Gerken Vachelanov explains the making and functionality of skis

00:00 – 10:52

The skis demonstrate a technology developed over generations and well adapted to the particular conditions of winter. The selection and subsequent processing of the spruce wood are already of great importance. Animal hide is attached to the underside using fish glue. The ski bindings, made from leather straps, are then explained; they are deliberately designed to be loose, allowing the skis to be removed quickly and helping to prevent possible injuries. They also keep the feet from becoming cold. The shape of the skis is adapted to travelling through deep snow, with the positioning of the bindings playing a particularly important role. It is also crucial that the skis can be easily repaired while on the move, as they are indispensable for making progress through snow-covered terrain.
(Subtitles: cc)

Recorded by Mariia Berel’tueva, Uliunkhan, Kurumkan District, Republic of Buryatia, December 2025.
Transliteration: Daniil Nikitenko.
Editing: Nadezhda Mamontova.