Skis Rossignol
French manufacturer of alpine, Nordic, snowboard and related winter-sports equipment.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Skis Rossignol, commonly known as Rossignol, is a French winter-sports equipment and apparel brand founded in 1907 by Abel Rossignol. The company began as a woodworking business serving the textile industry, producing items such as spindles. Rossignol’s founder was also a skier, and his technical interest led him to make skis from solid wood. That experiment became the foundation of a company that would later become one of the best-known names in alpine skiing. Rossignol’s development was closely tied to advances in ski construction and to competitive sport. Émile Allais won three world championships in 1937 on Rossignol Olympic 41 skis, giving the young manufacturer an important early association with elite competition. A further breakthrough came at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, where Jean Vuarnet won the downhill on the Allais 60 model. The result was especially significant because the ski was Rossignol’s first all-metal design. In 1964, the company introduced the Strato, its first fiberglass ski, reflecting the broader shift from traditional wood construction toward lighter and more technologically advanced materials. Laurent Boix-Vives acquired Rossignol in 1956, when the business was focused on skiing equipment. Under his ownership, Rossignol expanded internationally and built a broader industrial and distribution platform. During the 1970s, it established a distribution company in the United States and introduced Nordic skis. The company subsequently became the world’s largest ski manufacturer, according to the referenced historical account. Its competitive profile remained strong through the 1980s and 1990s: Rossignol products were associated with major Olympic successes, including six of ten alpine gold medals at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, and were used by prominent athletes such as Alberto Tomba of Italy. The company expanded beyond alpine skis through acquisitions and adjacent categories. In 1990, it acquired the Caber ski-boot factory in Italy and placed the products under the Rossignol label. Rossignol already controlled the Lange ski-boot brand and also acquired the Geze and Look binding ranges, later rebranding Geze. The group then moved further into snowboards, mountain clothing and accessories. Its brand portfolio has included Dynastar and LOOK, while Lange has been an important associated ski-boot brand. Rossignol’s ownership changed significantly in the 2000s. Quiksilver acquired the company in 2005 for a reported $560 million, but the boardsports group agreed in 2008 to sell Rossignol for a reported $147 million to former chief executive Bruno Cercley. Quiksilver’s acquisition-related debt later contributed to the circumstances surrounding its bankruptcy. In July 2013, Macquarie sold the Rossignol Group, together with subsidiaries Lange and Dynastar, to a partnership involving Altor Equity Partners and the Boix-Vives family. In 2018, Rossignol expanded its clothing activities by acquiring Norwegian clothing brand Dale of Norway. Today, Rossignol represents a broad winter-sports platform rather than only a ski manufacturer. Its activities encompass alpine and Nordic skis, snowboards, ski boots, bindings, outerwear, mountain clothing and accessories. The brand’s positioning combines French heritage, engineering-led product development, competitive-sport credibility and an international distribution footprint. Its name, derived from the French word for nightingale, remains attached to a portfolio that includes the Rossignol label and related specialist brands such as Dynastar and LOOK.
History
Rossignol traces its origins to 1907, when Abel Rossignol operated a woodworking business serving the textile sector. A committed skier, he applied his carpentry skills to ski making and produced a pair of solid-wood skis. The company’s later identity was shaped by the transition from artisanal wood construction to industrial ski engineering. Competitive success helped establish the brand. In 1937, French skier Émile Allais won three world championships on Rossignol Olympic 41 skis. In 1956, Laurent Boix-Vives acquired the company. Under his leadership, Rossignol concentrated on skiing equipment, expanded outside France and developed into an international manufacturer. Its performance credentials grew markedly at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, where Jean Vuarnet won the downhill on the Allais 60, Rossignol’s first all-metal ski. Rossignol continued its materials and construction development with the launch of the Strato in 1964, its first fiberglass ski. During the 1970s, it established a United States distribution operation and entered Nordic skiing. The company subsequently became the world’s largest ski manufacturer according to the referenced account. Olympic results reinforced its reputation: Rossignol-equipped athletes achieved notable results at the Winter Olympics in Albertville and Lillehammer, while the company won six of ten alpine gold medals at Calgary in 1988. Alberto Tomba, one of the leading technical skiers of the late twentieth century, was also associated with Rossignol skis. The company broadened its portfolio during the late twentieth century. In 1990, it acquired the Caber boot factory in Italy and sold its output under the Rossignol name. Rossignol already controlled Lange, a specialist ski-boot brand. It also acquired Geze and Look binding businesses, later rebranding Geze, and entered snowboards and mountain clothing. This created a group spanning skis, boots, bindings, boards and apparel, with specialist labels operating alongside the Rossignol brand. Ownership became more complex in the 2000s. Quiksilver purchased Rossignol in 2005 for a reported $560 million. The acquisition did not remain permanent: in 2008, Quiksilver agreed to sell Rossignol for a reported $147 million to Bruno Cercley, a former chief executive. The financial burden associated with the acquisition was later linked in the historical source to Quiksilver’s bankruptcy. In July 2013, Macquarie sold Rossignol Group and subsidiaries Lange and Dynastar to a partnership of Altor Equity Partners and the Boix-Vives family. Rossignol continued to develop its clothing and lifestyle activities. In 2018, it acquired Dale of Norway, a Norwegian clothing brand with a heritage in wool knitwear and winter apparel. The resulting group combined Rossignol’s established ski and snowboard activities with related equipment, clothing and outdoor categories. Its history therefore spans traditional ski craftsmanship, materials innovation, elite sport, international distribution, brand acquisitions and changes in ownership. The company remains identified with French winter-sports manufacturing while operating through a broader international brand and product portfolio.
- 2018
Dale of Norway acquired
[1]Rossignol acquired Norwegian clothing brand Dale of Norway, broadening its winter-apparel activities.
- 2013
Macquarie divests Rossignol Group
[1]Macquarie sold the Rossignol Group, including Lange and Dynastar, to Altor Equity Partners and the Boix-Vives family.
- 2013
Altor takes control
Altor Equity Partners acquired control of Rossignol Group, with management involved in the resulting ownership arrangement.
- 2008
Rossignol sold to Bruno Cercley
[1]Quiksilver agreed to sell Rossignol for a reported $147 million to former chief executive Bruno Cercley.
- 2008
Sale by Quiksilver
Quiksilver sold Rossignol after a relatively short ownership period.
- 2005
Acquisition by Quiksilver
[1]Quiksilver acquired Rossignol in a reported transaction valued at $560 million. Rossignol Group was acquired by Quiksilver and incorporated into the action-sports company's wider portfolio.
- 1990
Caber boot factory acquired
[1]Rossignol acquired the Caber ski-boot factory in Italy and expanded its equipment portfolio alongside its Lange business.
- 1988
Calgary Olympic alpine success
[1]Rossignol achieved six of the ten alpine gold medals at the Calgary Winter Olympics, according to the referenced account.
- 1970
International distribution and Nordic expansion
[1]During the 1970s, Rossignol established a United States distribution company and launched Nordic skis.
- 1964
Strato fiberglass ski introduced
[1]Rossignol released the Strato, its first fiberglass ski and a major step away from traditional solid-wood construction.
Products and positioning
A French heritage winter-sports brand positioned around ski innovation, competition performance, technical equipment and mountain lifestyle products.
Ski equipment · 1907
Alpine skis
Rossignol's core product category includes piste, all-mountain, freeride, race, and beginner-oriented alpine skis developed for recreational, resort, racing and performance-oriented use. The brand's history includes solid-wood, metal and fiberglass construction, and its alpine identity has been reinforced by Olympic and World Championship results. Rossignol's core product category includes piste, all-mountain, freeride, race, and beginner-oriented alpine skis. The range is designed to cover different ability levels, snow conditions, turn characteristics, and skiing objectives, from accessible resort use to technically demanding performance skiing.
Ski equipment · 1970
Nordic skis
Rossignol entered Nordic skiing during the 1970s. Its Nordic range forms part of the company’s broader winter-sports offer and extends the brand beyond alpine resort skiing into cross-country and related disciplines. Rossignol entered Nordic skiing during the 1970s. Its Nordic range covers cross-country and related snow disciplines, aimed at both recreational users and performance-focused skiers, with equipment differentiated by technique, terrain, construction and expected snow conditions.
Boardsports equipment
Snowboards
Snowboards became part of Rossignol’s portfolio as the company expanded beyond conventional ski equipment. The category connects the brand’s winter-sports manufacturing expertise with the broader boardsports market. Rossignol snowboards extend the brand into freestyle, all-mountain, freeride, and resort riding. The category is supported by complementary boots, bindings, and accessories, allowing the brand to compete in the broader board-sports market as well as traditional skiing. Snowboards became part of Rossignol's portfolio as the company expanded beyond conventional ski equipment, extending the brand into freestyle, all-mountain, freeride and resort riding. The category is supported by complementary boots, bindings and accessories, connecting the brand's winter-sports manufacturing expertise with the broader boardsports market.
Ski equipment · 1990
Ski boots and bindings
Rossignol produces ski boots across recreational and performance categories and has historically developed this category through its own label and associated specialist businesses. Its portfolio has included the Lange ski-boot brand and products originating from the Caber factory acquired in Italy. Ski boots and bindings form part of Rossignol's integrated equipment system. Boots are offered across recreational and performance categories, while bindings are designed to connect skis and boots with appropriate retention, release, and handling characteristics.
Ski equipment
Bindings
Ski bindings are part of Rossignol’s integrated equipment offer. The company expanded in this category through the acquisition of Geze and Look binding ranges, with Geze later rebranded under the group’s portfolio. Ski bindings are part of Rossignol's integrated equipment offer, designed to connect skis and boots with appropriate retention, release and handling characteristics. The company expanded in this category through the acquisition of Geze and Look binding ranges, with Geze later rebranded under the group's portfolio.
Apparel
Winter apparel and mountain clothing
Rossignol's apparel activities include ski jackets, trousers, base and mid layers, winter outerwear, mountain clothing and related accessories. The category supports the company's positioning as a complete winter-sports and mountain-lifestyle brand rather than a ski-only manufacturer.
Winter apparel brand · 2018
Dale of Norway
Dale of Norway is a Norwegian clothing brand acquired by Rossignol in 2018. Its addition expanded the group's presence in heritage winter clothing and complemented Rossignol's technical equipment and apparel activities.
Associated equipment brands
Dynastar and LOOK
Dynastar and LOOK are associated brands within the Rossignol Group portfolio referenced in the company's corporate history. Dynastar is linked to ski equipment, while LOOK is associated with bindings and other sports equipment activities.
Sportswear
Technical apparel and accessories
Rossignol's apparel and accessories include ski jackets, trousers, base and mid layers, gloves, helmets, goggles, bags, and other mountain products. These lines broaden the brand beyond hard equipment and express its French Alpine and mountain-lifestyle positioning.
Ski equipment
Ski poles
Ski poles form part of Rossignol's broader equipment system, complementing its skis, boots and bindings offer.
Protective gear and accessories
Helmets, goggles and accessories
Rossignol offers helmets, goggles, gloves, bags and other mountain products, broadening the brand beyond hard equipment and expressing its French Alpine and mountain-lifestyle positioning.
Brand decisions
2018
Acquisition of Dale of NorwayM&ABackground
Rossignol was extending its winter-sports equipment business into apparel and related mountain-lifestyle categories.
Action taken
Rossignol acquired Norwegian clothing brand Dale of Norway.
Aftermath
The acquisition broadened the group's clothing portfolio and added a heritage Nordic apparel label.
2013
Sale of Rossignol Group to Altor and Boix-Vives partnershipM&ABackground
Macquarie owned the Rossignol Group and its related equipment subsidiaries.
Action taken
Macquarie sold the group, including Lange and Dynastar, to a partnership of Altor Equity Partners and the Boix-Vives family.
Aftermath
The transaction restored a connection with the Boix-Vives family, which had previously played a major role in Rossignol's development.
2013
Altor acquisition of controlM&ABackground
Rossignol entered another ownership transition after its period under Macquarie-related ownership.
Action taken
Altor Equity Partners acquired control of Rossignol Group, alongside management participation.
Aftermath
The group continued as a privately held international winter-sports business.
2008
Sale to Bruno CercleyM&ABackground
Quiksilver decided to exit Rossignol after owning the company for several years.
Action taken
Quiksilver agreed to sell Rossignol for a reported $147 million to former chief executive Bruno Cercley.
Aftermath
Rossignol returned to ownership associated with a former executive, while Quiksilver retained the financial consequences of its earlier acquisition.
Reported sale price. $147 million (2008 transaction)
2008
Exit from Quiksilver ownershipM&ABackground
Quiksilver reassessed its portfolio during a period of financial and strategic pressure.
Action taken
Rossignol was sold to new ownership associated with Macquarie.
Aftermath
Rossignol continued as a privately held winter-sports group and later came under Altor control.
2005
Quiksilver acquisitionM&ABackground
Quiksilver sought to expand its boardsports business through ownership of an established winter-sports equipment manufacturer.
Action taken
Quiksilver acquired Rossignol for a reported $560 million.
Aftermath
The ownership period ended with an agreed sale in 2008, and the acquisition-related debt was later associated with Quiksilver's financial difficulties.
Reported acquisition price. $560 million (2005 transaction)
2005
Join the Quiksilver portfolioM&ABackground
Rossignol was acquired as Quiksilver pursued a broader action-sports and outdoor portfolio.
Action taken
Quiksilver completed the acquisition of Rossignol Group.
Aftermath
The ownership relationship ended with Quiksilver's sale of Rossignol in 2008.
1990
Acquisition of Caber and expansion of the boot portfolioM&ABackground
Rossignol was broadening from skis into complementary equipment categories and already controlled the Lange ski-boot brand.
Action taken
The company acquired the Caber boot factory in Italy and marketed its products under the Rossignol label.
Aftermath
The transaction strengthened Rossignol's position in ski boots and supported its broader equipment strategy.
1964
Launch of the Strato fiberglass skiProduct launchBackground
Ski manufacturers were moving beyond traditional wooden construction toward new materials and lighter performance designs.
Action taken
Rossignol introduced the Strato, its first fiberglass ski.
Aftermath
The launch marked a significant materials milestone in Rossignol's product-development history.
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