Created in collaboration with Arcadia Press, “Skiing in Colorado” will make its debut on October 30, 2023, telling the story of Colorado’s rich ski history accompanied by stunning black and white photographs from the Colorado Snowsports Museum, each photo sharing a unique perspective on this past.

VAIL, CO – October 10, 2023 -- Skiing in Colorado evolved from a transportation necessity to a world-class recreational pursuit. The first documented use of skis in Colorado occurred in the winter of 1859. As the popularity of the activity grew, ski resorts opened throughout the state. After World War II, Colorado saw a boom in the industry along with advancements in equipment, lifts, and safety; the development of ski schools; and the opening of new ski areas. This volume includes photographs from the Colorado Snowsports Museum that illustrate and celebrate the history of skiing in Colorado.

Spearheading this book project, Dana Mathios, curator and director of collections with the Museum, was able to take the preservation work done since 1975 and meld it with photos donated to the institution to curate a glimpse of what skiing in Colorado was and continues to be.

If not for the tireless hours saving newspaper clippings, writing biographies, completing donation records, collecting photos, managing metadata, and more – this book could not have been created. Mathios gives special thanks to the archivists, collections managers, curators, and volunteers of the Museum’s past. Largely, she let the photos drive the narrative of this exciting new book.

Dana Mathios goes on to explain, “The Colorado Snowsports Museum has a vast collection of photographs, many of which have not seen much light of day. It was important for me to let these photos tell the story and guide what history was told like that of the 10th Mountain Division, adaptive ski history, the National Ski Patrol, lost resorts, and women’s role in ski history.”

The 128-page book includes 160 black and white photos covering over 30 ski areas and over 10 ski clubs. In addition, the book pays homage to the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame including over 100 inductees from this prestigious and longstanding institution as well as many other ski pioneers.

To purchase copies of the book, please stop by the Colorado Snowsports Museum in Vail, Colorado or visit their website at www.snowsportsmuseum.org. The book will also be available in stores like Barnes & Noble, Costco, Walgreens, and more. To purchase copies to sell, please contact Ashley Childers at achilders@arcadiapublishing.com.

Adaptive Instruction, Date Unknown.

Adaptive skiing allows people with disabilities to ski using specialized equipment, which grew from a recreational pursuit into a competitive sport, with seventeen skiers participating in the first Championships in Austria in 1948. Colorado led the way in adaptive snow sports since 10th Mountain Division veteran Jim Winthers taught amputee veteran friends how to ski. With the support of other veterans, Winthers founded Disabled Sports USA in 1967.

Red Mountain, circa 1940s-1950s.

The ski area dates to 1937 when J.E. Sayre donated a part of Red Mountain, near Glenwood Springs, to be used for skiing. It is rumored, however, that the area was used for skiing as far back as the 1880s by locals.

Hastings and Berthoud Pass Ski School, Date unknown.

Merrill G. Hastings Jr. served in the 10th Mountain Division (Company H, 86th Mountain Infantry) and after returning to the United States a decorated hero, he joined the construction crew in building Arapahoe Basin. Hastings was a Berthoud Pass Ski School director and a national ski patrolman starting the ski association that evolved into the Rocky Mountain Division of PSIA. He started Skiing Magazine in 1948 and successfully ran it for 16 years. In March of 1998, Hastings was named to the Ski Industry Hall of Fame by Skiing Magazine.

Downtown Breckenridge, circa 1960s.

The concept of building a ski resort in Breckenridge began during the late 1950s when Bill Rounds of the Porter and Rounds Lumber Company became interested in bringing skiing to the valley. The Peak 8 Ski Area opened on December 16, 1961, with one Heron double chair and one short learner’s T-bar. Ticket prices were four dollars for an adult and two dollars and fifty cents for children.

10th Mountain Division, circa 1940s.

After World War II many 10th Mountain Division veterans returned to Colorado. They, most impressively, founded or were affiliated with some 62+ ski resorts across the United States. In Colorado, these include Vail, Aspen, Arapahoe Basin, Winter Park, Loveland, and more. Veterans of this elite mountain troop also helped with ski schools, advancing equipment, and helped create our 10th Mountain Division Hut System.

Vail Ski Patrol, circa 1960s.

As useful as it is to get up the hill and ski on smooth trails, getting down the slopes in an emergency is imperative.

Slippers-N-Sliders, circa 1970s.

Colorado ski clubs have evolved from being social and recreational to training some of the most elite soldiers and competitors in the world, while also promoting skiing to an increasingly diverse population.

Bradley Packer-Grader, circa 1950s.

Stephen Bradley's pioneering experiments with slope grooming led to the design of the famous Bradley Packer-Grader, a man-powered slope grooming device that revolutionized that facet of the ski industry and led to his nickname: "Father of Slope Maintenance."

Arlberg Club Members, Date Unknown.

Colorado’s early ski clubs contributed to the popularity of skiing and the growth of the ski industry. Hot Sulphur Springs Winter Sports Club was Colorado’s first organized ski club. In 1929, the Colorado Arlberg Ski Club was formed by a group of skiers, most of whom were members of the older Colorado Mountain Club. There were nine founders including people like Garret B. Van Wagenen and Graeme McGowan.

Ski School Staff, 1948-1949.

This photo shows Jack Lindsey, Sam Bulkley, John Walke, and George Engel Jr. These individuals were Winter Park Ski School instructors.

Book is on sale now

About the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame:

Founded in 1975 and located in Vail, Colorado, our mission is to celebrate Colorado snow sports by telling stories that educate and inspire others to seek adventure. The priceless artifacts we collect and display tell the story of the birth, rise and explosion of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado. The Museum features displays including Climb to Glory about the 10th Mountain Division, Vail’s DNA, The Colorado Snowboard Archive, and The Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame, among many others. Learn more and consider supporting the Museum by becoming a member: www.snowsportsmuseum.org.

About Arcadia Publishing

As the nation’s leading publisher of books of local nonfiction and rarely explored pockets of history, Arcadia’s mission is to connect people with their past, with their communities and with one another. Arcadia has an extraordinary catalog of 17,000 titles exploring the story of America one city, state, or county at a time, including titles from Arcadia Children’s Books and the 100-year-old stalwart publisher, Pelican Publishing.

Media Contact:

Dana Mathios

dana@snowsportsmuseum.org

New Colorado Ski History Book Told Through the Colorado Snowsports Museum’s Photo Archive