THE INNOVATIONS OF THE TOURING-CLUB DE FRANCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF WINTER SPORTS (1908-1914)

Abstract

The Touring-Club de France was an atypical institution: initially conceived in order to develop
cycle tourism, it subsequently broadened its purpose to cover the development of tourism
in general. As a result, its activities in the area of tourism are well recognized but it is rarely
mentioned in the history of sport. Nonetheless, the Touring-Club de France played a special
role at the intersection of the development of sport and tourism and this deserves to be
analyzed in its specific context. The role of the Touring-Club de France as both a supporter and a
sponsor has already been demonstrated, in particular in the field of winter sports. However, its
contribution is overshadowed by that of other actors such as the French Alpine Club or railway
companies who are better known in the sports sector. This article emphasizes the part played
by the Touring-Club de France just before the First World War at a time when its investments
were structured and its strategy organized. We highlight its innovations and actions to develop
winter tourism in the mountains. There is evidence that the club played a multifaceted role.
On the one hand, it pioneered an innovation in terms of usage by proposing skiing as a means
of mobility for the mountain population in winter. On the other hand, it helped to develop
innovative materials by proposing plans or distributing manufacturing equipment. Finally, we
also record the role it played in territorial innovation by identifying areas with potential for the
development of winter sports. The action of the Touring-Club de Fra