In grade school we had our choice of winter electives, but for some reason skiing was mandatory. I couldn’t even make it off the tow-bar on the bunny hill. After not being able to master the snow plow, I almost skidded right into a line of skiers waiting for the chair lift. The thing about skis, they are unwieldy with a tendency to cross over each other, at least mine do, and the poles are more a hindrance than a help. But for those who feel the call of the mountain, but don’t want to crush powder can still chill in the chalet, and take in the scenic views. Snowboarding is also a good alternative.

Without the benefit of modern snow gear, skiing was a huge draw back in the day, as a treasure trove of photographs in the Vancouver Archives attests too. They didn’t let wet woolens stop them from hitting the hills. Some things never change though, there’s always that guy or gal who insists on wearing shorts in the snow.
For those that prefer being a spectator over a participant there are always daredevils, and extreme sports enthusiasts doing tricks like ski jumping.



![1938-Skiing - Copies loaned by C.P.R. Press Bureau [Ski jumper, copy of photograph]](https://vancouverguardian.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1938-Skiing-Copies-loaned-by-C.P.R.-Press-Bureau-Ski-jumper-copy-of-photograph.jpg)







![1940-Skier at] MtSeymourBC](https://vancouverguardian.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1940-Skier-at-MtSeymourBC.jpg)










![1958-Man-made ski jump in Vancouver]](https://vancouverguardian.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1958-Man-made-ski-jump-in-Vancouver.jpg)
To check out the Vancouver Archives and their incredible gallery of old photographs and documents, visit their website HERE.