British alpine ski racers Luca and Zak Carrick-Smith have signed equipment agreements with Van Deer, the ski and boot brand founded by alpine skiing legend Marcel Hirscher and backed by Red Bull.
The move marks a significant new chapter for two of Great Britain’s leading young ski racers, with both athletes switching from Dynastar after nine years with the French brand.
The agreement will see Van Deer supply skis and boots to Luca, 21, and Zak, 19, alongside a significantly enhanced support programme that includes a dedicated ski service technician throughout the season.
The brothers recently completed their first on-snow testing with Van Deer and will continue preparations during a six-week training and racing block in New Zealand from late July, where they will be joined by Red Bull and Van Deer support staff.
Emma Carrick-Smith, a four-time Winter Olympian and mother of Luca, Zak and Freddy, said: “Leaving Dynastar was not an easy decision. They’ve been part of the boys’ journey for nine years and we are hugely grateful for all the support they have given us over that time.
“However, as the boys have progressed through the international ranks, we reached a stage where they needed additional support around them. Van Deer and Red Bull have shown a real commitment to helping them develop and that has already made a huge difference.
“The boys approached the testing process with an open mind and were impressed by what they found. Having dedicated service support throughout the season is something we simply haven’t had before and it gives them the best possible opportunity to focus on their skiing and racing.”
The Van Deer brand was launched by eight-time overall World Cup champion Marcel Hirscher and has quickly established itself as one of the most ambitious projects in elite alpine skiing. Supported by Red Bull, the company operates from its manufacturing facility in Scheffau, Austria, producing race equipment for World Cup and developing athletes alike.
The move comes as all three Carrick-Smith brothers continue to make their mark on the international stage.
Luca enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2025-26, claiming victory in an international FIS slalom race and establishing himself as one of Britain’s leading technical specialists. Luca came incredibly close to qualifying for a second World Cup run in Wengen when he missed it by just 0.12 of a second. He is expected to receive World Cup opportunities in slalom next season while continuing to target strong results on the Europa Cup circuit.
Zak, who also secured a FIS slalom victory last winter, will focus primarily on Europa Cup competition while continuing his progression towards regular World Cup appearances. He had several FIS and National championship wins along with his World Cup debut in Kranjska Gora.
Meanwhile, twin brother Freddy Carrick-Smith, 19, has been selected for the GB Snowsport World Cup squad for the 2026-27 season and will remain with Dynastar.
Freddy enjoyed an outstanding campaign last winter, winning a Europa Cup giant slalom race and claiming a silver medal in slalom at the Junior World Championships. Currently ranked among the world’s top 50 giant slalom skiers, he is expected to compete regularly on the World Cup circuit this season.
With enhanced support, new equipment and increasing opportunities at the highest levels of the sport, the Carrick-Smith brothers head into the 2026-27 season aiming to continue their rise through the international alpine skiing ranks.
Follow the team at: instagram.com/teamcarricksmith
