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On Learning How to Ski
I have been skiing for a long time. Early on, my skill development was quick but limited by what was available. It was a time when cost was a major consideration. My first skis were toys; a couple of bent boards with cloth toe straps, and a pair of dowls for poles. My second set of skis (heavily worn with no steel edges) were hand-me-downs (in the photo below circa 1957) from my Uncle Lauri. (Later I tried to turn the skis into cross-country skis – they are now Christmas decorations). The pole baskets were repaired with rope (now hanging in the Clubhouse Fireplace Room). I had not yet developed leather work skills. Learning to ski with these skis placed a heavy enthuse on carving because the wood was worn out from between the wood again and did not allow much side slip. This was a hard way to start, but it did pay dividends later. Lessons and the desire to ski drove past the limitations.
My first “real” skis came Christmas 1958. They were from Strand’s Ski Shop in Worcester and had STEEL EDGES! But still bear trap bindings. This was a major step forward – the skis would actually side-slip. More lessons at Green Hill Park. Then another set of skis – longer with a toe piece that would sort of release with enough force (no moving parts). I skied in races at Green Hill Park, sponsored by the City of Worcester and Strand’s Ski Shop. I placed in some races (see photo below). More lessons and trips to Stowe with the North High School Ski Club. Tom Christensen was a big part of the trips. Tom talked me into teaching some fellow classmates – more memories. If you ski Toll Road with me, ask about them.
More Lessons in the late 1960s and into the 1980s, mostly at Stowe during leave from the US Air Force and when I needed some company. Lessons were included in the multi-day tickets and it was good to have someone to ski with.
When my daughters Louise and Katie were old enough to ski, I had company. I became the instructor. All my granddaughters are now highly competent skiers. They take lessons from me, Stowe, and local ski resorts. My oldest granddaughter (Maggie) skis with me regularly. We attended Bomber’s Clinic several times and were in the SWC Early Ski Clinic at Stowe last year. Stowe instructors are among the best available. Maggie is now in college, and we have plans to ski together again this year – mostly at Stowe.
I am now older, but still skiing. I like to think that my skill level is high, although the strength to ski double black diamond bumps is fading. Without lessons, skiing would be difficult and not so much fun.
Walt Kangas
