Biography of Sir Arnold Lunn: 1888-1974

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.