1st generation
In November 1927, Karl Gruber began selling sports equipment for skiing and mountain sports as a partner of Gregor Andreoli at the current location in a small wooden hut. Within a short time, the shoemaker's shop grew into a sports shoe factory with 10 shoemakers who made customised mountain and ski boots by hand every day. 20 years later, in 1948, the new business premises were built. This provided adequate space for sales and the shoemaker's workshop. Pontresina received a major boost in winter with the construction of the Diavolezza railway.
2nd generation
The business was taken over by son Erich and his wife Heidy in the 1960s. During this time, Erich was also head of the Pontresina ski school. He later served as mayor of Pontresina for 23 years and represented the Upper Engadine for 12 years in the Grand Council of the Canton of Graubünden. The 1970s were the years of the tourism boom. Gruber Sport was gradually adapted to the new requirements and benefited from the up-and-coming tourism in the Engadin.
3rd generation
In the late 1980s, the business was passed on to his sons Andy (then Technical Director of the Pontresina Ski School) and Reto (also a qualified ski instructor). Building on tradition, they offered customers new services. Thanks to everyone's great commitment, the generational changeover went smoothly. When Reto left 6 years later, his brother Andy took over the business. Since then, Andy has managed the flourishing business with up to 16 employees with the help of his wife Heidi. In 2008, the business was completely renovated and expanded. The new, spacious sports shop was built in just 9 ½ months. Since then, Gruber Sport has been working in the ‘Champions League’ of sports retailers. The new shop has proved very successful and is highly appreciated by our customers.