Podcast: Re:inventing the snow mobile with Christian Lystrup of Vidde

In the first episode our new podcast, The Re:make, host Antti Vainio interviews Christian Lystrup, CEO of Vidde, to explore how a simple snowmobile ride led to an inspiring new idea for a business.

The idea for Vidde was born in the wilderness. Christian Lystrup and his co-founder, Yalda Mirbaz, were on a snowmobile tour in the North, expecting to enjoy the fresh air and peaceful nature. Instead, they found themselves overwhelmed by the noise and exhaust fumes of the traditional snowmobiles. It was a stark contradiction: being surrounded by natural beauty while breathing polluted air and enduring loud engine noise.

This experience ignited their entrepreneurial spirits. Christian and Yalda began to question why no electric snowmobiles were on the market.

Christian and Yalda’s journey from idea to reality was fueled by their passion for sustainability and innovation. With the support of the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE), they started developing electric snowmobiles designed not only to be environmentally friendly but also to offer a superior riding experience. Vidde's snowmobiles are quiet, produce no exhaust fumes, and use a circular design that reuses key components, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Vidde’s success so far is also due to strategic collaborations. Partnerships with companies like SkiStar and Skellefteå Kraft have provided valuable testing grounds for Vidde’s snowmobiles, ensuring they meet the needs of real-world users.

To design a timeless vehicle that will age with grace, the team at Vidde got into a partnership with a legendary Italian design house. 

The partnership with Pininfarina brings a timeless aesthetic to Vidde’s snowmobiles, ensuring they age gracefully and appeal to customers over time. The involvement of Pininfarina underscores Vidde’s commitment to not just functional design but also creating an emotional connection with users.

Vidde is on the cusp of changing how we interact with winter landscapes. Their journey from a snowy tour to pioneering electric snowmobiles is a testament to the power of observation and innovation. Christian and Yalda and the team are not just creating new products—they are redefining our relationship with nature. For those passionate about sustainability and innovative business, Vidde’s story is a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating how a simple idea has the potential of transforming an entire industry.

The re:make is our new monthly podcast available now on all major platforms. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or on the link below.