Necessities of the Skier’s Outfit
For skiing an ordinary pair of heavy-soled lace shoes that fit well are suitable, but to keep the heel strap of a binding from slipping, the shoes should have broad, concave heels, or a small strap and buckle, firmly sewed in place at the extreme end of the heel, should be fitted to them. Personally, I prefer the heel strap to the special heel, but any cobbler can fit the shoes with either one. Specially designed skiing shoes, or boots, as shown in [Fig. 4], are to be had at the sporting-goods dealers’, and while good, are somewhat expensive, because most of them are imported. Of course, shoes for skiing must be amply large so that one or two pairs of woolen socks may be worn; two pairs of thin, woolen stockings being less bulky and very much warmer than one extremely heavy pair.
Fig. 4
Specially Designed Skiing Boots, Handmade for the Sport, with and without Heel Buckles
For clothing, the soft, smooth finish of the regulation mackinaw garments cannot be improved upon for outdoor winter wear, although any suitable material will serve as well. Smooth-finish material is the best in all cases, because cloth of rough texture will cause the snow to stick and make it uncomfortable. Regulation mackinaw trousers, split at the bottom and fastened with tapes to tie close to the ankle, are as good as any, over which cloth puttees, or leggings, may be worn to keep out the snow. For the coat, a mackinaw, made Norfolk-style, with belt and flap pockets secured with a button, has given me the most satisfaction. For ladies, close-fitting knickerbockers and leggings are generally preferred when a short skirt is worn.