SKIING HISTORY
Editor Kathleen James
Art Director Edna Baker
Contributing Editor Greg Ditrinco
ISHA Website Editor Seth Masia
Editorial Board
Seth Masia, Chairman
John Allen, Andy Bigford, John Caldwell, Jeremy Davis, Kirby Gilbert, Paul Hooge, Jeff Leich, Bob Soden, Ingrid Wicken
Founding Editors
Morten Lund, Glenn Parkinson
To preserve skiing history and to increase awareness of the sport’s heritage
ISHA Founder
Mason Beekley, 1927–2001
ISHA Board of Directors
John Fry (1930-2020), Chairman
Seth Masia, President
Wini Jones, Vice President
Jeff Blumenfeld, Vice President
John McMurtry, Vice President
Chan Morgan, Treasurer
Einar Sunde, Secretary
Richard Allen, Skip Beitzel, Michael Calderone, Christin Cooper, Art Currier, Dick Cutler, Chris Diamond, David Ingemie, Rick Moulton, Wilbur Rice, Charles Sanders, Bob Soden (Canada)
Presidential Circle
Christin Cooper, Billy Kidd, Jean-Claude Killy, Bode Miller, Doug Pfeiffer, Penny Pitou, Nancy Greene Raine
Business & Events Manager
Kathe Dillmann
P.O. Box 1064
Manchester Center VT 05255
(802) 362-1667
kathe@skiinghistory.org
Membership Services
Laurie Glover
(802) 375-1105
laurie@skiinghistory.org
Corporate Sponsorships
Peter Kirkpatrick
(541) 944-3095
peterk10950@gmail.com
Bimonthly journal and official publication of the International Skiing History Association (ISHA)
Partners: U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame | Canadian Ski Museum and Hall of Fame
Alf Engen Ski Museum | North American Snowsports Journalists Association | Swiss Academic Ski Club
Skiing History (USPS No. 16-201, ISSN: 23293659) is published bimonthly by the International Skiing History Association, P.O. Box 1064, Manchester Center, VT 05255.
Periodicals postage paid at Manchester Center, VT and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to ISHA, P.O. Box 1064, Manchester Center, VT 05255
ISHA is a 501(c)(3) public charity. EIN: 06-1347398
Written permission from the editor is required to reproduce, in any manner, the contents of Skiing History, either in full or in part.
Ads from the Past: Sohler Skis
Looking back nearly 60 years, this Sohler Ski ad, featuring thick-rimmed white sunglasses, hoody ski parka and a glamorous wind-blown milieu, could be selling today’s hip outdoor fashion, as well as “the ski for those who want the best.” The ad, from the December 1961 issue of SKI magazine, touts the German ski manufacturer’s “Spyder-Downhill” as the “fastest metal ski in the world.” No exaggeration, there. Sohler was the ski supplier for Luigi DiMarco’s speed-skiing world record set in Cervinia, Italy, in August 1960, at more than 101 mph. With his record run, DiMarco became the first human to officially break 100 mph on skis. (DiMarco was back in 1964 to raise the record to 108 mph.) The current record? In 2016, Italian speed skier Ivan Origone blazed down a course at Vars resort, in the French Alps, at more than 158 mph—in a fashionably bright red speed suit.
COMING UP IN FUTURE ISSUES
Decisive Moments (Part 2)
Paul Ryan searched through his archives to find the most captivating images from his career as a globe-trotting
ski photographer.
We Need More Cowbell!
A brief history of the clanging bells that cheer on alpine racers.
Where Are They Now?
Pernilla Wiberg, Sweden’s all-time record-holding female alpine ski racer, is still giving back to the sport.
Quantum Leap
Alpine skiing took a big step forward between 1930 and 1932 with the introduction of steel edges and locked-down heels, paving the way for its introduction to the 1936 Winter Olympics.
PLUS:
Are Bota Bags Primed for a Comeback?
Classic Lodges & Historic resorts
VISIT THE ISHA WEBSITE: www.skiinghistory.org
Join our Facebook page: facebook.com/skiinghistory
Table of Contents
Corporate Sponsors
ISHA deeply appreciates your generous support!
World Championship
($3,000 and up)
Gorsuch
Polartec
Warren and Laurie Miller
World Cup ($1,000)
Aspen Skiing Company
BEWI Productions
Bogner
Boyne Resorts
Dale of Norway
Darn Tough Vermont
Descente North America
Dynastar | Lange | Look
Fairbank Group: Bromley, Cranmore, Jiminy Peak
Gordini USA Inc. | Kombi LTD
HEAD Wintersports
Hickory & Tweed Ski Shop
Intuition Sports, Inc.
Mammoth Mountain
Marker-Volkl USA
National Ski Areas Association (NSAA)
Outdoor Retailer
Rossignol
Ski Area Management
Ski Country Sports
Snowsports Merchandising Corporation
Sport Obermeyer
Sports Specialists, Ltd.
Sun Valley Resort
Vintage Ski World
World Cup Supply, Inc.
Gold ($700)
Race Place | BEAST Tuning Tools
The Ski Company (Rochester, NY)
Silver ($500)
Alta Ski Area
Boden Architecture PLLC
Dalbello Sports
Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners
Fera International
Holiday Valley
Hotronic USA, Inc. | Wintersteiger
MasterFit Enterprises
McWhorter Driscoll, LLC
Metropolitan New York Ski Council
Mt. Bachelor
New Jersey Ski & Snowboard Council
NILS, Inc.
Portland Woolen Mills
Russell Mace Vacation Homes
Schoeller Textile USA
Scott Sports
Seirus Innovations
SeniorsSkiing.com
Ski Utah
Tecnica Group USA
Timberline Lodge & Ski Area
Trapp Family Lodge
Western Winter Sports Reps Association
World Pro Ski Tour
The International Skiing History Association (ISHA) is grateful to the generous corporate sponsors who share our commitment to preserving skiing history and sharing it with the world. During this difficult time, your financial support is vital to our success, and we urge our members to support you in return. —ISHA Board of Directors