The Elverum Ski Company site is really worth exploring (Link at the start of the blog post) – lots of great material there, that I am liberally lifting to illustrate and enliven for these posts.
The first ski companies were formed way back in 1746(!)
On their site you will see that they were already holding regular competitions reminiscent of the Olympic Baithlon in Norway:
"In 1766, the ski companies arranged their first ski competitions. They were forerunners of todays competitions. There were four different disciplines, and any citizen could enter the competition. The rules were:
1st Class: 2 prizes of 20 Rigsdaler for those who in a mediocre downhill and full run can fire their gun and best hit a target at 40 to 50 pace distance.
2nd Class: 4 prizes of 10 Rigsdaler for those who in a hill grown with threes best can throw themselves between the trees without being hindered by the fall or breaking the skies.
3rd Class: 6 prizes of 4 Rigsdaler for those who, without falling or riding on the ski stick, best can run down the largest hill without falling.
4th Class: 8 prizes of 2 Rigsdaler for those who on flat ground fastest can run 1/4 mile (at that time 2750 m) with full uniform and the gun over the shoulder, that under good conditions should be done in less than 15 minutes.
Nobody should be refused, but everyone without difference to be allowed and accepted to compete with the ski companies about the mentioned prizes, therefore time place and circumstances are to be announced over the country at the right time."
Peter
explores the Master & Commander starter set for Black Seas.
