Born in 1888, Sir Arnold Lunn fell under the spell of the mountains at an early age. His father Henry, who owned a travel agency, often led English customers on trips to Switzerland to enjoy the views and sports associated with the Alps. (On one such trip, Henry would even introduce Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to the infamous Reichenbach Falls.)
Inspired by his family's regular excursions to such majestic landscapes, Sir Arnold grew up to have a significant impact on the worlds of sports and writing.
In her complete biography of Sir Arnold Lunn, award-winning skier and sports journalist Elisabeth Hussey reveals the remarkable man she knew as friend and mentor. The biography Hussey paints a detailed view of the father of Alpine skiing-who organized the first downhill and slalom races, founded the Kandahar Ski Club, campaigned for Alpine skiing to be included in the 1936 Olympics, and impacted the future of sports journalism.
But Sir Arnold's boldness was not limited to skiing, mountaineering, and the written page. He confronted politics and religion just as bravely, whether he was going toe-to-toe with the Nazi minister of sports or trying to host reconciliation events between opposing religious factions.
About the Author: Elisabeth Hussey has been a major contributor to the world of skiing. An acknowledged expert on "all things snow" and an authority on Sir Arnold Lunn, she was introduced to Alpine skiing in 1954. Ten years later, she was appointed assistant editor of The British Ski Year Book, working under Sir Arnold. The periodical became Ski Survey in 1972, and two years later Hussey was promoted to editor. In her new role, she traveled to ski resorts around the world and soon grew to be an internationally renowned ski journalist.
Awarded a lifetime membership to Ski USA, Hussey also served on numerous committees from president of the Ladies Ski Club to chairwoman of ARSEC and the FIS Public Relations and Media Committee. Presented with the prestigious Pery Medal, she also received the first Marc Hodler Foundation Award for her contributions to skiing and ski racing.
