Historical information

The post World War II migration of European "snow skiiers" into Australia combined with the construction of Hydo Electricity Schemes in both the N.S.W.and Victorian Alps regions, opened up these winter snow areas to a greater influx of
tourists and holiday adventurers interested in "winter" sports. The ability to project, on a global scale, skiing facilities of international standards to those in the northern hemisphere during their summer has opened up the Australia ski resorts and their facilities to a much greater winter sport orientated population.

Significance

These cross country skis were purchased by a member of the Bogong Ski Club and were part of a bulk ski stock consignment from Finland in 1966/67. They were introduced into the Victorian Alps to encourage skiers to take up cross country skiing both at Falls Creek and Mount Buller. This initiative spurred on the now annual 42 kilometre cross country "Kangaroo Hoppet" race at Falls Creek. This race is currently the biggest cross country snow skiing race in Australia.

Physical description

These snow skis were made in Finland. They are wooden (hickory) skis and made from four strips (glued and shaped) pieces of wood that are not laminated. There is a painted blue flash on the top of the skis that extends the full length of the skis. The face of the underside of the skis is flat and is coated in black Stockholm tar. Glider or grip wax was applied onto this base. The top body of the skis is tapered from shoe position to both front and back tips.Tapered curvatures from foot radiating to all sides provides the required aerodynamics. Metal boot bindings consisting of a toe plate with adjustable toe clip and a heel plate, both of which are screwed onto the skis.

Inscriptions & markings

"KILPA, KARHU URHEILUTARPEITA SPORTART1KLAR, Karhu-Valtz Finland. Hickorypohjin"