What kind of skis were there when they appeared? Ski history. Sliding process and lubrication

Huge expanses of snow led to the early appearance of skis. In distant historical times, getting food, moving from one settlement to another in winter through deep snow was unthinkable without special devices for the legs, increasing the area of support, allowing you to easily and freely, like a moose on its spreading hooves, overcome snowdrifts in fields, forests, and mountains . Thus arose the forced need to create skis - one of the most amazing inventions of primitive man.

The exact date, place, name of the inventor of the device on legs for fighting snow has not been established. The first devices that people used to move more easily through deep snow were undoubtedly snowshoes or walking skis.

These oval, then rocket-shaped primitive devices changed significantly during use and gradually, through the so-called ski-shoe, took the form of sliding skis, which made it possible to significantly increase the speed of movement.

The history of skiing goes back several thousand years, as confirmed by rock paintings in caves in Norway made about 7,000 years ago. It all started from the moment when a man discovered that by tying two pieces of wood of a special shape to his feet, he could move faster through snow-covered fields and forests while hunting. Many centuries later, approximately in the middle of the 16th century, skis began to be used by the armies of the Scandinavian countries, and a little later the military were put on skis in Russia.

The appearance of skis in ancient Rus' before the beginning of our era is evidenced by studies of rock carvings off the shores of Lake Onega and the White Sea. On the rocks located near the village of Zalavruga near the Fortieth Bay of the White Sea, where the Black Porop is located on the Vyg River, primitive man left carved inscriptions and drawings that have survived to this day. Among the many rock carvings discovered by the expeditions of A.M. Linevsky (1926) and V.I. Ravdonikas (1936), some have also been found that provide indisputable evidence of the invention of skis by primitive man of the Neolithic era many thousands of years BC. Moreover, even then they were sliding skis.

The composition of three people on skis is a unique monument of primitive art. The varying degrees of bending of the figures, as well as the varying degrees of rotation of their torsos, give the entire composition a special harmony and expressiveness. Very impressive with its elegance figures of fifteen skiers, twelve of whom have one stick in their hand, and a figure of a skier in tow. Archaeologists estimate the age of a rock painting of a skier with an ax found off the coast of the Arctic Ocean - he is jokingly called the first biathlete - at 12 thousand years.

Fossilized skis and their parts, which are thousands of years old, have been found in many parts of Russia, where people lived in snowy winter conditions. One of the finds (A.M. Miklyaev, 1982) was discovered on the territory of the Pskov region areas. According to experts, this ski is one of the oldest - made about 4,300 years ago.

The oldest example of modern sliding skis was discovered (1953) in ancient Novgorod in a layer of the first half of the 13th century. The length of the ski is 1 m 92 cm, the width is on average 8 cm, its front end is slightly raised, curved and pointed. The place for installing the foot is a little more massive, here the thickness of the ski reaches 3 cm. For threading the belt that attaches the ski to the skier’s shoes, there is a through horizontal hole with a diameter of 0.5 cm.

Mons Palm, secretary of the Swedish embassy in Moscow, was amazed by the skis used by our people. In 1617 he wrote: “The Russians made an invention... They have wooden the rims are approximately seven feet long and one span wide, but flat and smooth below. They tie them under their feet and run with them through the snow, never plunging into it, and with such speed that one can be surprised at it.” Unlike Russian ones, Österdal skis of the Scandinavian type had different lengths and were slow-moving. When moving on them, the Vikings slid only on the long left ski, and the short right one served for pushing off.

The first written information about the use of stepping skis is contained in the works of the ancient Greek historian Xenophon. Describing his campaign in Asia Minor in 401 BC, he reports that the Armenians used round wooden planks tied to their feet to walk on snow in the Caucasus Mountains, in our opinion - walking skis. The first written documents about the use of sliding skis date back to the 6th-7th centuries. AD Gothic monk Jordanes in 552, historians Jordan in the 6th century, Abel Deacon in 770, Verefrid at the end of the 7th century. gave a detailed description of the use of skis in everyday life, as a means of communication, and in work, mainly in hunting.

Over the entire period of evolution of ski equipment, which is several thousand years, there have been very different options for skis, boots and poles. The first devices for moving on snow, naturally, were more similar to modern snowshoes, but over time they transformed, became longer and narrower to increase speed, they could already glide on the snow and their appearance resembled the skis we are used to.

The first ski shoes did not have a rigid sole and were simply tied to the skis, since there were no special fastenings. This was the case until the 1930s. century, when welted boots appeared, which were actively used by skiers until the 70s.

Sticks also have an interesting history. It turns out that until the end of the 19th century, skiers used only one pole. This is due to the fact that skis were used mainly for hunting and in the army. The first sticks were wooden or bamboo, approximately the height of a person. Only in our time have poles become a high-tech product, made from lightweight aluminum or composite materials.

Later, skis began to be used, covered underneath with the skin of elk, deer or seal with a short pile located back, which made it possible to avoid slipping when climbing uphill. There is evidence that northern and eastern peoples glued skins to skis using glue made from the antlers, bones and blood of elk, deer or fish scales.

In order for the skier's weight to be evenly distributed along the entire length of the skis, they were given a smooth curvature, called the weight deflection. In order for the skis to keep their tracks better and maintain their direction, a depression is made in the sliding surface - gutter For greater strength and flexibility, skis began to be made from several layers of wood of different species: birch, ash, beech, hickory. So that the sliding surface does not wear out so quickly, does not become “round” and has better traction with snow, it began to be edged with especially strong wood, and over time - with metal edges.

The first documentary mentions of the use of sliding skis appeared in the 6th-7th centuries. The Gothic monk Jordanes in 552 in his book mentions the “sliding Finns”. Similar data are given in the same period by the Byzantine writer Procopius, Greek historians Jornados (VI century), Deacon (770) and other ancient authors. They described the skis and their used by northern peoples in everyday life and hunting. Skis and their use in everyday life, hunting and military affairs are described in the most detail in the book of Bishop Olaf Magnus (Olaf the Great), who was expelled from Sweden and fled to Norway. His book “History of the Northern Peoples,” published in Rome in 1555, not only gives a description, but also publishes engravings depicting skiers.

Among the northern peoples (Nenets, Ostyaks, Voguls, etc.), skis were widely used in everyday life and in hunting. “The Sami (Lapps), Nenets, Ostyaks beat wild deer, wolves and other similar animals more with clubs, because they can easily catch up with them on skis. Animals cannot run quickly through deep, collapsing snow and, after a tiring and long chase, they become victims of a person who glides easily on skis,” writes Magnus.

Russian pre-revolutionary historians repeatedly mentioned in their works that, in addition to hunting, skis in Rus' were often used during holidays and winter folk entertainment, where strength, agility, and endurance were demonstrated in “race” running and in descents from the slopes. Along with other entertainment and exercises (fist fighting, horse riding, various games and fun), skiing played an important role in the physical development of the Russian people. Swedish diplomat Palm, who visited the 17th century. in Rus', testified to the widespread use of skiing in the Moscow state. He described in detail the skis used by the locals and the ability of the Russians to move quickly on them.

The oldest skis are in the Ski Museum in Oslo: their length is 110 cm, width 20 cm. Hunters had skis of approximately the same size for many centuries: such skis are still used by hunters and trappers of Greenland, Alaska, residents of the North, Siberia, and the Far East. East.

At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, skiing appeared - a type of leisure activity that involved skiing at speed or for pleasure. Skis with different proportions appeared, more suitable for high-speed running - 170-220 cm long and 5-8 cm wide. The same skis began to be used in the army. Around the same time, ski poles appeared, significantly facilitating and speeding up skiing.

According to historians, the first ski competitions took place in 1844 in the Norwegian city of Tremsey. At the dawn of skiing, flat skis were not much different from mountain skis, and competitions often, in addition to running on the plain, included skiing from the slopes of the surrounding mountains and ski jumping.

Skis

Skis- a device for moving a person through the snow. They are two long (150-220 centimeters) wooden or plastic strips with pointed and curved toes. Skis are attached to the feet using bindings; nowadays, special ski boots are required to use skis in most cases. Skis move using their ability to glide over snow.

Story

In the south of the Kola Peninsula, skis of unequal length were used, and they pushed off with a short ski, using one stick for balance, while the ancient inhabitants of Scandinavia moved on skis of the same length. The founder of Norway, the legendary Nor, came to the fiords along a “good ski track”.

Skiing was invented by northern peoples during their migration to areas with cold climates and long winters. To survive, people needed to move through snow, sometimes very deep (more than a meter). Most likely, snowshoes were invented first - devices that increase the area of the foot and thereby make it easier to move on the snow. There are known peoples of the north who, at the time of their discovery by researchers, used snowshoes, but did not know about skis. In the process of developing this invention, skis appeared. Judging by archaeological finds, snowshoe skis, which appeared in Altai and in the area of Lake Baikal, were widespread until the 16th century AD. But by this time sliding skis were already used. Bishop Olaf the Great, in his book “History of the Northern Peoples” published in Rome in 1555, described the winter hunting techniques of the Lapps as follows: “Those of them who go on skis serve as beaters, those who glide beat deer, wolves and even bears with clubs. , because they are free to catch up with them. Animals cannot run quickly through deep, collapsing snow and, after a tiring and long chase, they become victims of a person who can easily ski.”

The second possible variant of the origin of skis is their origin from sleds. The skis are similar to lightweight sled runners.

Initially, skis were used for their intended purpose - for moving through deep snow in the forest during hunting, military operations in winter conditions, etc. This determined their proportions at that time - they were short (150 cm on average) and wide (15-20 cm), comfortable for stepping over rather than sliding. Such skis can now be seen in the eastern regions of the Russian Federation, where they are used by fishermen and hunters. Sometimes the skis were lined with kamus (skin from a deer's leg) to make it easier to move up the slope.

At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, skiing appeared - a form of leisure that involved skiing at speed or for pleasure. Skis with different proportions appeared, more suitable for high-speed running - 170-220 cm long and 5-8 cm wide. The same skis began to be used in the army. Around the same time, ski poles appeared, significantly facilitating and speeding up skiing.

Gradually, skis completely turned into sports equipment and took on a familiar look.

Materials and technologies

Initially, the skis were wooden, made from solid boards and did not shine in appearance. With the beginning of the development of skiing and the technical revolution at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries, skis changed. In addition to changing proportions, they began to be made from several parts, machines began to be used for their production, and ski factories appeared. This state of affairs persisted until the advent of plastic materials, or plastic.

Some plastic materials have properties that are useful for skis - they do not get wet, snow does not stick to them, and glide is better. This is how skis with a plastic coating first appeared, then entirely plastic skis.

Currently, the internal structure of skis can be quite complex - the sports and sports equipment industry invests a lot of money in scientific research. Modern skis use various types of plastic, wood, composite materials, and alloys.

Ski waxes are used to care for the sliding surface of skis.

Plastic materials

The first plastic skis used ABS plastic, which easily abrades and does not hold grease well, which has been almost completely replaced, with the exception of the cheapest models of some manufacturers, by ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene UHMW-PE. The material, its creation and production, is mainly associated with the Swiss concern CPS Austria Group (formerly IMS Plastics). The plastic has the trade name P-tex. The material is classified according to molecular weight and fillers for different weather conditions. Usually for wet skiing (often colorless) - P-tex 4000, for frost - P-Tex 2000 Electra. In the material intended for ordinary mass skis and for frost, 5-15% filler is added - carbon particles 20 microns in size to remove electrostatics, as well as graphite and fluorocarbon compounds to improve gliding. Carbon black makes the base of the ski black, but also somewhat reduces its wear resistance. Gallium compounds add thermal conductivity to the plastic, the same property of boron nitride, this additive further reduces the ability to absorb moisture. Ultramarine pigment is used in skis without carbon black to create a pattern on the base and improve gliding.

Sliding process and lubrication

The glide of a ski is affected by its elasticity, profile, pattern texture, temperature and humidity of the snow, the shape of ice crystals, and the properties of the snow surface. The sliding friction coefficient of polyethylene pressed onto the base of the ski on snow is in the range of 0.02-0.05. A textured pattern is formed on the sliding surface, the roughness of which is generally designed by the manufacturer for certain weather conditions. In frosty weather, the sanding on the ski is the finest; on wet skis, the sanding is the roughest. The task is to obtain a thin, about 10 microns, film of water between the surface of the ski and the snow, which under normal conditions is a decisive factor. By grinding the surface, you can change the contact zone between snow and ski within 5-15%, which in turn affects the thickness of the water film.

Although the plastic used for skis already glides on snow incomparably better than wood, with the help of lubricant this property can be significantly improved. According to the manufacturer (CPS Austria Group), the surface of one ski absorbs (dissolves in the amorphous structure of UHMW-PE and filler) about a gram of sliding lubricant at 110 o C. There are dozens of ointments from different manufacturers. In polyethylene, the surface tension has a coefficient of approximately 0.032 N/m, in ordinary paraffin ointments it is 0.029 N/m, in ointments with fluoride additives even 0.017 N/m - these additives improve gliding on a wet ski track by repelling water, or reducing the so-called capillary suction with a very thick water layer. The best ski glide is at a few degrees below zero (0-4 o C). Sliding under these conditions is more hydrodynamics than friction. The texture pattern has analogues in living nature - the mako shark is capable of ruffling its scales before attacking, creating turbulence on the surface of its body. True, this effect is noticeable at a fairly high speed of the skier, more than 20 km/h, and gives an increase of 1-2 km/h. With further cooling, the slip uniformly decreases - the water layer providing the slip is reduced. Finally, when the temperature drops below −15 o C, this film does not appear at all, and with further cooling, the friction between two solid surfaces increases more sharply, but evenly, due to an increase in the hardness of the snow crystals. The choice of sliding ointment becomes somewhat simpler - it should be harder than snow.

Applying lubricant is a process in which amateurs in everyday life should not blindly follow the recommendations on the packaging. For example, applying ointment with an iron and scraping is justified if the lubricant is sufficiently refractory and cannot be rubbed with rubbing. The advice to rub with brushes until the texture pattern is “opened” is more of a marketing ploy by the manufacturer, designed to increase sales - this removes up to 99% of the ointment, and the effect is only available at very high speeds, which is more important for professionals and is completely absent in the cold. In addition, professionals choose a texture pattern and type of plastic (dozens of options) for specific weather conditions (and sometimes they make mistakes).

A simple way to evaluate the quality of gliding is to slide down a known hill without pushing off. The distance to which the skis will travel is an objective indicator of the suitability of the lubricant and the method of its application for a particular weather.

Skiing

Alpine skiing is a special type of ski used for skiing down mountain slopes and in alpine skiing.

At first, ordinary skis with semi-rigid bindings were used for sports descent from the mountains. A great example of this can be seen in the movie Sun Valley Serenade. Gradually the skis were modified. One of the first modifications was the edging - narrow (4-5 mm) metal strips were attached flush to the bottom edges of the ski. This, firstly, prevented the ski wood from grinding down on firn (hard, hard snow that often forms in the mountains, sometimes interspersed with small ice crystals), and secondly, it made it possible to control the skis more confidently.

Later, with the development of alpine skiing, alpine skis acquired their own version of bindings, with a rigidly fixed heel, and special boots.

The next big changes in design came after the introduction of plastic. With the help of plastic-coated skis, much greater speed was achieved than with simple wooden skis, which entailed strengthening the structure of the skis, bindings and boots. Alpine skiing is currently a high-tech product that uses modern scientific and technical achievements.

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skis are divided into two large classes: plastic and wooden. Plastic skis, in turn, are also divided into two large subclasses: skis with notches and skis with a smooth block (that is, the smooth middle part of the ski). Skis with a smooth block, in turn, are divided into two more subclasses - intended for the classic style of movement (when the skis move parallel to one another on the track) and the skating style, when the skier moves along a wide snowy road and his movements are similar to the movements of a speed skater.

Plastic skis with notches

They are skis with notches (hooks, notches) in the middle part of the ski in the area of the ski boot. They are a very good fitness tool, but are practically not used by professional skiers. However, such skis are extremely popular in developed countries of Europe and America. Approximately half of all skis sold in Western countries are cut skis.

Advantages

Skis with notches practically do not require holding ointment, and therefore are very convenient for inexperienced skiers who get on skis only occasionally and do not know the technique of applying ski ointments. However, in difficult sliding conditions (plus weather, icy ski tracks, etc.), the notches cannot cope with the recoil, and grip ointment becomes necessary even on these skis.

Flaws

Notches impair sliding not only backwards, but also, although to a lesser extent, forward. Therefore, all other things being equal, a skier on notched skis will move slower than on smooth skis. This is why notched skis are not used in skiing.

Plastic skis with a smooth last (middle part)

For a classic travel style

Such skis have a smooth surface in the middle part of the ski (that is, under the block), and in order for such skis to be able to move, they are lubricated in the middle part with ski wax, which prevents the skis from slipping back when pushed. There are a huge number of methods and options for lubricating skis, depending on the weather and the skier’s ambitions, but there are also several simple lubrication methods aimed at beginner skiers. As a rule, it is enough for a beginning skier to have a simple set of three cans of ski wax, a plastic scraper and a rubbing stopper.

For skating style of movement

The skating style of movement requires a slightly higher level of training compared to the classical style. It is no coincidence that most people skiing in the forest use the classic style of movement - it is simpler, more democratic, and less demanding on the quality of preparation and the width of the ski run. At the same time, skate skis are usually 15 - 20 cm shorter than classic skis.

Also on these skis, from the bottom, along the edges of the ski, a 1-2 mm edge is made for a more stable ski ride so that it does not slip to the side.

Ski bindings

Skis can be attached to boots using various devices of varying degrees of complexity, called bindings. The variety of fastenings can be divided into several types:

simple
soft
semi-rigid
hard
mountain

Simple bindings were the first to appear; they can be found on hunting skis. They are a simple leather or fabric loop into which you can easily insert your felt boot.

Soft fastenings are a development of simple ones. Another strap was added to the loop, covering the leg from behind, above the heel, and preventing the ski from slipping off the leg. Currently, such bindings are often installed on children's skis.

Semi-rigid fastenings - the leather loop is replaced with metal cheeks, into which the boot rests, held on top by a sling. Instead of a belt, a cable is used - a metal spring. The cable is tensioned using a small lever, which is attached in front of the cheeks.

All three types of mounts listed do not require special shoes, are reliable and easy to use. Semi-rigid mounts have been in service in the armies of various countries for a long time. Also, semi-rigid bindings were used in skiing and jumping in the early stages, before the advent of modern ski bindings and boots.

Rigid bindings - when using them, the boot is “tightly” connected with the toe to the skis, which allows for better control over them. It is rigid fastenings that are now widely used. Currently, three fastening systems are produced - Nordic 75 (familiar to everyone in the USSR), SNS, NNN and its new version NIS.

Ski bindings - these specific bindings completely fix the boot relative to the ski, which is necessary for control at high speeds developed by athletes when descending from the mountains. A characteristic feature of these fastenings is the ability to release the boot under critical loads in order to protect a person from serious injuries and fractures.

In addition to these main varieties, there are rare variants:

Telemark ski bindings - similar to alpine ski bindings, have specific properties necessary for telemark skiing.
Skitour bindings are an intermediate option between rigid and alpine ski bindings; they allow you to move comfortably on the plain, while the boot is attached to the ski only with the toe, and also provide the ability to fix the heel for the ski slope. They have the ability to release the boot under critical loads, just like alpine ski boots.
Jumping bindings are a modification of bindings for jumping sports.

Notes

Literature

// Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: In 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional ones). - St. Petersburg. , 1890-1907.
Why is ice and snow slippery? The Tribo-physics of skiing, L. Karlöf, L. Torgersen Axell, D. Slotfeldt-Ellingsen
Sliding Friction of Polyethylene on Snow and Ice, L. Bäaurle, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich
Friction characteristics between ski base and ice - fundamental lab scale tests and practical implications, P. Sturesson, Uppsala University
Performance Skiing: Training and Techniques to Make You a Better Alpine Skier, G. Thomas, ISBN 0811730263
Teflon® Paraffin Low Friction Wax for All Snow Conditions, DuPont Technology
The complete quide to cross-country ski preparation, N. Brown, ISBN 0-89886-600-6

Links

Originated in the Scandinavian countries in the Middle Ages. Records dating back to 1700 tell of races on skis after making a bet. These were probably the first competitions.

Officially, the history of skiing began in the Norwegian military department. Skiing was encouraged among recruits of ski formations. In 1733, Hans Emahusen published the first manual for troops on ski training, with a sports focus. The first rules for skiing competitions also appeared, which were held in 1767 in various types that correspond to today's slalom, biathlon, racing and downhill. The best athletes were awarded. To promote skiing among the country's civilians, a sports and military review was held in Oslo in 1814.

The rich history of skiing, which began in Norway, has rapidly developed in all major world countries. After the first Norwegian ski sports society was organized in 1877, within 20 years similar sports clubs arose all over the world. Finland was the first to adopt the experience, in 1883 - Hungary, in 1891 - Austria and Switzerland, in 1803 - Germany and Italy, in 1895 - Sweden and Russia, in 1900 - the USA and Bulgaria, in 1902 - England, in 1912 - Japan.

Arctic explorers made a huge contribution to skiing: Adolf Nordenskiöld in 1883-1884, Fridtjof Nansen during his ski crossing of Greenland in 1889, Roald Amundsen in 1910-1911, in an expedition to the South Pole, the participants of which more than 2800 km on skis. At the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries. competitions began to be held regularly in all major countries of the world. However, the direction of development of species in different countries was different. Jumping, cross-country racing and combined events developed in Norway. In Finland, cross-country skiing has developed. Mountain species are popular in alpine countries. In the USA, the specialization of sports development was influenced by Scandinavian settlers. Alpine skiing, under the influence of trainers from Austria, received skiing in Japan.

The history of skiing received a new impetus after the international ski congress with the participation of 10 countries in 1910 in Oslo. The International Ski Commission created here, reorganized in 1924 into the International Ski Federation (FIS), began to actively organize world skiing competitions, including all types. The first Winter Olympic Games took place in 1924, the World Championships in 1926, and the Universiade in 1928.

Development of skiing in Russia

The Russian history of skiing began at the end of the 19th century. For a long time, domestic athletes were inferior to foreign ones, because development was slow, and skiing exercises were more of an entertaining nature. The first competitions took place in 1894 in St. Petersburg. The Moscow Ski Club (MSK) appeared in 1894 and had only 36 members in the first year. Ski enthusiasts promoted their hobby in Moscow and other cities, attracting new active participants to their ranks. The Polar Star club in St. Petersburg was their next achievement.

Due to the high cost of sports equipment, entry into ski clubs was not available to the general public. Despite the creation of new ski clubs in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Ryazan, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Smolensk, Tula and other cities, at the beginning of the 20th century. skiing could not become widespread in Russia. Only after the creation of the Moscow Ski League (MLL) in 1910, which united 10 clubs at once, and soon the establishment of the All-Russian Ski Union, the number of competitions increased, and it became possible to coordinate the country’s ski movement.

At the moment, the situation with skiing in Russia is radically different. It can easily be classified as a mass sport, especially in alpine skiing. Our athletes take an active part in all world competitions and compete for gold medals along with the leaders.

Characteristics of types of skiing

Skiing includes alpine skiing, cross-country skiing at various distances, combined events (race and jumping), and ski jumping. Conventionally, the types of competitions can be divided into northern types, alpine types, freestyle and snowboarding.

Nordic events consist of cross-country skiing, ski jumping, orienteering, or a Nordic combination. Alpine sports are everything that makes up alpine skiing: slalom, giant slalom, downhill, super-giant slalom, alpine ski combination. Freestyle is a descent from a slope using elements of acrobatic jumps and ballet on skis. Snowboarding is a descent on one special board.

There are also such types of skiing as biathlon, skitour, ski tourism, ski orienteering, and ski mountaineering. Skiing is incredibly diverse and rich in different types. Anyone can choose a suitable direction that suits their needs and skills. In addition, it is a sport that improves health and brings a lot of pleasure.

Since time immemorial, northern peoples have used skis not only as a means of transportation, but also as one of their means of subsistence. On the Zalavruga rock (Karelia), near the mouth of the Vyg River, there is an image of Neolithic skiers, and in the Pskov region a ski was found that is about 4000 years old. Quite primitive skis were used by ancient Siberian tribes, the Chinese, and the indigenous inhabitants of the Arctic regions of America. In the Nikon Chronicle of 1444 there is a miniature telling about the battles of Russian armies with the Tatars. There is mention of such armies in chronicles dating back to the 16th century. From the records of the Swedish Archbishop Otto Magnus, we know how skiing was done three centuries ago. At the beginning of the 16th century, skis from Scandinavia came to Europe. At the same time, the Polish commander Stefan Batory created teams of skiers in his army.

In the 18th century, Scandinavians used skis of various lengths: the short one, the right one, was used for pushing, and the long one, the left one, was used for gliding. About one hundred and sixty years ago, the Norwegians held the first skiing competition, in which the future head of government won. In 1856, Norwegian Jon Thorsteinson skied three meters long over the Sierra Nevada mountains while carrying American mail. For this he was nicknamed "Snowy Thompson." Skis sometimes had a bend both in front and behind. The sliding surface of the skis was lined with fur so that they would not slide backwards on the slopes. To push off, as before, they used one stick. During the descent, for balance and braking, they sat astride a stick.

The polar explorer Nansen crossed Greenland on oak skis at the end of the 19th century, which served to popularize skiing.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Russian skiers held competitions at a distance of one hundred meters. In 1911, a 724 km long route was laid between Moscow and the northern capital. The winner completed it in 294 hours and 22 minutes. Marathon courses up to two hundred kilometers long were popular in Sweden. Women went out to the track in long skirts and large hats. In 1896, at the Winter Olympics, athletes competed in white trousers and black boots.

For a long time, skis were made from one piece of wood. Birch was the best material. Then they began to make glued skis from several layers. A edging made of hard wood was made along the bottom edges.

Since 1974, plastic skis began to be produced. They quickly replaced wooden skis. Plastic skis had less weight, greater strength and excellent speed qualities. Plastic skis hold grease well and have good grip on snow. With the advent of plastic skis, changes in running technique occurred. In the manufacture of ski poles, fiberglass reinforced with carbon fibers is also used. Due to their lightness and high strength, they began to be called “carbon feathers”.

Ski competitions are extremely popular in the world. World Cups are held in cross-country skiing, biathlon, and alpine skiing. Various ski disciplines are included in the Winter Olympics program.