Faction Skis and Candide Thovex Announce Close of 10-Year Partnership.

January 18th, 2022
Candide Thovex and a Faction CT model. Photo: Timo Jarvinien

Mountainwatch | Press Release 

Faction Skis and Candide Thovex have announced an end to their 10-year partnership, this winter being the final season of collaboration with the skier. It’s fair to say the long association with Candide, perhaps the most influential freeskier of the past 15 years, and the development of his signature skis resulted in Faction’s growth from a small Verbier-based boutique brand to an international brand renowned for it’s award winning skis. 

Candide has announced the split on his social media and Faction released the following press release overnight:

January 17th 2022:The Faction Collective, Verbier: Winter 2021-22 marks the final season of collaboration between Faction Skis and Candide Thovex, with both parties moving on amicably to new adventures in the spring.

“On behalf of everyone at The Faction Collective, I would like to thank Candide for the incredible impact he has brought to the Faction Skis brand,” says Faction CEO and Co-Founder, Alex Hoye.

“Candide’s genius undoubtedly helped put Faction on the map and for that we will forever be grateful. After 10 years working together to develop award-winning skis, both parties feel we have achieved what we set out to do. Now, with exciting new adventures to explore, we head on our different paths with great memories and respect. We wish Candide nothing but the best on his journey ahead. One thing we’re sure of, the future is bright for both Candide and Faction, and that’s a pretty good sign that our relationship has been a success. Candide, thank you!”

 

Candide, originally a park skier who moved into all mountain freeriding an influenced a generation. Photo: Timon Jarvinien

The 2021-22 CT Signature Series is therefore confirmed as the final collection of Candide Thovex Pro Model skis by Faction, available at Faction retail partner stores across the globe and online at factionskis.com.

“Candide’s vision for a freeski collection helped guide our philosophy for this series, with the final collection being undoubtedly our most exciting and high-quality range to date” notes Hoye. “As a mark of respect for the role Candide has played in the development of the brand, we will retire the CT 5.0 ski model on which he made so much history, assigning this special ski to its rightful place in freeski lore.”

After a decade of collaboration punctuated with countless ski awards, limited-edition product releases and industry innovation, Faction Skis has released a timeline of the partnership on its website. Ski fans are encouraged to scroll through and recall Faction and Candide’s most memorable moments of the past 10 years. The timeline is available at www.factionskis.com.