The original Ancient Skiers skied in the Pacific Northwest prior to World War II. They skied mainly at Paradise on Mt. Rainer, Mt. Baker, Milwaukee Ski Bowl, Stevens Pass, the old Municipal Hill at Snoqualmie Pass, Meany Hut at Stampede as well at Mt. Hood, Mt. Spokane, Leavenwoth, Bend Skyliners, later at Mt. Bachelor, and Spout Springs or now Bluewood in the Blue Mountains. Of course Sun Valley has always been central to all.
They were our Pioneer alpine skiers, jumpers, cross-country skiers, competitors, officials, Olympians, instructors, ski patrollers as well as recreational skiers, They were a rugged group of outdoors people who were do-it-yourselfers, using old automobile engines to power rope tows. They climbed into the back country and skied uncut snow. They organized their own ski clubs and volunteers with others including the U.S. Forest Service to make skiing a fun reality. Then after World War II, they were a part of the great skiing boom, with mass ski schools and burgeoning ski areas they catered to all levels of skiers and later, the fun snowboarders.
As a member of Ancient Skiers you will want to read a fun history book “Ancient Skiers of the Pacific Northwest” written by our deceased member Joy Lucas. This book is about those Ancient Skiers who skied during the Golden Years of Skiing; how the ski areas developed, what the sport was like. the equipment they skied on, their way of life. Many of them are still participating in the sport in their 70’s, 80’s, and even 90’s. (Just shows what skiing can do for you.)
Click below to download and read: “Ancient Skiers of the Pacific Northwest”, by Joy Lucas
