LA LOUPE Garmisch - Partenkirchen No. 1 - 2013/2014

engl. ⁄ Bergsport WN alpin, the first address for all
kinds of gear in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, looks back on
long standing tradition.
This (family) history is clearly visible in the sales areas.
WN alpin Skiwerk is not really a museum but it is
definitely worth taking a look! Historical exhibits such
as rucksack-folding skis from the 1930s and regional
particularities from the 1950s can be admired here.
Then there’s the ski-bindings producer Marker which
was founded in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and used to be
based here that also presents a piece of history: Amongst
the unique pieces from the Marker family’s personal
stores there is – to name but one example – a present
Hannes Marker received from the French Team at the
Ski World Championship in 1958 for his pioneering
accomplishments. There also are exciting stories to be
read at WN alpin Skiwerk, like historical anecdotes
about the Skiclub Partenkirchen’s decision from 1923/24
to not tolerate poachers amongst its ranks any longer.
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Pioneer in the past & present
It was the grandfather of WN alpin’s present owner
Werner Niedermaier, who began producing skis in the
Allgäu region in the 1930s. As a result of the Winter
Olympics in 1936 skiing quickly gained popularity in
the region of Garmisch-Partenkirchen until it became
a ‘respectable’ national sport, the number of overnight
stays rose, mountain railways were built. Ski production
was in the hands of ‘carpenters, wheelwrights and
rake makers’ – their knowledge and skill when it came
to working with wood were decisive for the ideal result.
Even then there already was a race for the best material,
newly developed bindings and highly valued ski wax.The