Skiing has been a popular winter sport in America for over a century. With so many ski resorts scattered throughout the country, it can be challenging to determine which one was the first. According to historical records, the oldest ski resort in America is none other than Howelsen Hill Ski Area in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
History of Howelsen Hill Ski Area
Howelsen Hill Ski Area was established in 1915 by Norwegian immigrant Carl Howelsen. Howelsen was a world-renowned ski jumper and coach who immigrated to America in 1905. He brought with him his love for skiing and a unique technique that he had developed for ski jumping.
Howelsen discovered Steamboat Springs while on a skiing tour of Colorado and decided to settle there. In 1914, he began constructing a ski jump on the hill overlooking downtown Steamboat Springs. The first tournament was held on February 8, 1914, which marked the beginning of the annual Winter Carnival.
Development of Skiing at Howelsen Hill
After establishing the ski jump, Carl Howelsen started developing other skiing facilities at Howelsen Hill. He built alpine and cross-country trails for recreational skiers and also started coaching young athletes in his unique jumping technique.
Over time, Howelsen Hill became popular with skiers from all over Colorado and beyond. In 1936, it hosted its first National Skiing Championships and continued to host several national championships over the years.
In addition to skiing, Howelsen Hill also became famous for its Winter Carnival. The carnival featured various winter sports events such as ski racing, dog sledding, ice skating, and fireworks displays.
Modern-Day Howelsen Hill
Today, Howelsen Hill Ski Area is still operational and is run by the City of Steamboat Springs Parks & Recreation Department. It offers a range of activities, including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. It also has several ski jumps that are still used for training and competitions.
Howelsen Hill Ski Area is not only the oldest ski resort in America but also a significant part of American skiing history. It has played a crucial role in the development of skiing as a sport and continues to be an essential training ground for future Olympic athletes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Howelsen Hill Ski Area in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is the oldest ski resort in America. Established in 1915 by Norwegian immigrant Carl Howelsen, it has played a critical role in the development of skiing as a sport and continues to be an important part of American skiing culture. So if you are looking for a unique ski experience that is steeped in history, Howelsen Hill Ski Area is definitely worth a visit.