These German companies ensure fun in the snow

Winter sports are extremely popular in Germany, with everything from amateurs to top-class athletes and biathlon to sledging. Many German firms provide the right equipment. Let us give you an overview.

Skis - a vital accessory during wintertime

In the Bavarian town of Penzberg, the company Völkl has been making skis for more than 100 years. The company is Germany’s largest manufacturer of skis - for amateur sports enthusiasts and pros alike. If cross-country skiing is more your thing, the firm Germina - founded in the former East Germany - is a specialist supplier. Innovative ski technologies are developed mainly by traditional small and medium-sized firms, though also by Schaeffler, otherwise known as a major player in the automotive industry. Its specialised knowledge of surface coatings is of great advantage in skiing. For those who love traditional craftsmanship, Craftski & Boards or Build 2 Ride are the perfect choice: winter sport fans can build their own skis and snowboards at workshops there.

Chic and safe on the slopes

Safety is the most important thing on the slopes. Marker is a company that makes bindings and other safety accessories for skiing, such as goggles and helmets, as does Uvex. The start-up Qwicklane has developed an electric ski touring binding with automatic height adjustment for climbing aids; it makes it easier to walk on a longer ski tour that involves climbing uphill on skis.

Sports clothing manufacturers such as Adidas, Puma, Schöffel, Vaude and Bogner supply the right clothes to keep you warm even when temperatures plummet in the mountains - while ensuring you look great into the bargain. Adidas is also equipping the German athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina. 

To ensure that the runs are in good condition and safe to ski, snow groomers made by Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug are used in many skiing regions.

Between the sledging run and the biathlon target

Away from the pistes and cross-country trails, sledging is a popular winter activity. In a small town in Thuringia, the company KHW makes plastic sledges and is by its own account the world market leader in this segment. 

Traditional manufacturer Anschütz ensures rifle accuracy in the biathlon. According to the firm, around 97 percent of all biathletes worldwide use rifles made by Anschütz.