Nidecker: from wheelbarrows to snowboards

28th November 2019 | 0 comments

Passion and precision: two words that have been accompanying the Swiss brand Nidecker from the very beginning. An unknown small family business once, the world's leader in winter and board sports and equipment nowadays.

The Swiss brand Nidecker produces snowboard equipment of the highest quality, constantly improves the technology of production and materials used. A team of first-class riders constantly tests new products and provides ideas for improvement and creation of new products. Innovation and modern technology go hand in hand with a passion for snowboarding. Compared to other snowboarding brands, there is one special thing about them: Nidecker has been in business since 1887. Let's have a closer look at one of the world's best snowboard manufacturers.

In 1887, Henry Nidecker founded the joinery workshop on the shores of Lake Geneva – in the town of Etoy. He specialized in wood bending. Henry was one of the first artisans in his whereabouts who began to use an electric engine during the manufacture. He was able to produce desirable tables, chairs, ladders, bicycles, and various furniture. At the turn of the century, the company moved to Rolle which is a place situated on the shores of Lake Geneva as well.

In 1912, Henry's son, Henry II., finally set up the production of skis. And this sport rapidly gained in popularity. Another wave of innovations came with Henry III. and his contribution to a family business. It was Henry III. who brought the idea of creating the first composite ski.

Nidecker quickly reached the top of the European market focusing on ski manufacturing. A new type of skis was introduced by the brand in 1962 – these were already made with metal and fiberglass. Nidecker used this experience and started the production of indestructible cross-country skis seven years later. The „Varai-Clix“ technology has won the gold medal at the 6^th International Ski Show in Geneva.

The beginning of the 1980s brought a new sport that we now call snowboarding. This sporting activity appeared in the European mountains and begun to spread at rocket speed. Nidecker longed for its own snowboards and in 1982 finally attempted to develop the first 50 pieces. They immediately became a hit. The second batch counted about 700 snowboards and was sold right away, mainly in Switzerland and France.

Nidecker has been fully committed to snowboard production, releasing new models each season, improving technology and shapes. Their model "Gun", with a revolutionary shape reminds of a modern snowboard. Finally, the first kid's snowboard was introduced, so Nidecker was able to offer the best snowboards to men, women and even to children.

In 1990, the company began to produce snowboard boots and bindings. Collaboration with leading technical universities in Lausanne and Bern brought not only new manufacturing processes but also made it possible to create the world's lightest snowboard. Moreover, the Rolle Factory was one of the most modern and most environmentally friendly snowboard factories in the world.

For more than a hundred years now, Nidecker has been proving that enthusiasm, tenacity, and openness to new ideas has shifted the level of sports equipment to another level. Nevertheless, the brand still sticks to its goal of making the best snowboards in the world.