Lilienfeld Ski
This type of ski is favored by but comparatively few ski runners, and the modeling is inferior to the Telemark ski. The arch is excessive in height, the bend is abrupt and stiff, while the round point, fashioned to prevent sticking in loose brush, has apparently little value in actual use. The Lilienfeld ski is made without a groove, and since the whole model is shorter and broader than the usual type of ski, turning is more easily accomplished, but side slipping is, of course, considerably increased. Ease in turning is a desirable quality, to be sure, but steadiness and immunity from side slipping are far more valuable qualities in a ski designed for all-around use. In short, the Lilienfeld model possesses no decided advantages over the Telemark type, but has many points of inferiority. To one who has used both models there can be no question but that the Telemark model is preferable.
When purchasing skis the sportsman will make no mistake in selecting the Telemark model, and for an active person the skis should be long enough to reach to the middle joint of the fingers, when the arms are stretched above the head, and the ski is stood upright on its heel. The length of a pair so selected will be from 7¹⁄₂ to 8 ft. For elderly and less active persons, for individuals of short stature, and for ladies, skis reaching to the wrist joint will be about right; the length ranging from 6¹⁄₂ to 7 ft. For youths and children shorter skis, from 5 to 6 ft. in length, according to the size and strength of the person, are of course required.
Fig. 1
The Telemark, Swedish and Lilienfeld Models with Grooves and Grooveless Bottoms, the Telemark Being the Standard and Best All-Around Ski; the Swedish is Long and Narrow with Upturned Heel, and the Lilienfeld Is Short with a Round Point, More Abrupt Bend, and without a Groove
For all-around use where a large amount of straight running is done, the running surface should be provided with a groove, but if there is not much straight work to be done, and ease in turning is regarded as an important factor, the running surface should be made smooth. This necessitates making the skis to order, for practically all ready-made skis of the Telemark model are fashioned with a shallow groove. However, a groove may be easily cut in at any time if wanted later on. While other types are at times preferred for special use in certain localities, the Telemark-model ski is the standard, being equally good for all kinds of work, straight running, uphill skiing, and for jumping.
The best materials are hickory, or white ash, with a straight, even grain running from end to end. Ash is well liked by many experts, but it would indeed be difficult to find a more satisfactory wood than our American hickory. In fact, many of the most prominent makers in Europe are now fashioning their skis from American timber. As a rule, the best well-seasoned ash, or hickory, is heavier in weight than an inferior grade, and this is why the expert skier considers weight as one of the reliable “earmarks” of first-class material. A good hickory, or ash, ski made by any reputable maker will give the fullest measure of satisfaction.
The finish of skis is purely a matter of personal taste, but practically all Norwegian skis are painted black on the upper side, while a few of the cheaper maple and pine implements are stained. The plain varnished finish protects the wood as well as paint, but allows the grain to show through, and is generally preferred by experts. The running surface must be as smooth as possible to obtain the best speed, and it must not be varnished, the wood being filled with several coats of linseed oil to which a little wax has been added. Tar is used to some extent, but this preparation is mostly employed by Swedish makers.