23 chapters
3 hour read
Selected Chapters
23 chapters
PREFACE.
PREFACE.
Since the first edition of this book was produced two years ago popular interest in the sport has increased by leaps and bounds. We have endeavoured to keep pace with the times, and the present volume is an attempt to give a really complete account of the sport, which will be useful to beginners and experts alike. To the historical part has been added a chapter on Continental ski-running, whilst the technical part has been remodelled, enlarged, and, we trust, rendered more lucid and complete. Wh
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CONTINENTAL SKI-RUNNING. By W. R. Rickmers.
CONTINENTAL SKI-RUNNING. By W. R. Rickmers.
If dates there must be, historians will do well to take February 8th, 1891, as the day on which the sport of ski-ing took root outside of Scandinavia. On that day Dr. Pilet, French Consul at Kolmar, appeared at the Hotel Feldbergerhof, Feldberg, Black Forest, with a pair of ski, and since then the Black Forest has been the centre of ski-running in Germany, whence it has spread to Switzerland, chiefly through the efforts of W. Paulcke, whose crossing of the Bernese Oberland in the nineties caused
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
INTRODUCTION.
INTRODUCTION.
Ski-running is a sport which literally throws one into a whirl of excitement from the moment one starts learning it. Thus the novice who has once tried will not worry over the question as to how long he will take to master the art. The constant repetition, however, of the inquiry: “How long does it take to learn ski-running?” forces us to make some kind of reply, though unwilling to compromise ourselves by laying down a hard and fast rule. Given, then, a pair of ski, snow, correct methods, and a
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PART I. THE GROUND AND THE SNOW.
PART I. THE GROUND AND THE SNOW.
Wherever there is snow, there one can ski; whether one safely may is another question, whereof more anon. Absence of snow, or snow transformed into blue ice, are therefore the well-defined limits to the possibilities of the sport. There is no kind of surface capable of harbouring snow which has not been tried on ski, from the plain, with its unbroken sheet of white, to the rugged mountain side, where narrow channels have to be navigated amid toothed reefs and giddy precipices. Every pedestrian k
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SKI.
THE SKI.
Almost every valley in Norway had at one time its own special type of ski, supposed by its inhabitants to be peculiarly suited to their requirements; and in other lands the variations have been no less numerous and remarkable. Those interested in antiquities of this kind are recommended to visit Herr Welhaven’s very large and complete collection in Christiania, which it is to be hoped the Norwegian nation will acquire and exhibit in a suitable museum before it is purchased by some wealthy foreig
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE BINDING.
THE BINDING.
No part of a beginner’s outfit is likely to cause him so much “sweet sorrow” as his binding. The chances are enormous that whatever he buys will afford him plenty to think about, and, alas! to talk about, for a considerable time to come. During his early efforts he is certain to attribute most of his misfortunes to its manifest imperfections, and if, as we hope, he is a person of an inventive turn of mind, he will spend the greater part of his evenings, and perhaps even some of the watches of th
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
FOOT-PLATES.
FOOT-PLATES.
In order to protect the ski and to prevent snow adhering to it under the foot it is necessary to fix some sort of anti-sticking material to that part which is touched by the boot; and a thin plate of some non-corrosive metal is best for this purpose; the india-rubber or seal’s skin commonly sold are of little use, and soon wear out....
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE STICK.
THE STICK.
The stick is a good servant, but a bad master. It is little used by first-class runners, except to enable them to increase the speed by punting. There can, however, be no doubt that it greatly assists a beginner in preserving his balance on difficult ground and in turning. On the other hand, it is equally certain that it is frequently the cause of his adopting a bad style, of spoiling his balance, and of hindering or entirely blocking his progress in the art of turning. To jump with a stick in t
5 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
FOOTGEAR.
FOOTGEAR.
This is a very important part of a ski-runner’s outfit, and too much attention cannot be paid to it. Nevertheless, nothing is commoner in Switzerland than to see the early efforts of beginners enormously handicapped by unsuitable boots. English ladies, particularly, seem to find it difficult to make up their minds to spend the necessary amount of money on a suitable pair, and usually appear in thin, high-heeled shoes covered by “gouties.” But the acme of thoughtlessness was in our experience ach
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
OTHER CLOTHES.
OTHER CLOTHES.
Other clothes are of minor importance. Remember that the season and the snow are cold, that the latter melts, that the exercise is at times very violent, and then you are not likely to try wading trousers or an umbrella. The best clothes for ski-runners are, perhaps, knickerbockers and a double-breasted jacket. Choose a material of smooth texture, for woolly stuffs catch the snow, which soon forms into icy lumps, betraying the novice and melting unpleasantly in a warm room. All openings at the n
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ACCESSORIES.
ACCESSORIES.
The Rücksack —Norwegian Rypesæk—came originally from the Tyrol, and is by far the best means of carrying things. It should be made of stout waterproof canvas, and should be provided with broad shoulder-straps. We advise the novice to buy as good a one as he can afford; he will find it useful for other things besides ski-running. Smoked Glasses , or some such device as that recommended below, will generally have to be worn above the tree-line to protect the eyes from snow-blindness. The precise n
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PART III. TECHNICAL.
PART III. TECHNICAL.
We would very strongly recommend the beginner to make his first efforts on some one or other of the good snow conditions described on pp. 21 and 22. Freshly fallen deep snow is especially to be avoided, for not only does it afford heavy and difficult going, but a fall in it is apt to be dangerous. This is, of course, the reverse of what one would expect; but what happens is that the ski sink in deeply, and in the event of a fall they are apt to stick and sprain the ankle or knee. The firmer the
54 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HOW TO SELECT AND PREPARE THE HILL.
HOW TO SELECT AND PREPARE THE HILL.
As above mentioned, we frequently come across natural jumps when on tour which require little or no preparation. On most hill-sides there are places where sudden little dips occur. Give a kick or two with the ski just below such a dip, so as to make the step (see B, Fig. 30 ) more pronounced, and scrape together a little snow on the top of it to raise it somewhat. Then with half a minute’s stamping about the spot where you intend to alight your preparations will be complete. Or, again, a stone l
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HOW TO JUMP.
HOW TO JUMP.
First study closely the figures in the diagram ( Fig 33 ), then read the following instructions, referring back from time to time. Fig. 33. Showing position of limbs and body when jumping. N.B.—Many good ski-runners bring their ski quite level when assuming the crouched position before jumping. The ski are omitted for the sake of clearness. Imagine yourself, then, standing some 20 or 30 yards above the take-off. (The precise distance will, of course, depend on the steepness of the hill and the s
7 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SKI MOUNTAINEERING. By W. R. Rickmers.
SKI MOUNTAINEERING. By W. R. Rickmers.
It is quite impossible to define exactly what constitutes mountaineering as apart from strolling and short excursions, but its chief characteristics are distance from human dwellings and human help, and the presence of special dangers. The term “mountaineering” comprises a multitude of rules which teach how to overcome the difficulties and how to avoid the dangers of rising ground. Mountaineering is a science admirably expounded in a series of classical text-books, the result of the experience o
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ANTIDOTES TO “STICKING” AND AIDS TO CLIMBING.
ANTIDOTES TO “STICKING” AND AIDS TO CLIMBING.
In warm weather snow is apt to stick to the bottom of the ski (see page 22). It accumulates there in large watery clods, and renders progress very slow and laborious. Under such circumstances the advice commonly given is not to go out at all, and unless there is a prospect of better things, either in the shade or higher up, it is certainly best to stop at home. Nevertheless, the boundary line between sticking and not sticking is an extremely narrow one, and, moreover, one is not always sitting c
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
COMMON FAULTS AND FAILINGS
COMMON FAULTS AND FAILINGS
(Mostly dealt with already, but repeated here to impress the beginner). I.— Kit. (1) Too heavy clothes. Woolly clothes. Have light, wind-proof, smooth materials. (2) Tight boots with thin soles. Have large strong boots which won’t pinch the toes, even with three pairs of socks on, and which won’t buckle in the middle of the sole. (3) Ski brittle, of bad shape, or of great weight. Get some one who knows good ski to choose for you, or, if this is impossible, send to a good maker for his best. (4)
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SKI-RUNNING ETIQUETTE.
SKI-RUNNING ETIQUETTE.
Introductions are very informal on the snow. You may ask anybody for advice, and be certain of receiving a polite answer, provided that you yourself are polite, and that your question is not idiotic. If you contemplate joining a touring party, you should ask somebody who is going, and who has already made a tour with you, whether you are likely to be welcome. If he hesitates, don’t go. If he assents, go by all means, even though you may be doubtful whether you are up to the work in hand. You sho
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SOME USEFUL FIGURES.
SOME USEFUL FIGURES.
1 kilogramme = 2·2046 pounds avoirdupois. In trade 1 kilogramme is reckoned 10 per cent. more than 2lb. 11lb. = 5 kilogrammes. Temperature falls about 1° Fahrenheit for every 300ft. rise or, say, 1° Cent. for every 200 metres. Comparison between Scales of Fahrenheit, Réaumur, and the Centigrade. SKI from all the best makers in Norway, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. FASTENINGS of every description, including the “Alpine” and the “Ellefsen.” CLOTHING of the best quality and design, ready made
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TH. HANSEN, . SKI MANUFACTURER. . HAMMERSTADG, 5. Telephone, 8589 CHRISTIANIA.
TH. HANSEN, . SKI MANUFACTURER. . HAMMERSTADG, 5. Telephone, 8589 CHRISTIANIA.
Ski of his own pattern: Awarded 1st prize. Exporter of Ash and Hickory Ski (varnished or coloured). Ski of best quality always in stock. Maker of the well-known, highly recommended Wax “Record,” to preserve the ski and prevent balling....
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
The Austrian Alps for the Winter Months.
The Austrian Alps for the Winter Months.
Skating , Tobogganing , Ski-ing , Sleighing , in short every winter sport, par excellence . Innsbruck. Seat of an English colony. Headquarters of winter sports. Climate highly recommended by the medical profession. Kitzbuehel. Renowned winter resort. St. Anton (Arlberg). Excellent Ski-ing centre. Gossensass. Every Winter sport. Cortina d’Ampezzo. Eminently suitable for winter sojourn. The Semmering , near Vienna. Highly recommended for winter sports. Meran. The pearl of Austrian health resorts.
41 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
WILSON LINE. WINTER SPORTS IN NORWAY. REDUCED WINTER FARES. (From 1st October, 1905 to 30th April, 1906.) FROM HULL TO CHRISTIANSAND. . AND . CHRISTIANIA. First-class, Single £3 3s. 0d. ” Return £5 5s. 0d. Second-class, Single £2 10s. 0d. ” Return £4 0s. 0d. Victualling included.
WILSON LINE. WINTER SPORTS IN NORWAY. REDUCED WINTER FARES. (From 1st October, 1905 to 30th April, 1906.) FROM HULL TO CHRISTIANSAND. . AND . CHRISTIANIA. First-class, Single £3 3s. 0d. ” Return £5 5s. 0d. Second-class, Single £2 10s. 0d. ” Return £4 0s. 0d. Victualling included.
Intended Sailings ... From HULL every FRIDAY evening. From CHRISTIANIA every FRIDAY, 10 a.m., calling at CHRISTIANSAND Friday night. For further information apply to Messrs. The UNITED SHIPPING Co., Ltd., 108, Fenchurch Street, LONDON, E.C. Messrs. T. COOK & SON, Ludgate Circus, LONDON, E.C. or to Messrs. THOS. WILSON, SONS, & Co., Ltd. HULL....
55 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SHEW CAMERAS. - THE - TELE-XIT. A Half-plate Camera which can be carried without fatigue, opened without complications, closed as a box, measures only 8 by 5 by 2 ins., and perfectly rigid at full extension. The Pocket XIT. 4¼ by 3¼ ins. from £6 6s. “For SIMPLICITY, LIGHTNESS, and RANGE OF SUBJECTS for which it can be used, I think the XIT cannot be beaten.” SEE NEW LIST FOR 1906 FREE OF:— J. F. SHEW & Co., Manufacturers and Patentees of Specialities in Photographic Appliances. NEWMAN ST., 4 Doors off Oxford St., LONDON, W.
SHEW CAMERAS. - THE - TELE-XIT. A Half-plate Camera which can be carried without fatigue, opened without complications, closed as a box, measures only 8 by 5 by 2 ins., and perfectly rigid at full extension. The Pocket XIT. 4¼ by 3¼ ins. from £6 6s. “For SIMPLICITY, LIGHTNESS, and RANGE OF SUBJECTS for which it can be used, I think the XIT cannot be beaten.” SEE NEW LIST FOR 1906 FREE OF:— J. F. SHEW & Co., Manufacturers and Patentees of Specialities in Photographic Appliances. NEWMAN ST., 4 Doors off Oxford St., LONDON, W.
1 Ski is really the same word as the English skid , meaning a slide, or something to slide upon, the affinity being even greater in the Swedish term skid (plural, skidor ), meaning slides or skates. Originally it doubtless springs from the Finnish subsi or suksi , by which appellation the ski were probably known long before their introduction to Scandinavia. 2 “W.T.,” T.P.’s Weekly , p. 226, Feb., 1904. 3 Scandinavian skrïde = to slide, glide, slip. 4 The names of the best known of these Telemar
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter