Snowstorm Institute Who we are and who we care for.
Scope.
The Snowstorm Institute brings together a multidisciplinary team (partners) of engineers, sports and nutrition scientists, medical professionals and data experts, all contributing
under the coordination of Prof. Dr. Matthias Scherge. Our mission is to support winter sports athletes of all ages, as well as their coaches and support teams.
We focus on enhancing physical performance, biomechanics, and the technical optimization of sports equipment. In addition we provide assistance in data
analysis for training and competition.
Our expertise covers a wide range of winter
sports disciplines, including cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and all sled-based sports.
Services What we offer.
R&D and Data Science
Motion analysis
Development of sports equipment
Interaction of biomechanics and tribology
Evaluation of big data
Training and beyond
Development of training plans
Individualized technique training
Strength and endurance improvements
Carrier planning after sports
Health and Nutrition
Injury prophylaxis and return to sports
Biomechanical corrections
Nutrition and lifestyle
Training and nutrition
Philosophy What's important to us.
Holistic Approach, Interdisciplinarity and Trust
At the Snowstorm Institute, we take a holistic approach by integrating experts from a wide range of disciplines to support athletes
in the most comprehensive way possible. Our philosophy is built on long-term, trust-based relationships — often accompanying athletes
throughout an Olympic cycle or during critical phases such as season preparation.
Individual Support, Research and Develoment
We create tailored support networks to meet the individual needs of each athlete. By intelligently combining academic research with
industrial development, we generate real added value that directly benefits performance and well-being.
Long-term Relationships
Our collaboration does not stop at the end of the project. From this time on, all athletes are members of
our Snowstorm network. Since the Snowstorm Institute is well-connected in academia and industry, business and carrier opportunities may show up.
At the Snowstorm Institute, we apply advanced analytical methods to support athletic performance at the highest level.
Our services include high-resolution posture and gait analyses aimed at improving sprint power and ski control, as well
as dynamic pressure distribution measurements between the foot and ground to better understand movement efficiency.
We conduct contactless video analyses to capture and study individual movement patterns in detail. In addition, wind tunnel
testing is used to optimize both equipment and body positioning for maximum aerodynamic efficiency during races.
We also perform vibration analysis to enhance the tribology, aerodynamics, and maneuverability of sports equipment.
Optical assessments of both the athlete and their gear help us detect and interpret oscillatory behavior that can
influence control and performance.
Further, we develop specialized training tracks for bobsleigh, luge, skeleton, and cross-country skiing, ensuring
realistic and high-quality preparation. Finally, we perform pole force measurements to refine upper-body movement
patterns in cross-country skiing and improve propulsion efficiency.
AI & Machine Learning – Turning Data into Competitive Advantage
At the Snowstorm Institute, we harness the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to transform complex
data into actionable insights. All data is collected, stored, and managed according to the FAIR principles — Findable,
Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable — ensuring transparency, traceability, and scientific value.
We digitize and curate existing data sets to unlock their full potential through advanced data mining techniques. By
fusing sensor data from training sessions, competitions, and health monitoring systems, we create a comprehensive
picture of athlete performance and condition.
Our technologies enable the precise visualization of sled trajectories in disciplines such as bobsleigh, luge, and
skeleton — offering real-time feedback on racing lines and control strategies. We also correlate acceleration data
with tribological properties of sports equipment, revealing subtle performance factors that would otherwise remain
hidden.
Through intelligent analysis and integration, we provide athletes and coaches with powerful tools to refine performance, m
anage risk, and stay ahead of the curve.
more Training
Athlete Development – Tailored for Performance and Life
Our athlete preparation is rooted in personalized training plans designed to support both seasonal and Olympic-level
goals. We view strength, endurance, and mental training not as separate components, but as an integrated unit that
forms the foundation of sustainable high performance.
Using data-driven insights, we systematically refine movement patterns to enhance efficiency and prevent injury.
In addition, we incorporate neurological components to fine-tune motor control and optimize the precision of athletic movements.
Recognizing that athletes are also individuals with personal and professional lives, we structure training in a way that aligns
with educational and career pursuits, as well as family responsibilities — ensuring balance without compromising performance.
Beyond athletic development, we also assist athletes in making informed career choices, such as selecting the right field of study
or vocational training. In addition, we provide hands-on support in building a professional social media presence and help identify
suitable sponsors to ensure sustainable success on and off the field.
more Health and Nutrition
Injury Prevention & Recovery – Smart Protection for Peak Performance
Preventing injuries before they occur is just as important as optimizing performance. At the Snowstorm Institute, we use
high-resolution pressure plate testing to assess individual risk factors for injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament
(ACL) tears — one of the most critical threats to an athlete’s career.
Our diagnostics also support decision-making in rehabilitation, helping to determine the ideal timing for a safe and effective
return to sports following knee or ankle injuries. This ensures both physical readiness and long-term joint health.
To further support recovery and biomechanical efficiency, we offer AI-assisted gait analysis leading to the custom design
of corrective insoles. These smart orthotics help correct asymmetries, reduce stress on vulnerable joints, and promote
efficient movement patterns tailored to each athlete’s needs.
Fueling Performance at the Cellular Level
At the Snowstorm Institute, we view nutrition as a powerful tool to enhance athletic performance, support recovery, and protect long-term health.
Our nutritional strategies are based on balanced diets designed to stimulate mitochondrial growth — the foundation of cellular energy and endurance.
We offer individualized guidance on specialized diets and supplements, including ketogenic protocols and other performance-oriented approaches.
Our focus also includes the impact of nutrition on oral health, recognizing that issues such as dental caries—often caused by energy drinks—can
lead to measurable performance losses.
To support cellular health and performance, we incorporate targeted use of mitoceuticals — supplements that promote mitochondrial function.
We also develop evidence-based regeneration nutrition plans to accelerate recovery after intense training or competition.
In addition, we address age- and performance-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) through specific dietary strategies and nutrient timing,
ensuring our athletes remain strong, resilient, and competitive over the long term.
