Skiing (Atari 2600 Game) - Slalom Mode Longplay - All Levels (1-5)
6Skiing (Atari 2600 Game) - Slalom Mode Longplay - All Levels (1-5) -
Skiing is a sports game about alpine skiing, created in 1980 for the Atari 2600 by Activision and designed by programmer Bob Whitehead. As one of Activision’s earliest titles, it lets you control a single skier in a solo experience, using the joystick to adjust direction and speed. The skier stays fixed at the top of the screen while the background scrolls upward, creating the illusion of racing down a snowy slope.
Your goal is to navigate through two main modes: Downhill, where you aim to reach the bottom as fast as possible, and Slalom, where you must also pass through gates—pairs of closely spaced flagpoles—while avoiding obstacles like trees and moguls. Missing a gate in Slalom adds a time penalty, and the game offers five variations of each mode, totaling ten courses, with difficulty levels from novice to expert. Four courses in each mode are fixed, while one expert-level run per mode randomizes obstacles each time, adding replay value.
The graphics are simple but effective for 1980, with smooth scrolling that impressed players at the time, though the sound is limited to a basic “swish” as you turn, which serves its purpose but isn’t memorable. Controls are straightforward: the joystick handles movement, and there’s no fire button action, keeping the focus on precision. A timer tracks your performance, letting you chase personal bests or compete informally with friends.
The game’s design prioritizes skill and timing over flashy presentation, reflecting Activision’s early focus on gameplay over spectacle. Historically, it’s a snapshot of early 80s gaming—released just three years after the Atari 2600’s debut, it showed what third-party developers like Activision could do beyond Atari’s own offerings.
Personally, I found Skiing to be very 80s in all the right ways—it had just the right amount of challenge, fun, and simplicity, with a difficulty that grew nicely as you moved through the levels, even with its minimalist graphics. Overall, I still think it’s a charming gem for retro gaming fans, especially Atari 2600 collectors who appreciate how sports games got their start on early consoles.
#retrogamingloft #skiing #atari2600