6
Tuesday, February 22, 1972
University Daily Kansan
THE FIRST PROBLEM in learning to ski is getting the proper fit in the bindings. John Burgland, Galsburg, Illinois. sophomore, gets fitted by Paul Samaras, Hoopston, ill. senior, to make sure that the bindings will not break an ankle in case of a fall. After fitting, the skier must master the lift rope. To accomplish this balance the first time he attempted the lift, but made it on the top in second try. The trip up seems long, but the trip down often seems longer.
Ski Kansas
By TUULA TOSSAVAINEN Kansan Staff Writer
John Burgland, Galesburg, IL, sophomore, stood at the top of Mont Blue, trying to be more courageous. He and his classmates had first time John had worn skis boots and skies. Covered with snow next to him was Steve Burgens of Kanas
"This is the first time for me too." Steve comforted John, "but not the last. The sk bug bit me today, man.
A moment later Steve fell down again.
Dr. William Tripplet, executive director of Mont Blanc and founder of the area, watched John coming down.
"We have had some skiers that can't get their skiis stopped until they reach the parking lot." Trippie
Mont Bleu, previously the Blue Mountain, is open for seventh season. On snowy weeks about 300 feet above ground, it is not a room at all, area, said there were 200 boots and skis available for renting, but that they were usually rented out by noon. The mountain is 46 miles north of Mont-Blanc.
Czechoslovakia, are available on weekends
"People who come here are mainly from Kansas City, Topeka and Lawrence," Wisler said. "Some of them come all the way from Oklahoma. They come here to practice before they go to Colorado."
"The season has been so short this winter, only a few weeks, so that when we are open, people come all at the same time, and the slopes have been rather flat. We have also likely only four minor injuries have occurred so far.
In addition to the main slope, Mont Blue has a movie hill for the beginners. The movie hill is designed to end with a large waterfall.
Sitting at the fire lounge, Tom Seshif of Topka said that for someone who had skied for many years it was "very difficult to find a spot"
"It takes about two seconds to come down, and then you have to go up again," he said. "Still, this is the closest place you can ski, and I come here quite often." he said.
After three hours of skiing, with a red nose and almost frozen feet, Bergland said he wanted to try the trick.
"But I would probably take it kind of low and slow," he said.
LOTS OF AMBITION coupled with inexperience often cause the law of gravity to bring the novice skier to a standstill and a willingness to back up and try it again can lead to aces and a successful afternoon.
AS PROFICIENCY IS GAINED, the skier often has a chance to see himself mirrored in those who are just beginning to learn, to train, or to learn more about skiing. In addition, with fewer falls than the previous one, after more than a dozen runs at the hill, the warmth of the ski lodge and conversation with friends about the problems of the day provide a welcome change of pace.
Kansan Photos by Ron Schloerb