The Origins and History of Snow Skiing

The oldest ski that has ever been found was discovered in a cave in Sweden. Scientific testing determined the ski was at least 4,500 years old. Also discovered inside the cave, on the walls, were drawings of hunters on skis.

One could conclude that some type of skiing was going on long before the scientific date was established. The ski that was discovered was wide and short as to fulfill the main objective which was just to stay on top of the snow. Ski poles were probably discovered when the skier realized that using a walking stick helped him keep his balance and using two walking sticks helped him gain speed when traveling down hill.

Nordic

The history of snow skiing shows the early versions had a boot mounted to the toe, allowing the heel to freely move up and down. Nowadays this type of system is referred to as Nordic. The very first organized Nordic competition included not only downhill skiing but cross country and ski jumping as well. The earliest of these events occurred in the early 1800s.

Telemark

The Telemarkers from the Telemark area of Norway are given credit in the history of snow skiing history books with developing skiing into a sport around the early 1700s. Sondre Norheim, a Telemarker himself, has been referred to as the father of modern skiing, and is best known for inventing the birch binding. This enabled a skier to quickly find his skis after a fall.

The first organized events that included cross-country, ski jumping, and downhill, were festive events that drew people from far and wide - a lot like the parties that go on in the parking lots of football stadiums before the game begins.

Winter Olympic Games 1924

These first ever games were held in Chamonix, France located in the French Alps. They consisted of two types of skiing competition: ski jumping and combined Nordic. The very first gold medal won in these Olympics was captured by Charles Jewtraw in the 500 meter speed skating event. Norway won these Olympics with a total of 17 medals with the United States finishing a distant fifth with four medals.

Winter Olympic Games 1932

Cross country made its debut here and forever took a place in the history of snow skiing. These games took place in Lake Placid, New York. Fortunately for the residents of this cozy town, the venue was originally scheduled for Big Pines, California, but had to be moved because of lack of snow that year. The history of snow skiing shows the U.S. won this one with a total of 12 medals.

The history of snow skiing allows us comfort in the knowledge that it is "all downhill from here."