Nostalgic Ski Race in Sankt Englmar

Sankt Englmar is considered one of the cradles of alpine skiing in the Bavarian Forest. It was 1899 when Hermann Plass, a curate, came from Regensburg to Sankt Englmar and not only showed the residents of the tranquil little village in the Bavarian Forest the way to salvation, but also introduced them to the joys of skiing. Carving skis, bindings with heel locks and similar equipment were still a long way off. 110 years ago, ski equipment in Sankt Englmar still consisted of two simple wooden boards and a ski pole that resembled a shepherd’s crook and was used for braking and steering. The first official ski race was held in Sankt Englmar as early as 1902.

With a nostalgic ski race on February 24, the residents of Sankt Englmar want to look back on the good old days of the ski pioneers in the Bavarian Forest. Skiers from all over Germany and neighboring countries are invited to take part, but are also very welcome to come to Sankt Englmar as spectators at the end of February. To participate in the nostalgic ski race in Sankt Englmar, competitors may use only wooden skis, a toe-piece binding and a ski pole. The dress code calls for women to wear a long skirt, a jacket and a scarf. For men, the rules specify trousers, a jacket and a hat. Organizers also ask spectators to follow the dress code so they can get as close as possible to the original event of 1902.