National Backcountry Ski Day

Buổi tối an lành (do bây giờ là buổi tối)

If you have a deep love for snow, skiing, and enjoy navigating more rugged terrains, then National Backcountry Ski Day on March 4 is the perfect occasion for you. This day celebrates backcountry skiing, which involves skiing on untamed, ungroomed trails, offering a rawer experience than what traditional ski resorts provide. As interest in this form of skiing grows in the U.S., several states now offer backcountry trails, often integrated with resorts, nestled in national parks, or situated in other suitable areas. This means that if you’re keen to grab your skis and venture on a backcountry trail, you have a wealth of options to explore.

Origins of National Backcountry Ski Day

Skiing, like many beneficial innovations, began as a utilitarian tool. Developed by Nordic cultures, it served primarily as a transportation method. A notable instance in American history is that of Snowshoe Thompson, a Norwegian-American who utilized skis to deliver mail across the Sierra Nevada mountains throughout a demanding 20-year career, carrying up to 80 pounds of mail over journeys lasting up to five days. Over the years, skiing evolved from a functional necessity to a recreational activity, with more people taking to the slopes for enjoyment rather than mere transport. Ski resorts introduced amenities like rope lifts and chairlifts to ease the uphill trek for skiers. The U.S.’s first rope tow made its debut at Vermont’s “Suicide Six Ski Resort” in January 1934. Before these innovations, many ski trails were essentially backcountry trails by today’s standards. However, by the 1930s, a clear distinction emerged between resort skiing and backcountry skiing. As resorts with modern ski equipment and amenities rose in popularity, backcountry skiing saw a decline in the U.S. and eventually Europe.

A significant turning point came in the 1960s with the advent of snowboarding. Initially banned from most ski resorts, enthusiasts had no choice but to turn to backcountry trails. The growing interest in this sport coincided with rising costs at ski resorts, making backcountry skiing a more affordable and appealing alternative. Advances in equipment and safety have also thrust backcountry skiing back into the limelight. Today, more people than ever are engaging in this exhilarating sport. National Backcountry Ski Day was co-founded by Peter Arlein, CEO of mountainFLOW, a company dedicated to eco-friendly ski and snowboard wax products. Arlein felt it was crucial to promote safe backcountry practices alongside encouraging the sport itself. Celebrations on this day often include events emphasizing avalanche safety and backcountry readiness for skiers of all skill levels.

Notable Moments in Ski History

1206: During a Norwegian civil war, infant prince Haakon Haakonsson is saved by military skiers, an act still commemorated by cross-country ski races in Norway.
19th Century: Skiing is predominantly considered a men’s sport, with women being encouraged to pursue ice skating instead.
1894: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s article in “Strand Magazine” chronicles his skiing adventures in Switzerland, inspiring many backcountry skiers.
2020 — 2021: Backcountry skiing gains popularity, with sales of accessories like avalanche beacons and special touring equipment seeing significant increases.
2021: Archaeologists discover a pair of ancient skis in Norway, believed to be 13,000 years old, offering insight into early skiing equipment.