We love what we do.
It’s our passion.
founded 1969
til today
Originated as VEB Kombinat Sportgeräte Schmalkalden
GERMINA is a German sports equipment manufacturer with tradition and trademark for sports goods of the highest quality. Since more than 10 decades ski production in southern Thuringia has a worldwide significance. Committed to this tradition, GERMINA has been looking for a new location in the idyllic village of Unterschönau in the district of Schmalkalden / Meiningen. In the middle of the Thuringian Forest, right next door is the winter sports mecca of Oberhof. Wonderful winter conditions and an excellently groomed trail network make it possible for GERMINA to optimally test and push all ski products to their limits. Through continuous development and innovative as well as future-oriented corporate philosophy GERMINA achieves a year-round presence on the market product range for popular and professional athletes.
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around 60s
GERMINA as association symbol protected for sport articles and sport shoes of the GDR
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1968
Introduction of the brand Germina at the EXPOVITA as a special brand for products such as indoor and outdoor sports equipment, large gymnastics equipment, summer sports equipment, children’s playground equipment, winter sports equipment, fishing equipment and sports shoes and leather goods.
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1974
first plastic cross-country ski GERMINA 703 developed by Heiner Albert
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1976
Foundation of the VEB Kombinat Sportgeräte Schmalkalden (initially district-led by Wolfgang Neubert)
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1976
First jump ski GERMINA 7003
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1981
The combine included 14 VEB with many small businesses and a total of approx. 8000 employees at approx. 60 companies.
In the Thuringian area mostly winter sports equipment, roller skates and leather goods, as well as camping and garden furniture, gym equipment, fitness equipment, athletics and sports games were made.
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from 1981
New research center with over 120 scientists, designers and technologists.
VEB Kombinat Sportgeräte Schmalkalden became one of the most important sports and leisure article producers in Central Europe.
In addition to our own GERMINA products we have also produced approval products, e.g. Ski for Kneissel, Blizzard or Järvinen, creating a worldwide sales market.
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1987
Computer-calculated ski collection `88, for optimizing ski-ski geometry.
Introduction of CAD construction in ski production for the foaming of injection skis with 4K mixing head, NC-controlled production of ski components and ski cassettes, application of technologies in surface treatment to the UV drying of paints.
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1989
2,500 employees in Schmalkalden produced approx. 800,000 pairs of skis, 150,000 wooden sleds a variety of plastic models, hundreds of thousands of ice skates, skates and roller skates.
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1991
Dissolution of the trademark association and transfer of the intellectual property right to the Skifabrik GmbH Schmalkalden
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1992
Production of high quality racing skis made of carbon
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1992
First hollow ski made of glass and carbon fiber mixture with a weight of 400g (still the lightest manufactured cross-country ski)
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bis 2002
Production of balls, backpacks, mountain bikes and roller skis next to the ski production
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2012
Development, construction, design and finishing of the skis take place in the new competence center in Unterschönau
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2018
Detailed optimization of cross-country skis for the World Cup
Our DNA
Traditional brand GERMINA
GERMINA is a German sports equipment manufacturer with tradition and trademark for sports goods of the highest quality. Since more than 10 decades ski production in southern Thuringia has a worldwide significance. Committed to this tradition, GERMINA has been looking for a new location in the idyllic village of Unterschönau in the district of Schmalkalden / Meiningen. In the middle of the Thuringian Forest, right next door is the winter sports mecca of Oberhof. Wonderful winter conditions and an excellently groomed trail network make it possible for GERMINA to optimally test and push all ski products to their limits. Through continuous development and innovative as well as future-oriented corporate philosophy GERMINA achieves a year-round presence on the market product range for popular and professional athletes.
OUR STRENGTH
GERMINA offers high-quality cross-country skis in the medium and high price segment. From touring skis with dandruff to professional honeycomb skis. Furthermore, GERMINA has made a name for itself in mountain bike racing! The high-quality wheels are made in Unterschönau individually and with great attention to detail customer-oriented.
Under the motto “Ready To Race” there are some folk and professional athletes who have ridden with a GERMINA bike on the podium. “Think ahead and race!” Promises young CEO Maik Nothnagel. Starting from five basic models, each customer is able to put together their own individual bike.
Quality as top priority
In the tradition of a long-standing tradition, GERMINA is today, as then, the only German cross-country ski brand for quality and innovation. Over 50 years of experience and passion for the sport combined with state-of-the-art production technology ensure progress. Both summer and winter products are developed and manufactured, because the Nordic Sport is a year-round sport. The proximity to elite sport, modern ski hall and the cooperation with research institutions and universities set standards and delight our customers. Today, as then, our skis glide through the trails of the world and are driven with pride.
DIRECT
Our direct sales forms many benefits not only to us but to the customer. Direct customer proximity ensures us the advantage of always being able to develop our products optimally.