SALOMON’S ÉQUIPE: A NEW DIRECTION FOR PERFORMANCE, BORN IN THE ALPS
editor MARIE-PAULINE CESARI
Returning to the Alps for the launch of Salomon’s new ÉQUIPE initiative felt like a full-circle moment. Having studied in Grenoble, the region is familiar territory — a place where mountains are part of daily life rather than a backdrop.
all images courtesy of SALOMON
The visit began at Salomon’s design centre in Annecy, a space that immediately stands out for its structure and purpose. Almost every métier — product engineering, R&D, prototype fabrication, athlete testing, material sourcing, design, and marketing — operates under the same roof. It’s rare to see such a complete chain of expertise contained in one place, and it shows in the products.
The atelier was particularly striking: rows of prototypes, experimental constructions, and early-stage designs that make Salomon’s innovation pipeline visible and tangible. It’s a reminder that performance doesn’t begin on the slopes; it starts here, with experimentation and iteration.
From there, the introduction to ÉQUIPE made immediate sense. The initiative reframes performance away from individualism and toward collective momentum — the idea that athletes progress further when surrounded by support, collaboration, and shared knowledge. The choice of name reinforces this: équipe meaning “team” in French, but also referencing a historic program within the brand.
More than a campaign, it feels like a strategic redefinition. Performance is not treated as a solitary pursuit but as a network of relationships — athletes, experts, communities — all contributing to a result.
The ÉQUIPE products previewed across Alpine, Nordic, and Snowboard categories translate this philosophy into equipment. There’s a clear visual identity running through the line: bold, technical, and confident without losing refinement. It’s distinct enough to be recognized instantly. Given how strong this design direction is, there’s a natural hope that ÉQUIPE will soon extend into footwear — the visual language feels powerful enough to carry into new categories.
We were also lucky enough to see some of the ÉQUIPE products in action during the Women’s Biathlon World Cup stage in Annecy–Le Grand-Bornand, just a short drive from Salomon’s hometown. Watching elite athletes compete with the mountains as a backdrop — and seeing ÉQUIPE gear perform in real race conditions — made the initiative’s purpose feel even more concrete. It’s one thing to hear about innovation in a design studio; it’s another to watch it unfold on snow, under pressure, where every stride matters.