Olav Nelson hates winter — at least compared to summer. As far as he is concerned, there is nothing to do in North Dakota in the winter other than sit in the sod house and wait for the thaw. But then Sondre Norheim, an old Norwegian from across the river, visits. He shows the Nelsons why he loves winter and looks forward to it all year long — because of a sport and form of travel that requires the cold and snow. And it’s called “skiing.”

Note: Though this is historical fiction and the characters have been developed to accommodate a story, their attributes and development may be useful as reference points and inspirations.