THE MICHIGAN DAILY gan Ranks as America s Skiing Wonderland he beckoning of' King 11 ye winter sports en- and seek healthful en- in his ,vast kingdom of ice. the number on6 winter hem all, skiing. Origin- ans of traveling in snow- untries, skiing has be- favorite recreation for f Americans. orts have enjoyed such c rise to prominence in en years as skiing. This ren more significant in areas suitable for this few. Only areas in the United States or in Can- supply enough snow for enthusiasts. latively New Sport the 1920's, thenumber asts was no greater than 4,000, at the most. But, with the Winter Olym- 32, which were held at rid, New York, interest ort of skiing began to n amazing rate. years went by, more ski- s were staged, and more people decided that they e to try this fascinating esult, today, there are of ski resorts all over ry to accommodate those to brave the elements. resorts in the northern that skis were first used In the northern part of Europe, however. A pair of skis; pronounced the oldest in the world, are in the Nerdiska Museum, Stockholm, Sweden. Guesses have been made that the skis are 4,000 -years old. As far as actual history is con- cerned, skis were first used in warfare in the Battle of Oslo, in Norway, in 1200 A.D. King Swerre. of Sweden, equipped his scouts with skis, and sent them out to reconnoiter the enemy, camped in deep snow, which had marooned them. Apparentli there were not too many skis in existence because if there had been, all the troops of both sides would have been equipped with them. Spreads Fast In the late sixteenth century, skiing was introduced into Central Europe, and since then has spread th win e country now remain ntertime for the skiers there in droves. story Unknown s cannot agree as to ple first used the ski. a basis for the belief to North America, Japan, Austra- lia, and New Zealand. The moun- tainous parts of South America, peaks of Hawaii and parts of In- dia are also suitable for skiing. Enough for the history of ski- ing. The state of Michigan offers in itself a wonderful haven for ski enthusiasts. Each year more and more interest is being shown in the winter sports playgrounds of Michigan. More capital is being poured pinto facilities and activi- ties. New areas and accomodations are being opened. Colorful festi-, vals and spectacular pageants are ment. Thrilling competitive games being created for your enjoy- are attracting each year hundreds of nationally known ski personali- ties. Michigan definitely is "on the map" as far as winter fun is con- cerned. Some of the major ski areas in Michigan's lower peninsula are at Bellaire, Boyne City, Boyne Falls, West Branch, and Cadillac. The Largest One or the largest ski- resort areas is that of the Boyne Moun- tain Lodge. It is a complete win- ter resort located just outside of Boyne Falls, and features the only double chair lift and the ouly out- door heated sWimming pool in the Midwest. There are thirteen open slopes, the longest being a mile and a half. Iiteriationally known Frknz Gabl directs the ski school consisting of seven Austrian skiers. The Caberfae Winter Sports Area which is located 12 miles west of Cadillac has 27 ski runs, 17 ski tows, practice areas, 2 ski jumps and 3 marked cross country trails. There is also a large rustic ski shelter with all facilities. Perhaps the largest of all the ski areas in the lower peninsula is at Gaylord. Within the vicinity of this city are located the Ski Vil- lage, Au Sable Ranch and Ski Club, Otsego Ski Club, Snow Valley Ski Club, and Sylvan Knob. Most Appealing Of these, probably the most ap- pealing is the Au Sable Ranch and Ski Club. This area is located six miles south of Gaylord off U.S. route 27. Five electric tows serve nine varied runs. There is a warm- ing hut complete with a ski shop and snack bar, and convenient parking. One new ski area near Detroit is at the Mt. Holly Ski Area near Holly, Michigan. Three open slopes and a beginners' area are serviced by six powered rope tows. A mod- ern lodge a the base of the mount offers a magnificent view of the skiing while resting or dining. Snow making equipment has been installed and there is assurance of at least a 100 day season. For those who wish to travel further than the lower peninsula, there are several skiing areas in the upper peninsula which are challenging to the ski enthusiast. Some of which are at Iron Moun- tain, Marquette, and Silter City. Complete Playground Pine Mountain Ski Lodge in the Iron Mountain-Kingsford area of- fers a complete winter sports play- ground for the skier. Here is the home of the world's highest arti- ficial ski slide which has held four American distance records and al- so the site of the United States Olympic Ski Jumlping Tourna- ment. An excellent ski lodg'e is available and licensed ski instruc- tors are on hand with equipment for rent. Mount Mesnard at Marquette is famous for its four slalom courses, while Silver City's Porcupine Mountains State Park is one of the outstanding ski areas of the, Mid- west. It offers a nopen slope with a vertical drop of 360 feet, and two expert trails, each over a half mile long, with a drop of 560 feet. And so, we in Michigan are xeal- ly blessed with many ski resorts for this relatiiely new sport. Mi- chigan is truly "on the map" as far as skiing goes, and will contin- ue to attract ski enthusiasts in ever increasing numbers. HALL ER'S JEWELRY 717 N. University - Near Hill Auditorium DlUNISTS HAVE INCENTIVE: ussia Best 'i 1956 Winter Olympics I. ;_r - l diamonC delightfL By JEFF WEISS\ e eventslin the Winter Olym- mean more than a race over t track or a carefully mea- tpool e Winter courses plunge down d unfamiliar mountains.. A must do more than beat his nent, he must also defy the ants of nature. A single gust ad, bump in the trail, or patch ush can end his chances of ing a gold metal. e 1956 Winter Olympics, held >rtina Italy featured some of- iost treacherous sports known an. The United States sent to 'na a team regarded by many e best continguent of athletes country had ever sent .to the er Games. Dominated by Austrians >ine Skiing is a sport tradi- lly dominated by the Aus- s. Yet, the United States led by Buddy Werner and h Miller copped second and h place in. the pre-Olympic ihill giant skalom. e American Bobsleding teams .installed as the favorites in event. Art Tyler, a 40-yr. old rch scientist, developed a 'sled gave him maximum bite on s and minimum friction on ghtaways. In the warmups at' na he posted impressive, an American dominated event in the winter olympics. Last year was no exception. Led by Hayes Jen- kins, Ronnie Robertson and Dave Jenkins, the United States was capable of walking off with all three metals in men's figure skat- ing. In women's skating, Tenley Al- bright of the United States has, not been equaled by anyone. Her ,nly possible rival for the figure skating gold metal was young Carol Heiss, also an American. Russians Win When the last gold metal was given out, it was not an American that received it, but a, Russian. The final uinofficial point stand- ings of the Winter Olympics show- ed the United States ranked in the lowly position of fifth place.' The Russians had won seven gold metals to our two and had unoffi- cially swept tho games. Only in Figure Skating and Ice Hockey did the United States finish impressively. Hayes Jenkins piled up an early lead and then held off a free-skating challenge by Ronnie Robertson ,to win the gold metal for the United States.' Robertson 'and Dave Jenkins won the silver and bronze metals to complete a United States sweep. Tenley Albright and Carol Heiss finished one-two in the women's figure skating competition, win- nlng a gold and silver metal for the United States. Big Upset The United States Ice Hockey team pulled the biggest upset of the Olympics when they defeated Canada 4-1 and won the third- place bronze metal. Most of the credit went to John Mayasich, 180-lb. center from Eveleth, Minn., who three times caught the Cana- dians flatfooted in breakaways. Many people believe that the United States was not able to, match Russia in the Winter Olym- pics at Cortina because our ath- letes were "true amateurs." 'Avery Bruntage, head of the international Olympic association, does not believe that we lost the, Winter Olympics because our ath- letes were'ot subsidized. He says, "We hear all sorts of criticism of Soviet athletes. That they are paid. That the top stars get soft berths in the army and spend all their time in training, and that's why they're so good. "That may well be. But if it is, it still isn't the answer. It isn't the reason why the Soviet has done so well in international com- petition." National Heros It is the vast nature of their nation-wide athletic program that; has given Russia such fine- ath-1 letes. The Russians consider their champion athletes national heros. Because of this, every young Rus- sian's dream is to become a chain- pion. Thus, they work hard, and practice long hours to perfect themselves. The United States Army has an athletic program which is similar to the Russian program. They have established special training camps, and given their athletes special training. The state department sponsors tours of our athletes to other countries; which means they are using .amateur athletes for political purposes. This is exactly what the Russians'do. Great Incentive The special training the Rus- sians give their athletes is not the reason they are better than us. It is the incentive they give them which makes them superior. This is exactly the reason why the United States has always domi- nated Figure Skating. A figure skater practices hard and trains long hours to perfect himself. He knows if he gets good enough he can demand high wages as a professional. This is proven by. the fact that Hayes Jenkins, Ronnie Robertson and Tenley Al- bright have all turned professional in the past two years, If the United States is to give a better account of itself in the 1960 Winter Olympics its athletes better; take heed of the Olympic Oath. Rather than not train as hari as they might, because of lack of financial rewards, they would do well to find their incentive from the last part of the Olympic Oath -"For the glory of sport and for the honor of country." " CHRISTMWAS GIFTS BATH TOWELS..4 by Martes and Wamsutte priced 2.10 to 6.25. 3-pc. set. BATH MATS AND RUGS.. . and lids in all matching colors. TABLE CLOTHS ... all types, sizes and prices. PLACE MATS... cellophane, plastic, corkbacked, woven, printed, plain colors and embroidered. 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Three talented fore- VWard lines, centered by Bill Cleary of Harvard, John Matehefts of the University of Michigan and John Mayasich of the University of Minnesota gave the American. team a powerful scoring punch. Goalie Don Rigazio was rated the best amateur goaltender in the world. Figure Skating has always been GIVE BOOKS The gift that's opened more than once FOR HIM Shulman-Rally around the Flog Boys Bennett Cerf-Reading I've Liked Chas. Adams-Night Crawlers James Michener-Rascals in Paradise Robert Ruark-Old Man and The Boy FOR HER Cozzens-By Love Possessed Rand-Atlas Shrugged William Faulkner-The Town Taylor Caldwell-Sound and Thunder Marg. Housepian-Houseful of Love FOR KID BROTHERS 171 ATTRACTIVE, Comfortable Slippers, in all styles and colors. The Perfect Christmas gift for family and friends. Do your Xmas shopping early 99yat Randall's \ and39 a. - ,: locz1o" r / N