Behind The Brand: Snow Peak
BY Natasha Bailey ON 18 January, 2025
Not many companies survive for more than 60 years, but even fewer are guided by three generations of one family; this is the legacy and the history of Snow Peak. Over six decades, Snow Peak has remained dedicated to the uplifting power of nature and the joy of its customers.
Origins of Snow Peak
Snow Peak was founded in 1958 by Yukio Yamai from the Niigata Prefecture in Japan. The story of the Snow Peak originated from the tranquillity and rough terrain of Mt. Tanigawa. It all began when Yukio returned to his homeland, after World War II and discovered solace on the mountain.
Not satisfied with the climbing gear of the time, Yamai turned to the pliers of the artisans in his town. Today, Niigata remains the heart of Snow Peak Global Headquarters, and it continues to be an inspiration for much of the company's designs.
Snow Peak grew along with the Yamai family. In the early 1980s, Yukio's son Tohru Yamai joined the brand after having experienced the mundane nature of corporate life in Tokyo.
The inspiration for this change was his own explorations and the summer he spent travelling around the United States. Under his administration, Snow Peak brought cutting-edge products like the Amenity Dome tent, the Multi Kitchen Stand, and the Takibi Fire & Grill. He believed that apart from being a leisure activity, camping facilitates healing and bonding.
In the mid-1990s, Snow Peak witnessed declining sales, prompting the launching of the first Snow Peak Way. This community event would prove transformational for Snow Peak, fostering a dialogue between customers and staff and cementing Snow Peak’s commitment to user-focused innovation.
Snow Peak Apparel
In 2014, Tohru’s daughter Lisa joined Snow Peak, bringing her love of nature and fashion. She launched Snow Peak’s apparel line, crafting versatile, technical garments designed to transition seamlessly between urban and outdoor environments.
Snow Peak remains committed to creating opportunities for people to reconnect with each other and the natural world. Through rigorous internal testing and a customer-first philosophy, the brand continues to innovate, bringing rich outdoor experiences to life.
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