Alpenglow Ski Mountaineering History Project Previous | Next | Home
American Ski Annual, 1939-40
* Lowell Skoog has a copy of each article marked with an asterisk.p. 9: Langley, Roger E., "The Present Status of Skiing in America" *
The author describes the growth of the National Ski Association from five midwestern clubs at its founding in 1904 to approximately 275 clubs, from all parts of the country, in 1939. Skiing is now big business, estimated to be a $20 million industry. There are an estimated one million skiers in the U.S. The author discusses safety and the National Ski Patrol, which now has ninety-three members. He discusses developments in ski jumping, cross-country skiing, downhill, and slalom competition. The 1939 National Championships and FIS tryouts were held on Mt Hood, with Dick Durrance winning the combined title for men and Betty Woolsey winning for women.
p. 41: Dole, Charles Minot, "The National Ski Patrol" *
The National Ski Patrol was formed in the summer of 1938. At the present time 91 skiers have been issued badges and certificates of membership. The author discusses organization efforts, the need of the patrol to sell itself to the public, and the fact that a patrolman has no authority beyond what comes from the backing of all skiers. The national organization functions as a clearing house so that all sections of the country may benefit from the experience of the others.
p. 68: Palmedo, Roland, "Our Ski Trophies" *
The author describes ski trophies throughout the country, including the "Silver Skis," organized by the Washington Ski Club. First donated in 1934 by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, a replica of the trophy is awarded to the winner of the 3.16 mile downhill race on Mt Rainier each year. Winners have been Don Fraser (1934 and 1938), Hannes Schroll, Hjalmar Hvam and Peter Radacher. The first winning time was 10 minutes, 45 seconds, while the most recent was 4 minutes, 51.4 seconds. A plate next to page 72 shows silversmith Carl Zapffe putting the final touches on the Silver Skis trophy.
p. 188: Henderson, George M., "Developments in the Pacific Northwest" *
Ten new ski centers, all accessible by road and equipped with shelters and tows, opened in the Northwest in the past year, most in Oregon and Idaho. The first skiing competition ever held near Mt Adams was run at White Salmon, Washington. Local club members hope that interest in the competition may convince Forest officials of the need to open roads to a point higher on the mountain. A total of 60 tournaments were held in the Northwest during the year, "an interesting comparison with the eight-jumping-meets-a-year times, just eight seasons ago."
p. 202: Wood, Joe, "A New Northwestern Race Course" *
Due to a lack of snow, the Yakima club's January 22 meet was moved from American Ridge Bowl eighteen miles farther into the mountains to Quartermile Hill, along the Naches (Chinook Pass) highway. The downhill course dropped 2,500 feet in 1-1/2 miles, and was won by Don Amick, with Sigurd Hall second. Don Fraser won the men's slalom and Dorothy Hoyt the women's slalom. Over 100 racers were entered the meet and more than 2,200 spectators attended.
Previous Return to the Alpenglow Ski Mountaineering History Project home page Next