The ski industry is a multi-billion dollar one, with world leaders like Italy, France, and Germany producing many iconic ski garments and accessories that are coveted the world over. Skiing – or rather, snowboarding – was first introduced to the masses in the 1950s by the Swiss, and since then it has become an international sport that can be practiced anywhere around the world. The versatility of skiing makes it a favorite winter sport for people of all ages and abilities. Though most people associate the sport with paradise-like European ski destinations, it was actually invented in the United States, where many of today’s biggest companies are headquartered.
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The Golden State Of America
Modern-day California has the best of both worlds, offering the sunny beaches of a warm-weather destination, along with the snow-covered wilderness of a skiing paradise. This year alone, the state is set to become home to the 49th annual Winter Olympics, which will feature some of the biggest sports figures from around the world.
California itself was originally settled by Native Americans, with the earliest Europeans arriving in the 17th century. The first European-style ski resort was actually founded in Los Angeles back in the 1800s, and it wasn’t until the early 1900s that skiing really took off in the state. It wasn’t until the 1910s that the country as a whole started to promote the sport, with New York, Boston, and Chicago all holding their first official ski races in that decade.
Why Are American Ski Towns So Famous?
It’s not only about the sunny weather, powdery snow, and breathtaking views, the American ski towns are just as beautiful as the ski resorts themselves. As American culture influences spread around the world, so too has the beauty of the country’s ski towns. Streets are lined with quaint wooden buildings and covered in ice and snow, while the locals go about their daily business – often with a cup of joe in hand – and the yuletide spirit is everywhere.
Nestled In The Italian Alps
The iconic Italian ski resorts of the Dolomites are some of the most popular ski destinations in the world, attracting tourists from all over the world. Its peak season is between November and April, with the resort town of Cortina hosting the world championships in ski mountaineering every year. The range of trails throughout the resort makes for a versatile winter sport, with no wasted moves as the Italian masters say, which is also attributed to the fact that there are no quick-turns or sudden drops – making it ideal for beginners as well as experts alike. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the resort, and many famous faces will be visiting the town to celebrate this landmark anniversary. The 2019/20 winter season opens on Thursday 19 November and runs until Sunday 3 April.
Other Popular European Ski Destinations
The French ski resorts of Chamonix and Val d’Isère have been hosting the prestigious Tour de France cycling race since 1919, with the mountainous terrain offering some of the world’s best MTB trails. It’s not just about the bikes though, with skiers making frequent descents on some of the oldest ski slopes in the world. This is one place where you won’t just see bikers and skiers sharing the same slopes, but you’ll also see some iconic photographs of early ski pioneers.
Further Afield
The list of prestigious European ski destinations goes on, with Germany’s Berchtesgaden, Portugal’s Porto, and Ukraine’s Chernobyl all making the list for a reason. These are places that you shouldn’t miss if you’re a true winter sports buff. Though most of these destinations are in Europe, you’ll be able to get your ski fix anywhere in the world with the right skis and equipment.
The Rise Of The American Ski Industry
The United States is the third-largest country in the world, featuring over one billion people and many spectacular national parks and monuments, not to mention incredible landscapes that can be explored by any means of transportation. The isolation of a number of the country’s regions has led to creative ways of bringing the outdoors in, with people building eco-homes in the woods, camping, and cooking over open fire. This country also pioneered some of the most iconic sports in the world, so it’s not too surprising that they would become associated with skiing.
Ski-in/ski-out
One of the biggest selling points of a ski holiday in the United States is how easy it is to get away with. It might be relatively easy to get a flight to Las Vegas, park yourself in a luxury hotel, and head down the mountain the next day. Though the convenience of doing business online and the overall ease of travel and change of scenery should not be overlooked.
Skiing’s Popularity Spreads Worldwide
Though it might not be the most popular winter sport in the U.S., skiing has become an international phenomenon. The versatility of the sport and desire to explore the unknown have led to a massive growth in the sport around the world. Though it can be practiced anywhere in the world, the sport is most associated with the European Union, where many of the world’s biggest skiing resorts are located. The mountain ranges of the European Alps feature some of the world’s best ski slopes, attracting tourists from all over the world during the winter months.
Though most people think of skiing when they think of the European winter holidays, it was actually invented in the U.S. Back in 1899, two American businessmen noticed that the locals in the Swiss Alps were using a different kind of snowmobile than the one they were using, so they devised a way to replicate the experience of skiing in America. Since then, the practice of skiing has spread around the world, with the Japanese adapting the sport to their own cultural needs and ways of life. Many other countries now have ski resorts, though they might not always be that lively during the off-season.
Though skiing is a winter sport, it’s not just about the snow and the cold weather. There is a whole other world of activities associated with winter that a person can get involved in. From skiing to snowboarding, ice-skating, and snowshoeing, there are plenty of activities that one can get into during the winter months to enjoy the experience and take a break from the heat.