GAUSTA SUMMIT TOUR

NORTHERN EUROPE'S RAWEST OFFPICE

During the International Ski Congress in Helsinki in 1938, the FIS decided to award the 1940 World Ski Championships to Norway. The NSF then decided that the alpine events would be held in Rjukan and the classical events in Holmenkollen in Oslo.

In Rjukan, there was discussion about whether a railway or road should be built from Dale up to Svineroi.

Funds were allocated and construction of the Gaustaløypa and road began.

The Gaustaløypa course was officially opened on 8 January 1939, with Elisabeth Spockeli having the honour of being the first skier to cross the finish line. The World Ski Championships, which were to be held from 25 February to 3 March 1940, were cancelled due to the war in Europe and the halt in road construction.

The road now only went as far as turn 2. Instead of the World Cup, the Telemark downhill and slalom races were held in the new Gaustaløypa on February 25 and 26, 1940, with HRH Crown Prince Olav present.

After the war, the Norwegian National Championships in downhill and slalom were held at the Gaustaløypa on March 9 and 10, 1946.

The upper part of the Gaustaløypa was somewhat modernized for the NM in 1961. This was also the last major event at the Gaustaløypa. The NM downhill and giant slalom took place on March 17 and 18, 1961.

It should also be mentioned that the traditional Gaustarennet was organized twice in Gaustaløypa. The first time on April 30, 1939 and the last time on April 13, 1947. In total, there were 6 official alpine events in the period 1939 to 1961. The opening race on January 8, 1939 was not timed.