True passion lets you move mountains: and inspire others

As Toni Sailer goes for the Gold, Austria wins a national hero

In the age of 21, Toni Sailer was the first athlete in the history of skiing who wins all three disciplines in the 1956 Winter Olympics held in Cortina d’Ampezzo: the downhill, slalom and giant slalom. Two years and thress Olympic plus seven World Championship Gold medals later, this former plumber became the world’s greatest ski athlete of all time and inspired an entire generation. Toni Sailer is known not only a role model in sports, but also as a very charismatic fahion icon. At the age of 23, he quit the ski circuit to pursue a different career – with equal enthusiasm – but always maintaining his love and commitment to skiing.

The beginning of a new passion in Japan

“Ginrei no oja” – “King of the Silver Mountains” – is the title of a 1960’s Japanese film in which Toni plays the lead and which started a frenzy of wintersport enthusiasm. Onscreen, he fascinated people with his energy, passion and elegant style, just as he did in his races. Toni Sailer is a legend in Japan. And to show their respect and admiration, several Japanese ski resorts have been named after him.

Glamorous times in America

Aspen and Veil, two well-known American ski resorts, are synonymous with glamour, fashion and superb ski conditions. As far back as the Sixties, celebrities from all over the world began regularly flocking to Colorado…and today with even more good reason…it’s where Toni Sailer regularly conducts his summer ski camps. Far away from his famous and fast-paced life in Europe, this is where the “Black Blitz from Kitz” chooses to instruct skiing. A pleasure for his prominent pupils, because they get the added benefit of enjoying Toni’s charming and entertaining side.