On the subject of books related to this subject I can recommend "Ski-plane adventure" (ISBN:0589003283) by [Wing Commander] Harry Wigley.
Beginning from the 1920's the author then goes into quite a bit of detail around early experiments with snow skis on Austers in the mid-1950's, moving to 180's/185's later on.
While I live and have flown in the area (so it's reasonably pertinent to me) I think it'd be an interesting read for aviators around the world, particularly those that like to get an idea of early 'bush' innovation in the field.
FP.