Léo Gasperl World recordman
(1932 & 1934)

Speed ski is one of the oldest discipline of alpine ski. More than one century ago, gold miners and woodcutters organised contests on the Rocky mountains slopes.

In 1930, the first official races are organised, the first official record is set in Saint Moritz by Léo GASPERL (Austria) with 139 km/h.

In the 60s, Cervinia in Italy becomes « Mecca » of the « Kilometro Lanciato ». Every year, the best speed skiers of the world come here and do better. In 1964, Luigi DI MARCO (Italy) reaches 174,75 km/h, the speed of 180 km/h is beaten in 1970 by Japanese MORISHITA.

With the technical progress, new tracks are used, records explode. The mythical limit of 200 km/h is reached by Steve Mc KINNEY in 1978 in Portillo (Chile).

In 1980, a world circuit is organised, KL has a good success in France, the track of Les Arcs is the new reference. In 1992, an Olympic race take place there and allows millions of people to discover this sport.

Nowadays, the best ones can reach the speed of a plane taking off and support an acceleration identical to a formula one car (0 to 200 km/h in less than 6 seconds).

Simone ORIGONE (Italy) and Sanna TIDSTRAND (Sweden) are actually the fastest skiers with 251.400 km/h and 242.590 km/h.

Years 70s