KNEISSL Brand Snow Skis:
KNEISSL: Austrian Heritage and the White Star Legacy
Founded in 1861 in Kufstein, Austria
TL;DR — For Collectors
- Origins dating to 1861, making Kneissl Austria’s oldest recognized ski brand
- Pioneered laminated wood and synthetic ski construction
- White Star defined World Cup racing in the 1960s
- Introduced GLM Compacts and the first carving ski (ERGO)
- Repeated bankruptcies followed by modern rebirth enhance collector mystique
From Kufstein Workshop to Global Influence
KNEISSL’s story begins in 1861 in Kufstein, Austria, where the company operated as a woodworking and carriage workshop. In 1919, Franz Kneissl I initiated serial alpine ski production, establishing Kneissl as a registered ski trademark.
During the 1930s, Kneissl introduced advanced laminated constructions such as the Splitkein, and by 1936 annual output had reached approximately 20,000 pairs—an extraordinary figure for the era.
The White Star Era
In 1960, Kneissl unveiled the White Star, the world’s first synthetic ski with a wooden core. This innovation transformed ski construction and racing performance.
Racer Karl Schranz dominated the World Cup on White Stars, including gold at the 1962 World Championships, cementing Kneissl’s reputation as a racing powerhouse.
GLM, ERGO, and the Carving Revolution
In the 1970s, Kneissl supported the Graduated Length Method (GLM) with short, forgiving Compacts designed to accelerate skill acquisition.
The company’s most influential innovation arrived in 1992 with the ERGO, the first true carving ski. Its radical sidecut reshaped alpine skiing and revived a struggling ski market.
Turmoil and Rebirth
Despite innovation leadership, Kneissl endured multiple bankruptcies and ownership changes from the 1980s onward. Today, the brand has returned to Kufstein with a focus on limited-production, handcrafted skis.
Collector’s Guide: Key KNEISSL Models
| Model/Era | Years | Significance | Collector Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Splitkein | 1930s | Advanced laminated wood construction | Very High |
| White Star | 1960s | First synthetic ski with wooden core | Very High |
| GLM Compacts | 1970s | Short skis for teaching innovation | High |
| ERGO | 1992 | World’s first carving ski | Very High |
| BIG FOOT | 1990 | World’s most-sold winter sport product | High |
Why Collectors Care
KNEISSL represents longevity, innovation, and resilience. Few brands can claim to have defined racing, teaching, and recreational skiing across multiple eras.
Association with Karl Schranz, the White Star legacy, and the birth of carving skiing make Kneissl artifacts foundational to alpine history.
Got Vintage KNEISSL Skis?
If you own vintage Kneissl skis and would like authentication, valuation, or historical context, we’d love to hear from you.
Email us: mike@longskistruck.com
Please include photos, model names, lengths, and any provenance details.
Provenance & Authenticity
Authentic Kneissl skis can often be identified through construction details, period-correct graphics, and serial markings.
- Construction: Laminated wood, synthetic shells, and early carving geometry
- Graphics: White Star emblem and era-specific typography
- Provenance: Race-room markings or athlete association increase value
We are happy to assist with verification and documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is KNEISSL historically important?
Kneissl pioneered multiple ski revolutions, including synthetic construction and carving geometry.
What is the most collectible Kneissl ski?
The White Star and ERGO carving ski are generally considered the most significant.
Does Kneissl still make skis?
Yes. Modern Kneissl produces limited, handcrafted skis in Austria.
Are BIG FOOT skiboards collectible?
Yes. As a cultural phenomenon, early BIG FOOT models are increasingly collectible.
Sources & Further Reading
- KNEISSL Official Site — Brand history and modern production
- International Skiing History Association
- Collector interviews and archived Kneissl catalogs
- LongSkisTruck™ Vintage Ski Brand Archive
Sorry, there are no products in this collection.