Once upon a time: Davos (Switzerland), the very first ski resort to see the light of day

The creation of the first ski resort reflects the development of winter sports and tourism over the decades.

Although skiing as an activity dates back several millennia, ski resorts as we know them today began to develop in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

READ MORE: Once upon a time: Poma, the French ski lift specialist

The first ski resort to be recognised as such was Davos, in Switzerland. It became a popular destination for winter sports at the end of the 19th century, thanks in particular to the arrival of the railway in 1889, facilitating access to this Alpine region.

The author of Sherlock Holmes stayed here

Originally, Davos attracted visitors for its supposed health benefits, particularly for patients suffering from respiratory problems and tuberculosis, thanks to its clean air and Alpine climate.

Over time, however, visitors began to explore the surrounding mountains for pleasure, marking the beginning of ski tourism.

The real impetus for the development of Davos as a ski resort came with innovation and the adoption of skiing as a leisure activity and sport.

One of the pioneers of this movement was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of Sherlock Holmes, who stayed in Davos in 1894. He wrote about his skiing experiences in the region, helping to increase the interest and popularity of skiing as a leisure activity.

Davos has encouraged the development of resorts

This has encouraged the development of specific winter sports infrastructures, such as ski lifts, ski schools and hotels tailored to skiers' needs.

In the years that followed, other ski resorts began to emerge in Europe, notably in Austria and in Franceas well as in North America. Chamonix, France, hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924, further promoting skiing as an international sport.

READ MORE: Once upon a time: The Col du Tourmalet, a myth in the Pyrenees

The development of ski resorts has been strongly influenced by a number of factors, including technological advances (such as ski lifts and ski equipment), improved means of transport, and a growing interest in outdoor recreation.

Today, ski resorts are popular holiday destinations offering a wide range of activities in addition to skiing, such as snowboarding, winter hiking and cultural events.