The history of the Ziener brand

ZIENER: Upper Bavarian master glove maker and sports enthusiast

Upper Bavarian Oberammergau, famous for its woodcarvings and Passion Plays, is located in the beautiful Ammergau region of the Alps. Master glove maker Franz Ziener, originally from the Erzgebirge mountain area in Eastern Germany, set up his glove making workshop here in 1946. What were once high-quality, hand-made gloves for everyday use are today technically innovative gloves for winter and bike sports. For some years now, the functional specialist’s product portfolio has also been supplemented by a wide-ranging clothing line. The long-established company, headed by Franz Ziener, the third generation of the family to do so, together with managing director Frank Burig, is today one of Europe’s market leaders in the winter sports glove segment.

Continuity and Progress

August 2025 Continuity and Progress

Tradition Meets the Future: Generational Change at the Helm of ZIENER

After more than 40 years, Franz Ziener is handing over the management of the company to the fourth generation. From now on, Daniel Ziener, son of Franz Ziener, and Frank Burig will form the official leadership team, marking the beginning of the planned generational transition at the family-run sporting goods company. A step that brings together tradition and the future in a truly special way.

August 2025

Official glove supplier for the German Alpine, Nordic

2010

Ziener becomes the official glove supplier for the German Alpine, Nordic Combination and Ski Jumping national teams. 2010

Official glove supplier

2007-2008

Ziener becomes the official glove supplier for the athletes in the Nordic skiing division of the Austrian Ski Association (ÖSV). From the winter season onwards ski jumpers, Nordic combined skiers, cross-country skiers and biathletes compete in tournaments wearing custom-made gloves from Oberammergau. Another new addition is the Swiss National Freestyle Team, including Olympic champion Evelyne Leu. The German Ski Association (DSV) freestyle and ski-cross team also wears Ziener clothing and gloves. Other teams on the Upper Bavarian winter sports specialist's supplier list continue to include the Bulgarian Ski Association; the Czech ski jumping team; Interski Deutschland's demonstration team; the DSLV and numerous regional associations and ski schools. 2007-2008

Glove supplier to the coaching team of the German Ski Teachers

2002

Ziener is glove supplier to the coaching team of the German Ski Teachers' Association (DSLV) and to the German Ski Association (DSV) and, last but not least, one of Europe's major winter glove manufacturers. Ziener presents a bike collection for the first time, which sells well even in its first year. 2002

Surf-Accessoires

1984 - 1990 Surf-Accessoires

Ziener is an extremely successful manufacturer of kitesurfing harnesses and surf accessories. Production is discontinued following the collapse of the market in this segment. 1984 - 1990

Franz Ziener Junior

1980

Franz Ziener Junior becomes the third generation of the family to work in the company. 1980

The son Ernst Ziener

1970

Franz' son, Ernst Ziener, and his sister Gerda take over the running of the company. Ziener manufactures in Hungary, Yugoslavia and the Far East. The development, design and cutting of the collection are still based in Obergammerau today. 1970

German National Ski Team's

1954-1984

Ziener is the German National Ski Team's glove supplier. 1954-1984

Master glove maker

1946

Master glove maker Franz Ziener Senior and his family move from the Erzgebirge mountain region in eastern Germany to Oberammergau, where Franz sets up a glove making workshop. Ziener and his three employees make high quality glacé kid gloves. 1946