The Ski History Blog

Arnold Fanck Mountain Films

Posted on by NYSkiBlog

Ski Mad World fills a niche we didn’t know existed: “the History of Skiing Geography.” MadPatSki’s recent post on the history of ski movies motivated us to investigate some of the story lines he alludes to in the piece.

Arnold Fanck was a pioneer in ski films. He began making documentary and action films after the end of World War I, shooting in remote mountain locations.

His movies were popular with German audiences and led to what are known as “mountain films,” a style that some see as the German equivalent of the US Western: a genre unique to the country.

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Tagged: Ski History, Video2 Comments

North Creek Depot Museum

Posted on by Harvey

I recently had a chance to tour the North Creek Depot Museum on Railroad Place. I ran into Michelle San Antonio — director of the museum — at the Farmers Market Organic Brunch, and she graciously agreed to fit me into her schedule.

Old wooden skis at the North Creek Depot Museum

I was especially interested in the new exhibit that focuses on the history of the snow trains and the development of skiing at Gore Mountain. I’m fascinated by the 1930s and 1940s when lift assisted skiing was born.

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Tagged: Adirondacks, Gore Mountain, North Creek Ski Bowl, Ski History5 Comments

Gore Mountain Brochure (1984)

Posted on by NYSkiBlog

gore mountain brochure 1984

“Gore’s 41 trails offer a variety of skiing. There are gentle slopes for beginners and challenging trails for the adventurous expert. But the mountain is especially known for its excellent intermediate trails, all of which are over 1 mile long. Gore also has the ski industry’s most advanced lift, the high speed triple chairlift. In addition there are 4 double chairs, a T-bar and a J-bar.

After that long run, come in, warm up, get a bite to eat and relax in one of Gore’s two comfortable lodges. Enjoy hearty fare in the base lodge cafeteria, a beverage in the lounge, or stretch out and bask in the sun on the newly expanded sundeck.”

Tagged: Gore Mountain, Ski History4 Comments