Black Crows: The Indie Ski Brand That Flew Out of Chamonix

Some brands are carefully planned, focus-grouped, and rolled out with a marketing machine. Black Crows? Not so much. Born in Chamonix almost twenty years ago, this now-iconic ski brand started as a dinner-table idea between two skiers who couldn’t be more different—Bruno Compagnet, a free-spirited ski bum chasing big lines, and Camille Jaccoux, a city-leaning creative with a knack for art and marketing. Add a little financial fuel from their friend Christophe Vellmin, and suddenly a new kind of ski company was taking shape.

From day one, Black Crows wasn’t about being the biggest brand on the mountain. It was about building skis they loved—skis that anyone could click into and instantly feel the magic. Their debut ski, the Corvus in 2006, set the tone: smooth, playful, powerful, and forgiving enough that aspiring experts didn’t feel punished. In other words, skis that make skiing fun—because isn’t that the point?

And let’s not forget the design genius of Julien Regnier, the mind behind Armada’s legendary JJ ski. He helped Black Crows carve its way to the top, proving that rocker technology could unlock new terrain and make powder skiing more approachable (and way more fun).

What sets Black Crows apart today?

• Indie Spirit: They’re not trying to copy the big brands—they’re carving their own line.

• All-Mountain Freedom: Whether you’re into freeride, groomers, or powder, there’s a Black Crows ski for you (yes, men’s, women’s, and even kids).

• French Flair: Bold graphics meet bold design, making their skis look as good as they feel.

In less than 20 years, Black Crows has grown from a scrappy Chamonix start-up into a cult favorite—one that’s now a staple in freeride skiing worldwide. And through it all, they’ve stayed true to what got them started: making skis that help you ski better and love every turn.

Why we love them: Because skiing is supposed to feel like flying—and Black Crows nailed that sensation