10th International Ski Congress: 14th to 16th February 1928 – St. Moritz (SUI)

38 delegates from 15 countries

Arnold Lunn (GBR) founder of the Slalom, or “artistic” skiing, passing through gates, proposes the introduction of Alpine Skiing to the FIS competitions. The project was assigned to a special Committee with K. von Graffenried (SUI) as Chairman.

The British Ski Year Book of 1928 reports: “Von Graffenried took the floor and remarked that the Swiss had tried out the Slalom at the last Championships, but that they had been very disappointed by the results. Smith-Kielland said that, in most Cross-Country races, there were sections passing through forest and that he was naturally opposed to artificial Slaloms. The British Slalom appeared to be a very artificial race. Toivo Aro then took the floor and raised the fact that his country was flat and that Downhill races could not be organised in Finland.” These three speeches were not exactly encouraging for the proposal. Arnold Lunn then defended his cause and said, amongst other things, “We are not asking that Slalom and Downhill races be included in all international meetings. All that we ask is that Slalom and Downhill races should not be ousted without being put to the test.”

Von Graffenried then proposed to the Committee that it should recommend to the Congress that countries outside the Alps try these races according to the British rules during the year to come. The Congress approved this proposal unanimously.