History Of Skiing

If you have decided that the best way of ensuring you are correctly attired to pursue one of your favourite hobbies is to hire your ski clothing, then you have probably already started to imagine yourself at the top of those slopes. When you are skiing madly down those mountains - perhaps just about to crash - have you ever wondered which crazy person first thought of putting two long devices on their feet to glide along snow?

Below we look at the history of your favourite past-time: skiing.

Ancient Skiing

Did you realise that when you are skiing you are actually participating in an activity which is thought to date back 5000 years?

The first evidence of skis can be found in the form of drawings on a Norwegian rock which is thought to be around five thousand years old. The remains of skis have also been discovered in a bog in Sweden and are estimated to be around 4500 years old.

Skiing it seems was not just limited to Scandinavia though. Skiing can also be linked to ancient Iranian tribes who used ski boards made from animal hides.

Modern Skiing

From its ancient beginnings skiing evolved relatively gradually, but it wasn't until Sondre Norheim of Norway invented a way of binding the skis to the foot, enabling turns, that modern day skiing was really born.

As time went by various people invented better bindings and more effective ways to ski, but it wasn't until the early 1900's that downhill skiing really came into its element with the Austrian method of rotating the body to help steer the skis.

However, it was another sixty years before the fibreglass ski finally took off and this became the ski we know today.

If you are interested in taking part in the ancient activity of skiing then you will need to ensure that you are correctly equipped.

At Ski West we are on hand to offer expert advice regarding ski clothing and skiing in general, whether you are a first-timer or an expert skier. We are ski clothing hire specialists and as such are totally dedicated to ensuring that you hire the best ski clothing to suit your individual needs.

If you are in need of quality ski clothing to hire then please do not hesitate to get in contact with us on 01453 819247 or email us at info@Ski-west.co.uk