Equipment Section - Canadian Ski Museum

Equipment Section
By H. Bruce Carnall
The Equipment Section is an Open Forum wherein the lalesl and besl in ski
equipment is impartially reviewed. While much of the modern ski equipment is
developed and made in Europe, it may be obtained through our adverlisers. - EDIToR
BEGINNERS
It is evident that the Equipment Section is
often used as' a Buyer's Guide for the novice.
The first part is therefore devoted to the beginner with the hope that it will make it easier to
choose proper equipment. Ski-ing demands
proper equipment from the outset to aid beginners to master the technique, and every possible
safety device to prevent accidents. There are
three financial classes of beginners: those who
do not consider cost; those who demand proper
equipment without excessive cost; and those
who want a suitable outfit atthe lowest possible
outlay. It is also assumed that beginners desire equipment that will be satisfactory when
they become more proficient and that they are
interested in receiving full value for their expenditures. For simplicity, the recommendations are tabulated and further information
concerning most of the items will be found)n
the Equipment Section.
I
SKIS
I
EDGES
I
THE BEST-AT ANY COST.
THE BEST-REASONABLY.
THE MOST-FOR THE LEAST.
Hickory.
Hickory,ImportedAsh, Birch, Maple.
Birch, Maple, (flat-top models).
For length, reach as high as possible with your fingers: the tip of the ski should just reach your wrist. Choose
rather light and flexible skis with less arch than usual and beware of very narrow, very wide, and very heavy models.
I
Composition (bakelite, fibre, etc.),
None .
None.
LIGNOSTONE.
Metal edges are positively not recommended until the various turns are mastered and it is usually better to
slightly round the ski edge (especially at the heel and upturn) to facilitate turning.
BINDINGS
HUITFELDT for mortised skis and inToe irons with worm-gear adjustAdjustable toe Irons (ALPINA,
expensive CHALET, EZEFIX, M.E.,
ment (SILVER - KING, UNITAS,
CHALET, EZEFIX, GEZE STANDTRAIL BLAZER, WEDGE-LOCK, etc.
ALPINA-PRECISION, etc.) for preARD, TRAIL BLAZER, WED GEfor un mortised skis. Satisfactory
ference, and KANDAHAR-type heel
LOCK, etc.). The heel attachments
toe irons can be made from steel
attachments to be used only at the
should be removable and, for
right angles and used with
touring position until the various
additional safety and convenience,
turns are completely learned.
use BILDSTEIN SPRING - HEEL ordinary heel-attachments.
Make certain that there is a
CLAMPS.
touring position giving true horizontal pull.
For preference, use bindings "lith toe straps and fit the toe irons exactly so that the toe of the boot protrudes
only about one-half inch and so that there is absolutely no lateral movement of the heel.
BOOTS
Austrian, German, Swiss, (MUSSAK,
Canadian-made boots of European
Strong, rather stiff and heavy boots
WIESS - BLAU, BALLY, RAKOVdesign (VON, HANNES SCHNEIDER,
of simple but correct design for
SKY, RIEKER . etc.).
GARMISCH, etc .)
ski-ing.
Proper ski boots are essential for safety and comfort; fit them snugly over one :eair of heavy and one pair of
light socks as they will stretch with use-especia1l1 where they lace. The heel must be held so that it does not move
within the boot. Nailed boots, as used in climbmg, are not recommended. Oil, which softens and makes leather
spongy, should not be used but a combined dubbin and leather food will preserve and. waterproof the boots. Special
ski-boot trees should be used to preserve the shape of the boots.
I
I
86
CANADIAN SKI YEAR BOOK, 1937
STICKS
THE BEST-AT ANY COST.
THE BEST-REASONABLY.
THE MOST-FOR THE LEAST.
TANGVALD steel or cellulose-covered
Tonkin Cane with leather or fabric
Tonkin cane, bamboo, VON spruce;
tonkin cane with rubber (RAKOVgrips and wide hand-loops.
without special grip but with
SKY) or leather grips.
wide hand-loop.
Never use a single ski stick, always use two or none. Insist upon a wide hand loop (1 in.). Sticks should be
light, well balanced, and strong, with a light snow ring. For length: with the point on the floor, the top should pass
easily under the armpit. Longer sticks are unwieldy.
Trousers:
CLOTHING
Closely-woven serge or gaberdine with zipper pockets and zipper closing.
GRENFELL CLOTH, and similar materials, are not recommended for trousers.
Ordinary trousers of smooth material, or overalls-but not breeches.
Jacket:
Short jacket and longer parka of
Fairly long jacket. with detachable
Windbreaker, old trench coat with
GRENFELL CLOTH, ADIRONDACK
parka hood, of GRENFELL CLOTH,
the bottom cut off, loose-fitting
POPLIN or similar material.
ADIRONDACK POPLIN, etc.
suit coat, etc.
Trousers and jacket of smooth, closely-woven materials through which wind will not drive and to which snow
will not adhere. Blanket Cloth and similar woolly materials are not so good.
I
I
Mitts:
Horsehide or GRENFELL CLOTH with leather-faced palms and thumb. The
\Vorking mitts of leather or canvas
lining should be removable for easy drying.
with removable linings.
Mitts are important as beginners ofte n spend much of their time buried in snow. Coloured sheepskin mitts
run and s.tain as well as soaking up the snow water, and wear out rapidly. Woollen mitts are advised as a lining for
other mitts.
I
Hat:
The most satisfactory head-gear seems to be the Norwegian -type of ski cap, or the knitted or ear-warmer,
ei.ther with the top knitted in or left open as is usually the case. For extremely cold and windy weather, nothing
Will take the place of a parka hood worn over a woollen cap.
GENERAL
Do not make the mistake of wearing heavy clothing which impedes movement but rather wear light wind and
showerproof garments which do not overheat the body when exercising and yet prevent you from getting wet
and cold. Always remember that several thin layers of clothing are much warmer than a single thick la yer.
TROCKEN-WOOL is very highly recommended for all knitted goods (sweaters, mitts, stockings, ear bands, etc.)
WAX
To preserve and waterproof the ski wood. have a base wax applied and use a simple and reli:tble surface wax
at all times for climbing and running. This will save a great deal of effort in climbing hills and will make downhill
running steadier and turning ,easier. Always use ski wax to help you both uphill and downhill.
'
Skis
The tremendous popularity of ski-ing has
made such great demands on the available supply of suitable ski woods---especially hickroythat manufacturers are finding it increasingly
difficult to obtain sa tisfactory rna terial. This has
resulted in many skiers preferring good sound
ash, birch and maple, to indifferent hickory.
Canadian ash, of the right grade, is becoming more and more difficult to obtain but
much of the European ash is suitable. Unless
some synthetic-material ski is soon produced,
birch and maple from the Canadian north may
ultimately supplant hickory for most skiers.
While skis of solid wood have in the past
proved most satisfactory, wood is not the ideal
material because it breaks, splits, warps, twists,
and wears rapidly. As a result and because
wood is not uniform, manufacturers are looking
for a substitute. Metal skis and skis with metal
running-surfaces have obvious disadvantages
and the ski of the future will undoubtedly be
made of some synthetic material and possibly
reinforced with metal edges moulded in during
the manufacturing process. From a manufacturing point of view, the difficulty seems to be
in fin~ncing the expensive moulds and forms
but it should be possible to make a satisfactory
pair of skis by hand for experimental purposes.
I shall be glad to receive observatious and opinions of those who have considered this problem
The average skis are not flexible over the entire length, becoming increasingly stiff towards
the centre, with no bend under the footplate; so that even with the whole weight of
the body on one ski, it is often impossible to
completely flatten out the camber under the
binding. While very supple to very stiff skis are
available, yet because the centre portion is nearly
always stiff and unbending, the difference in
flexibility is towards the end of the ski. This
is a great disadvantage.
Too flexible skis are not suited to high speed
on hard snow, while stiff skis ride badly over
irregular terrain. Therefore the ideal ski is of
medium flexibility; but this compromise is not
wholly successful because the flexibility is not
uniform over the whole length of the ski.
In the past, uniform flexibility has not been
so important but with modern technique and
high-speed ski-ing, it is a decided advantage.
'"
Mr. Thor Tangvald, a Norwegian by birth, and
an experienced skier, now has produced a ski,
87
CANADIAN SKI YEAR BOOK, 1937
designed especially for modern ski-ing technique,
and one uniformly flexible over the entire
length. Having tested this new design most
thoroughly last season, he states that it follows
the irregularities of the slope like a flexible ski
and yet, like a stiff ski, holds perfectly, without
vibrations, on hard snow and in high speed
turns. In combining the advantages of both
flexible and stiff models, the new TANGVALD
design should prove a great advance in ski
making.
TANGVALD skis are supplied with impregnated and stained bottoms, and as only a proper
ski-finish will protect the wood against moisture
the base wax is to be applied direct without
scraping off the special finish. Last season, I
followed this recommendation with success and
used the older TANGVALD model with complete
satisfaction. The workma nship is excellent.
Fifteen to eie;hteen lamina tions make up the
new GRESVIG OESTBYE-SPLITKEIN ski tha twas
used with great success by the Norwegian competitors here last season. The SPLITK EIN ski
SPLITKEIN skis are available with LIGNOSTONE edges built in during manufacture.
LIGNOSTONE is a special impregnated beechwood material that was developed as a substitute for metal during the War. It is hard,
rather stiff, and resists chipping and bruising.
LIGNOSTONE does not make as sharp an edge as
steel, of course, and most skiers may prefer to
apply a metal edge or to use a MARIUS ERICKSEN edge in combination with the LTGNOSTONE.
Generally speaking, laminated skis have not
been an outstanding success but the GRESVIG
reputation, combined with the favourable reports that I have received, lead me to believe
that the unique GRESVIG OESTBYE-SPLITKEIN
ski should be successful. SPLITKEIN skis are
guaranteed against warping and Mr. Saetrang
tells me they seem faster than other skis. I am
looking forward to testing them thoroughly
this season.
In ATTENHOFER'S current catalogue is offered
the MODELL FURRER, named after Otto Furrer,
described as "the Ski for those who demand
the Best." This ATTENHOFER model was used
here considerably last season and I am told
that it is excellent for modern requirements.
On the other hand, I consider the ZOGG model
rather too wide for most runners. ATTENHOFER
skis have a world-wide reputation of long
standing.
Edges
consists of a laminated core of light wood protected on all sides by hickory lamina tions.
Unlike most modern skis, the SPLITKEIN is flattopped. Because flat-top skis have a more uniform spring over the entire length and because
there is more wood to hold applied edges, they
are generally preferable to domed models. However, snow accumulates more on a flat ski and
the solution may lie in an oval or slightly-domed
top. SPLITKEIN skis are supplied with a tarimpregnated bottom that does not require
scraping before the base-wax is applied. The
groove is wide and shallow, like the Finnish
skis, probably because the hickory lamina tions
are not sufficiently thick for the usual narrow
and deep groove. SPLITKEIN' skis ar.e supplied
in a light-weight model for touring and a
heavier model for ra cing. The core of the touring model is fir or pine and mountain ash is
used in the competition model. The J h eavier
ski is stiffer than the other and, as a consequence, there is less "chatter" in high-speed
turns and on rough snow. Mr. J. A. Saetrang,
representing GRESVIG, states that the OESTBYESPLITKEIN ski has been a practical success for
touring, downhill, slalom, jumping, and crosscountry racing.
Because they are satisfactory, easily applied
and inexpensive, LETTNER edges are popular in
Canada. After much arguing · about speed,
durability and weight, steel is generally used
and many dealers stock LETTNER edges. There
are two main disadvantages to the LETTNER
type . From the skier's point of view screwing
metal to the ski is not entirely satisfactory
because, as the ski bends, screws work loose,
come au t, and then the edge is often ripped off.
From the dealer's point of view sinking the
screws is a slow and expensive operation in
applying edges and it is usually impossible to
determine whether or not a customer's complaint about screwed-on edges is justified. The
ultimate in edges will not be fastened by screws.
While many edges held by other means are
available, some make the ski too stiff, others
require special and expensive machinery for
applying, and all are more expensive than the
LETTNER type.
As a general rule, a sharper edge is used for
racing than is desirable for touring. For
general purposes, when
a sharp edge is not
required, I have found
the GLOCKNER typ e
This edge
excellen t.
consists of a bed of short
metal strips, screwed to
the ski, over which a
88
CANADIAN SKI YEAR BOOK, 1937
one-piece metal cover is drawn. In this wayan
unbroken surface is contacted with the snow
and, at the same time, the flexibility of the ski
is not effected because the cover slides freely
over the bed of short strips. This design of
edge is supplied by a number of manufacturers:
ALLGA U-TRl U MPH (brass), RA KOVS KYGLOCKNER (two widths of steel), PETERLONGO
GLOCKNER (steel), and SILBERHORN (brass or
steel).
When a sharp edge is required, I would suggest the COLUMBUS EDGE which is made in
Austria by RAKOVSKY and in Switzerland by
ATTENHOFER. The COLUMBUS edge consists of
ten-inch strips of spring steel .05 x .21 inches.
There is a double bend in the centre of each
strip; on one side of the bend there are oval
slots and on the other side the usual countersunk holes. As shown, the applied edge overlaps throughout the entire length. The strips
ATTENHOFEE
_Jl~==C=O=L=V.=~=~=v.=~=======
are applied with the oval slots next to the ski
and the countersunk holes on the outside. The
outer half of each individual strip is securely
held by the screws while the inner half is free
to move because of the oval slots through which
the screws pass. This sliding action is facilitated by the paraffin-graphite mixture with
which each strip is coated. In practice, the
applied edge moves quite freely as the ski bends
and this can easily be seen from the side. The
COLUMBUS edge retains all the advantages of
the LETTNER type and overcomes most of the
disadvantages. The only objections are that
some prefer an unbroken running surface and
others consider that there should be less metal
on the running surface. However, having used
COLUMBUS edges last season, I feel confident in
recommending them .
MARIUS ERICKSEN steel and brass edges are
applied to the sides of the ski instead of to the
running surface. Many skiers do not like this
edge and I am told that it tends to catch much
more easily than other types. The great advantage is the small area of metal on the running surface, metal tending to make the ski run
more slowly. This narrow strip of metal at the
very edge of the ski is the main source of trouble
MAe/us Ee/CKSEN
•
a
"
Ow
however, because the wood wears away from
the edge and this is probably why they tend to
catch more than other types. To overcome
this wear, a composition edge can be applied
°
to reinforce the wood but this makes rather
an expensive and complicated job. MARTUS
ERICKSEN edges. therefore, are only recommended in special cases such as with SPLITKElN
skis that are already edged with LlGNOSTONE.
The Swiss ~'IRN edge (made in steel, brass, and
duraluminum) is similar to the MARIUS ERICKSEN steel edge supplied in 2Y2-inch strips.
Combining both metal and composition in
one edge may be the solution. This composite
edge has a very small area
of metal on the runningsurface and yet it reinforces the wood near the
edge so that it does not
wear away from the metal. At leas t two such edges
are available. The SANNER-KoMBl is metal with
a projecting arm to which is attached a strip of
composition. The complete edge is cemented to
the ski and reinforced by screws. The Swiss
WElSSHORN edge (supplied in both brass and
steel) is composed of a thin L-shaped metal
strip set in composition. Slots in the vertical
metal arm allow the edge to bend freely. For
the SANNER-KoMBI, an ordinary rabbet is
sufficient but the WEISSHORN edge requires
special tools because the wood of the ski projects
into a slot in the composition part of the edge.
It would be interesting to hear from skiers
who have used either of these two edges.
CHALET skis will be supplied with LETTNERtype edges applied at the factory this season.
This is a great advance because comparatively
few shops are equipped to make a first class job
of edging skis. Harvey E. Dodds Limited is
the first Canadian ski manufacturer to regularily supply edged ski and it is hoped that the
venture will be completely successful.
Partly because they require special mounting
tools, STAEHLI EXPRESS, KULM, and TELL
edges have not become very popular here. Herr
Staehli has now produced a new model, known
as the STAEHLI GS, that is made up of short
lengths 50 mm long, 7 mm wide, and 1 mm
thick. This new model requires only a simple
rabbet and should not present greater mounting
difficulties than the LETTNER type. The twoinch strips are flat with an identical acute bevel
at each end. After securing the foremost strip
wit4 two screws, additional sections are held by
slipping the front end under the corresponding
bevel at the back of the strip in front and
screwing down the rear end. In this' way, with
89
CANADIAN $Kl YEAR BOOK, 1937
the exception of the first strip, only one screw
is used to secure each piece. To prevent the
strips from pivoting on the one screw and slipping out laterally, the bevelled edges are
tongued and grooved. In the applied edge,
each strip is securely screwed down at one end
while the other end is held in such a way that
vertical and lateral movement is prevented and
yet the strips have no horizontal attachment.
Consequently, this edge does not stiffen the ski
at all and there is no stress on the individual
screws as the ski bends. A further advantage
is that the screws are two inches apart and this
prevents much of the splitting that is common
when screws are closer together. · The STAEHLI
GS model, which is supplied in brass and steel,
is perhaps the most interesting of all the new
edges.
.
Bindings
With the possible exception of wax, there has
been more argument about bindings than any
other part of the ski equipment. Controversy
resulting from the introduction of edges momentarily occupied seasoned debaters but they
soon shook off this new question and eagerly
returned to the "Battle of the Bindings" with
renewed vigour. Edges may now have their
turn, however, because the perfection of modern
ski bindings leaves so little to be desired that
argument becomes useless. No matter how
different they were at first, the final designs of
outstanding models are practically identical.
The KANDAHAR-type binding has swept the
field for downhill, slalom, jumping, and now for
touring. The LANG RIEMAN binding of a few
years ago was all leather with the exception of
a ring and buckle: t~ KANDAHAR-type binding
of today is all metal with the exception of the
toe strap.
Toe irons, front-stretcher, cable, and side
Geze Kandahar.
showing horizontal
pull
Geze Kandahar,
showing diagonal
pull
hooks, make up the KANDAHAR binding which
is now manufactured in numerous countries.
The toe irons can be of any sturdy construction.
The front-stretcher serves two purposes: in adition to tightening the cable when the binding
is put on, it has five grooves to adjust the cable
for length and, consequently, tension. The
cable it!>elf is made of braided or twisted wire
and this is covered with a metal sheath to prevent wear. At the back of the cable is a strong
spring to go around the heel and provide the
essential "give" when diagonal pull is used. The
toe irons of some KANDAHAR bindings are fitted
with special lugs to hold the cable and give true
diagonal pull. One therefore has the choice of
horizontal pull and two degrees of diagonal pull.
While diagonal pull is a
great aid to control when
running downhill, it is not
desirable for running on
the level or, usually, for
climbing. Therefore, when
you purchase a binding,
make certain that there is a
true horizontal-pull position. Even a very weak
diagonal pull will not give
the same satisfaction.
Mr. Peter Lunn, Honorary Equipment Editor of
The British Ski Year Book
and a well-known British
ski racer, writes: "The great
argument against the KANDAHAR binding is that it
will never open in a fall;
many racers, and I am one,
are prepared to take the
risk in return for that feeling of control, which only
the KANDAHAR gives."
Many skiers feel that the
KANDAHAR binding is too
dangerous because it holds
the footsofirmly that severe
injuries often result from a
bad fall. It is my contention that the same feeling
of control, without the
attendant danger, can be
had by using the newer
KANDAHAR-SPECIAL binding. This model is similar
to the KANDAHAR except
Geze Silver-King
that the cable is tightened Kandanar-Spccial model
by a BILDSTEIN SPRINGHEEL-CLAMP at the back instead of by
the front-stretcher. In place of the frontstretcher. there is a similar clip with five notches
for adjusting the length and tension of the cable.
The opening and releasing action of the BILDSTEIN SPRING-REEL-CLAMP in a bad fall is well
known and . so far as I can determine, the feeling of solidity and control is equal to that of
the KANDAHAR. It would be most helpful to
learn the opinions of other skiers who have
used both models. The KANDAHAR-SPECIAL
binding is more expensive than the KANDAHAR.
CANADIAN SKI YEAR BOOK, 1937
90
The new ATTENHOFER ALPINA 4-STAR binding is an improvement over former models. The
somewhat clumsy arrangement of combined
footplate and hooks for diagonal pull has give.n
place to a simple hook of the usual type. ThIs
hook may be fixed in any desired position and,
combined with the guide running under the toe
iron, is equivalent, in practice, to the double
KANDAHAR-hook. Formerly, the cable ran under
a groove in front of the mounted toe iron; now
there is a separate guide in the same position.
This alteration makes possible the use of
ALPINA 4-STAR attachments with other toe
irons. On meeting Herr Attenhofer last season
almost immediately he pointed out that the
ALPINA 4-STAR could now be supplied with
ALPINA-PRECISION toe irons. He must have
read the 1936 Equipment Section to mention
this so promptly! The length of the ALPINA
4-STAR cable is regulated most precisely by
turning the milled knob where it joins the
BILDSTEIN SPRING-HEEL-CLAMP. This knob is
threaded on the insid~ to correspond with the
cable sheathing which is really coiled steel wire.
Some concern about the strength of this connection has been expressed here. In addition
to the reliability of the manufacturer, it 5hould
be noted that eleven deep threads are engaged
and that the coiled sheathing butts against a
solid sleeve securely soldered to the end of the
actual steel cable. The only objection to the
ALPINA 4-STAR binding is that there is no provision for horizontal pull. Herr Attenhofer can
easily overcome this by ,f itting his toe irons
with a small guide.
Unlike other bindings of this type, the MONTANA-DIAGONAL does not have a spring around
the heel. Instead, there is a special compression spring (guaranteed to function properly
Montana-Diagonal binding and Tc-Ma ski boot
under all conditions) incorporated in the frontstretcher which also serves to regulate the
length of the cable. The cable itself is the
usual sheathed type and there is rubber tubing
at the heel to prevent the metal cutting into
the boot. The lever of the front-stretcher is
made in such a way that it can readily be adjusted for greater or less tension in addition to
the more usual method of regulating the cable.
The toe irons are fitted with a curved guide
under which the cable passes for horizontal
pull and a pressed guide for diagonal pull.
Hooks are not screwed to the sides of the
ski. The diagonal pull is regulated by tension on the cable rather than lowering and moving back the pivot point. This does not seem
advantageous. The horizonfoal-pull. guide~ .on
the toe irons do not hold the cable m pOSItIon
and seem too large. While it is claimed that
very few skiers run with their feet so close together that the bindings touch, it is common
indeed to have the toe irons lock together and
cause a bad fall. While the MONTANA-DIAGONAL toe irons could lock together because of the
large cable-guides, most other toe irons are now
made with small guides that do not catch.
MONTANA toe irons have a most unusual and
interesting toothed arrangement for adjusting.
They are easily and accurately fitted to the boot
and should prove most satisfactory.
Herr Ing. Emil Koller, designer of the MONTANA-DIAGONAL binding, suggests a combine?
position for touring: place the cables at hOrizontal pull on the insi~e an~ at dia~onal pull
on the outside.
It WIll be mterestmg to try
this.
The UNITAS FEDERZUG attachments are similar to the KANDAHAR and prove, equally satisfactory. The cable is 'prac.tically identical but
the front stretcher qUlte dIfferent: The cable
is held by a small guide and then tightened by
a lever in the same way as the KANDAHAR.
When greater' tension on the cable is desire~,
an additional lever is pushed forward. This
makes it easy to regulate the tension of the
cable. By means of a sturdy toothed arrangement, the length of the cable is als? adjusted by
the front-stretcher. UNITAS toe Irons are now
fitted with guides for horizontal pull but, like
the MONTANA-DIAGONAL guides, they are large
and massive. Such large cable guides are unnecessary and dangerous falls may result. The
UNITAS manufacturers maintain that horizontal pull is not necessary and that their double
tension front-stretcher makes it unnecessary to
alter the posi~ion.of the cable. ~ew skiers wip
agree with this VIew because hOrizontal pull IS
certainly preferable for ski-ing on the level and,
usually, for climbing.
A worm-gear adjusted toe iron is now generally
conceded to be the best. ALMONTE, ALPINAPRECISION, GEZESILVER-KING (SILBERMODELL),
and UNITAS toe irons are adjustable in this way.
The GEZE SILVER-KING differs from the others
in that the jaws are not connected directly.with
the, spindle of the worm-gear. The spmdle
actuates a solid bronze block which, in turn,
moves the actual toe iron. The manufacturers
state: "The side pressure of the jaws is not
CANADIAN SKI YEAR BOOK, 1937
tra<l1smitted directly to the spindle, but is chiefly absorbed by the cams. According to tests
conducted by the Stuttgart Polytechnic, the
maximum load in the form of side pressure is
about 17 cwt." 1700 pounds maximum side
91
insert. This type of footplate, common to
better-class European bindings, is superior to
the celluloid, linoleum, and rubber footplates
sold here in the past.
Harvey E. Dodds Limited now sell their wellknown CHALET binding complete with BILDSTEIN SPRING-HEEL-CLAMPS in addition to the
regular model. This combination should prove
popular and it will be remembered that BILDSTEIN clamps not only release the foot in a bad
fall but make it easier to put on the binding.
Sticks
Geze Silver King
pressure should make this binding strong
enough for most skiers]
Worm-gear adjustable toe irons combined
with KANDAHAR-type heel attachments giving
both horizontal and diagonal pull, result in the
perfect ski binding. The GEZE SILVER-KING
KA:t\TDAHAR-SPECIAL model is now made in
Canada by Allcock, Laight & Westwood
Co., Ltd. This excellent binding combines
the most modern features and now sells in
Canada for less than the GEZE-KANDAHAR did
last season although the KANDAHAR-SPECIAL
design is more' expensive than the KANDAHAR.
Allcock, Laight & Westwood Co., Ltd. also
produce 'another model of the KANDAHARSPECIAL design. This EZEFIX KANDAHARSPECIAL model is perfectly reliable but less expensive than the model with GEZE SILVERKING toe irons. EZEFIX bindings are manufactured in Canada under license from the
European Patentees and, in addition to the
KANDAHAR-type model, there are two less expensive bindings with the usual heel attachments. Last season, I tested the EZEFIX binding and found it most satisfactory. In the
EZEFIX KANDAHAR-SPECIAL model, Canadian
skiers are for the first time offered an inexpensive modern ski binding.
The new metal footplates now manufactured
in Canada by both Harvey E. Dodds Limited
and Allcock, Laight & Westwood Co., Ltd.
should prove popular. These footplates consist of a thin metal cover over a light wooden
There is no set rule governing the proper
length for ski sticks. The general trend, however, is definitely in favour of considerably
shorter sticks both for cross country, downhill
and slalom. Short sticks are lighter, better
balanced, stronger, safer, less tiring, and easier
to handle. While many skiers may prefer
longer sticks, I recommend a length that will
pass easily under the arm-pit. When the Swiss
Ski Team visited here last winter, it was interesting to note that they all used short sticks.
Met a 1
s ticks are
now perfected and steel
emerges VICtorious over
aluminum,
duraluminurn,
and
other alloys
tested. The
salient advantage of
metal sticks
is that they
are uniform
and will not
split, while
the best cane
varIes, IS
affected by
changes in
temperature
and, is difficulMomatch
exactly in
pairs, while
splitting is
a common
fault.
Tobereally successful, metal
sticks should
possess all
the advantages of the
best tonkin cane, be
Tangvald Stick
92
uniform, free from splitting, and better
balanced. Unfortunately, most metal sticks
are not entirely satisfactory and some are greatly inferior to good cane.
TANGVALD STICKS are excellent, they have
been improved each year, and it will be difficult
to better the present model. They have shafts
of conical steel tubing especially developed for
this purpose. The very slightly curved points
are securely spot-welded to the steel shaft and
cannot come out. A good snow ring of the
metal-and-leather type is fitted and this part of
the steel shaft is now reinforced by a special
patented insert, greatly strengthening the stick.
Leather grips, to protect the fingers against
cold, are fitted to all models. The shafts are
supplied in chromium plate, cream, irradiant
blue or red cellulose, and baked black enamel.
TANGVALD STICKS are now made in Canada
and equal in every way thosemadeinEurope.
Skiers are now seldom injured by their sticks
when they fall and this is attributed to the
general adoption of properly designed wrist
straps. It is important that the whole hand be
passed through the strap from below and that
the thumb and fingers grip both the top of the
stick and the strap, as with this method of holding the sticks they are thrown outwards in
most bad falls. When purchasing sticks make
certain that the wrist straps are about one inch
wide and properly designed; when using sticks
make certain that you grip them correctly.
Snow rings cause many dangerous falls by
catching in trees, bushes, and other obstructions.
Herr Rakovsky points out that 80 per cent of
ski-ing accidents are arm injuries. Since 1933,
I have used and strongly advocated RAKOVSKY
and BERGER SCHNEEFLOSSEN discs in place of
the usual snow rings; they are reinforced, rubberized, flexible, and do not catch. It might
be thought these flat discs gather snow on the
upper surface but this is not the case and in all
ways the discs are as satisfactory as the usual
snow rings. They are, however, slightly heavier and Herr Rakovsky has now produced a new
model made of chrome leather, which is no
heavier than the standard snow rings. Last
season, I used the leather model with complete
sa tisfaction.
A sharp point is essential on a ski stick but
becomes dangerous when carrying the sticks.
The ABC-FACTORIES of
Kungalv, Sweden, have
produced an efficient guard
for the spike and this guard
is an integral part of the
snow ring. When not covering the point, it clips to a
special holder and does not
in any way interfere with
the action of the snow ring.
The combined point guard and snow ring may
be had at slight extra cost with any of the
various well-made ABC sticks.
I¥l.. For serious ski-mountaineering expeditions
CANADIAN SKI YEAR BOOK, 1937
when equipment must be depended upon and
reliability is the first consideration, hazel ski
sticks are often chosen, as the shafts are practically unbreakable. MURO ski sticks should be
of interest not only for expeditions but also for
general ski-ing, and are guaranteed unbreakable. The tonkin cane shaft is covered with
cellulose to prevent splitting, with a central core
of light wood to reinforce the cane and prevent
breakage. The MURO sticks that I have examined are surprisingly light and well balanced;
the workmanship excellent. These sticks were
selected by the 1936 Swiss Himalaya Expedition.
The new ATTENHOFER HICO patented ski
stick is an interesting development. This model seems to be made of laminated strips of
cane permitting tapering the stick from grip to
point in the same way as the TANGVALD steel
sticks taper. For those who prefer cane to
metal, the ATTENHOFER HICO stick seems to
warrant further investigation. A similar stick,
about which details are not yet available,
will be manufactured in Canada by Allcock,
Laight & Westwood Co., Ltd. This model
will be made in the same way as fine cane fishing
poles and should prove most successful.
Bools
There seems to be considerable confusion regarding the name of the ski boot described in
the last issue as the RIEKE~ RIKOMA. In
Germany it is now called the RIEKER RIKOSTA,
in Switzerland it is called the TE-MA, and probably there are other names for this design in
France, Italy, Jugoslavia, and Sweden, where
it is also manufactured. TE-MA seems to be a
suitable name as it is derived from the surnames
of the joint inventors: Mr. Giovanni Testa,
Testa Ski School, St. Moritz; and Dr. Eugen
Matthias, Professor of Physiological Movement, University of Munich, who says:
"In only one particular is the development
somewhat one-sided. Ski technique necessi-
CANADIAN SKI YEAR BOOK, 1937
tates a boot with a low heel, whereas the modern crouch calls for perpetual sinking of the
body. If one bends the knees naturally, the
heels tend to rise. If, however, the skier allows
them to do so, he loses the correct control of
his ski, while if he forces them down he strains
his peroneal muscles."
Dr. Mathias goes on to explain that both
this, and the continual forcing of one's foot on
to an outside edge on the turns, ultimately
leave a permanent impression upon the skier's
physique. He continues:
"This faulty development is encouraged by
the strap, which is so often and so wrongly attached to the boot; the muscles, which pull from
the front of the shin to the front of the foot, are
greatly hindered in their action by such straps.
It is obvious that both these causes of
faulty development can be overcome by the
correct construction of the ski boot.
"Working in close co-operation Mr. Giov.
Testa and Prof. Dr. E. Mathias have solved
this problem in the so-called 'TE-MA' boot.
"The faulty effects of the low heel and outside edging ;re removed by a wedge which is
built into the boot, so that the skier can edge
his ski sufficiently by only a slight outward
pressure. The , damage to the foot through
over outside edging is thus avoided, and it is
also easier for the skier to change his position
from an outward lean in one direction back to
the perpendicular or to an outward lean in the
opposite direction. This fact makes a big difference t.o ski technique; ski-ing is made easier
and the strain is taken off the knee ligaments.
"The strap pulling downwards is replaced by
a double flap and lacing arrangement, so that
there is an upward pull, which is far more
adapted to the human foot. Full freedom of
Alpking Ski Boot
movement is thereby left to the muscles and
ligaments ,at the front of the foot, and the
whole foot is able to work in an absolutely
natural manner."
While the Te-Ma design has interested me
for some time, I have not yet been able to test a
pair and, in fact, I have seen only one pair.
93
These were worn by an SAS (Swiss) competitor
in the 1937 Quebec-Kandahar and, as the race
was about to start, I did not feel that he would
welcome an enquiry about his boots at that
time. However, I hope to test a pair during
the present season, and the opinions of others
who use this boot will be welcome.
Daoust, Lalonde & Co., Ltd. of Montreal, old
established makers of dependable ski boots,
have secured the exclusive manufacturing and
selling rights for HANNES SCHNEIDER ski boots
in Canada. The various models will be hahdsewn throughout and welted in the usual
European manner. The Austrian HANNESSCHNEIDER ski boots that I have seen are excellent and Daoust, Lalonde & Co., Ltd., with
their long experience in ski-boot manufacturing,
should certainly produce an excellent Canadian
made boot. It is unfortunate that further details are not available at this time.
Skiers now do their boots up so tightly that
preventing painful pressure of the lacing on the
instep is a concern of skiers and manufacturers
alike. Many new and some improved designs
have resulted.
The WEISS-BLAU VOLLENDA boot dispenses
with
la cing
en tirely and
instead
there is
a snowproof
fastening at
the
back.
T his
practical arrangement removes pressure from the
instep but, if the boots are done up very tightly,
there is an uncomfortable pressure on the outside
ankle bones. Slight alterations in design would
make the VOLLENDA a superior and comfortable ski boot. As it is, many skiers find this
model comfortable, and it gives an excellent
feeling of control and, very important, the heel
is held firmly.
Many European sport shoes now buckle or
lace on the side rather than in the centre and
the Murr and Lucas ALPKING ski boot follows
this trend. The snow-proof lacing is easily
and quickly done up even under conditions
when ordinary lacing is most difficult and annoying. The ALPKING lace is secured at the
bottom; to fasten the boot it is merely necessary to loop the lace over the hooks, pull it
tight, and wind it around the special securingbutton at the top. The lacing cannot stretch,
come loose, or knot. This side fastening eliminates pressure on the instep and the back of the
boot is designed to hold the heel firmly and
prevent it moving inside. The well-made
ALPKING ski boots are rather lighter than most
CANADIAN SKI YEAR BOOK, 1937
94
Central European models and they should be
useful for touring.
As a whole, ski boots do not stand up very
well under the strain of ski-ing with strong
diagonal pull bindings. After comparatively
short use, the soles of most boots become soft
and buckle under the arch of the foot. This
makes the boot useless. In my own experience,
WIESS-BLAU TEMPO boots have stood up much
better than others I have used. The TEMPO
model has a straight-through sole that does not
bJ'c kle and yet they are not so stiff that the
boot is uncomfortable. Much of the pressure
on the instep is prevented by a special spongerubber lined tongue and the boot can be laced
Wiess-Blau Tempo
tightly without discomfort. When using diagonal pull, many skiers now wear the KANDAHAR heel attachments higher than formerly and
the TEMPO boot has a special leather ridge to
hold the binding above the groove on the heel.
In addition, the heel is reinforced with leather.
I have found this special ridge and reinforcement satisfactory. The raised heel attachment
gives a greater feeling of control and does not
strain the boots as much. On the other hand,
it is probably more dangerous. Except that I
do not like the sole protectors as much as the
IDEAL model fitted to other WEISS-BLAU ski
boots, the TEMPO model is excellent.
There is a great demand for a proper ski boot
for children. This boot should be of correct
design and stand up satisfactorily while selling
a t a fairly low price. Except for expensive
imported boots, children's boots of even reasonably good design are not obtainable and it is
hoped that some Canadian manufacturer will
realize his opportunity for present and future
business.
Clothing
Until a comparatively short time ago, ski
clothing was a simple matter: one merely hunted out the oldest available clothing and the
matter was settled. Today expert and novice
realize the importance of clothing that is designed for ski-ing. There is a freedom-with
smartness-and a warmth-wi thou t weigh tto specially designed ski clothing that is otherwise unobtainable. Designers and manufacturers must work closely together however beca use many good designs have been spoiled by
manufacturers who fail to appreciate the
special requirements of the skier. It is therefore recommended tha t you buy ski clothing
that is made by a firm specializing in ski-wear'
Fuzzy materials that gather snow, lint, and
ski wax are gradually disappearing from the
market as skiers become more discerning.
Blanket cloth, generally speaking, is unsuitable for ski-ing. With one exception . . The
HUDSON'S BAY POINT BLANKET GARMENTS
are most sa tisfactory when very warm clothing is
required. For extreme cold, a GRENFELL
CLOTH parka with HUDSON'S BAY POINT BLANKET lining would seem ideal. Race officials
please note.
GRENFELL CLOTH pioneered the way and
there are now many similar materials. It is
most difficult for an individual to determine the
comparative merits of these fabrics and, for
simplicity, I have therefore chos~n to use
the name of the original material (GRENFELL
CLOTH) in the generic sense to include other
similar fabrics.
Trousers. - Long trousers seem to be
again coming into favour.
They are certainly more practical and comfortable than
plus fours. The new close fitting "streamlined" designs are smart looking. Closelywoven worsteds, smooth serges, hard twists,
and gaberdines are the materials for ski
trousers. These cloths will not gather snow,
saturate easily, or wear rapidly. While many
skiers wear GRENFELL CLOTH with satisfaction.
I favour the above materials. Zipper pockets
and zipper closing are especially recommended
for ski trousers. While most manufacturers
have the zipper running up, to close the pocket,
it seems preferable to reverse ' this and have
the zipper running down as it is more difficult
to pull the zipper up than down and also one
can close the pocke t quickly and wi thou t trou ble.
Jacket. - GRENFELL CLOTH is the popular
material for ski jackets and parkas. It is
light, windproof, water repellant, smart looking, and does not gather snow. In addition, one can fold a GRENFELL jacket and
carry it easily either in a pocket or on the
belt. The materials recommended for trousers are also suitable for jackets. While hiplength jackets are popular, a longer garment
is perhaps more practical, and many skiers
wear a parka on most occasions. There is
really no substitute for a parka hood in cold
and windy weather. One problem of the short
jacket is the gap that develops between trousers and jacket. Flat metal hooks sewn to the
jacket and slipped under the belt or suitable
eyes will keep the jacket in place.
While it is difficult to compile a complete
list, the following materials are all somewhat
similar to GRENFELL CLOTH: BURTON'S ADIRONDACK POPLIN, DEACON POPLIN, FAIRWAY
STORM TWILL, FAIRWAY ALL WEATHER CLOTH,
UKON CLOTH, ALASKA CLOTH.
-European materials of the GRENFELL CLOTH
type are usually disappointing and the good
English fabrics are hard to beat. Mr. F . H.
Deacon informs me that Deacon Sportwear has
PRACTICAL SKI WEAR
on
ST.YLE
The new colorful array of Deacon Ski Wear awaits you at good Department
Stores, and Men's and Ladies' Specialty Shops. Especially interesting
are the clever 1938 models styled by Lanz of Salzburg.
Deacon Ski Wear is made in four fabrics: Deacon Poplin, Gatineau
Gabardine, Hastings Melton, or the famous Grenfell Cloth ... designed by
Sir Wilfred Grenfell
for use in Labrador ...
light as silk, for
action ... strong and
durable. .. immune
to sleet, snow and
wind.
No. 998. Men's GRENFELL Ski
Parka. When not in use, hood may
be concealed in collar giving trim
appearance.
No. 928. Same as above, with I'rucksack" zipper pouch in back-suspenders support.
No. 976X. Men's GRENFELL or
Gabardine Streamlined Slacks, plaited
front, zipper cuB I warmly lined with
"Kasha" flannel.
No. 926. Women's GRENFELL
Jacket, the "Poli", wide puffed
sleeves, with Princess fitted lines,
and hinge sleeves .
No . 97SX. Women' s GRENFELL
Ski Slacks, streamlined and warmly
lined. Zipper side opening.
Style No . 901-Men's I 'Austrian" style ski jacket, wind flap with convertible collar, large inside pocket, concealed outside zipper pocket,
double thickness Over shoulders,equippedfor detachable hutton-on hood.
Style No. 976-Men's GRENFELL full flounce ski slacks, warmly lined
with "Kasha" flannel , well cut and tailored.
Style No. 7S7- Ladies' " Canadian" style ski jacket, zipper closing and
zipper pocket, hinge sleeve, tailored and smart, equipped for detachable
button-on hood.
Men's and Ladies' GRENFELL Skz
Caps- Light weight, comfy; windproof protection without the heavy
weight and bulk of other styles. Ear
protectors may be worn up or down.
Men's and Ladies' GRENFELL Ski
Mitts-Warmth and comfort are
assured in these GRENFELL mitts,
designed to be worn as pull-overs,
over a woolIe.n mitt or glove. Snowproof, windproof, can be readily dried
when wet.
CANADIAN SKI YEAR BOOK, 1937
96
made · arrangements to rel?roduce the famous
LANz OF SALZBURG desIgns in GRENFELL
CLOTH, combining latest Austrian designs with
fine English fabrics . Herr Lanz has produced
many attractive and practical garments and his
colourful ski clothing is world-famous. Mr.
Deacon, incidentally, has studied the Canadian
requirements of skiers and DEACON SPORTWEAR ski clothing is as practical as it is smart.
Three or four years ago I was given the
official TROCKENWOLLE sweater of the Schwabischer Schneelaufbund and since that time I
have worn it considerably throughout the
year. TROCKENWOLLE, which means Dry Wool,
is a very descriptive name because thi~ special
impregnated wool sheds rain and water readily.
During the past few years, my S.S.B. sweater
has been washed a number of times and, rather
surprisingly, the water-shedding properties of
the TROCKENWOLLE do not seem to be at all
effected. TROCKENWOLLE is now sold ~n Canada
by the W. W. Wool Company as TROCKENWOOL. The manufacturers state that TROCKENWOOL, which is made of Australian and New
Zealand wools, is unshrinkable, colour-fast, and
mothproof as well as water-repellant. Snow
does not readily adhere to this special wool and,
in any case, melting snow will not saturate a
TROCKEN-WOOL garment. Skiers will find this
a particular advantage. Last season I also
wore TROCKEN-WOOL stockings and mitts with
complete satisfaction and I highly recommend
this special wool for all knitted ski and sport
clothing.
The manufacturers of TROCKEN-WOOL have
now produced PEDILANA which is a special wool
designed to absorb perspiration. For foot comfort, the perfect combination would seem to be
fine PEDILANA socks worn under TROCKENWOOL. PEDILANA wool will absorb the perspiration while TROCKEN-WOOL keeps away any
moisture that gets into the boot. This would
seem the only way to ensure dry feet because
even if boots are waterproof, perspiration soon
makes the feet damp. PEDILANA mitts should
also be useful.
The W. W. Wool Company has published a
large number of leaflets giving full instructions
for knitting attractive sport clothing from their
various wools and, incidentally, TROCKENWOOL and PEDILANA do not differ in appearance from other high grade wools.
Rucksacks
Most of us have wished for a larger rucksack
just as many times as we would have preferred
a smaller one. When there is a large amount
to be carried, the rucksack is never big enough :
when one takes only lunch and an extra sweater,
it always seems too large. The No. 303 ABCFACTORIES rucksack is a handy medium size
(17 inch frame) not too large for short trips, but
does not seem capacious enough for many oc-
casions-un til
one exammes
the lacing at
the sides. By
removing this
lacing, the size
of the rucksack is increased by a
full length 3 Y2
inch gusset
on each side.
The increased
capacity
makes it large
enough for
any expedi- ABC R u cksack, showing outside pocket
tion. This
ABC rucksack is the usual BERGANS type that
has been so popular and, in addi tion to the useful expansion, there are a number of other interesting refinements : the large outside pocket
has a zipper closing for which a padlock is
supplied; there is a waterproof pocket with
zipper closing inside the flap; three pairs of
blanket straps are supplied; and the shoulder
straps are held in place by a new strap-device
which prevents slipping. This ABC rucksack
is a great credit to Swedish workmanship with
first-class materials.
Two rucksacks are of particular interest: the
ALPINA, made in Switzerland by A. ATTENHOFER and the TAUERN, made in Germany by
HANS DEUTER RUCKSACKFABRI~. On meeting
Herr Attenhofer, who was here with the S.A.S.
Ski Team last season, I loohd about hopefully-but no ALPINA rucksack; on meeting Mr.
Fritz Wiessner, who was a member of the 1932
German-American Nanga Parbat Expedition,
I inquired hopefully-bu t no TA UERN rucksack.
In order to examine both, it was necessary to
order one of each and, surprisingly, the design
is identicall As the ALPINA name is applied to
a number of other articles, for simplicity I propose to call this design by the TAUERN name
but it must be remembered that I refer to both
the ATTENHOFER ALPINA and the HANS DEuTERTAUERN
rucksacks.
Most good
rucksacks
closely f 01lowtheBERGANS design
tha thas been
so very popular and successful all
over the
world. These
rucksacks
havetubular
me tal frames
designed to
distribute
ABC Rucksack
97
CANADIAN SKI YEAR BOOK, 1937
the weight evenly and comfortably over
the shoulders, back, and hips.
BERGANS
rucksacks are certainly much better than any
frameless packsack or knapsack and it is claimed that the TAUERN
.
design is equally superior to the BERGANS.
As shown, theTAUERN
model is cut so that the
~
sides are parallel when
~
the bag is packed. This
raises and brings the
centre of gravity closer
to the back, thereby
correcting the tendency
to strain far forward
when carrying a heavy
load. In addition, the
bottom is cut obliquely
E:
upwards which keeps
~
small loads higher and
closer to the back. One
great disadvantage of
the BERGANS shape is
that small heavy loads
tend to hang pear-like
below the frilme and, acting like a pendulum,
make ski-ing difficult. In keeping with the improved design of the bag itself, the TAUERN model has a frame differen t from the BERGANS type.
A triangular reed or willow frame is builtin to the
rucksack and the inside of the triangle is lined
with vulcanized fibre to stiffen the frame somewhat and to keep hard objects from sticking
into the back-which seems to be one of the
main occupations of tinned goods. In various
places, the triangular frame is padded with
horsehair. The rucksack can either be used in
this way with the frame against the back or the
web straps can be adjusted to any required tension so that there is ample circulation of air
Ibetween the rucksack and the back. Unlike
the metal frame, this light-weight construction
is unbreakable, flexible, and easily adjusted to
fit different persons perfectly.
To .a skier, the main advantages of the
TAUERN construction are :
(1) The flexible frame bends with the body
in such a way that there is much less interfer-
ence with the skier's movements and balance.
(2) Raising and bringing the centre of gravity closer to the body greatly increases the undesirable centrifugal force which tends to throw
one off balance.
(3) Because of the design and as the inside
capacity can be increased or decreased somewhat by altering the tension of the frame,
small loads can more comfortably and conveniently be carried in a rather large bag.
Further use may disclose additional advantages and, perhaps, some unthought of disadvantages of the TAUERN model. As mentioned
above, the design of both the ATTENHOFER
ALPINA and the HANS DEUTER TAUERN is
identical and, so far as I can determine, the
workmanship and materials are equally firstclass. In putting the rucksack on and in taking it off, the carabine hook on the right shoulder
strap will be found useful and, incidentally,
the side pockets are spacious enough to put in
them easily a Thermos bottle or anything like
that. In design, materials, and execution,
the ALPINA and TAUERN are superior rucksacks.
Miscellaneous
Our old friend Erkki Penttila, who is now
back in Finland, has written to me recommending equipment for cross-country racing. A most
experienced cross-country man, he has carefully studied the equipment requirements for
this type of competition, and his suggestions
should therefore prove helpful.
Skis.- For preference, birch skis made from
properly cut billets a~ shown in the accompanyingdiagram. In this connection, the J. Uusituvan
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COMPLE TE STOCK OF
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Telephones: LA 6774-6776
1194 UNIVERSITY STREET, MONT.REAL
CANADIAN SKI YEAR BOOK; 1937
98
Suksipaja ski factQry Qf Finland writes: "By
sawing the birch in a special manner for skis,
instead Qf making skis Qut Qf planks, the hard
Quter layers Qf the tree trunk are utilized for
running surfaces Qf the skis; moreover this prQcess assures a natural curve and prevents the
ski frQm warping. When the sawn timber is
dried, the hard Quter layers stretch less than the
softer inner Qnes, giving a natural curve which
hQlds well." Mr. Penttila writes further: "We
have the gQQd material for birch skis in Finland
because the higher in the nQrth it grQWS, the
harder it is."
Bindings. -VOITTO and ROTTEFELLA are
the best fQr crQss-country racing.
The
V OITTO binding is made in Finland and is
less expensive than the similar NQrwegian
ROTTEFELLA. Neither binding is supplied
Rotte/ella_Binding
with heel attachments.
He recQmmends
heel attachments fQr dQwnhill, slalQm, and
jumping, but tQe bindings without heel
attachments fQr cross-country racing and
tQuring. With this I do. not agree as I believe
that non-competitQrs who. are ski-ing fQr pleasure and recreatiQn also. need the impQrtant
heel cQntrQI Qffered by modern ski bindings.
I t depends, Qf CQurse, on the type Qf tQuring
because heel-cQntrQl is Qf no. great advantage
fQr running Qn the level while it is practically
essential fQr difficult bush and downhill runnmg.
Boots.-Racing bQQts shQuld be light but
still very strQng.
Sticks.-TQnkin cane with leather handle
and grip. To my mind, snQW discs are used
by most gOQd skiers.
In closing, Mr. Penttila writes: "I am-SQrry,
I have nQt time to. write enQugh Qf this idea in
English," but I hQpe to. again hear frQm him in
time fQr the next Equipment Section and he may
have important details of new Finnish equipment.
Week-end firemen being what they are, a
sleeping bag is practically essential to prevent
freezing to. death when yQU sleep Qvernight in a
ski hut. With this in mind, I purchased an
inexpensive sleeping bag a few years ago. but it
has never been cQmpletely satisfactQry because
nQt Qnly is it exceedingly bulky and heavy, but
also the cold air invariably gallQPs dQwn my
back and my feet have the annoying habit Qf
wandering into. the CQld CQrners from time to
The Ski Speci-alists
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Featuring the latest in Domestic
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ALPKING SKI BOOTS
By MURR and LUCAS
ALPKING-the boots of Kings-designed to
prevent cramping the feet and yet give perfect
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BINDINGS
SKIS
POLES
BOOTS
WAXES
CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES
AUTO SKI RACKS
SKI -IN G LITERATURE
LARWAY, TEMPLE & COOPER, LIMITED
SPECIALIZING IN
SKIS, GUNS and FISHING TACKLE
45 ADELAIDE STREET EAST
TORONTO, CANADA
99
CANADIAN SKI YEAR BOOK, 1937
time. Just as I had designed a sleeping bag
for my own use, Mr. Soren Berner brings to my
attention the Swedish ABC-FACTORIES No.
1121 eiderdown sleeping bag that seems to fill
my requirements. This bag weighs only three
pounds and it packs away into a small bag only
twenty-five inches long and about eight inches
in diameter. Possibly one cannot sleep out in
the snow with this ABC bag-although Mr.
Berner assures me that it is very warm indeedbut I am sure that it is quite warm enough for
sleeping inside even if the fires do go out and,
f~rthermore, one can easily and conveniently
carrv such a small bundle on the rucksack.
Now a few notes on the summer storing of
ski equipment.
.
Skis.- Spring ski-ing means klister so first
scrape off the accumulated grass, wool, feathers,
and wax. A:;; the wood will have soaked up
cOrlsiderables .now water, the skis should then
be put in a press and allowed to dry out for a
few weeks. Rather than buy one of the
fancy ski presses on the market, you can
make your own. Select a well-seasoned and
perfectly straight white pine billet (2 ins. x 4
ins. x 7 ft.) at your local lumber yard and
give this billet two coats of stain varnish
or paint. Place one ski on each side of
the fmished billet and bind in place with heavy
cord, straps, or clamps. To increase the
arch in the skis, place a small block under each
toe iron; to decrease the bend, bind the ski flat
to the pine billet. In this way, the arch of
each ski can be regulated independently. The
upturn of the ski can be preserved by propping
up the ski tip with a small stick of wood. A
slight cut on the underside of the ski tip and
on the billet will prevent the prop from slipping.
In preserving the upturn, make certain that the
EASIER UPHILL
actual tip of the ski is not raised more than half
an inch more than normal so as not to spoil the
carefully calculated curve of the upturn. The
great advantage of this press is that th~skis
are held independen tly and, as a result, one ski
does not become flat while the bend in the
other increases. Furthermore, unless the billet warps-which is most unlikely-the skis
will not pull out of shape. When the wood
has dried out somewhat, the whole ski should
be thoroughly cleaned with gasoline and all wax
(including base wax) removed with a suitable
solvent. This will leave the running surface
bare and a ski dressing must be applied immedia tely to again seal the wood, because it is
changes in moisture content that cause warping
and twisting. There are many suitable preparations on the market. While the VON SKI
SHOP VIKING SKI DRESSING seems to be the
best, OESTBYE MIXOL, DUNZINGER RAw-TAR,
and SCHUSTER RApID-TEFR are also recommended. Many authorities claim that linseed
oil stiffens the wood fibres and I am inclined to
think that pine tar preparations are better. A
mixture of ordinary pine tar and turpentine is
very satisfactory. After applying the dressing
thickly to the entire surface of the skis, they
should again be bound in the press. Two or
three coats should be applied during the summer and, between coats, the residue left by the
previous coat entirely removed with turpentine.
To prevent rusting, all metal parts of bindings, edges, ski sticks, etc., should be heavily
coated with vaseline. A coating of some leather preservative will keep boots, binding straps,
and ski stick leather in good condition.
In preparation for the winter, skis should be
well cleaned with turpentine and allowed to dry
thoroughly. The ends should then be varnished
to prevent snow-water soaking into the wood
and, after sanding down the running surface
lightly, a base wax should be applied. This
will preserve and waterproof the wood as well
as presenting a suitable surface for the application of climbing-and-running waxes. A-21,
AUSTRO-LACK, or some similar preparation is
then applied to the remainder of the ski to
waterproof and preserve the finish.
FASTER DOWNHILL
With WONDER WAX
For frozen corn snow or wet snow when the temperature is
above freezing, use WONDER KLISTER; for ALL other
snow conditions, use WONDER RED WAX
Wonder Base Wax *Wonder Red Wax *Wonder Klister
*Wonder Dubbin *Wonder Glacier Cream
A copy of "WHY WAX", describing
the theory and practice of modern ski
waxing, wilJ be sent on request.
CARNALL & WIESSNER
MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS
25 KING STREET WEST, TORONTO, 2, ONTARIO