A hand-painted postcard from the early 1900s, by an unknown artist, depicts St. Nicholas delivering gifts by ski, with wishes for a Merry Christmas. From the collection of the German Ski Museum in Planegg, Germany (courtesy of Dr. Gerd Falkner, museum director).
14 Made in Switzerland (Part II)
From buckle boots to safety bindings, Swiss ski-equipment manufacturers have helped to make the sport better. By Luzi Hitz
18 Going Downhill Fast
Speed skiers take a straight shot down the steeps, following the simple schuss to its maniacal limits. By John Jerome
24 Stratton at 50
It’s golden anniversary time for the Vermont mountain that midwifed snowboarding and one of the earliest ski academies. Photos by Hubert Schriebl
3 Readers Respond
5 Short Turns
New ski history center in Denver, Lindsey Vonn’s historic World Cup win, where seniors ski free.
6 Snapshots in Time
Garbage piles make the first halfpipe (1981), wear a corset when you wedel (1961).
11 Where Are They Now?
Ski-performance artist Alan Schönberger is working on a new show and training alpine racers in Park City, Utah.
29 Where Are They Now?
Legendary Sun Valley ski instructor Konrad Staudinger is skiing and playing tennis in Kitzbühel.
32 Historic Lodging
Once a haven for medieval travelers, the Arlberg Hospiz in Austria has sheltered ski tourists since 1901.
35 Remembering
Yvan Taché, Harvey Edwards, Lynn Newcomb, Max Dercum, Ralph Walton, Dick Reuter, Bud Klein, Ed Pauls
38 Skier’s Bookshelf
Aspen, immigrants and the environment.
40 Last Run
Warren Miller explains how to prep for the ski season.
