Winter’s embrace brings with it a unique exhilaration, and for those who find solace on the snowy mountains, the “Yo Ho Song” perfectly captures this spirit. Originating from the hearty souls of the 10th Mountain Division, this tune, known as “Two Boards,” resonates with the simple, unadulterated joy of gliding down a pristine, powder-laden slope. Let’s delve into the history and charm of this enduring ski anthem.
The “Two Boards” song, as shared by the 10th Mountain Division Association, is more than just a melody; it’s an ode to the love of skiing. Adapted from an Austrian ski song called “Zuoa Brett,” the lyrics paint a vivid picture of winter’s magic and the singular focus skiing brings. The opening verses immediately set the scene:
The years may have more than one season
But I can remember but one,
The time when the rivers are freezin’
And the mountains with whiteness are spun,
The snowflakes are falling so fast,
And winter has come now at last.
The heart of the song lies in its infectious chorus, the part that truly earns it the moniker of a “yo ho song”:
1st CHORUS
Two boards upon cold powder snow, Yo-ho!
What else does a man need to know?
Two boards upon cold powder snow, Yo-ho!
That’s all that a man needs to know.
This “yo-ho” refrain is the essence of the song’s appeal. It’s a cry of pure, unbridled joy, echoing the feeling of freedom and exhilaration that comes with skiing. The simplicity of the lyrics emphasizes the core pleasure: two skis, fresh snow, and the mountains. The “yo-ho” itself is an onomatopoeic expression of this delight, a sound as liberating as the sport itself.
The song continues to explore the skier’s experience, acknowledging the occasional spills and mishaps that are part of the learning curve, yet never diminishing the overall passion:
The hiss of your skis is a passion;
You cannot imagine a spill!
When, Bang! — there’s a godawful gash in
The smooth shining track on the hill.
What’s happened you can’t understand;
There’s two splintered boards in your hand.
This leads into a humorous second chorus, highlighting the resilience of the skier:
2nd CHORUS
Two boards and some snow down your neck, Oh heck!
Your skis are a hell of a wreck.
Two boards and some snow down your neck, Oh heck!
Your skis are a hell of a wreck.
Despite the wipeouts, the love for skiing and the simple equipment it requires remains paramount. The song concludes with a powerful declaration of priorities:
I care not for government taxes,
Take everything else that I own.
But leave me my boards and my waxes,
In the mountains, just put me alone.
The snowflakes are falling so fast,
And winter has come now at last.
And naturally, it returns to the uplifting first chorus, reinforcing the central theme. The song’s simple structure and repetitive chorus make it easy to remember and sing along to, especially after a satisfying day on the slopes.
The 10th Mountain Division, from whom this song originates, were soldiers trained for mountain warfare, many of whom were avid skiers and mountaineers. This song likely served as a morale booster, connecting them to their love of the mountains even amidst challenging times. The Austrian roots of the melody also hint at the broader European skiing culture that influenced early American skiing.
Variations of the song exist, with some focusing even more intensely on the skier’s devotion to their sport, even in the face of life’s ultimate end. One such version, uncovered by pioneer skier Dale Allen, suggests a final stanza to be inscribed on a tombstone:
If death finally finds me in Spring,
Inscribe on my tomb what I sing:
Followed by the ever-joyful chorus. This underscores the profound connection skiers feel with the mountains and the simple joy of gliding on snow.
To truly appreciate the “yo ho song,” you need to hear it. You can find the tune on the 10th Mountain Division Descendants website, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this charming piece of ski culture. Let the “yo-ho” spirit inspire your next winter adventure and remind you of the simple pleasures found on the snowy slopes.
Listen to the tune here: 10thmtndivdesc.org/songs/Twoboards.mp3
