Vintage photo, at the start of a ski race

Product detailed description

Condition: as found, good

Size: 12.8 cm x 8.3 cm

History of skiing in the Czech lands

Skiing has a long tradition in the Czech lands, even though the country lies in the heart of Europe, where the mountains are not as high as the neighbouring Alps. The first mentions of skiing in today's Czech Republic date back to the 19th century, when skiing was more a means of transport in winter than a sport. The early 20th century brought a skiing boom in Czechoslovakia: the first ski clubs, schools and competitions were founded, skiing quickly developed as a sport, and the first ski lifts and slopes appeared. After the Second World War the ski infrastructure developed further – modern ski resorts were built and Czechoslovakia began producing its own skis, which helped popularise the sport. Today skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in the Czech Republic. Although the country does not have mountains as high as its neighbours, resorts such as Špindlerův Mlýn, Harrachov and Klínovec are popular with locals and foreign visitors alike. This phenomenon is the result of tradition, passion and investment in ski infrastructure, and skiing's importance for Czech culture keeps growing.