Here’s a book I’ve always wanted to write. It would also make a fine documentary film a la Dog Town and Z Boys and Riding Giants (two epic and wonderful films by Stacy Peralta). The book takes on a sprawling concept: the history of skiing. The Story of Modern Skiing by John Fry is being billed as the definitive history of the sport, and I for one, am interested in getting my hands on it.
From wooden skis and leather boots to the metal and Fiberglas skis and plastic boots we know so well today (what’s next?) as well as the story of the first chairlifts, and the rise and fall of various resorts, the book examines how skiing has evolved. It also looks at how resorts, once backwoodsy cozy cabins, have exploded into mega-billion dollar enterprises run by monster corporations…for better for worse…well, for worse.