Skiing in Mongolia: Historical Overview and Contemporary Development Trends

Research Paper This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17445983 Page 75 Skiing in Mongolia: Historical Overview and Contemporary Development Trends Ochirsuren Erdene-Ochir Graduate University of Mongolia Corresponding Author: Ochirsuren Erdene-Ochir Graduate University of Mongolia This study examines the policies and trends in the development of winter sports in Mongolia from a scientific perspective. The findings suggest that integrating sub-programs to promote winter sports among the general population is feasible without legislative amendments. Such initiatives can be implemented across all levels of government institutions and integrated into school curricula. Global warming has led to cancellations of regular competitions in European countries with advanced skiing programs, highlighting Mongolia’s potential to establish permanent world-class winter sports facilities due to its long winters. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 85.9% of deaths in Mongolia, with one in three individuals dying from cardiovascular disease and one in four from cancer (National Survey on NCDs and Risk Factors, 2019). Fitness assessments among 18–25-year-olds indicate that 49.8% are rated as C or D, with 9.7% of males and 10.7% of females receiving an ―F‖ grade. Current physical education curricula in schools, vocational colleges, and universities inadequately address modern fitness needs (O. Battulga, 2024). Participation in skiing is highly effective in reducing NCD risks. Making skiing accessible to all citizens could mitigate the adverse health effects of urban winter pollution and physical inactivity for approximately 60% of the population. Mongolia’s climate and natural conditions are highly suitable for skiing. Archaeological evidence, including rock carvings documented by Ts. Purevdorj, indicates that skiing has ancient roots in Mongolia. Despite this, there is limited scientific research on the origin, evolution, and development of skiing in the country. This study aims to fill this gap and provides data applicable to government bodies, NGOs, universities, researchers, and individuals. Keywords: Skiing, Winter Sports Development, Public Physical Education, Sports Policy Abbreviated Key Title: UAI J Arts Humanit Soc Sci ISSN: 3048-7692 (Online) Journal Homepage: https://uaipublisher.com/uaijahss/ Volume2 Issue10 (October) 2025 Frequency: Monthly Research Paper This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17445983 Page 76 1. Introduction This research focuses on promoting outdoor physical activity as a component of a healthy lifestyle and investigates policies and systems that foster independence and self-reliance among students. Globally, countries are actively promoting winter sports as part of daily routines to cultivate healthy lifestyles. Mongolia has developed frameworks to integrate skiing into public physical education programs, benefiting urban populations, enhancing youth independence, and improving workforce capacity. The study underscores the need for scientifically grounded policy development aligned with Mongolia’s climatic and socio-cultural conditions. 2. Origins and Global Development of Skiing Skiing originated as a practical tool for survival, facilitating transportation, hunting, and cargo transport. Over time, it evolved into a sport.  Early History: Skiing enhanced military mobility, provided recreation, and supported competitions.  1920–1950: International competitions relied on wooden skis, with performance determined by skill rather than equipment.  1960–1980: Introduction of plastic skis in Austria, Germany, Finland, Norway, and the USSR increased speed and performance.  1980–2000: Development of new disciplines including Snowboarding, Nordic skiing, Ski Orienteering, Freestyle, Aerials, and Slope Style. The International Skiing History Association (1993) was established to study skiing’s origins, evolution, and development. While Mongolia’s skiing history is under-researched, skiing has globally developed into a competitive sport with cultural, recreational, and economic significance. Conclusion: Skiing evolved from a human necessity into an internationally recognized sport contributing to tourism, economics, and global sporting events. 3. Development of Skiing in Mongolia Mongolians have used skis for over 800 years. Modern skiing was introduced approximately 100 years ago, recognized as a sport 80 years ago, and organized competitively for 65 years. Skis have been used in daily life, education, and international competitions. 3.1 Quantitative Data (2015) Skiing Infrastructure by Province Province Alpine Cross-country competitions Cross-country training Roller Public PE skiing Standard tracks Bulgan 0 5 42 2 0 0 Arkhangai 0 1 9 1 0 0 Uvurkhangai 0 2 16 0 0 0 Orkhon 40 4 32 4 20 1 Khuvsgul 0 1 17 0 0 0 Zavkhan 0 0 26 0 0 0 Uvs 0 4 36 0 0 0 Tuv 0 3 31 4 0 0 Selenge 0 0 10 0 0 0 Khentii 0 0 16 0 0 0 Darkhan 0 2 10 3 0 0 Ulaanbaatar 800 20 150 20 110 1 Total 840 42 395 34 130 2 Population vs. Ski Equipment Year National Population Ulaanbaatar Population Skis 1921 732,800 - ~50 1944 759,061 41,000 600 1989 2,044,000 548,400 ~3,000 2020 3,296,866 1,539,800 ~1,900 The data show that modern skiing access remains limited; in Ulaanbaatar, only one in 1,050 residents actively skis. 3.2 Historical Milestones  1946: Tasganii Ovoo ski station  1951: First National Championships Research Paper This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17445983 Page 77  1957: National Ski Team  1958: Mongolian Ski Federation founded; Handgait ski resort opened  1964: Joined International Ski Federation  1989: Shargha Morit-Handgait race with 3,000 skiers  2007 & 2009: Sarhia and Sky Resort ski centers opened  2015–2017: International competition participation; MNS 6698:2017 standard applied 3.3 Education and Curriculum The 1957 Physical Education Program integrated skiing along with athletics, gymnastics, and games. Curricular adjustments accounted for local conditions and provided students with practical skiing skills. 4. Discussion and Recommendations Despite a century of skiing experience, Mongolia’s development remains limited: only 11 provinces and 27 districts offer skiing programs. Material constraints, lack of facilities, and insufficient training programs have hindered growth. Recommendations: 1. Integrate skiing programs into local and national development plans. 2. Train professional personnel combining expertise and dedication. 3. Ensure adequate equipment and infrastructure. 4. Establish clubs and training centers. 5. Develop elite athletes to compete internationally. References 1. National Survey on NCDs and Risk Factors. (2019). Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 2. Battulga, O. (2024). Human Physical Development and Physical Activity: National Survey Results. Physical Education and Sports—Sustainable Development, 79–89. Ulaanbaatar. 3. Burov, G. (1985). Mesolithic wood artefacts from the site of Vis I in the European North-east of the USSR. 4. Allen, B. E. (1933). Historical Dictionary of Skiing. USA. 5. Sood, S. (2010, December 22). History of skiing. BBC. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_skiing 6. Harrison, D. (2010, June 15). Åkte Gustav Vasa verkligen Vasaloppet?. Svenska Dagbladet. 7. Sarabalbin. (2013, February 13). Balbin sculpts the Birkebeiner. https://www.sarabalbin.com/balbin-sculptsthe-birkebeiner/ 8. Lillehammer. Cultural Heritage and Attractions: The Birkebeiners.