10 Fun Facts about Skiing

Not sure if you can dazzle anybody with your ski skills? Make sure you will amaze them with your knowledge of the sport! Here are 10 fun facts about skiing.

1. An ancient sport

The idea of attaching two wooden pieces to your feet just to get somewhere faster is as old as humanity itself (almost). The oldest skis are thought to be almost 8 000 years old and were probably used as a means of transport. 

 

2. A piece of … wood 

… is the translation of the original Norwegian word for skis. Norway is the country that gave the world skis. Skål! 

 

3. The first downhill skiing race

recorded was held in Sweden in 1879. But we bet sliding down the hill on skis was great competition long before that. 

4. Olympic sport since 1936

Skiing became a part of the biggest sports event in 1936 with Franz Pfnür being the first gold medal winner. 

5. Skiing in Down Under

Australia proves that skiing is a universal sport. In the land Down Under, you can find five big ski resorts. 

6. Lighting fast sport 

Skiing is one of the fastest sports you can enjoy. On skis, you can exceed the speed of a car - tested for you by Simone Origone who achieved a speed of 156.2 miles per hour in 2006.

7. Skijoring 

Skiing doesn't have to be a solo sport - take your dog or a horse for a walk and let them pull you around in the skijoring style. 

8. The best diet 

Feeling a bit chunky after the Christmas feasts? Get your ass on the hill to burn 350-400 calories per hour while skiing downhill. 

9. Skiing on the Moon 

Not true yet, but Apollo crew member Harrison Schmitt believed that skiing was a great way to prepare for lunar walks and that one day, ski resorts on the Moon would become true. 

10. The most popular sport

Skiing is the best way of spending the winter. 350 million people each year visit the slopes to prove that the two pieces of wood were truly the best invention humanity came up with. 

Get your skis and fun facts ready for the season and we will see you on the slopes!