Retro Ski
Though this old school style on the ski slopes began in the 1930s and 40s, it peaked in the mid 60s though the 70s. The retro style includes both a mentality as well as a physical rad getup.
http://www.skinet.com/ski/article/throwback-thursday-radical-freestyle
The one-piece snowsuit is more than just practical for keeping snow out of unwanted areas. You just have to have vibrant colors. If you can’t be seen from a mile away, you are doing it wrong. This look also includes sunglasses and hats or headbands if you are too cold to just let the hair flow with the snow.
You have to be going with the flow. Music, beer, wine. It’s more than just skiing, it’s a social way of life. Passion and love of life.
Not our current carbon fiber shaped ski. Old skis used to be wooden and straight. Just try and carve on these puppies. Crazy thing is, people still went off cliffs and threw backflips like it was no big deal.
In 1950 Howard Head revolutionized skis by adding metal edges. These skis were much easier to turn and move in. http://www.vintageskiworld.com/head-skis-s/99.htm
Pictures
Retro1
http://www.skinet.com/ski/article/throwback-thursday-radical-freestyle
wood skis
retro_poster
onesie
http://read.garagegrowngear.com/best-one-piece-snow-suits/
Apreski
http://the-unbelievables.blogspot.com/2012_12_01_archive.html
black_white
http://humanities.case.edu/files/2014/12/424_Andrew_Denning_06.jpg
2 Comments. Leave new
Sophia,
Great post about the retro ski lifestyle! I think that there is a ton more about this aesthetic and it could even be broken into two: one of hand carved skis that are often for display now and one of the 70’s ski aesthetic that included stretch pants and a bright jacket or the mentioned colorful one-piece. Having traveled around the world for skiing, I can definately say that this is a very real aesthetic and celebrated in many cultures.
I liked how you brought the entire culture that is involved in “retro ski” aesthetic. It is an interesting approach to the design but is very true. If you take any one component of the things you mentioned away then the aesthetic as a whole changes. In particular what really interests me is the drastic difference in retro skis versus modern ones. Modern skis are all about making the highest performance skis possible which frequently involves using materials that weren’t even possible back in the day. Retro skis on the other hand were much more about the craft. Because of these designs I think they have a much cooler aesthetic appeal. Awesome topic!