It's that time of year to start planning your ski trip, so it's a good time to post this sweet poster of Hannes Schneider, pioneer and father of modern skiing technique. Considering the importance of his influence in the development of skiing, it's fun to see him teach a school of beginner snow bunnies.
Berta Czegka — Arlberg Ski School — circa 1930
Schneider's history is interesting, as having intersected with the histories of both world wars, having been arrested and jailed during the rise of Hitler. Through the intervention of individuals in the U.S.,
he was freed and was able to emigrate to the states.
Quoting from an article about him:
Legend, at least, holds that he wasn't yet finished with Hitler. Schneider would not only become the father of modern day skiing in America, but he may also have acted as an advisor to those training the legendary 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army in which his son Herbert served. Though the details are sketchy, there is evidence of several Washington trips and meetings that give some credibility to this legend, though it is unlikely that we will ever know for certain.
3 comments:
The Tenth men (my father was one) do talk a lot about Hans Schneider. Funny poster, and my mind imagines the archetypal snow bunnies.
You really must see Fire on the Mountain some time. It is a wonderful documentary on this era.
Hmm, I'll look for that documentary.
When I was with the 4th Infantry, we got permission to explore what was Camp Hale, trodding where the 10th had been before the Forest Service took it over. I guess even the CIA trained up there.
From snow bunnies to CIA...
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