North House Folk School - Courses, Classes, Workshops

Craft of Birch Ski Making: Making Your Own Set

Outdoor Skills & Travel, Woodworking & Furniture Craft

Mark Hansen

Discover the secrets of the old Saami school of ski construction by crafting a custom pair of birch skis to meet your needs. In this course you'll learn about the origin of ski design, function and construction. We'll also cover topics such as wood grain, bending wood, types of bindings, and information related to use and handling of these ancient tools of transportation. Craft your own pair of skis custom-sized to your height, weight and intended use and enjoy the wintry wonderland of backcountry and ski trails outside your back door. Evening sessions may include films and a variety of discussion topics on the history and craft of ski making.

Mark learned to make skis from Marvin Salo, whose father was a master ski maker trained in the old Saami school of ski construction. His father's advice was "if you understand the wood, the wood will work for you." For additional insight into the total traditional outfit, enroll in the Traditional Finnish Ski Poles course scheduled immediately following this course.

Dates

Thu, Jan 12, 2012 - Sun, Jan 15, 2012 Course Full - Please call for wait list
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 - Fri, Jan 20, 2012 Course Full - Please call for wait list
Thu, Jan 10, 2013 - Sun, Jan 13, 2013

(Available for registration on 03/01/2012 after 08:00AM)

Course Details

Length in days:

3 1/2

Hours:

Day 1: 5pm-9pm; Day 2-4: 9am-5pm

Tuition:

$335.00 per student (May 1-Oct 31)
$335.00 per student (Nov 1 - Apr 30)

Materials:

Varies (approx. $150-225)

Levels:

Beginner

Making it happen:

When should I enroll?
We can't hold classes without students! Decisions regarding course cancellations (as related to minimum enrollment) are made three weeks before the class starts--so if you've got a course in mind, plan ahead and sign up at least three weeks in advance! That way we'll know you're coming, courses are more likely to meet minimum enrollment numbers, and then they'll actually take place.
Also watch for the words "nearly full" next to course dates. When that notation appears it means there are only one or two spots left--so sign up soon!
Do you take last minute registrations?
Of course! Although it's important that courses meet minimum enrollment three weeks before their scheduled start dates, we know that life doesn't always allow for prior planning. As long as there are still spots left in a course we're happy to accept your registration last minute.
When will new course dates be posted?
New course dates are posted both in the spring and fall to coordinate with our course catalog release dates. All the new dates are opened for enrollment on the same day and at the same time, so that everyone gets a fair crack at a spot in the courses they're interested in. As that time rolls around we announce when the new dates will "go live" in our e-newsletter. (sign up here!)

Craft of Birch Ski Making: Making Your Own Set