Fives Ski Events Everyone Needs to Experience

Deep in the mountainsides of many resorts are little-known ski events that are just dying to be discovered. From skiing Santas to mad marathons, we take a look at five of the best.

1. Speed Race

<*66340/5>Dubbed as "Jackass on Ice", the Speed Race is one of the most adrenaline educed ski events out there. It's well known for both the physical endurance involved and the sheer stupidity of competitors. It may only be 130m long, but the feat is pronounced by the fact that all contestants start at the same time. One small fall and it could all be over for dozens of racers. The Grand National of skiing is open to all, though enter at your own peril. Engelberg, Switzerland | December (Annually)

2. Inferno Race

<*66341/6>Known as the best amateur ski event in Europe, the Inferno Race has been bringing in more and more people since opening in 1928. It's a four day ski event that truly puts your skills to the test. Skiers endure Cross-Country, a Giant Slalom and a Downhill, with a huge procession on the final night where the fun comes to a close. More than 1,800 skiers attend the event, making it the largest non-professional Alpine ski competition in the world. Mürren, Switzerland | January (Annually)

3. Santa Ski & Board Challenge

<*66342/7>Aiming more at the light-hearted angle, this popular event sees contestants donning their Santa gear for a 5km endurance race. Equating to 25 downhill runs of this indoor slope, the task must be completed within 2 hours. All proceeds go towards the Momentum charity, which helps disabled and socially-excluded people in Scotland to achieve their goals. As a great day out for all the family, this is definitely an event in the name of fun and good spirit. Braehead, Scotland | December (Annually)

4. Bettmeralp Waterslide Competition

<*66343/8>Making an entirely new name for Water-Skiing, the Bettmeralp Waterslide Competition is just about as crazy as things can get at a ski resort. Heroic contestants must plunder down a short, snowy slope and attempt to cross an icy pool of water at the base in any which way they can. Add to this some fancy dress and the choice of either skis or a snowboard and you're looking at a ski event that's certainly not for the faint of heart. Brrr! Bettmeralp, Switzerland | March (Annually)

5. La Sgambeda Marathon

<*66344/9>Along the Spöl Valley every year, the intense La Sgambeda marathon draws in not just the crowds but thousands of ski enthusiasts in a bid to overcome the enthralling race. At 42km in length, it's a tough course that finishes in style at the Cross country stadium. The winner picks up a huge prize of €5,000 and of course all the glory of overcoming this incredible feat in first. If you don't feel quite up to participating, the ski event is free to watch and is a definite must see! Livigno, Italy | December (Annually)