The Daily Alaska empire., 1938-10-17

the present time and for future reference, has been written by Naf- ada Coomara, wellknown Oregon and New England Ski Instructor, now in Juneau.
 , The recent snowfall on the peaks that are close to Juneau has set skiers aquiver with anticipation, and it has also caused some non-Skiers to become Ski-conscious and send in orders for equipment. In the hope that a word of advice concerning what equipment to buy will be vel comed. The following is a brief summary of what leading skiers consider best in equipment today.
 Things are essential to controlled skiing. which is the only kind of skiing that makes the sport any thing more than an idle pastime. Skis, fitted with steel edges. Ski poles. Ski bindings. Ski boots. Skis should be of hickory, and in no case should they be over feet long, ex- cept foy the most expert skiers. Reaching your hand above your head when standing, skis should not reach higher than your wrist by more than an inch or SO Steel edges are vital, both to increase the life of the ski many times. and to give your skis chance to grip when changing direction at speed on hard or icy snow Two ski poles are needed, armpit length or slight ly less. Ski bindings are made in many styles, and here, if nowhere else, it pays to buy only the very best. Cable bindings of the Kanda- har type, of which there are several on the market, are greatly super for to all others. Ski-boots are need ed to ensure a fit between your feet and the ski bindings. A soft shoe pac will not do Ski-boots are stiff soled, hard-toed and low-cut.
 Best Skis
 The best skis made today are those put out by Tangvald, Nor wegian with a factory in France Handmade, their finish, their spring and balance are superb. Experts still prefer Norwegian-ma skis to all others. with Swiss skis a close second.
 There is a wide variety of Ameri- can-made skis including Groswold, Northland skis, Gerber, and others. But no American skis are made yet with the care and hand-labor that goes into European skis. But then, they cost a good deal less money. On the other hand, if the bindings and ski-boots are first class stuff, it is not quite so important just how good the skis are. All the good European skis are jobbed in the States, and your local dealer can get them for you if you insist.
 Ski Poles
 The cane ski pole is slowly giv- ing way to the pole of drawn tubu- lar steel, chromium plated. The strength of these steel poles is amazing, yet they are as light as cane, and now, after several years of experimenting, they may at last be considered better than cane.
 Ski bindings are available in many forms, but the Kandahar type cable binding is greatly su- perior to any other. It is simple, rugged and efficient, and the buy ing of inferior bindings cannot be recommended.
 Steel edges of the flat type that screw onto the running surface of the ski, sunk flush with the wood are the most efficient. For extreme low temperatures. celluloid edges give less friction, but they are not as hard as metal, and in addition must be glued on. It does not pay to buy skis without steel edges, as un-shod skis wear out so fast, the way skis are used today. Edges should be attached around the up- turn as well as on the running sur face. Edges should terminate within 4 inches of the heel of the skis.
 Ski Boots
 The best ski boots are handmade. Some American ski-boot makers have as good a product as the av- craze European ski-boot. Poor ski boots will spoil your skiing and freeze your feet. For use in extreme ly cold weather, lower than 20, it is almost essential to have ski boots that are lined with sheep-skin.
 Clothing
 There are many good American manufacturers of ski clothing. Prac- tically any style that reputable man. ufacturers recommend for skiing today is correct, as they have learned through experience what