Faction – Freeride skis from the heart of the Swiss Alps
Faction Founded in 2006 in Verbier at the foot of Mont Fort, the brand has since been known for skis developed by freeriders for freeriders. Instead of classic race tuning, the brand focuses on playful rocker shapes, pronounced sidecuts, and a design that places just as much emphasis on aesthetics as on performance in powder. Co-developed by athletes such as Candide Thovex, Eileen Gu, Alex Hall, and Sam Anthamatten, the models combine smooth gliding in deep snow with agility in the park and on the slopes. At ski-shop.ch, you’ll find a selection from the current Faction collection, ready to go for your next off-piste session.
Top Sellers
The Most Popular Faction Skis
Our best-selling Faction models—from agile all-mountain skis to full-fledged freeride boards for deep snow.
In Verbier since 2006
By freeriders, for freeriders—in the heart of the Valais Alps
Faction Founded in 2006 in Verbier by a group of passionate freeskiers led by Alex Hoye and Tony McWilliam, the brand emerged from the mountain world that continues to shape the sport to this day. The brand was part of the movement that radically transformed ski design in the 2000s, bringing influences from skateboard and surf culture to the mountains instead of following classic racing designs. To this day, the team sees itself as a “collective” of athletes, filmmakers, engineers, and mountain enthusiasts who work together on new shapes and designs. This close connection to the freeride scene is also evident in the brand’s own film productions, such as “THIS IS HOME” and “THE COLLECTIVE,” which have screened at international mountain film festivals. Anyone skiing on a Faction ski today is skiing on a piece of living Verbier history—one that was developed from the ground up, by practitioners for practitioners.
A good example of this philosophy is the Faction Studio 1, a versatile all-mountain ski that combines the brand’s playful DNA with a smooth ride on the piste. It’s ideal for skiers and snowboarders looking for a ski for everyday use without having to compromise on a spontaneous session in the powder. The slight rocker at the tip ensures it’s still a blast even when a few centimeters of fresh snow have fallen overnight. At the same time, it remains agile enough on groomed slopes to serve as your only ski for an entire winter day. You can find the complete current selection of Faction models on the Faction brand page at ski-shop.ch.
For every type of terrain
Rocker, sidecut, and construction designed for powder, park, and groomed runs
Faction The skis feature generous rocker profiles at the tip and tail, which provide lift in deep snow while also delivering a light, playful ride. The sidecut varies significantly depending on the model series: narrower all-mountain skis, such as the Studio line, remain agile on hard-packed slopes, while wider freeride models offer additional surface area and stability in loose snow. The wooden core inside ensures a balanced combination of weight and smooth glide, while reinforced edges provide reliable grip even in changing snow conditions—from firn to powder to groomed runs. Many models also feature a symmetrical design or twin-tip ends, which make switch landings in the park and spontaneous tricks off-piste easier. The result is a ski that isn’t limited to a single discipline but seamlessly transitions between freeride, freestyle, and relaxed on-piste skiing, depending on what you’re in the mood for.
One model that exemplifies this versatility is the Faction Agent 2 Blue from the Agent series, designed for skiers who want to switch between the piste and light backcountry. It combines a maneuverable sidecut with enough float to let you spontaneously leave the piste even after a fresh snowfall. The reinforced edges provide confidence even as the snow changes from powder to firn throughout the day. This keeps the ski predictable and easy to control, even as conditions shift over the course of the day. The entire “ Faction ” collection, featuring additional widths and lengths, is clearly organized on the Faction brand page at ski-shop.ch.
Co-developed by female athletes
Co-developed by world-class athletes
Faction works closely with an international team of athletes, including Freeride World Tour champions, Olympic medalists, and X Games medalists. Names like Candide Thovex, Eileen Gu, Alex Hall, Sam Anthamatten, and Kelly Sildaru aren’t just brand ambassadors—they’re directly involved in the development of new models, contributing their experience from competition and film projects to the design and flex of the skis. This collaboration ensures that the skis aren’t designed on a drawing board for an anonymous market, but are measured against real-world demands from the backcountry, contests, and film sets. At the same time, as a B Corp and through its partnership with One Percent for the Planet, Faction is committed to responsible stewardship of the mountains that are so important to the team. Anyone who chooses Faction becomes part of a community that has been actively shaping the freeride philosophy for over fifteen years, rather than just marketing it.
One example of this collaboration is the Faction Agent 2 Pink, a model from the Agent series that strikes the balance between on-piste performance and backcountry capability—a feature consistently requested in athlete feedback. It demonstrates just how much everyday practicality is possible—even with a sporty focus—when pros are involved from the very beginning. If you’re unsure which model suits your riding style, our team will be happy to help. We’re also happy to answer any questions you may have about length, sidecut, or the right bindings in person. You can find an overview of the complete lineup at any time on the Faction brand page at ski-shop.ch.
FAQ
Questions and Answers About Faction
Everything you need to know about Faction —answered concisely.