The first Czech ski slope was in the center of Prague. People on the street did not understand what was happening
Prague experienced a shock. On the night of January 5-6, 1887, a huge number attacked snow. One of the most important figures in the history of Czech sports, Josef Ořovský, set out to “fight”. As the very first Czech put skis on his feet and beat Prague. The man who gave birth to sports clubs of all kinds and also stood for several a diplomatofficially became the first skier in our territory.
A sport that no one understood
How did the skis actually get to the Wenceslas Square? Ořovský’s activity began already in 1881, when he was only 12 years old. It was then that he founded the Skating Club. It grew over the years until the important year of 1887 when he approached a sister club in Norway to donate a few pairs of skates.
The Norwegians offer one pair of skis with the skates. Enthusiasm forces him and his brother Karl to order one more pair. Customs officials have no idea what to do with this mysterious object they are to conceive, but the two brothers, to whom the shipment was intended, look at the shipment just as suspiciously.
At the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, skis were used in Scandinavia both for military purposes and in everyday life, thus creating a broad base for the rapid development of skiing. The first ski races were recorded in the 19th century in Norway.
Courage in the snow
Right after that, the fundamental question turned out to be where to “take” the hill on which the new sports equipment would be tested? Ořovský was lucky. Then the traditional stiff winter it also affected Prague, so he decided to choose 750 meter long Wenceslas Square as an ideal place.
From the statue of St. Václav on horseback stretches up to Můstek, a gentle but long enough hill. The idea of the two brothers spread around Prague very quickly, so when they went into action, the whole event was watched by a large crowd of curious people. Needless to say, there was a lot to see. There was no shortage of carambolas and bumps.
A long tradition began here
The then mayor of Prague was among the spectators Ferdinand Valis. And so the first presentation of skiing sports took place in our territory. Ořovský did not hesitate and immediately founded a ski club, which very soon became a very important fan for the local context.
Ořovský became friends with Count Harrachwho failed the sport and left v Krkonoší make skis. First for our foresters, then also for ordinary enthusiasts. The tradition of skiing in our territory was really born on Wenceslas Square.
Sources: National Museum, Czech Television
WHERE NOW: Presidential candidates as in school: The expert gave the debate a one, but also fives. Who failed?