Few sports are more exciting than skiing. Thanks to the beautiful powder that grasps the skier’s feet as he or she glides down the slopes, the sport is great for both beginners and experienced skiers alike. But how many people actually get out on the snow every year? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit how many people were skiing, or at least trying to ski, in the past.
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The Early Years
Before the invention of the snowmobile and the popularity of the ski jacket, skiers had to rely on their own two feet to get around. While some may have had access to a skiing club or community center, most skiers would find a quiet spot near a ski resort and would spend the day skiing and socializing with friends. Those who were especially devoted to the sport would travel to colder places to ski, wearing mittens, earmuffs, and a furry mascot jacket to keep warm.
Between the 1930s and 1950s, skiing became quite popular, led in part by the rise of the social skiing phenomenon. Thanks to the new wave of popularity, people started looking for ways to improve their skiing experience, which led to the development of various skiing equipment, including snow skis, ski boots, and ski gloves.
During this time, average yearly snowfall per state ranged from around 20 to 40 inches, an amount that still isn’t seen very often today. Thanks to the development of better snowmaking machines, which make snow more consistently and reliably, ski resorts can now offer more than 100 percent of their terrain for skiing.
Ski-in/ski-out
As with any other kind of skiing, the most enjoyable part of the sport is getting to the location and being able to take off on the first lift of the day. Those who live in smaller towns may have only one or two pairs of skis and snowboards that they use year-round, while others who live in larger cities may have access to dozens of ski-in and ski-out ski resorts, making the sport more convenient.
The Modern Day
Thanks to the invention of the snowmobile and the growth of the motor vehicle, people were now able to reach remote parts of the mountain in a jiffy, which is why today’s ski resorts are usually a short drive away from a major city. This has made the sport much more accessible, which in turn has led to a surge in popularity and a great expansion of equipment options. Today, skiing is one of the most popular winter sports, enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
Thanks to the development of snowmaking and ski-in/ski-out technology, as well as increased popularity and more people wanting to try the sport, the number of people skiing had increased by 400 percent between 1976 and 1985, going from an estimated 60,000 to more than 300,000 yearly participants. Similarly, the number of ski clubs and organizations around the world increased by 100 percent in the 1980s, reflecting the sport’s increased popularity.
The Future Of The Sport
Thanks to the development of better snowmaking and ski-in/ski-out equipment, ski resorts can now offer more terrain and be more accessible to more people than ever before. This increased access has led to a surge in popularity and has made the sport incredibly relevant to people of all ages. Since the 1980s, the number of people skiing has increased by around 30 percent each year and, according to Parks Canada, 2018 was yet another record-breaking year for skiing with more than 1.9 million Canadians hitting the slopes and enjoying one of Canada’s most iconic winter sports.
Skiing is definitely a sport that never gets old. It might get a little dusty and itchy in the winter, but at least you’ll never get bored of it. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll even meet a snow monster and have a snowball fight with it.
With the invention of the snowmobile, the growth of the motor vehicle, and the expansion of ski-in/ski-out access, the future of skiing looks incredibly promising. If you’re thinking about trying out the sport, then make sure to gear up appropriately. You might need some hiking boots, some warmer clothes, and maybe even a sleeping mat. Just don’t forget to have some fun!