A Holiday in the Snow

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22498, 15 August 1936, Page 6 (Supplement)

A Holiday in the Snow

FASHIONS AND SARTORIAL HINTS FOR SKIERS

By M.F.G.

JT is common knowledge in the world of skiers that an onlooker can judgo the status and proficiency of any given performer by studying his apparel and his expression. The beginner, for example, wears humble mufti and an apologetic look. After a couple of seasons, he assumes a pair of ski-ing trousers and a self-consclnis smirk. The expert wears full regulation outfit and a supercilious air, and the professional, though disguised, like the beginner, in mufti, may be picked at a glance by his hored-to-tears expression.

make cheerful patches of colour agains the drizzling background of white snow Even here, however, service and utilit; should be the keynotes of the costume and comfort should not be sacrificed t< appearance. It will be found, foi example, that a woollen cap or beret i. less satisfactory than a peaked cap o proofed gabardine to match your suit with aii unfolding llap to protect the neck and ears from bitter wind ant wetting snow. Again, the most satis factory gloves are flannel-lined mitten; of proofed gabardine, which will savi the hands from abrasion and are easilj dried. As for scarves, you will find tc your sorrow that the very prettiest oi them has a tendency to invito tlu adherence of snow, get ver3' wet, blou in your eyes, or strangle you in a fall It is well to carry ono in your rucsat to tuck round your throat inside votn jacket if necessary, but do not allow ii the freedom of the breezes. Correct ski ing boots, waterproof and largo enougl to accommodate two pairs of thiol woollen socks (as well as a pair of feet of course, are of the utmost importance, and should be fitted and selected witl the help or advice of an expert. The complexion presents a problen for the feminine skier who likes to 100 l like a lady in the ballroom in the even ing, after looking like a " sportinj type " all day on the ski-ing ground. Zinc ointment in a refined form is the most widely used protector for the skin, | but most of the popular sunburn cures and preventatives are also effective on j the snow. Do not forget to apply the lotion or ointment to the underneath surface of chin, nose and enrs, as well as to the rest of the face and neck, as the heat and licht strike upward from the snow. Camphor ice will be found excellent for chaps and cracks. If your hair bleaches easily, wear a cap that

There is also a subtle distinction to be noted in the term applied b3' various grades of skiers to the implements from which the sport takes its name. The Best People call them " ski, ' even in tho plural, pronounce it shee in spite of everything, and manfully resist all temptation to make the obvious pun. The experts, perhaps wisely, avoid the word altogether, and talk loftily of

" boards " and " planks." And what the beginner calls them is just nobodj s business but his own!

Hut to return to deadly earnest, the question of dress is one of superlative importance to the skier and should be given careful thought when a holiday on the snow is planned. One is all too familiar with the ski-ing lady of the fashion-plates, who is so often depicted sailing gracefully down precipitous slope clad in a clinging, knitted, wool costume, with a long scarf blowing in the breeze, a minute cap perched on the back of her head, and a radiant, but obviously unprotected complexion.

1/ERY practical is the ski-ing suit of dark green gabardine at the top left with its leather trimmings and girdle. A Tyrolean hat of the same material and a woollen scarf and gaily-embroidered gloves complete the outfit. On the right of it is a charming ensemble in grey and blue, with a cosy little turned-up Sports hat. A woollen jersey, jacket, cap, scarf and gloves are the sensible choice of the jolly maiden on the snowball. On the lower left is shown a ski suit of beige impregnated gabardine, with brown bullous and cap lo match, a fur-lined pom-pom coat of the same material providing the final touch of warmth, while on the right a smart tartan blouse is the most distinctive feature of the very latest in " plus fours."