Beneath the Shadows

Slopes of Snow: The History of Skiing, Snowboarding, and Other Winter Sports

Travis Fenn Episode 24

For thousands of years, humans have harnessed the power of ice and snow—not just to survive, but to thrive. Skiing dates back over 8,000 years, when ancient civilizations in Scandinavia and Asia used wooden planks to traverse icy landscapes. Snowboarding, on the other hand, is a much younger rebel of winter sports, emerging in the 1960s when surfers and skateboarders sought to carve their way down snowy mountains. But skiing and snowboarding are just the tip of the iceberg. From the blistering speeds of bobsleigh and luge to the graceful artistry of figure skating, winter sports have captivated thrill-seekers and spectators alike. 

Today, we take a deep dive into the rich history, evolution, and wild variety of winter sports, exploring how they’ve shaped cultures, tested human endurance, and become the thrilling spectacles we now know. So grab your mittens, brace for the chill, and join us for a journey through the frosty, fast-paced world of winter sports!

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