Two Planks and a Passion: The Dramatic History of Skiing

by Roland Huntford

Roland Huntford's brilliant history begins 20,000 years ago in the last ice age on the icy tundra of an unformed earth. Man is a travelling animal, and on these icy slopes skiing began as a means of survival.

That it has developed into the leisure and sporting pursuit of choice by so much of the globe bears testament to its elemental appeal. In polar exploration, it has changed the course of history. Elsewhere, in war and peace, it has done so too.  The origins of skiing are bound up in with the emergence of modern man and the world we live in today.

Genres: Sports, History, Nonfiction

436 pages, Hardcover

First published September 29, 2008

About the author

Roland Huntford (né Horwitch) is an author, principally of biographies of Polar explorers.

Reviews

[Kirk Astroth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! From the early Petroglyphs of skiers from 6,000 BC to Norwegian ski races and the development of waxes and bindings. Really fascinating. The story of how vastly outnumbered Finnish people defeated the Soviet army in 1939-1940 is amazing. I loved this book. Great research by the author.

[Popup-ch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of skiing - in impressive detail.

Huntford has researched the subject in minute detail. He chronicles the first mentions of skis in latin, greek and chinese writing, as well as drawing plausible parallels between some early reports of 'one-legged horse-people' and early skis/snowshoes. The snow-shoe was invented about 20'000 years ago, and was instrumental in populating America, but there was no need for skis there, as the skis sink down in the fluffy powder.

Huntford documents the development of skis, from handmade general-purpose anðor planks to today's factory-made specialized synthetic contraptions.

Unfortunately the writing style is rather terse. The sentences are short. The text is composed of factual statements. All quotes are meticulously referenced in footnotes.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the overwhelming depth of detail was tedious at times, I learned a lot about the roots of Nordic skiing, and I would recommend it to any serious skier who appreciates history. I’m still looking forward to other books by Roland Huntford.

[Hans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich detail, this breathtaking history of skiing is a pleasure to read.

[Kiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of detail in here, which at times was a bit much but I can also appreciate giving space to those who pioneered sliding on snow in all its forms, and for all sorts of reasons.

[Sitting Bull · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, but only because I am crazy about skiing. A lot of dry facts. Only recommended for folks like me who live to ski.

[Chris Johnson]

This book was really good. They talk about the history of skiing. It also talks about Roland Amundsen and his friends journey to the south pole.They were the first people to reach the south pole. The author also talks about how skiing changed throughout the world. Theirs a part in the book that talks about how the military uses skiing to there advantage. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes history and or loves skiing.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't that bad. Sometimes he got a bit bogged down with the history of some dude who was the first to ski some fjord. Or the little girl who was totally awesome at ski jumping in 1850. But hey it's was the best random book I've picked up in a while.