Snow much fun!

      In this edition we will share some our favorite “Inside” info about the North Country and our deep and lasting connection to the world of skiing.

That’s right, it finally feels like winter out there, and we are ready to get out and enjoy it. The North Country has many great recreational activities. Skiing has a long and winding history here in our beautiful mountains.

Here are some of our favorite Ski History Facts:

1925-The first downhill racing slalom course was crated by Professor Charles Proctor                                         for the Dartmouth Winter Carnival. 
1935-The first cable ski lift in the USA was invented by George Morton for Black Mountain. 
1938-The first Olympic ski jumping trials were held at the Nansen Ski Jump in Milan. 
1938-Cannon Mountain opened the first aerial tramway for skiers in North America. 
1940-Cranmore Mountain implements the first comprehensive snow grooming                                          program in the country. 
1958-Wildcat Mountain installed the first gondola lift in North America. 

One of our favorite places to connect to the past is the New England Ski Museum. There are now two locations. The original location is nestled right in the heart of ski country-Franconia Notch State Park The museum is housed right next to the base of the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram and is open 7 days a week throughout the ski season.              The newer location can be found on the Main Street of the ever popular destination town of North Conway. The Eastern Slope Branch of the New England Ski Museum opened on Saturday February 24, 2018 and is conveniently located just a block from the Conway Scenic Railway Station. Both are open to the public daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission is always free, and both the permanent collections and rotating displays are sure to give you a new perspective on the deep connection we have to ski life.

Not everyone has the opportunity (or desire) to hit the slopes, but everyone can learn more about the amazing history of the sport. Many of our local alpine and nordic ski areas have historical exhibits open to the public inside their baselodges. Just because you don’t ski doesn’t mean you can’t appreciatesome of the ski lifestyle! 

Want to learn more about North Country History? Check out our collection of TBT posts: NCL #TBT Posts