Helsinki-based Karhu (Finnish for "bear") has equipped skiers ranging from the Finnish army to World Champions such as Harri Kirvesniemi. They focus more now on footwear and apparel; the former still bearing the "M" striping that refers to "mestari", the Finnish word for champion. Fun fact: in the 50s Karhu used a three-stripes branding on its footwear, but sold it to a fledgling German sports equipment maker.
This pair of skis hails from the mid 60s. The Erikoiskilpa ("special racing") line was the top-of-the-line for the period. Italian Franco Nones used a similar pair to win the first gold medal in cross-country skiing for a non Russian/Nordic country. This occurred in 1968 at the Grenoble Olympics.
Like many light racing skis that have lasted this long, this is a mismatched pair. Racing skis were made with very light materials, with air channels, which made them extremely fragile. In addition, trail grooming was not the smooth, wide freeways that we are used to now. People would break skis, then match them with an orphan from another pair. This is an example. There are slight differences in the graphics, but the camber and length are similar.
Over the years these skis have been touched up and repaired, so you may notice some slight color differences on the paint. But the logos are in great shape, and the skis have been protected by a coat of satin urethane. The result is beautiful! "Viima" means "wind" in Finnish, but a strong, powerful one that will propel you to the finish!
Size: 210cm
Camber: medium (3-6cm at ski center)
Weight (pair): 2078gm w/ bindings
Width at center: 48mm
Mfg date: mid 60s
Base: hickory
