The first century of skiing

Come here, I have to slap you in the face!

Franz Reisch, founder of skiing

Slaps in the face and avalanches “Come here, it was so beautiful I have to slap you in the face”, that’s what the euphoric and snow-covered Franz Reisch said to his friend Josef Herold, who anxiously waited for him at the edge of a rock for many hours. It is spring 1893 and Franz Reisch has just ridden down the Kitzbüheler Horn mountain on skis as the first human being ever.

The avalanche he set of in the course was luckily only a metaphoric one: more and more locals and guests enjoy this new sport – and Kitzbühel, which used to be a summer resort, becomes Austria’s first winter sports destination. "Mastery of Slopes and Control of Euphoria”.

The experience and the enthusiasm with which the heroes of then mastered the slopes can still be felt today when we introduce our guests to the mountains and skiing. But: even if is fantastic, please do not slap your friends in the face for sheer joy!