rule to go only with guides or experienced friends disposes of the
general advice respecting glaciers, crevasses, slips, strategy, and
discipline, for in these things a man must train himself during many
seasons. The rule that only good ski-runners dare aspire towards
high peaks saves a long repetition of detail as to outfit.[10] The
ski-runner-mountaineer ought always to be a man who, during his
apprenticeship, knew something of cold, hunger, slow companions, and
broken ski. To have no spare gloves and no provisions, to fall where
one ought to stand, to step on a hollow, or to risk a dashing slide,
may have merely disagreeable results two miles from home; but the same
omissions and commissions can be suicidal, nay, even criminal, when
ten miles from the nearest human habitation. If you wish to kill, go
alone, and kill yourself, for every party of mountaineers suffers for
the thoughtlessness of each of its members, while the greatest skill or
ability of one of them is as nothing in the balance of fate when the
whole has to bear the inadequacy of the lowest unit.
Extreme suspicion and wariness are the only correct attitude towards
the mountains in their winter garb. The number of factors which combine
to prepare or prevent an avalanche is truly bewildering, and any single
one of them may be the prime mover or the reliable safeguard in a given
instance. And this one was perhaps overlooked in weighing the evidence.
_The secret of the avalanche is the breaking strain and snapping point
of an unseen tension._ Avalanches owe their growth and collapse to
some or all of the following indications: The angle of the slope; the
surface of the ground; the quantity of the snow; the snow of a month
ago, of yesterday, and to-day; the temperature and the wind of a month
ago, yesterday, and today, while the snow fell, or before it fell, or
after it had fallen. And to consummate or prevent the catastrophy there
are, in conjunction with the above, the temperature at the time of our
arrival on the spot, the weight of the party, its methods of walking
or ski-ing, and sundry other accidents. So many possibilities produce
tantalising doubt rather than definite conviction, and more often than
not a slope, which presents all the visible elements of danger, may be
perfectly harmless. On the other hand, well-known guides have walked
into mouse-traps because one exceptional condition had altered the
internal character of a particular slope which, throughout their lives,
they had known as perfectly safe. A strong sense of human weakness
is therefore the proper frame of mind towards the mysterious and
overwhelming power of the snow.
The mountaineer must condense the theory of avalanches into a few
comprehensive rules of thumb, and when in doubt he must give the
benefit to himself and not to the avalanche.
SUSPICIOUS.--Every open slope of about 25 deg. or steeper, and _all new
snow in warm weather_. A thaw after a heavy fall of snow is the most
common cause of the thick and heavy slides known as ground avalanches.
DANGEROUS.--Every heavy accumulation of snow at an angle of 40 deg.
or more, on long open slopes, and in gullies. At lesser angles all
snow which lies on a hard and smooth surface (grass, earth, old snow,
crust, ice, &c.). Hard snow under the lee of ridges. This is liable to
crack and to become suddenly transformed into what looks like a huge
waterfall of lumps of sugar. Therefore, one ought to cross such slopes
as high up as possible. The cornice which overhangs the ridge is more
dangerous to those who walk _on_ it than to those _under_ it.
SAFE.--All slopes under 25 deg; all slopes evenly dotted with trees or
rocks; almost every perfectly homogeneous snow not deeper than 2ft.
which lies on a rough surface (screes, &c.).
More cannot be said without conjuring up a flood of detail. This
experience and acquired instinct must fill in. The tourist can find
almost daily an opportunity of making experiments on a small scale,
though he should not forget that a cubic yard of snow can dislocate his
arm or break his leg.
As an instance, showing the effect of surface, I may mention that, in
the Alpine spring, the grass slopes send down in huge avalanches the
solid layer accumulated and consolidated during the winter. At the
same time the firm, wet snow of exactly the same texture which lies on
screes remains perfectly safe, and affords splendid ski-ing. It never
slips off, but gradually melts, evaporates, and vanishes as the summer
draws near.
The only exact method of dealing with avalanches would be to make
“avalanche maps” of popular centres. In these maps the slopes and
gullies which are always bad are coloured, let us say, red. A blue
slope would be dangerous under such and such conditions; a green
slope becomes threatening in the spring, &c. On these maps all those
expeditions should be marked which can be guaranteed as safe.
The fear of the avalanche must always be before the ski-runner’s
conscience. All the rest is a matter of well-defined dogma, of strict
attention to well-known precautions, which belong to the routine of
every mountaineer deserving of the name.
(1) Never go alone; three is the minimum.
(2) One man at least must be an Alpine climber of experience.
(3) All members of the party must be equal in skill.
These three commandments are the essence. Let a few comments suffice.
(1) The solitary mountaineer is a fool. This is an article of faith.
Permissible exceptions are rare.
(2) The experienced leader will tell his friends all about the
crevasses, outfit, provisions, the importance of an early start, the
duty of keeping together, and the courage to turn back before the
approach of the night or bad weather. He will ask if everyone has his
goggles, spare gloves, provisions, snow-helmets, repairing tools. He
will take from everyone the promise to be strictly obeyed.
(3) This is a necessary complement to 1 and 2. Ten stumblers of equal
proficiency are a good party, for they will generally get as far as
they deserve. Nine good men and one stumbler are bad, for they will
probably make that one poor man feel worse than he is.
On long tours only persons can go who do not fall when they have the
will not to fall. He is not a fit companion for difficult expeditions
who is not sure that he can keep on his feet throughout the day.
A mountaineer never has a spill unless he forgets himself, his
companions, or his surroundings.
NOTE.--In our experience by far the commonest form of winter
avalanche occurs when a ski-runner crosses (or some other
influence disturbs) a long steep slope of _freshly-fallen_
snow. The weight of the runner is the last straw which causes
the slenderly coherent mass to snap. It does so with a curious
report, something like the cracking of thick ice on a frozen
lake. Below the dividing line, which may be half a mile long,
the snow slides off the hill-side much as it slides off the roof
of a house, forming itself into thick slabs like paving stones
which accumulate one on top of the other, and which ultimately
overwhelm the runner. The snow usually breaks only a short
distance above the runner, and consequently, in the event of an
accident, search should first be made in that part of the mass
which is highest up the hill.
Freshly-fallen snow is accordingly quite the most serious danger
of ski-running, and, inasmuch as it usually affords but poor
going, it is seldom worth while venturing far on very steep
ground after a recent fall. After a few days of fine weather,
however, the snow settles down, the avalanches run off, and
what remains becomes firmer and more crystalline in structure.
Under the pressure of its own weight, and owing to the peculiar
property of _regelation_ which solid water possesses, the new
fall attaches itself to the old crusts, and the conditions
become, comparatively speaking, safe.
It is a common saying amongst the Swiss that it is unsafe to
venture above the tree-line, as long as any snow is left clinging
to the trees on the sunny side of the valleys. This rough test we
have found to be a very useful one.--ED.
[Illustration: BROAD PEAK, KASHMIR.
Ski in foreground at a height of 20,000 feet.
_Photo by Dr. Guillarmod._]
ODDS AND ENDS.
BY E. C. RICHARDSON.
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 comfortably indoors when the trouble begins. It is therefore
important to consider what is to be done to avoid or cure it.
* * * * *
=Waxing the ski= is the simplest plan, and proves effective in the
great majority of cases. It is true that with waxed ski hill-climbing
may become a matter of considerable difficulty, for the wax is apt to
carry matters too far, and to make the surface unduly slippery. But
anything is better than carrying all that dead weight of snow, and by
using only a little wax under the foot (where the sticking chiefly
occurs), by choosing an easy gradient, and by side stepping, &c., one
can generally manage to get along somehow.
Various kinds of wax are sold for this purpose, and all are more or
less efficacious. There is, however, a difficulty with the solid kinds
in inducing them to “bite” when the ski are cold and wet, and the
writer prefers the semi-liquid variety sold in tubes. A tube of wax,
plus its attendant piece of rag, takes up very little room in the
pocket or rucksack, and its weight is in no way commensurate with that
of the lumps of snow which it is not infrequently its office to prevent.
* * * * *
=Sealskin.=--From time immemorial seal’s (or elk’s) skin has been
attached to the bottom of the ski. The hairs, set towards the heel
serve the double purpose of preventing the ski slipping backwards, and
of keeping the surface free from sticky snow. Until quite recently
it has been usual to fix the skin permanently; but whilst this works
fairly well for certain purposes, it is open to many objections. The
hair is a very serious impediment, both down-hill and on the level, for
it not only reduces the speed, but, owing to its inherent “wobbliness,”
it renders steering and balancing much more difficult. Then, again,
the hair soon wears out, a day of hard snow being sufficient to quite
spoil it; or it tears, or, being wet, the weather turns colder and it
freezes solid. But perhaps the most serious objection of all is the
nasty _feeling_ of a skin-clad ski. There is a certain cleanness and
crispness about the movement of the plain wood through the snow which
one learns to love, and which one sorely misses. Besides which there
is much art in getting up-hill to the best advantage on uncovered ski,
and this keeps one’s mind busy, and greatly alleviates the labours
of the climb; whereas with the skin any duffer can get along, and
climbing becomes pure drudgery. It is, however, certain that, given
a long and steep ascent where much zig-zagging is necessary, or even
an only moderately steep slope and hard snow, one can with the skin
arrive far more quickly and easily at the top than without it. It will,
therefore, either when attached permanently or when detachable as about
to be described, be found to be of great value for long and arduous
mountain tours on steep Alpine ground. But even in the Alps, under all
ordinary circumstances, where ski-running, and not the ascent of any
particularly difficult summit, is the object in view, and where it is
of no consequence whether one arrives an hour sooner or later, there is
no sense in encumbering oneself with unnecessary gear and spoiling the
pleasant “feel” of the bare ash.
On undulating ground, where one can usually go straight up and down
hill (as in most parts of Norway), nobody nowadays dreams of using skin
in any shape or form.
* * * * *
=Detachable Sealskin= is quite a recent invention, and is vastly
preferable to the fixed article. For it can be used for a long climb,
and removed when the summit is reached.
Thus a strip of the material mounted on webbing can be attached to the
bottom of the ski by means of a loop over the point, a strap at the
heel end, and a few transverse straps. But the plan is open to the
objection that the skin is apt to slip about sideways, and that the
fixing of it is troublesome, and takes time.
The latest method of fixing is that invented by Messrs. Sohm and
Madlener, and is highly recommended by those who have tried it. But it
involves boring two holes through each ski--an unpardonable sacrilege
in the eyes of some people. Surely, however, if we are going to commit
the outrage of using sealskin at all we may just as well be hanged for
a sheep as for a lamb, and bore holes or do anything else which may
assist us in our fell (joke!) design.
* * * * *
=The detachable skin of Herren Sohm and Madlener= is sewn on to stout
webbing, and is only about half as long as the ski themselves. It is
attached to the ski immediately in front of the foot, and reaches from
there to the back end. The arrangements for fixing it are extremely
ingenious, and permit of its being attached or removed with great
rapidity. The photographs and drawings (p. 108) show exactly what they
are.
A hole is bored in the ski just in front of the binding; and another
about halfway between it and the heel end of the ski. Through each of
these holes a bolt passes, the bottom of which is shaped like a flat
sort of button. The bolt sticks up through the ski; and it is threaded
and fitted with a wing-nut. (See Fig. _a_.) When not required the
button is screwed by means of the wing-nut into a recess cut for its
reception in the bottom of the ski.
The front part of the skin is buttoned to the front bolt, the middle
part to the second bolt, whilst the heel end has a strap sewn on to it
by means of which the whole is first stretched perfectly taut, and then
secured by passing the strap round the heel of the ski, and fixing it
to a catch on the top of the ski. The strap is fitted with eye-holes,
and the catch is of the simple, but ingenious construction shown in
Fig. _b_, and in the photos.
The front part of the skin, of course, requires protection. This is
afforded by soldering two pieces of sheet brass together so as to form
a sharp tent-shaped =V=.
[Illustration: FIG. 34.--The Sohm-Madlener Detachable Sealskin.
(_a_) Bolt with button and wing-nut. Two are needed for each ski.
(_b_) Catch for securing strap leading from back end of skin. The
photos showing catch half open and shut.
(_c_) Lower side of front edge of skin, showing sharp brass
entrance.
(_d_) Upper side of front edge of skin, showing button-hole on
brass entrance.
(_e_) Lower side of middle of skin, showing rivets for
button-hole. There should be six rivets instead of only four, as
shown.
(_f_) Upper side of middle of skin, showing button-hole.
The measurements, when not otherwise stated, are in millimètres.]
The skin, mounted on its webbing, is placed between the jaws of the =V=
which are then closed and secured by a couple of copper rivets. (See
Figs. _c_ and _d_.) The “button-holes” on the skin are not, of course,
of the ordinary kind. The front one is shown in Fig. _d_. The second
one in Fig. _f_.
The front “button-hole” is cut out of the upper part of the tent-shaped
brass =V= as shown in Fig. _d_.
The second “button-hole” (Fig. _f_) allows the button to slide
backwards and forwards in it so as to permit of the skin being pulled
quite taut. This “button-hole” is made by simply cutting a hole and
slot in another piece of sheet brass, and attaching it to the skin by
means of rivets. (See Figs. _e_ and _f_.) N.B.--Only four rivets are
shown in this drawing, but probably it is better to make the slot a
little longer and to add another rivet at each side.
In fitting this kind of detachable skin to a pair of ordinary ski, it
is probably best to fill up the customary groove cut in the bottom of
the ski. The ski will then be devoted exclusively to steep mountain
work where it is in any case advantageous to dispense with the groove.
(See page 33.) If, however, it is desired to retain the groove it will
be advisable to make the button holes extra strong, or else to make
them up so as to fit close against the wood.
It will be observed (as was mentioned above) that the skin only covers
about half the under surface of the ski. To prevent snow sticking to
the uncovered part in warm weather, a liberal coating of wax may be
applied, or else (as Herr Sohm advises) the whole of the bottom of the
ski may be painted with smooth and hard enamel. This gives a very fast
surface for running on, and of course no slipping back need be feared
when walking up-hill with the skin attached.
* * * * *
=Climbing Irons.=--Herr Sohm recommends the use of climbing irons
invented by him in combination with his detachable skin. The object of
the irons is to prevent slipping on very steep icy slopes. The writer
has had no experience of these, and, as criticism without practical
knowledge is seldom of much value, he prefers to leave the reader
to try them or leave them alone, just as he pleases. This much may,
however, be safely assumed that these appliances (like the skin itself)
can only be of value to the skilled ski mountaineer desirous of making
long and difficult excursions in the high Alps. They are (as Herr
Sohm himself insists) quite unnecessary on ordinary ground, and are
certainly not for the beginner.
[Illustration: FIG. 35.--Sohm’s Climbing Irons.
The measurements are in millimètres. See also the photos, page 108.]
The climbing irons are made of some strong metal unaffected by rust,
and their shape and the method of fixing them in conjunction with the
skin is shown clearly in the accompanying diagrams.
* * * * *
=Tying a piece of rope to the bottom of the ski= is resorted to by
some in order to help them to get up-hill. The writer has, however,
never found this to be of much use. It is true that if plenty of rope
is used, and if it is properly fixed (no easy matter by the way), it
largely obviates slipping back; but it also seriously hinders slipping
forwards, and necessitates a lifting or heavy dragging of the ski at
every step. Snow is very apt to stick to the rope, and of course no
glissading with it is possible. The net loss seems therefore to be
greater than the gain, though possibly there may be occasions when the
reader may find something of the sort useful. The plan has at least the
merit of cheapness.
[Illustration: IN NORDMARKEN, NEAR CHRISTIANIA.
_Photo by H. Abel._]
* * * * *
=Dipping part of the ski into water= is also recommended by some in
order to help climbing, the idea being to form a lump of ice on the
bottom, which may be removed when the summit is reached. But this,
too, is open to much the same objections as the rope, and is scarcely
worth while. If it is to be adopted, it is well to be provided with a
metal paper-knife, or something of the kind, to scrape off the ice,
and, incidentally, it may be here mentioned that some sort of scraping
appliance will always be found useful; for cleaning one’s ski with the
stick or an ordinary knife takes a long time, besides being apt to
injure both the wood and the blade.
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) Too short gloves. Have long gloves to draw over the sleeves
of your coat.
II.--CONDITION OF THE SNOW.
(1) Abusing the snow. The better the ski-runner the less he
complains, and _vice versâ_. Notice how the good men manage.
(2) Continuing a tour when danger may be expected. Only
greenhorns and fools do so. Turn back, and try another day.
(3) Waxing ski when snow is _just_ binding. Best not. The slight
clinging will help you up, and won’t interfere seriously with the
run. Probably, too, it will be colder higher up.
III.--TECHNIQUE.
(1) Short waddling steps on the level. Lean forward. Slide.
(2) Can’t get up hill. Raise front of ski and stamp. Don’t go too
steeply. Go slowly, but keep at it.
(3) Rushing up in front of others when on tour. Don’t show off.
Probably you are one of the worst of the party; in any case, you
are only annoying the others.
(4) Side stepping, ski cross. Raise heel of lower ski. (See p.
60.)
(5) Can’t start down hill. Be quick about it, and then you can.
(6) Legs apart and feet level. Keep legs close together and one
foot forward.
(7) Leaning back on stick. Practise without one.
(8) Falling inwards when making a down-hill curve. Lean forward!
Throw the weight on to the lower ski.
(9) Telemark swing. Can’t get round. Raise heel of the back foot.
(10) Christiania swing. Ski runs off at a tangent. Hold ski
together. Swing on both of them.
(11) Not learning to turn to both right and left. Don’t keep on
practising that which you can already do.
(12) Dropping over a jump without sats, or recklessly hurling
yourself over. Both forms of funking. Keep cool and think of your
form.
(13) Jumping too late. Don’t go quite so fast, and begin to
straighten up earlier.
(14) General stiffness. Don’t get into any fixed style of
running. Keep on changing your ground and trying new things.
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 should not instantly rush to the assistance of a lady who may have
fallen. Do not let your gallantry get the better of your common sense.
In Norway ladies put on their own ski, and manage their own bindings,
and it is not good manners to offer to assist them. Would that the
custom extended to Switzerland!
However amusing your conversation may be, you should refrain from
chattering during a long climb. Not everybody’s wind or everybody’s
temper is perfect.
You will not add to your popularity on tour by continually accepting
hospitality at the hands of others, especially if your water-bottle be
small, and you carry no repairing outfit.
You should pay up punctually, and without demur, to the man who
finances a touring party; it is at least ten to one that he is out of
pocket, anyway.
It is a gross breach of manners to tread on the back of another man’s
ski. You should at once apologise and fall back five yards.
You should not come plumping over a jump which others have been at
some pains to construct, without first asking their leave, and it is
always your solemn duty to repair as well as possible any damage you
may occasion to the track.
Unless you are really a very good runner, it is better not to imitate
too closely the Norwegian style of dress. People may be disappointed.
Always be polite in your dealings with foreigners, and you will seldom
have cause to complain of their want of manners.
SOME USEFUL FIGURES.
1 inch = ·0254 metres
1 foot = ·3048 metres
1 yard = ·9144 metres
1000 metres = 3280 feet
1000 feet = 304·8 metres
1 metre = 39·370 inches[11]
″ = 3·280 feet
″ = 1·0933 yards
1 kilometre = 1093·3 yards
8 kilometres = 4·969 miles
″ ″ = 5 miles, less 50 yards
FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND AND ITALY.
£4 = 100 francs
4- = 5 francs
1/- = 1·25 francs
100 francs = 80 /-
5 francs = 4/-
1 franc = -/9½ about
NORWAY, &C.
£1 = 18·2 kroner
1 krone = 1/1¼ about
GERMANY.
£1 = 20·4 marks
1 mark = -/11¾ about
AUSTRIA, &C.
£1 = { 24 kronen
{ 10·2 florins or gulden
1 krone = -/10
1 florin or gulden = 1/11½
* * * * *
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.
THERMOMETER.
_Comparison between Scales of Fahrenheit, Réaumur, and the Centigrade._
CENT. FAH’T. RMR.
° ° °
100B. 212B. 80B.
99 210·2 79·2
98 208·4 78·4
97 206·6 77·6
96 204·8 76·8
95 203 76
94 201·2 75·2
93 199·4 74·4
92 197·6 73·6
91 195·8 72·8
90 194 72
89 192·2 71·2
88 190·4 70·4
87 188·6 69·6
86 186·8 68·8
85 185 68
84 183·2 67·2
83 181·4 66·4
82 179·6 65·6
81 177·8 64·8
80 176 64
79 174·2 63·2
78 172·4 62·4
77 170·6 61·6
76 168·8 60·8
75 167 60
74 165·2 59·2
73 163·4 58·4
72 161·6 57·6
71 159·8 56·8
70 158 56
69 156·2 55·2
68 154·4 54·4
67 152·6 53·6
66 150·8 52·8
65 149 52
64 147·2 51·2
63 145·4 50·4
62 143·6 49·6
61 141·8 48·8
60 140 48
59 138·2 47·2
58 136·4 46·4
57 134·6 45·6
56 132·8 44·8
55 131 44
54 129·2 43·2
53 127·4 42·4
52 125·6 41·6
51 123·8 40·8
50 122 40
49 120·2 39·2
48 118·4 38·4
47 116·8 37·6
46 114·8 36·8
45 113 36
44 111·2 35·2
43 109·4 34·4
42 107·6 33·6
41 105·8 32·8
40 104 32
39 102·2 31·2
38 100·4 30·4
37 98·6 29·6
36 96·8 28·8
35 95 28
34 93·2 27·2
33 91·4 26·4
32 89·6 25·6
31 87·8 24·8
30 86 24
29 84·2 23·2
28 82·4 22·4
27 80·6 21·6
26 78·8 20·8
25 77 20·0
24 75·2 19·2
23 73·4 18·4
22 71·6 17·6
21 69·8 16·8
20 68 16
19 66·2 15·2
18 64·4 14·4
17 62·6 13·6
16 60·8 12·8
15 59 12
14 57·2 11·2
13 55·4 10·4
12 53·6 9·6
11 51·8 8·8
10 50 8
9 48·2 7·2
8 46·4 6·4
7 44·6 5·6
6 42·8 4·8
5 41 4
4 39·2 3·2
3 37·4 2·4
2 35·6 1·6
1 33·8 0·8
Zero 32 Zero
1 30·2 0·8
2 28·4 1·6
3 26·6 2·4
4 24·8 3·2
5 23 4
6 21·2 4·8
7 19·4 5·6
8 17·6 6·4
9 15·8 7·2
10 14 8
11 12·2 8·8
12 10·4 9·6
13 8·6 10·4
14 6·8 11·2
15 5 12
16 3·2 12·8
17 1·4 13·6
18 -- 14·4
19 2·2 15·2
20 4 16
21 5·8 16·8
22 7·6 17·6
23 9·4 18·4
24 11·2 19·2
25 13 20
26 14·8 20·8
27 16·6 21·6
28 18·4 22·4
29 20·2 23·2
30 22 24
31 23·8 24·8
32 25·6 25·6
33 27·4 26·4
34 29·2 27·2
35 31 28
36 32·8 28·8
37 24·6 29·6
38 36·4 29·6
39 38·2 31·2
40 40 32
41 41·8 32·8
42 43·6 33·6
43 45·4 34·4
44 47·2 35·2
45 49 36
46 50·8 36·8
47 52·6 37·6
48 54·4 38·4
49 56·2 39·2
_Advertisements._
=Outfit= FOR EVERY
SPORT.
=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 or to order.
=BERCOLIN= (in tubes), the best ski-wax, and other lubricants.
=EVERYTHING= required by ski-runners, mountaineers, tobogganers,
skaters, and tourists.
* * * * *
E. DETHLEFFSEN & CO., =BERNE=, CHRISTOFFELGASSE 7.
BERR & CO., ″ ″ =VIENNA=, MARIAHILFER STR. 1C.
H. SGHWAIGER, ″ ″ =MUNICH=, WEIN STR.(RATHAUS).
_Three Names._ _Three Countries._ _One Quality._
_J. Dege & Sons_,
ESTABLISHED 1865,
Military and Sporting Tailors and Breeches Makers.
LEATHERS AND ALL HUNTING SPECIALITIES.
Messrs. J. Dege & Sons beg to announce to the readers of this Manual
that they have, after the most careful inquiry as to the requirements
of that most attractive and exciting sport SKI-RUNNING, perfected an
Outfit best suited for the purpose.
It consists of a Snowproof Suit suitable for the Sport, which at the
same time is porous; and our Special Ski Cap of the same material.
Telegraphic Address: Telephone:
HARK FORWARD, LONDON. 6440 GERRARD.
13, CONDUIT STREET.
[Illustration]
DOWIE & MARSHALL
MAKE
“LAUPAR SKO”
MOUNTAINEERING
AND ALL KINDS OF
PRACTICAL AND
COMFORTABLE BOOTS.
Special lasts are made and reserved exclusively for each customer.
New customers who cannot favour D. & M. with a personal interview
should send outlines of their feet taken standing, or a pair of old
boots, as a guide for fitting.
[Illustration]
_Illustrated Catalogue Gratis._
DOWIE & MARSHALL,
455, WEST STRAND, LONDON.
_ESTABLISHED 1824._
Sportsmen visiting Norway may procure all
Sporting Requisites
OF
Ludv. TORGERSEN & CO. Ltd.,
STORTHINGSGADEN 4, CHRISTIANIA.
MANUFACTURERS OF
Ice Axes (Norwegian Pattern), Ski and Accessories,
Ski Staffs, Socks, Laupar (Ski) Boots, Mitts,
Lanterns, Coasters, Steering Poles,
Haversacks.
SELECTED STOCK OF BREECHLOADERS AND RIFLES.
ELEY’S AMMUNITION.
Cartridges loaded to order with English Gunpowders and Newcastle
Chilled Shot.
Large Assortment of FISHING TACKLE suitable for Fishing in Norway.
CARL JOHANS GADE 5, CHRISTIANIA.
LARSENS VAABENFORRETNING.
[Illustration]
MANUFACTURERS OF
SKI,
SKATES,
AND
COASTERS
(TOBOGGANS),
With their accessories of best quality. (The above always kept in
stock.)
ENGLISH GUNS.
FISHING RODS and TACKLE.
Eley’s and Kynoch’s Ammunition.
Snow Shoes & ‘Ski’
Trade-Mark REINDEER HEAD.
Made out of the toughest German Ash, in accordance with the best
designs and with various bindings (only first-class material used).
Direct from the Factory.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: Schutz-Marke.]
JOSEPH FISCHER,
Freiburg i. B.
[Illustration: The “Davos” Model High Form, Pattern “E,” Mounting “L,”
Length 90 c.m.]
[Illustration: The “Davos” Model, Low Form, Pattern “PP,” Mounting “M,”
Length 90 c.m.]
SNOW-SHOE AND TOBOGGAN FACTORY.
Wood bent by Steam on the Premises--A speciality for the last 15 years.
RETAILERS RECEIVE A SUITABLE DISCOUNT.
Goods supplied to the German South-pole Expedition, to Home and
Continental Military Authorities, and to Post and Forest Officials.
MY GOODS BEAR, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, THE ABOVE TRADE-MARK (REINDEER HEAD).
L. H. HAGEN & CO.,
KIRKEGADEN 19, CHRISTIANIA, NORWAY.
[Illustration]
_Largest Assortment of Firearms and Sporting Requisites in Scandinavia._
=SKI=, of various patterns, have all been awarded Gold Medals.
=FASTENINGS=, which have obtained the highest possible awards.
=SKI OUTFITS=, and all requisites connected with Ski-ing,
supplied.
=SKATES=, of Hagen’s celebrated and universally known pattern.
COASTERS, TOBOGGANS, SLEDS.
_Awarded Eleven Gold Medals. Two Grand Prix._
[Illustration]
L. H. HAGEN & Co.
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.
ASCHEHOUGS BOGHANDEL,
BOOKSELLER.
English and Foreign Books, Magazines, Periodicals, and Journals.
43, CARL JOHANS GADE, CHRISTIANIA.
[Illustration]
THE SWISS SKI.
Made by
RICHARD STAUB, ZURICH.
_TRADE MARK._
[Illustration: MARKE Tödi
MARQUE DÉPOSÉE]
_TRADE MARK._
THE SKI are light and elastic, and are made from the celebrated Swiss
mountain ash.
=THE SKI= are fitted with either “Ellefsen’s,” or “Huitfeidt’s.” or the
“Model C driving belt” bindings.
_Maker of the original Davos Toboggan, Bandy (ice-hockey) Clubs, &c._
_=LONDON DEPOT=_: With Messrs. A. W. GAMAGE,
HOLBORN.
W. C. MÖLLER,
DRAMMEN, NORWAY,
_FURRIER and MANUFACTURER of REINDEER HAIR LIFEBUOYS for YACHTS_.
CONTRACTOR TO POLAR EXPEDITIONS.
_EQUIPPED_
The National Antarctic Expedition.
Duke of Abruzzi’s, The, Arctic Expedition.
Ziegler’s Arctic Expedition.
Baron Toll’s Arctic Expedition.
Drygalski’s Antarctic Expedition.
Argentine Government’s Antarctic Expedition.
&c., &c.
_SUPPLIES_
Ski-Boots, Socks, Finn Mocassins, Fur Gloves, Leather Jackets, Sleeping
Bags, and every kind of Fur Clothing and Requisite for Winter wear, or
travelling in cold climates.
AWARDED 6 GOLD and 2 SILVER MEDALS.
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.
=Salzburg.= Capital and Dukedom. Excellently suited for the
winter.
=Bozen-Gries=, =Trent=, =Rovereto=, =Arco=, =Riva=, &c. Excellent
places for winter sojourn.
=WINTER TOURS TO THE AUSTRIAN ALPS.= For particulars and
pamphlets (free) write or call:--
THE AUSTRIAN TRAVEL & INFORMATION BUREAU,
86, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W.
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.
BEFORE PURCHASING SOUVENIRS
BE SURE TO VISIT
BENNETT’S
Photograph and Curiosity Stores.
Unrivalled Stock of Photos, Silver, Fancy Articles,
Guide Books, Maps, Books on Norway, Tauchnitz
Edition, &c.
TRAVELLING AND HOTEL COUPONS ISSUED.
Every Information furnished relative to Travelling in Norway. Money
Exchanged.
THOS. BENNETT &. SONS,
CARL JOHANS GADE 35, CHRISTIANIA.
_By Special Appointment, Dealers to Her Majesty Queen Alexandra._
WILLIAM SCHMIDT,
41, CARL JOHANS GADE,
CHRISTIANIA.
GENTLEMEN’S OUTFITTERS.
SPORTING . REQUISITES . AND . CLOTHING.
H. HORN & Co.
Egertorvet,
CHRISTIANIA.
GENTLEMEN’S OUTFITTERS.
=GRAN HOTEL=, BOLKESJÖ, NORWAY.
Proprietor, M. HAFSTEN.
First-class accommodation. Moderate terms.
Beautifully situated in Telemarken. Most suitable quarters for Ski-ing
and Winter Sports. Eight hours from Christiania--rail to Kongsberg,
drive thence to Bolkesjö. Telephonic communication with all parts.
Highly recommended.
CHAMONIX.
WINTER SEASON.
_The Electric Railway from Le Fayet St. Gervais
to Chamonix is now running the whole year round._
GRAND HOTEL PENSION.
COUTTET et du PARC.
SKI-RUNNING,
SKATING,
TOBOGGANING.
EXTENSIVE ICE RINK IN SUNNY POSITION.
_All small Mountain Excursions may be made
in Winter._
CENTRAL HEATING, ELECTRIC LIGHT.
M. COUTTET, who is himself an enthusiastic Ski-Runner, and has ascended
in Winter on Ski the Col du Geant, 11,056ft., the Col du Midi,
11,700ft., and traversed from Chamonix to Zermatt by the High Level
Route, &c., is able to give all information concerning the district.
For full particulars apply to the Proprietors,
COUTTET BROTHERS,
Hotel Couttet,
Chamonix, France.
CAUX, ABOVE TERRITET, MONTREUX.
Lake of Geneva, Switzerland.
CAUX PALACE & GRAND HOTEL.
Splendid position, with magnificent view of
the Alps. Central, full south.
_HEATED THROUGHOUT BY STEAM._
Concert three times a day. Grand Balls.
Magnificent Hall.
One of the finest Hotels, With first-rate
Cuisine.
GRINDELWALD.
HOTELS BEAR AND ADLER.
WINTER SPORTS:
SKI-RUNNING, SKATING,
TOBOGGANING, CURLING.
BOSS BROTHERS, Proprietors.
DAVOS PLATZ.
GRAND HOTEL BELVEDERE
IS
The best Hotel for Ski Runners, and the headquarters of the Davos
English Ski Club.
GRAND HOTEL BELVEDERE
HAS
Baths on every floor, and the most modern recently installed
sanitary arrangements.
GRAND HOTEL BELVEDERE
IS
Close to the big Skating Rink, Where the International Skating
Competitions are held.
GRAND HOTEL BELVEDERE
HAS
Electric light throughout, private spring water supply, central
heating, and a rational and well varied cuisine.
GRAND HOTEL BELVEDERE
IS
Close to the Schatz Alp Cable Railway, which takes passengers up
1000 feet in a few minutes.
GRAND HOTEL BELVEDERE
HAS
A large Ball Room, where balls, dances, orchestral concerts, &c.,
are given throughout the winter season.
GRAND HOTEL BELVEDERE
IS
THE BEST HOTEL IN
DAVOS PLATZ.
AUSTRIAN TIROL,
KITZBÜHEL
(_Two hours beyond Innsbruck_).
PENSION SCHLOSS LEBENBERG.
UNDER ENGLISH MANAGEMENT.
OPEN ALL THE YEAR. EXCELLENT CUISINE.
EVERY COMFORT.
As a Ski-ing Centre KITZBÜHEL
_STANDS UNRIVALLED_.
Owing to the formation of the slopes, Kitzbühel has been pronounced by
experts to be one of the finest Ski-ing grounds in Europe.
The position of Lebenberg enables Visitors to start in any direction
from the Schloss.
The Climate of Kitzbühel is noted for the absence of wind and the
amount of sunshine. It is therefore
AN IDEAL WINTER RESORT.
Tobogganing and Skating can also be indulged in.
Sleigh races and Ski-ing competitions are held yearly.
_For Illustrated Prospectus and further particulars apply to the
Proprietor_,
_PENSION SCHLOSS LEBENBERG_,
KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIAN TIROL.
5,000 FEET ABOVE THE SEA.
_Feldberg_ in the _Black Forest_.
Nearest and most favourable Ski-ing ground for England.
Railway Station: TITISEE, via FREIBURG, BADEN.
HOTEL FELDBERGER HOF.
The Hotel contains 150 Rooms, with 200 beds, and has two annexes--The
Jaegermattte, with 25 rooms and 40 beds, and the Turm Hotel, with 28
rooms and 48 beds.
SPLENDID SKI-ING COUNTRY.
The Hotel has been greatly enlarged and contains every modern
comfort, including electric light, central heating throughout, lift,
billiard-room, skittle-alley, beer-room, drying-rooms, store-room for
ski, two baths in every storey, and suites of rooms.
Pension Prices for a six days’ stay.
Tobogganing road to Titisee.
Post and Telegraph Office on the Premises. Telegraphic Address:
“Feldberg, Schwarzwald.”
Proprietors:
MAYER AND SCHLADERER.
_CURHAUS-DAVOS_,
DAVOS-PLATZ,
SWITZERLAND.
INTERNATIONAL HOTEL.
_Board and Lodging for 8 shillings and upwards._
ALPINE SPORT.
SKI-ING, TOBOGGANING, SKATING.
_DAVOS DORF, SWITZERLAND,
FLUELA POST AND SPORT HOTEL._
Exclusively reserved for Sportsmen
and through Travellers.
NO ACCOMMODATION FOR INVALIDS.
PROSPECTUS WITH TERMS ON APPLICATION.
=A. GREDIG SON=, _Proprietor_.
“SKI” & “ALPINER WINTERSPORT”
Edited by H. A. TANNER, Basle, Switzerland.
“=SKI.=”--The illustrated official organ of all the Ski Clubs in
Central Europe. Correspondence from all parts of the world.
“=ALPINER WINTERSPORT.=”--A journal dealing with all Winter
Sports. Published in English, French, German, and Italian, and
read by members of the various English colonies on the Continent.
English correspondence is always welcome.
=BOTH PAPERS= are forwarded together, and may be obtained through
every Bookseller and Post-Office; or from the Editor in Basle.
LIGHT AND FIRM.
Ellefsen’s Binding
SIMPLE AND STRONG.
NORWEGIAN WINTER SPORTS.
Direct, convenient, and economical route from England to =Christiania=
(the centre for all Norwegian winter sports) by the magnificent Mail
and Passenger Steamers
“=Sovereign=” and “=Sterling=,”
sailing from =Newcastle= (Tyne Dock) every Friday evening. Fare £3 3s.
0d. single or £5 5s. 0d. return, inclusive of victualling.
FOR FURTHER PARTICULARS APPLY TO THE AGENTS:--
P. H. MATTHIESSEN & CO., NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE.
_Telegraphic Address: “Matthiessen.”_
SHEW CAMERAS.
[Illustration]
- 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.
[Illustration]
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.=
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 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.]
[Footnote 2: “W.T.,” _T.P.’s Weekly_, p. 226, Feb., 1904.]
[Footnote 3: Scandinavian _skrïde_ = to slide, glide, slip.]
[Footnote 4: The names of the best known of these Telemarkings were,
Knut Olafsen Haugen, Aasmund Brække, Sveinung Svalastoga, and the
“Hemmestvedt gutter” (Torjus and Mikkel Hemmestvedt).--ED.]
[Footnote 5: Probably also on most of our own mountains.]
[Footnote 6: To judge by the number of utterly foolish bindings on the
market, this is a point which usually escapes the inventor-novice.]
[Footnote 7: Look at the frontispiece for an example of first-class
level-running.]
[Footnote 8: In competitions the jump is measured from the point where
the runner leaves the ground to the middle of the deepest part of the
impression which his ski make on alighting.]
[Footnote 9: The ski which are suitable for ordinary excursions on
undulating ground are not necessarily equally useful for long mountain
climbs. In the one case ski-running pure and simple is the object in
view, in the other the ski are merely a means to an end--the ascent
of some difficult summit or pass. Some remarks as to the kind of
instrument which may be found serviceable for the latter purpose are to
be found at p. 34, and in the chapter on “Aids to Climbing.”--ED.]
[Footnote 10: This, perhaps, scarcely goes far enough. The outfit
suitable for undulating wooded ground on which a runner may attain
to great skill is not equally serviceable high up. In particular, a
cap covering most of the face and neck, smoked glasses or the simple
arrangement described on p. 50, a light wind-jacket of some sort,
extra-thick gloves, extra-thick socks, and extra-stout nailed boots
are essential. The runner should accustom himself to carrying a large
heavy rucksack, which is a disagreeable, but, alas! an indispensable,
companion on a long mountain tour.--ED.]
[Footnote 11: The exact figures are not as yet settled, and are
given--39·37043196 39·37079, 39·37008, &c.]
[Transcriber’s Note:
The Contents reference to “Side stepping ... Page 69” erroneously
refers to “SIDE-SLIPPING” on Page 69.
Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.]