Presenting a rare opportunity for collectors and vintage ski enthusiasts: the Vintage Salomon S9000 1S Pr8 'TEST' Snow Skis. These skis remain in New Old Stock (NOS) condition, still sealed in their original factory wrapping and undrilled, preserving their pristine status. Manufactured in France, this pair represents a significant chapter in Salomon’s history and ski innovation.
Brand and Model Context
Salomon, founded in 1947 near Annecy, France by François Salomon, is a French alpine equipment brand renowned for its pioneering safety-binding technology and influential ski construction. The company began as a small family workshop producing metalwork before adapting its expertise to ski edges and components. Over the decades, Salomon established itself as a leader in alpine skiing innovation, introducing monocoque ski construction and iconic models that shaped the sport.
The Salomon S9000 series, introduced in 1990, marked a major milestone in ski design and manufacturing. This series was part of Salomon’s early 1990s monocoque/cap-style construction era, which delivered lighter, torsionally strong skis that influenced the entire industry. The S9000 lineup was Salomon’s statement on the racing ski market, helping the brand secure its place on the global ski manufacturers’ map.
The S9000 series featured three models differentiated by turn radius: 1S for long radius turns, 2S for medium radius, and 3S for short radius turns. At the time, no ski manufacturer listed turn radius (R) on skis, making Salomon’s approach innovative. Instead, Salomon used a “Pr” or “power” ranking system to indicate ski length, which was based on the skier’s weight versus height rather than centimeters. The Pr numbers ranged from Pr5 to Pr8, with lower numbers indicating shorter skis.
This particular pair is the 1S Pr8 model, measuring 212 cm in length, representing the longest and most aggressive option in the lineup. Known as the “big dog” of the S9000 series, these skis deliver a ride characterized by stability and precision, often described as “on rails” performance. The “TEST” designation indicates these were special edition skis, likely used for evaluation or promotional purposes, adding to their rarity and collector value.
Condition and Details
These Vintage Salomon S9000 1S Pr8 'TEST' Snow Skis are New Old Stock (NOS), meaning they have never been mounted or drilled. They remain in their original factory wrapping, preserving their factory-fresh condition after more than three decades. This undrilled status is exceptionally rare for vintage skis, as most have been used or modified over time.
Manufactured in Annecy, France, these skis embody the craftsmanship and innovation associated with Salomon’s early racing models. The skis’ length of 212 cm (Pr8) and 1S designation make them suitable for long radius, high-speed turns, reflecting their downhill racing heritage. Their preservation in factory wrap and undrilled condition makes them a museum-quality, investment-grade collector’s item.
Collectors and enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance of these skis, which capture a pivotal moment in ski manufacturing history. The S9000 series was instrumental in transitioning ski design towards lighter, stronger, and more performance-oriented equipment. Owning a pair of these skis is owning a piece of ski racing history from one of the most influential French brands.
For those interested in exploring more vintage Salomon models and learning about the brand’s rich history in alpine skiing innovation, we invite you to browse our full SALOMON collection.
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