Von Allmen extends contract with equipment supplier Head, makes it long term

In a sport where two-year equipment deals are the ironclad industry standard, Swiss alpine skiing sensation Franjo von Allmen is breaking the mold. Following a historic Olympic performance, the 24-year-old superstar has officially signed an unusually long four-year contract extension with his longtime equipment supplier, Head.

A Rare Long-Term Commitment

Von Allmen solidified his status as one of alpine skiing's brightest stars after capturing Olympic gold in the downhill, Super-G, and team combined. His dominance made him the most sought-after athlete of the spring signing window, but instead of entertaining a change, he opted for long-term stability with the Vorarlberg-based manufacturer.

"Normally, we conclude two-year contracts with racers. In Franjo's case, however, both he and we were aiming for a longer-term solution," explained Head’s racing director, Rainer Salzgeber, in an interview with the newspaper Blick.

With this four-year commitment, von Allmen follows a strategic path similar to fellow Swiss standout Marco Odermatt, who secured a long-term extension with Stöckli last autumn through the 2029/30 season.

Turning Down the Millions

While the exact financial terms of the new agreement remain under wraps, the bidding war for the Olympic champion was fierce. Other major equipment manufacturers were reportedly ready to dig deep into their pockets to lure the Swiss star away. Industry insiders, including former world champion Christof Innerhofer, previously estimated that a tier-one racer of von Allmen's caliber commands a fixed annual salary between 400,000 and 500,000 Swiss francs from an equipment partner alone—a baseline the new deal likely surpasses.

For von Allmen, however, loyalty and infrastructure outweighed the highest bidder.

"Head offers me not only top-notch equipment but also an absolutely brilliant serviceman in Sepp Kuppelwieser," von Allmen emphasized. "Furthermore, this company already supported me when I was still quite far from the World Cup circuit. That's why I absolutely wanted to continue with Head."

The skier's lucrative portfolio also features high-profile partnerships with premium brands like Red Bull and luxury watchmaker Breitling.

Green Lit for Motocross

Beyond equipment performance, Head’s corporate culture sealed the deal. Von Allmen is an avid motocross enthusiast—having recently competed at the grueling Erzbergrodeo—a hobby that usually makes ski executives incredibly nervous.

Fortunately for von Allmen, his racing director is a self-proclaimed "petrolhead." Salzgeber, the 1993 World Championship giant slalom runner-up, takes a refreshingly lenient view of the high-octane hobby.

"When I shattered my shoulder in a motocross crash during my active career, my head coach at the time gave me a brutal dressing-down," Salzgeber recalled. "Because I've remained a petrolhead through and through, I fully understand Franjo's passion. And I also know that motocross riding can be equivalent to excellent training."

With his equipment secure, a trusted technician by his side, and the freedom to ride on two wheels during the off-season, Franjo von Allmen is fully locked in to dominate the World Cup circuit for years to come.