Rossignol To Close Historic Dynastar Factory In Sallanches

After more than six decades of ski manufacturing, the historic Dynastar factory in Sallanches, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, is set to close its doors on July 31, 2025. Parent company Rossignol announced the decision, a move that will result in the loss of 57 jobs and marks the end of an era for the iconic French ski brand.

The closure comes despite significant protests from employees and local officials, who decried the decision as a blow to the region's industrial heritage. Production of Dynastar skis will be consolidated at Rossignol's main factory in Artés, Spain, where the company already manufactures wood-core alpine skis for both Rossignol and Dynastar, as well as high-end cross-country skis.

Rossignol cited the factory's persistent unprofitability as the primary reason for the closure. Despite three rounds of investments in 2021, 2022, and 2024 aimed at revitalizing the Sallanches site, the facility failed to return to financial viability. The company stated the move is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and adapt to the evolving demands of the global ski market.

Launched as a joint venture between Dynamic and Starflex skis in 1963 and acquired by Rossignol in 1967, Dynastar quickly established itself as a producer of high-performance skis, building a formidable reputation in alpine sports. The Sallanches factory became synonymous with the brand's quality and innovation.

The announcement sparked immediate backlash. Employees, joined by concerned locals, staged a protest march on June 16. Xavier Roseren, the Haute-Savoie representative in the French National Assembly, publicly criticized Rossignol, calling the decision "unfair and incomprehensible." Roseren highlighted the regional government's investment of €1.2 million to modernize the factory, a figure Rossignol disputes, claiming it was €180,000. He further noted Rossignol's "rising sales and a return to profit since the COVID crisis," questioning the necessity of the closure.

Roseren called the move “a slap in the face for the Mont-Blanc region,” noting that the factory had reportedly returned to profitability. 

"This is a fight for the industrial identity of our valley," Roseren wrote in an open letter, labeling the closure a "political, economic, and human failure."

Despite the strong opposition, Rossignol confirmed that an amicable agreement had been reached with the union representing the 57 Sallanches employees. While the exact details of the agreement were not publicly disclosed, union representative Alain Clergeaud described it as "a good agreement." France's Minister for Industry and Energy, Marc Ferracci, visited Sallanches on Friday, July 11, acknowledging the deep regret felt when a facility shuts down in the region and emphasizing the challenging and highly competitive nature of the industry.

The consolidation of manufacturing activities at the Saint-Jean-de-Moirans site in France and the Artés facility in Spain is part of Rossignol's long-term vision to focus on innovation and competitiveness in the winter sports market. The closure of the Dynastar factory in Sallanches undeniably marks the end of a significant chapter in French ski manufacturing history, underscoring the ongoing challenges traditional industries face in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

 

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