1940: Skiing

Skiing and skiers took advantage of abundant snows last season to give this popular sport the greatest play it has ever seen in the United States. Not only in New England and the north border states, but in Canada as well the sport attracted many millions of followers among new and old enthusiasts. Many hikers have also taken up the sport. Competitive skiing has also made great strides, although experts agree that downhill racing is too dangerous and recommend in its place slalom racing on cross-country courses marked by small flags. The sport is being well governed and supervised by the National Skiing Association.

There were some 4,000 skiers in various competitions during the busy 1940 season. Even with the presence of many foreign stars, America carried off most of the laurels. Top American was Dick Durrance, former Dartmouth intercollegiate ace, who captured three major downhill and slalom titles in the national championships at Sun Valley, where Peter Fosseide sped to the combined and cross-country titles. Alf Engen won the national class A jumping title and the American Ski trophy for his sportsmanship. Eddie Gignac, of Middlebury College, won against the college skiers, and Dartmouth repulsed McGill in a dual meet for the North American intercollegiate ski title. Torger Tokle, the young Norwegian star, won eleven of twelve meets, including the international jump, and established six new hill records. The national open title went to Friedl Pfeifer, professional at Sun Valley.

Among women, Miss Marilyn Shaw, a high school girl, enjoyed a successful season, topped off by winning the women's open and closed combined downhill and slalom title. Other champion women skiers were Miss Nancy Reynolds and Mrs. Grace Carter Lindley, both capturing two titles. The performances of women, as with men, showed marked improvement in the various competitions and over difficult courses.