History

The Ethiopian Ski Association [ESA], a non-profit organization, was established in 2005 under the name of "Ethiopian National Ski Federation" to provide an opportunity for Ethiopian skiers to participate in official ski races including the Winter Olympics. Although skiing is not a common sport in Ethiopia, young athletes who grow up in a temperate climate and have exposure to the winter season are attracted and do participate in this sport. The founder of ESA, Robel Teklemariam is one such person.

The name of the Federation has since been changed to Ethiopian Ski Association, since to be a federation requires membership from 5 or more regions of the country. Its headquarters is now located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with a branch office in the United States. 

As a result of this belief, as well as Robel's determination to represent his country in the Winter Olympics, the organization was established and recognized by the Ethiopian Olympics Committee. Ethiopia indeed was represented in the 2006 Winter Olympics, in Torino, Italy.

Robel Teklemariam, who has been working as a ski instructor for over twelve years, is eager to encourage Ethiopian athletes to experience the challenge and excitement of skiing.  Given the opportunity, a number of young Ethiopians in Europe, Canada, the United States and other countries where skiing is a common sport, could master this sport and participate in international races including the Winter Olympics. The mission of the Association is to make Ethiopia a permanent fixture in the international skiing competition scene, as well as have an Ethiopian in the future win a medal at the highest level of competition in skiing at National Cups & Championships, as well as the Olympics.

Robel Teklemariam believes that, if given the opportunity, Ethiopian athletes could become future gold medalists in the Winter Olympics. As witnessed in Summer Olympics events as well as World Championships, Ethiopian men and women runners have proved themselves and won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at Marathon, 5, 10 and 15 kilometer races. These achievements are proof that Ethiopian athletes could excel in other high endurance sports such as cross-country skiing. Although there is no snow in Ethiopia, the ruggedness and high mountains of the country provide great training opportunity. There are also a lot of Ethiopians who live abroad in temperate climates that have taken skiing as a hobby and leisurely sport. The Ethiopian youth who have the drive and the dream of taking this sport to another level and represent their country at the Winter Olympics need to be encouraged and supported.

The founding members of the Association are dedicated to the cause and would like to encourage young Ethiopians to pursue this sport. The Association creates a forum where such athletes could explore the opportunity as well as communicate and share their dreams with people of the same interest. By becoming members of the Association athletes would be able to enter and race at ski races worldwide and enhance their skills.

We encourage athletes and supporters to become members of the Association. 

To  request a membership form, send us an email with your information.

Alternatively, you can write to one of the following addresses provided

Ethiopian Ski Association, P.O. Box 1166/1250, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ethiopian Ski Association, 309 N. Laurel Street, Richmond, VA 23220, USA