The Best Non-American Ski Brands
My brother Keir skiing his Black Crows - a crowd favourite for skiers in Revelstoke, BC.
Top Non-American Ski Brands You Should Know About
As an outdoor enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the industry and the publisher of Rapid Media, I’ve spent countless hours on the slopes and in the backcountry. Living in Revelstoke, BC—a mecca for skiers and snowboarders—I’ve experienced first-hand how the right equipment can make all the difference when exploring rugged terrain and deep powder.
While many skiers are familiar with American brands, the global ski industry is home to exceptional non-American companies that are leading the way in innovation and craftsmanship. From Austria’s premium handcrafted skis to Canada’s boutique, custom-made options, these brands offer world-class performance for any skier.
In this article, I’ll highlight some of the top non-American ski brands, each offering unique strengths and world-class gear to elevate your experience on the mountain. Whether you’re racing, cruising the resort, or exploring the backcountry, these international brands should be on your radar.
🇨🇦 Canada
Prior Snow – Handcrafted in Whistler, known for freeride and backcountry skis.
Paradise Skis – Calgary-based, offering playful all-mountain and touring skis.
Raccoon Skis – Quebec brand specializing in high-performance all-mountain skis.
Instinct Skis – Premium handcrafted skis designed in BC for freeride and big-mountain skiing.
Austria 🇦🇹
Atomic – One of the biggest ski manufacturers, known for race, freeride, and touring skis.
Blizzard – High-performance skis for racing, freeriding, and backcountry.
Fischer – Renowned for alpine, cross-country, and touring skis.
Kästle – Premium Austrian ski brand with a focus on performance and innovation.
France 🇫🇷
Rossignol – One of the most recognized ski brands, making race, freeride, and touring skis.
Dynastar – Known for race, all-mountain, and touring skis.
Black Crows – Chamonix-based brand specializing in freeride and touring skis.
Zag Skis – Boutique brand focused on freeride and touring skis.
Switzerland 🇨🇭
Stöckli – High-end handmade skis used in racing and all-mountain skiing.
Faction – Freeride and freestyle-focused brand with Swiss roots.
Movement Skis – Specializes in lightweight backcountry and touring skis.
Italy 🇮🇹
Nordica – Known for high-performance race, freeride, and all-mountain skis.
Germany 🇩🇪
Völkl – One of the most respected ski brands, making high-tech, performance-driven skis.
Augment Skis – Premium hand-built skis focused on racing and high-performance skiing.
Norway 🇳🇴
Åsnes – Specializes in backcountry and Nordic touring skis.
Sweden 🇸🇪
Extrem Skis – Boutique freeride ski manufacturer.
Japan 🇯🇵
OGASAKA – Japan’s top ski brand, known for precision and craftsmanship.
