Our story

As a reference store in the field of sports and high-end clothing in Geneva as well as a member of the Brunschwig group since 1990, Hofstetter Sports has been accompanying you on all your adventures since its foundation.

1934

HOFSTETTER SPORTS FOUNDATION

Early 1930s. A group of friends meets every evening at the „place de la Fusterie“ in Geneva. They all share the same passion: the mountains. At the beginning of each week, they talk about the exploits of the previous weekend. Then, as the days go by, they get ready for their next Sunday’s adventures. Among these sportsmen is a young man who grew up in Davos, Ernest Hofstetter. The company that employs him sent him to Geneva, after La Chaux-de-Fonds and Zurich. This precision mechanic is a mountain enthusiast who was almost born on skis. In Geneva, he quickly became integrated into sporting circles. He then thought of giving up his job to set up a small sports shop, while teaching skiing and practicing mountaineering.

In 1934, Ernest Hofstetter opened a shop in the „passage des Lions“, where he sold sports articles and clothing.

1939

MOVE TO THE CORRATERIE

Taking advantage of a leave to treat appendicitis, the soldier Hofstetter relaunches his business. He finds a new arcade in the „rue de la Corraterie“, one of the most beautiful streets in Geneva.

1952

CONQUERING THE EVEREST

In the spring of 1952, Ernest Hofstetter set out to conquer Everest with Sherpa Tenzing and his friends from the Geneva Mountain Club, Androsace. The expedition, which took place without oxygen, failed to reach the summit 200 metres from the goal, but it opened up the now famous „South Col route“. A year later, the world summit was conquered by New Zealander Hillary.

1969

A PASSION FROM FATHER TO SON

Michel Hofstetter takes over the management of Hofstetter Sports. He develops the luxury fashion section and pays particular attention to the preparation of the skis.

1990

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Hofstetter Sports is merging with another luxury brand, Bongénie. This new impetus will enable it to assert itself more than ever as the Geneva reference shop in the field of sports and high-end sportswear.

2021

THE CHOICE OF EXPERTS

Beside its move to 50, route de Thonon, 1222 Vésenaz, Hofstetter Sports is now offering part of its product range online on the Bongénie Grieder website!