This 2021-2022 ski season, Aspen Snowmass celebrates its 75th Anniversary Season. Learn more about the history of skiing in Aspen and join us this winter as we celebrate.
The History of Aspen Skiing
Now an iconic international ski and snowboard destination, Aspen Snowmass opened with just one lift; Lift 1 was recognized as the world’s longest chairlift at that time. The original Lift 1 can still be seen at the bottom of Aspen Mountain today, although a new lift has taken its place.
On January 11, 1947, the Governor of Colorado attended the commencement ceremony during which he sprayed champagne on Lift 1 and marked the official opening of Aspen Snowmass. Klaus Obermeyer, who celebrates his 102nd birthday this year, arrived in Aspen during the fall of 1947. He became one of seven total Aspen Mountain Ski School instructors.
While Aspen Ski Corporation was incorporated on Jan. 21, 1946, that wasn’t the beginning of skiing in Aspen. In fact, it’s said that in February 1880, B. Clark Wheeler “skied” into Ute City on Norwegian snowshoes, taking the first-ever survey of the town and renaming it Aspen.
Scandinavian immigrants who arrived in Aspen to mine silver made use of their knowledge of skiing to get around the snowy landscape more efficiently. The miners used steam to curl the tips of 10-foot wooden boards, then fabricated bindings using nails and leather straps. The only way they were able to slow down is by dragging a large pole between their legs.
According to the Aspen Historical Society, the first runs down Aspen Mountain weren’t taken until winter of 1936-37. Before Lift 1 opened in 1947, skiers accessed the slopes via boat and rope tow. As the ski scene grew more active, Aspen Mountain went on to host the 1938, 1939, and 1941 Southern Rocky Mountain Championship ski races, as well as the 1950 FIS Championships (during which Aspen made an international “splash”).
Aspen’s $75 Anniversary Offer
In honor of the double-diamond anniversary, SkiCo’s Vice President of Sales, Kristi Kavanaugh Bradley, invites loyal guests to take advantage of a special “Ski Early or Stay Late” offer. When booking early- or late-season lodging with Stay Aspen Snowmass this season, you’ll be eligible for $75 lift tickets (just $55 for children, teens, and senior citizens). The 75th Birthday Black Diamond Offer allowed guests to pre-book $75 day passes during the heart of the season; however, that offer has already expired.
Aspen’s 75th Anniversary Re-Brand
In honor of its 75-year history and its “heritage of innovation,” SkiCo has refreshed its brand to embrace Herbert Bayer’s original 1946 designs for Aspen Ski Corporation. They hadn’t completed a rebrand for over 20 years and, along with the anniversary, SkiCo also wanted to celebrate “our position at the intersection of culture and nature, and our brand’s role as the frame to our guests’ diverse, inspiring experiences.”
Visit Aspen for the 75th Anniversary
Eager to join in the 75th Anniversary celebration? Contact Aspen Luxury Rentals or explore our available Aspen vacation rentals.