The history of skiing

- The First Steps
- Modern Skiing
- A few words of advice

Unlke waht many thing, Skiing ahs not been created a few years ago in order to careen down the slopes of your favourite ski resort. We're not quite sure either that cave Men were able to go down a black (diamond) slope. But without going as far back as Cave Men, the origins of ski are quite ancient, I mean, how do you think our Norwegian and Swedish ancestors got around? Well, they did have boards of wood under their feet in order to "float" on the snow. So it all began with cross-country skiing, but people had to learn how to master hills (up and down) and it should be little surprise that baby Stenmark had it engrained in his genes! 

Then of course, modern skiing apeared between the two world wars in what is now known as the great ski resorts of the Alps. But people attached animal (seal) skins under their skis in order to climb the hills before blasting down. Up until the day when people realised they could use mules to climb o the top more eaily.

The first cable car in France was installed in Megeve, on the "Rochebrune" hill. It started operations in November of 1933.

After that, it was only a matter of (short) time before the first structures appeared: Clubs, schools, and of course .. .competitions. HEre again, the French Alps get the medal for the first. The first winter olympics took place in Chamonix in 1924. The first champions are Emile Alais and James Couttet. It is therefore only fitting that there is a ski run in Megeve, called the "Emile Alais" that runs from the top of (you guessed it) the Rochebrune Cable Car all the way to the valey. It used to be utilised for international races. It is not used anymore because of how dangerous it is by today's standards. But one of us us on this site grew up in Megeve and legend has it he skied the Emile Alais. Puis sont  apparues les premières structures: clubs, écoles  etc...et bien entendu, les compétitions.

The first ski school was created in Austria, then its instructors spread all over Europe. They are the ones who started many ski school in France. Nowadays, we can still take lessons from Austrian skiers. Erman Maier, and his colleagues of the Austrian Ski Team will be delighted to show off their skills on FISA races.

 Modern Skiing

As years go by, skiing becomes more popular and more accessible to the masses. Ski resorts start popping up all over the Alps and some have more than questionable esthetics and impact on the environment.

Monoski is the first of these. Its lifespan was quite short because it was quickly overpowered by snowboarding. Snowboarding calls on new tehcnologies and seduces a new segment of the population, often young. Snowboarding is regarded as easier, more free and more radical.

But the most important phonmenon attached to skiing is Carving, or Super Sidecut Skiing. Originally introduced as an easier form of skiing, Carving quickly became a category of its own, with its own techniques. It is a lot more fun than classical skiing and brings sensations that were only experienced by snowboarders previously. Try carving a full 360 degree turn on snow with one hand brushing the snow inside and you'll know what we're talking about! 

The members of ski-profs. com and our friends immediately recognized Carving as the "savior" of skiing and we now utilise these skis exclusively.

First piece of advice: Don't show up at the resort completely rusted out. A little bit of exercice during the month preceding your visit should do you a world of good!  Premier conseil: N'arrivez pas à la montagne  complètement rouillé (e). Un peu d'exercices d'assouplissement  pendant le mois qui précède votre séjour  vous seront bénéfiques.

Take it easy on the first day. Seek your sensations back and avoid trying fancy things even if you are a good skier. Also, be weary og the last day. French security people also have a nickname for the third day of skiing: the Wednesday Syndrome. Statistically, the third day is the single day with most breakage. That's when you're back to your old level, all the sensations are back, so you try a few new things and you don't realise how tired you are.

Have your gear checked by professionals BEFORE starting. Your cousin may be a very good skier, but (s)he is not a professionally trained ski technician. This will prevent you from suffering through poor equipment and possibly safe your knees from a devastating injury. All ski instructors know how painful these are, so save yourself!

Little technical advice: be sober, not regarding your drinking habits (then again, being alcohol and drug-free on slopes will save you as much as on the roads) but in regards to your movements. A ski run is NOT a dance floor. Save your energy for that apres-ski party and keep your hands in front of you on the slopes.

Respect others on the slopes. We are all entitled to being there, even beginers (remember that was you and us at one point) . Do not ever forget that the skier under you, or less technically able always has the right of way!