Skiing
What is probably one of the largest industries in Vermont began just over one hundred years ago. Since its introduction by Norwegian settlers in 1900, skiing has drawn tourists and native Vermonters to the slopes nearly every winter. What began as a practical way to cross impassible roads in the snow turned into a major recreational and sporting activity. Skiing caught on relatively slowly after 1900 but began to boom during the 1930s. Initially, skiers were required to hike up the slope with their equipment. Not until 1934 did the ski lift make its way to Vermont. The first ski lift was the rope tow that would pull skiers up the slope as they stood on their skis. The j-bar lift was developed shortly thereafter, and finally, in 1940, the chairlift came to Vermont. With the onslaught of WWII, the ski industry in Vermont plummeted. Many slopes closed for the duration of the war. But the peak of the 1950s and 1960s was not far behind. Slopes reopened and new ski destinations were established. After the 1960s, large businesses began to dominate the mountains of Vermont. Huge resorts were established, trails were widened, and fake snow covered the slopes.
Below is a list of the active ski slopes in Vermont and their date of opening.
| Ascutney Mountain | 1946-1990; 1993 - present |
| Bolton Valley | 1966 - present |
| Bromley | 1936 - present |
| Burke | 1957 - present |
| Cochran's | 1962 - present |
| Haystack | 1964 - present |
| Jay Peak | 1955 - present |
| Killington | 1958 - present |
| Lyndon Outing Club | 1939 - present |
| Mad River Glen | 1949 - present |
| Magic Mountain | 1960 - 1990; 1997 - present |
| Middlebury College Snow Bowl | 1939 - present |
| Mount Snow | 1954 - present |
| Okemo | 1956 - present |
| Pico | 1937 - present |
| Quechee Lakes | 1960s - present |
| Smuggler's Notch | 1958 - present |
| Stowe | 1934 - present |
| Stratton | 1961 - present |
| Sugarbush | 1958 - present |
| Suicide Six | 1934 - present |
Below is a brief discussion on the type of clothes skiers wore during the mid-to-late 20th century.
Based clothing, the image below likely dates from the 1920s or 1930s. The hats worn by the men were popular from the 1920s through the 1940s, and the hats worn by the women are similar to the 1920s cloche hat. Most of the men, and the woman on the right, where the tall socks with knickers, which was also common for tennis and golf during the 1920s. The woman on the left wears a skirt that reflects the style of 1920s sporting clothes.
Ski Group, Circa 1930: Image courtesy of the University of Vermont Landscape Change Program and the Peabody Family Collection
The image below dates from the 1950s, as can be seen in the ball cap worn by the man and the short jacket styles.
Family Skiing, Circa 1950: Image courtesy of the University of Vermont Landscape Change Program and the Vermont State Archives
