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.
The Requirements of Foot Binding
Fig. 2
The manner in which the foot is secured to the ski is highly important, and while various kinds of “bindings” are in use, from the simple cane binding, which marked the first substantial improvement over the twisted birch withes originally used by the peasantry of Telemarken, the Huitfeldt bindings are for many reasons considered the best by experts. The ski runner must have a foot binding that is well secured under all ordinary conditions met with in ski running, and it must be quite rigid and without lateral play. It is desirable also that the foot be freed whenever a fall occurs, thus preventing possible sprains at the ankle and knee, as well as avoiding breakage of the straps. Again the heel of the skier should be free to move up and down for at least 3 in., but the binding should check the vertical movement at this height, thus easing the foot of undue strain when the ski is slid forward, in climbing or working on the level. These essential specifications are so well incorporated in the Huitfeldt model that the description and illustrations of this admirable attachment will suffice. As shown in [Fig. 2], the boot is wedged into a firm position between the metal toe piece at the sides. To secure a rigid support, these toe pieces must be firmly wedged in position on the ski, and the skiing shoe should fit between them snugly and well. For this type of binding, a shoe having a stout sole is desirable so that it may keep rigid under the pressure of the body at various angles, and be heavy enough to stand the more or less constant chafing of the metal toe plates. One excellent feature of this binding is the arrangement of the toe and heel straps, which allow all necessary vertical movement of the foot, yet at the same time provide a fairly rigid strong, and reasonably light foot attachment. When fitted with the Ellefsen tightening clamp, and it is a good plan to order the Huitfeldt model so equipped, the skis are easily put on and taken off. A large number of experts prefer this binding above all others, but the Huitfeldt type of binding may be made by the skier if desired. Any metalworker or blacksmith can supply the metal toe pieces, and the binding may be completed by adding suitable straps, or the foot may be secured at the heel by leather thongs.
The Skiing Stick
While there are occasions when the proficient ski runner can dispense with the stick, as in jumping and practicing many fancy turns and swings, a good stick must be reckoned a valuable implement for climbing and downhill running, and often a help on a level. The beginner should not depend too much upon the stick, however, but should acquire the knack of handling the skis without this aid early in his practice. In short, the novice should practice both with and without the stick, that he may learn all the little points of balancing the body unaided, but every skier ought to know how to use the stick, that he may rely upon its assistance whenever necessary.