Suggested Schedule of Ski Instruction in the Military

This chapter provides a suggested instruction schedule with a sequence of exercises for the troops that is sufficiently complete for them to understand ski-running while simultaneously producing the very best results in the shortest possible time. As with any other skill, of course, complete mastery of this sport requires continuous practice outside of the class sessions. Knowledge of the theory of skiing facilitates this task. The entire course of instruction is divided into forty lessons of one hour each: therefore, it will take just over a month to complete the training. The chapter also suggests holding races for the entire company over the distance covered in one march—no less than 25 and no more than 50 versts—and field maneuvers lasting several days committed to tactical problems of screening, scouting, and so on.

The Proper Execution of Jumps1

This chapter deals with jumping. Jumping, as it has evolved in competition recently, rarely has direct practical application, but the educational value of the sport is tremendous. Jumping fosters bravery, dexterity, courage, and a strong spirit, all of which results in a ski jumper's acquisition of self-confidence, composure, and resourcefulness—traits that are crucial while skiing over varied terrain. In addition, the skier experiences enjoyment and pleasure after the completion of a successful jump. To that end, the chapter takes a look at jumping exclusively from an athletic point of view. Here, it illustrates the proper techniques for a beautiful and successful jump and takes note of any possible mistakes which might be incurred.

Turns on the Move

This chapter looks at turns on the move with the right or left shoulder aligned with the corresponding ski. It distinguishes three important techniques that have gained currency in the world of sport. One of them pertains only to running skis while the other two require mountain skis with stable bindings. The first is the method for turning in place, used while descending from a mountain or over flat terrain on running skis, or on any skis that lack a stable binding and have a posterior center of balance. The next is the Christiania turn, which is carried out on the inner ski, that is, on the right ski when the turn is done to the right-hand side. Finally, the Telemark turn allows a skier to make a sudden stop as they are descending.

The Pole as a Brake1

This chapter demonstrates how to use the pole as a brake. In the forest or on rough and unfamiliar terrain, one will often need one's poles to decrease speed and for steep turns. In this situation, the skier should join them together and hold on with either one or both hands, either in the front or to the side, with the ends pointing backward. The most useful pole for this is one fitted with an iron disc. Sometimes on a difficult slope, the skier has to lean on the pole to keep from losing their balance. During a mountain descent, the poles are not used as much. To brake, the chapter instructs to hold the pole either between the skis or to one side of them.

Mountain Descent1

This chapter deals with skiing down. It requires practice, agility, determination, and quick problem-solving skills, because a fortuitous outcome on the descent often relies on proficient control over one's skis. In the past, there were two methods for skiing down, although one is already outmoded; nonetheless, it is worthwhile to become acquainted with both. The first one is risky, because if one breaks a pole during the process, they are bound to fall. Thus, this first method is only used on very hard snow. Another style, formulated in the Telemark region of Norway, is embraced universally these days wherever skiing is practiced as a form of sport.

Hill Climbing1

This chapter concerns mountain skis that are securely attached to the foot. Such skis allow various methods of hill climbing because they are easier to control than running skis that have no heel straps. One has to know how to climb a hill, ski back down while making turns, and in general control one's skis. Only then can one move about in variable terrain and perform jumps with confidence. The chapter shows that one can surmount a small slope without special exertion simply by lifting the front part of the skis and driving them back into the snow more forcefully, thereby preventing a slide backward.

The Effect of Snow on Skis and How They Run1

This chapter shows how the quality of snow and its behavior are the most influential factors affecting a ski run. Both can change depending on the time of year and the weather. As such, a skier's speed and stamina are closely bound to these two factors. Snow and weather exert more influence than one might think: for example, in nice weather a good skier can cover from 80 to 100 versts in a day but in bad weather one's daily distance could be less. The chapter thus categorizes snow briefly as powdery, loose, granulated, thick-packed crust, thin-layer crust, floury, springtime, and waterlogged. Each of these can have varying effects on skis.