Passion since 1923
In 1923 Engelbert Brenter (1897–1976) founded the company as a ski manufacturer. He was the technical mastermind behind the metal ski edge, and in the early Olympic Games ski racers won Olympic gold on Brenter skis. In 1949 he invented the "sit ski"; his son Erich Brenter (born 1941) rode the world's first Snowbike®. He test-rode his father's invention on the Dürnberg near Hallein, Austria, and has helped to improve the product ever since. As a mechanical engineer he set milestones for the sport. Erich and his Norwegian wife Ranheid were a famous skibob racing couple with many European and World Championship trophies. In 1964 Erich set the world's first Snowbike Guinness World Record with a top speed of 166 km/h on the race track in Cervinia, Italy. In 1967 he became CEO of the Brenter company and moved the factory from Hallein to a new 10,000 m² facility in Oberndorf near Salzburg – the place where the world-famous carol "Silent Night, Holy Night" was composed. In 2003 Dr. Bernd Brenter and Dipl.-Ing. Harald Brenter became CEOs of the Brenter company. Harald set three Guinness World Records on Brenter Snowbikes in 2007, 2013 and 2018 – on regular bikes from current production. With more than 50 patents and trademarks over the years, the Brenter company is the leading edge of the industry. The Brenter family is not only the inventor of the Snowbike but also its driving force.
As a family-owned company, we are passionate about helping you MAKE THE MOUNTAIN YOURS.
Dr. Bernd Brenter
Skibob, Snowbike®, Skibike®: one idea, the original names
What Engelbert Brenter invented in 1949 as a “sit ski” became known as the skibob – the name under which Erich and Ranheid Brenter won their European and World Championship trophies. Brenter’s skibobs today carry the registered names Snowbike® and Skibike® – the direct descendants of the original.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Snowbike the same as a Skibob?
Yes – “skibob” is the general name for the sport and the vehicle. Snowbike® and Skibike® are registered trademarks of Brenter, the original since 1949.
Who invented the Skibob?
Engelbert Brenter built the first “sit ski” in 1949; his son Erich was the first to ride it. Brenter has been building Snowbikes® ever since.
Snowbike® or Skibike® – what’s the difference?
The Skibike® is made for beginners and can also be ridden without foot skis. The Snowbike® is ridden with foot skis for the full on-piste experience.