IN THE MOUNTAINS

Chronicle (Levin), 7 May 1946, Page 8

IN THE MOUNTAINS

WINTER SPORTS IN NORWAY : I . "I TALX TO ROTARIANS Winter sports in Norway was the • ubject of an absorbingytalk given by Rotarian Arne Larsen' at "yester..iys \yot-r v iunciieon oi the Levin .otary Club. •> : ^ Deanxig ac the outset with Norway, Mr. Larsen said the countrj vas comprised largeiy of high '.nountains and swarnpy land, • and ihe greater proportion of its population d¥ 2,500,000 lived on the xoastal country or in the vaileys between tne mountains. HLs own home had been in a little valiey 100 .xiiies north of Oslo, the capital. The llrst irosts usually occurred about the end of October. the ground soon freezing, and the first snowfall foliowed about a month later. The overnight fall varied from two xnches to two feet, but once it came it stayed ail the winter. In consequence commumcations were made very difficult, and snow ploughs had to be used to keep the railways and main highways clear. In December and January, the coldest months, the frosts w-'ere between 30 and 35 degrees. The coming of the snow broughi pleasure to all the young people, continued Mr. Larsen, and tnev -;ocn had theh skis out ready to use for the next nve months. Toddlers of two and three years of age could be seen playing with their skis, schcol children used them to go to school and it was also the main i'orm of transport for adults. In the use of §kis at such an early age and to such a wide extent lay the reason for the proficiency oi the people in the art of ski-ing. His first pair of skis had cost ls 6d, and he could well remember them. Mr. Larsen said that the ski races varied in length from ten miles, which was the smallest, to 20, 30 and even 40 miles. The courses involved climbs of up to 2000 feeu end across valleys and frozen lakcs. The long distances were limited to uien over 20 years of age and as many as 300 w'ould compete, all finisliing with only seconds between them. Ski jumping was a most spectacular and fescinating sport. He recalled z$ record juop of 185 feet, but now with improved hills and. iumps ic up in 265 feet. Each yerr Hi King of Norway gave each dktrhl several prizes for jumping and cross-pountry running, and they were competed for in age groups, 16-20 years, 20-32 and over 32. Points were awar'ded in the jumping for style, length and landing. On the last Sunclay in March each year at Holmenhoilen, near Oslo. there was a gala clay to which each diotrict scnt teams to compete in petitions. There woulcl be sonic 40f eompetiiors in the varlous age groups and the spectators number id about 100.000. A hearty vote of thanks wa/ accovfwd ihe sw^ker at the conclusion of his talk.