Davos is a famous winter sports and recreation village in the Swiss Alps. The famous Eisstadion in Davos was constructed in 1890 by English visitors of the health resorts in Davos. Internationale Schlittschuhclub Davos (ISCD) was founded in 1894.

5 World Championships and 11 European Championships have been held in Davos, the last in 1972. The World Championships 1977 were also planned to be held in Davos, but had to be moved to Heerenveen because of the mild weather.

In 1947, Davos was chosen for the head office of the International Skating Union (ISU), and this office was run by general secretary Georg H‰sler (1947-1975), and later by his son Beat H‰sler (1965-1998), for more than 50 years. In 1998 the ISU head office was moved to Lausanne.

94 Senior World Records have been set in Davos, and until Medeo entered the World Record stage in 1951, Davos was the ultimate World Record venue. The first World Record in Davos was set by Norwegian Peder ÿstlund, on 7 February 1898 - 2.23,6 on 1500 m. The latest was set by Dan Jansen 25 January 1992 - 36,41 on 500 m. This is currently the last World Record set at an outdoor track, and the last one set at a natural track.

The starters in Davos had a very bad reputation for many years. Lasse Efskind was a victim of these accusations when he set his World Records in Davos in 1973.

By Bjarte Hetland, last updated December 22, 2006