By: Alex Todorov

Used by Norwegians 5,000 years ago Originally split bones, bound to feet by crude leather thongs. Later skis were pieces of wood. By the 1900’s skiing had become more popular and developments started being made in their design like: adding poles, shortening skis, and adding metal edges. Bindings also began to evolve from leather to simple metal buckles to the complicated bindings we know today.

Originally skis were used for fast transport over snow Later they were used in battle in snowy terrain When other modes of transport evolved, skis became more recreational than functional. Today skiing is a popular hobby around the world.

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While skis were made of all wood just a hundred years ago, there are now many materials that go into a ski. The core of the ski is normally wrapped in fiberglass. Wood is used often as a core material, and it determines the ski’s strength and flexibility. Wood is used because it’s cheap, flexible and readily available. Foam is even cheaper than wood, and only needs to be molded while wood needs to be cut and sanded. Aluminum is also used in a honeycomb pattern which is very strong, but it is more flexible than wood.

The base of the ski is normally made from a polyethylene synthetic, which is the most widely used plastic. Polyethylene is easy to form and cheap so it’s a good material for skis. It also has low friction so skis can slide easily. Polyethylene is very light so the ski wont get heavy on the skier’s feet. It has its drawbacks though, polyethylene is soft so it can scratch and it can also be damaged by UV rays. Damage by UV rays can be prevented by applying wax after each usage. It can easily be repaired with a polyethylene candle which patches scratches.

Made of fiberglass, which is also used in home insulation. Fiberglass is layered above the core. It is good because it can be molded to the shape of the ski. Is very strong for its low weight. Can be made in any texture and color so it can suit a variety of tastes for the aesthetics of the ski. It does not rot like wood does.

The steel edge helps the ski carve or turn. It is good for edges because it is hard and will allow crisp turns. Steel can be molded into the curvature of the ski Steel can be sharpened after it becomes dull.

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