WINTER JOYS IN OGRE
Snowfall is a great joy for winter sports enthusiasts. The ski track and hills of Ogre’s Blue Hills attract both young and old in winter, so we offer a brief insight into historical events and images related to skiing in Ogre. Skiing as outdoor recreation became popular in Latvia in the 20th century. century In […]
Snowfall is a great joy for winter sports enthusiasts. The ski track and hills of Ogre’s Blue Hills attract both young and old in winter, so we offer a brief insight into historical events and images related to skiing in Ogre.
Skiing as outdoor recreation became popular in Latvia in the 20th century. century In the 1920s and 30s, it was also referred to as “slēpēšana” (a more archaic term for skiing) in the press.
“The homeland invites you to visit in winter” – this was one of the advertising slogans that encouraged the public to explore Latvia. Various newspapers featured calls from tourism organizations to the best skiing spots, as well as instructions on skiing techniques and ski purchases. Riga residents had a wide range of choices, but Ogre’s advantage was its proximity to Riga and cheaper train tickets, as well as the forest cover during windy weather. Special ski trains were organized, bringing 600-800 skiers to Ogre on weekends. The most popular skiing spots in Ogre were Zilie kalni (Blue Hills), Sērķīškalni, and the areas around Bāku and Ķentes kalns.* Longer routes were also offered: Saulkalne—Ikšķile—Ogre and Ogre—Glāžšķūnis—Lielvārde.
Skiing competitions were held in Ogre, organized by the Riga Ski Club. Professional athletes participated, and not only cross-country skiing but also biathlon, slalom, and ski jumping were represented.
The ski jump in Ogre’s Blue Hills was opened on January 7, 1934. A stand for judges and spectators and comfortable stairs were set up next to the jump. At this time, there was also a small jump on Bāku Hill, which had been set up by elementary school students. From the large jump, one could jump 25 meters, and from the small one – 10 meters. The location of the Blue Hills ski jump was once a hillfort. Considering the recommendations of archaeologists, it was not rebuilt in this location after the end of World War II.
The new ski jump was opened on February 20th. century 50. was built on a hill between Tīnūžu and Zvaigžņu streets. 1963. January On February 20, the ski jump was opened near Ogre 1st Secondary School, on the slope towards Kalna aleja.
Ogre hosted district winter sports competitions in jumping, and students from district schools competed for the title of best jumper. The Ogre ski jump cup was also contested with the participation of Latvia’s best jumpers. The longest jump achieved in Ogre was 23.5 m. However, due to both the poor quality of the ski jump and the mild winters with little snow, in the 20th century. century 70. it was no longer used. The ski jumping traditions in Ogre were revived by coach and ski jumping enthusiast Modris Krūze. 2007. In 2000, he built 5, 10, and 15-meter ski jumps on his private property on Kranciema Street. The artificial surface of the jumps allows for training all year round. In the future, there are plans to build even larger jumps with the possibility of a 50-meter jump.
“OGRE KANGARI” HIKING TRAIL
We invite you to explore the hiking trail to better discover the hills of Ogre. View the photo gallery and read the story on the museum's website or Facebook page. By looking at historical images, you can compare how the city has changed over time. We have marked the route in the "BalticMaps" map browser. The “GPX” file is convenient to use with the LVM GEO mobile app. The total length of the hiking trail marked on the map is 14 kilometers (7 kilometers in Pārogre and 7 kilometers in Ogre center and Jaunogre). The hiking trail winds through both the urban part of the city (with asphalt, cobblestone, and gravel surfaces) and green areas (park paths and pedestrian-trodden forest trails without special amenities).
