Nordic ski transition from wood to plastic

From old (left) to new (right)

Nordic skis have changed dramatically over the years.  They once were wide hickory boards made to trail blaze though deep snow.  Today's skis are thin and made of plastic and rely on groomed trails.

My favorite skis of all time are the ones in the middle of the pictures, wooden Madhus racing skis, from 1975.  Not only were they light and fast, but they were also a beautifully crafted work of art.

If I was ever in some deep snow with out a groomed trail, I would definitely pick those big old black hickory skis to get me where I need  to go.