The Evolution of Skiing Over the Years

In any sport, there are turning points that become clearer in hindsight. Skiing has gone through many changes since its inception, with innovation and growth leapfrogging each other. But if you look back, some major moguls begin to take shape. Here are a few note.

After you let gravity take you for a ride, you have to get back up the mountain. The introduction of ski lifts in Sun Valley, Idaho in 1936  were a welcomed relief.  This innovation made skiing more accessible to the general public  The ski lift also made it possible to transport more skiers up the mountain in less time, which led to a significant increase in the popularity of skiing for both skiers and operators. 

Fast forward to the 1950s and 1960s. We can get many people up a mountain, now what?  Enter the ski resort. Skiing meccas began to be developed across the United States. These resorts offered a wide range of amenities, such as lodging, dining, and entertainment, which made skiing a more attractive vacation option. Ski resorts also made it easier for skiers to access the mountain, as they typically had ski lifts and other infrastructure in place.

Snowboarding, like mountain biking, was invented in the 1960s, but it did not become popular until the 1980s and 1990s. Snowboarding brought a new energy and attitude to the sport of skiing, attracting younger crowds. Many ski resorts also began to cater to snowboarders, with dedicated terrain parks and halfpipes. 

Ski technology has undergone significant advancements over the past few decades, with improvements in materials, shape, and design. Parabolic designs that curve to the mountain and flex make skis easier to turn and control than older models.  When you aren’t fighting the mountain and your gear, life is so much easier.  This is why skiing is more accessible than ever to beginners. 

We got them up the mountain, down it having fun on the sticks of their choice and a whole village to eat, drink and be merry in.  Sounds like a refined sport. And it continues to refine itself with a growing emphasis on safety in skiing, with ski resorts implementing a range of measures to reduce the risk of accidents, such as improved signage, mandatory helmet use for children, and increased ski patrol presence. There has also been a greater focus on educating skiers up-front about the risks and dangers associated with the sport. Here’s to safety and a little bit of daring to find even ground.