 | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports equipment |
| Founded | 1945; 80 years ago (1945) |
| Founder | Anton Arnsteiner |
| Headquarters | , |
| Products | Skis,backpacks, ski bags |
| Parent | Tecnica Group |
| Website | blizzard-tecnica.com |
Blizzard is anAustriansports equipment company, based inMittersill,Salzburg,Austria. Blizzard is currently a division of the ItalianTecnica Group S.p.A. and is specialized in the manufacturing ofalpine skiing equipment, includingskis and accessories such asbackpacks and ski bags.
Blizzard was established in 1945 by Anton Arnsteiner (1925–2013, "der Toni"), as he returned home from the Second World War,[1] and started producing skis besides wooden furniture in the family joinery workshop.
The "Blizzard" brand was registered in 1953. In 1954, Blizzard became the first manufacturer to mass-produce polyethylene ski bases. Blizzard's first expansion occurred in 1957, coinciding with the introduction of metal and fiberglass as new materials.1963 saw a great part of the factory burned down.In 1970, as production reached 500,000 skis per year, the company name was changed from "Blizzard Skifabrik Anton Arnsteiner" to "Blizzard GmbH". In 1976 a second production site was opened nearMunich.
In 1980 Blizzard introduced the "Thermoski", after 6 years of development. In 1996 Blizzard introduced its firstcarving ski, but it also applied for insolvency and was bought up by US companyScott Sports.
It was sold to Karl Hofstätter (33.3%) and Anton Stöckl (66.6%) in 2005, who sold it to theTecnica Group in 2006[2][3][4][5] and 2007, respectively.
Sales of Blizzard skis are now completely integrated in the sale organization of Tecnica Group.
Blizzard's presence on theFISAlpine World Cup circuit is represented by several racers, including AustrianReinfried Herbst and Japanese racerAkira Sasaki.
Throughout the years, Blizzard won many awards with its skiers team:
As of February 25, 2007, Blizzard placed 10th in the overall World Cup points standings.[6]
In March 2007, Blizzard announced that former World Cup racer and US Pro Tour championBernhard Knauss would be taking over as Blizzard's race manager.[7]
In 2010,Reinfried Herbst wins on the new Blizzard Ski the Slalom World Cup and gets the small crystal globe.
At the2014 Winter Olympics, Blizzard won the first Olympic gold medal in the men's slalom won byMario Matt and a victory in theFreeride World Tour by Loic Collomb-Patton.
