How Skiing came to Colorado!

Ski's Are Introduced to the U.S.

Skis were introduced to the U.S. in the late-1830s by Scandinavian immigrants who settled in the upper midwest. The California Gold Rush of 1849 lured many to the gold camps in the high Sierra, where the long runners, called "Norwegian snowshoes," were quickly adopted for oversnow travel. One of the most famous skiers of that era was "Snowshoe Thompson" who carried the mail for 20 years from Placerville to Carson Valley, a distance of 90 miles, with a heavy mail sack on his back.

Skis were handmade from pine or spruce trees and ranged in length from 8-14 feet in length. They were usually 1/2 inch thick and about 4 inches wide. They weighed about 25 lbs. One long pole 8-10 feet long was used to steer and to brake (sometimes by straddling it.) Turning was practically impossible on the long boards and one usually had to slow down and step around the pole to change direction. Norheim's refinements in ski equipment did not reach this country until much later.

It wasn't long before California miners were challenging each other to spur-of-the-moment downhill races during their off time. Then the 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 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 apres ski revelry could last through the night.

In 1874 at La Porte California, Tommy Todd was clocked at over 85 miles an hour down an icy 1804 foot course with a 1,000 foot vertical. His unofficial speed record stood until the middle of the 20th century.

Ten years after the rush to California, gold was discovered in the mountains west of present-day Denver. Skis would find a welcome new home in the high mountain mining camps of Colorado.