Ski brand shakeups ahead of the 2025–26 season

As every spring, the ski world enters its off-season shuffle. With the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games on the horizon, athletes and brands are recalibrating for the next big push. Contract renewals, strategic switches, and new partnerships mark this essential period, with skiers looking for that extra edge on the road to the podium.

Let’s take a look at the most exciting changes heading into next winter.

Linus Strasser joins Head

The most high-profile move this off-season is undoubtedly that of Linus Strasser (GER). The 32-year-old German, who clinched bronze in the slalom at the 2025 World Championships in Saalbach, is leaving Rossignol after nine years and switching to Head.

“Linus Strasser is currently by far the best German technician,” says Head Racing Director Rainer Salzgeber. “He is the perfect addition to our team.” Already a Slalom World Cup runner-up, Strasser is targeting even more consistency heading toward the Olympics.

Daniel Yule and Raphael Haaser head to Atomic

After an incredible 19-year journey with Fischer, a partnership that began when he was just 13 years old, Swiss slalom star Daniel Yule is making a major switch to Atomic. During his long career with Fischer, Yule racked up an impressive 17 World Cup podiums and 7 victories, becoming one of the most consistent and respected slalom skiers on the circuit.

Now, with his sights set firmly on the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics, Yule is looking for a fresh boost from Atomic to stay competitive in a tightly packed field.

Joining him at Atomic is Austria’s Raphael Haaser, fresh off a dream season that saw him crowned World Champion in giant slalom and Super G world vice-champion at the 2025 World Championships. The powerful Austrian now becomes a pillar of the “Redster” lineup.

Van Deer welcomes new stars

The ambitious Van Deer-Red Bull team, already home to Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) and Timon Haugan (NOR), continues to expand its roster with two new names: Joan Verdú, AJ Ginnis and Max Franz.

Verdú, the Andorran standout, makes the jump from Head, while Ginnis (GRE) leaves Fischer to join the Austrian-based brand. Max Franz (AUT), known for his experience and speed-event strength, also joins the project as he returns to competition. All three athletes bring valuable experience and podium potential, further reinforcing a team that is steadily gaining presence and depth across disciplines.

Katharina Huber signs with Völkl

A fresh start awaits Katharina Huber (AUT), who ends her time with Fischer and will now ski with Völkl. The Austrian technician is looking to carve a more prominent role within the World Cup field, and Völkl is betting on her potential.

Neja Dvornik to Rossignol

Slovenian skier Neja Dvornik is the latest addition to Rossignol’s roster after leaving Fischer. A consistent top-30 slalom racer, Dvornik hopes the change will unlock her next level of performance.

Billy Major joins Head

British slalom skier Billy Major reunites with his longtime teammate Dave Ryding by switching from Fischer to Head. The move reinforces Head’s focus on technical events and British skiing, as they aim to replicate past podium success.