Evander Jones
Every mountain has stories, but these were the opening chapters of American skiing. Before skiing was cool, and before the crowds arrived, small towns were making magic on snow quietly and boldly. Here are ten hills that helped shape the ride you now chase every season.
Eaglebrook School Hill, Massachusetts
Skiing started in the 1920s, and by the mid-1930s, Eaglebrook had expanded daily training, added a ski hill, and possibly used one of New England’s first rope tows. This early commitment helped shape skiing culture in the Northeast before grooming and big resorts became common.
Granlibakken Tahoe, California
Granlibakken played a big part in Tahoe’s ski story, starting winter activities in the 1920s and hosting major events in the 1930s. Although Tahoe Tavern held early competitions, Granlibakken grew into a cozy, year-round retreat with strong alpine traditions and a Norwegian name.
Badger Pass, Yosemite National Park, California
Badger Pass, one of California’s first lift-served ski areas, opened in 1935 with Yosemite’s stunning views of Half Dome and El Capitan. It offers peaceful skiing in nature, blending history and wilderness with trails that are easy and fun for all skill levels.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley includes the world’s first chairlift, smooth terrain, and the blueprint for destination resorts. Established in 1936, it revolutionized winter travel with integrated lodging and iconic runs like Warm Springs. Skiers still glide the same slopes once carved by Olympians and Hollywood stars.
Howelsen Hill, Colorado
As North America’s oldest operating ski area, founded in 1915, Howelsen Hill introduced ski jumping and later alpine runs. This Steamboat Springs landmark remains a powerhouse in shaping the nation’s competitive winter sports legacy and has produced 100 Olympians and counting.
Caberfae Peaks, Michigan
Caberfae, one of the Midwest’s earliest ski areas, brought skiing to many Midwesterners as trains delivered gear to Michigan’s hills. Helping expand the sport beyond mountain regions, Caberfae’s welcoming slopes still celebrate easy access and shared winter fun today.
Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont
This resort quickly became a foundation of American skiing after carving its first trails in the 1930s, as it set early standards for safety by founding the nation’s first ski patrol. It continues to inspire skiers and define East Coast excellence as it features Mount Mansfield’s iconic terrain, including the legendary Front Four.
Alta Ski Area, Utah
Founded in 1938 in Utah’s Wasatch Range, Alta helped shape modern skiing by pioneering avalanche research beginning in 1949. It remains a skier-only haven after banning snowboards around 1985. With heavy snowfall and open bowls, Alta is central to American ski culture and mountain safety innovation.
Aspen Mountain, Colorado
Aspen helped redefine American skiing after World War II when veterans and visionaries turned a quiet mining town into a world-class resort. Founded in 1946, Aspen Skiing Company launched steep terrain on Aspen Mountain and a culture of luxury and artistry that still defines the town today.
Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
Ernie Blake founded Taos Ski Valley in 1955 and brought European-style skiing to New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It blends Swiss-inspired design with Native American and Hispanic culture. Its iconic Ski Weeks and heritage-rich atmosphere draw skiers seeking challenge and refinement.
