Ski Tips for the Fabric-Conscious

We here at Philosophers on Holiday know that our readers have come to depend upon us for complete, accurate and cutting edge instruction and advice—advice about travel, yes, but also about other recreational activities. (Many of you have written to thank us for our article on rock plopping. The piece on hand signals for use at academic conferences is constantly in demand. And then of course there's our encyclopedic work on coastal hair designs; we know many of you ladies don't go to the beauty parlor without that one tucked into your purse.) And so it is with pride, and as part of our continuing efforts to serve your recreational needs, that we offer this brief primer of cross-country ski techniques developed by us during the ski season that is just winding to a close. We encourage you to tuck it into your gaiters, so it will be ready for you at the start of the next season.

The Herringbone: Fabric of the Past

Most x-c skiers learn the herringbone the first day they're out on skis. A technique designed for climbing up hills, the herringbone gets its name from the design left in the snow by a skier. It looks like this:

But let's face it; when was the last time you saw anyone wearing herringbone, other than at an APA convention? Today's skiing calls for today's fabric designs! And we've come up with a whole array, including:

The Tartan Plaid

This very complicated technique can only be properly shown as a series of photographs; imagine, if you will, that the action in this photograph is repeated three, four, or even five times in the same location. The result is the tartan plaid, a name it borrows from that blue-and-green fabric used to make those cunning dog coats for Scotties. The Tartan is an ideal technique for conditions that we haven't yet encountered as skiers. But we're sure you'll find them; when you do, please write to tell us!

The Tie Die

No, it's not a misspelling; it's just about the hottest thing we've come across since lovebeads! The tie die is a cross-country ski technique that only works if you use the more traditional, lace-up ski boots. Just bend over to adjust the laces, bend a little further…just a little further…that's right…and splat! Bob's your uncle! You've done the tie die! Easy, isn't it? It's just the technique to use when you've had enough and you want to quit but you don't want to appear to be a wimp. The tie die looks like a serious fall, but most of the time you come away with nothing more serious than snow up your sleeves.

The Dotted Swiss

This technique is just the thing to use at the beginning of the season, when you're still a bit unsteady on the ol' skis. (It's also perfect for you alpine skiers!) Designed for maximum stability (and very little wear and tear on the skis—ideal when snow conditions are dicey!), the D.S. leaves a characteristic circular indentation in the snow. The next skier to come along that trail will know that they've been preceded by a Dotted Swisser!