Photo courtesy
Gallatin Pioneer Museum
From One Pole to Two
It's hard to imagine now, but early skiers used but a single
pole for propulsion and braking. No doubt some early poles
doubled as weapons. Double ski poles, used for balance, timing
and propulsion, advanced from wooden sticks to bamboo, then
to steel, and in 1959, Ed Scott introduced tapered, lightweight
aluminum poles. Nowadays composite materials allow for light,
strong poles. Baskets — essential to keep the pole from sinking
into the snow — grips and straps have all undergone many innovations. In faster racing disciplines, poles may bend around
the skier to reduce drag.
Helmets Come of Age
Following horrific ski accidents in 1997 involving Sonny Bono
and Michael Kennedy, helmets became de rigueur as a skiing accessory. Now skiers and snowboarders look like rubes if they fail
to wear a helmet. The growth of extreme skiing and the explosion of ski and snowboard films means more riders and skiers are
going fast and big. This makes helmets even more important.
Montana skiers today are likely to wear baggy synthetic clothes
and sleek helmets as opposed to the tight spandex of the 70s or
the wool sweaters and knit caps of the 50s. Younger Montana skiers focus on terrain parks and jumps, their posture low
and aggressive, their talent and drive exciting
to watch.
Get Out There
Ski equipment is available for any
and all Montana skier. It's as safe,
comfortable and adjustable as you
could ever want. As you schuss
down the slopes this winter, remember those ski
pioneers who brought
about the great advances
in equipment and made
it a sport we all can
enjoy.
www.distinctlymontana.com
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