The sport of skiing was revolutionized with a technical innovation from Ed SCOTT, a talented engineer and ski racer living in Sun Valley, Idaho. Ed SCOTT's invention of the first tapered aluminium ski pole immediately replaced the sport's existing use of bamboo and steel.
That revolutionary invention launched a new brand, SCOTT, and fundamentally positioned SCOTT as a technical product leader in the skiing market. Ed SCOTT's initial vision of technical innovation would serve as the cornerstone company philosophy as the brand matured and expanded to new markets.
In 1970, SCOTT entered the motocross goggle market with the first ever motocross specific goggle and later introduced motocross boots, grips and accessories.
In 1971, the Company produced the world's lightest ski boot and introduced one of the first ski goggles utilizing foam ventilation.
In 1978, the Company opened its European headquarters in Givisiez near Fribourg/CH.
In 1986, the Company opened the world's most sophisticated ski pole factory in Italy and became the global leader in ski pole production. That same year, it introduced its first mountain bike.
In 1989, SCOTT introduced one of the most significant product innovations in the history of cycling - the aerodynamic handlebar. This handlebar, shaped by Charley French, was strategically utilized by American Greg Lemond in his 1989 Tour de France win.
In 1991, the Company entered into the production of mountain bike suspension with Unishock.
In 1992, SCOTT shipped its first full-suspension mountain bikes and later introduced cycling shoes and helmets.
To fund its acquisition strategy, the Company sold 55% of its shares to Zell Chillmark Chicago’s Investment Fund.
In 1994, a winter sport glove line was introduced.
SCOTT introduced its first Carbon mountain bike. Thanks to many victories in the World Cup and at the Olympic Games, as well as great coverage in the media, the bike and the name, Endorphin, became a true legend.
In 1997, the Company introduced a technical winter sport apparel line. One year later, it was producing skis.
SCOTT presented the lightest full-suspension mountain bike worldwide. The name "G-Zero" became a milestone in the development of the bike industry.
Beat Zaugg, Tom Stendhal (Group Chairman) and SCOTT's management bought back the Group from Zell through a management buy-out. Simultaneously, the holding company was transferred to Switzerland.
The Group rolled out a global launch of patented goggle innovations: the RAM Air ventilation system and the revolutionary Amplifier lens. It also released another ski pole innovation: the adjustable LeverLock ski pole strap system.
In 2001, SCOTT presented the road-bike Team Issue with the lightest frame worldwide (lighter than 1 kg), topped in 2003 by the CR1, the lightest frame on the market (895 gr).
In 2002, the Company's ownership structure changed again. In a second management buy-out, Beat Zaugg increased his shareholdings to 51.5%. Tom Stendahl and other shareholders retained a substantial stake in the Company.
In the same year, SCOTT presented the Genius, a new concept of a full-suspension bike with a shock-adjustable into three different modes (lock-out mode, all-travel mode, and traction mode.) Pretty soon magazines were filled with reports on the new Genius. The success of the Genius bike was highlighted by Thomas Frischknecht's victory in the marathon event at the World Championships.
Created in cooperation with Biomex® Protection, this helmet was a big step forward for head safety in wintersports. The Biomex featured a Dual Band Roll Cage (rectangular shape), which reduced the swing weight and made it more comfortable to wear.
These purchases opened new doors into the street bike and snowmobile clothing markets
Utilizing its proprietary CR1 technology, the Company developed a state-of-the-art triathlon frame; the PLASMA, which was 980 grams light. Add the integrated aero seat post at 300 grams and the result was the world’s lightest aero Carbon frame with triathlon-specific geometry.
In 2005, Beat Zaugg acquired the remaining 48.5% of the Company in another management buy-out transaction, thereby taking over 100% of the Company.
The Company contracted a research and development lab in Portland, Oregon, to create a full line of high performance running shoes for both male and female athletes.
The new Addict is the lightest road frame available, just 790 grams with integrated seat post (165 grams). When combined with SCOTT's new, slimmer Carbon IMP™ fork that weighs just 330 grams, the new Addict bike weighs an amazing 5.9 kg.
By applying its revolutionary new Integrated Molding Process (IMP™) to its already proven CR1 technology and new Nude TC™ shock, SCOTT produced the lightest full suspension bike available.
SCOTT celebrates the golden anniversary, marking 50 years of commitment to progressive sport. Times have changed and SCOTT has developed into a worldwide powerhouse in Bike, Wintersport, Motosport and Running. But the vision has always remained the same from the humble beginnings 50 years ago in Ed SCOTT’s one man ski tuning business: INNOVATION - TECHNOLOGY – DESIGN.
The same year, SCOTT opened a new US Headquarter in Sun Valley, Idaho.
The new lens technologies that will unquestionable improve your mountain experience - the Solar Blocker Technology. The lens blocks most of the blue light to protect the eyes and is recommended for glacier Skiing and sunny days.
Same name – new frame, revised geometry and new Equalizer2 shock with Oil Transfer System.
The new Crusair is quickly becoming the benchmark ski for the freeride mountaineering market. The combination of Carbon frame with sandwich wood air channels delivers an extremly lightweight, stable and reactive ski.
The all new Twin Loc lever allows the rider to keep both hands on the handlebars while selecting the desired travel settings or fully locking the suspension. Riders can switch between, full travel, Traction mode, and now complete lock out of both fork and Equalizer 2 TC shock.
In response to need of runners for an efficient running platform SCOTT presents eRIDE a unique rocker shape midsole technology that reduces heel strike impacts and improves running efficiency for all running styles.
Weighting less than 899 grams, the Scale is the lightest MTB Carbon frame ever produced. World Champion Nino Schurter wins with the new Scale 899 the Overall MTB World Cup.
LT stands for Long travel, necessary in All Mountain situations where the descents are nasty but you plan to climb to the top. No problem when you have the lightest All Mountain Carbon frame with 185mm and the 110mm of travel available and thanks to Twin Loc you can lock it out.
In close collaboration with the electronic giant Bosch, SCOTT is the first company who offer a stylistically oriented and easy to operate E-Bike system.
SCOTT is the first brand to realize a successful 27.5” wheel size line with the Scale 700 and Genius 700. World Champion Nino Schurter conquers race tracks aboard his game changing Scale 700 RC.
With the introduction of a ski boot collection for mountain and freeski, SCOTT Sports completed the head-to-toe product range for skiers.
The E-Spark – on 27.5” wheels – integrates a Bosch engine with one of the most modern full suspension bikes and opens up the energized trail experience era.
The all new SCOTT Addict SL is the 1st in-line road bike frame set under 1 kg. The secret of its lightness: HMX-SL, the best Carbon fiber on the market. It utilizes Nano-technology, which incorporates a Carbon nanotube reinforced epoxy resin - super-light, super-stiff and still comfortable.
SCOTT introduces the new lens change goggle (LCG) featuring SCOTT’s lens change slider system. Simple and reliable, the multiple award winning LCG enables users to quickly change lenses without having to touch the surface of the lens.
In cooperation with schoeller®, SCOTT developed ITD ProTec Technology, providing a significantly higher abrasion resistance than regular fabrics. The combination of single knit carbon yarns and ceramic printing on the fabric leads to high robustness and durability even in crashes on asphalt at high speed.
The new SCOTT Plasma 5 constitutes the latest development of modern Triathlon and TT bikes. It combines an aerodynamic frame design with innovative storage systems and wide range adjustability - The ultimate solution for demanding endurance athletes.
As the first brand in the bike industry, SCOTT sports introduced an entire line of Plus-Bikes. Thanks to its wider tires, 27.5“Plus bikes enable more fun and aggressive handling but also more forgiveness due to an unmatched level of control.
The new Prospect Goggle starts a new chapter in a decorated goggle history at SCOTT. Capitalizing on 45 years of experience, the SCOTT Prospect pushes the limits of field of vision, comfort and lens retention. The goggle is compatible with the WFS50, a system invented by SCOTT. The WFS50 is a larger and more fine-tuned roll off system to once again define the standard for this market.