Ski Manufacturers
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TIMELINE
Hnatek S
1859
Sils-Maria, Grisons
Probably the first skis made in the Canton of Grisons (170 cm in length, 14 cm wide). Without a high curved tip but, with reduced width at the tip & tail. Leather straps were used as bindings.
Eggenberger Johann
1860
Sils-Maria, Grisons
Neighbour of Hnatek. Manufactured several skis with tips made out of sheet metal.
Schraner Gebr. J & A
1891 – Present
Niederurnen, Glarus
Patented the first foldable skis in 1934. Today they deal in real estate.
Scheller
1882 – 1946
Wohlen, Aargau
Until 1892 Scheller-Kohler, until 1936 Gebr. Scheller and then Gebr. Scheller AG.
Fopp
1889 – 1938
Pontresina, Grisons
Jakober Melchior
1893 – 1919
Glarus
First ski factory in Switzerland, a carpenter by trade, was the first ski manufacturer in Switzerland. He made telemark and alpine skis, latter shorter (180 to 200 cm) and wider (10 to 12 cm) both of ash and elm, originally branded Melchior Jacober as of 1904 also Glarona. The bindings were made by his cousin, Josef Jakober, a saddler of the same town. In 1919 the company was acquired by Jakob Leuzinger.
Ettinger Peter
1895 – 1906
Davos-Glaris, Grisons
Second ski factory in Switzerland a carriage maker began with his sons Rudolf, Peter and Luzi in the cart making & ski factory Zur Mühle. In 1906 his son Luzi took over the business. Refer also to Ettinger 1906, 1919, 1933.
Hermann
1895 – 1975
Arosa, Grisons
Besides skis, also produced sleds and ski bobs.
Jakober Josef
1896 – 1962
Glarus
Third ski factory in Switzerland, a saddler by trade who started making bindings for Melchior Jakober, his cousin. He launched in 1900 the model “Gotthard Soldat” sold besides to the Swiss armies, to those of Chile, Japan, Persia and Russia. Later he offered among others the model Helvetia. Jakober changed his name to Jacober (may be to disassociate from his cousin – or forthe classic French sound). Later the firm was named Jakober & Söhne, later to Jacober Ski & Faltbootfabrik. In 1903 the firm patented the Balata ski binding and some years later offered the Helvetia Touring.
Staub Richard
1900 ~ 1940
Zürich
In 1902/03 he sold over 2800 pair of skis and other sport articles to 38 sport shops.
Proposed double poles 1906 and brass ski edges. Screw less edges 1933.
Known models: Elite, Special, Dr. W. Amstutz, Alpina.
Hegi
1900 – 1934
Adermatt, Uri
Forrer Ulrich
1902 ~ 1930
Stein, St. Gallen
Manufactured the first ash skis with Dr. Weder bindings.
Known models: Santis Forrer
Christen Johannes
1902 – 1960
Teufen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Christen (1865-1953) was a cartwright who took over in 1892 the cartwright’s workshop in the Lower Schwendi in Teufen. In 1902 he started producing skis as one of the first in Eastern Switzerland. His skis were branded Alpstein, made of ash wood (flat skis in length of 190 cm costed 20 francs, in length of 230 cm, 27 francs, (gekehlt) (8 francs more) and those of hickory were about 25 % more expensive. In addition to alpine skis, the firm also produced jump and cross-country skis. Initially, the firm was named Christen, later Christen & Son, and as of 1940, Fritz Christen (1900-1981). From 1945 on, they also offered glued wooden skis. The ski production was abandoned in 1960.
Homag ( Holzwarenfabrik Murgenthal )
1902 ~ 1960
Murgenthal, Aargau
In 1890 the basketworks Murgenthal was founded and in 1902 they started to manufacture skis and produced more than 150,000 pairs until the 1960s. In 1911 the factory burned down and was immediately rebuilt. Later, in 1936 thefamous Swiss skier Rudolf Rominger won the World Championships in Innsbruck with the model named after him. In 1934 the factory was expanded and in 1950 renamed Homag-Lanz.
Known models: Schweiz, Duplex, Zogg, Wisa-Gloria,Test.
Beerli Louis
1903 – 1970
Engelberg, Obwalden
Touring and Alpine skis. In 1933 he patented a celluloid cover for skis as well as
Blue Edges (produced by Worbla.)
Knecht K. & Co.
1904 – ?
Bern, Bern
Wipfli Mich
1904 – ?
Erstfeld, Uri
Kappeler J.
1905 – ?
Baden, Arau
Berco
1905 – ?
Davos, Grison
Known model: Matterhorn
Schneebeli H.
1905 – 2006
Niederrohrdorf, Aargau
Ettinger Rudolf
1906 – 1919
Davos, Grison
With his sons, Andreas, Christian & Luzi he manufactured skis as well as sleds and in particular the famous Davos sledge. He sold around 10,000 pairs of skis to the Swiss armies. In 1914 he received the golden medal of the Swiss National exhibition. Refer also to Ettinger 1895, 1933.
Seiler Eduard
1907 – 1972
Flawil, St. Gallen
Wood & toy products. Factory burnt down in 1972.
Known model: HV7
Och Frères
1907 – Present
Geneva
Och Frères (Och Brothers) of Geneva who started making skis in 1907 and in 1912 they opened the first Swiss sport shop in Montreux, and later in Zurich during the same year.
Badan Alfred
1908 – 1948
Bursins, VAud
Began manufacturing skis in 1908 in a shop located between Bursins and Gilly, close to the lake of Geneva. The low cost skis were of ash, the expensive ones of hickory. In the 30’s he also produced laminated wood, some with celluloid edges and base.
Known models: Sashy (1936), Cervin, Combin, Heinz von Allmen, Julier, Jura, Prima, Schuss, Schlunger, Test
Sutter Edward
1909 – 1950
Alt. St. Johann, St. Gallen
Started in 1902 as a Cartwright & in 1906 also a sport shops (today Sutter Sport).
Known models: Edward Sutter, Toggenburg, Churfirsten Toggenburg
Bjornstad Thorleif
1910 ~ 1930
Thorleif, Bern
Took over the Dethleffsen shop which manufactured carts & wagons and then added skis. Produced a binding in 1912 named B.B.B. (Bjornstad Bindung Bern). He later opened branches in Grindelwald & Zermatt.
Smith Harald & Trygve
1912 – 1919
St.Moritz, Grisons & later Diessenhofen, Thurgau
In the early 1900's, both brothers from Christiania (Oslo) ended up in St. Moritz to teach skiing. Harald started to make skis while his brother went off to France where one of his ski clients, Noemie de Rothschild was looking to create the St. Moritz of France (later Megeve). Harald's ski making business moved Diessenhofen and was later acquired by Ettinger.
Nidecker Henri
1912 – Present
Rolle, Vaud
Henri Nidecker began to manufacture skis in 1912 in Rolle, close to Lausanne. The skis were of ash and hickory until 1946 when the company also offered laminated wood. In 1962, they introduced metal and in 1963 fibreglass skis. In 1982 Nidecker launched the first mono ski, an instant hit in France and Switzerland. In1984 they also started to manufacture snowboards and from 1987 on they only focused on snowboards. Today they are apparently planning to make skis again.
Geiser Christian
1915 – 1960
Tramelan, Bern
Already in 1908, his uncle Samuel started to make skis to facilitate the postman’s job in winter. As a farmer & carpenter, Christian made his first skis in 1915 and later manufactured over 150 pairs per year. Production stopped in the 1961 with the arrival of modern ski factories. The work shop was then transformed into a sport shop which still operates today.
Jordi Rudolf & Christian
1918 – 2010
Beatenberg, Bern
Ettinger Rudolf & Christian
1919 – 1947
Diessenhofen, Thurgau
After the acquisition of the factory from Harald Smith, the ski production was moved from Davos to Diessenhofen. The skis were branded “R. & C. Ettinger Diessenhofen”, one model “Derby”. The company went broke in 1932 but bought again by Rudolf who put in charge his son Andreas – who branded the skis “Andreas”. The firm was sold 1947 to Attenhofer.
The factory burned 1971 and a new one was built in Ratihard-Diessenhofen.
Refer also to Ettinger 1895, 1906, 1933
Leuzinger
1919 – 2006
Glarus
Took over the Melchior Jakober factory and manufactured the Glarona model until the 1930’s.
Krenen Fritz
1920 ~ 1980
Cret-du-Locle, Neuchâtel
From 1924 on, the logo was an Eagle. He produced up to 5000 pairs per year.
Known models: Chasseral, Tête-de-Ran, Sommartel.
Attenhofer Adolf
1924 ~ 1970
Zürich
As an apprentice at the sport shop Ettinger in Davos he won the slalom/jumping combination of the Swiss Championship in 1917. At Ettinger, he developed skis, bindings, poles and among others elaborated a method to determine the location of the toe iron in relation to the skier’s ability. During his life, he was granted over 60 patents, some covering ski equipment, others clothing, shoe cleaners and even springs for mattresses.
Hauswirt Max
1925 ~ 1934
Lausanne, Vaud
Known models: Skissa , Skissa Hauswirt
Straubhaar Hans
1925 ~ 1960
Gstaad, Bern
Manufactured 100-150 pairs of skis in the 20’s and later also white skis for the military.
Flury C.
1926 – ?
Bern, Bern
Known model: Firn
Authier John
1928 – 1995
Bière, Vaud
In 1910, John Authier opened a shop for the manufacture of wooden articles for farmers located in the village of Bière, close to Geneva. Anticipating a ski boom, he had built a factory there in 1927. Their first models featured the name of Swiss mountain peaks: Matterhorn, Diablerets and Muveran and all carried the logo Suiskis (Suisse skis with three fir trees and the armories of the town of Bière.
Mathis Emil
1928 ~ 1980
Gilswil, Obwald
Manufactured wooden & synthetic X-C skis. Supplied skis to Montana Sport (later called IMS), EMS Chemical Works (for employees) as well as 500 pairs to the Swiss army in the 60’s.
Known models: Rebell, Pilatus, Star
Schonbachler Gottlieb
1928 – 1980
Einsiedeln-Birchli, Schwyz
Manufactured up to 1000 pairs per year
Known models: Alpina, Einsielder, Metal, Sprint, Super.
Gachmang J
1929 – 1945
Oberrieden, Zurich
Blatter
1930 ~ 1933
Chur, Grisons
Known models: Hochwang, Calanda
Lutz Albert
1930 ~ 1973
Teufen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Established the Schwagalp-Krazerli Ski School
Christen Konrad
1930 ~ 1950
Gais, Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Known models: Gabris, Schuss
Siegenthaler
1930 ~ 1950
Nidlau, Bern
Ash & Hickory Skis.
Logo; SIG-SKI
Zogg Fritz
1930 ~ ?
Arosa, Grison
Glacier & hunting skis (metal & wood) 130 cm long and 9 cm wide with double grooves.
Wehrli Ernst
1930 ~ 1937
Erlenbach, Zürich
His No Split model was marketed as ”break free“ due to the small layer of celluloid between the upper ash and lower hickory sections. Later called Wehrli & Co. AG then Skifabrik Erlenbach AG & In 1937 ERBA AG Ski und Holzwarenfabrik.
Beusch
1930 ~ 1980
Buchs, St. Gallen
Ackerman Bros
1930 ~ (?)
St. Gallen
Under the brand name Gebrac, the brothers sold 3mm aluminum bases for skis which were attached with rivets. At the moment it is still uncertain if they also manufactured skis.
Schwendener Johann
1931 – 1979
Buchs, St. Gallen
As an apprentice carriage-builder in St. Moritz, he opened a shop in Buchs (close to Austria) in 1931. The first year, They produced 74 pairs, in 1942: 1,500, in 1950: 10,000, in 1968: 100,000, many of them exported to U.S. (as of 1936, Sears as biggest customer), Canada (Eaton), Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Italy, Netherlands, Norway and New Zealand. The US army placed in 1970 a large order for their Alaskan troops.
Amrein & Weber
1931 – 1983
Zurich, Zurich
Known model: Mustang
Kuehler
1931 ~ 1985
Kusnacht, Zurich
From 1933 called P & K. Kuehler.
Known model: Peka
Grassli Heinrich
1931 ~ 1936
Grabs, St. Gallen
Known models: Blitz, Champion, Corvair-Metall, Elite Jugend, Record.
Schnebelli H.
1932 – ?
Mettmenstetten, Zurich
La Chappelle
1932 – 1939
Kriens, Lucerne
The company was founded in 1840 in Strassbourg and later moved to Kriens in 1899. They mostly manufactured wood working tools (wood planes) and before they closed down the factory in 2001, they were making work benches for schools. Until WW2 they were the biggest producer & exporters of skis in Switzerland.
Known models: La Chapelle, Brisen, Brunig, Tell Kapelle.
Kaiser HS
1932 – ?
Leuzingen, Bern
Ettinger Christian
1933 – 1958
Lanquart, Grisons
After the bankruptcy of 1932, Christian founded his own factory and branded the skis “Landquart Ettinger”. His son Jacob took over in 1947. He changed the wainwright to carpenter & cabinet maker and stopped to manufacture skis in 1952. Refer also to Ettinger 1895, 1906, 1919
Melliger J.
1933 – ?
Lucerne, Lucerne
Hohl Jakob
1933 – 1967
Suhr, Aargau
1958 managed by his sons Herbert & Eduard. Production ca. 100 per year.
Known model: Hohl
Flattich Johann
1933 – 1965
Seen, Zürich
Originally from Siebnen (Schwyz) the Flattich families operated several wood processing companies such as a sawmill, carpentry and wainwrights. Johann, born in 1896, grew up in this environment. His brother Otto was already in his 20’s & with the new sport of skiing, started producing handmade skis. As the local market was not big enough for two families, Johann moved as a trained cartwright in 1933 to Seen in the Canton of Zurich. The first skis were entirely made by hand & he sold his first three pair to members of the Seen Sports Club for 15 francs each. In 1934 he expanded the workshop and bought new machines to make the production of skis more efficient. During WW2, Flattich was able to supply a large quantity of white-painted skis to the army. His ski brand “Jaguar” was used together with Streule in Schlieren who later had the Jaguar brand protected in the 1960s. After the big skiing boom in the 1950s, new production techniques were used with metal and Flattich was no longer able to follow suit as a woodworker, which is why he ceased production of skis around 1965.
Aluminium Industrie
1934 – ?
Chipis, Valais
They produced an aluminum ski.
Stöckli Josef
1935 – Present
Wolhusen, Luzern
Josef Stöckli began fabricating ash skis in the family’s carpentry shop in 1935 in Wolhusen, close to Lucerne, selling the same year 50 pairs of ash. By 1945, the Company also offered laminated wood, some with celluloid edges on top, by 1957 metal, by 1965 fiberglass skis. In 1967 Stöckli started to retail bindings, poles, ski boots, cross-country skis as well as accessories.
Roth Hans
1935 – 1973
Melchnau, Bern
They produced up to 1500 pairs per year. At first the brand name was Rome and later Roth.
Known models: Roth Super, (1961) R2000, P2000 (1969), Master Team (1971).
Fassler Skifabrikation
1935 – 1947
Rinkenbach/Appenzell Innerrhoden
Erba
1937 ~ 1970
Erlenbach, Zürich
Wattenhofer took over Wehrli and created ERBA AG.
Known models: Limex et 15, Standard, RS, Corvair, Shorty Fiberglass.
Schenkel & Streule
1938 – 1949
Zürich
Until WW2 the logo on the tips was SS and for obvious reasons changed during the war.
Inglin Knuesel
1937 – 1960
Zürich
Skis with sliding surface coverings, 1939 patented. Unfortunately, these warped often to a hollow surface. Other patents such as coverings connected with profile edges with plastic over the screws.
Frey Ernst
1940 ~ 1960
Reinach, Aargau
Known models: Homberg, Pista 1, Pista 2.
Kammer
1945 – 1958
Tellenfeld-Frutigen, Bern
Known models: Spezial, Kombi, Niessen, Kammer
Britt
1949 – 1964
Lausanne, Vaud
He manufactured Alpine & Water skis (also 1000 pairs by Authier)
Streule Bros
1949 – 1996
Schlieren / Zurich
Acquired from Schenkel in 1949. Ski sponsor for several national team racers. Manufactured up to 12’000 pairs per year of which 10% were exported.
Known models: Jaguar (1962) – Principal (first Swiss fiberglass ski) – Gold Cup
Russenberger
1950 – 1960
Bad Ragaz, St. Gallen
Know Models: Lord
Valais Ski
1952 ~ 1968
Saxon, Valais
Owned by Vauthey. Skis also manufactured by Authier & Nidecker.
Know Models: Haga (1952), Sapporo.
Haldemann Gaston
1957 – 1975
Baar, Nidwalden
Patented the first hollow fiberglass skis in 1958 (as well as over 40 other patents). He is also famous for creating the Rossignol Equipe Suisse Ski which won 5 medals at the 1972 Sapporo Olympics.
Scheller
1900 – ?
Thalwil, Zurich
Lagger Othmar
1963 – 1997
Munster, Valais
Know Models: Teblitz
Toko
1970 – Present
Altsteetten, St. Gallen
Better known for their waxes which they started making in 1933, they manufactured fibreglass X-C skis and later a touring ski Touring 1 manufactured in Sweden which ended production in 1974.
Rebell
1972 ~ 1980
Thun, Bern
Made by Hauenstein according to the Fullplast Twin procedure.
Known models: 1000, 3000, Highspeed, K1, Racing, Racing S, Rocky, Rocky GT, Super, Haute Route (ski Touring) Longlife (XS ski).
IMS
1976 – Present
Worb, Bern
Even though IMS was not a ski manufacturer, they were a leader in the strengthening of the skis top-sheet material. Together with Head skis developed a better P-Tex base and ski edges.
Radical Sports
1984 – Present
Wollishoffen, Zürich
After snowboards, they added skis in 2004 (Carving, All Mountain & Free ride).
Price range CHF. 1400 - 1600.
RTC
1993 – Present
Brig, Valais
Started in 1978 with snowboards RTB (Ready to Board) and in 1993 RTC skis (Ready to Carve). First manufactured in Germany and later in Italy. Since 2000, headquarters in Brig/Valais. Price ca. CHF. 1800
Hammer
1995 – 2010
Aclens, Vaud
Freestyle, Alpine & All Round Skis made by Rossignol in Tunisia.
AK (Aldo Kuonen)
1996 – Present
Stansstad/Nidwalden
They manufacture Slope, All Mountain, Touring and exclusive carbon skis (total of approx. 2500 pairs per year).
Movement
1999 – Present
Puidoux, Vaud
Their production covers the complete range of all types of skis. At first the skis were manufactured in Switzerland, then Italy (TUA) and today in Tunisia.
Zai
2003 – Present
Spreitenbach, Aargau
Previously in Disentis (Grisons) Handmade Skis combining exotic materials (granite, wool etc.) Price range: CHF. 3300 – 9900. While most mass produced skis lose 25% of their camber after 30 ski days, Zai skis only lose 5% after 100 ski days.
Starting in 2018, the skis are manufactured in a joint venture with Blossom Skis in Italy.
Known models: Franco, Laisa (weighs on 1600gr), Onza, Scadin, Spada, Testa.
Birdo
2003 – Present
Andermatt, Uri
Custom & standard freeride skis starting from CHF. 1200
Core
2004 – Present
Klosters, Grisons
Skis developed in Switzerland and manufactured by Blousen (Italy)
Kessler
2005 – Present
Braunwald, Glarus
Better known for their snowboards, they also make Allround, Freeride and Touring skis.
Schutz-Sport
2005 – 2013
Hombrechtikon, Zurich
Individual design. Sold approx. 500 pairs to the Russian Army.
Faction
2006 – Present
Verbier, Valais
Freestyle and freeride skis. Designed in Verbier and handmade in the EU.
Thomus
2006 – 2011
Niederscherli, Bern
Skis manufactured by Elan & RTC.
Heidiski
2007 – ?
Vevy, Vaud
All Mountain, Freeride and custom made skis manufactured by Nidecker.
Oxess
1996 – Present
Stansstad, Nidwalden
Even though they started making snowboards in 1994 their first handmade carving skis were manufactured in 2010. Already in 2008,sponsored by Swiss Ski and Swiss Olympics, Oxess were a pioneer in the development of a customized aireal ski for freestyle. Besides their 42 models of snowboards available they manufacture 3 types of Race Carving skis.
Known models: RC158 - RC165 - RC172 pioneer in the developmentof a customized aireal ski for freestyle. Besides their 42 models of snowboards available they manufacture 3 types of Race Carving skis. Known models: RC158 - RC165 - RC172 manufactured in 2010.
R11
2011 – Present
Kolliken, Aargau
Handmade ski manufacturer offering two models; One & Woop
Down Skis
2011 – Present
Grand-Lancy, Geneva
Skis made in Europe and exclusively distributed out of Geneva. They offer a wide range of skis for Freeride, Touring, Big Mountain, Park and Freestyle.
Known models: Countdown, Lowdown, Showdown, Throwdown
Muller Ski
2013 – Present
Wetzikon, Zurich
Handmade skis for Allround, Freeride and Ski Racing.
Known models: Mr. Blue, Mr. Orange, Mr. Green, Mr. Greed, Mrs Turkies, Eagle, GS Riesenslalom, Super G
Swiss Massiv
2012 – Present
Doppleschwand, Lucerne
Handmade & custom made ski manufacturer offering 3 models in various finishes.
Anouk
2013 – Present
Locarno, Ticino
One of the leaders in the high end Made to Measure market. Base price starts at CHF. 2600.00 and goes up to over CHF. 10.000 depending on the clients demands (special wood, amount of gold etc.)
Skeida
2013 – Present
Matten, Bern
Handmade ski manufacturer specializing in All Mountain, Touring & Freestyle skis.
Known models: Nahuel 88, Nehuen 98, Nehuen Tour, Ñuke 118, Aucan 117
Early Bird
2014 – Present
Bern, Bern
Handmade skis for Freeride & Freetouring.
Known models: Nutcracker, Jackdaw, Phoenix.
Timbaer
2015 – Present
Appenzell, Appenzell Innerrhoden
Manufacturer of handmade Carving skis
Five Star
2015 – Present
Engelberg, Obwalden
Their all-round skis are manufactured in Switzerland & Austria. Five Star also developed a ski chip (Ski-Beacon) and a special app SOS. SKI.
Known models: Giant, Ultra, Prime, Royal, Pearl.
Fjell Skis
2015 – Present
Bellach, Solothurn
Manufactured in Solothurn, Fjell skis are certified "Swiss Label" and presently offer 16 different models of high quality Alpine skis with the self developed binding plate UCS which means: Undulation Control System.
Mach
2016 – Present
Feldbrunnen, Solothurn
Handmade skis.
Known models: Black, White, Raptor, Eagle
Wood Spirit
2016 – Present
L'Isle, Vaud
Handmade-custom made skis.
Known models: Dodu, Power of Nature, Naturally Better, Wood is Good, The Arrow.
Anavon
2018 – Present
Disentis, Grisons
From the founder of Zai skis, Simon Jacomet created Anavon Skis, manufacturing 100% Made in Switzerland skis in the previous Zai production facilities in Disentis.
Outstanding ski brands
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