The skis used as a means of transportation on snow were already known in the distant past. The oldest finds are from northern Europe and date back to around 300 B.C. The original plate-like wooden board prevented sinking into the snow. First the board developed into the slipping shoe and eventually into the high-tech ski of today.
The Norwegians were the first to discover the skis for their free time activities and winter fun. Etymologically, the word ‘ski’ is derived from the old Norwegian word skið, which refers to rail or a piece of planed wood.
When the first skiers arrived in our alpine villages in the 19th century, they were usually called ‘weirdos’. However, it wasn’t long before Ladinia, the first ski club was founded in Val Gardena and the first ski race was held in 1908.
Skiing became more and more popular and Val Gardena drew skiers from near and afar. Naturally, the people from Val Gardena became excellent and enthusiastic ski athletes.
In 1970 Val Gardena hosted the Alpine Ski World Cup. Still today the best skiers in the world come to Val Gardena to take part in the Super-G World Cup and the Men’s Downhill race on the Saslong run before Christmas.
