Ski tradition in the Czech Republic

Tradition of skiing in our country started when the earl Harrach brought skis to Bohemia. Taking example of other countries, mainly Scandinavian, they started to organize first ski races.

We do not know the exact date, but we know that on 13 February 1905 a route of first distance race of 50 km led through Harrachov with the frame of Championship of Bohemian crown’s countries. On 18 February 1906 relay races started near the hotel Krakonoš, reputedly they were the first ones in Europe. In 1908 German club of winter sports in Harrachov – Nový Svět was established, already in 1910 Czech club of winter sports existed there that at the beginning of season 1910-11 received a name Ski and tourist Buchar's club (LTBK) to show appreciation for importance of work of ski initiator Jan Buchar. First ski jump were being built. In 1920 the first ski jump with artificial in run in Czech republic was built on the hillside of Čerťák, in 1922 LTBK also built their ski jump in Ptačinec.

The first big turning point in the history of skiing were races, organized in honour of VII. Ski congress in 1923. In that time the best skiers took part in that race, in total 11 countries from Europe and USA. 64 skiers started the race of 50 km. About 20,000 people watched ski jumps. These races started the long-term tradition of the race for Cup of congress ski jump.

Source: www.harrachov.cz