The Rise and Fall of Ballet Skiing: An Olympic Demonstration Sport

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Acroski, also known as ski ballet, was a demonstration sport that combined the grace of figure skating, the thrill of alpine skiing, and the fashion of the 1980s. It featured a 90-second routine where skiers aimed to impress judges with complicated move sets and flashy costumes. The sport originated during the Vietnam War era and gained popularity at the 1988 Calgary Games and 1992 Albertville Games, but was ultimately removed from the Olympic program and has not been featured since.

Why it matters

Ski ballet's legacy continues to influence modern freestyle skiing, with the use of flashy moves and spins crucial to the development of disciplines like slopestyle and big air. Despite its brief Olympic run, the sport remains an important part of skiing's history and evolution.

The details

Acroski, or ski ballet, involved a 90-second routine that sought to blend the artistry of figure skating with the speed and athleticism of alpine skiing. Skiers would perform a series of complicated move sets, often accompanied by flashy 1980s-inspired costumes, in an effort to impress the judges. The sport was described as "part sport, part performance art, and entirely mesmerizing" by the official Olympics website.

• Ski ballet originated during the Vietnam War era.
• The sport gained more widespread popularity at the 1988 Calgary Games and 1992 Albertville Games.
• Ski ballet was not included in the 1996 Games and has not been featured since.