Viking Magazine - Mar/Apr 2025 - 30

AMBASSADOR INSIGHTS
Skiing Anniversaries
BY ANNIKEN HUITFELDT
A s I've recently learned, 2025 is
an anniversary year in more
ways than just one. Of course, here at
the Embassy, we're in the midst of
commemorating 200 years since the
fi rst Norwegian ship arrived in New
York, which heralded the beginning of
mass emigration to the United States.
Th is is a wonderful opportunity
to refl ect on the friendship between
our two countries, as well as the ways
Norwegian culture and traditions have
been kept alive by the descendants
of these fi rst immigrants. But there
are other anniversaries we can mark,
too-other examples of the Norwegian
American bond that have their
moment in the spotlight this year.
Th e common theme? Skiing!
Earlier this winter, I had the privilege
of attending Ski for Light, an annual
event that allows visually and mobilityimpaired
adults to experience crosscountry
skiing. It was founded by a
Norwegian American named Olav
Pedersen in 1975. He was inspired by
Ridderrennet, a Norwegian event
with the same mission that also takes
place every year.
Th is year's Ski for Light was held
in Provo, Utah. Th ere, against the
stunning backdrop of Utah Valley,
we celebrated the program's 50th
anniversary. I was especially excited
to attend Norway Night, a tradition
that honors Ski for Light's roots by
incorporating Norwegian cultural
elements. I also got to be there for the
race/rally event, during which I did
some skiing of my own alongside the
program's amazing participants.
While I was in Utah, I told my fellow
skiers about Sondre Norheim, who was
born 200 years ago, on June 10, 1825.
He's commonly known as " the father
of modern skiing, " because of his
invention of new types of equipment,
including ski bindings and the very
30
Mar/Apr 2025
fi rst Telemark skis. His innovations
shaped the sport of skiing anew, off ering
new ways to compete, including
jumping and slalom techniques.
Unsurprisingly, he won Norway's
fi rst national skiing competition, which
took place in Oslo in 1868. He also set
the fi rst-ever ski-jumping world record.
In his middle age, Sondre made a
life-changing decision: he moved across
the sea, fi rst to Minnesota and then to
North Dakota, to start a new life. So,
he, too, is part of the Norwegian emigration
story we are marking this year.
At his new home in McHenry
County, Sondre was known for the
skis he placed beside his front door and
his commitment to the area's Lutheran
church. Few of his new neighbors knew
of his fame back home in Norway, and
skiing opportunities were fewer on
North Dakota's plains and prairies.
But he still skied when he could,
living his new life to the fullest-and
today, he is remembered not only as
a Norwegian who revolutionized the
sport of skiing, but as a remarkable
Norwegian American.
As an avid skier myself, I love
the thought that skiing can bring
Norwegians and Americans even
closer together. If you're also a skiing
fan, I hope you remember Sondre
Norheim, Ski for Light and the impact
that Norwegians and Norwegian
Americans have had on the sport the
next time you hit the slopes. And if
you're attending any events to commemorate
that big 200th anniversary,
I hope to see you there!
ABOUT THE
AUTHOR
Anniken Huitfeldt
is Norway's Ambassador
to the United
States. An expert
in foreign aff airs,
she has previously
served as Norway's Foreign Minister, and
has had a longstanding career in the
Norwegian Parliament, where she led its
Standing Committee on Foreign Aff airs and
Defense for eight years. Anniken hails from
Jessheim, Norway, and is a mother of three.
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@NorwayAmbUSA
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PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) SONS OF NORWAY, ANNIKEN HUITFELDT
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Viking Magazine - Mar/Apr 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Viking Magazine - Mar/Apr 2025
