Key Periods of Alpine Skiing
Before the 19th century, practices were Nordic, serving as an excellent means of winter transportation, essential in regions where snow covers the terrain for long months. It was also a fast and discreet way to hunt efficiently. The development of sliding techniques adapted to different terrains and slopes undoubtedly allowed for the refinement of styles, enabling the expression of men’s innovative capabilities.
Skiing is ingrained in Nordic culture, where skiing skills are passed down from generation to generation, contributing to the continuous preservation and development of this mode of transportation. During the 19th century, skiing transitions from a practical activity to a popular leisure pursuit. Mountain descents and competitions become more frequent, particularly in Norway. It is in Norway that telemark skiing, credited with the origins of modern alpine skiing, develops.
Gaining popularity, alpine skiing experiences significant growth in Austria in the early 20th century, where the first school was established by Hannes Schneider in 1921. He introduced teaching methods and techniques that played a crucial role in standardizing the alpine style and making it popular worldwide.
The recognition of a sport often comes when it is included in the Olympic Games program. For skiing, this milestone occurred in the winter of 1936 in Germany, at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, contributing to an international reputation that has only continued to grow since then.
About the International Ski Federation (FIS)
Established on February 2, 1924, in Chamonix, France, the International Ski Federation (FIS) was founded during the 1st International Ski Congress (ISC), held in conjunction with the inaugural Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix. The FIS was created to promote skiing as an international sport and to coordinate skiing-related activities on a global scale. The FIS has played a central role in the development and regulation of various skiing disciplines, including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, Nordic combined, freestyle skiing, and other snow sports.
In the 1990s, the FIS integrated snowboarding into its activities and oversees alpine snowboarding, snowboard cross, slopestyle, and half-pipe competitions at international events, including the Winter Olympic Games.
Freestyle skiing competitions are also organized under the auspices of the FIS, encompassing slopestyle, half-pipe, cross, and acrobatic ski jumping events. Freestyle skiers participate in major events, including the World Championships and the World Cup.
Telemark skiing, which combines elements of alpine and cross-country skiing, has also found its place in competitions governed by the FIS.
Don’t forget the 58th edition of the ongoing World Cup, link to our article on the subject.
At Stay with us resorts, skiing is second nature to us, and we would be delighted to welcome you to Tignes, where snow conditions and the quality of the ski area are always on point.
