From skisport to skiing: one hundred years of an American sport, 1840-1940

Abstract

The first full-length study of skiing in United States, this book traces history of sport from its utilitarian origins to its advent as a purely recreational and competitive activity. During mid-1800s, inhabitants of frontier mining communities in Sierra and Rocky mountains used skis for many practical reasons, including mail and supply delivery, hunting, and railroad repair. In some towns skis were so common that, according to one California newspaper, the ladies do nearly all their shopping and visiting on them. But it was Norwegian immigrants in Midwest, clinging to their homeland traditions, who first organized skisport. Through founding of local clubs and National Ski Association, this ethnic group dominated American skiing until 1930s. At this time, a wave of German immigrants infused America with ethos of what we today call Alpine skiing. This type of skiing became increasingly popular, especially in East among wealthy collegians committed to romantic pursuit of strenuous life. Ski clubs proliferated in towns and on college campuses and specialized resorts cropped up from New England to California. At same time, skiing became mechanized with tows and lifts, and blossoming equipment and fashion industries made a business of sport. On eve of World War II, as book concludes its story, all elements were in place for explosion in recreational and competitive skiing that erupted after 1945.