ZOA Engineering
ZOA Engineering is a Vancouver-based company making portable rope tow systems for backcountry skiing and outdoor recreation. Founded by mechanical engineer Robert Button, the company builds compact, backpackable ski lifts that let backcountry skiers tow themselves back up the mountain.
The Story
ZOA Engineering is a Vancouver-based outdoor equipment company founded by mechanical engineer Robert Button. The company designs and builds the PL1, a portable rope tow system that enables backcountry skiers to tow themselves up slopes without relying on motorized vehicles or ski lifts.
The PL1 is a backpack-sized system that can be carried into the backcountry and assembled quickly. It targets early-adopting backcountry skiers while also exploring adjacent markets including private property lifts, ski patrol operations, search and rescue teams, and military applications. The company has built a community of roughly 20,000 Instagram followers and generates approximately $200,000 in annual revenue.
Button's mission is to make backcountry skiing more accessible by building products that help people move through the mountains independently. ZOA Engineering represents a new wave of gear companies that combine mechanical engineering precision with the practical needs of outdoor enthusiasts.
Key Facts & Metrics
Platform
PL1 Portable Rope Tow
Backpack-sized rope tow system for backcountry skiing. Compact, portable design lets skiers tow themselves back up the mountain without a motorized vehicle. Priced at ,700.
Visit WebsiteCompany Timeline
2016 — Founded ZOA Engineering
Robert Button founds ZOA Engineering in Vancouver, Canada, with the goal of building products that help people move through the backcountry.
2018 — PL1 Prototype Development
Button develops the first prototype of the PL1, a portable rope tow system designed for backcountry skiing.
2020 — PL1 Market Launch
The PL1 launches to early-adopting backcountry skiers, establishing ZOA Engineering as a player in the outdoor equipment space.
2022 — Alternative Markets Expansion
ZOA Engineering begins exploring adjacent markets for the PL1, including private property lifts, ski patrol, search and rescue, and military applications.
2024 — Social Media Community Growth
The company's Instagram following reaches approximately 20,000, building a community of backcountry skiing enthusiasts.
2025 — Scaling to Mainstream
ZOA Engineering focuses on transitioning from early adopters to mainstream outdoor enthusiasts, targeting the next phase of growth.