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33 chapters
PREFACE
PREFACE
So many excellent books have been written about Ski-ing that it is, perhaps, presumptuous on my part to think that there is room for another. Mr. Vivien Caulfeild in his "How to Ski" and "Ski-ing Turns," as well as Mr. Arnold Lunn in his "Ski-ing for Beginners," "Cross Country Ski-ing" and "Alpine Ski-ing," have covered all the ground of the technique discovered up to date. What future discoveries and inventions may be made, requiring new books, no one knows as yet. Had it not been for the help
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PREFACE
PREFACE
From photographs by E. Gyger, Adelboden, Switzerland...
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SKI-RUNNING HISTORY OF SKI-ING
SKI-RUNNING HISTORY OF SKI-ING
Very little is known of the early history of Ski-ing. Doctor Henry Hoek in his book "Der Schi" gives a very interesting chapter tracing the use of Skis back to the earliest records. He thinks that Skis were used by Central Asian races thousands of years B.C. and long before they were used in Europe. According to his book the word "Schi" is derived from the Gothic "Skaidan," the German "Scheiden," Latin "Scindere," and so on. All these words mean split or divide, and might be used to describe the
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COST OF A SKI-ING HOLIDAY IN WINTER
COST OF A SKI-ING HOLIDAY IN WINTER
The expenses of a winter holiday differ according to the place chosen, the hotel and the organization to whose care you commit yourself, if any. Any figures I quote are approximate and are subject to change owing to fluctuations in exchanges, etc. If you go to a large hotel, with all its luxuries, you will pay anything from £1 a day upwards, and this may not include sports tax, etc. The smaller hotels will probably make arrangements for pension at about 16 francs, or even 14 francs, or less, per
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SKI-ING CENTRES
SKI-ING CENTRES
In this chapter I propose only to describe such of the larger Swiss places as I know personally, or by reputation. There are a great many smaller places where equally good, or even better, Ski-ing may be found, but, as my book is meant mainly for beginners, it seems preferable to adhere to the advice given in the preface, and for me to mention only such centres as provide comfort in the hotels and good coaching and organization of tours, as well as facilities for playing other games. Most people
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CLOTHING
CLOTHING
Clothing should be light, smooth, warm, loose and, when buttoned up, it should leave no gaps. It is better to wear several thin, warm garments than one thick one, for the simple reason that going uphill one wants to peel to the minimum; sitting on top of a mountain or ridge in a wind, one wants to pile on everything one possesses, and going downhill one wants a medium amount, all of which will button up so that the snow cannot penetrate inside. Ordinary country clothes will usually suffice for t
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EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
The minimum amount of equipment should be purchased before going out. The Swiss shops are just as well provided with Ski-ing necessities as the British and it is expensive to take out heavy luggage. Most Swiss hotels will gladly store Skis or gear of any kind through the Summer, and these can be posted or forwarded by rail to any place the runner chooses for the following season. Clothing has been dealt with in a former chapter. Here I propose to describe the equipment which I know, from experie
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CARE OF EQUIPMENT
CARE OF EQUIPMENT
Skis call for a good deal of attention if one takes the game seriously. People who only come out for a fortnight and who hire any pair of Skis, which they treat as they would the floor of an omnibus, have no appreciation of how much attention Skis need, if they are to be really dependable in all sorts of snow. New Skis should be well-oiled with two or three coats of Linseed oil, which should dry between each coat. I think hickory needs the oil just as much as ash, but some people disagree with t
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THE ELEMENTS OF SKI-ING
THE ELEMENTS OF SKI-ING
This book does not profess to be in any way a textbook of the technique of Ski-ing. As stated in the preface, my only idea in writing it is to provide an answer to a good many questions which have been asked me every year. Anyone who deals with a great many people knows that there are always some fifty stock questions, which can quite easily be answered by fifty stock answers. What I say in this chapter about the first run will be the barest elements of Ski running. Beginners should obtain eithe
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ETIQUETTE
ETIQUETTE
In organized Ski-ing centres a perfectly good code of etiquette is growing up as the result of experience. So many novices pour out on to the slopes with no knowledge of the game that notices are even posted on the boards in the hotels giving a few of the main points of the Law. One such notice runs as follows: (1) Ensure that you take your own Skis, sticks, etc. when you start out. It is wise to mark sticks, and they are safest kept in bedrooms. (2) Never join a private party unless invited. (3
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SNOW AND LIGHT
SNOW AND LIGHT
Full descriptions of the different types of snow which must be negotiated by the Ski-runner will be found in Mr. Arnold Lunn's book, "Alpine Ski-ing." It is only necessary for me, therefore, to describe the four main types, namely, soft, hard, crust and sticky snow. Soft snow in winter is the new powder snow, which is to be found after a fall or on North slopes where sun and wind have not spoilt it. It is the ideal snow for the luxurious runner, especially two days after it has fallen, when it h
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FALLS
FALLS
Falls!—what a word. When I first thought of writing this book, it struck me that the best selling title would be "Ski-ing without Falls." But then I remembered that I could never look a beginner in the face again if, knowing that he had read my book, I saw him fall. Besides which, a Ski runner who never falls, is probably but a poor exponent of the sport. When you begin to run comfortably and can do the turns at low speeds, falls show that you are still trying to learn more of the game. It is on
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TESTS
TESTS
There are three British Ski tests under the Federal Council of British Ski Clubs. In addition to these, different centres and local clubs often set an elementary test for beginners in order that these may be sorted into various standards for expeditions. Hitherto the Elementary test has usually been a run down a certain distance within a time set by the judges. This is not an altogether satisfactory test, as the beginner, who goes straight down sitting on his Skis may get through, while another,
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GUIDES AND SKI INSTRUCTORS
GUIDES AND SKI INSTRUCTORS
Swiss Guides are certificated by the Swiss Alpine Club and are the only people permitted by law to guide parties among the higher mountains. A tariff exists in every district showing the fees which these Guides must charge. In addition to the fee, the client usually gives a gratuity and also pays for the Guide's accommodation and provisions on the tour. A percentage may be added for numbers greater than those provided for in the tariff, while on a really difficult tour, the Guide will probably r
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MAPS AND FINDING THE WAY
MAPS AND FINDING THE WAY
Every Ski runner going across country should carry a map. Even on a short run a great deal can be learnt from a map, which will prove useful later on a longer run. Both time and risk can be saved by people who run by their map and who know how to avoid dangerous places and how to take advantage of narrow safe openings. There are different types of maps to be had in Switzerland. The best are the official Ordnance Maps published by the Eidg. Landestopographie at Bern. The mountain districts are pr
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AVALANCHES
AVALANCHES
Much has been written on this subject. Mr. Arnold Lunn, in "The Alps," tells some extraordinary stories about these monsters of the mountains. My father, John Addington Symonds, in "Our Life in the Swiss Highlands," also describes them. There was a very interesting article by Monsieur F. Krahnstoever in the "Swiss Ski Club Year-Book for 1923" on the subject of avalanches in relation to Ski-ing. They are an everlasting nightmare to Ski runners in high places, and beginners should at once take car
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ACCIDENTS
ACCIDENTS
Some people will think that I lay too much stress on the dangers of Ski-ing. Considering the thousands of people who ski every Winter and the extraordinarily small number of accidents, I admit that I have exaggerated the dangers. But I do so quite deliberately because it is only by realizing risks that they can be avoided, and my experience proves to me that the average town-bred man and woman, boy and girl have very little appreciation of life lived up against Nature. They set out so lightheart
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THE ATTRACTIONS OF SKI-ING
THE ATTRACTIONS OF SKI-ING
Though some runners are content merely to enjoy the actual practice of Ski-ing with all the difficulties to be overcome and the various turns to be perfected, the greater proportion probably ski mainly on account of the exhilaration obtained, the freedom enjoyed, and the wonderful beauty of the places reached. The amazing thing is that Skis were not used sooner among the Alps. They have already in less than thirty years entirely altered the life of the young people in far-away villages, who used
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SUMMER SKI-ING
SUMMER SKI-ING
The only experience of Summer Ski-ing which I have had is on the Jungfrau Joch, about 11,900 feet above the sea. The Berner Oberland and Jungfrau Railways carry one up from Interlaken to the Joch where there is an excellent new hotel, offering every possible comfort. Good Ski-ing can be had on the glaciers and I am surprised that more people do not come out for practice during the Summer. The two great draw-backs to this Ski-ing are, firstly, the expense and, secondly, the difficulty of breathin
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REGULATIONS OF THE BRITISH SKI TESTS
REGULATIONS OF THE BRITISH SKI TESTS
1. The British Standard Ski Tests have been drawn up by the Federal Council of British Ski Clubs, hereinafter referred to as "The Council." The Council represents the following clubs, which are named in the order of their foundation: The Davos Ski Club, the Ski Club of Great Britain, the Alpine Ski Club, the British Ski Association, and the Ladies' Ski Club . 2. The British Standard Ski Tests are of two kinds: Cross Country Ski-ing Tests and Jumping Tests. There are three Tests of each kind, a F
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CROSS COUNTRY SKI-ING TESTS. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO JUDGES.
CROSS COUNTRY SKI-ING TESTS. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO JUDGES.
The following definitions may be taken as applying to the three tests: Stemming Turns .—For the purpose of these Tests, Judges must insist that candidates shall adopt that type of stemming turn known as the "lifted stemming turn," that is to say, the stemming turn which is finished by lifting round the inside ski. Telemarks .—In the Telemark the back ski should drop behind, and the bend of the back ski should not be ahead of the ankle of the leading foot and should not be allowed to come forward
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THE THIRD CLASS TEST (CROSS COUNTRY).
THE THIRD CLASS TEST (CROSS COUNTRY).
The Third Class Test consists of three parts, which may be passed on different days, and before different Judges....
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INSTRUCTIONS TO JUDGES.
INSTRUCTIONS TO JUDGES.
1. The course selected for Part (a) should include at least 200 feet of moderately difficult ground. Courses such as the Lauberhorn at Wengen, which is an unbroken descent of 1,500 feet that a good runner could take straight, should not be chosen. No part of the course should be along a road. 2. Throughout the Test candidates must carry rucksacks, which should weigh about six lbs. for men, and three lbs. for ladies. The ski must not be removed during the test, except to clean or repair them. 3.
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QUALIFYING TEST FOR THE SECOND CLASS (CROSS COUNTRY).
QUALIFYING TEST FOR THE SECOND CLASS (CROSS COUNTRY).
No Candidate may enter for Parts (a), (b) and (c) of the Second Class Test until he has passed the Qualifying Test, and no Candidate may enter for the Qualifying Test until he has passed the Third Class Test. The Qualifying Test consists of three parts, which may be passed on different days and before different judges, but which must all be passed in the same season....
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INSTRUCTIONS TO JUDGES.
INSTRUCTIONS TO JUDGES.
1. Not more than three attempts at any one part should be allowed on the same day. 2. The Christianias should be done on the level or on a gentle slope after a descent from a steep slope, as a stop Christiania is more difficult on the level than on the slope. 3. The Judges must require a considerably higher standard of steadiness and certainty than in the Third Class Test. The object of the Third Class Test is to ensure that candidates learn the correct methods of making the turns. The object of
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THE SECOND CLASS TEST (CROSS COUNTRY).
THE SECOND CLASS TEST (CROSS COUNTRY).
The Second Class Test consists of three parts, which must all be passed in the same season, and should, if possible, be judged by the same Judges. 1. A Second Class runner may be defined as a runner who can run at a good speed on hard or soft snow of unvarying quality, and who is, above all, thoroughly steady on his turns. A runner who runs recklessly without judgment, and who shows little power of selecting a safe line, should not be passed even if he takes slopes straight at the expense of fre
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QUALIFYING TEST FOR THE FIRST CLASS (CROSS COUNTRY).
QUALIFYING TEST FOR THE FIRST CLASS (CROSS COUNTRY).
No candidate may enter for Parts (a), (b) and (c) of the First Class Test until he has passed the Qualifying Test that entitles him to be judged for the First Class Test, and no candidate may enter for this Qualifying Test until he has passed the Second Class Test. The Qualifying Test consists of five parts, which may be judged on different days and before different Judges, but which must all be passed in the same season....
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INSTRUCTIONS TO JUDGES.
INSTRUCTIONS TO JUDGES.
1. The turns must be done round sticks or flags placed by the Judges. 2. Not more than three attempts at any one part are allowed on the same day. 3. Soft breakable crust will usually be found on slopes with a southerly exposure just after the sun has struck them or just before the sun leaves them....
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FIRST CLASS TEST (CROSS COUNTRY SKI-ING).
FIRST CLASS TEST (CROSS COUNTRY SKI-ING).
The First Class Test consists of three parts, which must all be passed in the same season and should, if possible, be passed by the same Judges. If this is impracticable, Judges must indicate on the Test forms which parts they have judged. Not more than two parts shall be judged on the same day. The above represents a minimum, rather than a maximum. If Judges can devote sufficient time to the Test, each section may well be repeated on different days in order that the Judges may have ample opport
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SKI-JUMPING TESTS. GENERAL REGULATIONS.
SKI-JUMPING TESTS. GENERAL REGULATIONS.
1. The length of a jump shall be measured with a taut tape from the edge of the take-off to that point at which the hindermost ski touches the alighting track with the part immediately below the binding. 2. To constitute a standing jump the runner must not fall within a distance of 40 metres from the edge of the take-off or within a distance of 60 metres where the jump, as in the First Class Test, exceeds 30 metres. If the runner comes to a standstill without falling within this distance he will
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THIRD CLASS TEST (JUMPING).
THIRD CLASS TEST (JUMPING).
1. Every Candidate is required to make two standing jumps of not less than 10 metres. Four attempts are allowed on the same day. 2. Any two Judges appointed by the Council for the Cross Country Ski-ing Tests are qualified to judge this Test....
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SECOND CLASS TEST (JUMPING).
SECOND CLASS TEST (JUMPING).
1. Every Candidate is required to make two standing jumps of not less than 20 metres. Four attempts are allowed on any one day. 2. Any two Second Class Judges appointed by the Federal Council for Cross Country Ski-ing Tests may judge this Test. Any Candidate who has passed this Test may replace one of the Second Class Judges....
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FIRST CLASS TEST (JUMPING).
FIRST CLASS TEST (JUMPING).
1. Every Candidate is required to make two standing jumps of not less than 30 metres. Four attempts are allowed on any one day. 2. Two Second Class Judges appointed by the Federal Council for Cross Country Ski-ing may judge this Test. Any Candidate who has passed the Second Class Jumping Test may act in place of one of the Second Class Judges....
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