Sportshop Karrer AG

SportShop Karrer AG looks back on a success story spanning more than 45 years. For decades, Fridolin Karrer has been renting out alpine skis, cross-country skis, and snowboards to children, teenagers, and adults with passion and expertise. Every year, countless alpine skis, snowboards, and cross-country skis—including bindings, boots, and poles—are available for winter sports enthusiasts from the Basel region and neighboring countries. It's a success story that began in the small community of Brislach (BL).

From idea to success story

Our company's origins date back to 1965. As a teacher in Brislach (BL), Fridolin Karrer noticed that many of his students wanted to take part in the traditional ski camp, but didn't have the right equipment or the financial means to do so. With great dedication, he began collecting used ski equipment and organizing the first ski days for the children – initially even using a tractor and trailer.

He set up a workshop in an old farmhouse where the collected skis were repaired. Fridolin Karrer still remembers how, when using the first belt sander in winter, the water first had to be thawed so that the skis could be processed properly. Fridolin Karrer's motivation was his love of winter sports, but also the idea of offering less well-off families and especially children the opportunity to enjoy the then emerging winter sports. As a teacher, he had insights into different social classes, and the charitable nature of this work always gave him satisfaction and motivation to continue. What began as a charitable initiative developed over the years into a professional enterprise. Fridolin Karrer finally decided to give up his teaching career to devote himself entirely to the sports business.

A location with a future

With growing demand, the ski rental in Brislach reached its limits—lack of space, lack of parking, and an ever-growing customer base made a change necessary. A stroke of luck enabled Fridolin Karrer to rent the site of an old brickworks in Laufen on a long-term basis and convert it according to his ideas. Today, SportShop Karrer AG has a modern infrastructure that perfectly meets the needs of our customers.

Our customers come not only from the greater Basel area, but also from the nearby French Jura and Germany. Steady growth has led to the creation of numerous jobs: we currently have over 20 full-time positions and employ more than 40 people during the winter season.

Expansion of the range – also active in summer

In order to keep our staff busy all year round, we have continuously expanded our product range. In addition to selling sportswear, equipment, and bicycles, we now also offer e-bike rental. We have around 20 high-quality electric bikes ready for new adventures.

For groups, clubs, or corporate events, we also offer minibus rentals with bike trailers (up to 15 seats). And if you don't want to give up your e-bike after an extensive test ride, you can of course purchase it directly from us.

Your specialist for sports and leisure

SportShop Karrer AG stands for quality, passion, and outstanding service. Visit us in Laufen and benefit from our many years of experience and our comprehensive range of products – whether on the slopes in winter or on two wheels in summer.