You may know that in February 2018 Pyeongchang in South Korea will be hosting the XIIIth Winter Olympics, but did you know that the Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924.
The inaugural games started on the 25th January and run to the 5th February with around 300 athletes from 16 nations taking part.
Initially named the not-so-catchy ‘International Week of Winter Sports in Chamonix Mont-Blanc’ it was only in 1925 that it was given the official title of ‘First Winter Olympic Games’.
Those first Games featured only six sports: Ice Hockey, Speed Skating, Artistic Skating, Curling, Bobsleigh and Nordic skiing. The latter included cross-country, ski jumping as well as military ski demonstrations (something that would later lead to biathlon).
When you visit Chamonix now, you can still see remnants of those original Games. Here are five to look out for when you’re in resort this winter:
The commemorative stone on the Place du Mont-BlancThe stained-glass windows of the Saint-Michel Catholic church Poster at the Alpine Museum
A photo of the Olympic stadium exhibited at Chamonix ice-rink
The Bossons ski jump
Chalets in Chamonix
For details of chalets and accommodation in Chamonix, please contact the Chaletline team on 01822 617761.