Show Sports Comment By PETE FRITCHIE I I IThe I II The popularity of skiing has I been increasing rapidly In ref reI re- re I I f cent years and no longer are I III skiers confined to the rich or orthe I Ithe II the specialists in a few ski I centers like Sun Valley and I Aspen I II I I ARTIFICIAL ski courses are I I now the vogue and natural snow I II is being utilized in more and I more places The West Nest is the I choice location for ski slopes I but there is good skiing in New England and the East also SKI EQUIP EQUIPMENT has greatly I improved in recent years Thus if youre you're thinking of taking up I Ithe the sport many experts believe skiing exercises more of your body than any other sport except swimming there Is ample opportunity opportunity op- op in the United States today SKIS ARE IMPORTANT and shoes are almost equally im- im Skis should be tall enough to reach the palm of your hand when it Is raised over your head comfortably They should flatten out from fromI tip to rear when you stand on I them so that you dont don't have I daylight beneath any part of I them when you look under them themI at floor level I Sticks should come up to your I armpit when the points are on ona ona a hard floor SHOES SHOULD be g given i v en enclose close attention for they are as important as skis themselves In the last few years snap snap-oni I shoes have reached the market and they are easier to put on on than the lace up shoes However However How How- ever if you do not get a good fit or do not get good snap snap-on shoes it is better to stick to older types Sticks should be carefully selected se- se but this is an easy task In general the length of each pole when stood on the floor next to the buyer should extend up to the top of or an inch above the armpit When they are inserted inserted in- in into snow the length will willbe be just under the armpit THE BEST jackets are those which have a pull up head cape r ro attached to the back of the jacket itself and which can be used to cover the head and ears earsin earsin in especially cold weather or when skIIng fast Good equipment and proper proper- fitting clothes are perhaps more important in skiing than In any other sport The movement of 1 the feet and legs is small and response response re- re reI I via the skis must be exact and immediate if one Is to ski correctly |