A journey through time...

1935

90 years of innovation and passion

TOUSSAINT has been helping skiers since 1935. It was in Colmar that the company began manufacturing waxes, which were essential at a time when there were no ski lifts: they held the skier in place on the way up and enabled the skier to glide efficiently on the way down. The PARSENN brand was registered right from the start. It was inspired by an emblematic Swiss ski area near Davos, and was accompanied by a logo that has become iconic: a chamois in a triangle, still in use today.

1940

A new start in the face of history

On 15 June 1940, faced with war, the TOUSSAINT family left Colmar for an exodus in the south of France, then moved to Megève and finally resettled in Passy, Haute-Savoie. A forced exile, but not the end: barely a year later, the workshop was up and running again. The manufacture of waxes resumed, with the same determination: to help skiers move forward, whatever the obstacle. VOLA is still based in the original building... but three others have been built since 1940.

1960

New name, new impetus

The PARSENN brand has become VOLA. "VOLA" is a contraction of "vol(e) à ski": thanks to wax, you don't ski on the snow, you fly on skis. It's also a shorter, more universal name, easier to pronounce internationally, an asset for the company's global development. At the same time, cellulose ski soles, which were too fragile, were replaced by polyethylene soles. This technical development required regular waxing... and opened up new horizons for VOLA.

1980

Conquering the international market

The opening up to Japan marked a turning point: texts were now translated, and a strategic partnership was formed with Asiatic Western Corporation (Conquest). Thanks to this alliance, VOLA passed the milestone of producing one million 24g wax bars in a single year. A historic milestone for the company.

To support this expansion, Adrien Duvillard, a top-level skier, lent his expertise to VOLA by collaborating on the writing of the alpine technical booklets. Jean-Paul Pierrat, the only French winner of the Vasaloppet in 1978 and the first Frenchman to win a medal at the Nordic World Championships, was VOLA's Nordic ambassador at the same time.

1995

A new era for VOLA

Following a major restructuring, the 3rd generation takes over the reins of the company, breathing new life into it.

VOLA reinvented itself and opened up new horizons by joining forces with SOFT CONTROL. Soft Control is a French specialist in sports timing. By combining its timing software + a partnership with the prestigious Swiss company TAG Heuer + distribution of the AMB brand (which has now become MyLaps, a specialist in transponder timing), Soft Control is ushering in a new technological era. It also provides timekeeping services for exceptional events, such as the historic Monaco Grand Prix. This strategic alliance marks a key step for VOLA, which is entering the demanding world of precision technology.

VOLA is broadening its product range by becoming the official distributor of the Italian brand SPM, a specialist in track stakes and protections. A key step that strengthens the company's presence in the world of downhill skiing and ski area development.

2003

VOLA extends its offer to competitors

As part of its ongoing drive to meet the expectations of the world of high-level skiing, VOLA has become a distributor for the Italian brand ENERGIAPURA. Renowned for its protection and technical clothing dedicated to competitors, ENERGIAPURA equips many athletes on the international circuits. Thanks to this partnership, VOLA is consolidating its presence in the world of competition and offering skiers an ever more comprehensive range of products.

2006

Antoine DENERIAZ, Olympic gold with VOLA

Antoine DENERIAZ won the Olympic downhill title in Turin, a historic moment for French skiing.

Under his skis: VOLA wax, a reflection of French expertise dedicated to performance. It's also the fruit of a long-term project that began in 2001, when a VOLA technician accompanied Antoine with rigour and exacting standards, maintaining his skis to perfection. This partnership then developed with the Atomic brand.

This partnership, based on trust, excellence and passion, fully embodies VOLA's commitment to working alongside the greatest champions.

2009

VOLA innovates for the planet

VOLA is leading the way with the launch of its first eco-responsible wax in 2009: e-Wax. Composed mainly of vegetable and animal wax, it combines performance and respect for the environment. Versatile, it is suitable for all types of skiers and waxing workshops, whether hot waxing or chalk waxing. e-Wax also stands out for its 100% biodegradable packaging and eco-friendly printing ink. A pioneering innovation, confirming VOLA's commitment to sustainability for over 15 years.

A high-level collaboration

VOLA is embarking on a new adventure alongside Olympic champion Antoine DENERIAZ, by launching a range of helmets dedicated to ski racers. Thanks to Antoine's reputation and trusted image, VOLA has entered this demanding and ultra-specialised niche market. A combination of performance, safety and expertise for top-level skiers.

2011

VOLA strengthens its Timing section

In 2011, VOLA is taking a new step in the development of its Timing section by establishing a strategic partnership with Alge, a world leader in timing equipment. This partnership marks the beginning of a solid collaboration around hardware, enabling VOLA to offer complete, high-performance solutions to sports competition organisers. A technological synergy at the service of competition.

2012

VOLA makes itself visible on the slopes

With the launch of its own brand of helmets and goggles, VOLA is gaining in visibility and asserting its presence in the world of ski racing. Unlike wax, which is invisible under the soles of skis, these new products proudly display the VOLA colours on the slopes. It's a strategic move that strengthens the brand's reputation with the general public and professionals alike.

VOLA is installing its very first video panel at the edge of the slopes, marking the start of a new era in digital signage for sports events. It's an innovation that enriches the experience of competitions in real time, and one that has since been increasingly deployed in ski resorts.

2013

Training timing kit, with Brower

VOLA is expanding its range of timing products by starting to sell equipment from the American brand Brower Timing Systems. This collaboration will enable VOLA to meet the growing needs of clubs, coaches and athletes in terms of training and performance.

2014

VOLA goes public and diversifies

VOLA is continuing to expand its range of products in order to increase its direct visibility on the slopes and in town. It is expanding its range with ski poles and a line of sunglasses, designed to combine high performance and comfort, for competitors and enthusiasts alike. A coherent diversification that strengthens VOLA's identity as a global player in ski equipment.

In the same year, VOLA became a distributor of the Swiss brand KV+, a specialist in poles for cross-country skiing and Nordic walking.

In terms of technology, VOLA launched its very first live video broadcasting system at Méribel. It's an immersive first for spectators and organisers, paving the way for a new generation of connected services for sporting events.

2016

A new era for data sharing

At the request of the US Ski & Snowboard Association, VOLA is launching Publish, a customisable web platform that centralises all race data: live timing, live text, broadcast and stored videos, as well as all documents (PDF, results, etc.). With Publish, VOLA is paving the way for a more modern, connected and accessible racing experience.

2020

2021

VOLA shakes up competition

In testing since 2018, the range of fluorine-free racing waxes, called RACE, will be launched in 2021. Anticipating future regulatory changes and responding to growing environmental demands, VOLA is offering a wax that combines top-level performance and 100% fluorine-free. A proactive approach that confirms VOLA's commitment to always being at the cutting edge, while anticipating tomorrow's challenges.

2022

Launch of the Eco Textile Care range

A new eco-responsible range has arrived, made in France and designed to care for all the technical products Vola offers: underwear, wetsuits, jackets, etc. The Eco Textile Care range includes soap, detergent, waterproofing and sanitising products, specially formulated for optimum care. With no danger pictograms and entirely natural, this range is highly effective while respecting the planet. Sustainable care for your textiles, combining performance and respect for the environment.

2023

Next-generation timing, in real time, everywhere.

In 2023, VOLA will become the exclusive distributor in France of LYMPIK, the ideal connected timing solution for training. Simple, mobile, high-performance: with LYMPIK, you'll never miss a time again.

2025

90 candles!

Vola is all about passion for competition, for the benefit of all sportsmen and women.

In a few words :
Creator of waxes and software > 1 site, in Passy, at the foot of Mont-Blanc
38 employees in France
1 company in Spain
1 company in Switzerland
Distributed in 34 countries
80 federal athlete partners in 11 countries.

What about tomorrow?

To maintain and strengthen our position in ski racing, across all our product ranges.
Increasing our presence on the elite circuits, and always being as close as possible to the athletes.
But we also want to think beyond winter. Imagining, developing and marketing 4-season products.
Supporting the mountains all year round, and expanding our playground.
Innovation, performance, commitment.

The same high standards. The same passion.
For today. For tomorrow.