Arthur Conan Doyle

A deerstalker cap, a magnifying glass and a calabash pipe. What comes to mind? "Sherlock Holmes," most people would answer immediately. No wonder: the fictional character invented by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has become the epitome of the detective. What very few people know about Doyle, however, is that he is considered a promoter of skiing in Davos.

In 1893, Doyle lets his famous novel character die - and learns a relatively unknown sport in Davos: skiing. None other than the two pioneers of skiing, Tobias and Johannes Branger, show him how it's done. Doyle learns quickly. Exactly one year after the Brangers conquered the route from Davos to Arosa via the Maienfelder Furgga for the first time on March 23, 1893, they repeat this difficult tour with a famous guest: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Doyle's description of this legendary ski tour in the British magazine "Strand Magazine" from December 1894 is an absolute hit. And is reprinted several times - not least because of its self-irony. Would you like an example? Doyle reports on his descent in tweed knickerbockers: "My tailor claims that Harris Tweed does not wear out. That is pure theory that does not stand up to thorough scrutiny. Between the Furgga Pass and Arosa he can inspect numerous samples of his fabric." It is the first English report on a ski tour, and it triggers a huge response in Great Britain. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle thus lays the foundation for the skiing boom in Davos.