History
The concept for Ski Cross originated from Jim "Too Tall" Essick of Recreational Sports Marketing. In the late 1980s, Jim came up with a concept that would make ski racing more exciting for spectators. Using a format similar to NASCAR and Motocross, Jim envisioned placing four skiers on a course simultaneously, letting them race head-to-head on courses that combined jumps and gates. Jim and his business partner, Diana Schulz, marketed the event as "Quattro Racing", trying to sell the concept to Audi as a promotional vehicle for the Audi Quattro. The concept was also pitched to Swatch Watch, who became interested in the format for snowboarding. That sport is now known as Boardercross.
The International Ski Federation (FIS)'s FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup has recently added Ski Cross competitions to its calendar in addition to moguls and aerials.
The International Olympic Committee decided on November 28, 2006, to include Ski Cross in the programme of the 2010 Winter Olympics at Vancouver. Michael Schmid of Frutigen, Switzerland, raced to an Olympic gold medal in the Men's Ski Cross during the 2010 Winter Olympics in British Columbia, Canada. Ashleigh McIvor of Whistler, BC, won the Olympic gold medal in Women's Ski Cross on February 23, 2010, during the same Olympics.
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