314: Chamonix Stories #1 | Zag Skis

314: Chamonix Stories #1 | Zag Skis

From The Ski Podcast by The Ski Podcast

June 5, 2026 · 16 min

About this episode

The episode features an interview with Zag Skis' marketing head and R&D head discussing the brand's origins, innovation, and sustainability efforts.

Episode 314 is the first in our series of Chamonix Stories, today featuring Zag Skis. Iain spoke with head of marketing Alan Lemasson and head of R&D Bastien Saillard from the Chamonix-based freeride ski brand at their Argentiere ' Zag Lab ' - where they make and test prototypes. We discuss the origins of Zag, the process of creating and testing new lines, sustainability and plans for the future. Zag has always been one of the most innovative ski brands, full of ideas and enthusiasm and I think that comes across in this interview. SHOW NOTES Alan Lemasson and Bastien Saillard from Zag Skis joined Iain for this interview (1:30) Why Zag test at the 'Zag Lab' in Chamonix (2:00) “Every ZAG model is smashed, thrashed, and put through the wringer” (3:00) The lead time for new models (6:00) Origins of the brand (7:00) Were Zag the first skis with rockers? (8:00) Winning the ISPO award (8:15) Julien Lopez won the Freeride World Tour on Zag Skis in 2009 (8:45) Topsheet designs (9:30) Planned growth markets (10:30) ‘ZAGreen’ sustainable construction (11:00) AROC is a the ‘brother of the Mata’ (13:00) FEEDBACK If you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any comments, please let me know…

People in this episode

Host: Iain

Guests: Alan Lemasson, Bastien Saillard

Topics covered

  • Chamonix
  • Zag Skis
  • freeride skiing
  • sustainability
  • ski innovation

Keywords

  • Zag Skis
  • Chamonix
  • freeride
  • sustainability
  • ski prototypes
  • innovation
  • ISPO award

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Zag Skis

Books & works: ISPO award

Places: Chamonix, Argentiere

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