Industry News
After much protest and lengthy negotiations with its employees, French ski company Rossignol announced at the end of June that it will be closing the Dynastar ski factory in Sallanches, France, on July 31, 2025. The decision will result in the loss of 57 jobs and had resulted in months of negotiations between the Dynastar employees and the parent company Rossignol, which acquired the Dynastar brand in 1967. Production of Dynastar skis will be moved to to Rossignol’s major ski factory in Artés, Spain, where the company procuces wood-core alpine skis for both the Rossignol and Dynastar brands, as well as high-end cross-country skis.
Founded in 1963, Dynastar emerged from the merger of Dynamic and Starflex, establishing its base in Sallanches, nestled at the foot of the famous Mont Blanc, France. The factory became renowned for producing high-performance skis, contributing to the brand’s reputation in alpine sports. Over the decades, Dynastar’s innovations and commitment to quality solidified its position in the ski industry. In the 80s, up to 800 people produced around half a million pairs of skis each year. The plant was the engine of the local economy. However, as international competition increased, the factory became less economical and production shrank to 120,000 pairs of skis each year. The workforce shrank dramatically and Rossignol was forced to make the tough decision to close after three rounds of investments in 2021, 2022, and 2024 failed to return the factory to profitability.
Many locals felt betrayed by Rossignol’s decision to end more than 60 years of ski manufacturing history in the shadow of Mont-Blanc and joined employees during their protest march on June 16. In addition, Xavier Roseren, Haute-Savoie representative in the French National Assembly joined in after claiming that the regional government had invested € 1.2 million ($1.4 million) to help modernize the factory and called the decision “unfair and incomprehensible.” Rossignol states that the regional government only invested €180,000 ($210,350).
Joining employees during the protests in mid-June, Roseren criticized Rossignol in an open letter for shuttering the factory despite “rising sales and a return to profit since the COVID crisis.” Roseren appealed to France’s Minister of Labour to ensure “dignified and concrete support” for the affected workers and emphasized that the community’s struggle is about more than just jobs. “This is a fight for the industrial identity of our valley,” he wrote and called the closure a “political, economic, and human failure.”
The closure of the Sallanches facility is part of Rossignol’s broader strategy to reorganize its production operations. The company plans to consolidate manufacturing activities at its historic site in Saint-Jean-de-Moirans and a facility in Artés, Spain. This move aims to enhance operational efficiency and adapt to the evolving demands of the global ski market. Rossignol cites the need to streamline operations and focus on innovation and competitiveness. The decision underscores the challenges faced by traditional manufacturing sectors in adapting to modern economic landscapes.
Established in 1907 by Abel Rossignol in Voiron, Isère, Rossignol has been a pivotal player in winter sports equipment. The company was among the first to produce plastic skis and has been instrumental in advancing ski technology. Rossignol acquired Dynastar, further expanding its portfolio and influence in the ski manufacturing sector.
On June 27, Rossignol announced that an amicable agreement was reached with the union representing the 57 Sallanches employees. The exact details of that agreement were not released pubicly, but the union representative Alain Clergeaud called it “a good agreement.” France’s minister for industry and energy, Marc Ferracci, visited Sallanches on Friday, July 11. “When a facility shuts down in our region, it’s always a matter of deep regret,” Ferracci admitted. “This is a challenging and highly competitive industry, where finding a sustainable economic model is difficult. A social support plan is already in place, and state services are fully mobilized to assist employees—not only with immediate support, but also with helping them find new employment within the local job market,” he added.
The closure of the Dynastar factory in Sallanches marks the end of an era in French ski manufacturing. As the industry evolves, the focus shifts towards balancing heritage with innovation to meet the demands of modern consumers and global markets.
they will no longer be a French Ski…..I skied the top models for many happy winters; how deeply sad.