Category Columns

The first generally available plastic boots were introduced in 1965.  There was the Lange boot, a familiar name today, but there was also a less familiar name: Rosemount! The Rosemount company located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, was (and is) a… Continue Reading →

For the past couple of posts I’ve been writing about leather ski boots.  Saturday, January 8th, I was on the Perry Merrill trail when I spied a pair, well actually two pairs, of leather boots!  I chased the couple down and… Continue Reading →

Henke Buckle Leather Ski Boot  “Are you still lacing while others are racing?”  Bob Burley was the first to identify this as the great advertising slogan used for the Henke Speed-Fit boot.  He also included the disparaging nickname racers of… Continue Reading →

It’s 10:30 on a clear mid-December morning with the outside temperature in the teens above zero.  I’m in the base lodge with my ski boots off sitting with my feet propped up as close to the blazing fire place as… Continue Reading →

At about the same time the Belknap chairlift was being built, Harvey Dow Gibson, one of America’s leading financiers, had a vision of making his hometown, North Conway, New Hampshire, into a world-class ski resort.  He had consulted with his… Continue Reading →

First Chairlift in New England at Belknap Mountain Recreation Area – photo courtesy of New England Ski Museum The first chairlift in New England was built in Gilford, New Hampshire, at what is now called the Gunstock ski area.  It… Continue Reading →

Aspen Lift 1 – Single Chairlift built in 1946 By the 1960’s the American West had emerged as the premier place to ski.  As we Easterners sharpened our edges or put on an extra layer, we heard rumors of blue… Continue Reading →

Ruud Mountain Charlift with Mount Baldy in background – Photo courtesy of Ed Pearson The first chairlift was installed at Sun Valley, Idaho, in 1936 and began operation in December.  Pete Davis was the first with the correct answer and… Continue Reading →

Riding a T-bar The first T-bar in the U.S. was at Pico and began operation in January 1941.  At the time it was the highest capacity lift in North America!  Brad and Janet Mead, founders of Pico and parents of… Continue Reading →

The first rope tow in the U.S. was built in Woodstock, Vermont, and began operation on January 18th, 1934.  Congratulations to Cynthia Kelley from Essex Junction who was the first correct responder.  Greg Dirmaier also added the fact that it… Continue Reading →