Wintersteiger Sports and the German Ski Association extend their partnership until 2030

When hundredths of a second decide victory in the Ski World Cup, the work begins long before the starting gate. Base structures must match the snow and temperature, edges must be precisely prepared, and every detail must be fine-tuned to the specific course. Technology from Ried im Innkreis plays a vital role in this process: machinery from Wintersteiger Sports is an integral part of the German Ski Association (DSV) technology centers, supporting service teams in preparing race skis.

The partnership between Wintersteiger Sports and the German Ski Association has grown over many years and will now continue through April 2030. Both partners are committing to a collaboration that goes far beyond simply providing machinery. Regular workshops, practical testing, and open exchanges between DSV racing experts and the Wintersteiger team form the foundation of this alliance.

Racing Knowledge Meets Technology from Ried

Top-level sports best demonstrate what technology must accomplish in daily operations. DSV service teams work under intense time pressure and changing conditions to deliver the best possible setup for every athlete. With modified waxing regulations, base structures have become an even greater focal point. Feedback from the service teams is particularly valuable: it highlights which details matter in practice and where workflows can become even more precise, reliable, or efficient.

This input flows directly into the work at Wintersteiger Sports. Machinery, tools, and processes are not evaluated solely at a desk, but where they must prove themselves: in the workshop, during training, and in active competition. This creates real added value for both sides. The DSV works with technology specifically tailored to the demands of professional ski servicing, while Wintersteiger Sports receives direct feedback from experienced users.

Racing Know-How as the Key to Success

Emanuel Mayringer, Racing Director at Wintersteiger Sports, also views this close collaboration as a key driver for advancing technology:

"When technology, experience, and passion come together, partnerships with true added value are created. The continuous exchange with DSV experts and direct feedback from daily racing operations help us continuously evolve our solutions. In particular, the collaboration surrounding Matrix NC and Jupiter demonstrates how valuable practical knowledge at the highest athletic level is. It is precisely this dialogue that makes the partnership so successful for both sides."

— Emanuel Mayringer, Racing Director, Wintersteiger Sports GmbH

A Strong Vote of Confidence

Christian Thaler, Managing Director of Wintersteiger Sports GmbH, sees the extension as a clear commitment to their shared work:

"The contract extension is a strong sign of trust for us. What connects us with the DSV is not only a demand for the highest precision, but above all a very open, hands-on collaboration. Feedback from the service teams shows us immediately what matters under race conditions. This exact exchange makes the partnership so valuable and helps us consistently integrate these insights into the quality of our developments. We are thrilled to continue on this path together through 2030."

— Christian Thaler, Managing Director, Wintersteiger Sports GmbH

Every Detail Matters

Karlheinz "Charly" Waibel, DSV Head Coach for Science & Technology, emphasizes the importance of this long-standing connection:

"Fast skis are the result of experience, precision, and many perfectly coordinated details. Wintersteiger grinding machines are essential building blocks in our technology centers. They allow us to match base structures very precisely to specific snow and race conditions. We particularly value the direct connection to the Wintersteiger Racing Team. Our daily operational experience is taken seriously and jointly developed further. Continuing this mature partnership through 2030 is a very positive signal for our entire team."

— Karlheinz "Charly" Waibel, DSV Head Coach Science & Technology

A Forward-Looking Partnership

With the extended contract term, Wintersteiger Sports and the DSV establish the foundation for four more years of intensive collaboration. The regular exchange will continue, and insights from racing will remain integrated into their joint work. The objective remains clear: to provide service teams with the best possible conditions so athletes can hit the course with perfectly prepared gear.

For Wintersteiger Sports, this partnership also serves as a strong point of regional pride: expertise and technology from Ried im Innkreis are active on international race courses where victory is decided by hundredths of a second.

Image Caption:

Stefan Schwarzbach (left), DSV Head of Communication, Managing Director; Peter Maniak, Head of Sales Germany, Wintersteiger Sports; Christian Thaler, Managing Director, Wintersteiger Sports GmbH; Karlheinz Waibel, DSV Head Coach Science & Technology; and Emanuel Mayringer, Racing Director, Wintersteiger Sports, look forward to their continued collaboration. Photo: © DSV

About Wintersteiger Sports GmbH

WINTERSTEIGER Sports GmbH employs nearly 350 people at its headquarters in Ried and across locations in France, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, the USA, and Canada. Its product line is divided into four divisions:

• "Skiservice" includes automated ski service machines, stone and belt grinders, binding setting, waxing, and base repair equipment, as well as software.

• "Storage Systems" encompasses storage, depot, and drying systems, along with shop fittings.

• "Bike Services" includes manual and automated cleaning systems, assembly/rental software for bicycles, and drying solutions for sports gear.

• "Retail" represents comprehensive bootfitting products—including foot analysis devices, insoles, and compression socks sold under the BOOTDOC brand—and HOTRONIC heating systems.

About the Group

WINTERSTEIGER Holding AG is the parent company of an internationally positioned machinery and plant engineering group that has established a leading position as an innovative solution provider in technically demanding niche markets since its founding in 1953.

The group's divisions include:

• Division Seedmech (WINTERSTEIGER Seedmech GmbH): Complete solutions for plant breeding and research.

• Division Sports (WINTERSTEIGER Sports GmbH):

  • Skiservice: Complete ski service solutions.

  • Storage Systems: Rental and shop fitting solutions.

  • Bike Services: Bicycle cleaning solutions and efficient rental software.

  • Retail: Custom hand and foot solutions—fit, comfort, and warmth.

• Division Dry & Protect (WINTERSTEIGER Dry & Protect GmbH): Hygienic drying solutions for sports equipment, workwear, personal protective equipment, and active air disinfection.

• Division Solutions (WINTERSTEIGER Solutions GmbH):

  • Solutions for parquet, furniture, and mass timber industries.

  • Saw blades for wood, food, and metal.

  • Solutions for the sawmill industry.

  • Cutting solutions for lightweight and technical materials.

  • Equipment and automation solutions.

• Division Metals (KOHLER Maschinenbau GmbH): Part levelers and strip feeding lines in leveling technology.

WINTERSTEIGER is the global market leader in ski service machinery, field trial technology, and thin-cutting wood technology. Its headquarters in Ried im Innkreis, Austria, along with 30 sales and service locations and 60 representative offices, supply a total of 130 countries. The group employs approximately 1,200 people worldwide.