MEMBER SPOTLIGHT  
WINTERSTEIGER

Tracy Beers, Marketing and Communications

Q1 


In 2023, Wintersteiger celebrated its 70th anniversary. It is a big, diverse company and has seen a lot of changes – what wisdom can Wintersteiger share about being a strong brand in the snow sports space?

A. At WINTERSTEIGER, our 70th anniversary is a testament to our enduring success in the snow sports industry. The key to reaching this milestone is our shared values that guide us: innovation, quality, customer-centric approaches, brand consistency and community engagement. 

Here are some key insights about these tenets and how we have used them to build a strong brand in this competitive space. 
Click each insight below to enlarge.
By staying true to our core values, WINTERSTEIGER has established itself as a leading brand in the snow sports space, setting an example for both ski and snowboard brands and retailers alike.

Q2 


Wintersteiger is not just a winter sports company. What other exciting things have been happening at Wintersteiger? 

A. First and foremost, WINTERSTEIGER is a precision machine manufacturer. As such, in addition to success in the snow sports industry, we currently design, build and sell precision equipment and machinery across three other non-related industries - Agriculture, Metals, and Wood. WINTERSTEIGER's expansion beyond winter sports provides a solid and diverse foundation for research and development and allows us to invest in exciting new opportunities in emerging growth centers. 

There are three initiatives that have led to our success as a brand, and some advice for retailers related to them. 
Click each insight below to enlarge.
By staying agile, embracing innovation, and exploring new opportunities, ski and snowboard retailers can draw inspiration from WINTERSTEIGER's diverse initiatives to drive growth, captivate audiences, and stay ahead in the competitive snow sports 

Q3 

Tell us a little bit about a few of your new products on the horizon for the next ski season.

A: While we have no new products currently set to be released during the 2024-25 ski season, we do have some in the works for the not-too-distant future that we can’t talk about yet. In the last few years, we have released several new products though. WINTERSTEIGER released the fully automated ski service machine Jupiter (2021) with new technologies like V-edge for the perfect skiing experience, Trim-Cut for sidewall planing to speed service, and Tune Pilot for easy base structure selection, as well as Paternoster ski loading magazine for increased throughput, and the Matrix NC (2023) manual race ski base grinding machine. Additionally, on the WINTERSTEIGER side of things we aspire to change the future of the ski rental experience with new tools like the BOOTDOC ER_WIN Foot Scanner and the WINTERSTEIGER Sizefit electromechanical sole, as well as digital software products for rentals and workshop tickets. WINTERSTEIGER recently formed a new partnership with leading inventory management and point of sale software system provider, Advarics, to integrate with our Easyrent software products. Look for more exciting information coming about that soon. On the HOTRONIC side of division Sports we recently released Bootcap (2023-24) ski boot toe warmers, and completely revamped the original HOTRONIC S-series foot warmers to the new lithium-ion powered XLP C Footwarmers (2023-24).

Q4

 What makes a good retail partner?

A: As WINTERSTEIGER, a seasoned player in the snow sports industry, we understand the importance of selecting the right retail partners to drive mutual success and growth. 

Here are some key qualities that make a good retail partner for us: 
Click each insight below to enlarge.
By embodying these qualities, WINTERSTEIGER can strengthen its position in the snow sports industry and create mutually beneficial relationships that drive success and innovation. Ski and snowboard retailers can also apply these criteria when evaluating potential partners to build strong, strategic alliances that propel their business forward in the dynamic snow sports market. Working together, we can all achieve success. 

Q5  

Any predictions for the rest of 2024 and the next ski season?

A: As a visionary leader in the snow sports industry, we foresee exciting opportunities and trends shaping the rest of this season and the upcoming 24-25 ski season and beyond. 

We feel the integration of technology into the ski and snowboard experience will continue to evolve, with a focus on enhancing convenience, personalization, and safety. Retailers can expect to see increased demand for tech-driven products to streamline the customer experience both on and off the slopes. Additionally, consumers are seeking experiential retail. As consumers seek more immersive and engaging shopping experiences, ski and snowboard retailers will need to innovate their brick-and-mortar stores to create memorable experiences for customers. Expect to see retailers incorporating interactive displays, virtual fitting rooms, and experiential events to differentiate themselves and drive foot traffic. 

With the increasing challenges that we all face with relation to climate change and a warming planet, sustainability will be on the forefront of everyone’s mind in the coming years. As a top priority for consumers, it will drive demand for eco-friendly products and initiatives in the snow  sports industry. Ski and snowboard retailers can capitalize on this trend by offering sustainable gear, partnering with eco-conscious brands, and implementing green practices in their operations to appeal to environmentally conscious customers. Another important factor in driving sales will be community and connection. As we move into more and more digitization, creating greater gaps in human interaction, building a sense of community and connection among snow sports enthusiasts will be crucial for retailers to foster brand loyalty and engagement. Retailers can expect to see a rise in community-driven initiatives, such as local events, social media campaigns, and athlete collaborations, to create a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie among customers. And finally, adaptability in supply chain is going to continue to affect the snow sports industry and retail sales. The ongoing global supply chain challenges will likely continue to impact the availability of ski and snowboard equipment and apparel. Retailers should focus on working with brands with resilient supply chains, diversifying sourcing options, and communicating transparently with customers about potential delays to mitigate disruptions and maintain customer satisfaction while remaining flexible and understanding.

By staying ahead of these trends and embracing innovation, sustainability, community engagement, and adaptability, ski and snowboard retailers can position themselves for success. Wintersteiger remains committed to supporting retailers with cutting-edge solutions, industry insights, and collaborative partnerships to navigate the evolving landscape of the snow sports market and drive growth for all stakeholders involved.
View Member Spotlight Archive
Share by: