SNOW GAMBOL
To the great majority of skiers whose bright parkas and sweaters dot the snowy slopes each winter weekend from Maine to California, their sport is not the fiercely competitive test now taking place in Cortina (see page 20) but a manner of relaxation, of competition in the sun and the bright, invigorating air, in a casual and friendly atmosphere. Nowhere is this truer than in American colleges, for which the sport is tailor-made; and, inevitably, collegiate skiing has led to winter carnivals where, after the contests, song-fests and dancing, sociability and fun take over. Dartmouth in the East led the way, and after the war, with the great burgeoning of skiing as a sport in the U.S., resorts and carnivals blossomed out all over the West as well.
The University of Nevada's Winter Carnival, shown on these pages, is not only the biggest and oldest in the Far West, but it is typical of the festive competitions now being held in increasing numbers from the Middle West to California's coastal range. To the snow-pillowed slopes of the Sierra Nevada, some 30 miles southeast of Reno, thousands of snow-sport enthusiasts flock each year. And though Reno, the seat of the university, is better known for its slot machines and roulette wheels, at carnival time it is the German band, the Sno-Ball with its presentation of trophies, the slalom and the downhill and the co-eds frolicking in the snow that hold the attention of the visitors. This year almost 150 skiers from more than a dozen different colleges showed up to make it the biggest celebration since the first Nevada Carnival was held 20 years ago.
Downhill dash for men had drop of 2,500 feet along Fremont Trail, had a washboard spot near finish. Olympic Skier Marvin Melville won; Spence Eccles (18) was fifth.
Slalom Swirl brings competitor through gate on southeast slope of Slide Mountain. Event for men drew 38 entries, was also won by Utah University's skilled Marvin Melville.
Collapsed Coeds rest after hike to finish line. Rail Altenburg inspects the pillow arrangements of Georgia Meyers (right), Margaret Stodieck (below), Janet Van Valey.
Music rewarded visitors to deck of Sky Tavern on side of Mount Rose. University of Nevada's German Band played throughout carnival, at parades, rallies, before and after races.
Trophy awarded best outdoor decorations during carnival is presented to Dick Wiseman by June Garner. Her triplet sister Joan (left) watches with Jerry Mann, ski carnival chairman.
PHOTO
FRED LYON
ON THE VERANDA OF SKY TAVERN AT MOUNT ROSE BOWL, SPECTATORS ARE SHELTERED FROM THE STRONG WIND DURING JUMPING EVENT
PHOTO
FRED LYON
FACING FLAG, TEAMS LINE UP AS NEVADA'S GERMAN BAND PLAYS NATIONAL ANTHEM
FIVE PHOTOS
FRED LYON