Speed skiing, formerly known as kilometer throwing (KL), is one of the oldest ski disciplines. Indeed, over a century ago, North American gold diggers and lumberjacks challenged each other to speed on the slopes of the Rockies.

The principle of KL itself is to launch oneself down a "steep" slope in order to reach the highest pure speed (i.e. the most natural and spontaneous speed achieved without the use of equipment or artifice). In this sense, speed skiing is, along with free-fall skiing, the fastest non-motorized sport. The best racers exceed the speed of a plane at take-off, and experience the same acceleration as a Formula 1 car (0 to 200km/h in less than 6 seconds).

The discipline became an official sport with the first competitions in 1930, and the first speed record was set by Austrian Gustav LANTSCHNER at 105.675km/h, a far cry from the current world record held by Italian Ivan ORIGONE since 2016 with a track at 254.958km/h.

While the issue of track safety has long held back the development of the discipline, today a set of sporting regulations frames the various issues of safety and fairness. Over time, this has become an obligatory condition, as it echoes technical progress, leading to previously unthinkable speeds. The 200 km/h mark was reached by Steve MC KINNEY in 1978.

Two categories with different equipment:

SPEED 1: This is the historic category for reaching the highest speeds. Their equipment is the most "efficient", optimized for aerodynamics: a streamlined helmet (made to measure, with a regulated size), an airtight "0-liter" plasticized suit, fins to improve air penetration with regulated length and weight, skis up to 240 cm long and weighing almost 15kg per pair to provide stability, and modified standard poles with regulated weight. Back protection is mandatory.

Downhill: This category was created in its present form at the end of the 1990s, and is the gateway to the sport. The standard equipment is commercially available and less sophisticated than for Speed 1. Classic downhill skis are 220 cm maximum, with a non-airtight classic downhill suit, underneath which is underwear to limit burns in the event of falls and slips, a classic ski helmet and standard poles. Back protection is mandatory.

Gavarnie and speed skiing

A family affair

The MONTES brothers, Bruno and Jean-Lou, were behind the crazy idea of organizing a KL competition in Gavarnie. With the help of the resort's staff and the Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne, they began to prepare the slope over several days, packing the snow with nothing but their feet, as the slope's incline made it impossible for the equipment of the time to tackle it. Two women and twenty-six men took part in the event, which proved a success. That was in 1985, and speed skiing never left the "little resort" of Gavarnie-Gèdre again.

Since then, many big names have tried their hand on the slope : Cathy Breyton, 1983 world record-holder, Jacqueline Blanc in 1986, the Wilkie brothers in 1987, Stéphane Pujo, a native of Gavarnie and 1992 world champion, the Swiss A. Stump and Beat Engel, Laurent Sistach, Philippe Goitchel and others. They built the Pyrenees' international reputation.

Today, Jean-Lou's sons, Jimmy and Bastien MONTES, continue the speed skiing adventure in Gavarnie and beyond. Members of the French team, they are both top performers in this discipline, respectively French Champion for Jimmy (with a record of 238.091 km/h) and World Champion for Bastien (with a record of 251.397 km/h).

In all, 9 of the 16 French KLists are from the Pyrenees, which can be explained by the fact that the speed skiing adventure has never stopped in Gavarnie, and that every year, the youngest skiers are used to taking part in the Challenge Quicksilver, which brings together almost 150 thrill-seeking youngsters on this legendary run!

The Gavarnie-Gèdre ski resort is preparing to celebrate an exceptional event this winter: the 40th anniversary of speed skiing at the resort.
A rich and varied program awaits skiers to celebrate this historic anniversary in style.

The unmissable annual competition... followed by a memorable evening!

Gavarnie-Gèdre is once again set to host a top-level competition featuring French champions, who will be on hand for some spectacular events! Everyone is invited to follow the speed exploits of these living rockets!

The highlight of the celebrations will undoubtedly be the big birthday party, with a program packed with surprises! The evening promises to be a memorable one, bringing together all ski enthusiasts and party-goers in a convivial atmosphere...

Details and information coming soon.