VIST’s story began in the early 1990s when Elmar Stimpfl, a competitive skier racing for Italy, found himself dissatisfied with the available ski plates on the market. Unable to find equipment that enhanced his performance, his passion for skiing fueled an entrepreneurial vision. Teaming up with Roberto Vivian, they founded VIST in 1997. The brand's name was derived from the first letters of their surnames. Initially focusing on high-performance ski plates, VIST quickly made a mark in the competitive skiing world. VIST plates were engineered to reduce vibrations and significantly improve athlete performance on the slopes. The brand’s breakthrough came when German ski champion Katia Seizinger won gold at the 1998 Nagano Olympics using VIST plates, cementing the company’s place as a leader in the ski racing industry.

Building on its reputation for creating top-tier ski plates, VIST expanded its product offerings in the late 90s, blending advanced technology with cutting-edge design. Key innovations included the “E-Coach,” a digital training system that provided real-time feedback on skier posture, and the Boblbee, a Swedish designed backpack, which, with VIST’s influence, transcended sports utility to become a fashion statement. The backpack’s crossover appeal helped introduce VIST to the broader fashion world, marking the beginning of its unique approach: merging ski technology with high fashion.

VIST’s commitment to innovation and style led to its first line of ski apparel in 2001, followed by the production of ski bindings in 2003. The company’s daring decision to acquire Benetton’s binding patents led to the creation of the V614 bindings in 2004, which received the prestigious Innovation Award for their advanced design. This model featured the revolutionary SpeedLock system, allowing bindings to be easily attached to plates without tools, offering convenience alongside high performance.

In 2004, VIST introduced its first full collection of ski apparel. Unlike traditional performance wear, VIST’s clothing lines combined the latest in technical fabrics with Italian design, creating a distinctive look that was both functional and fashionable. The men’s Pro Track jacket and the women’s Pro Track outfit were particularly notable, receiving the APEX Award for their innovative design and utility. VIST’s apparel quickly gained popularity, especially after the British National Ski Team wore VIST gear during World Cup competitions, further boosting the brand’s visibility and reputation for high-performance ski wear.

Recognizing the growing demand for stylish ski gear, VIST coined the term “skichic” to describe its unique blend of technical ski performance and high-end fashion. This philosophy became the brand’s hallmark, appealing to skiers who wanted the best of both worlds — state-of-the-art equipment and clothing that looked as good as it performed. By 2006, VIST was designing complete ski outfits that combined luxury with functionality, including its Snow Leopard Limited Edition women’s collection, inspired by the determination of Ghanaian skier Kwame Nkrumah Acheampong, who aimed to compete in the Winter Olympics.

By 2005, VIST had outfitted several national ski teams, including the Czech Republic, and opened its first flagship store in Bassano del Grappa. As the company grew, so did its reputation for blending ski performance with glamour. VIST expanded its reach beyond professional athletes to celebrities and high-profile events. The brand outfitted figures such as Prince Albert of Monaco and Paris Hilton, who sported VIST apparel on the ski slopes of Ischgl, Austria. This blend of luxury, performance, and style made VIST a favorite among elite skiers and fashion-forward adventurers alike.

VIST’s commitment to high-performance apparel and technical innovation continued, with the company’s products being recognized worldwide. In 2015, the company won the prestigious ISPO Award for its new Junior ski binding, further establishing itself as a leader in ski equipment.

In 2017, VIST relocated its headquarters to Milan, the fashion capital of Italy. This move marked a significant chapter in the company’s history, aligning the brand more closely with the world of high fashion while continuing to innovate in ski performance. The company introduced the Ventinverni capsule collection to celebrate its 20th anniversary and expanded its offerings beyond winter sports, launching a golf and beachwear capsule collection under its Aurum Milano brand.

Our expertise has allowed us to support athletes on the Olympic stage by producing state-of-the-art apparel – otherwise known as the Scuderia VIST collection. In the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, we were proudly technical suppliers of eight national Olympic committees: Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. In fact, as the official supplier of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee, we were ecstatic to hear that Bulgaria was selected as one of the top ten outfits in the Opening Ceremony. 

In 2021, VIST entered an exciting new chapter by collaborating with FILA China, launching a unique co-branded collection called FILA-VIST. This partnership marked the fusion of two unique brands, each with its own rich heritage and expertise. FILA, renowned globally for its iconic sportswear and timeless style, and VIST, a leader in high-performance ski equipment and apparel, combined their strengths to create a collection that blends technical excellence with fashionable design.

In 2022 VIST celebrated its 25th anniversary, continuing to push the boundaries of ski and winter sports apparel. The brand remains dedicated to blending Italian craftsmanship with advanced technical features, ensuring that every garment is as functional as it is fashionable. VIST’s latest collections reflect this commitment, focusing on sustainability while maintaining the brand’s signature style.

Looking forward, VIST is set to continue its journey as a leading innovator in the ski world, designing cutting-edge apparel and equipment for both professional athletes and stylish adventurers. With its roots firmly planted in ski performance and its eyes on the future of fashion, VIST is poised to remain at the forefront of the ski and apparel industry for years to come.

Looking forward, VIST is set to continue its journey as a leading innovator in the ski world, designing cutting-edge apparel and equipment for both professional athletes and stylish adventurers. With its roots firmly planted in ski performance and its eyes on the future of fashion, VIST is poised to remain at the forefront of the ski and apparel industry for years to come.