SKI-ING GROUNDS

Grey River Argus, 22 June 1939, Page 4

SKI-ING GROUNDS

QUEENSTOWN AREA. . DUNEDIN, June 20. . That the Crown Range and other parts of the country in lhe. vicinity of Queenstown provide eminently suitable ski-ing grounds is the opinion of Mr Otto Santner, young Austrian ski instructor, who has decided to spend (lie winter sports season in Queenstown. Mr Santner is the official ski instructor to the Ski Club of India, whose "playground” is in the Himalayas, and to the Muree Ski Club Kashmir. Mr Santner hails from Carinthia in a corner of Austria that has produced many of the best ski-ers in the world. The winter sports areas in Australia did not impress Mr Santner —he called them “foothills.” The country surrounding Queenstown, however, he described as ‘“real mountains.” Snow was falling when Mr Santner was interviewed in Queenstown, and his hopes were soaring high. He had just returned from a visit to the Crown Range, where a hut is being erected near the summit for the use of winter sport enthusiasts. He stated that with 6in of snow the slopes of the Crown Range were perfect for skiing. The absence of trees, shrubs and rocks made it possible to ski on a comparatively small depth of snow. Mr Santner is introducing a method of instruction in ski-ing which is new to flirts country. It has met with marked success in older lands. This is “dry” ski-ing. By getting the “feel” of skis before going out to the snow, the beginner is greatly assisted. Mr Santner has high qualifications, having graduated after an instructional course in gymnastics and sports at the University of Vienna and passed the Government examination as ski guide. He is the holder of a special badge and certificate given in Austria for high proficiency in any sport. He was a competitor at lhe Olympic winter sports at Lake Placide, United States, some years ago, and holds the Golden Panther Trophy, won at Styria, one of the highest honours it is possible to gain for sports in Austria.