The best French ski brands have mastered the art of creating functional ski clothing that is also stylish and chic. If you love skiing, these French ski clothing makers could be where you find your next set of ski sportswear. The French Alps are a top skiing destination and come winter, people from around the world head to France to enjoy the mountains.
These French skiing brands craft clothing from premium fabrics to insulate you from the cold while looking good. You can rely on these brands to create your dream ski wardrobe.
When you’re done hitting the slopes, you can outfit yourself in après-ski clothing like cozy sweaters, thick winter pants, and insulating layers by these brands. Even if you don’t ski, these brands make lots of great winterwear you can use on your next winter vacation.
French Ski Brands
Here are the best luxury French ski clothing brands you need to know for getting amazing French girl winter style!
Moncler
Moncler is the most prestigious French skiwear brand. Founded in 1952 by René Ramillon and André Vincent, “Montcler” is an abbreviation for the small mountain village in which it was founded, Monestier-de-Clermont, France. The brand has surprising origins as a sleeping bag and tent producer for mountain travelers. Soon enough, its employees needed better protection against the climate, so the company developed the first down jacket made for harsh mountain conditions.
After outfitting various national expeditions and known mountaineers like Lionel Terray, the company’s profile began to rise. In 1968, for the Grenoble Winter Olympics, Moncler was the official maker of the French downhill skiing teams’ outerwear.
In 2003, Moncler was acquired by Italian businessman Remo Ruffini, who initiated a strategy to move Moncler into the luxury outerwear category. In 2006, an haute couture line was launched, first designed by Alessandra Facchinetti, later by Giambattista Valli, and finally by American designer Thom Browne. Moncler Gamme Rouge and Bleu ended in 2017, but the strategy worked. Moncler became the most sought-after luxury winter brand in the world.
No matter what expedition you face, Moncler will help you brave the elements in style.
Fusalp
Fusalp is a well-known luxury French skiwear brand founded in 1952 in Annecy, France by Georges Ribola and René Veyrat. The two men saw how prêt-à-porter clothing was booming in fashion and decided to replicate the same concept for skiwear. They developed ‘fuseau’ leggings specialized for Alpine climates, and used technical expertise to create ski socks, jackets, and more.
Many notable ski champions won their medals outfitted in Fusalp. Three-time French ski champion Jean-Claude Killy wore Fusalp while competing in the 1968 Olympics in Grenoble, France. The Monaco Olympic Committee chose Fusalp to supply their clothing for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang.
Today, under creative director Mathilde Lacoste, Fusalp creates luxury ski clothing that blends the company’s mid-century mod aesthetic with modern-day functionality and innovation. Fusalp blends technical know-how with chic French elegance.
In late 2020, Fusalp announced a collaboration with luxury French designer Chloé and created chic 70s-inspired ski outerwear, apres-ski clothing, and winter accessories. The Chloé x Fusalp capsule ski collection is available to shop from Net-a-Porter, Saks, and Farfetch.
Rossignol
Rossignol is a French alpine ski brand that was founded in 1907 in Isère, France. Rossignol began as a ski equipment manufacturer. Founder Abel Rossignol got his start by creating wood products for the textile industry, like spindles.
In 1937, ski racer Émile Allais won three competitions in Chamonix, France while skiing on Rossignol Olympic 41 skis. The company’s first all-metal skis helped Jean Vuarnet win during the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California. By the 1970s, Rossignol was the world’s largest ski manufacturer.
Rossignol began designing ski wear and today the company’s signature style is instantly recognizable. The rooster emblem present on many of their jackets combined with the French flag stripes of red, white, and blue give this French heritage brand a classic aesthetic.
The brand recently launched a collaboration with haute couture house Balmain. The Balmain X Rossignol capsule collection features limited-edition ski equipment and winter clothing designs. Ski champion Perrine Laffont was chosen as the face of the collection’s campaign.
I hope you find the perfect winter ski clothing this year thanks to these French ski brands! Whether you’re heading to Chamonix, Courchevel, or Megève, these brands will help you travel in style.
