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Presenting FIS Partners: JOSKA

During the summer months, FIS presents some of its most important partners in a series of interviews, many of whom are engaged for the benefit of ski sports since many years. In this interview, Alois Adam, Administration Manager of JOSKA Kristall, provides us with interesting background information on the famous FIS World Cup globe and history behind this impressive company. Located in Bodenmais, Germany, JOSKA offers much more than glass products, but also their very own Adventure Park and an extensive role within the local region.

FIS: When and how did JOSKA as a company come into existence?

AA: Joska Kristall was founded in early 1961 by Josef Kagerbauer senior as a one-man business in Bodenmais. The first initials of the founder became the company's name, JOSKA. Since 2002 the company is led by Josef Kagerbauer junior as CEO.

FIS: You have an anniversary this year - how will this be celebrated?

AA: This year represents the company's 50th anniversary which is recognized with various activities such as sport days, wine weeks, customer dinners with star cook Johann Lafer and similar events.

FIS: The first World Cup globe was produced in 1987: who designed it and is it the same globe today as it was back then?

AA: The detailed design specifications for the FIS World Cup trophy were provided by FIS. These specifications are followed precisely in the production and detailed finishing of the trophies.

FIS: What kind of glass do you use for the globes and medals?

AA: The FIS World Cup trophies and medals are all made of hand-blown finest lead crystal which is cut by highly qualified professionals with diamonds while all logos and engravings are prepared using time-consuming fine-engraving techniques. The World Cup trophy is 46 cm high and has a diameter of 23 cm. The large World Cup trophy weighs a whopping 12 kg.

FIS: How many World Cup globes has JOSKA produced since the beginning, how many do you produce for FIS on a yearly base and how long does it take to produce one single one?

AA: We have so far produced some 1‘700 World Cup trophies, annually some 70 including both small and large globes. Each trophy requires a production time of two days.

FIS: Located in Bodenmais, Germany, Joska is more than a company for this region. Please explain your role within the community and region.

AA: The JOSKA Glass Paradise in Bodenmais is a well-known destination in the holiday region of the Bavarian Forest (Bayerischer Wald) and presents traditional craft works in two glass huts, a cutting station, a glass painting atelier and a glass engraving atelier. With close to one million visitors a year, JOSKA is one of the top destination in the whole of Bavaria.

FIS: With 70 000 m2, Joska has its own on site Adventure World. For those who would like to visit Joska, what is on offer for them to do?

AA: Welcome to the land of glass makers! The unique JOSKA Glass Paradise in Bodenmais offers glass art, shopping and fun, with experience surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Bavarian Forest.

700 years of glass making tradition are the proof - JOSKA is a world of glass craft where you can witness the pathway from ingredients to the end product. There is 70.000 m2 of space combining traditional craft with modern design. You can even try your hand at glass blowing!

JOSKA BODENMAIS continuously develops new attractions: be it art in crystal gardens, a year-round Christmas world exhibition a large children's playland and the biggest chandelier exhibition in Germany. Moreover, there is the world of champions with an exhibit "For Winners - Trophies for the Best of the World". JOSKA BODENMAIS is world leader in the production of crystal trophies and provides them for international events and federations from FIS to DFB, Formula 1, ATP and others with stars such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Claudia Schiffer or Sebastian Vettel.

And you won't go hungry: The Bavarian beer garden, Café „Kristallino" and a glass adventure restaurant will take care of that.

FIS: Joska is represented on-site both during the season and especially at the World Cup Finals to present the impressive globes and medals. From your personal point of view, what is your best memory?

AA: I have many fond memories from the World Cup Finals that have left a permanent mark. Many successful athletes have been able to rejoice their victory with the overall or event World Cups. And I have met many well-known personalities who have been tasked with the presentation of the trophies such as the former US President Gerald Ford in Vail, the King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustav in Are and the King of Norway Harald V in Lillehammer.

Contributed by Sofie Torlei Olsen

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