The Northland Ski Manual

Object/Artifact

Wright Museum of WWII

2003.022.002

Name/Title

"The Northland Ski Manual"

Entry/Object ID

2003.022.002

Description

Booklet / Manual - "The Northland Ski Manual" (The Northland Ski Manufacturing Co., 1940); 48 pages of text and images concerning skiing techniques. Color printed, bound with staples. Illustration of man on skis, surrounded by bunnies on skies.

Context

This manual was edited by Hannes Schneider, an Austrian ski instructor who was a pioneer of modern downhill skiing techniques, and helped popularize the sport in North America. In 1938, after the unification of Germany and Austria, Schneider was imprisoned for being an outspoken critic of the Nazi party. He was later released from prison but sentenced to house arrest. In 1939, Harvey Dow Gibson, a prominent financier and president of the Manufacturers Trust Company, used his connections to free Schneider and secure his passge to the United States. Schneider came with his family to NorthConway, New Hampshire, where he reopened his ski school. With American entry into World War II, Schneider assisted in the training of the 10th Mountain Division, which his son also served in.

Update Date

March 14, 2024