Description
Book Synopsis: The story of Nordic skiing in the Midwest—its origins and history, its star athletes and races, and its place in the region’s social fabric and the nation’s winter recreation.
In the winter of 1841, a Norwegian immigrant in Wisconsin strapped on a pair of wooden boards and set off across the snow to buy flour—leaving tracks that perplexed his neighbors and marked the arrival of Nordic skiing in America. To this day, the Midwest is the nation’s epicenter of cross-country skiing, sporting a history as replete with athleticism and competitive spirit as it is steeped in old-world lore and cold-world practicality. This history unfolds in full for the first time in Winter’s Children.
Nordic skiing first took hold as a sport in the Upper Midwest at the end of the nineteenth century, giving rise to an early ski league and a host of star athletes. With the arrival of a pair of brothers from Telemark, Norway, the world’s best skiers at the time, the sport—and the ski manufacturing industry—reached new heights in Minnesota, only to see its fortunes fall after World War II, when downhill skiing surged in popularity. In Winter’s Children, Ryan Rodgers traces the rise and fall of Nordic skiing in the Midwest from its introduction in the late 1800s to its uncertain future in today’s rapidly changing climate. Along the way, he profiles the sport’s stars and stalwarts, from working-class Norwegian immigrants with a near-spiritual reverence for cross-country skiing to Americans passionately committed to the virtues of competitive sport, and he chronicles races like the thrilling 1938 Arrowhead Derby (which ran from Duluth to St. Paul over five days) and the American Birkebeiner, the nation’s largest cross-country event, which takes place every year in northern Wisconsin, snowpack permitting.
Generously illustrated with vintage photography and ski posters, and featuring firsthand observations drawn from interviews, Winter’s Children is an engaging look at the earliest ski teams and touring clubs; the evolution of cross-country skis, gear, and fashion; and the ambitious and ongoing effort to establish and maintain a vast trail network across the Minnesota state park system.
Details
Experience the rich history and thrilling tales of Nordic skiing in the Midwest with Winter's Children: A Celebration of Nordic Skiing. This captivating book takes you on a journey through time, uncovering the origins, star athletes, and races that have shaped the region's love for this winter sport. From the tracks left by the first Nordic skier in America to the rise and fall of the sport in the Midwest, Winter's Children is a must-read for any winter enthusiast.
Step into the world of cross-country skiing and discover the early ski league that emerged in the late nineteenth century. The sport flourished in the Upper Midwest, attracting skilled athletes and even the world's best skiers from Telemark, Norway. As you dive deeper into the pages, you'll witness the growth of the ski manufacturing industry in Minnesota and its eventual decline following World War II. Winter's Children tells the gripping tale of Nordic skiing's journey through the decades.
Immerse yourself in the exhilarating stories of star skiers and the passionate individuals who dedicated their lives to the sport. Learn about the legendary 1938 Arrowhead Derby, a five-day race stretching from Duluth to St. Paul, and the annual American Birkebeiner, the nation's largest cross-country event. Through vintage photography and ski posters, you'll be transported back in time, feeling the adrenaline and thrill of these historic races.
Witness the evolution of cross-country skis, gear, and fashion as Winter's Children explores the technological advancements in the sport. Discover how Nordic skiing enthusiasts have tirelessly worked to establish and maintain an extensive trail network across Minnesota's state park system, allowing skiers to explore the breathtaking winter landscapes with ease.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to delve into the captivating history of Nordic skiing. Experience the heart-pounding races, admire vintage photography, and gain a deeper understanding of the sport that has become an integral part of the Midwest's social fabric. Get your copy of Winter's Children: A Celebration of Nordic Skiing today and embark on a thrilling journey through time.
Click here to purchase Winter's Children and explore the rich history of Nordic skiing!
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