Category Columns

The word “ski” is derived from the old Norse word skíð which means stick of wood.  And for hundreds, maybe thousands of years, skis were just that: sticks of wood. The Norwegians not only get credit for the word, but… Continue Reading →

1968 Raichle Red Boot ad in SKIING Magazine The Raichle Fiber Jet (aka Red Hot) was the first boot to break the color barrier.  Introduced in 1968 the bright red Raichle Fiber Jet was a conversation starter in lift lines… Continue Reading →

The first generally available plastic boots were introduced in 1965.  There was the Lange boot, a familiar name today, but there was also a less familiar name: Rosemount! The Rosemount company located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, was (and is) a… Continue Reading →

For the past couple of posts I’ve been writing about leather ski boots.  Saturday, January 8th, I was on the Perry Merrill trail when I spied a pair, well actually two pairs, of leather boots!  I chased the couple down and… Continue Reading →

Henke Buckle Leather Ski Boot  “Are you still lacing while others are racing?”  Bob Burley was the first to identify this as the great advertising slogan used for the Henke Speed-Fit boot.  He also included the disparaging nickname racers of… Continue Reading →

It’s 10:30 on a clear mid-December morning with the outside temperature in the teens above zero.  I’m in the base lodge with my ski boots off sitting with my feet propped up as close to the blazing fire place as… Continue Reading →

At about the same time the Belknap chairlift was being built, Harvey Dow Gibson, one of America’s leading financiers, had a vision of making his hometown, North Conway, New Hampshire, into a world-class ski resort.  He had consulted with his… Continue Reading →

First Chairlift in New England at Belknap Mountain Recreation Area – photo courtesy of New England Ski Museum The first chairlift in New England was built in Gilford, New Hampshire, at what is now called the Gunstock ski area.  It… Continue Reading →

Aspen Lift 1 – Single Chairlift built in 1946 By the 1960’s the American West had emerged as the premier place to ski.  As we Easterners sharpened our edges or put on an extra layer, we heard rumors of blue… Continue Reading →

Ruud Mountain Charlift with Mount Baldy in background – Photo courtesy of Ed Pearson The first chairlift was installed at Sun Valley, Idaho, in 1936 and began operation in December.  Pete Davis was the first with the correct answer and… Continue Reading →