So just how old is skiing, then? Take the great snowsports quiz

1. Which snowsport was invented first?

   1. Snowboarding

   2. Skiing

   3. Tobogganing

2. Where can you find Europe's highest cable car station?

   1. France

   2. Switzerland

   3. Italy

3. Depending on the conditions, you can build up a fair bit of speed on the mountain. What’s the fastest anyone has ever been recorded skiing?

   1. 159 mph

   2. 31 mph

   3. 75 mph

4. When should you wear your helmet on the slopes?

   1. When you’re really shredding

   2. At all times

   3. If you’re a learner

5. How long is the longest red ski run in the world?

   1. 22km

   2. 50km

   3. 14km

6. Who has the right of way on the piste?

   1. Whoever is fastest

   2. The person in front

   3. The snowboarders

7. Falling is no fun, but it happens. If you slip on the slopes, what should you do?

   1. Get straight back up

   2. Roll down the slope

   3. If you aren’t hurt, get out of the way

8. You’re going pretty fast, but there’s a beginner in front. What should you do?

   1. Give them space and be patient. We were all beginners once!

   2. Speed past them and get out of their way

   3. Shout words of encouragement

9. Which music festival takes place in the alps every year?

   1. Sound of the Alps

   2. Alpinella

   3. Tomorrowland Winter

10. From blue to black diamond, which run should you choose?

    1. The one that matches your capability

    2. Whichever one you most want to try today

    3. The quietest one – with loads of space to try new tricks

Solutions

1:B - The oldest skis ever found date back to some time between 8,000 and 7,000 BCE, while snowboarding first became a thing much later, in 1965., 2:B - You can find Europe’s highest cable car station in Zermatter-Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps., 3:A - Do not try this on your first go on the slopes – champion Simon Billy from France smashed the record when he was recorded skiing at 159 mph (255.5 km/h) in Vars in 2023., 4:B - If you’re on the slopes, keep that helmet on – you never know what could happen. While not compulsory by law, they’re often required for kids (and their instructors) on the slopes., 5:A - At 22km, the red ski run from Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche is the longest in the entire world., 6:B - The person in front always has the right of way – make sure you leave enough space between you and them at all times., 7:C - If you fall but aren’t hurt, you should always get out of the way as soon as possible so that you don’t trip up anyone else. However, if you need more help, someone will stop and look after you. It’s just ski etiquette., 8:A - If you’re speeding along and come across a beginner, just be patient. We all started somewhere, and it’s dangerous to try to overtake., 9:C - Sunweb is the official partner of Tomorrowland Winter, an electronic music festival that takes place in the Alps every year., 10:A - You should always pick the run that best matches where you’re at right now – you can always improve on the slopes.

Scores

1. 10 and above.

   Mountain maestro. Check you out, Winter Olympian! There’s not much left for you to learn, which means you’re all ready for your next trip to the mountains. Just get your layers in the suitcase, book a stress-free package with Sunweb, and plan which fondues you’re going to order at après-ski. There’s always new experiences to be gained by hitting the slopes and making new friends.

2. 9 and above.

   Mountain maestro. Check you out, Winter Olympian! There’s not much left for you to learn, which means you’re all ready for your next trip to the mountains. Just get your layers in the suitcase, book a stress-free package with Sunweb, and plan which fondues you’re going to order at après-ski. There’s always new experiences to be gained by hitting the slopes and making new friends.

3. 8 and above.

   Mountain maestro. Check you out, Winter Olympian! There’s not much left for you to learn, which means you’re all ready for your next trip to the mountains. Just get your layers in the suitcase, book a stress-free package with Sunweb, and plan which fondues you’re going to order at après-ski. There’s always new experiences to be gained by hitting the slopes and making new friends.

4. 7 and above.

   A little off-piste. Your snowsports knowledge isn’t too bad, but you’re unlikely to be carving up the toughest slopes just yet. That’s OK! Experience is gained by heading back up the mountain and immersing yourself in après-ski after a day on the slopes. The people you drink mulled wine with are full of wisdom that they’ll be more than happy to share. Check out Sunweb for package ski trips for all abilities.

5. 6 and above.

   A little off-piste. Your snowsports knowledge isn’t too bad, but you’re unlikely to be carving up the toughest slopes just yet. That’s OK! Experience is gained by heading back up the mountain and immersing yourself in après-ski after a day on the slopes. The people you drink mulled wine with are full of wisdom that they’ll be more than happy to share. Check out Sunweb for package ski trips for all abilities.

6. 5 and above.

   A little off-piste. Your snowsports knowledge isn’t too bad, but you’re unlikely to be carving up the toughest slopes just yet. That’s OK! Experience is gained by heading back up the mountain and immersing yourself in après-ski after a day on the slopes. The people you drink mulled wine with are full of wisdom that they’ll be more than happy to share. Check out Sunweb for package ski trips for all abilities.

7. 4 and above.

   A little off-piste. Your snowsports knowledge isn’t too bad, but you’re unlikely to be carving up the toughest slopes just yet. That’s OK! Experience is gained by heading back up the mountain and immersing yourself in après-ski after a day on the slopes. The people you drink mulled wine with are full of wisdom that they’ll be more than happy to share. Check out Sunweb for package ski trips for all abilities.

8. 3 and above.

   Snow good. Uh oh – you haven’t been brushing up on your ski knowledge. That’s OK! Luckily, as a beginner you're in great hands if you book with Sunweb. You can build your own holiday (lift pass included) and amp up your knowledge and experience while you grow in confidence on the slopes in one of Europe’s top resorts. Enjoy!

9. 2 and above.

   Snow good. Uh oh – you haven’t been brushing up on your ski knowledge. That’s OK! Luckily, as a beginner you're in great hands if you book with Sunweb. You can build your own holiday (lift pass included) and amp up your knowledge and experience while you grow in confidence on the slopes in one of Europe’s top resorts. Enjoy!

10. 0 and above.

    Snow good. Uh oh – you haven’t been brushing up on your ski knowledge. That’s OK! Luckily, as a beginner you're in great hands if you book with Sunweb. You can build your own holiday (lift pass included) and amp up your knowledge and experience while you grow in confidence on the slopes in one of Europe’s top resorts. Enjoy!

11. 1 and above.

    Snow good. Uh oh – you haven’t been brushing up on your ski knowledge. That’s OK! Luckily, as a beginner you're in great hands if you book with Sunweb. You can build your own holiday (lift pass included) and amp up your knowledge and experience while you grow in confidence on the slopes in one of Europe’s top resorts. Enjoy!

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