The Skill of Ski-Archery

Historically used as a weapon for hunting or in combat, today archery is primarily a recreational activity. Archery is sometimes referred to as an art, rather than a sport, and it certainly takes a lot of skill to propel an arrow, by means of a bow, with the accuracy required to hit a target, whether stationary or in motion. Ski-archery, also known as ski-arc, combines the skill of the archer, with the strength and endurance of cross-country skiing in a sport that is gaining quite a following.

It is believed that ski-archery has its roots in the Scandinavian countries, with the first documented evidence being a picture from the mid-1500s of a skier carrying a bow, poised in the shooting position. Ski-archery was established as a sport in the mid-1980s in Italy, and has gone through a number of refinements before being recognized as a competitive sport by the governing body of archery – Fédération Internationale de Tir à l’Arc (FITA) – in 1991. The ski-archery craze soon spread from Italy to France, Germany, Slovenia, Russia, Ukraine, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand and the USA. The International Biathlon Union (which represents a similar sport, but with shooting) and FITA combined forces to develop ski-archery as a recognized competitive sport. As of the northern winter season of 2006, FITA became the sport’s official international governing body.

In a ski-archery competition, the archers carry their bows and arrows in a specially designed backpack during the skiing section of the event. Over the 12 kilometer distance for men, and 8 kilometers for women, competitors shoot one end of four arrows every 4 kilometers. In one of those ends, the archer is required to shoot from a kneeling position. The archer’s feet may not lose contact with the skis throughout the competition, so when kneeling to shoot, although the archer may loosen his/her skis for comfort, the feet must remain in contact with the skis. Targets, which are 16 centimeters in diameter, are placed 18 meters from the archer. For each target that is missed, the archer is required to complete a penalty circuit of 350 meters before continuing with the race. The first competitor to cross the finish line is declared the winner.

Archery has come a long way since it was first invented for hunting, possibly in the late Paleolithic or early Mesolithic periods (more commonly referred to as the Stone-Age), with competitions currently being held for target archery, field archery, 3D archery, clout archery, crossbow archery and flight archery. Ski-archery adds yet another challenging dimension to this ancient art.

Canadian Ski Museum and Hall of Fame

Discover the history of skiing in Canada at the Canadian Ski Museum and Ski Hall of Fame in Ottawa. Housing a vast collection of memorabilia, the museum promotes the appreciation of skiing and snowboarding traditions in Canada, as well as the importance of the sports in Canadian life and culture. The Canadian Ski Museum is dedicated to preserving skiing history, honoring those who contribute to that history and educating people about Canada’s skiing heritage. Certainly, skiing and snow sport enthusiasts are recommended to visit this fascinating establishment.

The Canadian Ski Museum was established in 1971 by a group of ski aficionados. It was later incorporated under federal law in 1975. The founders of the museum realized the important role of skiing in Canada’s cultural heritage and so began to collect stories, legends and artifacts related skiing and its history in Canada. World-renowned skier Herman ‘Jackrabbit’ Smith Johannsen made a great contribution to the museum, providing them with a variety of historical and unique items.

Since its inception, the Canadian Ski Museum’s collection has grown and continues to do so. Amongst the collections are skis, poles, boots, bindings, waxes, clothing, uniforms, badges, pins, racing bibs, trophies, nearly 5000 photographs, books, posters, maps, scrapbooks, newsletters, magazines, programs, journals from ski clubs and ski areas, videos, films and various other historical documents. Amongst the collection are skis made by Scandinavian settlers, right up to Steve Podborski’s famed ‘fastest skis in the world’. These collections provide insight into how skiing equipment and techniques have evolved in Canada, encouraging an understanding of how skiing heritage plays a significant role in Canada’s history.

Visitors to the Canadian Ski Museum will be lead through a chronological look at Canada’s participation and successes at the Winter Olympic Games, all the way back to 1928 right up to 2006. The exhibit features information on the skiers and snowboarders who took part in the Winter Olympic Games. Visitors will be able to view personal items from Olympians such as Steve Podborski, W.B. Thompson, Kathy Kreiner, Lucile Wheeler, Laurie Graham, Anne Heggtveit and Jeff Bean.

The Canadian Ski Museum decided to create the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame (previously the Honor Roll of Canadian Skiing) in 1982. The aim of the Hall of Fame is to give recognition to individuals who were involved in some way with the advancement of skiing in Canada. Amongst those inducted are skiers, snowboarders, officials and coaches.

Those who wish to visit the Canadian Ski Museum will find it on the third floor of the ‘Trailhead’ building, at 1960 Scott Street in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The museum is open from Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 4:00pm, and on Saturday and Sunday between 11:00am and 4:00pm. Though it is advisable to phone ahead and make sure they will be open.

Val Thorens Ski Area

Located at an altitude of 2,300 meters in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, Val Thorens is the highest ski village in Europe, offering ski-in-ski-out convenience no matter where you choose to stay. For the comfort and security of guests, and taking into account the need to preserve this pristine environment, the village is largely pedestrian, with vehicles restricted to certain areas and large parking garages conveniently located.

While skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions at Val Thorens, a wide range of other activities ensure that every moment of your vacation is a pleasure. If you prefer a more leisurely manner of exploring the area, you can join one of the snowshoeing expeditions on offer, or meander along a walking trail. For a four-wheeled adrenaline rush, you may want to test your driving skills on the Alain Prost ice-racing track under the supervision of skilled instructors of the Ice Driving Academy. There is also the option of riding the slopes on two wheels as part of a MTB group, led by a state qualified instructor. Be prepared for plenty of thrills, and maybe a few spills, before reaching the bottom and the reward of a warming cup of mulled wine.

Another fast-paced activity for adrenaline junkies is snowmobiling, with guided trails taking place every evening during season. Paragliding offers an awe-inspiring bird’s eye view of this picturesque region, which is part of the renowned Les Trois Vallees (Three Valleys) of the French Alps. The Val Thorens Snowpark, located on the plateau of the ski area, offers a freestyle course suited to all levels of experience. Stretched out over a 70,000 square meter area, the Snowpark offers skiers and snowboarders a range of challenging jumps, rails and boxes, while the Jump’Air shock-absorbing mattress allows for some acrobatics with a greater level of safety.

Val Thorens boasts the longest toboggan track in France, which kids of all ages can enjoy. So let your inner child go wild on this six kilometer run, starting at the foot of the spectacular Glacier de Peclet and following a groomed trail with banked turns, angled pitches and a whole lot of fun and excitement. Children from five years and older are permitted to go solo, and children between the ages of 5 and 10 years can enjoy a free ride if they ride tandem with a paying adult.

Other activities and features of the Val Thorens Ski Area include off-piste skiing, glacier touring, ultra-light excursions and walking trails, as well as a beauty center, health and wellness spa and sports center – truly something for everyone.

Candlelight Ski-Hike-Snowshoe Event

Enchanting wooded trails – warm, cozy fires. On March 6th, 2010 the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest invites you to our annual Candlelight Ski-Hike-Snowshoe Event. Beginning at the Clear Lake Ranger Station, in Woodruff, WI, parts of the Raven trail system will be lit by hundreds of flickering candles. Participants can enjoy a 1.5- mile and a 3-mile loop for skiing and a 1-mile loop for hiking and snowshoeing. Admission is free. Refreshments, including hot chocolate and apple cider will be served. The Clear Lake Ranger Station is open and heated, and there are two warming fires: one at the start/finish and one at the halfway point warming hut on the 3-mile loop. Sorry, no pets are allowed on the ski-trail portions.

To get to Clear Lake: From Hwy 51 and Hwy 47 intersection in Woodruff, travel 3.5 miles south on Hwy 47. Turn left onto Woodruff Road, travel .25 miles and the entrance will be on the right. From Lake Tomahawk, travel 3.5 miles north on Hwy 47, turn right onto Woodruff Road, travel .25 miles and the entrance will be on the right.

For more information contact Kim at the Crystal Lake Ranger Station 715-542-3923.

Date: 6 March 2010
Venue: Clear Lake Ranger Station, Northern Highland American Legion State Forest
City: Woodruff, Wisconsin
Country: United States of America

Colorado Ski & Snowboard Expo 2007

The much anticipated Colorado Ski & Snowboard Expo will be held from 9 to11 November 2007 at the Colorado Convention Centre, Denver, Colorado. Snow skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts are expected to take advantage of the single largest ski and snowboard sale of the year. More that 20,000 square feet will be set up as a huge temporary ski shop, selling a wide variety of gear for men, women and children in the very latest styles and at never-to-be-repeated prices.

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