The oldest pair of skis were found in Hoting, Sweden and are estaimated to be about 5,000 years old by carbon dating.
Wood.
Yes, you can just make sure they have the same width and specifications as your old ones.
Skis weren't just found - they were invented. No single person is credited with the invention of the original ski. According to the International Skiing History Association, the first record of skis is from rock paintings and skis preserved in bogs that are at least 5,000 years old. These ancient skis were used by hunters and trappers.
No need to wax...best thing to do is preserve with linseed oil.
My sister had some Rossignol Challenger skis (150cm) back in 1977-78. Not sure if they updated them since then.
The bindings come with installation instructions, but if you got used bindings that didn't come with instructions... Quick question: are you putting these on new skis, or on skis that already have bindings on them? If they're old skis, remove the bindings already installed and use the old screw holes for the new bindings. If they're new skis, take them to a ski tech. You've got to drill holes in your skis and there are lots of calculations involved - how much you weigh, the skis being used and the way you ski determine where your boots should be on the ski.
Everyone is born with skis on their feet.
I recommend you don't try that. It's a difficult process, and it's an industrial product. But of course you can do the old wooden skis way, but then again. That won't go fast ;)
1800 years old
Yes you can make skis, but it would be hard. You need all sorts of materials, machinery and expertise to make quality skis. All the big ski companies have scientists and designers to develop skis. But if you want i'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to make a good old fashion pair of wood skis. The bindings could be tricky though.In fact some ski companies just started with people like you who wanted to make skis. For example the company Line was started by Jason Levinthal in 1995. He made his first skis in his own garage.
Absolutely! It's really easy (unless your skis are ANCIENT) It's not easy to do by yourself if you have no experience, but if you take them to a ski shop, the people there will happily help you Also, make sure you ask them to fill in the old screw holes from your old bindings. If not, snow/water can get in there and make your skis swell.