Aspen, Colorado, is one of the most popular ski resorts in the United States, and it has been a destination for skiers for over a century. The history of skiing in Aspen began in 1879 when prospector and silver baron, Jerome B. Wheeler, discovered the mountain town. He was so taken with its beauty that he decided to purchase the land and build a hotel there.
The first ski jump was built in Aspen in 1911 by Norwegian immigrant Willy Brinkerhoff. This ski jump quickly became a popular attraction and brought more people to the area who were interested in skiing. In 1936, Friedl Pfeifer opened up the first ski school at Aspen Mountain, which is now known as Ajax Mountain.
In 1947, Friedl Pfeifer founded the Aspen Skiing Corporation (ASC) which made Aspen a destination for recreational skiers from all over the world. ASC opened up five different ski areas including Buttermilk Mountain, Snowmass Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain that allowed for more than just downhill skiing but also cross country skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.
Over the years Aspen has become an international destination for winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world due to its many winter activities and high-end resorts. Many major events have been held here such as The X-Games and The Winter Olympics have been held here as well as many other major professional skiing competitions such as World Cup races and The Winter X Games.
Aspen has become known for its great nightlife scene with several bars and nightclubs located around town offering live music entertainment every night throughout winter season. It also hosts several cultural activities such as art galleries, museums and festivals throughout the year making it one of the most diverse places to visit during any season of the year.
Today Aspen is considered to be one of America’s premier ski resorts offering some of the best terrain in North America with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy during your stay such as ice skating, sleigh rides, snowshoeing or tubing down some of their world-class slopes just to name a few attractions available during your stay at this beautiful mountain paradise.
Conclusion: When Did Aspen Become a Ski Resort? Aspen officially became a ski resort in 1947 when Friedl Pfeifer founded The Aspen Skiing Corporation (ASC). Since then it has become an international destination for winter sports enthusiasts from all over thanks to its great terrain, outdoor activities and vibrant nightlife scene.
