Colorado Skiing - Brief History, Popular Resorts, and Safety Tips

Colorado skiing has been a popular leisure activity, as well as a popular sport. With a long history behind it, skiing in Colorado can be an experience you will not soon forget. The following paragraphs will discuss the history of Colorado skiing, as well as mention popular resorts, and provide some safety tips.

Colorado Skiing - History

Starting in the late 1800's, Colorado skiing has a long history which is over a century long. The first Colorado skiers were gold miners, as a way to make their journey through deep snow on the high mountains easier. Couriers were also one of the first people to use skis to help them through the rough winter weather. They were known to wear skis on the bottom of their feet any time avalanches, or harsh winter weather stalled regular travel, or interfered with the telegraph lines. Over the years, Colorado skiing became popular among the citizens, who would hold ski races, as well as organize ski outings and events.

Until the 1900's, history tells us that Colorado skiing was used mostly as a means of travel. By this time, skiing to help journey through the snow was common among Colorado citizens, as well, helping them travel to work or school, when the weather was bad. However, when Norwegian skiing champion named Carl Howelesn introduced new skiing methods and techniques to the people of Colorado, a new sport emerged.

Colorado Skiing Resorts

Throughout many years now, Colorado has prided itself in being home to some of the absolute best skiing destinations in the entire world. Because Colorado has over 50 high mountaintops, and gets over 300 inches of snow in any given year, it is by far one of the best places to ski. With these kind of winter conditions, it is no wonder why Colorado skiing is so popular.

Although they have more than eight, Colorado's top eight skiing resorts are commonly referred to as Colorado gems. These resorts include:

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Eldora Mountain Ski Resort
Powderhorn Resort
Loveland Ski Area
Ski Coopler
Sunlight Mountain Resort
Monarch Ski and Snowboard Area
Solvista Basin

These are the eight Colorado skiing resorts that have a wide variety of terrains suitable for families, as well as all skiing enthusiasts. At all Colorado skiing resorts, the level of difficulty will be displayed on a sign, at the bottom of each ski lift. Check with your doctor, before visiting Colorado ski resorts, to help determine what level of physical activity your body can take.

In addition, the following safety tips should always be followed:

Always observe and obey posted warning signs.
Avoid closed trails, as well as closed areas.
Avoid collisions with skiers in front of you.
Educate yourself on how to use the ski lifts before using them.

Happy skiing!