Everyone to Skis!

Tells the fascinating story of how skiing in Russia became a national obsession. Frank takes readers back to the time before the Revolution in 1917 and surveys the sport's deep history in Russian culture up to the late 20th century. He shows how skiing itself was integral in polar exploration, in warfare, and as a winter spectator sport. Biathlon, which requires considerable stamina and precision, dovetailed with important concepts promoted by the Soviet government. The sport also supplied an opportune platform for promoting the state's socialist viewpoint and military superiority.