TED CHIVERS
VA Academy (and others)
Springfield, VT
tchivers@allseasonsconst.com
Multi-talented Members of the Eastern Ski Jumping Community
This is not intended to be a story per se, but rather a deserving acknowledgment of the efforts and dedication put forth by members of the eastern jumping community in creating three new books on the subject within the last two years. While many of us that receive the Story Project may well be aware of some or all these, I’m quite sure that there are many who are not and are missing an opportunity to learn more about some of the history of our sport and to see some very impressive photography. This is an attempt to provide a very brief snapshot of each book and to provide some information as to how to locate one so that you can find out more for yourself. If it helps the authors to recoup a small bit of the investment they made as a result and/or to benefit a junior program, I’m certain that it will be greatly appreciated. Consider this an unabashed plug for their extensive efforts.
I received each book as soon as it came out and was impressed by the talent of all who contributed to them. And as most of you know or can surmise, these are not professionals, though their work is certainly in that category, but folks who have a passion for ski jumping. And it shows. You will not be disappointed.
Copyright 2019
Published by Daylight Books
Cooper Dodds is an accomplished professional photographer and ski jumper from Hanover, NH and now living in New York City. This is a true “coffee table” hardcover book of a photographic journey through a few of the Midwest (more commonly considered the Central Division by many of us) ski jumping club sites. It is truly a unique, artistic endeavor and leads the reader to feel as though he or she were there to experience that very moment. Through his photographs, one can almost feel the frigid temperature and hear the cold, dry snow squeaking and crunching under your boots as you walk to take your first ride in the crisp morning air or pushing the rotation of your flight to squeeze out a couple of meters more.
Most of the images were made on the Midwest Tour between 2016 to 2019.
More information about Cooper’s book may be found and the book purchased at his website www.cooperdodds.us/books
Copyright 2021
Published by The History Press
Ariel is a former ski jumper and coach from Salisbury, CT, now living in Newmarket, NH. This book was written as an extension of her senior project paper for her history degree, which received the Richard Maas Prize in American History. It is a deep dive into the history of ski jumping in the northeast and includes an inventory of both active clubs, as well as a “Work in progress” by Walter Malmquist of former clubs and hills of all sizes.
One can only imagine the amount of research required to compile this amount of historically accurate information. This book will undoubtedly be considered a “go to” reference for ski jumping and ski jumps in the northeast.
Larry Stone, long-time head ski jumping coach from SWSA, to Lake Placid to the US Men’s and Women’s Team, captures Ariel’s principle achievement in the Forward: “She has explained (using her own words) ‘the spirit of ski jumping at a more personal and local level.’ What is it about this sport that has captivated so many of us and driven us to incorporate it into lifelong involvement? Ariel has felt and understands it as well as anyone, and I am happy that she has captured the ‘Spirit of Ski Jumping’ in her new book.”
More information on her book may be found and the book ordered on Amazon.com or at your local bookstore, which is the method preferred by Ariel to support your local businesses. Ariel can be reached at ariel.picton@gmail.com
Copyright 2021
Published by Harris Hill Ski Jump
This book took flight as a result of the combined efforts of a committee of six dedicated Harris Hill enthusiasts, each with different areas of expertise that dovetailed into a fine historical account of Harris Hill through the first 100 years. Anyone who ever attended the event as an athlete, coach, official, volunteer or spectator will appreciate and relate to much of the content and learn more of the detailed history of the jump and event of which they otherwise may not be aware.
The description from the website where the book may be ordered:
This book chronicles the colorful history of Harris Hill Ski Jump in Brattleboro, Vermont, the iconic winter sporting event that has attracted athletes and spectators from near and far for 100 years. From its founder Fred Harris’ leap of faith in 1922, through turbulent times, historic highs, colossal challenges and triumphant moments, the history is told in a photo-rich, engaging story format.
The book may be ordered on the Harris Hill website https://harrishillskijump.com/ and from any VT bookstore.
There will also be 100 copies of the book on sale at the jump on Saturday and Sunday, February 19 & 20, 2022. One important note: A portion of the proceeds from the book sales will be contributed to the Brattleboro Jr. Jumping program. It’s not often that one can help fund an important program such as this and receive something of tremendous value all included in the very reasonable price of the book.
