Spend enough time in Whistler during the winter months, and you’ll likely overhear someone exclaim, “praise Ullr” or “pray to Ullr,” depending on how the snow conditions are shaping up. Pronounced “ool-er,” it might sound odd, especially after indulging in a post-ski celebration. But Ullr is indeed a recognized figure—a Norse god, the progeny of Sefi and a stepson of Thor.
This enigmatic deity, once shrouded in mystery, has become a significant figure in ski towns across North America, inspiring everything from the designs of ski and snowboard gear to festivals, competitions, and various rituals dedicated to him. So, who is Ullr, and how did a figure from Norse mythology find his way to contemporary ski culture?
Who is Ullr?
In Norse mythology, Ullr is a god closely linked with winter and snow sports, often referred to as the God of Snow or God of Skiing. However, according to the Prose Edda, Ullr never officially held any specific title. Instead, he is celebrated for his prowess as a skilled skier and hunter, often depicted gliding on skis while wielding a bow. There’s even a myth stating that the aurora borealis reflects the spray from his skis, hinting at why some skiers, perhaps after a drink or two, might elevate his status.
Nevertheless, Ullr is not without importance. A historical discovery in 2007 revealed an ancient shrine to Ullr, comprised of 65 rings, supporting theories that he served as a divine witness to vows. His name translates to “glory” or “splendor,” and people invoked him for good fortune in combat, hunting, fishing, and winter sports. It’s also believed that he could provide protection during snowy conditions and mountain climbing.
Although popular imagery often depicts Vikings with horned helmets, the actual Ullr may have earned a symbolic pair through his reputation as a formidable hunter. Interestingly, historical records suggest that Ullr was once assigned the role of overseeing the other gods during Odin’s absence. However, experts often find limited information about him in remaining texts, leading some to describe him as “a god on the edge of memory.” This ambiguity may explain why North Americans have adopted him into ski culture in their own way.
Often illustrated with skis and a shield, which some refer to as a “ski board,” Ullr blurs the lines of traditional ski mythology. Could he possibly be considered an early snowboarder?
Is There a God of Skiing?
Norse mythology lacks a specific God of Skiing, but it does feature a goddess! Allow me to introduce Skaði (pronounced skahd-ee), recognized as the “ski goddess” in The Story of Odin. She governs winter and mountainous terrains and, much like today’s skiers and snowboarders, resisted societal pressures. A giantess from the region where “the snow never melts,” Skaði became a goddess after avenging her father’s death by storming Asgard. Odin proposed a god for her to marry under the unusual condition that she could choose only by observing their feet. Practical by nature, she chose Njord, the sea god, based on his splendid footwear—but ultimately, she detested life away from the mountains and divorced him, possibly marrying Ullr or Odin afterward.
Much like Ullr, she’s depicted while skiing or snowshoeing, often armed with a bow, suggesting they might share common interests. Some scholars propose that Skaði was the one who introduced ski-making techniques to humankind. The cult of Skaði resided in the Northern province of Hålogaland, inhabited by both Scandinavian and Sami people, leading to thoughts that she ties together both mythologies. This notion holds significance since the Sami people are credited with being early skiers in Europe. The Sami represent one of the oldest cultures still existing, mostly found in modern-day Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia.
Despite her powerful portrayal, Skaði’s name translates to “harm” or “shadow,” which may explain why society often fails to give her credit as skiing’s divine figure. It’s intriguing how Ullr’s “worship” took root in North America rather than that of Skaði. Given the male-dominated nature of skiing at that time, perhaps the preference leaned towards a masculine figure. Alternatively, it might be a case of cultural disarray—likely fueled by post-ski festivities.
Ullr’s Journey to North America
Breckenridge, Colorado, has celebrated Ullr Fest since 1964. According to their history, legends Sigurd Rockne and Trygve Berge initiated Ullr Dag. This festival arose when many ski instructors, predominantly Norwegian, sought celebrations in honor of Ullr, the Norwegian god of snow. The tradition likely spread to other U.S. ski resorts as skiers enjoyed each others’ company while sharing rituals for gaining Ullr’s favor during poor snowfall seasons.
While Breckenridge credits its Norwegian instructors with popularizing Ullr, a skiing enthusiast from Norway remarked that Ullr was unfamiliar to her, even amidst their own legendary races. She found it surprising that he held such popularity in North America, suggesting that, given Scandinavia’s rich skiing heritage, Ullr might have slipped into the background compared to other figures.
Ullr in Whistler
In Whistler, the Ullr lore is somewhat scant, with a donation-based collection at the local museum reflecting limited history. A board member recalls that the first Ullr event in Whistler took place in 1974, when a person dressed as Ullr mingled with guests at The Keg. Simultaneously, the local ski community adopted a quirky tradition of burning old skis as offerings to Ullr. Recently, the museum sought to create a more complete timeline of Ullr events, prompting locals to reminisce about past ski-burning festivities.
What explained this peculiar ritual? Beyond simply loving a good bonfire, Ullr was one of the deities honored during Winter Nights, part of ancient Scandinavian traditions that involved sacrifices. Historically, these offerings could have included ale, mead, and even animals. In modern pagan practices, Ullr is often linked to the Feast of Ullr, centered around blessings for hunting and preparing for winter’s harsh days. During this time, Skaði also receives recognition.
Although it’s uncertain who decided that Ullr preferred old skis over a festive meal, the custom was eventually dismissed due to environmental concerns. Over the years, celebratory events in Whistler included the Ullr Party, complete with fireworks, fire dancers, and after-parties, along with Nordic seasonal festivities at Whistler Olympic Park.
This season, Whistler artists are competing to create a throne for Ullr, which will transform into a public art installation in Creekside, a project organized by State of the Art and Capital Zed, with plans to unveil it at the beginning of the 2021/22 ski season.
Legend has it that Ullr traversed the seas solely with his shield. Whether through shields or the guidance of ski instructors, Ullr firmly established himself in North America, uniting skiers and snowboarders through both good and challenging weather, while offering a sense of connection to greater traditions. As we engage in the ritual of honoring Ullr—whether through toasts or celebrations—let’s not forget to include Skaði as well.
You never know who might join you on that ski lift.
