Salomon Snow Protection F/W 2026/27 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Snow Protection F/W 2026/27 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Salomon
Interviewee: Benjamin Raffort, Helmets Line Manager & Awena Jouannic, Protective Marketing Manager

Which products sold best in the winter 2024/25 and why?
During winter 2024/25, the Salomon Flexcell back protector performed strongly in sales due to its combination of comfort, adaptability, and high protection. Its minimalist design, lightweight structure, and adjustable fit made it particularly appealing to consumers seeking both safety and ergonomics for snowboarding.

Which of your 2025/2026 protection do you expect to perform best at retail and why?
We expect the Flexcell Pro to perform best at retail in 2025/2026. Offering the best balance between protection, comfort, durability, and freedom of movement, it is an accessible option for many consumers. Designed to be a dependable partner on the slopes, the Flexcell Pro combines high safety standards with an ergonomic, breathable design that ensures comfort and mobility without compromising protection. This season, the product also features a new adjustment system inspired by our hydration bags, providing even greater freedom of movement and adaptability. In addition, its foldable pad makes it easy to transport and store, reinforcing its appeal to active skiers seeking both performance and practicality.

Are there any observable trends in the practice of snowboarding that impact product demand and development?
Yes, we’ve observed a growing awareness among snowboarders of the importance of full-body protection. Not just the head, but especially the back. This shift is driving demand for products that offer reliable protection without compromising comfort.

Which product do you expect to grow the most of your 2026/2027 collection?
We expect the Flexcell Pro (Men, Women, and Junior) to show the strongest growth in our 2026/27 collection. Designed to be a dependable partner on the slopes, the Flexcell Pro combines high safety standards with optimal mobility and comfort. With its innovative adjustment system, it attracts a wide range of users looking for reliable back protection without compromising their freedom of movement. Its ergonomic and breathable design further enhances comfort, making it a go-to choice for skiers and snowboarders alike.

What are the design and material highlights of your 2026/27 collection?
For the 2026/27 collection, the key design and material highlights include the use of Polartec® PowerDry™ for enhanced breathability and moisture management, as well as a new elastic strap system that allows users to adjust their vest quickly and precisely. This evolution builds on the renewal of our back protection range initiated in 2025/26. Both Flexcell Pro (Level 2) and Flexcell Prime (Level 1) now feature the same tightening system, ensuring consistent comfort and performance across the range while maintaining the appropriate level of protection for each model.

How are you implementing sustainability in your products and production processes?
We are actively integrating sustainability into our products and production processes. For example, we use recycled fabrics such as Polartec® PowerDry™ or PET recycled mesh, and we are currently working on incorporating a higher percentage of recycled materials into our pads. Our goal is to minimize environmental impact while maintaining the high quality and technical performance of our products.

What are your marketing stories for 2026/27?
For the 2026/27 collection, our marketing stories will focus on freedom of movement and technical innovation. We aim to highlight our use of Polartec® recycled fabrics, the improved comfort and protection provided by our new pads, and a new fastening system designed for enhanced performance and ergonomics.

How are you supporting retailers to sell this category?
Dedicated training book and catalog are provided to our sales force and retailers bring-ing together detailed information on products, technologies… We offer a full range of PoP materials highlighting Salomon’s key products and explain-ing and demonstrating our technologies. Dedicated protective content have also been developed for the retailers to be able to create a real universe around our products in shops (visuals).

Key Products:

FLEXCELL PRIME:
Designed to add a layer of protection to your days on the mountain, Salomon’s Flexcell Prime Vest blends safety technologies and comfort features. With its ergonomic design and breathable materials, this foldable back protector safeguards you without impeding your freedom of movement, so you can push your limits with added confidence.

FLEXCELL PRIME_Black

FLEXCELL PRO:
Designed to be your dependable partner on the slopes, Salomon’s Flexcell Pro Vest effortlessly blends high safety standards with a design that complements your mobility. Its ergonomic shape and breathable materials prioritize comfort and freedom of movement while still delivering the reliable protection you need when chasing your next adventure.

FLEXCELL PRO_Black

FLEXCELL:
Streamlined, ergonomic, and easily customizable to your body’s shape thanks to the adjustable chest straps and belt, Salomon’s Flexcell back protector is minimalist in style and weight but delivers high levels of protection.

FLEXCELL_Black