Mathias Zdarsky's "Schenkelsitzbremsen" Classic Ski PhotoDecorate your home or office with our archival photo reproductions of Mathias Zdarsky demonstrating the first steep downhill decent through thigh seat braking (the "Schenkelsitzbremsen"). One of many modern Alpine skiing techniques Zdarsky developed in 1905. A 19th century Renaissance Man-and yes, eccentric-this Austrian's extraordinary achievements were largely responsible for the sport we know today. Mathias Zdarsky (25 February 1856 in Kozichowitz, Czech: Kozichovice near Toebie District of Austria, present Czechia - 20 June 1940 in St. Polten, Austria) was an early ski pioneer and is considered one of the founders of modern Alpine skiing technique.Inspired by Norway's Fridtjof Nansen's 1888 crossing of Greenland, he adapted skis for use on alpine terrain. In 1890 he developed a steel binding (the "Lilienfelder Stahlsohlenbindung"), which made steep mountain slopes and gate runs possible. Zdarsky felt the earlier bindings did not hold the foot firmly enough, and so he designed binding with a strong, sprung, steel sole, which is the basis of modern ski bindings. In January 1905, Zdarsky demonstrated the first steep downhill descent. To show the superiority of his ski technology, he skied the "Breite Ries" at Schneeberg, Austria. On 19 March 1905 he organized the first alpine ski race (on the Muckenkogel via Lilienfeld, Austria). This had 24 participants. Zdarsky won, making him the first winner of an official ski race. During his lifetime nobody suspected Zdarsky had created the basis for a popular sport. He described his skiing techniques in his book Die Lilienfelder Skilauf-Technik (The Lilienfelder Ski Method). First published in 1897, seventeen editions were published up to 1925. Each piece is printed on our state-of-the-art Epson printers, and shipped within 24 hours in a 3 inch tube to avoid compression.
