Three Companies Carving a Niche in Snow Sports These small businesses are keeping the powder (and the industry) fresh.

There are a lot of big players in the snow-sports industry, but many small companies are successfully putting down roots and cornering a niche with creative products and services. Whether born from a brilliant "aha" moment or simply out of practicality, these businesses demonstrate that no matter the idea, there's a way to carve out a piece of the market.

Related: How Never Summer Shredded the Snowboard Industry With Innovation

Beard Head: Sure, you could buy a fancy Patagonia beanie to keep your noggin warm. Or you could wear a bearded, mustachioed face mask. Beard Head's knitted caps--which allow for switching out different mustaches (like Fu Manchu, Mario or Walrus) or adding a Spartan or Viking helmet--are practical for protecting your face and lips on the slopes, and also prove you can successfully turn facial hair into cash flow: Launched in 2009, Beard Head sold 15,000 units last year--nearly double from the year before--and founder David Stankunas says it expects close to triple-digit percent increases in units sold and revenue by the end of this year.