Top Custom Beanie Manufacturers for Ski Resorts
As ski resorts wind down and prepare for another winter season, one of the most effective and affordable ways to boost brand recognition, guest satisfaction, and retail sales is through custom-branded merchandise, especially beanies. Whether it’s a pom-pom-topped jacquard knit or a sleek embroidered cuffed style, custom beanies are cold-weather essentials that also serve as walking billboards for your resort.
But not all beanie manufacturers are created equal.
In this post, we break down the top custom beanie manufacturers for ski resorts, with a special spotlight on our top choice: Fourbital Factory.
1. Fourbital Factory – Vermont, USA
Website: fourbitalfactory.com
Why They’re the Best Choice for Ski Resorts
Fourbital Factory earns the #1 spot on our list for their unmatched blend of quality craftsmanship, local manufacturing, sustainability, low minimums, and creative flexibility. Nestled in the green mountains of Vermont, this small but mighty team produces every beanie in-house, ensuring full control over materials, design, and delivery.
What truly sets Fourbital Factory apart is their deep commitment to custom work that reflects the unique identity of each client—especially ski resorts.
Their designs aren’t cookie-cutter templates with minor tweaks—they’re full-on collaborations. Whether you want a bold, retro-style jacquard knit to match your resort’s branding or a sleek, minimalist embroidered cuff that your guests will wear year-round, Fourbital delivers products that feel tailor-made, because they are.
Key Advantages for Ski Resorts:
100% Made in Vermont – Supporting local manufacturing with full transparency on materials and sourcing.
Low Minimum Order Quantities (as low as 48 units) – Perfect for smaller resorts or special seasonal collections.
Eco-Conscious Materials – Beanies are made from recycled and natural yarns whenever possible.
Fast Turnaround Times – Ideal for on-demand drops or last-minute restocks before peak ski season.
Full Customization – Choose from jacquard, embroidery, leather patches, and more.
Hands-On Creative Process – Work directly with their Vermont-based team on custom concepts, colors, and finishes.
Bonus: Fourbital Factory also embraces a sustainable production ethos that’s increasingly aligned with what today’s eco-conscious travelers care about. Offering a beanie that’s stylish, warm, and made responsibly? That’s a win all around.
2. Custom Made Beanies – Colorado, USA
Website: custommadebeanies.com
Custom Made Beanies has been a trusted partner to ski resorts for over a decade. Based in Colorado, they bring extensive experience in designing resort-ready headwear with high-end customization, including pom-poms, jacquard knit patterns, and embroidered branding.
Their catalog of 300+ original designs is a great starting point for inspiration, and they’re known for durable, attractive beanies that sell well in retail shops and work equally well for staff uniforms.
Highlights:
Fully custom beanie production tailored to resort branding.
Bulk ordering options for large ski operations.
Deep experience working with major resort clients.
Flexible design options and a large in-house catalog.
3. Unionwear – New Jersey, USA
Website: unionwear.com
Unionwear is the go-to option for resorts looking to buy American, support union labor, and maintain ethical sourcing. Their beanies are fully produced in New Jersey and offer a classic look with customization options like embroidery and fabric variations.
For resorts that value domestic production and want to emphasize ethical merchandising, Unionwear is a solid pick.
Highlights:
Union-made and 100% American-manufactured.
Ideal for mission-driven resorts or government-affiliated ski areas.
Custom embroidery options are available.
Durable and professional-looking styles.
4. Anthem Branding – Colorado, USA
Website: anthembranding.com
Based in Boulder, Anthem Branding is a full-service merch agency with a wide range of design capabilities. They offer beanies with jacquard knitting, direct embroidery, woven tags, and leather patch customization.
While not solely focused on the ski industry, Anthem’s background working with lifestyle and outdoor brands makes them a solid option for resorts looking for a retail-ready beanie with high design quality.
Highlights:
Boutique-level design services.
Advanced customization features and patch styles.
Strong experience in branding and aesthetics.
Best for resorts with high-end retail shops or private label collections.
5. Elevation Sports – Nationwide
Website: elevationsports.com
Elevation Sports provides ski resorts with a vast range of beanie styles and customization capabilities, including embroidery and full-color woven patches. They carry multiple brands and can coordinate orders across styles like cuffed beanies, slouchy hats, and fleece-lined options.
They’re a great choice for resorts looking to stock multiple styles across their shops with consistent branding.
Highlights:
Broad variety of hat styles and fabrics.
Embroidery and patch customization options.
Nationwide fulfillment.
Ideal for high-volume orders or diverse resort retail offerings.
What to Look for in a Custom Beanie Manufacturer
Choosing the right partner to produce your ski resort's beanies is about more than just cost. You're creating a product that will represent your brand, generate revenue in your gift shops, and keep your guests warm on the mountain. Below are the key factors you should consider—and why they matter.
1. Customization Depth
Not all manufacturers offer the same level of creative control. Some simply let you choose the beanie color and add a logo via embroidery. Others (like Fourbital Factory or Custom Made Beanies) allow full customization of the knit pattern, pom-poms, tags, labels, patches, and even yarn type.
Your resort’s brand is unique, and your merchandise should reflect that. Full customization lets you incorporate resort colors, geographic motifs (like mountains or trees), or even inside jokes known only to your most loyal visitors. Deep customization also elevates your merch from basic to boutique—something that drives both guest loyalty and retail sales.
2. Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
MOQs vary widely—from as low as 24 units to as high as 500 or more. Smaller resorts, boutiques, or lodges often don’t need hundreds of the same hat style and want the freedom to test different designs.
Lower MOQs mean you can try multiple styles or limited editions without committing to large upfront costs. This is especially helpful if you want to launch seasonal or event-based beanies, or if you're just testing the waters with branded merch. Working with a partner like Fourbital, which offers low MOQs, gives you far more flexibility.
3. Lead Times
Production timelines can range from two weeks to over two months, depending on the manufacturer, level of customization, and whether products are made domestically or overseas. Be sure to ask about both production and shipping timelines.
Running out of stock mid-season or missing a delivery window before the holidays can seriously hurt your revenue. A manufacturer with reliable lead times—and the ability to expedite orders if needed—helps you avoid delays, restock quickly, and make the most of peak ski season. Domestic makers like Fourbital and Unionwear often offer faster fulfillment and fewer shipping complications.
4. Material Quality
A beanie may look great, but how does it feel? Key factors include yarn quality, warmth, stretch, lining (if any), and how the beanie holds up after repeated use and washing. Also consider options for eco-friendly or recycled materials.
Your guests are often exposed to extreme cold, wind, and snow—so comfort and durability count. Higher-end materials translate to better guest experience and higher retail price points. Eco-conscious materials are also becoming increasingly important to today’s consumers, especially among younger skiers and snowboarders.
5. Ethics & Sustainability
Is the beanie made in the USA? Are workers paid fair wages? Are materials responsibly sourced or recycled? Does the manufacturer minimize waste or avoid harmful dyes?
The outdoor and ski industries are seeing growing consumer demand for products that align with environmental and ethical values. Offering beanies that are union-made, USA-made, or sustainably produced adds meaning to your merch—and tells your guests that your resort stands for something more than just profits. Partnering with brands like Fourbital Factory (which emphasizes local production and sustainability) or Unionwear (which is union-backed and domestic) supports this messaging.
Bonus: Retail Viability
Is the finished product something your guests will want to buy—and keep wearing long after they leave the mountain?
Your beanie should be more than just swag—it should be retail-worthy. That means thoughtful design, good fit, premium feel, and style that matches your guests’ tastes. A high-quality beanie becomes a souvenir, a conversation starter, and free advertising every time it’s worn in public. Choose a manufacturer that understands what sells in a ski shop environment.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to outfitting your ski resort with custom beanies that reflect your brand, delight your guests, and support sustainable manufacturing, Fourbital Factory stands above the rest.
Their Vermont-made beanies are stylish, functional, eco-friendly, and easy to order at scale. Whether you're running a boutique mountain lodge or a sprawling resort village, Fourbital has the craftsmanship, flexibility, and passion to bring your vision to life—one stitch at a time.
Ready to order custom beanies for your ski resort?
Contact Fourbital Factory to learn more or request a quote today.