The History Behind Rode and Rossa

Did You Say ROSSA? - The History Behind Rode and Rossa - by Lars Peder Nordbakken

Just before the start of the 50 km cross-country race at the Vancouver Olympics, there was much discussion about the type of klister the Norwegian skiers had chosen for their skis. One of NRK's senior reporters, Torgeir Bjørn, stated to the Norwegian TV audience: "As I understand it, the Norwegian waxing team is considering a final finish with ROSSA klister to achieve optimal grip."

He could, of course, have chosen a more neutral description and said "red klister." But he didn’t. He said ROSSA, and he said it clearly. Why? Perhaps because it was the most natural thing to say for someone with extensive experience in ski waxing who knows Rode's strong position. ROSSA klister has a remarkable ability to perform under special snow and weather conditions, like those the skiers faced that day. Perhaps Torgeir Bjørn felt it would be "too amateurish" to simply say "red klister."

Personally—and I’m pretty sure Torgeir Bjørn would agree—I have nothing against a bit of free advertising for RODE ROSSA klister. It has been produced in Asiago, Italy, since 1956! According to reliable sources, Rode’s products are still used to win World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic competitions in classic cross-country skiing. Amazingly, this is the same klister that Rode’s founder, Rodeghiero Rizzieri, developed and launched in 1956!

This is undoubtedly an impressive fact to reflect on. It’s rare to find products in any category that demonstrate world-class performance more than 50 years after their initial launch. And let’s not forget that Rode offers a range of other top-performing ski waxes, many of them with similar histories.

The History of RODE

Rode’s history becomes even more fascinating upon closer inspection. If you’re not already part of the small circle of people who are captivated and inspired by the art of finding the perfect combination of glide and grip, you might gain a new perspective after this.

Rodeghiero Rizzieri, the founder of Rode, was born in 1919 into a farming family. From a young age, he showed a great interest in chemistry. His family recalls how he spent hours over pots, experimenting with his first ski waxes made from natural compounds like resin. He tested the waxes himself in competitions and achieved great success both nationally and internationally in cross-country skiing and Nordic combined.

His first major victory came at a race in Toblach (Dobbiaco) in 1939. His successes continued, and after the 1952 Oslo Olympics, Rizzieri became the coach and technical director of the Italian cross-country team, including the role of head waxer.

Grenoble 1968: A Milestone

A special historical event forever associated with Rode is Franco Nones’ surprising gold medal in the 30 km race at the 1968 Grenoble Olympics. Nones had significantly better skis than the Norwegian skiers, thanks to the waxing done by Rodeghiero Rizzieri himself. Naturally, he used RODE products.

This was a turning point in ski wax history and a pivotal milestone for Rode, solidifying its international position. However, it took several years before Rode products became available in Norwegian sports stores. The first importer of Rode to Norway was the legendary skier and radio commentator Haakon Brusveen. Today, distribution in Norway is managed by Per Knut Aaland, a former national team skier and long-time waxing expert for the Norwegian cross-country team.

Rodeghiero Rizzieri’s Recipe Book

During a visit to Rode in Asiago, I saw something that left an indelible impression: Rodeghiero Rizzieri’s handwritten recipe book. This thick book contained documentation of thousands of experiments, including detailed chemical formulas and test results.

The book is a testament to Rizzieri’s dedication and systematic approach to improving his products. It also explains why a product like ROSSA klister, developed over 50 years ago, remains one of the best ski waxes in the world.

A Family Business with a Future

Small family businesses can be vulnerable during generational transitions, but Rode seems to have a promising future. The founder’s grandchildren are already studying chemistry, and with such a legacy, we can expect new successes from Rode in the years to come.

So next time you face coarse, wet, or icy snow, and the temperature is between -2°C and +4°C, you know what to do. Use RODE ROSSA klister—and experience an unmatched combination of glide and grip. Just remember to apply a thin layer of colder klister first for extra stability.

And finally: Enjoy your ski trip!

Sincerely,
Lars Peder Nordbakken