn’t put on this earth to sell skis and snowboards. I have a different purpose, and that’s what I need to honor.
It’s an act of liberation
One of the reasons it’s been so difficult to make this decision is that I didn’t want to disappoint people. (Who could’ve imagined? Me? A people pleaser?) I didn’t want to give up on something I and so many others had worked so hard for. But I’m confident that closing Coalition Snow and starting a new chapter is a celebration, not a defeat. This feels like an act of liberation; as I take action towards what is best for me, I hope you feel the reminder to move towards what is best for you.
If Coalition Snow’s closure feels like a loss, I understand. I value every single person who has supported Coalition over the past 12 years, and I am deeply sorry for letting anyone down. But I want you to know that this isn’t giving up. Quite the opposite, actually.
What’s next
Our trips, values, community, and commitment to representation will move forward into a new space I’m building. This transition will allow me to return to my roots: the intersection of creativity, community, and commerce. If Coalition made you feel seen or safe or fired up, you’ll find that in this new space, which you’ll hear about soon.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll share the behind-the-scenes story of this decision and transition here on Lady Parts for paid subscribers. I’ll also have an Ask Me Anything Zoom session for paid subscribers on May 6th. I need a safe and small container to share these conversations, so you need to both RSVP and be a paid subscriber to attend. Paid subscribers: keep an eye on your inbox for that invite.
I can look at 2025 as one of the worst years of my life: the cancer diagnosis, coming to terms with closing a business I poured everything into, and the destruction of democracy and human decency. Or I can look at it as a moment of incredible growth and clarity.
Don’t take pity on me. Instead, join me in celebrating everything we’ve done over the past 12 years.
Jen Gurecki, she/her, CEO of Coalition Snow
Upcoming Events for High Fives & Hugs
🥳 April 10th - 12th: Boot Tan Fest is one of my favorite weekends of the year, and I can’t wait to emcee alongside Andrea Slusarski! Grab your ticket here.
🌋 April 22nd - 26th: Don’t tell Mammoth or Palisades, but the best spring ski happens at Mount Bachelor, and you’re invited! It’s a low-key, choose your own adventure, multi-sport, evenings in pajamas by the fireplace after we hot tub kinda trip that people come back to year after year. I’ve got one spot left, so hit me up if you have questions.
💌 May 6th, 5 pm PST: A virtual Ask Me Anything for paid subscribers to our newsletter Lady Parts. An invite will be sent via email.
Last Chance To Shop
Coalition Snow closes May 31.
- Shop the Spring Sale and save 20% on all skis and snowboards.
- We’ll be manufacturing one final run on all sold-out models/sizes, so place your deposit and receive your skis or snowboard in the fall.
- There will not be a fire sale! If you want it, get it now.
- Get all of the details on our Farewell Friends FAQs page.
Lady Parts —> Redefining Radical
I will only be publishing Lady Parts through May. Subscribe to Redefining Radical to keep getting my writing. Paid subscribers to Lady Parts will be automatically gifted subscriptions to Redefining Radical.
Celebrate Coalition Snow
Help me celebrate and document Coalition! I’d love to know what Coalition has meant to you. Submit your photos, videos, and words here.
