The fascinating history of the sled , from its creation to the present day

The antecedents of the sled and toboggan probably go back long before the colonization of North America. Historical records attest that Canada's aboriginal peoples used small sledges to transport their provisions between settlements.

According to German literature, the first sledges, ancestors of modern sledges, were used for transport in** the Swiss Alps** as early as the 15th century!

But in France too, and particularly in Chamonix, sledges were an essential means of winter transport - rudimentary wooden sledges descending the slopes, quite simply!

But the rise of sled racing as we know it today originated in the Swiss Alps in the late 19th century.

At that time, intrepid British tourists had the crazy idea of engaging in **running races **on wooden sledges, used by the locals to get around in the snow.

Another hypothesis put forward by historians: in upstate New York, bobsleigh races - the famous crazy machine featured in the film Rasta Rockett - were organized as early as 1885!

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Whatever their origin, these competitions have grown in popularity. The Cresta Run, named after the Swiss town at the foot of the course, was created in **1885 ** using mounds of snow.

The first competition took place in 1898, under the aegis of the very first St. Moritz Bobsleigh Club. This landmark event was the catalyst that split simple luge into two distinct sports: bobsleigh and skeleton.

The Cresta Run

The Cresta Run is often regarded as the birthplace of skeleton, a daring approach to luge. Unlike traditional luge, where competitors position themselves forward on a sled fitted with metal runners, skeleton involves a skeleton-like metal board.

Participants lie down head-first and set off down an icy track. These daring evolutions have left their mark on the history of winter sports, paving the way for spectacular competitions, some of which are now part of theWinter Olympics. 🎿❄

The transition to a fully-fledged sporting discipline took place in the 1960s, when luge was included in the Winter Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria.

Tobogganing became a genuine sporting attraction, with thrilling competitions held on Olympic tracks around the world.

The World Luge Championships have become major events, attracting athletes from all over the world to experience the thrill of downhill racing.

The history of sledding is also marked by the constant evolution of the machines. From the wooden sleds of the early days to modern plastic and metal sleds, each era has brought its own innovations.

Luge athletes, or lugeurs, have also seen their equipment evolve, from simple sleds to sophisticated machines designed to defy the laws of physics on the Olympic slopes.

Today, tobogganing is much more than just a way to glide across the snow.

It's a universal experience, an adventure that combines tradition and modernity. From local luge clubs to international competitions, every run is an encounter with the history of this captivating sport.

3 million luge fans in France

In 2016, there were around 3 million luge fans in France, representing 7% of the population aged between 15 and 70, according to a study by the French Ministry of Sport.

Professional luge

Like other downhill disciplines, luge runs on icy slopes between 1,200 and 1,500 meters long, with average gradients of between 10 and 12% and 14 to 20 banked turns. These daring configurations can sometimes reach breathtaking speeds in excess of 150 km/h. From its very beginnings, luge has established itself as an exhilarating discipline, combining history and thrills on these icy courses. ❄️🛷

Who is the world champion?

By the way, did you know who the world luge champion is? It's Johannes Ludwig, a German athlete renowned for his exceptionally precise runs! 🏅🛷

**15th century **: The first sleds and toboggans appear, used by Canada's native peoples to transport goods and provisions.

**Late 19th century **: Daring British tourists discover the wooden sleds used by Swiss locals, initiating sled races in the Alps.

1885: Bobsleigh races in North America

1885: Emergence of the Cresta Run in Switzerland, marking the start of organized competitions using snow banks.

1898: The first official competition The very first bobsleigh club in St. Moritz organizes the first official competition, establishing the distinction between luge, bobsleigh and skeleton.

**20th century **: Sliding sports evolve into major Olympic disciplines, with luge, bobsleigh and skeleton taking pride of place at the Olympic Winter Games.

**2023 **: Luge, bobsleigh and skeleton are now staples of the Olympic Winter Games, captivating the world with their unique blend of tradition, daring, and speed. 🏂🎿

And if you've enjoyed this story, go and read theincredible story of snowshoes!