|
The 1980s, a transitional period
Snowshoes date back to prehistoric times. Up until recently they were only a tool for travelling and hunting. In the early 1980s, new materials appeared and snowshoes presented themselves as a sport and leisure activity product. So naturally the TSL (Thônes Sport Loisir) company was set up in 1981 in the Aravis valley, birthplace of the French Alps, with the launching of plastic snowshoes, the JCB.
The 1990s, birth of the snowshoe technique
It was only in 1995 that TSL really took off and became the snowshoe leader and reference brand. The 225 Rando was thought up and sold during the same year. It was an immediate success. It is the first snowshoe with an articulated binding combining comfort, technical skill and design. Its wasp shape offers a natural walking comfort and is a recognizable mark on all the plastic snowshoes of the TSL brand.
The 2000s, A small company became a big one
TSL continued its expansion. In 2000, the company diversified and launched a range of winter products linked to snowshoes such as trekking shoes and poles. Other innovative snowshoe models appeared and reinforced TSL’s world leading position. In 2005 TSL launched its first summer products by bringing major innovations into the Nordic Walking market. TSL became a recognized and legitimate brand in outdoor sports. 2006 : TSL opened a subsidiary and a production plant in the United States (Williston, Vermont). TSL SNOWSHOES was created. A range of aluminium snowshoes was developed and produced on American soil. In 2009, the company congratulated itself for its sustainable development policy to keep its snowshoe manufacturing in France for the European and Asian markets and in the United States for the North American continent. With a view of sustainable development, TSL OUTDOOR, snowshoe pioneer and world leader had to go even further: develop and produce the first snowshoes in the world made from recycled material. They’ve done it! The 305 & 325 Nature were born!
|
