North Conway, New Hampshire — “The Father of Modern-Day Skiing” had a unique career trajectory.
Born and raised in Austria, Hannes Schneider was one of the pioneers of ski technique. The teaching of his Arlberg Technique in St. Anton, which applied cross-country skiing methods to the downhill skiing world, led to the evolution of ski skills. He worked with English skiers to set up gates for ski racing, leading to their inclusion in the 1936 Olympics.
However, the rise of Nazism in Europe derailed the Austrian skiing community. Austria was invaded in 1938, and Hannes was jailed by the Nazis. A rich American ended up paying for his release, in part to have him come to the United States and establish a ski school at Cranmore Mountain Resort in New Hampshire. His work on growing the skiing community continued until his death in 1955.
In a vintage episode of NH Chronicle, they profiled Hannes Schneider, detailing his impact on the global ski industry.
If you’re looking to learn more about Hannes, check out his online profile on the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. Making a trip to North Conway is another option, where you can check out the New England Ski Museum and see his statue at Cranmore Mountain Resort.
