Recent Equipment switches

Tanguy Nef: Photo Atomic

Every two years, a wave of athletes embarks on new equipment contracts, with the Olympic cycle playing a significant role in shaping these opportunities. The year 2022 witnessed a remarkable number of prominent athletes who forged fresh partnerships with companies or extended their successful alliances with existing brands. However, equipment switches are not confined to a particular schedule; they can occur anytime. Athletes make these transitions for a multitude of reasons, ranging from the pursuit of enhanced performance and program diversification to the unfortunate circumstance of being released by their previous manufacturers. Undoubtedly, financial considerations also exert considerable influence when athletes weigh the decision to align themselves with a new brand.

Völkl/Dalbello/Marker

Katharina Truppe, the accomplished 27-year-old Austrian skier, has recently concluded her extensive and successful partnership with Fischer. Excitingly, she has now embarked on a new chapter by signing with Völkl/Dalbello/Marker.

Atomic

Tanguy Nef, the Swiss slalom skier and former Dartmouth athlete, is among the athletes undergoing equipment changes. Following a commendable 2021 season, where he achieved an 18th rank while skiing on Fischer, the NCAA All-American decided to switch to HEAD for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Despite his sustained speed, Nef struggled to consistently string together two successful runs, which led to a notable decline in his position from the top 30 to 50th in the 2023 World Cup slalom rankings. However, looking ahead, Nef has decided to join the formidable Atomic program, showcasing his resilience and determination to bounce back.

HEAD

Last November in Sölden, the skiing world was surprised by the unexpected retirement announcement of Meta Hrovat, the Slovenian powerhouse known for her remarkable performances and four podium finishes in giant slalom. However, after a season away from the sport she loves, Hrovat has decided to stage a comeback, embracing a fresh start with HEAD equipment. Additionally, Mathieu Faivre, the 2021 giant slalom World Champion and multiple World Cup winner has chosen to reignite his partnership with HEAD after just a solitary season with Salomon.

Another exciting addition to the HEAD stable is the talented slalom ace from Belgium, Armand Marchant, who has made a notable transfer from Salomon to join the Rebel team. The HEAD team expansion includes Camille Rast, an emerging talent from Switzerland, who also opts to rejoin the HEAD family. With these remarkable athletes aligning themselves with HEAD, the stage is set for a thrilling season of exhilarating performances.

Kästle

Anticipation builds for the upcoming 2024 season as Jasmine Flury, the reigning Downhill World Champion hailing from Switzerland, has made a significant equipment switch. After her remarkable victory in Méribel, while using Fischer equipment, Flury has made an intriguing decision for the upcoming season by choosing to ski with the resurgent Austrian brand, Kästle. Joining Flury in this transition to Kästle is the talented athlete Roni Remme, who previously represented Canada but now competes for Germany. Remme, who had been associated with the well-established HEAD brand, adds further excitement to the lineup of athletes embracing the growing potential of Kästle. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Flury and Remme as they embark on their new chapter with Kästle.