M�rren has its roots as a farming village. However, it has grown in size and wealth owing to tourism in both summer and winter. Tourism and winter sports have been an important part of M�rren's history since 1911, when the first British winter tourists arrived. In 1924 the Kandahar Ski Club was set up by Sir Arnold Lunn and eight other British skiers. The club takes its name from the Roberts of Kandahar Challenge Cup, first run in (1911). This, the world's senior challenge cup for Downhill ski-racing, was presented by Lord Roberts, who, in the Second Anglo-Afghan War, won the decisive Battle of Kandahar.
In 1928 the Inferno ski race was set up, and continues till this day. The International Inferno Race, comprising cross-country, giant slalom and downhill races, is the longest (15.8 km, 9.8 mi.) and largest amateur ski race in the world
