Turn of the Century

Recreational skiing began in the early 1900s. These pioneers taught themselves. Their skis were often made from native timber, or fashioned from blades of farm implements.

– Narrator

Roped-pairs was an early, hair-raising sport.

– Narrator

Two men, two pairs of skis, and a mountain to play on. Matching turn for turn, swishing through the valleys, over the ridges, shooting through the winter air. Twisting and turning like a pair of gulls. Dropping down until, at last, the hut and one of those cups of tea. Or maybe something stronger.

– Narrator of ‘50s newsreel