The Evolution of Skiing in Colorado - Summit County, Colorado

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The Evolution of Skiing in Colorado Skiing evolved in Colorado not out of recreation, unlike in Europe, but as a necessity. In the late 1800’s the mountain towns sprang up as places for miners to live while in search of their fortune. People from all over the world came to the mountains of Colorado in search of gold, but were forced to bear the harsh climate of high-alpine environment. Travel to and from the small towns by wagon, train, and horse became difficult if not impossible due to the large snowfalls and extreme cold temperatures. To solve this problem, immigrants from Scandinavian countries working in the mines crafted a ski to travel through the snow from town to town to pick up supplies. Eventually, this popular way to travel became the method most people used to go to work, school, and to visit friends and family. The occupation that used ski travel in the days of the miners was mail delivery. These men traveled long distances over mountain passes from one mining camp to the next on skis. Many of them traveled during the evening hours when the snow turned hard and crusty making traveling easier. These men strapped on their 25 pound pack and became the dependable way for the mail to get through when trains were stalled, when telegraph lines were down, and when drifts and avalanches prohibited travel on the primitive roads and trails. Early skis were handmade from pine or spruce trees and ranged in length from 8 to 14 feet. They weighed about 25 pounds and were ½ inch thick and 4 inches wide. The one long pole was used to steer and the shorter of the two was used to break. Turning was impossible unlike skis of today and stopping proved quite a challenge. The sport also emerged as a form of entertainment in the camps. It became a challenge for the miners to compete in jumping and racing events. Clubs became a popular way to compete throughout the state. Spectators and clubs grew, providing a reason to have casual day on the slopes. It wasn't long before California miners were challenging each other to spur-of-the-moment downhill races. Rivalry spread to other camps and a racing circuit was established. Each camp had its "aces" who rode the 12 foot boards all out for personal glory and the honor of the camp they represented. Recipes for "doping" (waxing) were highly guarded secrets and often determined who would win or lose. Prizes of silver belt buckles were common. Betting was intense, spirits were high, and après ski revelry could last through the night. Over the years, the sport grew as with improvements in ski equipment made the sport more accommodating. In 1932, the United States hosted the Olympics in Lake Placid and the sport grew in popularity. The first Colorado Ski area to be established in 1937 was known as Berthoud Pass. Located northwest of Denver, this ski resort became the "destination" for pioneering skiers. When war broke out in 1941 after Pearl Harbor, the focus of skiing shifted from recreation to military combat. During the war the 10th Mountain Division was created which consisted of about 14,000 men training for military combat on skis. The 10th Mountain Division trained at high altitude to help the troops battle the harsh elements. The gear needed to survive the cold weather and training provided models for modern day equipment. After a key tour mission that penetrated the German defense in Italy, the 10th Mountain Division returned home and pursued a mountain lifestyle contributing to about 60 ski areas in the U.S. With the emergence of ski areas came the increase in major worldwide competitions. This marked the coming of age for skiing in Colorado. Many of the ski areas in Colorado at that time were nothing more than lifts and, perhaps, a lodge. Prior to the 1970’s there were few ski areas that could claim themselves as a resort. Places like Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen, and Crested Butte were pioneer mountains that eventually added hotels, dining establishments, parking, and shopping to make the area a resort and paved the way for other resorts to open up including Telluride, Keystone, and Copper Mountain. Colorado Skiing has progressed with the coming of new equipment, sporting events to watch, activities, and the new world-class resort experience. Colorado has some of the best skiing in the world with champagne powder and blue bird days and people from all over the world travel and live here to experience the mountain lifestyle. Skiing began out of necessity, but has grown and will continue to grow into the 21st century as a way of life.

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